tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-275864542356093232023-11-16T10:42:32.622-06:00HOWLING AT THE MOONThe late night ramblings of AuburnhairedartistAuburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.comBlogger362125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-90275543892439357932012-08-14T01:30:00.000-05:002012-08-14T01:30:10.295-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKxRHnRsCv6Db9oQYE_wkTnezNlp-MiEWCsLOjmqR6JY4QJ5lWDAUwfbeGOOyhDQU7_FX8gHTdDRcLmYxmQe_UzUZEONHF84xCdF2jRcTApT-emXVbi9mkiuYApeYH1DupwU-gG66090/s1600/Picture+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKxRHnRsCv6Db9oQYE_wkTnezNlp-MiEWCsLOjmqR6JY4QJ5lWDAUwfbeGOOyhDQU7_FX8gHTdDRcLmYxmQe_UzUZEONHF84xCdF2jRcTApT-emXVbi9mkiuYApeYH1DupwU-gG66090/s320/Picture+072.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-81270723232525919252011-03-10T20:39:00.000-06:002011-03-10T20:39:58.548-06:00<div>Sometimes, allowing yourself to cry is the scariest thing you'll ever do. And the bravest. It takes alot of courage to face the facts, stare loss in the face, bear your heart and let it bleed.</div><br />
<div>But it's the only way to cleanse your wounds and prepare them for healing, God will take care of the rest.</div><br />
<div>~Barbra Johnson</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-11518313661777846562010-12-12T02:38:00.003-06:002010-12-12T03:58:38.557-06:00It's getting a little flakey here . . .at the Asylum.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkiYv2XrqIAxe7DHPPWf8u_21sVYPDCrzwJw7tY4UV0qRjZQNNQmQH9W8ox4uhhegfXv7e4uBfsRgYKvVl10GunTG_XI71v0pLJSSEL2L4EMMS2sIS_Cr4u8RHb-lPwbR1doVxyqO190/s1600/snowflake-brush-set.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkiYv2XrqIAxe7DHPPWf8u_21sVYPDCrzwJw7tY4UV0qRjZQNNQmQH9W8ox4uhhegfXv7e4uBfsRgYKvVl10GunTG_XI71v0pLJSSEL2L4EMMS2sIS_Cr4u8RHb-lPwbR1doVxyqO190/s320/snowflake-brush-set.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We are in the midst of our first snowfall of the season. I just wish I could say how beautiful it is, but it really isn't. Overnight it turned bitterly cold and the wind started literally howling around us. When the snow finally started to fall, late this afternoon, it was icy cold and dry. It took a couple of hours for it to even begin to show on the lawns and cars. Now the wind is just whipping it around and making a mess. It looks like God dumped a giant salt shaker on us. No, I'm not at all pleased with this. The worst part of all is that it's just so freakin' cold. <br />
<br />
NO ONE wants to go outside except the dogs, and that's just a nuisance. My dogs absolutely love snow, a nice snowfall will turn them into playful pups every time. But as I said, this isn't a "nice" snowfall. It's the wind. I don't know why, but the wind truly excites them - no matter what the temperatures. Maybe it's all the scents that are carried along by it? This morning, Jenn kept insisting that there must be a dog in heat, somewhere in the neighborhood, but I've seen them behave this way before when the wind blows. It's almost as if the wind is whispering magical doggie secrets in their ears. They run, they jump, they dance, they whimper and bark; and then, they will turn and look at me with wide eyes, as if to say,<br />
"Did you hear that mom !?!" <br />
Yes, even my dogs are crazy.<br />
<br />
Other than having five dogs bouncing around with their heads full of the mysteries of the universe, and visions of sugar plums, and God only knows what else. . . Things around here have been reasonably quiet for a change. I've managed to get a few things accomplished . Nothing major, just stuff like taking a shower -without a police officer knocking at the door, going to the store - without needing to call a tow truck, Tidying up the basement - without a flood or fire.<br />
<br />
Ooops, well, I forgot. Jenn was making chocolate covered pretzels and the burner did catch a tiny blaze from the melted chocolate. . . Normally, not a big deal, except for Nick and Jenn trying to put it out. When I walked into the kitchen Nick was shouting all kinds of stupid instructions to Jenn. <br />
"Get some baking soda! Get some flour ! Maybe, we need salt!?!"<br />
Jenn tried to put it out by covering it with a frying pan turned upside down - didn't work.<br />
Then Nick tried beating it to death with a towel, which only resulted in breifly catching the towel on fire. Then Nick saw me and shouted,<br />
"Mom ! What do we need to put out a kitchen fire !?! Do something, quick !"<br />
So I walked over to the stove, leaned over, blew out the flames in two puffs, rolled my eyes, and walked away, mumbling, 'freakin lunatics . . .' under my breath. <br />
<br />
Sheesh, gosh darn crazy people . . . They want to turn every tiny incident into a major drama; Then, when something major happens, they act like it's normal ! Ugh, they make my head hurt.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-7260651786859544992010-12-11T05:02:00.000-06:002010-12-11T05:02:14.320-06:00TGIF?I dunno, around here, Friday is just as crazy as all the other days. I don't get any great prize for making it to the weekend. In fact, the weekends are apt to be crazier that the week before, because it's likely that I'll have more people in my house. I'm really developing a distaste for people in general, especially ones that I have to live with.<br />
<br />
Well, that's not entirely true. I really love my teenagers. I seem to relate to them better than most people. Maybe it's because I'm about as frustrated and pissed off as they are.<br />
<br />
I'm fairly certain that my husband's brain is literally rotting inside his head. Seriously, I think his brain is gone. He's got that "the lights are on, but no body's home" look in his eyes all the time lately. And the scary thing is, he seems to be completely content with that. I don't know if it's the methadone, or if he's combining something else with it, or if it's just the effect of years of addiction catching up with his brain. Hell, for all I know, he's going senile. All I know, is that I can't take many more weeks like this one.<br />
<br />
Sunday night, He went to go pick up some money from a job that he did. So as he's driving down the highway towards home, with $40.00 cash in his pocket, passing dozens of gas stations, he runs out of gas! Anyway, I'm at home in bed with the flu, and he calls me and asks if I can bring him a gas can and run him to the gas station. When I get there to pick him up, I have to wake him up because he's sleeping. I ask him why he doesn't carry an extra gas can in the car, since he has run the car out of gas 6 times in the past two weeks? Or better yet - why didn't he just stop at one of the many, fine, reputable, gas stations and put gas in the car?! He informs me that he <em>does</em> have a gas can in the car, and he just didn't want to walk to the gas station, or stop and put gas in the car, because he was too tired and it's cold outside!!!<br />
<br />
Monday morning, on his way home from the methadone clinic, he wrecked the car, because he fell asleep while he was driving down the highway at 60 miles an hour! When he got home, I had to explain to him what "Liability Only" Insurance meant; and that he wasn't getting any money from the insurance company.<br />
<br />
Tuesday night, I sent him to get dog food at the grocery store. As usual, the dogs informed me when he got home, even though I saw the headlights pull into the driveway. After waiting over twenty minutes for him to come inside, the dogs were clawing at he front door. I thought maybe he was on the phone or something, so I finally sent Nick out to get the dog food. Nick brought in the groceries and Roy followed him, looking kind of dazed and confused. Apparently, Nick had to knock on the window to get the bags because, Roy had fallen asleep in the driveway. It was 18 degrees outside.<br />
<br />
Wednesday, Nick had court. Total chaos.<br />
<br />
Thursday night, when Roy came home, Jenn, Heather, and I were getting ready to leave for the grocery store. After telling him where the girls and I were going - <em>three times - </em>I asked him if he wanted me to get anything for him. He told me what he wanted, and as we were walking out the door, he wanted to know where I was going ! I rolled my eyes and said, "To. The. Store !"<br />
to which he responded, "Okay, I didn't know, you never told me that."<br />
I asked Heather, " How many times we tell him?"<br />
She said, <strong>"</strong><em>LIKE, FIVE TIMES </em>!"<br />
When we came home, I started recruiting people to help carry in groceries. My husband comes down the stairs and says, "Hi! Where have you been?"<strong> </strong><br />
<br />
This evening, I told Roy that I needed to go to the drugstore for a few things, and he offered to drive me. When we pulled into the parking lot, he looked at me and said, "Why are we here?"<br />
I rolled my eyes and got out of the car as he said, "oh yeah, I remember." (and I'm still not entirely sure that he did.) As we walked across the parking lot, I asked him, "When you leave the house in the morning . . . how long do you drive around before you figure out where you're going?"<br />
He said, "Oh, I usually figure that out before I leave."<br />
I said, "Uh-huh. And how many times do you forget where you're going, before you finally get there?"<br />
He chuckled and said, "Only about two or three times."<br />
I don't think that's funny.<br />
<br />
Then, just when I thought I was safe for the evening, with my husband in bed, sleeping . . . I'm sitting here at the computer, and I start to smell something odd. I start sniffing around and follow the scent up the stairs. I walk into the bedroom, and the room is hazy grey from smoke. (again) My husband is fast asleep, and next to him is a pillow with a lit cigarette laying on top of it. There's an area the size of a dinner plate that's been charred black, and the smoke that's rising from it smells toxic. I turn on the lights and tell him to put out his pillow. He sits up, looks at me, and starts to cough. I calmly say, "Roy. The pillow is on fire." He finally responds by carrying the smoking pillow to the bath tub and dousing it with water. Without a word, he carries the soaking pillow downstairs, puts it into a trash bag, tosses it out the front door, and goes back up stairs.<br />
Now. Here's the crazy part. When I went upstairs to check on him, he was sitting on the edge of the bed, with the window open, still coughing . . . smoking a cigarette.<br />
<br />
What should I do?<br />
Buy more smoke detectors?<br />
Invest my fortune in insurance policies?<br />
<br />
I just went up stairs to check on him again. He's asleep. He put out his cigarette and I took the rest of the pack. Unfortunately, he left the window open and it's about 45 degrees in my bedroom right now. I'm tired and I'd like to get some sleep before the next near death incident occurs, but I think I'll wait a bit for my room to warm up.<br />
<br />
I just can't wait to find out what excitement the weekend brings . . . (NOT)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-71121011502596779782010-12-10T02:28:00.002-06:002010-12-10T02:36:18.914-06:00No EscapeYou know . . . I've really been trying to put together some kind of coherent post to slap on this infernal blog . . . I really have. You have no idea how many half baked drafts I have stored away, but they never seem to get past a paragraph or two before I end up rolling my eyes and mumbling,<br />
"Who am I kidding . . ." shut off the computer, and walk away.<br />
<br />
So . . . as of today, as of right now, I'm just going to be posting <em>in</em>coherent, random, half baked crap. It may not make alot of sense to anyone, but that's the way it goes. Apparently, I'm having a nervous breakdown, and until I feel better, that's just how it's going to be. Besides, it's my asylum, and if anyone objects, they can bloody well piss off. Okay with everyone? Good.<br />
<br />
Today -<br />
<br />
I feel like shit. I woke up this morning with a black cloud inside my head and that's just fine, because I don't give a care. No, I don't. I've been spending a lot of time alone in my room, because the crazy people aren't allowed in there. It's just me and my dogs. I have this sign on my door:<br />
<br />
DO NOT DISTURB<br />
REALLY. ~ DON'T.<br />
<br />
I've been working on an escape plan, but I've got nothing yet. This is MY house, and MY life, and I want it back. There are way too many people running amok and destroying my world. I thought about training my dogs to eat all the extra people, but I think that my dogs might get sick. And Midnight is already too fat. I don't like to come out of my room until they are all asleep, and then, I have to clean up their mess. They suck. They're self-absorbed, irresponsible, idiots. (the extra people, not the dogs.)<br />
I have to call the doctor tomorrow so I'll need to find a phone. My husband is being a total ass today. I'm not liking him very much. No, not very much at all - he sucks too.<br />
<br />
The End.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-33325423694227181792010-12-02T01:18:00.000-06:002010-12-02T01:18:22.549-06:00Please stand by . . .Okay, I'm back on line. I lost my internet shortly after Halloween and I'm now limping along with my broadband hook up. Fortunately, Jake has a friend that's going to try and speed things up for us. (hopefully) At any rate, It'll be a while before my computer finally lets me down load that many photos in one post - but I AM working on it. (In between all this holiday craziness!)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-66100603583578444262010-10-22T02:14:00.001-05:002010-10-22T02:16:53.381-05:00I must be watching . . .too much pre-Halloween T.V. these days. (Ghost Adventures, Paranormal State, and other generally creepy shows.)<br />
As I was playing around on the Internet this evening, My best buddy, Midnight, who is always snuggled at my feet, curled up under the computer table to do just that. In the process, he must have laid on top of one of Baby Brooklyn's dolls that she cast aside. In the dead silence of 1:30 AM, I hear this creepy little baby doll laugh. For the longest second of my life, my entire body froze, and my heart did a little skip. When my brain finally placed the sound, I exhaled and rolled my eyes, muttering to myself about what a dumbass I am.<br />
(Midnight, kept right on snoring and never batted an eye.)<br />
:)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-14637743937627792512010-10-19T01:46:00.001-05:002010-10-19T01:55:54.725-05:00I've lost my mindSo what else is new? Yeah, I know, that's a lame excuse for neglecting my blog, but it's the only one I've got. Things around here have have been absolutely crazy. The kids back to school, trying to get every thing for the haunt cranked out, Roy and Nick trying to stay busy with their new "business", feeling total panic and chaos. . . Trust me, you really wouldn't have wanted to read any of the gibberish that I would have posted over the past month any way.<br />
<br />
I guess the good news is, I'm still here and I haven't killed anyone - so far. I'm getting down to the wire on all this Halloween madness, less than two weeks until the big night. Sadly, I've had to scratch my two big projects. (again!) The mausoleum and flying crank ghost will have to wait for next year, (hopefully) and so will my horse drawn hearse project. (sigh) But our theme, "A wedding to DIE for," is still happening as planned. For the most part, I'm down to the details. I've got the front lawn cemetery all set up, and the transformation of turning the garage into an asylum chapel has begun. (Of course, it would be really helpful if I could get my hubby more involved :/ ) I just hope it all goes as planned and doesn't come off as being too lame. My biggest fear is that it will either be too cold or rainy, and no one will show up. The fact that Halloween falls on a Sunday this year makes every thing pretty risky to begin with. However, I did manage to get the haunt listed on <a href="http://www.fox4kc.com/lifestyle/holiday/halloween/map">Fox 4's Spook Central site</a> and I'm planning on spending tomorrow getting some invitations and flyers printed off to mail out and hand out at the elementary and Middle school. Maybe that will help?<br />
<br />
Well, it's late and I still have stuff to get done tonight. <em>I promise</em>, I will be better at posts. Oh! and I'll get photos posted of the front yard soon. If you want to see the Chapel, you'll have to wait until November for photos - or better yet, come see it in person Halloween night !!<br />
<br />
Okay, back to prop building . . .<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-30602469235230387062010-09-05T01:24:00.002-05:002010-09-05T02:11:47.040-05:00Baby Brooklyn's First Birthday Bash !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ku8nPqvYMlrzxqoVH44M9DtM2F_LPNJztuESgGpXrNQuh6CqLTFWSx__Fg5C2nNxE99Hqs9u6oktnMtaIJwHo7aqdJXY3siJRpaNdXp8AuuQA4Bn9gN0qvXc9ES-FKkhHZtZKS5z4Co/s1600/Brooklyn+bday+no1+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ku8nPqvYMlrzxqoVH44M9DtM2F_LPNJztuESgGpXrNQuh6CqLTFWSx__Fg5C2nNxE99Hqs9u6oktnMtaIJwHo7aqdJXY3siJRpaNdXp8AuuQA4Bn9gN0qvXc9ES-FKkhHZtZKS5z4Co/s320/Brooklyn+bday+no1+044.jpg" /></a></div>I just can't believe what a beautiful day we had for it ! Also, I had forgotten how much these one year olds can party ! By the time we got home, everyone was exhausted. Even I had to curl up with my pups and take a nap. (I took lots of photos that I'll post on my <a href="http://lunaticsontheloose.blogspot.com/">Lunatics on the Lose Blog</a> soon.) <br />
<br />
Like most one year olds, Brooklyn adores Sesame Street. (specifically Elmo !) So that was the theme for the party. Jenn planned and worked so hard to pull it all together, and she did an awesome job. Everything was beautiful, and I think everyone had a great time.<br />
<br />
It was so wonderful to get out, and actually be able to enjoy the weather for a change. To be honest, the hot weather has kept me inside far too much this year. I'm convinced that being stuck inside has not been good for my health, or my mental state. Now that things have finally started to cool off, I'm going to make it a point to get out as much as possible - I've really missed my outside time. Being cooped up in the house has made me into a depressed, cranky, old woman - I don't like it. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow, (after I walk my dogs) I plan on loading up anyone who wants to come, and do our annual Halloween inspiration field trip. I know that most of the stores have already started stocking their Halloween merchandise, and I've heard that the local Halloween Spirit store is open already. We'll mostly do a lot of window shopping, probably won't buy anything just yet. Although, my hubby has promised to buy me a couple of fog machines this year !!! (I saved up all my aluminum pop cans and tabs in order to get it) I'm very excited, and hopefully, it will help to get everyone else into the holiday spirit. My husband has been a total zombie this year, but that really doesn't count, because he's really not very scary. (He mostly spends his time in bed.)<br />
<br />
So . . . I need to get myself off to bed - big day tomorrow.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-51563421114572649642010-09-03T00:46:00.000-05:002010-09-03T00:46:22.539-05:00Very slowly, it's starting to happen . . .I was starting to think that it wouldn't; but one day at a time, Autumn is <strong>finally </strong>returning. The days are getting shorter, and earlier this week, a late night thunderstorm crept into town. Today, seemed like an almost perfect Autumn day. The skies were overcast with fluffy white clouds with ribbons of soft, dark grey below. I went to the store this afternoon, and the side walks out front were cluttered with stacks of orange pumpkins and fall colored mums. All the stores are filling their isles with Halloween and Fall merchandise. This evening, as I write this, it's down right chilly outside. The leaves haven't even begun to turn, and the air is still lacking that crisp, leafy, fall scent; but I have hope now. It will arrive soon enough.<br />
<br />
All in all, today has been a good one. Today is Baby Brooklyn's first Birthday. For the past week, she's been learning to walk on her own. (without holding on to the furniture) She's getting pretty good at it too. Her mommy is hoping that she can show off her new skills at her birthday party on Saturday.<br />
<br />
Jacob's 16th birthday is only six days away, but he got his present today. Over the summer he saved up $250.00 from working with Roy and Nick, and Roy and I added the rest of the money so that he could buy a car from one of his friends. We picked it up this evening. I don't think I've ever seen him so excited and happy. It doesn't even matter to him that he can't drive it until he gets insurance, tags, and takes his final driver's test next week. He's just thrilled to know that he actually has a car ! I couldn't get a photo of it because it was already dark when we picked it up, but I'll try to post one soon.<br />
<br />
September has become a busy month for birthdays around here. Brooklyn on the second, My other grand daughter, Ana on the sixth, then, Jake on the eighth. If I can survive the first week of this month, I think I'll be alright - at least until Heather's birthday ! (November 11th)<br />
<br />
Okay, it's late and I'm feeling sugared out and exhausted from birthday cake!<br />
Good night all.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-23893831418257686012010-08-25T11:38:00.000-05:002010-08-25T11:38:57.922-05:00I haven't fallen off the edge of the Earth . . .at least, not yet. Although, lately, if I could find my way to the edge, I just might consider taking a dive.<br />
<br />
I don't know what's up with this month, but I've been extra ordinarily busy lately. My August calendar page is an absolute mess. There are only a few days without appointments filled in and I've been using those days to try and get some prop work done. Things have just been crazy around here! <br />
<br />
In fact, the only reason I've actually found time to post, is because all this mad dashing about has finally drained me. Apparently, while I was trying to catch my second wind over the weekend, I managed to inhale a bit too much air. (or at least the wrong kind.) It seems that right now, Kansas is in the midst of a toxic ragweed season - UGH! When I woke this morning, I knew that I'd been hit hard with the allergy stick. Thankfully, I only had one appointment today. I've spent the rest of my day in bed. I just can't seem to get enough sleep lately. In fact, I think that I'll be heading back there soon. <br />
<br />
I just wanted to check in and share yet another reason to be excited about October 31st. (as if Halloween weren't enough !) It seems that AMC has chosen Halloween as the date for the <a href="http://www.amctv.com/originals/The-Walking-Dead/video?bcpid=86227333001&bclid=88963904001&bctid=593569611001">Walking Dead season premiere!</a> (click link to view 4 min. trailer ) I'm so excited ! If any one wants to buy me a gift, I could REALLY use a DVD recorder. Between AMC's The Walking Dead, and Breaking Bad, I could put one to good use! :)<br />
<br />
Okay, off to bed, then . . . back to prop building !<br />
<br />
Good night every one !<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-11842641337492111742010-08-05T12:32:00.000-05:002010-08-05T12:32:24.671-05:00It's days like this . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasg44AGAeXiGAUvjlz9li1twy1thYsjV7DWjXbZBdRUhKi3QbS_B92Zq1sxGN-AVH0Dzqf3NX0pzqFG0Ie7vE_Djc5RPSOBspCH5gFSQFJ2p0Vxx7JrTt3JSm7L7yrKvefNzqcbrXZEw/s1600/8510+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasg44AGAeXiGAUvjlz9li1twy1thYsjV7DWjXbZBdRUhKi3QbS_B92Zq1sxGN-AVH0Dzqf3NX0pzqFG0Ie7vE_Djc5RPSOBspCH5gFSQFJ2p0Vxx7JrTt3JSm7L7yrKvefNzqcbrXZEw/s320/8510+001.jpg" /></a></div>that REALLY make me feel old. Today is my oldest son's 25th birthday ! I just can't believe it ! It's reached the point that I feel older on THEIR birthdays, than I do on my own ! I can usually ignore the fact that I'm getting another year older because, I don't feel any different, it's just another day. My birthday doesn't make me stop and recollect my milestones; but my kids . . . that's another story. As they grow up, I find myself reminded that they were just babies not so long ago. Even though I have four of them (and four grand kids as well!) I can remember when each of them first learned to crawl, to walk, their first words, their first day at school, and THAT is when I REALLY start to feel old - when I realise how quickly life just slips away. All morning, I've been struggling to believe that Nick is <strong>25 </strong>years old today. I honestly don't have any idea how that happened.<br />
Of course, with Nick . . . it's just a little different. Over the course of his 25 years, the two of us have been through so much together, so many traumatic events; well . . . today, I feel . . . ANCIENT !<br />
<br />
If I could have just one birthday wish for my son, it would be that those difficult and traumatic events are all in his past.<br />
<br />
Happy Birthday, Nick !!!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-28883031967446387282010-07-20T19:55:00.000-05:002010-07-20T19:55:46.426-05:00Everybody is talking . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_V5ETdiUPHfxXtenKkAn8bRz8M1AK77s2q_RDJHp5nwBr6Pn-vQkXEcGtWjXtpV9PuTtFIGO1xWpJDGJIuwI3-XeHGMFCSdzuz6B_YViq-IsAofT3OZtz66qsCmyUp-SjUDSH22Xb88/s1600/TWD-Episode101-Zombie-Grass-WM-560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_V5ETdiUPHfxXtenKkAn8bRz8M1AK77s2q_RDJHp5nwBr6Pn-vQkXEcGtWjXtpV9PuTtFIGO1xWpJDGJIuwI3-XeHGMFCSdzuz6B_YViq-IsAofT3OZtz66qsCmyUp-SjUDSH22Xb88/s400/TWD-Episode101-Zombie-Grass-WM-560.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>about AMC's upcoming "Walking Dead" series due out in October. You didn't know? Well, it's all over the blogs! I am really, super excited about the whole thing - I can't wait ! The thing is, it really is, ALL over the blogs. It's almost too much. I'm afraid that I'll be let down if I start psyching myself up so soon. And, I'm not sure that I want to know every single, up to the second, detail. I just want it to be October . . . Now! <br />
<br />
Wait, no, that wouldn't be good . . . Ugh, Okay, I want it to be October and for all my haunt work to be completed so that I can sit back and enjoy the series and the fruits of my labors. There. That's what I want !<br />
It's not much to ask for . . . is it?<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-19997756277090183422010-07-19T01:23:00.001-05:002010-07-19T01:26:39.974-05:00I always know that I'm in trouble . . .when I hear an unusually sweet, and ridiculously innocent, voice calling to me, saying:<br />
"Mommmmmyyy . . . How much do you love me?" <br />
It's at times like that when I quickly glance around, hoping that it's just an audio hallucination; and when I realise that it's not, I have to quickly size up the odds of making a smooth and successful escape. Unfortunately, in a house the size of mine, that's rarely a feasible option. Instead, I'm usually obligated to respond. Responding isn't the problem, it's what comes next. <br />
Inevitably, it's one of my children wanting . . . something. Most likely, a ride somewhere, or permission to do, or go somewhere that I may have to veto, which will eventually lead to some sort of elaborate, drawn out, debate.<br />
<br />
In short, a situation that's going to exact more of my time. And that - time - seems to be the one thing that is always in short supply for me. (Well . . . that, and money.) As summer wears on, I'm quickly edging towards panic mode. I am now looking at a mere 103 days before Halloween and I'm no where near where I should be in terms of completed haunt props. Jenn keeps reminding me that I've accomplished so much more this year than last year. Which is true, but last year, I wasn't changing themes. I was just updating an old one. I keep telling myself:<br />
'Only one more month to go, then I'll have eight blessed hours a day to get things done.' Of course, by then, the Halloween countdown will be at 73 days ! I don't even want to think about what a basket case I'll be by then !!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-12390964376845275352010-07-12T00:16:00.001-05:002010-07-16T00:19:37.777-05:00Looks like I've survived another one . . .Weekend, that is. Although things haven't worked out quite as planned. The rains have returned and as much as try to enjoy it, (I used to love rainy days) it's becoming harder and harder. I'm finding that as I get older, anything more than a shower results in headaches and respitory issues. (maybe I've developed an allergy to mold?) All I know is that I started feeling sluggish yesterday, and spent most of last night struggling with body aches and coughing fits. Today, with a stready down pour, has been worse. I've lost my motivation and I just want to crawl back into bed.<br />
<br />
So, not much to report here. I feel I've been in such a daze, if anything did happen, I probably missed it entirely. I think I'll just park myself on the couch with a blanket and wait for the sun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozzvSuSydXi4Ho4ViAXFSDJ2Qqn3JGkr8uGxn0uPApIIvjkYskzMn9B6QjWtvcMkZSfHvRMSPBOvJyWAJ4lPmP6zjiaEkROsf9JygGz3SCxPWZdHxdivdGC9WRcCMXsQ-bOLnKkJUe5o/s1600/lolcatsdotcom6vf8m1jop7ps8j7z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozzvSuSydXi4Ho4ViAXFSDJ2Qqn3JGkr8uGxn0uPApIIvjkYskzMn9B6QjWtvcMkZSfHvRMSPBOvJyWAJ4lPmP6zjiaEkROsf9JygGz3SCxPWZdHxdivdGC9WRcCMXsQ-bOLnKkJUe5o/s320/lolcatsdotcom6vf8m1jop7ps8j7z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-43442251951956067072010-07-08T00:16:00.000-05:002010-07-08T00:16:01.142-05:00I have to say . . .I feel totally exhausted ! Didn't get enough sleep last night - I was up late with a bunch of fry brained teens watching Ferris Beuhler's Day Off. Don't ask me why. It's just one of those oldies that seem to suck you in.<br />
<br />
You know, I think I have probably reached that mid-way point of Summer when I am ready for the kids to go back to school. Things are just getting a little too weird. My youngest daughter seems to have made the complete transformation into a "nocturnal creature," and now I can't find 5 minutes to myself. Of course, the kids are just hitting their stride. They never seem to run out of things to do, places to go, and ways to make me nuts. I think the worst part of this summer is that the weather has just been so awful. Either it's extreme heat, or it's pouring down rain. My summer escapes of sneaking off to walk the dogs have been few and far between. Being stuck inside with so many people is becoming claustrophobic.<br />
<br />
I've spent most of my day gathering food supplies for the month of July. Grocery day is always a work out. A couple of days prior, Jenn and I work out a dinner menu for the month (which may, or may not, be adhered to) and a shopping list. I've finally gotten a little smarter and started saving some of our favorite meal plans on the computer so we don't have to rack our brains every month trying to come up with 30 different meals. Then, on the specified day, it's off to the stores. (We put it off this month until we were almost out of everything.) Load hundreds of dollars of food stuffs off the shelf and into the cart. Unload it at the check out. We do as much shopping as possible at discount stores like Aldi's, so it's bag it all up and load it back into the carts. (This week, we had THREE carts full at Aldi's!) Load it into the car, trying to find room for it all in Jenn's car isn't easy. Unload it into the house - if we're lucky, we have help on that. And finally, try to find a place to store it. Then, we're off to a bigger store (someplace like Walmart or Hy-Vee) to get the remaining items that Aldi's might not stock, and do the whole thing all over again !! All that food shopping and I didn't get a chance to eat anything until 10:30PM !! By then, I was too exhausted to do cook anything, so I settled for a leftover salad and some cheese crescent rolls.<br />
<br />
So yeah, I'm feeling like a zombie right now. I think I'll shuffle off to bed.<br />
<br />
Good night.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-1839007656186899742010-06-27T23:54:00.000-05:002010-06-27T23:54:16.057-05:00Just when I think . . .That my life couldn't possibly get any stranger than it already is, my husband goes and does something that totally bewilders me. And really, it's not just any one thing. I've noticed that lately, my hubby has developed a sizable portfolio of rather odd and quirky behaviors. I'd heard that men get a little flaky after they reach "a certain age;" but honestly, I didn't think I'd live long enough to ever find out exactly what that meant. (If you know anything about my husband, then you know why I've never held any expectations for an excessively long life.) What concerns, yea, even terrifies me, i<strong>s</strong> that this may be just the beginning - the tip of the iceberg.<strong> (</strong>I've seen enough horror movies to know that these things always start off small, and seemingly benign . . .) In fact, I'm not exactly sure when it all started, all I know is that I find myself looking at him and thinking 'What the hell . . .' <strong>multiple </strong>times a day. No, I'm not going to go into all the specifics and details. I'm not up for that tonight. *SIGH*<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I need to get myself motivated to spend the day at the college. Yep, I'm going back to school. I give up - time to move on to P<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">lan</span> B. I've sent out about a million resumes, and because of all my optical experience, I've been called in to interview for most of them. However, it seems that my lack of computer skills and insurance experience is holding me back from actually getting the jobs. So, I'm going to take some courses on computers and insurance coding. Honestly, I just can't imagine anything more boring. I'm a little concerned that if the technical aspect of optics has become so much more important than the optical and personal aspects - I may not even be interested in returning to it. Just in case, I'm also going to try and squeeze in an art class. *BIG SIGH* I don't know, right now, I'm feeling a little lost and uncertain about the whole thing - but I have to do something.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I need to get myself off to bed.<br />
Good night.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-30542481892870452342010-06-23T15:32:00.000-05:002010-06-23T15:32:14.176-05:00And the word for the day is . . . .Sweltering ! It's one of <em>those </em>days. The sun's heat is slowly melting everything down to it's basic elements. When I stepped out the door this morning, I could literally smell the petroleum rising up from the streets; reminding me how plastic and man-made the world is. <br />
And to make matters worse, I woke up this morning with my brain doing a million miles an hour. That little neurotic self that cowers in the back of my brain is hyped up on . . . . something. She's managed to push her way to the front of my head and is frantically making lists of impossible tasks that simply <strong>must</strong> be completed yesterday! I almost fell for her insanity. (she's so good at reeling me in.) Instead, I've opted to breathe deeply, smile, and stand my ground. I simply refuse. I don't even want to look at the lists - I'm in no mood for it today. I'm feeling very fragile, I could be easily pushed over the edge. I'm going to stay inside where it's cool and do things that calm and soothe me. I'll let you know how that works out.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-38592203683264623512010-06-21T03:19:00.003-05:002010-06-21T03:44:09.113-05:00How the Foley's do Father's Day. (in pictures, of course!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's been a very busy weekend here, at the Foley house. As I posted yesterday, it was my birthday; Today, we celebrated Father's day. (Roy's 20th, and Nick's first.) Knowing how much Roy and Nick enjoy fishing and just hanging out at the local lakes, we decided to get both of them their Kansas fishing license for Father's day. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We had originally planned to spend the day at the lake as a family, but today was one of those really hot and humid Kansas days. Also, Jake had gone camping with his girl friend, Chrissy's family and wasn't due back until later this afternoon. Instead, we all spent our morning sleeping late, and generally, being lazy. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnWevbfg_6M1BrDrOAQ5LokMaJytSr9cEddh5G98fDfsTqyjIOiVUcnS_0lBwTB5OHyztuZCOdqcWNi20K7724WwxJHDuPpMbGjTk4iwvI-nflC2RjjX2RVFgkmQeS9ZMqYLgfmDv1pY/s1600/DSCN0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnWevbfg_6M1BrDrOAQ5LokMaJytSr9cEddh5G98fDfsTqyjIOiVUcnS_0lBwTB5OHyztuZCOdqcWNi20K7724WwxJHDuPpMbGjTk4iwvI-nflC2RjjX2RVFgkmQeS9ZMqYLgfmDv1pY/s320/DSCN0014.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4ervSQ0Fh_ZQA_-Glzp0RHmibnERB18DwwyRyn50Mip7Of6cxe1axDFlrcKP7YqkiMiDO4-2FwhIU-fbnwjZ7Vzm-DDhmAhRoSLvCCJ3n9FSmzOMjd8GEWx4ZBlBfbWABeyEBxGj4xM/s1600/DSCN0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4ervSQ0Fh_ZQA_-Glzp0RHmibnERB18DwwyRyn50Mip7Of6cxe1axDFlrcKP7YqkiMiDO4-2FwhIU-fbnwjZ7Vzm-DDhmAhRoSLvCCJ3n9FSmzOMjd8GEWx4ZBlBfbWABeyEBxGj4xM/s320/DSCN0019.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Around 4PM, after Jake had come home and showered, Roy decided that it was cool enough to load up in the minivan and make a trip to one of K.C.'s bigger and older cemeteries so that I could get some practice with my new camera. While my husband and kids are used to these morbid little adventures, Jenn has a slight aversion to hanging out with dead people. So while we were gone, Nick and Jenn decided to take Baby Brooklyn to get supplies and prepare for our evening cook out/ fishing trip at the Lake.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We went to Forest Hills Cemetery in Kansas City, MO. It's an huge, beautiful, old cemetery in an older, mostly run down area of town.</div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8uRSeBhXVr-uIGr0CxPlBkmriDjz2oBtQ7ZGJe-MIvwvc38iIFr2u0-oKeOeb7MzAhCRMlebJ9u6OLDzOiyWWYZ9JbfOaxBMIF2UpHINk4aquJr6A_dYfn1_x5vnlp_5A7epJ5E6XCw/s1600/DSCN0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8uRSeBhXVr-uIGr0CxPlBkmriDjz2oBtQ7ZGJe-MIvwvc38iIFr2u0-oKeOeb7MzAhCRMlebJ9u6OLDzOiyWWYZ9JbfOaxBMIF2UpHINk4aquJr6A_dYfn1_x5vnlp_5A7epJ5E6XCw/s400/DSCN0099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the Abbey at Forest Hills. It is absolutely HUGE. This photo only shows about 1/3 of it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below, are some of the ornate headstones, family plot markers, and statuary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblN97vAMcm-KU1Kyrr-s-qzY07iWQ8u1ZXe473Cj6Ho9RozdSovZKmQd81xvyGsZ6m8JzARgXZTbNeJ2Me5CNgRq1jQvgmVAurnGXuk1g_dQPaMawvETNiJke9MFz2c5V7JYuIm62LXQ/s1600/DSCN0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblN97vAMcm-KU1Kyrr-s-qzY07iWQ8u1ZXe473Cj6Ho9RozdSovZKmQd81xvyGsZ6m8JzARgXZTbNeJ2Me5CNgRq1jQvgmVAurnGXuk1g_dQPaMawvETNiJke9MFz2c5V7JYuIm62LXQ/s320/DSCN0087.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">There were also many, many mausoleums that are just breath-taking in design. (I'll post those photos on my "Screams from the basement" blog because I'll be using them as inspiration to design a mausoleum with a flying crank ghost for my home haunt.)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">But the coolest part of the whole afternoon was when we found an abandoned public mausoleum in the oldest part of the cemetery. It had been built into a hill and had apparently become flooded or damaged at some point. The old brass doors had been removed and replaced with a roll up door so that the coffins could be relocated. It was still obvious that the outside of the mausoleum had been lovely. As I started to photograph it the kids began to investigate.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81S7soBebeB62XkPayloBQv7fbU5vb5JGFyvWYdUasVd-A7X09Xghwofj_u3FygQybaNT2S883qTBuxSiZALrsM6LjdQYPDwoLLPbi4HWj9wEfIGakQY7oKXxZoVK5-48uOfyg6ifokg/s1600/DSCN0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81S7soBebeB62XkPayloBQv7fbU5vb5JGFyvWYdUasVd-A7X09Xghwofj_u3FygQybaNT2S883qTBuxSiZALrsM6LjdQYPDwoLLPbi4HWj9wEfIGakQY7oKXxZoVK5-48uOfyg6ifokg/s320/DSCN0078.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Before I could snap the first picture, they discovered that the roll up door was, either intentionally, or accidentally, left <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">un</span>locked. Of course, not knowing what might be inside, they had to peek. As soon as they started to roll the door open, they felt an <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">un</span>-natural ICY cold blast of air. They got so excited, I thought they would pee themselves! As we walked inside it became obvious that all the coffins and bodies had been removed. Still, it was very creepy.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpJMRRqS-p1t-ZslXOUb_SlZEMusd2No9qk1h2hnAfVQRxKX4MplP6pnHgZO800qPCwNGBGWlm9l9hMQeeD3LMTTJSMOvdKuVhyphenhyphenToeknUpiHUh_unxDR1AODhN6FnRUsEW0D3QJVxeHE/s1600/DSCN0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpJMRRqS-p1t-ZslXOUb_SlZEMusd2No9qk1h2hnAfVQRxKX4MplP6pnHgZO800qPCwNGBGWlm9l9hMQeeD3LMTTJSMOvdKuVhyphenhyphenToeknUpiHUh_unxDR1AODhN6FnRUsEW0D3QJVxeHE/s320/DSCN0079.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoT6vZa6GEBjVuf370SZHK-w_0ssRG3N7E7PTO5QvgF8qFJZa_J07e-GzGZPlPTyF-ZuGsefAw3Ku4RFK0qFHPwtNHHNNBvW9G9NYdci-Z_OgGkWrnvIDF1U_FXqaBlG8mTmD_LkwZI4/s1600/DSCN0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoT6vZa6GEBjVuf370SZHK-w_0ssRG3N7E7PTO5QvgF8qFJZa_J07e-GzGZPlPTyF-ZuGsefAw3Ku4RFK0qFHPwtNHHNNBvW9G9NYdci-Z_OgGkWrnvIDF1U_FXqaBlG8mTmD_LkwZI4/s320/DSCN0085.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a very cool, but also very creepy adventure. Jenn would probably have NOT enjoyed it, but the kids and I were very impressed.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We got back home around 6:45 PM, and Nick and Jenn had almost everything ready to go.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">They had steaks marinating and all the side dishes and dessert almost done. We loaded up and headed to the lake. It was still sticky but not as hot. Almost everyone had gone home for the day and we pretty much had the run of the place. Nick, Jenn and the kids did some fishing - didn't catch anything :( . We got the food laid out while Roy cooked the steaks.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We stayed until the park closed.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDZHlbb52kCVi5My0lWjJ_MnizYFf38OOvhq0VXuDSWUmJfYe-5rtKGM3pxiWTty2nBlNMJj0S4A68exXDILcEhpjKqT9_GD0qvvNjDy5IlNVnrOLh6uFgQTDqrHeczsy771So29nbRQ/s1600/DSCN0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDZHlbb52kCVi5My0lWjJ_MnizYFf38OOvhq0VXuDSWUmJfYe-5rtKGM3pxiWTty2nBlNMJj0S4A68exXDILcEhpjKqT9_GD0qvvNjDy5IlNVnrOLh6uFgQTDqrHeczsy771So29nbRQ/s320/DSCN0130.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">All in all, it was a lovely day and a great weekend !</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-60647277528675004662010-06-19T23:45:00.003-05:002010-06-21T03:36:53.273-05:00All things considered . . .It's been a pretty good day. In spite of the fact that I am officially <strong>another </strong>year older. God, that sucks, but I guess it was inevitable. Time only rolls in one direction, and that's forward. Probably just as well. Still, I keep thinking about that saying . . . "youth is wasted on the young." It seems that right now, at this point in my life, I'm surrounded by young, vibrant people. Yes, I am very envious of their youth, but I also know that they only have about half a brain. (and for some of them, that's a generous estimate.) All I can do is shake my head and wonder: What was God thinkin'? There seems to be something wrong with this system. But then, I'm not as old as God - so what the hell do I know?<br />
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In any event, I have to say, the concept of birthday gift giving is an excellent idea. I got some good loot. I got a humongous, giant Jack in the Pulpit (that's a plant) from my oldest son. My husband took me out to dinner and on a mini shopping spree. I got to pick out a lot of silly things that I wouldn't normally buy for myself. I got some new movies, a new bra - which always makes a girl feel younger, or perkier, or something, a couple of tops, and a Beta fish that we have aptly named Fluffy. <br />
But best of all, my family gave me a new digital camera! It's lovely! So be warned, I'm going to be taking all kinds of photos and posting them on my blogs. Photos of work in progress for my 'Screams from the Basement' blog, family photos for my 'Lunatics on the Loose' blog, Photos of my art work for my 'Gallery' blog, and of course, Halloween night 2010 photos for my 'Howling Hollow Asylum' blog. And I'm sure I'll be photographing all sorts of silly things for this blog. Oh yes, I'm going to be a photo taking freak for a while - I'm very excited. <br />
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(Oh, here's a photo of my new plant!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5H6r9HjFyNJ3KdM9seYoAUHCLlHvr_SqI8TX43r-JNArWQ_eGvFWzfMwKsHIRIqDT0owImwVJnbCGeZjA2mePGJRWLmTdeeJHnKW2GwMcRkd8MsRMiPYxhlduXQ3meb-mwayafifGfQ/s1600/DSCN0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5H6r9HjFyNJ3KdM9seYoAUHCLlHvr_SqI8TX43r-JNArWQ_eGvFWzfMwKsHIRIqDT0owImwVJnbCGeZjA2mePGJRWLmTdeeJHnKW2GwMcRkd8MsRMiPYxhlduXQ3meb-mwayafifGfQ/s320/DSCN0027.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Okay, I've got to get myself to bed now. My birthday is officially over, and tomorrow is Father's Day - Big plans for that.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-18596575169476035202010-06-14T21:42:00.001-05:002010-06-14T21:44:38.498-05:00This has to be . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4SHyctxIR4NCqB5K4IoUNO0vh-RjAimACQNmlAvOYBVSRzsxMrLedUmc3QESjkailHkJn9IrDYk7OGEJI9wELeaO_d73b2kXbXcwiWi2M-pSVXJuI7erTeP2icihGHwpEx51IMIu-TU/s1600/1192281-1-stay-calm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4SHyctxIR4NCqB5K4IoUNO0vh-RjAimACQNmlAvOYBVSRzsxMrLedUmc3QESjkailHkJn9IrDYk7OGEJI9wELeaO_d73b2kXbXcwiWi2M-pSVXJuI7erTeP2icihGHwpEx51IMIu-TU/s320/1192281-1-stay-calm.jpg" /></a></div>One of our wettest springs/summers in a long while. I'm tired of being in the house, I feel like my brain is in a fog. I'm pretty sure that Pete feels the same way, although for different reasons. (mostly because he's a big baby!) <br />
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However, concerning dogs . . . I do have some good news. It seems that both Pete and Phoenix have decided that they are just sick and tired of being shuffled from room to room in order to avoid the inevitable doggie brawls that they have become famous for. Over the past week or so, we have had several instances where Pete and Phoenix have (accidentally) found themselves in the same room - without incidence. Although, they are still avoiding each other, they seemed to have called a conditional truce. We are slowly working on reintroducing them - during times when things are somewhat calm around the house - which of course, isn't very often.<br />
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It actually got me to thinking; When the kids were little, I used to have afternoons set aside for "quiet time." Usually, during the hottest part of the day, we would all come inside or just take some time out for quiet activities; reading a book, watching a movie with a little snack, and sometimes, when I was very lucky, it would turn into nap time. I'm thinking of doing that again. Hmmmm . . . do you think it would work with teenagers? Probably not. *sigh*<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-32117885457689854402010-06-10T02:55:00.000-05:002010-06-10T02:55:15.800-05:00I have returned . . .to the land of the living ! You probably didn't even know I was gone, huh? Yup, I've been to Zombie ville and back in the past few weeks. That's what happens when I run out of my <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">meds</span> and the stupid pharmacy says they can't give me more until the even stupider insurance company says they will approve payment. UGH ! I really hate insurance companies ! <br />
Things were starting to get pretty ugly around here for a week or so. I gave my family fair warning. I told them, "L<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ook</span>, I'm out of <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">meds</span> until the 6th of June, so until then, just to listen to what I say, and try to overlook the tone and the attitude." Then, I called Jenn a bitch, and told my husband to f*ck off.<br />
The look of fear on their faces was priceless!! Oh, I don't know, it all seems like a bad dream now. I spent a lot of my time napping, or in the basement, trying to stay focused on things other than people. (I do much better with zombies and corpses when I'm not medicated.)<br />
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Actually, I managed to accomplish a lot downstairs. My basement was a complete disaster area. Roy had installed a new furnace and A/C over Memorial day weekend, and in the process, he moved EVERY thing and his tools and equipment were all over the place. I gave him a couple of days to get rested up, hoping that he'd go back and straighten things out down there . . . HA ! What the hell was I thinkin' ?! Obviously, I just wasn't thinking clearly. So, I got Roy's mess straightened out and decided that I might as well sort through the dozen or so so storage bins filled with my haunt props and supplies to see what I had to work with this year. I found a few things that I can use, but most importantly, I finally got everything put where it belongs, so I won't have to go scavenging for what I need. (When I tore down the haunt last year, I was also preparing for Heather's birthday party, and I was too rushed to do things right.) <br />
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Now, everything is ready for me to get to work - as soon I can dig myself out from under the mountain of laundry and dishes that have accumulated while I was "away"!<br />
Wish me luck !<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-31656974076396080152010-05-30T00:19:00.005-05:002010-05-30T00:39:05.463-05:00Ho - Hummm . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5ksqlTacaTk-773P-yG5p-oXs2sVsIqmKvJ806CB4Wq6IJ7h6STiTDf7nz8cRONCHCgsZ0wVIrTC5MKBuAFKAUHWo2XNZ88oY1dSx6q1XZhTSx76ZHLu_6iE9ZNT3QyUEnNogTwGHCQ/s1600/570N~Wicked-Witch-Melting-Wizard-of-Oz-Posters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5ksqlTacaTk-773P-yG5p-oXs2sVsIqmKvJ806CB4Wq6IJ7h6STiTDf7nz8cRONCHCgsZ0wVIrTC5MKBuAFKAUHWo2XNZ88oY1dSx6q1XZhTSx76ZHLu_6iE9ZNT3QyUEnNogTwGHCQ/s320/570N~Wicked-Witch-Melting-Wizard-of-Oz-Posters.jpg" width="273" /></a></div> It's Memorial Day weekend, and I have NO plans what so ever. Surprisingly, the one time of the year when most people actually go to a cemetery, is my least favorite time to visit. Too many people, bored kids running amok, all those bright, happy flowers everywhere . . . ugh! <br />
The most exciting thing I have planned for this weekend is that my husband is finally getting our air conditioning hooked up. That's going to be SO nice. It'll be so good not to feel like the Wicked Witch of the West all the time. (I'm <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">melllting</span>!! <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Melllllltiiiing</span>!!!!!) I'm thinking that maybe I'll try and get some art work done. Having all this Kansas humidity filtered out of the air will be a huge help in getting projects dried. (Have no doubt it will help with my sinuses!) I could take a nap in the afternoon without waking up all sweaty. I could even cut back to taking just <strong>one</strong> shower a day.You know, the more I think about it, hanging out at the house might not be so bad after all? <br />
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Hope everyone else has a long, wonderful, relaxing weekend as well !<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-89114999844356775512010-05-25T01:05:00.003-05:002010-05-25T01:43:28.428-05:00When last I posted . . .I had set out to clean my house, top to bottom, inside and out. I'm sure that you've all been waiting with baited breath to find out how that worked out. Well . . . I sort of got distracted. I started with Jake's room, finished it actually. It looks (looked) really nice. I just sort of ran out of steam. Of course, there were a few other events that helped to throw me off track. Such as, Nick returning home from his state imposed "vacation." The kids getting out of school for the summer, and all the activities that go along with both of those events, plus, I had three interviews last week. I still plan to finish the rest of the house, but I may revise my plan to attacking just one room per week. Which means, I'm already behind schedule. That seems about right.<br /><br />Any way, if you want to know what I've been up to lately, I'll be posting on my "Basement" blog in the next day or so. I guess I needed a break from all the cleaning and de-cluttering, so over the weekend, I got busy with my prop building. I'm hoping to get Heather to photograph my progress tomorrow.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27586454235609323.post-85986881072239149942010-05-13T23:11:00.002-05:002010-05-14T03:13:32.019-05:00It seems like forever . . .since I've posted anything. Believe me, it's <em>not</em> because I've been busy living an exciting jet-set life style. Nope, I'm still as boring as ever - my life is totally, utterly, and painfully DULL. I'm really struggling with that lately. Right now, the biggest excitement in my life is the "Whole house-top to bottom-inside and out-Clean up." I know, it sounds <em>too</em> exciting, doesn't it? So far, it's taken me four days to (almost) finish the first room - Jake's room. TOTAL cleaning, repaint, etc. I still have to get up early tomorrow and steam clean his carpets, touch up the paint on his windows, and have Roy trim down the closet door so it stays closed. (That way the boogey man stays locked inside at night, you know?) Things have been progressing slowly because, well . . . Jake's room needed a lot of work. >: (<br /><br />Also, I responded to five ads for optician positions over the weekend. So in the midst of starting this huge project, I've had three calls for interviews. I still have one more tomorrow afternoon; it's the one that I am most excited about. ( it's only about a mile from my house.)<br /><br />I haven't had a lot of time to get much done in the way of prop work this week, but I've reached a point that when I'm not doing creative work, it's still very much a part of my thoughts. When things around here quiet down in the evenings, I make it a point to check all my favorite artist's blogs for inspiration and research new ideas. Sometimes I'll take time out during the day to do a quick sketch or doodle so that I don't forget anything. In spite of everything that I have going on right now, I consider this a good thing. I'm finding that if I make it a point to stay in touch with my creative interests, I feel more positive and somehow, more competent and capable. For a long time, I sort of neglected doing any work for myself. I kept myself busy doing projects for other people. ( friends, Church, etc.)<em> </em>I sort of just got stuck doing projects that were safe; using techniques and mediums that I was comfortable with. But creating props for my haunt, I have to really <em>think</em> about how<em> </em>to accomplish different effects and learn new ways to do things - things I'd normally be afraid to try. (like sculpting with clay, paper mache, fabric, and building forms from scratch.) Even if it doesn't turn out the way that I want, or planned, I learn from it and feel more confident about trying it again. so yeah, I think it's good for me and I think it's worth making time for.<br /><br />Well, as I said before, I have to get up early tomorrow. It's late, so I need to get myself to bed. Another busy day . . .<div class="blogger-post-footer">Howls back</div>Auburn~haired~artisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779485623900122426noreply@blogger.com2