Some trinkets....

Posted over on my art blog some magnets I made and a tin I made for a good friend.

Post Christmas Update

Yesterday Michael and I were out of the house before 7am heading out for post Christmas shopping. I know we are insane! We picked up Christmas items...holiday tissue, gift bags, bows, Christmas cards for next year. Plus Michael had given me a gift certificate in my stocking and so I got a Buddha with a tea light candle holder at the base and a few other little things. We picked up MORE movies. Really after all the ones we got for Christmas we didn't "need" them but they were good deals so it was hard to pass up. And then we hit this new place for breakfast and we could have fed 5 people on the food they served us. We took home lots and had it for breakfast this morning.

We spent the rest of the day just watching movies and napping...kind of a repeat of Christmas day. It was nice. We are having lots of quality time and that is has been great!

Today I woke up with a migraine but it was cloudy all day so I think it was weather related. By tonight migraine had faded. I am watching Robin Hood Prince of Thieves....Alan Rickman steals the show. His lines are so funny!

A Very Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I just turned my computer on for the first time about 20 minutes ago. It has been a wonderful Christmas. Last night Michael and I had an amazing dinner....stuffing ourselves with all the delicious things on the table and drinking a bottle of mead. It was really perfect with the ham. It did make me a little tipsy and I was a wee-bit more flirty then I have been in a while. It was fun though. After cleaning up, we went and looked at lights. This years theme seemed to be cut out lighted palm trees (yes Kate that made me think of you). One of our Christmas presents to ourselves was a new dvd storage unit. The one we have now is wide so takes up most of the hallway where we store it and we ran out of space in it awhile ago. So Michael and I put the new one together last night. And then headed to bed as we were both tired and wanted Santa to visit our house.

This morning Michael and I both woke up really early so we said why not get up. So we did....and Santa did an amazing job on our stockings! Lots and lots of goodies....one being Godiva chocolates for me. Yum! After we opened our stockings we got the cats going on their stockings. We got them some new toys and replaced nip packets in some of their other toys but their favorite toys...were the stir straws that I put in there at the last moment remembering we had a packet up of them in their cupboard. So the thing that was free basically is the thing that they enjoyed the most. figures!

We had some cinnamon rolls for breakfast and then we opened packages. Our stockings had been a surprise this morning but our gifts together this year the storage unit but also tons of movies weren't a surprise. The day after thanksgiving had really good movie sales - 3.50 to 10 dollars and so we really stocked up. The gifts from family and friends though were of course. After opening gifts there was a knock on our door....it was the postman he had a gift for us from my one of my best friends Aydeen and her husband. It was very fun receiving a gift on Christmas! Thank you Laz and Aydeen - Michael and I love the gifts!

One of my gifts was the Alias DVD set - all 5 seasons. Michael and I had watched all of season 4 on TV except the last episode of season 4. So this morning we watched that and then watched the first episode of season 5! And then another episode tonight. WOW! (Can't wait to see where you are at with the season Mandy...I can't believe the first episode OMG!) We also watched the first part of the Chronicles of Riddick and will watch the 2nd part after I am done posting.

It really was a relaxing day...we watched movies and Alias, ate yummy food, and napped!

The best part of the day was captured in words that Michael wrote in a card he gave me....really our gift is the gift of being togehter and taking this journey together. So today I was with the man I love and enjoyed another perfect day...it was the perfect gift....being together.

I hope everyone had a magical Christmas full of love and joy!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town....

• All the presents are wrapped and under the tree. Stockings waiting for Santa to fill them.
  
• Dinner is in the oven. Hopefully done about 5:30pm. Bottle of wine chilling. Goodies on the table that we have been snacking on.
• We saw a postal worker out today. She was delivering packages. With the snow storms here in Colorado I am sure there are a lot of people waiting for Christmas packages. So on a Sunday they were delivering packages. I heard also they will deliver tomorrow too.
• We had a marvelous brunch full of fresh fruit, pastries, hashbrowns, order your way omelets and mimosas - yum!
  
• Been listening to Christmas carols all day! Singing as I cooked.
  
• I know I say it often but I don't feel I can say it enough how blessed I am to be loved by Michael.
  
• Also I have so many good friends and wonderful family. I am very grateful for all the support and acceptance you give me. Thank you for!
  

I want to wish everyone a VERY Merry Christmas! I hope you have a holiday full of love, laughter and the magic of the season!

Christmas Randomness

Sound of Music is on....it is a favorite musical of mine. I love the music and sing along to it.

There is a song that plays this time of year that always always makes me cry. It is The Christmas Shoes by Newsong (link to lyrics). I hadn't heard it this year until just the other night while wrapping gifts. And of course I had to reach for kleenex. (Mom if you haven't heard this song you need to hear it....you will need kleenex too.)

Silly Christmas link....Mt. Dew Christmas Tree

Yes! A wonderful Christmas gift

Been cleaning house most of the day as I have neglected it with the holiday preparations.

I was just thinking yesterday while unloading the dishwasher that I have had lots of depression this year but I can honestly say this Christmas I haven't felt it. The holidays can get me blue and this year doesn't seem to have hit me that hard.

Michael just called me into this office. He has video tape his Dad took of when Michael when got Chessie for Christmas. She is just a little kitten and she is so her. All the things that make her darned adorable now were there in the video of her from her baby days.

Well going to go find my slippers because my feet are cold. And then maybe fold clothes...I know the excitement is too much!

But tomorrow will be good - we are going to brunch to one of our favorite places, then deliver presents. Tomorrow night will be a nice dinner followed by going out to look at Christmas lights.

Caesar Protesting Christmas!

When we put up our tree - our kitty cats get their sunny spot bed taken away. And so Caesar was sitting on the sub-woofer in protest the other day. He was highly annoyed that he didn't have his spot in the sun and couldn't figure out how he could get to it without being in lots of trouble (because it would involved tipping the tree over).

That big round ornament with the poinsettia on it...is Michael's...it is his Baby ornament. I think it is his first Christmas ornament. The one below it with the 2 cats is the closest we have come to finding something that at least a little resembles our babies.


There is a yarn drum ornament. Michael has a few drum ornaments - as he is a drummer.












You can barely see a red bell ornament in the right hand corner. Michael's Grandmother made that and a few others we have on our tree.

Friday Gratitude

I am doing a tribute to all things I am grateful that start with E!

~ E ~

Eating - I love food so I like to eat.
Epicurious - Which goes with the above. I love that site for recipes, good wine suggestions and other food related ideas.
Encouragement - I am thankful for all the encouragement I get from my friends and family.
Emotions - Although my emotions have been all over the place I am glad that I do have them. I am glad I feel a wide range of them.
Energy - Having energy...to just do things I am grateful for and also feeling energy/vibes or whatever you call it. I like it when I encounter someone with good energy. My friend Jane is coming to mind. She always has such a warm clear soothing energy coming from her. Just being around her for a little bit always makes me feel so good.
Expression - Being able to express through writing, spoke word, art, and so many more ways...I am grateful for the ability to express my thoughts and feelings in so many wonderful ways
Envelopes - Mail Love! I love seeing envelopes in the mail with my name on them. And I love sending out envelopes full of mail love to others.
Eggs - I like eggs. Egg sandwiches, Godfather Eggs, Scrambled eggs with hashbrowns, neatly folded eggs piled on a fluffy biscuit. Also thankful to have them so I can bake yummy cakes, cookies, brownies and breads with them.
Eggplant - Not the food....oh no...don't like eggplant to eat but I love the color! I would love to have a room painted with that color
Edward Gorey - Lovely work....dark and delicious
Eddie Izzard - He is so funny! Plus he looks good in heels and make up!
Electricity - Without it....there is so much I couldn't do. So I am very thankful for electricity...for keeping computers running, heat going on this cold snowy day, power to run my bread machine and crockpot to make a yummy a warm dinner, to give me warm water for my shower, and dryer to warm up my robe to make me toasty when I am cold, to run all the tv to watch Buffy and Alias...yes I could go on and on with all the wonderful things that electricity brings to me. Very thankful for electricity
Egyptian art - Art history was one of my favorite classes in college. I always got A and A+'s in it. Egyptian art was one area that I took several classes as it really just has always fascinated me. I even remember in grade school doing papers on Egyptian art as I have drawn to it.
Eyes - I like eyes...I like the expressiveness of eyes. I keep thinking of Michael's blue intense eyes. Yummy! so grateful to be able to look into them every day! I am also thankful for my eyes...to see all the wonderful things that pass before daily.
Ephemera - My art consists of lots of ephemera so I am very grateful to have it as an available resource as it inspires me often.

Busy Busy

Right now life is extremely busy...'tis the season right? We were suppose to leave for a trip today, but well Michael has some sad news this week. A friend died so we are delaying our trip. We will be leaving on Saturday. Things we did/doing this week: finished Christmas shopping, baking, more baking, making jar mixes for gifts, getting packages ready to mail and...oh and did I mention baking. My Christmas baking includes: Festive Bark (almond bark with pretzels and M&M's mixed in), peppermint bark, chocolate fudge, chocolate caramels, Cardamom cutout cookies drizzled with espresso glaze and dark chocolate, sour cream cookies, molasses cookies, and chocolate chip cookies with peppermint bark. For jar mixes I did hot cocoa (amaretto and french vanilla), brownies (with white chocolate chips and coconut), Cranberry & white chocolate cookies, and then M&M Chocolate Chip cookies.

Good thing or Bad thing...??

Is it a good thing or a bad thing that I got so caught up in painting that I almost took a drink of the water I rinse my brushes off with? Instead of my diet coke sitting on the other end of the table?

Thank goodness...I caught myself before I actually drank...not sure acrylic paint is really "good" for a person.

Going back to work!

Tree Decorating Adventures....

Last night we had to run around to several places as the garland we usually do on our tree was not in the Christmas decoration boxes. So we went to 3 places and didn't find what we wanted but got something that will do at least for this year.

We finally got the tree decorated today. I brought over the tins that have the ornaments in them. I have a ton of Christmas tins that I use to put baked goods. When I pack up the Christmas stuff I put ribbon garland in one tin, ornaments and just other little Christmas odds and ends. And I lifted a few ornaments out of a tin....a scream emerged from me... that the whole neighborhood heard...

My fingers wrapped around...

....the ribbon garland!

Caesar was in the living room he looked at me and you could tell he thought "what is it that she has in her hand that has made her scream so...it must be horrible." He stalked over to me very cautiously and then sniffed the ribbon in my hand. He looked up at me cocking his head and again you could tell he was thinking no that I can't be what I am smelling. So he sniffed the ribbon again. He looked up at me saying in his cat meows "you do know this is the ribbon garland you have been looking for several days right. You should be happy." And then walked away like "okayyy she has lost it - AGAIN"

See when I looked in this tin before it just looked like it was well packed with ornaments but under the ornaments was the ribbon on their spools. So now we have not only ribbon garland but we have the garland I got at Target last night that is gold with little sparkly stars on it. They actually look good together because the ribbon has gold in it.

I am such a dork sometimes. I could have saved myself a lot of trouble if I had just emptied out each tin. Oh well...live and learn and now the tree is up and looks very pretty.

Friday Gratitude

1. Mail Love - Mail Love was in abundance! I got a package from a very good friend - stuffed full of recipes, a cookbook and magnetic "paper" dolls that are gingerboy and girl. They have little pieces to decorate them and are just too adorable for words. I can't wait to get them up they will be great when I am baking, while something is in the oven I can play! I also got a few other things from her and her husband. Thank you both so much it was very sweet of you guys!

Last year my family did up a big package for Michael and I. In it was one little special package to open every day until Christmas. Last year there was gourmet hot cocoa packets, M&M's, slipper socks, notepads and such. Well they decided to do the same thing again this year and so we have opened 4 gifts: recipe cards & holder that have candy canes on them, holiday spatulas, 2 magnetic notepads, holiday sprinkles for cookies and baked goods, little holiday paper cupcake liners, and a ceramic spoon holder. It is very thoughtful of my family. Michael and I get such a kick out of it. It is fun to see what they came up with and it is nice to feel their love through their extraordinary thoughtfulness.

2. Birthdays - Michael's birthday was this week. He had a great birthday and we both had a wonderful day. He is a wonderful man that daily I see all the reasons I fell in love with him. And how lucky I am to be with him. I know this past year was a hard year but exciting at the same time. I love you Michael!

3. Links - The link I posted early in the day. Many topics wrote about there have been on my mind. Making me contemplate the season even more. It might be another blog entry soon....my thoughts on the reason for the season.

4. Water - I have been drinking so much water today. It is good and refreshing.

5. Warm clothes - Thermals, cuddl duds, soft sweaters, sueded cotton sweatshirt, long sleeve thick t-shirts from Eddie Bauer (that I have had for 13 years and still in great condition), wool socks, knitted socks, fleece purple bathrobe... all items that keep me warm when it is Oh so cold here!

And just thankful for this season and enjoying it!

An Unexpected Link....

I stumbled upon a link to a blog that I thought for sure just looking at where it was originating from I wasn't going to like it. But that was pretty closed minded of me. In a swift judgment I decided I wouldn't like his views without even opening and reading. Not something I like that I did and want to work on that more. I am sure this person and I don't share all views but I do have to say many things he says in the handful of entries I have read - I was thoroughly impressed.

The link is from a Catholic Monk. The Spiritus Project: liberating the Message of Christ from Christianity

His latest entry is what prompted this post....to share his blog with others...
Santa's not the real problem...

It is the message I have believe for a long time....inclusion, tolerance, giving, and love. It is a message I feel we don't hear often enough.

So I have spent the last 30 minutes reading other entries...
This link he uses a quote from RENT on the bottom of it...and again another message of tolerance, inclusion....not the us vs them that is the norm of these days.

Even this entry...where I don't agree with him...I enjoy reading his thoughts. I am pro-choice. And pro- stem cell research. But he is the first person I have seen that is pro-life - in the terms that I think of as actually pro-life.

He talks of a book both Michael and I would like to get...
"The Bible is not divine. God alone deserves our worship. Bibliolatry, worshipping the words of Scripture instead of the God they manifest, absolutizing them and using them out of context, is a most insidious vice...Read it correctly; read it as a whole. Don't fall into the trap of using the Scriptures to self-righteously condemn everything from homosexuality and abortion to people of non-Christian faiths. Taking the Bible literally and simplistically without regard to its literary forms, historical context, and even its use by the living tradition of the Church, ultimately is a sterile exercise." From: "In the Spirit of Happiness" by the Monks of New Skete, 1999

Birthday Wishes...

Today is Michael's Birthday! I hope that your day is a celebration of what a truly amazing man you are...I am blessed to have you in my life and so I hope to make this day a celebration of YOU!

Happy Birthday Michael...I love you!

Soldiers Away From Home

Another friend posted this (at the moment not remembering who sorry about that) but I wanted to pass it on.

Let's not forget the people serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and other places during the holidays. Every day they put themselves in harms way. And I can't imagine all they go through - just the mental and physical strains, the emotional and spiritual strains, being away from their family and friends, just being so far away....so sending a little Holiday cheer their direction is not only as Thank You but I am sure it will brighten the day by giving them a gift.

http://anysoldier.com

You can even order packages online to send to them so you don't have to put a package together yourself at Treat Any Solider

Friday Gratitude

A few months back I started doing letters of the alphabet every once in a while so I had to search back and it was in October that I did the letter C so next...the letter D as my Friday Gratitude...

~ D ~

~ Diet Coke - I can't go long without a diet coke. It just refreshes me. I like the bubbles and the taste.

~ Decadence - chocolate dessert, a wine that makes all the troubles of the day fade away, kisses that are full of passion - and other stuff that would be TMI (too much information) for the family that reads our blog.

~ Drawing - I am thankful that as a child I learned the joy of drawing.

~ Dinner - If I have to choose a meal that I enjoy the most it is dinner. I like cooking dinner also so many things I can make with it. I thankful for wonderful dinners I have made, created and shared with friends and family.

~ Dessert - If I could skip though meals and go straight to dessert that would be best! Thankful for all the sweetness that comes with dessert!

~ Dove Chocolates - Well it is chocolate you know...and I don't turn that down.

~ Darby - me...thankful to my parents for brining me into this world and raising me, thankful for the life I have lived...the grand adventures as well as the times I was not doing too good. They all have given me valuable lessons, life experience and memories. I also am thankful for my name. I love my name....so I am thankful my parents gave me this unique name.

~ Destiny - Michael and I talk about this quite a bit as we do think it seemed like we were destined to meet. There were several times our paths did/could have crossed. And we are thankful we finally did meet and are able to fulfill our destinies together.

~ Desire - I am thankful I am able to desire all the wonderful things I do...Michael, art, books, music, food and so much more.

~ Dreams - I am thankful for dreams...night time dreaming and day dreaming.....dreaming of life

~ Dressing up - I like dressing up.

~ Dolls - As child I played with dolls - just baby dolls, barbie dolls, paper dolls. I loved dolls and I have many wonderful memories involving dolls.

~ Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, The Dandy Warhols, Darling Violetta, Dido, Dar Williams, Dixie Chicks - All good bands/singers that start with D. I enjoy the music they bring.

~ Daily OM - Thankful for the Daily OM. I usually start out my day with them and when I do skip them I am always reminded when I read again the next time why they make me feel better. They allow me to learn more about myself - learn more about my spiritual self.

Daily Message

I get a daily message from the Universe...and this is todays that gave me shivers even though you fill out one line but it wasn't exactly what it lists so that is what is giving me shivers...

Darby, can you believe it's already December?

That it's Friday, again?

That as you read these very words, somewhere in the world there are waves crashing, eagles soaring, lilacs blooming, and friends laughing so hard tears are streaming down their faces?

That your life has been changing so swiftly?

That you're absolutely gorgeous, inside and out?

That you're new art website came so quickly?

That others who now want to be selling art, emulate how you did it?

That peace, love, and happiness are flourishing around the world?

Yeah, Darby, I thought you would.

The Universe

Watch out for Scrubbing Bubbles....

I am a klutz at times. This morning I was cleaning the bathroom. I sprayed the shower with scrubbing bubbles and went away at scrubbing it. There is this one pesky spot so I decided to spray it again. My hands were wet and I went to pull the lid off and it popped off and smacked me in the face. It cut into my lip....so I have a split lip...puffy and bleeding. It felt like someone gave me a punch to my mouth. At the time Michael was making us omelets and he could see me standing looking into the mirror in the bathroom. I turned and told him what happened. He laughed and said people are going to think I punched you....Because this story is just so unbelievable that you got a split lip from a can of Scrubbing Bubbles.

Snow Day

Michael had a meeting this morning so he woke me up to tell me to there is lots of snow on the ground. We actually had to dig out the shovel (one of like 3 times I think we have ever used it since I lived here - 4 years). On top of that I had a migraine and sinus headache going on all at once. It has been an exciting morning (yes there is sarcam in my voice).

It was one of those mornings where....things just weren't going very smoothly but all in all it could have been worse. It just seemed like a comedy of errors where couldn't find anything on the first try this morning.

Making chili today since is cold. And probably some homemade bread.

Really want to go back to bed. But Michael just called he is on his way home so I will go out and make sure he has a clear path in as it is still snowing.

Campbell's Giving Food to Food Banks

Campbell's soup is going to donate cans of soup to food banks based on the number of votes received for each NFL team. You can vote once a day so please, pass this one please.

Just go to http://www.chunky.com/clickforcansvote.aspx every day!

Please help Fight AIDS....with just a click

Bristol Myers Squibb will donate one dollar (up to a max of $100,000) for every person who goes to their Web site and lights a candle to fight AIDS. At this point, the counter is just over 70,300 ... so we need many more candles lit before World AIDS Day (on Dec. 1).

Please go to Light to Unite to light a candle ... and help spread the light.

Pass this along to others as well! Thank you!

Friday Gratitude

~ That the one and only migraine I had this week went away quickly.
~ Next step for my art - about to happen - setting up my Etsy shop
~ COOKIES! We picked up some very yummy cookies at the bakery!
~ Tea - it is cold out and it warms me up.
~ Thoughts of Christmas coming makes me happy to think about all the time Michael and I will have this year to REALLY enjoy the season!
~ 2 new recipes I tried this week that were easy and quick and both Michael and I liked them.
~ Aveeno lotion as my skin is so dry lately and it makes me feel much better!
~ Pumpkin Cheesecake we had at the Pufferbelly today.
~ The new rubberstamp Michael bought me...Thank you for spoiling me!
~ I am grateful that 4 years ago today Michael and I started getting to know each other. I love you Michael!

November is halfway done already??

Man where does the time go?

It's already the middle part of November, Thanksgiving is but a stones-throw away, and yet everything just seems like it's moving along at a rapid click.. The knee has its up and down days. Insurance alternatives are dragging their heels - which - doesn't improve one's demeanor any. Still, the knee is generally doing better than it has been.

Business wise it has been very busy. The funny part is - while I had it all planned out to do video-work, my demands have been anything but video. Someone asked me what I've been doing and I replied: "oh, a webdesigner, an investigator, a consultant, a computer assistant, a photographer...." But no video work as of yet. I'm not really concerned yet though - because the knee has hindered that arena somewhat. If I was more mobile - I would be aggressively marketing, going out and meeting folks to let them know I'm out here. As November winds down, I'm also gearing up to figure out the best approach for the upcoming wedding season for 2007. The business stuff I have now is GREAT, but it would be nice to get back into video work.

I still have demo-related material to put together, but finding time in between this that and the other has proven to be a little tricky lately. Not that the holiday season is going to interrupt that any. (rolls eyes)

My folks came over from Denver a couple of weeks ago to put our swamp cooler to bed for the season. We're very grateful they came over and helped with that nagging project. We should be set for the rest of the year. It was a great visit and we're glad they spent an extra day just to doodle around with us.

We haven't gotten to do a lot of traveling in the last few weeks - mainly because we put so many miles on for our trek up to North Dakota and back. Plus the fact I think we were about "traveled out" after that. We did do a day trip up over Douglas Pass though and made a good day out of it. Believe it or not - it doesn't impede the business much - as I'm able to work after we get home, sometimes late into the night without falling behind.

But if anything substantially positive has happened since my departure from the state - it's been my state of mind. I'm much more relaxed now, a lot less stressed, and I'm actually enjoying waking up each day and looking forward to how the day turns out. A far cry from waking up and beginning the drumming routine of eat, work, work work, eat, home, sleep. The hours are controlled, the pace in which we do things are controlled and we're making it happen -- and that's the great thing. :)

Just being able to spend more time with Darby has been a godsend. She's had it rough being around me the past three years and now that I'm out of that mess - we're finally able to start enjoying together time again. One doesn't always see the bad things we do to one another until we're free of them. She stayed true by my side during the whole time and I'll never forget that.

I am thankful in so many ways this year. (I love you honey!)
-Michael

Peace

We got this catalog a few weeks ago and truth be told although I love catalogs/magazines I hadn't a chance to look at it. One reason it was made out in Michael's name which usually means computer, video, photography, or random geek stuff. But tonight I was watching water boil (literally - as I was making dinner) and saw that catalog sticking out from his pile of junk mail so I pulled it out and looked at it...

Oh I am so glad I did...

Syracuse Cultural Workers: TOOL FOR CHANGE

It cards, buttons, calendars, posters, totes, bookmakers, t-shirts all geared to making changes for better a better world.....bring peace to all.

Some of the quotes used:

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world." ~ Margaret Mead

"Paper crane, I will write peace on your wings and you will fly all over the world." ~ Sadako Sasaki

"Guardians...I swear I will not dishonor my soul with hatred, but offer myself humbly as a guardian of nature, as a healer of misery, as a messenger of wonder , as an architect of peace." ~ Diane Ackerman


It is definitely a place I want to buy from!

Relaxing, Nice Saturday....

Today was a really nice day despite waking up with a migraine. I ate and took some meds and soon was feeling better. After I got ready to go, we did some errands and then went to three wineries. We were out of wine and with the holidays coming up we would need to have a few good bottles on hand.

We both really wish the meadery here would ship out of state because we have some friends that we think would really enjoy it. Michael and I noticed as we did some wine tasting that our tastes are growing and changing. We were pretty much sweet wines or mild blush type wines before and now we are actually liking dry wines. Really every wine we tried today we enjoyed and they were the full spectrum. And we bought a full spectrum too.

So we watched a movie tonight -- just have enjoyed spending all day together!

Friday Gratitude

~ A nice dinner with Michael's sister and brother-in-law tonight. It was very nice having dinner with them.
~ Seeing a friend tonight when we were out and about. She did something very sweet for us.
~ The nice day we had with our friends on Sunday.
~ The elections happened and maybe with some new people there we will have some positive changes
~ Music...I have been enjoying a lot of music this week and am thankful to the creative people out there that bring joy in the form of music
~ Thankful for money and gift certificates I received so that I could make several purchases in Michael's Arts and Crafts for art supplies.
~ The quality time Michael and I are enjoying with him working from home now. It is just nice to have breakfast together not as he rushed out the door to get to work. That we can just got do things in the middle of the day if want....just because we want to spend time together.

Presents for the Kitty Cats!

I showed off the beautiful and oh SO warm knitted socks my friend K made me for my birthday, but I didn't get to show off the presents she made the cats! She made 2 knitted yarn mice stuffed with nip. Thank you so much K! That was so sweet of you!

Both our cats love toys but Caesar our golden cat has a few that are as we call them....his "babies." He brings them to us to play. No not really that he wants to play long but he just wants to say, "hey here is my toy I played did you see me." Well the yarn mice can now be counted as his babies. Usually what will happen is one of his babies with be in the office or the living room and during the day and then during the night when of course he wants to play he will bring them into the bedroom trying to wake us to play. He meows quite loud at times and has woken me.

I haven't been able to capture him playing with one of the yarn mice yet because of course when he is I go to get the camera and by the time I get back him he is done.

Chessie our little girl cat decided while we were watching CNN the other night to play. And I happened to have the camera right next to me! So all the pictures in this post with the yarn mice are Chessie.


And this is with the other yarn mouse.
Now she is too tired to play anymore.
I wish I would have got the camera turned on fast enough but she had her head resting over the yarn mouse while she slept. And of course when she heard me turn the camera on she popped her head up and gave me a dirty look.
And of course I need one of Caesar. He was lying on a blanket between us while we watched election coverage on CNN. He never like Michael and I sitting next to each other - he has to be in the middle.

Voting Day!

Just a quickie...

Today we voted. Our new voter machines were pretty slick. But I am sure still have faults. But as you voted on the screen it printed out on paper right next to you so you could see it. It was a longer wait as they have to do more upfront to get you ready to actually vote.

We had dinner tonight and then have been snuggled up on the couch glued to CNN. I am just so disappointed in all the votes against domestic partnerships and the vote for making marriage one man and one woman here in Colorado. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised when we have some very big name political-religious groups here that are SO anti-homosexual.

To me God is love. I don't believe God would be rallying against love like those say they are God's followers do. Makes me sad.

Although I am sad and disappointed we do have some good things happening such as taking the majority in the HOUSE!

We are waiting now on the senate race.

Virgina wow...close so close! It looks like it will go to Webb (lets hope).
Missouri still waiting on.
Montana still waiting on.

Back to CNN, Michael and the kitty cats all snuggled up on the couch.

Voting...

It is election day tomorrow. Yesterday before heading to some friend's house Michael read the Analysis of the 2006 Ballot Proposals - the Blue Book of the Elections while I was getting a cake together to bring with us to our friends. I was confused on a few things that were coming up to vote on. But there were a few sections that annoyed me of course too.

Domestic Partnerships
The mail ads I have getting for domestic partnership make it really confusing for me. The ads come for a group I tend to usually agree with but the ads kept saying "It's not marriage." And that bothered me. I understand why they were putting it that way. So that maybe those that don't want those of the same sex to get married will at least give same-sex couples domestic partnership. But just like New Jersey - it isn't marriage. And it bothers me that people won't let those that want to get married - get married. So Michael read me the actual referendum and then the pros and cons they print. And of course the cons...and well the pros also did a little too because of just how they worded things. One of the cons that annoyed me......

"Domestic partnerships diminish the significance of marriage for society by reducing marriage to a list of benefits and responsibilities. The benefits given to married couples are intended to support child rearing by one man and one woman. The state has an interest in restricting recognition and legal protection to these married couples to provide stability for the individuals, their families and the broader community."

Yes insert rolling eyes. Like a same-sex couple can't support and raise a child? Grrr! All in all I am not happy that they aren't allowing marriage. And this just seems like it is better then nothing and maybe will make it easier in the future. And so I am of course voting yes on it.

Which brings me to the next one...

Marriage
Another thing up is an amendment that proposes adding a new section about marriage. Basically defining marriage as one man one woman. So you know I was all growly about that one.

And of course one their pro arguments...(rolling eyes and sighing)

"The public has an interest in preserving the commonly accepted definition of marriage. Marriage as an institution has historically consisted of one man and one woman and as such provides the optimal environment for creating, nurturing and protecting children and preserving families."

Grrrrr! Commonly accepted definition because people don't get love is love. And you can't help who you love. Of course again stating that a family is only one man and one woman with children. So of course voting no on that one.

Getting lots of repeat political calls? Check this link out, and this one and this one. We haven't actually had these but I have heard that some people aren't going to vote because they have been getting so many calls and seeing so many negative television ads.

A GREAT SOURCE for political links and thoughts is Twistedchick's Free Speech Zone.

So tomorrow we vote. I am hoping and praying things get better. I have literally been scared and so sad how this country has been heading since Bush has come into office. I have cried and laid at awake at night because of it. And so as I said...hoping and praying.

Edit: (added 7:34pm)
Talking to a good friend, she pointed out that actually the nation should not get involved in marriage at all. That everyone should have be domestic partners but that marriage should be something each church decides. That for our laws of country if you want to file joint taxes, you want the rights given to you as a spouse, you want to live in together in union as a couple then those that do should file for domestic partnership. And if you want a religious marriage ceremony then you go to your church of choice for a marriage ceremony. And that makes sense to me. That is a TRUE separation of church and state to me. Then the state is not involved in the religious aspect of marriage. And the church is not meddling in who wants to live together in a domestic partnership.

Friday Gratitude...

~ I am grateful to Michael's parents coming and doing some stuff around here that Michael isn't able to do being on crutches (although he is now doing a cane and has a different brace.) Thank you both so much for coming over to help us out!
~ I am grateful for the nice weather we had this week. It was nice to feel and see the sun!
~ I am thankful for good food and family to share it with this week.
~ I am thankful for our cats that make me smile.
~ I am thankful for the good deals I got at Kohl's this week. Yes very silly but the fuzzy warm socks are so great. The shirt is comfy and then I got some Halloween decorations that are so cute and I can't wait to use them next year.
~ I am thankful for the mail love I got from my friend Carolynn this week. She sent me a beautiful letter that made me smile.
~ I am grateful for dinner with a good friend this week. It was nice to spend time with her!
~ I am grateful for Michael pushing me to taking the next step with my art - so that I can step up my Etsy shop.
~ I am grateful for the wonderful day spent with Michael. We took a drive and it was just so peaceful and calm. Just what we both needed.
~ I am grateful for Michael...for loving me and taking care of me in ways I don't always see. I love you very much and appreciate all the big and little things you do for me everyday!

Beautiful Handmade Socks...FOR ME!

My wonderful friend K knitted me some beautiful socks for my birthday. The yarn is even hand dyed by her. Thank you so much!

Happy Halloween!

I made Emergency Chocolate Cupcakes with orange buttercream frosting and candy corn for decorations....



A couple more pictures of the Halloween cupcakes here.

Nice Day...

Today Michael's parents arrived and went right away into work on draining the evaporative cooler (swamp cooler - basically air conditioning for the dessert climates). Michael although he has moved to a new brace and now using a cane (was on crutches) - isn't in condition to be climbing ladders and such. So I am very grateful his parents coming over to do this for us. It was incredibly nice of them.

I started my day by making cupcakes. I made chocolate cupcakes with orange buttercream frosting and then used candy corn to decorate. I wanted to take black gumdrops and make spiders but I looked for just a bag of black gumdrops and couldn't find them. You would think that this time of the year they would be easy to find. hmmmpphh! (pictures to come later.)

The frosting didn't set right. And so was kind of dripping down the sides. So these are a little sloppy for my likes but Michael and his parents thought they were cute and said they tasted very good.

After the things that needed to get done here were, we all went shopping. Our town that is not a huge city but it just opened a Kohl's the beginning of October. I have always enjoyed Kohl's so today I finally was able to go....yay! I am grateful Michael suggested it. They had a big sale this weekend and we were just so busy I didn't think about asking if we could go. Michael's parents got me a gift certificate from there for my birthday so I used some of that and got a shirt and some fuzzy socks. I love socks and have many to keep my feet nice and toasty warm. We went to Target after that and got 2 movies - Pirates of the Caribbean and the new X Men. And then we headed to a late lunch early dinner of Chinese food...Frank and JoAnne had it the last time they were here and raved about it ever since. So as a thank you for coming over and working so hard Michael treated them to that. Migraine struck me tonight. I think there was msg in something I ate today and with the string of migraines I have had lately sometimes little things that normally don't bother me...do.

Tomorrow morning I am making breakfast burritos. And then we are kind of just keeping the rest of the day open to whatever. I am not sure what I will make for dinner.

Friday Gratitude

Today I express gratitude for things that begin with the letter C....

~ color: I am grateful for the colors...of the world. Seeing the fall colors right now has made me appreciate color even more. It is bright, deep, intense, beautiful.
~ chocolate: Chocolate..well...need I say more? I am so thankful for chocolate in all forms and variations. It is sinfully delightful.
~ Carolynn: Carolynn is a beautiful kind smart woman that I am blessed to call my friend
~ collage: It is my favorite medium to work in...different layers, different perspectives, different colors and textures...all coming together.
~ coloring books and crayons: Coloring books and crayons they are so fun to play with even as an adult! At time to just escape back into the magic of them.
~ charcoal drawings: I like doing and like seeing other charcoal drawings...the texture of the charcoal on the surface is so intense to me.
~ charcoal: I love the feel of it in my hands....the feeling as I run it across a piece of paper...even the smell of it
~ cooking: I enjoy cooking and am grateful to be given the opportunities to cook for others. (started a cooking blog)
~ cookbooks: They are like a good book....sit down and read all the ingredients, the instructions and beautiful pictures....I can get lost in them.
~ Coldplay: One of my favorite bands.
~ creating your own reality: I am grateful for the ability to create my reality. Make my life whatever I want it to be.
~ computer: well...it keeps me in touch with tons of friends, it helps me create digital art, help me in my work and just allows me to do so much
~ camera: to take pictures in my life
~ cats: Our babies...we have 2 cats and I love them to pieces...they are very cute and adorable!
~ candles: I like to burn them...the smell the warmth the energy
~ cheesecake, cookies,cupcakes: Sweets...all good things that I enjoy!
~ Christmas: my favorite holiday....it is one that my Mom made special and I will always try to do the same as I love that meaning behind it.
~ cider: apple cider season...is here and so yummy!
~ compassion: seeing it around me, giving it, receiving it
~ creativity: I am always grateful when I have creativity around
~ connections: friends, family, Michael....grateful for all of my connections
~ cards: mailing, getting yay for card!
~ cuddling: feeling Michael's arms wrapped around me....makes me feel very loved and cared for
~ Chinese food: For it give satifies my tastes buds and fills my stomach. I could eat it everyday
~ Colorado: where I live....it is a VERY beautiful state and I am blessed to live here

Awww Kitty Cat Love....

These pictures I took a while back...

Aren't they the cutest?

Our Trip to North Dakota...Part 1

(click on photos to see a bigger view)

I haven't written about our trip yet and basically it is because I have been so so busy and also sick. We left October 2 and then came home the 14th and left the 17th again. We come home again on the 19th. And then I was sick with the stomach flu this past week and now I have been struck with migraines all week.

Thursday October 5th - It was our first day of travel and went stopped in Rapid City overnight. We had dinner with the Presidents. After checking into our hotel, we grabbed some subway and then went up to Mt. Rushmore during dusk, had dinner and waited for the lights to come on. Michael got some great pictures.

On Friday October 6th we arrived in North Dakota. We did a quick stop at Grandma's before heading to the hotel to unload everything and just relax a few minutes before dinner. Friday night was a lot of fun. Dinner with my Mom, Dad, aunt, uncle, cousin and his wife. And then after that to a bar with karoke. My sisters and other cousin joined us there when they got in town. My Mom sang 1 song, my cousin sang on and then my Mom and cousin sang one together. There was MUCH laughing and when many many many times during the evening Michael and I both commented that this is times we should be capturing on film.

Saturday was Grandma's 90th birthday party and I saw many people I recognized but wasn't sure of names. And many reintroduced themselves and several names I got wrong. And some I recognized right away. My Grandma is one of 15 brother and sisters so there is LOTS of relatives. One of her brother's had a farm not too far from Grandma and Grandpa's farm so I have many fond memories of her brother and his wife and family. And they seemed just the same as my memories of them as a little girl. In actual time to of spending with my family, I didn't get a lot. I got to do breakfast with my sisters Saturday morning. And then I got a few minutes here and there with everyone else.

Saturday evening we went to the bar again. A cousin from my Dad's side of the family who I have always been close too came out too...her and her husband. It was nice to chat with them a little bit. We didn't stay out too late but just a little bit of time.

I don't get to see my family very often but one thing we always do...is appreciate ANY time we get together and try not to make each other feel bad about not seeing each other more often. I am very thankful for that as it makes visiting easier and more enjoyable. As much as I would love to spend more time with everyone...it just isn't possible. But again I am thankful for each second of it. Thankful Michael wanted to take this time and insisted we do.

On Sunday we went to my Grandmother's country church. The church has been there over a 100 years. We have wedding pictures of my Grandma and Grandpa's wedding in that church. My Grandma was baptized in that church. And I have many memories of that church as I attended it a quite a bit as a little girl. Michael took lots of pictures.

After church Michael and I went to my Grandma's farm. It was sold many years ago. The new owners don't live on it but come and stay out there at times from what I heard. The farm house looked so worn and many of the buildings and garden were gone. I was telling some people at the party that I didn't think I had been out to farm since my Grandma moved into town. And that was in 1987. So that was a long long time ago.

I had lots of good memories that came rushing back as we looked at the farm. It made me cry good tears of fond memories but also sad tears...sad that it is gone.


















When I was little we I would spend a few days to a week with my Grandma during the summer. I would spend lots of time on the swing set. When I leaned back and swung really high I could see the gardens behind me and I would image being a butterfly....that I was this pretty colorful butterfly gliding among the flowers and vegetables.


Part 2 to come later.

Gay Rights....

Well New Jersey...recognizes same sex unions but not marriage...so it isn't perfect but obviously closer...hopeful to me.

Links:
CNN
Daily Kos
Reuters
365Gay.com

Chessie Crating It

When we travel for more then 3 days, we bring the cats to Grandma and Grandpa's for babysitting. So before we left for North Dakota we packed up the kitty cats and headed over the mountains to their house to drop the kids off. Because Michael got a new vehicle with lots more room we were able to get Chessie a new traveling crate. She had a tiny one and we have always wanted to get her a larger one but didn't have room for it in the car. Now with the SUV we were able to get larger crate. So before leaving Denver to head back home, we went to PetSmart and got her a new crate and puffy new bed.

She seemed to enjoy the ride much better! And really seems to like her crate. Now that we are home....actually they both love her crate. I have it still sitting in the living room (3 weeks gone, this week of being sick makes one messy house because I am so behind on things). She is in it more then him but I also believe she knows it is hers and gets a little testy with him when he is in it. But they both take naps in it often.

So here is Chessie in the crate this morning...taking a morning nap....

The Marriage Amendment

Recently one of the forums I subscribe to brought up the Marriage Amendment. It's the proposed Amendment to the Constitution that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. One of the tangents in the discussion raised that it is the Bible that makes a distinction for us ... us being society, the United States and the foundation of our Constitution.

A forum participant then made the following comment: "common sense can also lead people to take a stand for the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman."

I took exception to that and replied:

It's common sense that also defied the overwhelming premise that the earth was round a few hundred years ago. But wisdom taught the world otherwise. Common sense even proclaimed that slavery was a right - yet wisdom eventually taught our country differently. The foundation of what's held as "common sense" has been so mis-aptly applied throughout the ages by the upper hierarchy of man so that the subjects and under privileged remained in control according to what social order *they* proclaim is worthy for their civilization. Wisdom allows those who are interested, to question, to explore and otherwise question the role of those who bestow "common sense" on the populace.

But if the premise reads that "common sense" can lead people to define marriage between the union of one man and one woman -- then wisdom can tell you that love knows no color, no belief, no orientation. Anywhere any doctrine, any canon , any scribe, or any law that is applied to explicitly *exclude* one segment of the populace based solely on their sexual preference is pure and unadulterated prejudice.

Pure and unadulterated prejudice does appear to be in defiance of what "God's love" is supposed to be about, no?

But thankfully we do currently live in a country of *choice* - and while one might want to subscribe to a party of "common sense," I choose the path of wisdom. It's interesting to point out that while some contribute gays and lesbians as a catalyst of social decay -- might actually want to take a long hard look at the countries that support gay rights. They are not in chaos or out having sex with sheep -- contrary to what "common sense" might believe.

In fact, one might be surprised that when the government minds their own business and stays out of the affairs between consenting adults -- the neighbors tend to get along better with one another. But alas, "common sense" is probably trying to reinvent the United States to become that of the fabled Eden.. ...which is neither viable or possible today...

Sorry "common sense," wisdom clearly wins here.

I'm a heterosexual male - and I approve of this message...

New Look

New template....not anything done by me but it is something until I can design something else. I was sick of the last one and this one was different and works so using it until I come up with something else.

Friday Gratitude

Today I express gratitude for...

~ My sister...It is my baby sister's birthday!
~ My family...it was really good to see everyone recently. I miss them lots and even though it was a short time it still was nice.
~ Michael's family....for putting up with us when we come over to Denver, for treating me wonderfully especially on my birthday...Thank you all for making my day very nice!
~ Thermal underwear...I am cold and they are keeping me warm
~ Scenic Drives....for our nice drive home from Denver yesterday. It was very pretty.
~ Birthday...I had a wonderful birthday...which included lots of birthday cards and packages...thank you to everyone spoiling me!
~ Shopping....Michael took me shopping for my birthday. I am very grateful to have a wonderful partner in him that treats me like a princess just when I needed that.
~ Home...for being home and not having to live out of a suitcase. As much as I love to see everyone...it always nice to be home again too.

Birthday!

We are back home! We were in Denver for my birthday. Michael had meetings that went GREAT so it was well worth our time to go over there.

During Michael's meetings....Frank, JoAnne and I went to breakfast. I had the Naked French Canadian Breakfast Melt. It is a sandwich made out of French toast that has Canadian ham on it, eggs, and Swiss cheese. Naked because it doesn't have syrup on the French toast does but still ask for it and pour that all over it! It tastes so good! Kind of like a Monte Cristo for breakfast. Just as we were ending breakfast and off to do some shopping, Michael called to say his meeting was done. So we picked him up and then went shopping. I got some things that will be helpful in making some Christmas gifts.

Later in the evening we went out for dinner. I am hooked on amaretto and pineapple juice because of my cousin's wife! So I had 2 of those during dinner. After dinner, we went to World Market as Michael needed some coffee really likes their house blend whole bean coffee. And I was petting a stuffed animal. He told me to get it...

So here is...Spot!



We went back to the house and Michael's brother was there and his nephew came over too - to help celebrate my birthday. We had pie! I don't usually have cake or like cake for my birthday so I was glad to keep that birthday tradition.

I had a nice birthday. Michael's parents went out of their way to make it a special day and I am very grateful to them and all their kindness and generosity. Thank you Frank and JoAnne!

Today we went to the outlet mall in Castlerock and Michael spoiled me like a princess and got me 3 new shirts and 2 skirts. I also had many cards and gifts waiting for me from family and friends. It was a very nice birthday....lots of love and laughter involved...perfect for a birthday celebration!

A litte of this and that...

When we travel or have guests here, I always crash after. It is like there is a lot of energy going going and going and then nothing. And so I crash. I get sad and teary. And that is what is happening to me now. On top of that...I am suffering from migraines - day 2 of them.

I got lots of mail love while out of town cards and packages! Thank you! I am a very blessed to have such good friends!

Michael requested chili and homemade bread....so...that is what I made yesterday...

Chili with some sour cream and cheddar cheese on it...















2 round loaves of bread

















Bread smothered in butter....well margarine...