My Wish for You

I know, once again it's been a while since I delighted the virtual world with my not so brilliant sarcasm and wit. Work. School. Kids. Helping Mom with the struggles of Daddy passing. The car breaking down, as it likes to frequently do.

But... I shall not complain for I am blessed.

I've managed to find a few minutes here and there to decompress. Stitch a little, read a little (STILL trying to finish Wuthering Heights... oh the physical pain). I haven't worked on my Spirit Horse  HaED in a while, but I have managed to get quite a bit done on the Santa one. I think it's turning out quite well...

As a random thought, people enter and exit your life with a purpose. It's up to you to learn from them... the good, the bad, and always the ugly. The path of another person merged with mine and will soon be diverting. That's life, or destiny as you will. We knew it was going to happen... the beginning being the ending.

Today I end this brief encounter with this:

My wish for you is wholeness, compassion, continued strength, courage, and character. May you always be blessed and find happiness within the little things. Know that you are valuable and honorable. You are loved. Your mind is brilliant. Embrace your uniqueness… always. Find beauty in the everyday monotony. Set the example and remember that actions speak louder than words. Know that you are destined for greatness. No matter where your path leads, no matter what gets your spirit down, in both your triumphs and tribulations, you are not alone. Above all else, I pray you enough.

With Love and Muchness,

XOXOXO

Not Quite Lost

But it feels like it. I've been absent because I've not had the courage nor creativity to post.

Let me preface with this. 4th of July was a blast. Literally. We constructed a massive board with tons of pvc piping, dropped the fireworks down the pipeing and fused it all together. And when I say tons, I mean tons b/c the parental unit purchased $1200 worth of fireworks. Momma visited the neighbors to let them know we were having a major party. I placed a mattress and bedding in the back of the big little brother's pickup. The boys chair carried daddy out to the truck and we drove him down the driveway so he could see. Oh, it was the fireworks show he'd wanted and then some. The neighbors stopped their party just to cheer us on. It was good for the soul.

I knew in my heart of hearts, after seeing daddy upon arrival, that this would be the last time. I knew he'd been waiting for the sibs and me to assemble. He and I didn't speak of it, but I managed to get him all to myself for a bit. I kneeled on the floor beside the bed so I could be at eye level. I said the things I needed to say and asked for forgiveness for the things that weighed me down. Daddy rubbed my cheek as I cried and told me no regrets.

When the kinder vermin and I left, I told him I would be back soon. I couldn't say good bye. Driving away was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. I broke. It took me almost twice as long as usual to make it home.

Two days later, Daddy was gone. He passed quietly in the night with my momma holding one hand and whispering in his ear that he was loved and it was ok. My baby brother held his other hand and my uncle sat beside him. I think it would have been harder if I hadn't had the chance to spend one more time with him. I was somewhat able to mentally prepare myself but I spent the majority of my time taking care of him and mom during that visit. I do have one regret though... I'd always planned for him to walk me down the aisle if the was ever another man fortunate enough to find himself attached to me.

We lost a great man. He CHOSE to love us.( I'm not saying our bio-dad doesn't love us, he's just someone I talk to once or twice a year.) Daddy loved my mother with so much passion. I'll never forget one time momma walked by daddy and me... he smiled really big, his eyes lit up and  he said "that's my wife... isn't she beautiful" It wasn't a question, just a declaration. Daddy was my hero... the one man in my life I could fully trust. He was my confidant, my mentor, my partner in crime. He made a mark on this world. It was his nurture, not nature, that helped us kids become who we are... independent, free thinking, wholesome adults... even if we are our own special brand of crazy.

Our family does not normally post photos of each other on any type of social media. But, for the second time in all of my history on social media I will share my daddy...

Heaven has become a lot more interesting and entertaining.

Momma gave me some of his t-shirts. Sounds weird to say it like that, but hold up a second. I am making each one of us sibs, the kinder vermin, momm and my uncle a pillow. I will be calling it the "pappy pillow" for the kinder vermin. I hand stitched my baby brother's while we were still together. I wanted to make sure he had his before he was off and going since he currently resides the farthest away. I'm quite pleased with the outcome. Daddy wore his t-shirts so often that they were all super soft. I decided to buy the pillow itself. I found a great deal on travel pillows that had zippers in them so we could restuff them later if need be. The baby brother wanted a pillow on his and I actually closed it off with Velcro at his request.

Finally, we made a decision about daddy's ashes. Mom didn't know what to do. OF course it's not like she's thinking straight... she did just lose her person. I suggested we purchase a teddy bear. We haven't decided whether to use Build-a-Bear or not, but the plan is to put daddy in a teddy bear so that he's not sitting in a cold, hard urn. Then when momma leaves this world.... many, many moons from now, us sibs will decide where to scatter them. That way momma and daddy will ALWAYS be together.

I know this was a long post. I'm sorry for that. I good to help me process though as like I said, I've felt kind of lost. I keep expecting a phone call that I know I'm never going to receive again. *Sigh*

Feeling Accomplished

Hiya, Peeps!

I totally have some updates for you...

 Two more pages stitched on Spirit of the Wild! It's definitely coming along nicely...

 (There's that Magic 8 Ball... it's the perfect weight for holding things down and answering questions at the same time.)

This now makes 118,674 stitches. Go me.

I was naughty last night. HAD to make a run for thread. I mean, that's what you do when you run out, right? Weeellll... while I was browsing for - cough, cough - just thread, I may or may not have browsed for some fabric for another project. I figured, why not? I'm conveniently shopping in the store. LOL

So, last night I started a new WIP: Lavendar & Lace -  Santa of the Forest. It will look like this - If my stitching is worth a darn:

And... here's what I stitched last night...

Now that I see it uploaded, I think I resembles the little brown poop emoji. Oh my. I guess I better add some stitches to it this evening.

I actually started tackling some of the boxes stored in my attic. Did anyone besides myself suffer from the expenses of the Ty Beanie Baby rush of the late 90s? Please, please, please tell me that I am not the only one. I found one of the large boxes and decided to move the beanies out of the plastic bag and cardboard box into a plastic storage tub. Cricket of course went completely nuts. I'm telling you, it was a battle of wills. She wanted all - I mean all 124 - to keep for herself. Many years ago, I kept them in a wicker basket in my living room and when Cricket would get mad at me, she would throw ALL of the beanies through the house... I'm telling you, that 4 legged child of mine is something else. Anyways, I finally got her to leave them alone long enough to snap a photo, but as you can see she's doing her best to be a good girl.  She was shaking so bad with excitement over the beanies that she was losing hair. My poor old girl. (BTW... she turns 11 next week)

*I still have more than these boxed in the attic


Other than that... 4th of July is coming up for those of us in my part of the world. I'll be hitching up to that wagon train and heading for Elvis Town with the kinder vermin and sibs. Please send us some love, light and prayers or whatever you want for whatever you believe in. The one half of my parental unit that is stage 4 has now been given 2 to 4 months... as of 2 weeks ago. I can't believe I just typed that - it still feels surreal. Anyhoo... we will all be there to party hard and and let our inner pyromaniacs run free with fireworks.

Here's your PSA for the day... Heed the words of your Taco Bell Hot Sauce... Call your Mom.

I hope you are enjoying your day!

Smooches!

Shopping and a Mini Stitch

Happy Monday! I almost feel like a sadist for even saying it since Mondays are typically not my thing unless I have at least 6 cups of coffee. The insomniac night owl in me just doesn't usually like Mondays so I wouldn't normally wish one to be happy for anyone, lol. But... I'll say it again, and without cringing this time, lol... HAPPY MONDAY!

I had quite the bit of fun this past weekend with the Girl.

We did some major shopping. The Girl started her first job in a Vet Clinic this morning. So, we needed to buy shoes and scrubs. It really was her turn for a day with mom b/c the Boy and I completed all of his football shopping the weekend before. But, that really has nothing to do with anything other than I think I know what those reality tv dance moms feel like now... I have expensive kinder vermin. HA!

So, while we were out and about, we just had to stop by Hobby Lobby. I mean, who in their right mind doesn't like Hobby Lobby? If you happen to pass it, you have to park and shop. It's just the way that works.

Anyhoo... I found the most perfect drawer pulls for the antique vanity that I adopted what?, two years ago now. It was about time.

Aren't they the cutest?

I also finished a quick mini stitch for the newbie in my office. When Montana mentioned he loved the fox, I immediately remembered that I had one in my stash. Serendipity!

I hope you all had a most wonderful weekend! Enjoy your week. Drink a cup of coffee. Laugh. Smile. Hug someone.

Peace Out, Peeps!

Pictures!!!

I have been working like crazy on Spirit of the Wild since I have returned home. I have actually finished the two pages that were in progress this past week. (I have no life, lol)

Here's the latest on the top right corner:

The bottom left corner:

AND all 10pgs I have completed thus far:

So far, the total stitches on this project = 99,578. Crazy, right!?
I guess that's all I have for now. I can't even think of anything random and awesome to share.
I hope everyone is doing absolutely amazing today!
Hugs to all!

Home, Sweet Home

I made it back! FINALLY.
The extra $$ just wasn't worth the exhaustion towards the end of my contract. I mean, driving almost 700 miles plus working 60-70 hrs a week is enough to run anyone into the ground.

I've managed to stitch a bit this past weekend, but I forgot to snap a pic. I'll make sure to make that happen shortly. Let's blame it on the exhaustion... mental and physical.

In the mean time, meet one of my chicken nieces... I'm pretty sure this one is Penny. (Joe will correct me if I am wrong, lol)

Joe's chickens were raised by hand and like to be loved on and sit in your lap. Pretty fabulous.

AND...

Here is your PSA for the day:

The North American Hemisphere has entered it's warmer months. Things that crawl, slither and go bump in the night have started moving about. Watch the roads for those kamikaze squirrels and moving deer. ABOVE ALL ELSE... STOP FOR TURTLES!!! They are a vital part of our ecosystem.
Besides, how would you like to be ran over on your way home from work?? Just saying. 

Isn't the little snapper cute?

Enjoy your afternoon, lovelies!!

Gut Punched

Hello, world.

I know it's been a while. I've been on contract for the last month at another school - fixing a train wreck. I very rarely post without photos of my stitching, but I just haven't had the time while working between 60 & 70 hours a week. It's been both exhausting and frustrating to say the least but I will not complain about that.

I am, however, in much need of a mini-vent of the personal kind.

I am at a loss. Last Thursday I saw the Stud Muffin. First time I had seen him in a few weeks due to my contract. He said something to me when he left - "Thank you for my smile." Simple enough, but it nagged at me all weekend... in a serious way... as in I couldn't think of anything else. I checked into my hotel last night and logged on to the net. Yea. My intuition was right - something was seriously off kilter.

Enter the gut punch...

HE GOT MARRIED SATURDAY... just two days after seeing me!!!!!!

My first thought was how did I miss the signs? We all know that there is no such thing as "out of the blue". He had told me he wanted me in his life and nothing worked without me there. And I specifically asked if he was seeing any one else and he said no... and I believed him.

I sent him a message asking if he had lied to me the whole time. I asked why he didn't tell me when we spent time together Thursday. Told him it would have been the honorable and respectful thing to do. (Do honor and respect even exist in the dating world anymore?)

He said he didn't lie the whole time. He made a mistake in which he had to take responsibility. That he could never tell me enough how sorry he was. That this was in no way how he wanted his life to be, but that it is what it is now. That he never expects me to forgive him but that he is sorry with everything he has in him. (Did you catch a hint of poor pitiful me in that? Like he wanted me to feel sorry for him? Jerk.)

~ Insert my thought here... he may not have been seeing someone from the start of us, but it sure does sound to me like he knocked someone up. Wouldn't you agree?

So, I told him that people come into and leave your life for a reason. That he reminded me of a lesson I had previously learned but had forgotten. I thanked him for that. I told him I couldn't believe he was sincere and that everything made sense now... I finally see him for who he really is. Then I gave him a giant F U. (Un-lady like I know, but I thought the situation would give me a pass... please say you are in agreement.)

He responded by saying his apology was completely sincere. Life was better with me in it. He was sorry.

I told him I obviously didn't make his life better enough to have an impact to be genuine and honest. I deserved the truth and he didn't give it. He turned me into little more than a disposable side piece. I told him that he was right, his life was better with me in it because I genuinely cared about him. (Obviously, I am better off without him.) That I didn't do anything to deserve this. He gut punched me and knocked me to the floor.

His response - silence. No shocker there.

~ I thought I handled myself pretty well all things considered. AND... I actually voiced myself to him which was a relief... I never could voice myself to my ex-husband.  Unfortunately, my first instinct was to question what I had done wrong and how I fell short. Even now I am struggling but I know it'll pass. My second instinct was to cut off his manhood, stuff it, and mount it on the wall like a trophy. AND.. My third instinct was to call his new wife and make sure she knew what kind of man she just married. I won't do either of the last two though because that would mean I had stooped to a low I don't need to go to. Instead, I'll drink my glass of wine to ease the tension and do some work.

On a final note... The world needs to practice the Golden Rule a little bit more. Really, a lot more. People need to be lifted up instead of broken down. Remember this, all of you lovely people - and for some, I know it's a challenge...  myself included - DO NOT allow yourself to determine your own worth based upon the actions of another.

Thanks for listening peeps. It's much appreciated.
I hope your Monday has been better than mine.

XO

Who's Yo Mama?!

Yup... it's me. Kicking butt and taking names.

I hope everyone had a most lovely Easter weekend. I made the trek to Elvistown. Cooked Easter dinner for 15 people... it was definitely yum. Did a little shopping. Went to church.

On a side note - We are THAT family... twisted and warped... our own personal brand of crazy. You're not loved unless you are picked on. Those not present are even fair game. We discuss everything from family and food to religion and politics. Sometimes staying up until all hours of the night. I would imagine that anyone looking through the windows at us may think we need group therapy. Truth be known, we are our therapy. I love my family and wouldn't know what to do without them.

I've accomplished quite a bit on my big project:

It's been irritating at times, but I love the progress made. I had to start on two different pages in order to keep from going blind when stitching just one color.

Last night I made a strawberry rhubarb pie. The first one I've made in a few years. And oh my goodness was it tasty! Practically a foodgasm - it was that good.

I really didn't want to share, but I did. When I get to Heaven and I'm asked why I deserve to pass through the Pearly Gates I can say I shared my pie. (I guess that sounds really horrible.)


Other than that... I say welcome to spring! The true south has a fifth season - Pollen. Thankful for the rain today. EVERYTHING had turned green from so much pollen. You have to clean your windshield just to drive. So horrible.

Hate the pollen. Love the blooms.

Well.... I guess that's all for now.
I wish you a most fabulous day, wherever you may be.

XOXO

A Few More

Stitches that is. Slow and steady wins the race right?

I made the trip to Elvis Town to see my parental unit. Never a vacation. PATME (Parental Adult Teller-Machine Extractor - the half that gives us grown children $$) is still fighting the battle against stage 4. PATME's numbers are so low lately that they don't leave the house. My Granny Ho is also battling cancer... she's a walking miracle as she has already outlived her time frame for what she has. I mention this because when I go, being the most awesome daughter/granddaughter that I am, my trips are always working trips. I did some things for both my parents and grandparents that they can't do for various reasons. AND... I made PATME's favorite pound cake with the recipe their grandmother used when they were a small child. It's amazing to say the least. Thankfully, I am inheriting that particular cook book.

I fixed Precious again. Wire issues this time. LOL.

All I can say is thank goodness for iphones with cameras and flashlights. Oh. And, youtube videos. LOL. I'm telling you... you need to stick with me come the zombie apocalypse! This girl has skills.

Ok... enough about nothing. It's a lovely day in my neck of the woods... I hope it is wherever you may be as well. Go get some fresh air!

XOXO, Peeps!

Page 6

Here you go Ladies and Gents... the up to date photo of my H&E design...

So far it is 59,808 stitches. I've broken 1 needle - massive amazon man hands - and I'm on my 3rd highlighter. This will be the biggest project I have stitched yet. Move over Van Gogh... Spirit of the Wild is the new kid in town. Did you hear The Good, the Bad and the Ugly playing just now? Or was it just me? (Ear worms, man.)

Speaking of music... If you haven't heard the Simon and Garfunkel Sounds of Silence cover by Disturbed... YOU NEED TO!!! Just GOOGLE it. You're welcome.

Ok, kids. Love you. Bye.

Time to play Catch Up

The Queen of Random Posts has returned. Maybe for just the day or maybe for a while. Who knows.

Finishing Van Gogh gave me a moment of "What now?" My inspiration went down the drain for a bit. I did start reading Wuthering Heights. I have to say, it's been one of the most excruciating books I have ever read. I mean physically painful. The story line is decent, but it's definitely not one of those suck you in and read until 3am situations. I will finish it. Even if I just read a paragraph a day.

I started stitching on my new big project last October. I have almost 6 pages of the 54 complete.
It's a Heaven and Earth Design, Spirit of the Wild, by Laura Prindle.
Here's what I had finished a few weeks ago. I'll take a new photo this evening... if I remember.

 Here's what it will look like when finished...

The kinder vermin are already fighting over whom gets to inherit this one. I think the Girl won b/c the Boy had already put his hooks into Van Gogh.

I randomly decided to get fresh ink last night. In randomly decided I mean just the act of heading out last night. Not in random choosing of symbol, place and size. And it's strategically placed so that it'll be hidden from the general population.

Just a subtle reminder to myself that my story is still being told. My struggles are my struggles and I just have to remember to "be still".

Welllll... that's probably enough for the moment. I don't want to overwhelm anyone.

A most fabulous day to you!!!
Smooches!

Just Stuff

Crazy times once again.

Wearing a tight pencil skirt and heels in Wally World = evasive maneuvering game with creeper = I win. You know how it is... you're rocking life, strutting your stuff, picking up forks and plates on lunch break for cake, smiling at people and them smiling back just because you've got it going on that day and then... WHAM! Somebody's gotta slow your roll and freak you the hell out. It wasn't one of those times when you know someone looks at you or you look at them and think - wow, God turned you into a masterpiece and I can appreciate that. This dude was the totally creepy, I'm going to throw you in my trunk wrapped in plastic bubble wrap and duct tape, give you the heebie geebie goose bump gotta go shave your legs again and puke kind of guy. He was standing around every corner I turned, just grinning like the Cheshire Cat. That's ok though... this girl's got some skills once she hits that button for stealth mode.

Enter PSA for the day... Girl's, if you're not wearing control top panty hose... you're just doing it all wrong.

Baby Girl had her first experience with cosmetic surgery yesterday. Since she was my smallest preemie at 2lb 2oz, she was on a C-pap until she could breathe on her own. She went in to what was supposed to be a 4 hr surgery to correct her deviated septum... we knew she would probably need the surgery for a long while now. However, the C-pap had caused more trauma than we knew. The surgery ended up taking 4 hrs longer than expected. The Dr. broke the nasal bones at her forehead and corrected them, he broke another bone that was growing into her sinus cavity and removed it, broke her cheeks bones and corrected them, straightened her septum and used cartilage from her ear to correct the shape of her nose. I am happy to say that my Girl can properly breathe now. The Dr. is thrilled with the results and says she's going to be famous. LOL. Frankly, I'm hoping she looks more like me, now that her bridge is skinnier, than her Father. She has a long recovery... maybe a year to fully heal... and I just hope her baby step-sister doesn't hit her in the face.

I started working on my next big stitch. No pictures of it as of yet. But, I have finished a few little ornies:

And... Snoopy for my Stud Muffin. (Yup, he's still around.)

Life is good, Peeps!

XOXO

Another One Down...

Finished another Christmas ornament weekend before last. I think it was the only thing I worked on, well besides laundry... obviously can't go to work naked!

I think it turned out rather cute despite the fact that I closed it up totally crooked. I figured I'm not perfect... a little wonky actually... so I'm not ripping it. My prerogative, right? LOL

Still have yet to buy the material for my next big project. Procrastination at it's best.

Worked on Precious again yesterday. The lug nuts to your car wheels are not supposed to look like this:

Just a little raunchy, right? Had issues knocking the wheel bearings out as they kept coming out in chunks. The fabulous brother of mine is taking them to a shop for me. What would I ever do without him? I don't know where he gets the patience to walk me through this stuff. Free hands on training!

Other than that, I'm keeping the 4-legged foster kids this week. Was out feeding horses at 5:30 this morning and just had to stop. I totally forgot how beautiful the stars are when you can actually see them. The things you miss when living in town and not on the farm.

Hope all is well with everyone wherever you are!

XOXO

Never too early, right?

Hello, beautiful people!

It's never too early or too late for that matter, to stitch Christmas ornaments, right? LOL

I now have 7 of the 12 days of Christmas done. (Not showing you yet, LOL)
AND... I have finished a snow man ornament...

Just kinda cute, yes?!?

Other than that, I have been too lazy to purchase the material for my next big project. I did however, receive a recommendation for a framer in town that will help me find the perfect frame for Van Gogh... yay!

OOOHHHH!!!! I actually went on a first date a couple of weeks ago.  He showed up at least 20 minutes early. I wouldn't have known except that I opened the door for Cricket to potty, no war paint, dripping wet hair and all... and there he sat in his car. Great impression on my part. I do have to give him kudos because he brought me flowers, told me to take my time getting ready, then sat in his car and listened to the ball game. It was pretty fabulous in that we went for pizza and then the park. Does it really get any better than that? Oh, yes it does... the stud muffin doesn't seem to mind my 50 shades of crazy! Just had to share.

On that note... remember that slight madness is a perfectly acceptable method for surviving in life.... just don't be an extremist. Take the time to be silly. Build that pillow fort and snuggle up for a movie. And above all else... don't forget to color outside the lines once in a while!

Hugs!

I won!!!

VAN GOGH HAS BEEN DEFEATED!!!!
Seriously, I almost cried. Almost. LOL.
4yrs, 7 highlighters, 121 colors and 87,400 stitches and 3 needles.
Starry Night.

Sorry the photo is not very good. It's rainy and overcast and good lighting is just hiding. I soooo cannot wait to get this stretched and framed. 

 On another note... (are you surprised?)... I turned 37  27 this past weekend. Momma & Daddy sent me some advice for my birthday that I think is worth sharing...

A Little Guide to Life

BE good to yourself.

There are some things everyone deserves - 

LOVE, respect, time to recharge.

NEVER SETTLE FOR LESS.

Seek out your DREAMS.

Start small.

Take it as it comes. 

Even a butterfly has to inch along

before getting it's WINGS. 

LISTEN to your heart.

Trust your gut.

If the way seems unclear,

LOOK WITHIN YOU. 

Let your voice be heard. 

You have a story to tell and opinions that count.

AND a difference to make. 

Stay CURIOUS.

Wonder. 

Take every opportunity to learn.

Knowledge IS a gift.

It will take you places.

Hold on to what's important. 

Let worries go.

No matter how you look at it,

some things just don't make sense.

The way you choose to carry on is what really matters.

And when you make that list of what you want in life,

make another list of what you've got.

Be sure to start with all the things that make you a BEAUTIFUL person.

THERE ARE SO MANY.

Most of all, 

REMEMBER:

You're loved ALWAYS. 

Soo... I say this directly to all of you lovely people... no matter what path you may be on in this life... head the words of my wise parental unit. 

Go and be magnificent!!

XOXO 

Where did those come from???

Hey, Peeps!

Sorry for the hiatus. Hit another rough patch on the road I have been traveling. Made an unexpected trip to Elvis Town... one half of my parental unit is a stage 4. Extremely exhausting week there.

The girl that I call daughter turns 17 tomorrow. How'd that happen?

Turned my self into a fried turnip changing the brakes on Precious. Darn car is going to turn me gray headed faster than the kinder vermin. LOL She broke down on me in Elvis Town... again. I refuse to let her beat me, though.

Today, I thought of someone lost to me. I shouldn't minimize the impact, for he may have been small in stature but he was big in personality and the world lost a treasure. I knew he was troubled and gave him my cell for any time day or night calls. I'd met his beautiful daughter. We laughed a lot. He called one evening but I was busy and couldn't talk long. He OD'd that night. I couldn't bring myself to attend his funeral. I still have yet to visit his grave. I pretty much did what I do and suppressed the trauma into a small black box on the shelf in an ever expanding library. I want to go. I can't go alone though. It's been 3 yrs now. Call me a coward for not going, but his passing nearly broke me. How'd I miss the signs?

Okay, enough of the heavy stuff. I bet you're wondering where the original question came from...
I was bent over blow drying my hair this morning (don't you?) and noticed that I have started developing old lady knees!!! When did that happen? Is there such a thing as a knee lift? It's not funny, but it kinda is because then in my shock and appall I flipped my hair back over to stand up and hit my head on the bathroom door. I mean, really?!

Well, in all of this random mumbo jumbo I have made some progress. So much so that I am only lacking about 4500 more stitches to complete Starry Night!!! Take a gander...

Some words of advice before I set you free on your own path:
Find the beauty in the everyday monotony. I know it's tough, but if I can do it so can you.
Enjoy the simple things... it's coming up on pumpkin spice season in this hemisphere... fall is grand.
Take the time to grieve... putting it off can suck some of the life right out of you. If you are facing some challenges at this point in time then I am sending you love, light, hugs and prayers... consider it a silent request met.

As for today... Never Forget...

Van Gogh and Mom Butt

I may have disappeared from the cyber world for a few weeks, but I have most definitely made some progress in the war against Van Gogh...

I've finally made it to the last quarter!! Can I get an AMEN!?!?! So close and yet so far on this one.

I came to a realization the other day:
I have found what I term the mom butt. I turned in the mirror the other day and ka-boom... I had no words other than "oh my holy cow batman!!!" How did that even happen?! The good news... I'm working on putting it back in it's place.
AND
My request for Sainthood was met with less than an exciting stamp of approval. I really did perform 3 miracles. Some of these students are lucky I am here. Anyhoo, when I requested my sainthood be stamped with approval, Yoda responded saying she'd give me 1 wing. (At least it wasn't 1 feather that was offered. HAHA)

I need vacation. Fall semesters always drain my batteries.

The Keikis have names!

Everyone already knows that I name my plants. And everyone already knows that I've had my orchid, Calypso, for quite some time. I feared that she would never bounce back from being sunburned in the car because the keikis stopped growing. I resigned myself that is was time to pot the keikis and let Calypso go. Lo and behold, Calypso had a spot of new growth. I think the pitch to my shriek of excitement was high enough that the dogs started barking and the windows cracked. LOL.  Excited, I was.

She still looks rough, but now there's hope she will recover. Especially since the kids have been weened, LOL.

As for the keikis... I almost went old school and named them Laverne and Shirley... hahaha. Upon second thought, I decided that since their mother's name represented a bad@ss... they needed to be named via the same fashion. Say hello to Arwen and Ygritte...

All comfy in their new space.

As for Starry Night: it's coming along quite nicely. The top right corner has been found. YAY! Progress! That's what happens when you spend the holiday weekend stitching it up to a Harry Potter marathon. So close and yet so far.

Still driving Precious without an O2 sensor. I went to three different places last Friday. One was closed. Went to ask a friend for help, but he wasn't at work. So his co-worker said to pull into the bay and he'd help. At that point the Manager said no just as my car was being jacked up. Really? I should've just kept my mouth shut when I was told my friend wasn't there. So what if they were a tire shop... they have a jack and tools, right?! So, the Manager told me to go to a place just down the road. I get there, run in, and the guy tells me they are covered up with work and it would be next week. REALLY!!! Their shop had 3 bays... that were all EMPTY!  Buckets and buckets of profanity started sloshing around in my not-so-ladylike brain at that point, but I was a good girl, said thank you and left. You know, it would take all of a few minutes for a brute of a man to unscrew my O2 sensor. I would have done it but I'm just not strong enough. Grrr. 

It's the stuff life is made of that makes it interesting... failures, triumphs, blessings and @ssholes.

Mini rant over.

Smooches!

Moose is Life!

What does that even mean?! There's always a variety of scribble scrabble on my desk calendar. On any given day you'll see "Hey Giiiirl!", "What's up?", "Skipper Rules" or various other do-dads and swirly-gigs. But, I have to say "Moose is Life!" is a new one on me.

Ive been not-so-patiently working on Starry Night. I do believe I have almost made it to the other side!

It won't be long before I am chopping all that extra fabric away. YAY! I think I mentioned not being 94 when I put the finished piece away and leave this world in my sleep... however, I am now thinking I may not win the battle over becoming cross eyed. I know, drama at it's best.  :)  At least I am smiling about it.

Speaking of smiling... Precious has proven me wrong once again. I, yes me with very little assistance from my brother, dropped the gas tank and replaced the fuel pump and then fuel filter. When all was said and done I kicked her in the tire and screamed "Who's my b!$ch, now?!?!" Precious purred like a kitten... until she didn't the next morning when she died. I guess it was her way of putting me back in my place, LOL. Five new codes. It's official. I AM THE JOB OF CARS! What did I do? First thing was order an O2 sensor and scream bloody hell. Then, I text my Daddy. (Are you surprised?) I mentioned the issues, the likeness to Job, and then told him I was trying to keep the faith and not order an RPG off the black market. (As if I really would.) Daddy's response? "I'm not worried about you ordering off the black market... b!$ch be taking all your money. Word." It's a good thing he can help me laugh through the invisible tears. In the meantime, I'm trying to figure out how to make millions off my own flugelbinder idea... in a perfect world.

Someone please tell me that you're living the high life on a yacht somewhere. It would be nice to know in order to live vicariously through you.

Keep it real, peeps.