Comment spam has just gone from odd and funny to horridly inappropriate.
Hopefully Blogger can do something about this in the near future.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Comments
Sorry, I've had to invoke the dreaded comment verification.
Comment spam has just gone from odd and funny to horridly inappropriate.
Hopefully Blogger can do something about this in the near future.
Comment spam has just gone from odd and funny to horridly inappropriate.
Hopefully Blogger can do something about this in the near future.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Glass
Thanks for all your kind words and suggestions after the recent onslaught of the flu. I can't believe how much it knocks out of you. Yesterday I mostly stayed in bed and watched movies. Thank goodness for Netflix and the ability to watch movies nonstop instantly on my computer.
Since I'm still feeling like a rag doll (but not wanting to leave you with nothing to read), I thought you might like this piece I posted on my photoblog back on March 23, 2006.
Perhaps those of a certain age will remember...... glass.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
When I was growing up in the 1950's moms stayed at home, and dads went to work. It was the only possibility because no one had two cars. Never heard of anyone having two cars - many didn't even have one car. They took public transporation to work.
Milk was delivered fresh on our doorstep by a great guy in a sparkling white uniform with a snappy hat and a black bow tie. Bread was delivered too, because we only did grocery shopping on the weekends.
Milk is still delivered around here, in real glasses bottles, by Oberweis Dairy. These are not Oberweis dairy bottles, but Craftons, from a old time dairy in California. I was forced to reach into my archive of photos since I inadvertently erased todays shoot. That's OK, it allows me to bring you this image that invokes the past. Oberweis dairy hosted a gathering of Milk Delivery Truck Collectors. They gathered last summer on the stinking hottest day of the year. It was almost impossible to enjoy the beautiful restored vehicles.
Crafton was a family owned dairy in California. These are the original bottles and caps, although for display purposes filled with tiny white styrofoam beads.
I hope you're one of those that remembers milk in glass bottles. I just tastes different - - - believe me on this one!
Since I'm still feeling like a rag doll (but not wanting to leave you with nothing to read), I thought you might like this piece I posted on my photoblog back on March 23, 2006.
Perhaps those of a certain age will remember...... glass.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
When I was growing up in the 1950's moms stayed at home, and dads went to work. It was the only possibility because no one had two cars. Never heard of anyone having two cars - many didn't even have one car. They took public transporation to work.
Milk was delivered fresh on our doorstep by a great guy in a sparkling white uniform with a snappy hat and a black bow tie. Bread was delivered too, because we only did grocery shopping on the weekends.
Milk is still delivered around here, in real glasses bottles, by Oberweis Dairy. These are not Oberweis dairy bottles, but Craftons, from a old time dairy in California. I was forced to reach into my archive of photos since I inadvertently erased todays shoot. That's OK, it allows me to bring you this image that invokes the past. Oberweis dairy hosted a gathering of Milk Delivery Truck Collectors. They gathered last summer on the stinking hottest day of the year. It was almost impossible to enjoy the beautiful restored vehicles.
Crafton was a family owned dairy in California. These are the original bottles and caps, although for display purposes filled with tiny white styrofoam beads.
I hope you're one of those that remembers milk in glass bottles. I just tastes different - - - believe me on this one!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Monday Morning Staff Meeting on Thursday
Last weekend when our son was so sick, we tried to determine whether it was food poisoning or the flu. I got the answer on Tuesday night when I got violently ill - the flu.
I'm managed to drag myself through that although I'm still feeling queasy about eating anything. Perhaps today I'll try some Cream of Wheat.
So, that's what I'm serving this morning, Cream of Wheat. Feel free to bring in whatever else you'd like, just no spicy breakfast burritos because the smell would trigger bad things.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Here's the spam comment of the week. The comment spammers have been very busy. Each morning I wake up to a pile-o-spam.
"Good post and this mail helped me alot in my college assignment, gratefulness you seeking your information."
HUH??
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Finally I'm able to do the drawing for the pink wallet.
Pink mini-wallet. Holds credit cards or use it as a business card holder.
Thanks to everyone who entered.
The winner is......
Please contact me via e-mail and I'll get the wallet in the mail to you.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
While blog surfing this week I found a nice blog to share with you. It's called Sweet Pea and she's an antique dealer and junk lover.
SWEET PEA
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Unfortunately, that's all for me this morning. I'm fading fast and I'm going back to bed. Feel free to carry on the meeting without me. Have you found anything interesting this week?
I'm managed to drag myself through that although I'm still feeling queasy about eating anything. Perhaps today I'll try some Cream of Wheat.
So, that's what I'm serving this morning, Cream of Wheat. Feel free to bring in whatever else you'd like, just no spicy breakfast burritos because the smell would trigger bad things.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Here's the spam comment of the week. The comment spammers have been very busy. Each morning I wake up to a pile-o-spam.
"Good post and this mail helped me alot in my college assignment, gratefulness you seeking your information."
HUH??
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Finally I'm able to do the drawing for the pink wallet.
Pink mini-wallet. Holds credit cards or use it as a business card holder.
Thanks to everyone who entered.
The winner is......
Please contact me via e-mail and I'll get the wallet in the mail to you.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
While blog surfing this week I found a nice blog to share with you. It's called Sweet Pea and she's an antique dealer and junk lover.
SWEET PEA
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Unfortunately, that's all for me this morning. I'm fading fast and I'm going back to bed. Feel free to carry on the meeting without me. Have you found anything interesting this week?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Back Tomorrow
I promise to be back tomorrow with the Monday Morning Meeting (this time on a Wednesday).
Unfortunately someone in the house was hit with stomach flu this past weekend and I'm up to my elbows in 7-Up and Jello.
It's been many a year since I've seen anyone take their pillow and blanket to camp out on the bathroom floor and I hope I won't see it again for a long time.
I promise to make something other than cherry Jello for tomorrow's meeting and announce the giveaway winner also.
Just grab a bit of hand sanitizer on your way out and promise you'll come back tomorrow!!
Feel free to leave your most gruesomest stomach flu story in the comments section..... OR NOT!!!
Unfortunately someone in the house was hit with stomach flu this past weekend and I'm up to my elbows in 7-Up and Jello.
It's been many a year since I've seen anyone take their pillow and blanket to camp out on the bathroom floor and I hope I won't see it again for a long time.
I promise to make something other than cherry Jello for tomorrow's meeting and announce the giveaway winner also.
Just grab a bit of hand sanitizer on your way out and promise you'll come back tomorrow!!
Feel free to leave your most gruesomest stomach flu story in the comments section..... OR NOT!!!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
A Skein of Geese Foretell Spring
I swear you can find the most obscure information on the web.
Everyone knows that a group of geese is called a gaggle but yesterday I began wondering if there was a name for their V-shaped flying formation.
Yes, there is. It's called a skein.
A Skein of Canada Geese
Late yesterday afternoon, as the sun was dipping towards the horizon, the sky literally filled with Canada Geese. Their bodies appeared black against the strong blue sky.
It was a sign of hope. It can only mean one thing. When the geese fly north once again, spring is close behind.
There's only one problem. The geese were NOT flying north.
They were flying west/northwest.
Which can only mean one thing.
They're stopping to gamble at the riverboats in Dubuque.
Damn geese! They're gonna delay spring with their nonsense.
Everyone knows that a group of geese is called a gaggle but yesterday I began wondering if there was a name for their V-shaped flying formation.
Yes, there is. It's called a skein.
A Skein of Canada Geese
Late yesterday afternoon, as the sun was dipping towards the horizon, the sky literally filled with Canada Geese. Their bodies appeared black against the strong blue sky.
It was a sign of hope. It can only mean one thing. When the geese fly north once again, spring is close behind.
There's only one problem. The geese were NOT flying north.
They were flying west/northwest.
Which can only mean one thing.
They're stopping to gamble at the riverboats in Dubuque.
Damn geese! They're gonna delay spring with their nonsense.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Get Thee to the Spa
I'm going to the spa today.
No, not THAT spa, the other spa.
Today I am scheduled to have my yearly mammogram. What's that got to do with a spa? Well, the mammogram center at the nearby hospital is what I term, "A Mammogram Spa."
There are bowls of Hershey's kisses on the desk at the reception counter. The outer lobby has a coffee bar and high speed internet. The inner waiting room has a selection of cold drinks and snacks. Inside the dressing room you will find hospital gowns, not the flimsy cotton numbers printed with wierd little patterns and stringy ties but taffeta gowns.
Sheesh, I'm there for my mammogram not a for an episode of "Say Yes to the Dress".
I appreciate any effort to make me comfortable but I guess I'm just not accustomed to such treatment at a hospital. This is the same hospital that had a stinking Concierge (!!!!) in the lobby. The hospital does service a very upscale area so perhaps some people expect this type of treatment. As for me, just give me a facility that is clean and staffed with highly qualified people and give me a cut on the bottom line.
So I've decided to do yet another giveaway. This one is PINK, in honor of breast cancer awareness.
Pink mini-wallet. Holds credit cards or use it as a business card holder.
Holds multiple cards. Outside embellished with cute little daisy appliques.
Leave me a message telling me that you've had your mammogram, that you've scheduled one or that you plan to schedule it. Or just give other women a heads up that this is something important to do for yourself.
I'm thankful to live in a time and a place where these preventative tests are available.
NOTE: Winner will be announced at the Monday Morning Staff Meeting.
No, not THAT spa, the other spa.
Today I am scheduled to have my yearly mammogram. What's that got to do with a spa? Well, the mammogram center at the nearby hospital is what I term, "A Mammogram Spa."
There are bowls of Hershey's kisses on the desk at the reception counter. The outer lobby has a coffee bar and high speed internet. The inner waiting room has a selection of cold drinks and snacks. Inside the dressing room you will find hospital gowns, not the flimsy cotton numbers printed with wierd little patterns and stringy ties but taffeta gowns.
Sheesh, I'm there for my mammogram not a for an episode of "Say Yes to the Dress".
I appreciate any effort to make me comfortable but I guess I'm just not accustomed to such treatment at a hospital. This is the same hospital that had a stinking Concierge (!!!!) in the lobby. The hospital does service a very upscale area so perhaps some people expect this type of treatment. As for me, just give me a facility that is clean and staffed with highly qualified people and give me a cut on the bottom line.
So I've decided to do yet another giveaway. This one is PINK, in honor of breast cancer awareness.
Pink mini-wallet. Holds credit cards or use it as a business card holder.
Holds multiple cards. Outside embellished with cute little daisy appliques.
Leave me a message telling me that you've had your mammogram, that you've scheduled one or that you plan to schedule it. Or just give other women a heads up that this is something important to do for yourself.
I'm thankful to live in a time and a place where these preventative tests are available.
NOTE: Winner will be announced at the Monday Morning Staff Meeting.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Fever
The weather turns around November 1st which means that we are well into our fourth month of winter.
Don't get me wrong, I love winter, especially if I can just hunker down and stay inside during the worst of it.
February, however, is the time when the psyche starts to say "enough already". Walls start to close in and it becomes more difficult to find a place to retreat to. After all there are just so many rooms in this house. Personalities start to grate on your nerves and like my friend Vee observed, clinking a spoon continuously, chasing oatmeal around a bowl will have you thinking dangerous thoughts.
The gathering last weekend was a wonderful break from the monotony. In my cabin fever delirium I do the math and realize that I've published 1,500 posts, between the photoblog and this effort. What could I POSSIBLY have to say at this point?
Someone once asked me, "What's your inspiration?" I'll admit I'd never given that much thought but five years of therapy taught me how to break down the wall between my conscious and sub-conscious self, giving me access to answers.
"My deadline," I blurted out.
It was the truth. When I started the photoblog back in 2005, I made the commitment to post a photo everyday. A deadline is the only sure-fire way for me to make sure something actually gets done. The added bonus was that, under a deadline I sought out inspiration.
This morning cabin fever is on my mind and therefore has become my subject du jour.
I'm reading a book called "Faith and Betrayal" by Sally Denton. Using her great-great-grandmother's journals, she chronicles that woman's journey across the United States in a wagon, one of the earliest pioneers to move west.
I'm always stunned to think about these women living in cabins no bigger than my kitchen. Her husband and children all huddled together as winter storms raged outside. Many lost their minds (literally) with the loss and isolation taking their toll.
At last Saturday's gathering I spoke briefly about the isolation that has traditionally been the challenge of rural women. The internet has leveled the playing field and allowed people living in remote areas to connect with the rest of the world.
I'm a little worried about my frame of mind lately though because for amusement I've taken to watching an Amaryllis grow.
I'm imagining Little Shop of Horrors.....
FEED ME!
Don't get me wrong, I love winter, especially if I can just hunker down and stay inside during the worst of it.
February, however, is the time when the psyche starts to say "enough already". Walls start to close in and it becomes more difficult to find a place to retreat to. After all there are just so many rooms in this house. Personalities start to grate on your nerves and like my friend Vee observed, clinking a spoon continuously, chasing oatmeal around a bowl will have you thinking dangerous thoughts.
The gathering last weekend was a wonderful break from the monotony. In my cabin fever delirium I do the math and realize that I've published 1,500 posts, between the photoblog and this effort. What could I POSSIBLY have to say at this point?
Someone once asked me, "What's your inspiration?" I'll admit I'd never given that much thought but five years of therapy taught me how to break down the wall between my conscious and sub-conscious self, giving me access to answers.
"My deadline," I blurted out.
It was the truth. When I started the photoblog back in 2005, I made the commitment to post a photo everyday. A deadline is the only sure-fire way for me to make sure something actually gets done. The added bonus was that, under a deadline I sought out inspiration.
This morning cabin fever is on my mind and therefore has become my subject du jour.
I'm reading a book called "Faith and Betrayal" by Sally Denton. Using her great-great-grandmother's journals, she chronicles that woman's journey across the United States in a wagon, one of the earliest pioneers to move west.
I'm always stunned to think about these women living in cabins no bigger than my kitchen. Her husband and children all huddled together as winter storms raged outside. Many lost their minds (literally) with the loss and isolation taking their toll.
At last Saturday's gathering I spoke briefly about the isolation that has traditionally been the challenge of rural women. The internet has leveled the playing field and allowed people living in remote areas to connect with the rest of the world.
I'm a little worried about my frame of mind lately though because for amusement I've taken to watching an Amaryllis grow.
I'm imagining Little Shop of Horrors.....
FEED ME!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Session
"Any little bit of experimenting in self-nurturance is very frightening for most of us." - Julia Cameron
After eating some good food and chatting for awhile at the Bloggy Girl Get Together, Jen had us all gather in the family room where she proceeded to draw names and hand out the wonderful gifts that everyone had provided for the raffle.
It was so much fun, like kids at Christmas, wondering what each package might contain. The big surprise was that my name was the first to be called and I was the recipient of a beautiful green pashmina that Penny's daughter had sent from New York. Gosh, I feel stylish!
I wrapped the pashmina around my neck and threw one end over my shoulder in a flourish. It felt good.
After opening all the gifts, Jen did something that simply transformed the day from something wonderful to something amazing. She asked each of us, one at a time, to share with the other women the essence of our blogging experience, how long we've been blogging, why we blog, what we get in return, just anything that we felt important to convey.
Each of us listened and took away the message that resonated with us as individuals. The memorable lives in our minds.
Vicki is so funny. She sees life through a joyful and happy lens. She's got a career as a comedienne, just around the corner.
Jayme's story about how she came to be a blogger was so incredible and typical. She had been reading blogs for awhile, but being a blogger didn't appeal to her. Until one day she baked a cake. She stood for a moment looking at her creation and said to herself, "The world has got to see this!"
And thus, a new blogger was born.
Anne Marie and Annie
Anne Marie and her husband operate a farm west of here and they sell their produce through a subscription system. She also home schools her children and blogs. She literally reduced me to tears with her story of how their beautiful barn burned to the ground in less than 30 minutes and how she has struggled with the loss.
Annie's blog is entitled, Drawing a Blank, and trust me, when it was her turn to speak she did not draw a blank. She spoke with such eloquence and passion about how women should seek to support and encourage each other, as we had done this very day. She also introduced all of us to a fabulous word - gobsmacked. Yes, she was gobsmacked by this gathering, as we all were. Annie had a future as a motivational speaker. Believe it.
As Annie said, here we were, women of all different sizes, socio-economic backgrounds, different ages, different religions and different lives. We all found a common ground based on our creative energies and our common threads.
Throughout the gathering I did not hear one woman refer to herself as someone's wife and someone's mother. We live a life being identified on the basis of those relationships but we are more than that, we are also individuals with our own talents and interests. Sometimes we forget that and allow the other identifiers to bury who we are.
There is a balance to strive for and in order to be energized for those we love, we must take time for ourselves and our creative passions. No one knows this better than me. At one point in my life I gave everthing of myself away. No one required that of me. Foolishly I barreled headlong down a dangerous path. It lead me to unhappiness and severe depression.
The lesson is clear. Be true to who you are, no keeping up with the Jonses' or striving to be what your mother (father/brother/friends) want you to be. Take time for yourself and put aside time to recharge and nurture. Lock yourself in a closet if necessary. Get together with friends - old or new.
And so, today I wish a new friend Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday Penny!
Penny attended the get-together because she said she wanted to do something brave for her birthday. It is brave to push yourself beyond your comfort zone and walk into a room full of strangers. Hooray for Penny and all those who to do something, "just for them".
On the way out the door we received these beautiful gift bags (thanks Jen) filled with great things created by the talents of these women. But the best gift of all could not be contained in this bag.
Links to the blogs:
Cindy - Cottage Instincts
Jayme - Tales from the Coop Keeper
Traci - Traci Thorson Photography
Jen - Sanctuary Arts
Ann Marie - Na-Da Farm Life with Ann Marie
Joan - Anything Goes Here
Annie - Drawing a Blank
Joy - Savvy City Farmer
Tracey - French Larkspur
Amy - The Maisy Report
After eating some good food and chatting for awhile at the Bloggy Girl Get Together, Jen had us all gather in the family room where she proceeded to draw names and hand out the wonderful gifts that everyone had provided for the raffle.
It was so much fun, like kids at Christmas, wondering what each package might contain. The big surprise was that my name was the first to be called and I was the recipient of a beautiful green pashmina that Penny's daughter had sent from New York. Gosh, I feel stylish!
I wrapped the pashmina around my neck and threw one end over my shoulder in a flourish. It felt good.
After opening all the gifts, Jen did something that simply transformed the day from something wonderful to something amazing. She asked each of us, one at a time, to share with the other women the essence of our blogging experience, how long we've been blogging, why we blog, what we get in return, just anything that we felt important to convey.
Each of us listened and took away the message that resonated with us as individuals. The memorable lives in our minds.
Vicki is so funny. She sees life through a joyful and happy lens. She's got a career as a comedienne, just around the corner.
Jayme's story about how she came to be a blogger was so incredible and typical. She had been reading blogs for awhile, but being a blogger didn't appeal to her. Until one day she baked a cake. She stood for a moment looking at her creation and said to herself, "The world has got to see this!"
And thus, a new blogger was born.
Anne Marie and Annie
Anne Marie and her husband operate a farm west of here and they sell their produce through a subscription system. She also home schools her children and blogs. She literally reduced me to tears with her story of how their beautiful barn burned to the ground in less than 30 minutes and how she has struggled with the loss.
Annie's blog is entitled, Drawing a Blank, and trust me, when it was her turn to speak she did not draw a blank. She spoke with such eloquence and passion about how women should seek to support and encourage each other, as we had done this very day. She also introduced all of us to a fabulous word - gobsmacked. Yes, she was gobsmacked by this gathering, as we all were. Annie had a future as a motivational speaker. Believe it.
As Annie said, here we were, women of all different sizes, socio-economic backgrounds, different ages, different religions and different lives. We all found a common ground based on our creative energies and our common threads.
Throughout the gathering I did not hear one woman refer to herself as someone's wife and someone's mother. We live a life being identified on the basis of those relationships but we are more than that, we are also individuals with our own talents and interests. Sometimes we forget that and allow the other identifiers to bury who we are.
There is a balance to strive for and in order to be energized for those we love, we must take time for ourselves and our creative passions. No one knows this better than me. At one point in my life I gave everthing of myself away. No one required that of me. Foolishly I barreled headlong down a dangerous path. It lead me to unhappiness and severe depression.
The lesson is clear. Be true to who you are, no keeping up with the Jonses' or striving to be what your mother (father/brother/friends) want you to be. Take time for yourself and put aside time to recharge and nurture. Lock yourself in a closet if necessary. Get together with friends - old or new.
And so, today I wish a new friend Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday Penny!
Penny attended the get-together because she said she wanted to do something brave for her birthday. It is brave to push yourself beyond your comfort zone and walk into a room full of strangers. Hooray for Penny and all those who to do something, "just for them".
On the way out the door we received these beautiful gift bags (thanks Jen) filled with great things created by the talents of these women. But the best gift of all could not be contained in this bag.
Links to the blogs:
Cindy - Cottage Instincts
Jayme - Tales from the Coop Keeper
Traci - Traci Thorson Photography
Jen - Sanctuary Arts
Ann Marie - Na-Da Farm Life with Ann Marie
Joan - Anything Goes Here
Annie - Drawing a Blank
Joy - Savvy City Farmer
Tracey - French Larkspur
Amy - The Maisy Report
Monday, February 15, 2010
Bloggy Girl Get Together
Yesterday I got a call from my sister. She knows all the stress I've been under lately and she wanted to call and say that after reading my Monday Morning Staff Meeting entry she felt I had been refreshed.
Yes, I was refreshed. I had just attended the Bloggy Girls Get Together and it was fabulous.
Grab your coat because it's 27 degrees here in Ilinois. Come along with me and you too will feel refreshed. Thanks to the magic of digital photography and the internet, you can attend the party too.
I had spoken with blogger Joy a couple of weeks ago and she extended the invitiation. A bunch of tri-state (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin) bloggers have developed friendships over the web and were going to meet for the first time.
Here's a warm welcome from the organizers, Amy and Jennifer.
Amy graciously opened her home to a dozen or more strangers! Well, you know the old saying, strangers are just friends you haven't met yet.
You can't miss Jen's smile, it lights up a room. And she's decked out in really cute stuff, a beautiful scarf and some steampunk jewelry.
Amy's home is warm and inviting. She's hereby put on notice that I'm going to steal every one of her wonderful ideas. Her foyer is amazing. Seriously, none of these women are going to enter my home, you know, the place with the master bathroom ghetto spa.
Here's a vignette on the hall table.
The glass jar terrarium is so interesting.
Some of the ladies have already arrived and I'm anxious to meet them.
I never been a person who was nervous about meeting new people or walking into a room of strangers. It's something I'm thankful for because i have a friend who is terrified to do this. Usually I just grab her by the collar and we go plunging into the unknown - soon to be known.
Right away I'm in trouble. Here's Tracey, Traci and Amy deep in conversation. What am I doing? I'm already stalking handbags.
No, no, people! I'm not stalking the contents, I'm stalking the handbags themselves. You know my passion for purses. Tracey has a cool yellow bag.
But wait. OH NO.... here's Traci and Jayme. I'm going into overload.
Look at Traci's handbag.
She must think I've lost my mind because I'm inching closer to get a better look. I'm mentally deconstructing the bag to figure out how the designer twisted, folded and stitched the strips of leather to get that look. Sad, I know, but those of you who sew and love handbags will understand.
Turn to your left. Do you see what I see?
Food. The motherlode of delicious food. There are cheeses, fruit and nuts arranged on a cutting board, mini quiches, salmon and more. Amy's presentation is beautiful.
Someone just told me we need to go into the dining room.
More food. Beautiful desserts arranged on a bed of pristine white crumpled fabric.
Genius. I gotta wonder why I've been ironing cloths to cover the buffet.
But we're here to meet people, bloggers to be exact. Two of the women drove from Indiana to attend.
Jayme and Vicki, the travelers.
Joy holds court with Judy.
Let's start mingling. Here's hostess Amy talking to Janet.
And Traci with Janet.
Here's the beautiful Traci Thorson. She a photographer.
I know!!! Two Traci's and a Tracey.
The Hoosier's amuse themselves making a video.
Jayme and Vicki, videographers.
There another vignette in the dining room. I absolutely stealing this idea. Sorry Amy.
Apothcary jar and white buttons.
Joy sitting in the family room amongst the lovely white tulips.
Look closer at the picture. Behind Joy you will see Amy's beautiful cabinets which they had painted Cottage White. Joy had encouraged me to do the same with my boring oak cabinets. Now I'm totally inspired.
There's a big, big, BIG surprise. Two, count 'em TWO lurkers decloaked themselves to attend the get together!!! I'm in awe. I love my lurkers. I know they're there, i can see them visitng on my Sitemeter account. I've often wondered about who they might be.
Meet lurker number one - Pat. She's beautiful and interesting and funny! Hi Pat. Sorry, I've blown your cover now.
OK, you can go back into lurking mode now.
Lurker number two is Penny. Unfortunately Penny was moving to the right when I shot this. Actually I think she was re-engaging her lurking cloak.
Joan Babb, Penny and Amy.
What can I say about Penny? Acutally, I have lots to say about Penny but that can wait until tomorrow. You'll see why on the morrow.
Back to the decorating.... another vignette. This is in the living room.
Joy and I play dueling cameras.
We brought items to be raffled off and what fun to go home with something wonderful.
There were fairy princess wands, all sparkly and magic.
And funny and TRUE posters.
Wire baskets filled with fabulous stuff from Pottery Barn.
Judy, the lucky winner of Pat's gift basket.
Did I mention that Pat works at Pottery Barn AND she's my new BFF?
You'll have to wait until tomorrow to experience the next and BEST part of the gathering. I'll call it the Convocation of Talent, the Gathering of the Nurturers, the Well of the Soul Lifters.
All I know is that it was awesome and I want you to partake of the energy and joy.
Until tomorrow here's a list of some of the participants and their blogs. I apologize for the fact that I was a TERRIBLE journalist on this day. I didn't have a pad of paper or a pen, or the mind to organize myself to record all the people who participated. But rest assured that I will get with Amy and Jen and update this list as I get the information.
Cindy - Cottage Instincts
Jayme - Tales from the Coop Keeper
Traci - Traci Thorson Photography
Jen - Sanctuary Arts
Ann Marie - Na-Da Farm Life with Ann Marie
Joan - Anything Goes Here
Annie - Drawing a Blank
Joy - Savvy City Farmer
Tracey - French Larkspur
Amy - The Maisy Report
Rebecca -
Sorry I'm posting this so late, I slept in.
Yes, I was refreshed. I had just attended the Bloggy Girls Get Together and it was fabulous.
Grab your coat because it's 27 degrees here in Ilinois. Come along with me and you too will feel refreshed. Thanks to the magic of digital photography and the internet, you can attend the party too.
I had spoken with blogger Joy a couple of weeks ago and she extended the invitiation. A bunch of tri-state (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin) bloggers have developed friendships over the web and were going to meet for the first time.
Here's a warm welcome from the organizers, Amy and Jennifer.
Amy graciously opened her home to a dozen or more strangers! Well, you know the old saying, strangers are just friends you haven't met yet.
You can't miss Jen's smile, it lights up a room. And she's decked out in really cute stuff, a beautiful scarf and some steampunk jewelry.
Amy's home is warm and inviting. She's hereby put on notice that I'm going to steal every one of her wonderful ideas. Her foyer is amazing. Seriously, none of these women are going to enter my home, you know, the place with the master bathroom ghetto spa.
Here's a vignette on the hall table.
The glass jar terrarium is so interesting.
Some of the ladies have already arrived and I'm anxious to meet them.
I never been a person who was nervous about meeting new people or walking into a room of strangers. It's something I'm thankful for because i have a friend who is terrified to do this. Usually I just grab her by the collar and we go plunging into the unknown - soon to be known.
Right away I'm in trouble. Here's Tracey, Traci and Amy deep in conversation. What am I doing? I'm already stalking handbags.
No, no, people! I'm not stalking the contents, I'm stalking the handbags themselves. You know my passion for purses. Tracey has a cool yellow bag.
But wait. OH NO.... here's Traci and Jayme. I'm going into overload.
Look at Traci's handbag.
She must think I've lost my mind because I'm inching closer to get a better look. I'm mentally deconstructing the bag to figure out how the designer twisted, folded and stitched the strips of leather to get that look. Sad, I know, but those of you who sew and love handbags will understand.
Turn to your left. Do you see what I see?
Food. The motherlode of delicious food. There are cheeses, fruit and nuts arranged on a cutting board, mini quiches, salmon and more. Amy's presentation is beautiful.
Someone just told me we need to go into the dining room.
More food. Beautiful desserts arranged on a bed of pristine white crumpled fabric.
Genius. I gotta wonder why I've been ironing cloths to cover the buffet.
But we're here to meet people, bloggers to be exact. Two of the women drove from Indiana to attend.
Jayme and Vicki, the travelers.
Joy holds court with Judy.
Let's start mingling. Here's hostess Amy talking to Janet.
And Traci with Janet.
Here's the beautiful Traci Thorson. She a photographer.
I know!!! Two Traci's and a Tracey.
The Hoosier's amuse themselves making a video.
Jayme and Vicki, videographers.
There another vignette in the dining room. I absolutely stealing this idea. Sorry Amy.
Apothcary jar and white buttons.
Joy sitting in the family room amongst the lovely white tulips.
Look closer at the picture. Behind Joy you will see Amy's beautiful cabinets which they had painted Cottage White. Joy had encouraged me to do the same with my boring oak cabinets. Now I'm totally inspired.
There's a big, big, BIG surprise. Two, count 'em TWO lurkers decloaked themselves to attend the get together!!! I'm in awe. I love my lurkers. I know they're there, i can see them visitng on my Sitemeter account. I've often wondered about who they might be.
Meet lurker number one - Pat. She's beautiful and interesting and funny! Hi Pat. Sorry, I've blown your cover now.
OK, you can go back into lurking mode now.
Lurker number two is Penny. Unfortunately Penny was moving to the right when I shot this. Actually I think she was re-engaging her lurking cloak.
Joan Babb, Penny and Amy.
What can I say about Penny? Acutally, I have lots to say about Penny but that can wait until tomorrow. You'll see why on the morrow.
Back to the decorating.... another vignette. This is in the living room.
Joy and I play dueling cameras.
We brought items to be raffled off and what fun to go home with something wonderful.
There were fairy princess wands, all sparkly and magic.
And funny and TRUE posters.
Wire baskets filled with fabulous stuff from Pottery Barn.
Judy, the lucky winner of Pat's gift basket.
Did I mention that Pat works at Pottery Barn AND she's my new BFF?
You'll have to wait until tomorrow to experience the next and BEST part of the gathering. I'll call it the Convocation of Talent, the Gathering of the Nurturers, the Well of the Soul Lifters.
All I know is that it was awesome and I want you to partake of the energy and joy.
Until tomorrow here's a list of some of the participants and their blogs. I apologize for the fact that I was a TERRIBLE journalist on this day. I didn't have a pad of paper or a pen, or the mind to organize myself to record all the people who participated. But rest assured that I will get with Amy and Jen and update this list as I get the information.
Cindy - Cottage Instincts
Jayme - Tales from the Coop Keeper
Traci - Traci Thorson Photography
Jen - Sanctuary Arts
Ann Marie - Na-Da Farm Life with Ann Marie
Joan - Anything Goes Here
Annie - Drawing a Blank
Joy - Savvy City Farmer
Tracey - French Larkspur
Amy - The Maisy Report
Rebecca -
Sorry I'm posting this so late, I slept in.
Monday Morning Staff Meeting
Good morning everyone! This is going to be a jam-packed meeting so let's get started.
First and foremost, the food. This morning's meeting is being catered by Amy from The Maisy Report. She and Jen organized and hosted the Chicagoland Bloggy Girl get together on Saturday. OMIGOSH....the food, the camaraderie, the joy. Come back tomorrow and join in on the fun.
Amy agreed to share some of the goodies with us this morning. Mini red velvet cupcakes, berry tart, lemon tart, brownies and my personal favorite, Cannoli.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Here's my comment spam of the week:
"Good post and this mail helped me alot in my college assignment. Gratefulness you seeking your information."
Really.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I want to introduce you to new blogger Elora. She's 65 years old and has been blogging one month. She claims that I helped her get started. Could it be a case of one old dog teaching another old dog new tricks? WOO HOO, I say. I'm not believing her age however, look at her avatar picture for pete's sake!
JUST OFF THE ONE LANE ROAD
She lives with her husband on a farm deep in the Appalacians. Gosh, you should see the views.
For those of you who don't blog, why not? Get started. We all have something to say. Just jump into the deep end of the pool. The rest of us will help you swim.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I'm feeling very sad because at least five, count 'em, FIVE pink sewing machines have slipped through my hands in the last month and a half. I've been eyeing a Pink Atlas for awhile and I decided just to bite the bullet and get myself one.
I'll be honest with you, I'm not a high maintenance person. There are no manicures, spa treatments, jewelry or clothing shopping trips (although I do have a weakness for handbags - more about that tomorrow). My wants are pretty simple. I love fabric and yarn. Both those items are actually put in to production in my sewing room so they're not exactly personal.
A pink sewing machine is not exactly a luxury item but it sure makes me happy to look at it.
I can just imagine myself walking into the sewing room every morning and breaking out in a big smile when I see Beverly the Turquoise Dream parked next to the Pink Atlas (to be named AFTER acquisition).
There was one available last fall from the dealer who sold me Beverly but my budget could not support the $175 price tag. The machine on the Atlanta Craigslist was very affordable but the guy never got back to me. The one in Lake City, Florida was being sold by someone who didn't have a PayPal OR checking account. Hmmmm.
Last week, not one, but two came available on Ebay. I watched them closely. The auctions were both ending within a hour of each other. The price was getting up there a bit. The first auction actually closed while we were eating dinner last night. DRAT, I messed up that opportunity. I made it back to the computer in time to place a bid of $155 for the second during the last 5 minutes, making me the high bidder. It was at the top of my budget, but I was feeling the Pink Love.
Imagine my shock when I lost the machine in the final minute with a crazy bidding war that took it to the stratosphere - - $342!!!
There's a machine out there with my name on it. Well, if my name is "Atlas".
I'm nothing if not patient. So, stay tuned in the hunt for the pink machine.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Did you read about the multi-millionaire who's giving all his fortune and possessions away?
Millionaire gives away his fortune.
Makes you think about what's enough in this life, or what's important. I say bravo to him for choosing to put the money into micro-loans for people in third-world countries.
I've read plenty of real life adventures written by people who nearly died in pursuit of the meaning of life. I will say that getting ill, nearly losing your life or losing a loved one will instantly put everything into perspective. But can't we come to some conclusions without such dramatic experiences?
It begins with knowing ourselves and not trying to live out our lives based on other people's expectations. What makes you happy? What makes you fulfilled? Things? Sometimes yes and sometimes no.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It's time to announce the winners of the Valentine's Giveaway. I was able to draw three names from my list of commenters. Thanks everyone for your input.
Here are the winners:
Tea Loving Lady
Ingasmile
and Dodie
Congratulations! Please e-mail me so that I can send you further information.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day. Mine was wonderful but my thoughts and prayers were with the families of the students who were killed and injured in the Valentine's Day shooting at nearby Northern Illinois University two years ago.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Be sure to come back tomorrow when I'll take you along to Amy's house for the Bloggy get together.
Now is the part where I turn the meeting over to you. What's new? What would you love to discuss?
First and foremost, the food. This morning's meeting is being catered by Amy from The Maisy Report. She and Jen organized and hosted the Chicagoland Bloggy Girl get together on Saturday. OMIGOSH....the food, the camaraderie, the joy. Come back tomorrow and join in on the fun.
Amy agreed to share some of the goodies with us this morning. Mini red velvet cupcakes, berry tart, lemon tart, brownies and my personal favorite, Cannoli.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Here's my comment spam of the week:
"Good post and this mail helped me alot in my college assignment. Gratefulness you seeking your information."
Really.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I want to introduce you to new blogger Elora. She's 65 years old and has been blogging one month. She claims that I helped her get started. Could it be a case of one old dog teaching another old dog new tricks? WOO HOO, I say. I'm not believing her age however, look at her avatar picture for pete's sake!
JUST OFF THE ONE LANE ROAD
She lives with her husband on a farm deep in the Appalacians. Gosh, you should see the views.
For those of you who don't blog, why not? Get started. We all have something to say. Just jump into the deep end of the pool. The rest of us will help you swim.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I'm feeling very sad because at least five, count 'em, FIVE pink sewing machines have slipped through my hands in the last month and a half. I've been eyeing a Pink Atlas for awhile and I decided just to bite the bullet and get myself one.
I'll be honest with you, I'm not a high maintenance person. There are no manicures, spa treatments, jewelry or clothing shopping trips (although I do have a weakness for handbags - more about that tomorrow). My wants are pretty simple. I love fabric and yarn. Both those items are actually put in to production in my sewing room so they're not exactly personal.
A pink sewing machine is not exactly a luxury item but it sure makes me happy to look at it.
I can just imagine myself walking into the sewing room every morning and breaking out in a big smile when I see Beverly the Turquoise Dream parked next to the Pink Atlas (to be named AFTER acquisition).
There was one available last fall from the dealer who sold me Beverly but my budget could not support the $175 price tag. The machine on the Atlanta Craigslist was very affordable but the guy never got back to me. The one in Lake City, Florida was being sold by someone who didn't have a PayPal OR checking account. Hmmmm.
Last week, not one, but two came available on Ebay. I watched them closely. The auctions were both ending within a hour of each other. The price was getting up there a bit. The first auction actually closed while we were eating dinner last night. DRAT, I messed up that opportunity. I made it back to the computer in time to place a bid of $155 for the second during the last 5 minutes, making me the high bidder. It was at the top of my budget, but I was feeling the Pink Love.
Imagine my shock when I lost the machine in the final minute with a crazy bidding war that took it to the stratosphere - - $342!!!
There's a machine out there with my name on it. Well, if my name is "Atlas".
I'm nothing if not patient. So, stay tuned in the hunt for the pink machine.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Did you read about the multi-millionaire who's giving all his fortune and possessions away?
Millionaire gives away his fortune.
Makes you think about what's enough in this life, or what's important. I say bravo to him for choosing to put the money into micro-loans for people in third-world countries.
I've read plenty of real life adventures written by people who nearly died in pursuit of the meaning of life. I will say that getting ill, nearly losing your life or losing a loved one will instantly put everything into perspective. But can't we come to some conclusions without such dramatic experiences?
It begins with knowing ourselves and not trying to live out our lives based on other people's expectations. What makes you happy? What makes you fulfilled? Things? Sometimes yes and sometimes no.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It's time to announce the winners of the Valentine's Giveaway. I was able to draw three names from my list of commenters. Thanks everyone for your input.
Here are the winners:
Tea Loving Lady
Ingasmile
and Dodie
Congratulations! Please e-mail me so that I can send you further information.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day. Mine was wonderful but my thoughts and prayers were with the families of the students who were killed and injured in the Valentine's Day shooting at nearby Northern Illinois University two years ago.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Be sure to come back tomorrow when I'll take you along to Amy's house for the Bloggy get together.
Now is the part where I turn the meeting over to you. What's new? What would you love to discuss?
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