Hi Folks

I have had quite a busy past few months.
I've ignored my loyal readers, and for that I apologize.
But to tell you what I have been up to ...well, where should I start
Ok I'll start with the most exciting news first
My Guy Donovan and I are now "married"

Please allow me to explain... on October 1st, we stood in a circle of
family and friends and stated vows of love to eachother in a Commitment Ceremoney
It was a beautiful day and I hope everyone had a lovely time!
Following the ceremoney, we traveled to my friends house and had a very nice reception.

It was a beautiful day all around, thank you to everyone who attended and those who could not make it but sent heartfelt wishes.

Prior to the Event, I was planning the thing!!!!!

More later.....Thanks for visiting!!!

Well Hello again!!!!

I'm baaaaack!!!
Let me just tell you, planning a wedding is tough(or in my case a Commitment Ceremoney)
I'll let you know all the gorey details very soon
I miss this place.

It's amazing what people CAN accomplish!!!

***please note***
This post at one time had a YOU TUBE video attached to it. That video was removed by the user at YOU TUBE. Then subsequently removed by me on this post. Sorry for any inconvience.
Kirsten

This Father does it all just for the purpose of seeing the smile on his son's face. If you want to see the most profound reflection of the Father's love for us that you've ever seen....watch.

Time taken to watch this is well worth it. Read this and then watch the video (the website link is at the end) Strongest Dad in the World [From Sports Illustrated, By Rick Reilly] I try to be a good father. Give my kids mulligans. Work nights to pay for their text messaging. Take them to swimsuit shoots. But compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck. Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in marathons.

Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars--all in the same day. Dick's also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. on a bike. Makes taking your son bowling look a little lame, right? And what has Rick done for his father? Not much--except save his life. This love story began in Winchester, Mass., 43 years ago, when Rick was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs.

``He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life;'' Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. ``Put him in an institution.'' But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate. ``No way,'' Dick says he was told.

``There's nothing going on in his brain.'' "Tell him a joke,'' Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a lot was going on in his brain. Rigged up with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? ``Go Bruins!'' And after a high school classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the school organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out, ``Dad, I want to do that.'' Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described ``porker'' who never ran more than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he tried.

``Then it was me who was handicapped,'' Dick says. ``I was sore for two weeks.'' That day changed Rick's life. ``Dad,'' he typed, ``when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!'' And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got into such hard-belly shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon. ``No way,'' Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor.

For a few years Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, then they found a way to get into the race officially: In 1983 they ran another marathon so fast they made the qualifying time for Boston the following year. Then somebody said, ``Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?'' How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon? Still, Dick tried. Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four grueling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii. It must be a buzzkill to be a 25-year-old stud getting passed by an old guy towing a grown man in a dinghy, don't you think? Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own?

``No way,'' he says. Dick does it purely for ``the awesome feeling'' he gets seeing Rick with a cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together. This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick finished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters. Their best time'? Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992--only 35 minutes off the world record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the time. ``No question about it,'' Rick types. ``My dad is the Father of the Century.''

And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago he had a mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries was95% clogged. ``If you hadn't been in such great shape,'' one doctor told him, ``you probably would've died 15 years ago.'' So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life. Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass., always find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every > weekend, including this Father's Day.

That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he can never buy. ``The thing I'd most like,'' Rick types, ``is that my dad would sit in the chair and I would push him once.''

I honestly can't believe that it's the first week in August! This year seems to be flying by!
I'm currently working on a show at the local community theater Leader of the Pack. It's going great and I'm sure our opening (tomorrow night) will be wonderful!!!

So now you know why I haven't written lately. But it is late and I should head to bed.

A little something and my secret obsession

Here is a little blast from the past.....

And guess what????

Project Runway is running the new season starting tomorrow!!!!

I'm so jazzed!!!!

My idea of Heaven

Today, I shall be dicussing my idea of heaven. As I have experienced it reciently, I thought I would share. ...

First let me start by saying that I'm sorry that I have not been keeping up with my blogging commitment as of late...My move and my so called job had kept me very busy, since I am no longer working and have settled (some what) into my new home. I am now prepared to take up the mantel and resume blogging once more.

Now back to my idea of heaven... Reciently, my bestest girlfriend Ashley and I had a "girls day" First we went to the movies We saw THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA- (I had listened to this book on tape as I traveled home from UT last Christmas and laughed through NE) Then, we went to a fine arts show, where they had lots of beautiful handmade jewelry and paintings and pottery and all kinds of things. Man it was great to just hang with her and look at fun stuff!!!!

Here is a little look at what went on in my little community this 4th of July !!!

A Warning!!!

The Following is a letter I wrote describing what we(and the people above us) went through for a month:

Here is the letter:

Greetings-

We regret to inform you that we will be moving out of the apartment on 231 2nd Ave. This letter shall serve as our 30 day notice.

We arrived at this decision due primarily to the problems associated with our bathroom. A brief history, over a year ago we had a major flood in our bathroom, it was said to have been caused by a broken pipe. We were forced to throw out countless personal hygiene products as well as bandages and first aid supplies that were ruined and now unsanitary. The pipe was fixed and we assumed that was the end of it.
About 6 months later, it happened again. After both of these instances a service was sent in to suck up the water in our carpet.

The larger problems and the events that precipitate our decision, stared on May 6th 2006(Saturday). We awoke to find wet, soaked carpeting in the bathroom. We phoned Ed (the matinance person assigned to our property.) early that morning around 7am. No answer. We phoned again around noon. No answer. We phoned WSRM left a message. We phoned Ed a third time that afternoon. No answer, no callback. Finally, around 10pm, water started “raining” down in one corner of our bathroom ceiling. We phoned Ed, WSRM, then the emergency numbers and the emergency cell numbers.
Eighteen (18) hours after our original call, we received a call back; it was WSRM stating that they were sending someone over to see what was going on. He arrived around 11pm or so, looked at our ceiling, went upstairs and examined their bathroom and then stated “looks like a leak”.

The next day, we received a call stating that they would contact Ed and send him over on Monday. Ed did arrive and assessed the damage to our floor, then went upstairs to “fix” the problem. Later that day he stated that he had reset the toilet and if that didn’t work that WSRM would need to call some plumbers. That evening, it happened again around 10pm.

In the morning I phoned Ed and got no answer, no callback. We phoned him 3 times throughout the day; finally calling WSRM we were told that they had calls into several “professional plumbers”. No one called the next day. We phoned and were told that they were still looking.

On Thursday May 11th, WSRM entered our home stating that they had attempted to phone. Upon entering Kirsten was told that the apartment was in an unacceptable state and unless it was “taken care of” they would not be able to renew our lease.
Admittedly, there was an abundance of ‘clutter’ around the apartment; in addition, there were a number of dirty dishes in the kitchen sink. However, there were no bags of open garbage, or open food boxes (what Ginny assumed was cereal was indivualy wrapped meal replacement bars in open boxes). Just as stated before, a lot of clutter.
We went over to WSRM upset and angry. We were told they were doing all they could. After Forbes and the plumbers had been in, it seemed the problem had been solved.

We were told to contact Ed the following week to see about repair to the ceiling and carpet (now having been wet 13 days and has developed a musty odor) He came and put up sheet-rock and replastered the ceiling the 18th-20th. Halfway through this process, Kirsten noticed some leaking from the pipe behind the toilet. Ed stated that he had noticed that too and placed some calking.
The following Monday the 22nd, after all this work had been completed, there was a “rain-storm” in our bathroom worse than all the others save the original flood more than a year ago. After some investigation with our neighbors upstairs, we discovered that the problem was coming from their bathtub. We phoned Ed, WSRM, and all the emergency numbers.

The next few days, contractors started on the repairs. Our neighbors upstairs moved out, and it was at this point we decided to leave. As of the 27th of May, we still had wet carpeting! This was a month after we reported the problem on the 6th of May.

In doing the “new” repair work, they had to remove the walls around the toilet. One can witness black mold growing on the wood and mortar. They also had to remove some of the sub-flooring under the toilet due to water damage. We were also told that the sewer line had a crack and was leaking fumes from top to bottom.

In conclusion, we have attempted to be patient, however, at this point, or patience has worn thin and we are moving out.

Just a little something to celebrate summer

Happy Summer!!!!!

I love this picture!!!

Moving-An addendum to May 13th post "Rain"

Wow, canI just tell you about the lack of customer service offered by my rental Co.

It is now 3 weeks into the whole "flooding incident" in our bathroom and our carpet has yet to dry. In point of fact, we had another "flood" the other day, after they had replaced the ceiling and painted. Now they are just going to have to do it again!!!

In the meantime, we have decited to move. The new place is much smaller, so a yard sale in on the agenda for this weekend.

Then next weekend we will be out of here!!!!YAY!!!!
I dunno, you tell me, is 3 weeks an excessive time to have these problems??? Or is it just me???
Would love to hear your opinion.

Thanks for letting me vent....again

An Artistic Dream

More Magnetic poetry

I like to paint with passion, imagination and color.

Why?

I have to make a surreal smear of psychedelic grace through fiery aesthetic and abstract movement

My art will scream of pain no more.

You suffer a stroke and then (try not to) think of my life as a mad miasma!

(For I am a) wild woman and shimmer in (this) world!!!

The bracketed words were not in the 'magnet box'

If you didn't like my stuff check this out-->

Rain

You know the old saying "Rain, Rain go away, come again another day."
Well this whole week I have been plagued by the stuff. It started in my bathroom last Saturday morning, happened again that night, then a final time on Monday night. (After maintance had been here to "fix" the problem). It's now early Sat morning a week later and we still have wet carpeting and gigantic holes in the ceiling. Don't ya just love renting. Come to find out only yesterday, that there was a clog in the upstairs neighbors plumbing!!!! UGH!!! How frustrating!!!!

But it really has been raining here the past few days cold, wet, stuff. However, it does make the flowers grow!!!
Ok I'll stop bitching now ...thanks for letting me vent

More Magnetic Poetry

Death is bold for recall,
feelings of a bygone yesteryear
cluttered with days written to use.
I was best alive!!!
Thinking love will be fair,
makes me muse on the impeccable mess
I know as you.

I have no idea what this means, it just happened.

A Feirdos Thoughts: My cats are my 'children'

A Feirdos Thoughts: My cats are my 'children'

http://kbish007.blogspot.com/2006/03/kitty-hammertime.html

My cats are my 'children'

Of which I have 2 Grover my boy kitty a very large and active black cat.
And Dezzie (short for Desdemona) my girl, who has adopted my boyfriend/fiance’ as her one true love. Forgetting that she spent 6 years with me before he ever arrived on the scene.

They get along pretty good. Several times a day they start out grooming eachother and end up chasing one another from one room to the next

See more progress on: create a team of 43 crazy cat lovers

IT'S MAY!!!

Goodness, it's been a week and I didn't tell you how the Mary Free Bed show went.
It went very well, all the art ladies and Ash and her folks came to support me. I did win a Guild Award (I sold 2 pieces to the hospital.) Then I sold another piece to Ash's Folks!
Not too bad for a days work!!!
Now that it's over I'm a little let down- I worked so hard for the show, that now I need to get it in gear and start producing for the Gallery.
I'm currently working on painting rocks to look like animals
See...

E-bay is of the Devil

While I love my computer, I am stunned at the opportunities on eBay these days
While searching for art supplies, I did a search for "doll eyes"
and what was my response???!!!
1319 items found for
doll eyes
OVER 1000 ITEMS?!?!
While it is good to know that I have a choice, 1000 choices are a bit much.
So ok, lets go for something a little off the wall how about a search on "teeth"
3709 items found for
teeth
Not at all what I was expecting! Everything from tooth whitening kits to 'vampire pacifier' to ' Antique Jade Lucky Elephant Teeth Pendant Necklace' which looks plastic to me ( people wouldn't lie on eBay now- would they???)
I dunno perhaps I'm just off on a tanget
It just seems to me that maybe eBay while a wonderful resource is also a horrible temptation!!
Good thing I've got someone to watch over me....

What is MFB? & SPRING!!!!!

The above piece is entitled Penguin dreams (and it's in the show)

Hi Again-

Sorry I haven't written lately. I've been finishing my projects for MFB. What is MFB you ask. Well, every year I am involved in an art show at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Center . Well I was first introduced to this place by my friend Verlie 4 years ago. The Art Show is a wonderful event that I am honored to be involved with as well as humbled to be included in.


Now a few words about spring.........................YaY it's here!!!!!!!!
In point of fact, this weekend is Easter. While this is a non-event for this buddist, the mere fact that there are robins about (And not just the one I see every week *wink*) as well as lilies in the grocery store, and stuffed bunnies all about makes me smile very much.
So today, while I was out, I stopped in at my local coffee joint, "Goodies", ordered a marshmellow latte' and it came with a yellow peep on top. See.........

I just searched on Google
Check this out:
Results 1 - 10 of about 16,100,000 for peeps

One Flaw in Women

I got this in an e-mail and thought it would be good to post. As it so happends it speaks the truth

Enjoy! Fierdo

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they

think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what

makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.

Women have vital things to say

and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

A Surreal Experience

Reciently, I took a job as an artist model, for a figure drawing class being held here in my little town in Northwestern Michigan.

I've never done anything like this before and honestly, it is totally unlike me. But that being the very reason to do this I did.

Let me just set up the scene...
This class is being held in the basement of our local community theater. Now this is a place that I am very familiar with. I do a lot of community theater and have been all over that theater. It is a wonderful big old place with, in addition to the theater, fly space, and dressing rooms, a ballroom, and a hall where they have art exibitions as well as Studio Theater productions. In addition, there is also a classroom and a basement-where another classroom is as well as where props and costumes are stored.

As stated we, the class and I, were in the basement. Now when there is an overflow of events, sometimes there is rehersal in the hall which happens to be right above the basement classroom. Well let me just tell you, it was a very surreal experiance to be modeling naked while up above you a group of overworked business owners reherse "Popeye the Sailor Man" and "Day-o" for the local Jaycees Talent Night.

I had to laugh, one of the guys in class said "If this were happening at home it wouldn't be surreal you would think it perfectly normal"......to which I have to say "What?????"

Being Lazy!!!

Saw this and just laughed ....

Then I found the perfect sign....

Kitty Hammertime!!!

Saw this and had to laugh:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1757803256836451754&q=cat+hammer

hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

A Review of...Failure to Launch

Went to the movies Friday night. Something I haven't done in a while.

Overall this past season hasn't held much interest for me movie wize. With the exception of Brokeback Mt. I really haven't even wanted to go to the movies.

Then along cane this cute lil movie Failure to Launch. A cute lil film that is not overly original but fun none the less.
Staring Matthew McConaughey who lets face it I will spend $7 to do almost anything. (but I digress) Sara Jessica Parker, Terry Bradshaw, and Kathy Bates. With an admirable supporting cast.
McConaughey plays a mooch who at 35 still lives at home with his parents (Bates & Bradshaw). Yes they love him but enough is enough, and now that they are retired they want to "get to know eachother again". Something apparently they cannot do while their son still lives at home.

So they take advice from friends and hire him a girlfriend(Parker). It's her job to make him fall maddly in love and want to move out. Therefore leaving everyone happy-save for Parker who is now guilt riden for tricking this obviously love damaged guy.

All is happy in the end however, just as all romantic comedy should be. There are some very funny parts I especially liked the 'chipmonk scene' slapstick as it was.

A very cute film with a couple touching moments.

I suprise sheep...

I surprise sheep
laughing in the morning light
my muse appears to play but
the skies above love sweetly every
night untill voices grow with the
arise of the breath.
His life was gone away
and still one shouted with nothing
is death then echoed
by me?

created on www.ShadowPoetry.com
on the magnetic poetry board

I kinda like it

Tonight was the Finale

Earlier in the month I blogged about my secret passion....Project Runway.

Well, tonight was the last episode, and Cloe Dao won. Her collection was beautiful, and she should be very proud of herself. Maybe one day I'll own one of her outfits. There was one of her dresses that would be great for my commitment ceremony in Oct.

A word about the other two of the final three... I thought that Daniel V. had the "safe" collection. However, he is young and there is a lot of time for him to grow and mature into a fantastic designer I loved a lot of his pieces throughout the show.
Santino, Santino.... What can I say I think I really have to agree with what has been said in the past- much of what is designed is not flattering to the female form. However, having said that, I will admit that your line was the one I was most eager to see. (not that my opinion makes an ounce of difference to these folks anyway).

Alas, Farewell to my guilty pleasure. See you Season 3. Wouldn't miss it for the world!!!!

The Oscars

Sunday Night, I Spent a very enjoyable evening watching the Oscars , with my good friend Carol. She, like me, is a real movie buff. Sadly, I had not seen many of the movies nominated for Best Picture. The exception being, BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN . Which in my opinion should have won. However, as stated, I had only seen 1 out of the 5.

This year, the men were dashing in tuxes, and the dresses were lovely. I didn't see any I thought were downright tasteless. (with a possible exception going to Naomi Watts in a dress that looked like a shredded bridal gown)

Hats off to John Stewart who did an adermirable job as host. Overall it was a fantastic show. I didn't see near the stage crew that I did last year, and if it weren't for the win of "It's hard out there for a pimp" complete with a performance of the song (a show stopper to say the least-the very least) the whole show would have been a triumph!

I use to have Oscar parties but no one ever showed up so I quit. I would print off all the nominees from the internet and have a real festive environment. I really got excited over the whole thing. I looked forward to them every year. I guess I still do. There is just something about the people we consider icons getting dressed up and celebrating their accomplishments while sharing it with us the lay people....As a little girl I dreamed of being a recipient.

OK heres the Deal

When it stops frigging snowing, I'll stop bitching!!!!
We got about 9 frigging inches last night.
Will winter never end???
geez!!!!
Seasonal Depression? Oh HELL yeah!!!
Just so you know I even bought this tacky-ass flower to clip to my purse so it kinda feels like spring is maybe gonna show it's pretty lil head

A New Question Thingie...

Hi folks-
I got this questionare in an e-mail from a friend. I decited to post my answers, so you could get to know me a little.

1. IF YOU COULD BUILD A HOUSE ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
Someplace tropical, where I could walk on the beach every morning and I didn't have to even think about snow!!!
2. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING?
My slippers
3. THE LAST CD YOU BOUGHT?
I joined a cd club and got a bunch but the one I listen to the most is Jim Croche
4. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?
At the crack of 10 or so I'm a real late night girl. Not partying, reading!
. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCE?
My lil food chopper- I use it in my art to soften my clay. otherwise it's the phone to call for pizza.
6. IF YOU COULD PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I wish I could play the French Horn.
7. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SPORTS CAR OR SUV?
SUV Totally. Cars never impressed me.
8. DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE AFTER LIFE?
I'm a Buddahist so I kind of have to.
9. FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK?
Giddyup and Friend- About a horse and a chicken that become friends.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?
I love Spring- everything is blooming and the weather isn't cold anymore
11. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I've dreamed of being Samantha Stevens on Bewitched where all I had to do was twitch my nose to get thing donelike cleaning and fixing the car.
12. IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO, WHAT IS IT?
None yet but I'm hoping to get one on my ankle soon-my own design.
13. CAN YOU JUGGLE?
My brother can, but I cannot, he tried to teach me one handed but I never had the patience.
14. ONE PERSON/PEOPLE FROM YOUR PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO?
My friend Hubert I would have liked to get to know him better.
15. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE DAY?
My Birthday I always try and do something special.
16. WHAT'S IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR?
God, whats not! Art supplies, clothes, the things that were left over from the last 3 pieces of crap I drove. I really need to clean it!!!
17. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI OR HAMBURGER
Both, but I'm tring to cut red meat out of my diet.
18. FROM THE PEOPLE YOU WILL EMAIL THIS TO, WHO'S MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND FIRST?
Andrea-she'll be shocked by a couple of my answers. But they are as truthfull as I can make them ;).
19. WHO'S LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Ashley-she doesn't like these things.
20. WHO DID YOU RECEIVE THIS FROM?
Andrea Busse
21. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER?
Pansey- but I love all flowers
22. FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Anything Ben and Gerry's I could eat tubfulls and have :)
23. BUTTER, PLAIN, OR SALTED POPCORN?
Lots of butter!!!!
24. FAVORITE COLOR?
Tiffany Blue- kind of a robins egg color.
26. FAVORITE SANDWICH?
Anything I don't have to fix. Never been a picky eater.
27. ON VACATION, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?
I want to go on a cruise to Alaska with my guy.
28. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Cook County Ill- in the suburb of Palatine
29. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH?
I avoid sports when I can. But I don't mind Mens Gymnastics or Men's Swimming-I wonder why ;).
30. COKE OR PEPSI?
Diet Coke-Necter of the Gods. Hey guys I'm down to a can a day!!!

Ok, I admit it I have a guilty pleasure!

As hard as it is for me to admit this, I am addicted to PROJECT RUNWAY .
I know it's hard to believe. I abhore reality TV in general. However, this show, I really like. And this is why...

I think, because I'm an artist, I can see the value in creativity. In this program the contestants are fashion designers and they have to create a garmet on the fly that coinsides with the "theme" of that days challange. To be creative at all is one thing, but to be creative on demand is quite another. These people are all very talented(well most of them) And since I cannot sew a stright line,(believe me I've tried) they all have my most humble respect!!!

As far as reality shows in general, I will conceed to watching the first couple seasons of FEAR FACTOR. Only to be grossed out like the rest of the nation. When they started doing the couples FF, I told D(my guy) that I didn't care how much he loved me I wasn't going to eat bugs for him. Or anything else disgusting. I might be a feirdo but I have my limits, and being covered in bugs, or anything else, ie fish guts, toxic waste etc. ,qualifies!

This is a really wonderful Link!!!

Thought provoking and interesting!
Enjoy


Who's the biggest threat to world peace?

Hint: It's not Osama.

http://nobravery.cf.huffingtonpost.com/

It's Time

I have made a decision. I'm going to live my life like I have very little time left.
I'm going to wear the jewelry and clothes I love all the time instead of just special occasions. I'm going to drink out of the glasses I save for "company" (I'm gonna use the towels too!) I'm going to start projects and plan to finish them.

I've wasted a lot of time this winter whining about the fact that it's cold outside!!! I'm going to get off my ass and start doing some stuff. Damn I'm really annoyed with myself!!! I'm going to stop wondering if there is "something interesting on Dr. Phil-he and Oprah have disappointed me as of late. I'm going to turn off the T.V. and I'm going to bundle up, get out of the house!!!

Every year I enter an art exhibit where all the artist who exhibit are handicapped in some way will be my forth year and I have about a month and a half to finish my projects. (it seems to me they moved the deadline up a month but it's my own time management issue so I'll just quit bitchin)

Have you made any decisions?

A Valentine to the women in my life...My Sisters!!!

I recieved this as an e-mail and thought it was worthy of posting

SISTERS

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter. "Don't forget your Sisters," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them. "Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. "You'll need other women. Women always do." 'What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. 'Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!' But she listened to her Mother . She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life. After more than 50 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned: THIS SAYS IT ALL: Time passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up. Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes. Men don't do what they're supposed to do. Hearts break. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Careers end. BUT......... Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you. Or come in and carry you out. Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life! The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other. Every day, we need each other still.

A Small Apology

in the past few days, I have not been able to post.
So, Sorry for that.

A few musings on Snow

It is of course a four letter word! Growing up in Georgia, the state not the county, where there is almost never snow. I am as an adult unprepared for the sh**.

But in all fairness to Mother Nature, it is not just the wet cold stuff that I'm opposed to. It's the dark days. For weeks on end the skies will darken and one will start to grow webs between their toes.

Finally, when you think that you can no longer stand it the sky opens up and it's bright and wonderful. However, it's bitterly cold and you can't go out and enjoy it without looking like a tick about to pop!

After I grew up and moved my life to Michigan, My folks moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. So instead of going to GA for the winters, I went to UT. Then(in summer of course), I fell in love with my handsome partner for life. He has a job here so here is where I now winter.

A difference in snow.
In Michigan, the snow is wet, fluffy, cold, and sticky.
In Utah, the snow is round, hard, pebbly, wet, and cold. ( Good for skiing- not that I ski)
In Georgia, the snow is nonexistent!

ooooh James Frey you're in trouble now...

AN UPDATE !!!!!!!!!!!!

To my recient blog regarding A Million Little Pieces

Oprah responds to "Lies"

I'm Baaaaack!!!

I had a great time visiting with Tina (my friends sister).

Hans and Carolyn thank you for a wonderful visit. I only get to eat like that when I visit my own Mom.

The kids were very cute, Elly you need to keep dancing-you're very good!!! Benno- keep workin on those projects you have much talent!!! I really enjoied playing games with you guys!

While my visit was great, I an reminded of the words spoken by Dorthy Gale "there's no place like home"

And to Ash, lets do it again real soon, I love road trips with you!!!!

Road Trip!!!

On my way out of town...Going on an all expence, round trip, all inclusive to beautiful (Are you ready???) Ottawa Ill.

Yup that's right, I'm gettin the hell out a Dodge for a few days.

Actually, I'm going with my very best longtime (like 25+ years) fiend to visit for the weekend with her parrents. In addition to that, her sister is visiting from Napa CA. Should be a cool time. Betcha wish you were going huh???

Utterly Creative!!!

So I met up with my art friends again today. Had a great time as per usual. Drank far too much coffee and came home with a yen to do a bunch of craft stuff. So, I sat around with my polymer clay for a couple of hours and then jumpped on the net to check bead prices for another project I'm thinkin about.

Last week when I came home I was compelled to do a project that I had been thinking about forever. I wanted to cover this old white cabinet with a wild design. I took my paints and just started to place little blobs stright from the tubes then I "finger painted" untill I got the look I wanted. I was surprised, it turned out pretty good. A Fun Look.

Last week I got my letter from MFB about the art show. Should be fun this year. I always feel so creative when I hang out ywith my art friends . I'm really lucky that way !

Diane- great to see you again and get a chance to chat and get to know you a little. Welcome to our crazy little group

FYI- Not that you may care but my female cat who runs our house is napping atop my computer as I sit here.

It's been a couple days

Suffice to say that I haven't moved my car in a couple days and decided to do so yesterday. After I found my keys and whacked off a patch of snow. I then moved my car to the other side of the street. I have vowed to leave the house today, even though it has snowed even more since last night.
I've been thinking about home ownership lately. Renting just seems to be pouring good money after bad. Maybe then I would have a permant place to park. Perhaps I shall brooch the subject with my guy in the next few days. I'm not picky, just a little something. One story, 2 bedroom with a basement(for storage)
Well a girl can dream!!!!!

I need to bitch about The Golden Globes

The other night bored out of my mind and obviously suffering (I now know) from PMS. I found myself watching the Golden Globe Awards. Although I do admit to knitting a hat at the time, I do have several observations:

1. Charlese Theron was interviewed stating that she "just got back from vacation"and that she "was getting back to reality". Ok Look, she's a frigging actress (Not that she is not a good one- that is not my point.) My point is that as a successful actress getting interviewed on the Red Carpet, while wearing a fabulous designer dress that she didn't have to pay for while all people want to do is be in her frigging presence, is her reality!!!! Give me just a small break!!!
2. It's Wednesday and they are still running award show commentary on the TV GUIDE station
3. Why is Isaacs Mizarahi(spelling???) doing interviews on the red carpet??? I thought he was a fashion designer... For Target no less????
4. Mario Cantone was on the view and he made the best comment I've heard about The Golden Globes "I'm not gay, but if I was, I would be very offended..." This was a comment made several times but particularly in response to Dennis Quaid's introduction to BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN "...rhymes with 'chick flick'..."

Overall, I found this awards show to be exceptionally tedious. As I stated earlier I did knit a hat during the broadcast (a feat for a person who only uses one hand!!!!!)

4 Friends

Today I had coffee with 3 wonderful friends. We started getting together about once a week to do art and bounce ideas off one another. We are all talented, and support each other in every way we can, including, going to exhibits that we're in, and rehashing ideas over how to accomplish a certain design. These ladies are invaluable in my life and I just wanted to let them know!!! I Love you guys!!!! Elaine, Paulette, Robin....You guys are the best!!!!

My Favorite Whine: I Wanna Go Somewhere Warm

My Favorite Whine: I Wanna Go Somewhere Warm
Originally uploaded by buddahit.

The other day I found out that my beloved boyfriend is going out of town to go to University Training for a week. When I asked where it was, imagine my suprise when I was told Ft. Lauderdale FLA!!! Now I shouldn't be that suprised he did the same thing last year. I guess working for the GOVERNMENT does pose some perks!!!!! I guess I'm just green with envy and jelously!

If that wasn't enough, my friend Carol is going on a cruise to the Caribian. We went to coffee today and she was telling me what she was going to be doing and wouldn't you know it, that green monster showed it's ugly head again!

So That is why, my current favorite whine is "I Wanna Go Someplace Warm!!!!!"

A Book Review: A Million Little Pieces

A friend told me about this book. I had seen it in the bookstore and thought oh it's just another GO ASK ALICE but this time by a guy. Then my friend talks about it and I catch the tail end of Oprah and she's talking to the guy that wrote it. Well, (I think to myself) maybe I should check it out, I've had a lot of friends in recovery and maybe this will give me incite into what they have gone through. So I pick it up. First off, let me just say that if I can find miss-spellings and punctuation errors then there is a real problem with the editing. Secondly, this story is told in a very free thinking stream of conscience type of writing that tended to annoy me after a while.

The story is about a guy in a drug treatment facility. This is it, his last chance. "Stop drinking and smoking crack, or you will die" he is told by the doctors at the facility. So it goes, and he describes all the withdrawal symptoms he is going through(lots, and I mean excessive talk about vomiting-just what I want to read about...Not!!!) The interesting thing is that he doesn't buy into the whole 12 steps, AA mindset, and is resistant to it from the beginning. Now this can be looked at two ways.

1. People will read this book and think that they can do what he did, and just decide to quit without the support system in place (Not something he advocates) He only claims that this was the correct choice for him.
2. Or people will look at his life and see that it can be done and maybe their life is out of control, and they need some help.

Added 1-18-06 Interesting!!!! The Smoking Gun Article

Either choice would be a crucial one in an addictive situation. Never having to face this particular situation myself, I think to have to make a decision like getting help with an addiction would be one of the hardest things to do.

*****To my friends who have gone through it (and you know who you are,) I have the utmost respect for your courage and your fortitude to deal everyday with your choice to fight your addiction!!!*****

Something is a-miss

Nothing much to say today except....that there is something wrong when I have to get out of my warm bed at 1am (not that I was asleep or anything) and go move my car to the other side of the street so that I don't get a ticket because it's snowing!!!!!

My Thoughts on SSI and Marriage

ok something to talk about...

In my situation, I am on SSI/Disability. Why is not important and is something I will get to at a later time suffice to say just for the curious among you, I have a birth defect. But for these intense and purposes that is not my problem. As stated in the intro to my blog, I have a boyfriend. We have decided to spend the rest of our lives together. However, I cannot get married because if I do then I will lose my benefits under SSI/Disability. I do have a couple options..

1) I can wait until my boyfriend can support us both financially...(A prospect that I find unfair in that it is up to both people in a relationship to contribute to the household. I do that now in my own meager way, but that would still leaves me with no money of my own.)

2) We could not get married. Since children are not an option this seems to be the most obvious option.

I am told that there are elderly people that have to do this as well only in their case they are often times looking at losing both incomes.

NMRKLotus

NMRKLotus
Originally uploaded by buddahit.

Thought you might want to see a pix of what I'm thinking about doing in polymer clay

Also for all my buddahist friends....This is great

http://www.1mine.com/

Kirsten

Kirsten
Originally uploaded by buddahit.

yup this is me....

Granted it was taken several years ago at an IHOP in Atlanta by my friend Shan trying out her new digital camera....The only real difference is that my hair is now it's original color again(a kinda mousy brown color-Thankfully no greys) But yes in answer to your question *sigh* I'm not a kid I just look young.

Hello out there just getting started...