One word-WOW!

I just had to mark the occasion of great change our country has just seen with one simple word, and all that can come to mind is WOW!!!!

Our country is full of diversity that now has come together as a nation, ready to meet the challenges head on. While many are skeptic, others are hopeful. I for one am ready for a change. Realistic enough to know it won't be instant, all encompassing or miraculous. But change, no less is long over due. I want to believe in this great nation and it's ability to allow us all the freedom we too often take for granted. Our nation gives us the freedom to blog, rant, cry, laugh, and express our selves each and every day in ways that will never be tolerated in other places. I want to believe our nation is strong enough to pull together and continue to foster those ideals that make us Americans. I want to believe that anything is possible and can be accomplished.

I do believe this day does mark the beginning of a change that will offer a even better way of life for my children, their children, and millions more who are only a mere imaginative thought in a mind. I do believe we can work together to make any dream a reality for our selves, our nation, and our world. I do believe this is a fine day indeed to say, "I am proud to be a citizen of the United States of America!"

Oh so pretty

I stumbled upon some pretties that made me smile. Now how could I NOT show you a gazing ball, I mean really. First, what a unique gazing ball this is! Metal leaves and flower petals interlocking, raised detail, color, shine, depth. Now, for a sugar daddy to shell out the cash for it and we would be in business. This place has the most incredible ones, some are twisted metal that look like vines, twigs, yummy. But, as with most this equals EXPENSIVE! I think this beauty is around $70! Now, in fairness, my current ball in the header was a much heftier price than I normally pay for garden items. The weather here is just too extreme and I'm too lazy to bring things in. The one I currently have was about $45, but after my children SHATTERING a minimum of 15 plus of the cheaper ones, I bit the bullet and got one that is guaranteed not to break. So far, I have had it over 5 years, out in 108 degree desert full sun and minus 15 degree winter snow and ice. No cracks even when hit by the run away croquet ball, tumbled down the stairs and hit concrete during a wind storm. Yep, it was worth every penny as never had one last a full season let alone a calendar year. Mine is only having a slight issue with whatever the clear coat is peeling off and a bit of the color. Next time it will be a plain color stainless one then it won't matter. If I were rich instead of so darn good lookin' (HA HA HA), I would have one of ALL of them scattered everywhere. I love the new glass with the special powder embedded that makes them glow, but already had one bird bath made of this glowing goodness. First nip of frost and the thing busted in million pieces. So, not sure the gazing ball is my kind of deal.

(I apologize for during my wondering in space, I simply collected photos of things that appealed to me over several days. I did not think to write down where most were from, mostly to prevent my return to the same place to subject myself to more wanting that I can't afford. Safer this way, but not fair to those peddling the wares in case someone else wants one) The next one is just plain cute. Seriously bird cages with practical hooks? With all the bird lovers out there who can resist? Besides, I remember where this was, a delightful and pocket friendly place called Terry's Village. Think it was like under $5 for the pair.

Along the same theme (and place) I found this one. Again, birds, cute, and practical with around a $5 price tag. How annoying is it to set out your perfect picnic only to lose those napkins to the pesky breeze? Yeah, I know a rock is cheaper, or in my case the pickle jar or whatever is close. But I think it would even be cute on the counter to hold those receipts or notes that pile up. Please tell me I'm not the only one with the piles, HA!

Now this one I almost stopped my self to ponder even longer and actually buy it. Lucky for me, the practical gal in me slapped myself silly instead and settled for the pix. But it was seriously close for a minute..... Flower frogs! Cute, practical, and cute. Wait, I said cute didn't I? Come on, does this cute thing not just make you smile? I keep eying them on eBay and watching prices go thru the roof for the old ones made of metal. Some day I will have a large collection, just because. They can be used for so much more than flowers, although the purist in me would love to see them set out in a shallow bowl of water with blooms just like this. But then, in the dead of winter, like about, oh yeah, NOW, re purpose as a great photo holder, greeting card holder, recipe holder in the kitchen, business card holder on my desk, post it holder, whatever you want!

After admiring Lynn's new bird eggs over at the Vintage Nest, and subsequent story of their demise during rain storms (serious bummer that maybe a bit of peanut butter in the mix could at least slow the problem), I really like this idea. Reusable bird feeders for various kinds of food. One holds seed, one holds suet, and others for the likes of fruit, peanuts, corn or whatever your feathered friends prefer. You can wash them, hang them anywhere, and they are also rather cheap.

This one made me again pause with the dreaded purchase me NOW feeling. How adorable for a pal who loves to play in the dirt like me? A Wellie planter, twine, copper plant tags, and some girlie cotton gloves to protect those "delicate" hands from the elements. You can use the planter to grow some wonderful seeds, love it with a bit of trailing flowers, or with a saucer you could even use it as a vase during a outdoor party. Or prop your silverware in it at a BBQ, store some garden tools. Yep, again, practical and cheap and cute. Sagey green goodness.

I have also been eyeing these incredible candles for a couple years now. Seems like each catalog has their own version with a vast array of price points, most of which were a bit too steep for a cheap girl like me. This one was a staggering $16.99, yep even old thrifty me can dig up that much change in the bottom of my purse most days. Now, what I was drawn to the first time I saw them was the claim that you put up the amount of candle you want to burn to about level of the little clip deal, light it, then when it burns to that level it goes out. OK, so anybody out there got one of these little devils and is it true? Inquiring minds want to know if this is one of those yippee it works kind of deals, or why the heck did I waste my money kind of deals?

Several places have refills in different colors like red, green, white etc. Then my overactive mind is like, girl, this will not work in the desert. You will do something retarded like take it outside for dinner, have way to much fun, leave it outside, suddenly remember about 3pm when the temp has reached the average 103 degrees and you now have a warped, solid candle snake. Or, another, OH, it is too pretty to use until several years pass and you have a candle with embedded cat hair which is NOT something you want to smell burning-trust me. But I was thinking it would be too cute in my not yet finished bathroom makeover where my new light switch covers are the ONLY bit of goodness to be found, STILL. Sorry Lynn, but at least your product is the shining star, right?

OK, so tell me blog friends. What have you spotted in your travels lately? What has you saying, "man, if I hadn't spent all my money before Christmas I could make a HAUL on this sale"? Stumble across any great Internet or store finds you could not live without? Nabbed up any of those "man, at this price I will find SOMEONE to give this to-gift-drawer-stash" kind of things? Anyone started their list for Santa yet for NEXT year? Come on, you already know my tree is still up. Spill it. Again am I the only one that searches for this stuff then KICKS myself because I didn't buy it, or worse yet because I did?

Seriously lousy confession

OK, that's it. Every day I swear I will write and fill you in on the holidays and it just doesn't get done. Frankly NOTHING gets done. I am totally overwhelmed, exhausted, and don't want to play any more.

So, for momentary distractions, I visit all you wonderful people and see your beautiful homes, appropriately clean and styled. Well, gotta stop that right now. Seriously, it is depressing me. Why you ask? Well, let's just say this. My damn Christmas tree is still up and decorated, the other madness is still laying all over like we are expecting Santa again, and the overall house is just a flat disaster. There you have it. I am a total loser aren't I? But I can't be the ONLY soul in America can I? Yep, you are right, I probably am.

Plus I run to open mail today to be smacked with a lovely thank you card from my aunt, but clueless me just HAS to open the papers enclosed to find the obit and funeral folder from my uncle's service hidden inside. Yeah, NOT what I needed to see today at all.

OK, enough whining, back to work, and NO that does not include time for decorations or cleaning....................

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to my blog friends! May 2009 bring you happiness, good health, simple pleasures, and love to surround your lives!

Farewell

While I would rather bask in the idea of another Christmas past, I am instead forced to focus on much more serious matters. I received the call this morning that my beloved Uncle passed away early this morning. This incredible man has had to endure more in his life than most, and it never seemed to get him down. He survived years of discomfort from severe psoriasis, followed by a lengthy battle with liver failure until he was blessed with a life saving liver transplant, only to develop a highly debilitating brain cancer which required countless surgeries, medications, chemotherapy, and radiation. Despite it all he remained upbeat and determined to live each day to the fullest. A few weeks ago he developed Valley Fever, sustained several falls, and unfortunately was not able to sustain his fight for life. He passed away peacefully with his devoted wife by his side. While it does bring me comfort to know his suffering has ended, the sharp pain of those he left behind is still a raw, burning sensation that only time will ease.

Safe travels Uncle Harry! May you find peace, comfort, and a season pass for seats on the 50 yard line for the KC Chiefs waiting for you at the gate! You will be missed.

I'm late for a very important date....

OK, I have no idea why these are all showing blurry on the blog, but too busy to worry. Work is wild, laundry piling up, baking to do, presents to wrap, more presents to track that are now lost in UPS black hole, still no word if my son is coming, stocking stuffers to buy.......................

My most treasured ornament, a bell no larger than 1 inch, metal with glitter flakes. Was my Mom's at one time. Always loved it.

A very blurry nest, but oh well, a nest just the same. Went with all of Prince's ornies this year so only snuck in a few of my own touches just to annoy him, worked too!

OK, off to resume the labors of love. Stay warm and safe!

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas....

OK, have I told you lately how much I hate winter? Seriously HATE winter. Cold, snow, wind, ice, etc. It is just downright cold folks which makes me a cranky gal. Below zero kind of cold. Just plain nasty. Yet, it appears we will have a White Christmas this year after all. Mostly because there is no warmth in sight to melt what we already have, but also chances of snow next week. So, let's just hope on 12-26 it all melts and life goes on, ok?

Time is going way too fast this month. So much remaining to do and so little time. Half of the packages I ordered aren't here which makes me very nervous indeed. We have scaled back massively this year as so many are, so am pretty much counting on the remaining items or it will look like the Grinch came instead of Santa. My son is supposed to come, but has run into some tough times and will not be able to afford the trip unless the elusive Christmas bonus comes this year. I was so looking forward to him being here, but at this point it is looking like a miracle will be needed for it to happen. Will make for a sad Mom indeed if he can't be here as it has been too many years now since he was. At least my Princess and her "finance"-ya, don't go there, will be here. Somehow she managed to invite the "future in-laws" to my house for dinner on Christmas. There go the plans for an actual sit down fuffy Christmas dinner this year as my table is not big enough for everyone. Back to the old ham on the floor in your lap kind of deal. Oh well, it isn't like there isn't always WAY too much food to go around. Just had my heart set on a fancipants kind of dinner for a change.

Lucky we got the outdoor lights up before the weather hit. The inside is decorated too. Went with my mom's old tree which is literally like the top 1/4th of my regular tree. Just put on the Prince's ornies this year with a few of my sentimental ones. Looks cute but not quite the same. Downsized 4 large boxes of stuff for the Princess and another big one for the younger Prince from all my years of collected crap, I mean priceless treasures. Still have WAY too much but love it all too much. Will post pix if I get a second soon.

Anyway, stay warm and have a great weekend!