"ask not what your country can do for you, but what can you do for your country." JFK

Happy Federal Holiday! Happy Monday!

Today is the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

While watching the news this morning, I didn't have my glasses on. The first thing I saw was a headline...

MLK Day

me, not having my glasses- I saw m - i - l - k!

I was thinking about that- and thought... well... if they'd add "ing" to the end- it would be more accurate. Then it could be read as "milking Day".

Regardless- it is a federal holiday and there's plenty of sales... and since our President thinks it's a good idea to $pend money and improve our economy; we should all take advantage of the holiday and go $hopping!

Ah.... gotta love our government! Now I have an excuse to offer my husband!

I'm celebrating milking day and improving the nation's economy; I'm practicing being a good citizen! May I have a jamocha shake with that, please?

I could "milk" this for a long, long time! 'er... cheezy grin?

Use the link above to see the dates that our government has set aside for the retail industry to plan for big shopping events- I mean to improve the GNP, corporate bottom-lines, and national debt!

Thanks to Dr King.. I have a dream.... a new car, a new digital SLR camera, a new flat-screen High-def TV, a new Apple lap-top (oh, wait... maybe I should save that for a holiday associated with a fruit-tree? apples are sorta like cherries, right?), some lovely new art supplies....

Go out- $timulate the economy... being patriotic never felt so good. And, be sure and drink your milk.

Addendum... my Dad says I'm being a heifer when I get this sassy. I think he just needs to be more cultured cuz I know I'm the cream of the crop! at least- when I scrapbook! Furthermore, no disrespect is intended towards Mr King.

a Heart for Russia

our niece, Jocelyn, is preparing for her missions trip to the Ukraine.


Click on the link above for the website.

Today's weather? a blistering 10 degrees. OUCH.

Not much different from what it feels like here- even though I know there is a huge difference! Thermometer says: 35 degrees and it feels like five to me. I've even had to *gasp* vacuum for warmth!! haha.... I survived it! And, am now warm enough for a few moments to actually TYPE... so.... here I am!

Anyway- I know she is anxious to get trained and "over there" and those that love her are anxiously praying that for her and her roomie, their safety during travels to training and abroad and for their specific purpose.

Cheezy vacation postcard!!

.... or "Wish you were here!!"

Had a lovely visit with Sister Nancy over the weekend.... and some other woman we couldn't identify.
She does have a nice smile though, eh? It was good for a laugh or two anyway!

These were taken at the Children's Wing of the Grace Museum- exhibit: the Human Body!






There was also an "operations" area and this is Nancy performing brain surgery!!

Uh... Nan... that's his GUTS!! Try again!


This is a photo of me removing the guy's sick kidney!! HAHA!!

Long weekend- lots of memories to bask upon! So lovely to have sister time! Wishing for more.

Happy Endings! and Good Reads!

My dear darling hubby is a romantic at heart!

If we're watching a movie... he only wants to watch if it has a happy ending!!

Who'd have thunk it? I mean- don't get me wrong! I'm extremely glad- cuz I'm that way, too! But, there are certain classic stories that he's not familiar with! Last week Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre was featured on Masterpiece Theater. He'd never seen it! I was just thrilled to discover that he "parked" on PBS long enough to get intrigued and of course- it was "to be continued" a week later! My fear was that he'd have lost interest in finding out just why Rochester continued to keep crazy Mrs Poole around when she was so obviously threatening Jane.

But happy endings being just what they are... he DID remember this Sunday evening and we DID finish the whole program (no flipping channels!) and he WAS glad that there was a happy ending after all! I think after Rochester was exposed, he was not so sure he wanted to finish it- lol!

Anyway... I'm so glad he's that way! That happy endings really DO matter!! Speaking of which.... I got to use my Christmas gift-card that he and son had given me and I am the proud owner of a new draftsman chair!! Woohoo!! Now to get busy and clean up all the craft tables that have been piled up to the rafters since school let out and get busy making some art! Me perched upon my very own "happy ending"- haha!

Oh! Add another new site that I highly recommend! Good reads! was shared with me by two of my Facebook buddies, Kellie & Laura! and is a great resource to check out reviews and as it's designed to post all your past, current and to-read titles and to share them with your friends! Link to me and we'll share words (similar to Netflix) and the review process there! One sister and SIL are already in my friends link!

T'was the Week after Christmas.... & a little more!

T'was the week after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt

I said to myself, as I only can
"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
"Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie - not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore
But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!



~Author Unknown~

Yup. It's that time of year.... when all our thoughts and efforts turn to dieting. UGH. This year though... I have a plan! Now to go and purge the kitchen of all those items not included in the plan!! Thankfully, this year- I don't have a hundred pounds to lose! My holiday feasting didn't ruin all that hard work from the last two years; it's hard to believe that anniversary is almost here! But, I will have to watch out... my jeans are a tad too snug for comfort!

I plan to join Mshell and attend the health center. Yee-haw. That may be too much for us and the community!! If you hear that the police had to make a disturbance call at the gym-- don't be surprised!! When we get to laughing- it can be rather raucous.

Enjoy the sunshine and the giggles! I certainly intend to!

Art...

"Art is much less important than life, but what a poor life without it." ~ Robert Motherwell





this lovely image is reproduced from one from B's Mimi's house. It's one that just mesmerizes me. I'm not really certain of the history behind it- but, it intrigues and inspires.

Today is finally warm enough that I can actually stand to sit back here (on the old porch) and compute. It's a lovely day- sunny and all the cats that can go- are outside. Byron is happily in his shop with the wood stove keeping a huge cast iron pot of beans warm. I'm sure there are several cats, one dog and a Newton keeping him company there!

Enjoy the day. Make some art.

Christmas in pictures

Oh, Christmas Tree... oh, Christmas tree....

Bits & pieces....

End of an era

So long Netscape. Farewell Mozilla.

The on ramp to the information highway was marked with the Netscape Navigator icon. It's shining beacon led many of us far far away... to destinations previously unknown. I'll never forget my delight in the mid 90's when I discovered that the CIA had an online presence and even claiming to have gone there gave one a giddy feeling! Ahhhh... internet innocence.

That was way back in the days of the infancy of the whole world-wide-web. I took a course (college credit, even!) just to figure out how to FTP and I vividly recall begging the teacher to give us some html instruction! Her reply-- "that's a whole language in and of itself!"... duh... not a couple of weeks later and netscape navigator offered a modified WYSIWYG editor just for web-building-wanna-be's as myself. Didn't have to learn a new language after all! Should have... but, didn't!

But, today... our trusty Apples comes preloaded with Safari and it has worked- so, no need to download additional softwares. Too bad for a great program.

Wrigley Wreindeer!

Wrigley Dawg!

So good natured! Such a sport! Is it any wonder that he's saying "oh,no,no!"

Thanks to neighbor, Mshell, he is sporting these lovely new antlers!

He has been such a faithful companion throughout the years... it's hard to believe he's almost 13. Yesterday when Byron pulled into the drive, Wrigs gave the happy dance. Since it was such a nice sunny afternoon- Byron could tell he wanted to prance around in the yard and play a game of chase. Only thing- they are both so old! Poor Wrigs' back legs promptly gave way and the game was over. He's still got the spirit of a young dog- glad he has a nice warm fire to curl up beside.





Here he is with a few friends...

Sam, Max and Wrigley keeping the homefires burning!

Yes... it's good to be home. For ALL of us!

Happy Christmas!

Creative Relief... and Release

It's official!!
Fall Semester 2007 grades have been posted!
And for the first time in my academic career- I have a 3.66 for a semester total!
YIPPEEE!!! Can I just celebrate for 15 minutes right now?? Fame not necessary, Mr Warhol!

The success alone of having achieved not one, but at least two hurdles has me "over the moon"!

Suffice it to say.... I did not think that my research paper grade (89) in Ancient Art History class was enough to compensate for the image identification test scores. Sadly- I'm not a test taker and froze up. Typical. I saw the pieces, knew darn well what it was and could only get the first letter of the name of the piece and/or the artist and dates totally escaped me. Talk about frustration! The minute I walked out the door, all the names came flooding in on me and I knew whole names and details and backgrounds of the politics that were developing at the time that had influenced the work. Some of that I had inserted when I couldn't even get the first letter in the blank.... I KNOW this stuff! But, when it comes time to prove it- you can forget it! All I can figure is that the instructor clearly knows that about me and was very gracious and attendance DOES count!

The other AMAZING thing to me! I AM an ARTIST! Whew! What a RELIEF! I don't know why it is so hard to claim that. I mean- I've called myself arkyartist for a long time. But, to be honest- I've always thought I was just faking it. That I was a "wanna-be". But, to pass not one- but, TWO- drawing classes has finally given me the confidence to really claim it! What a RELIEF!

I've got so many other things to accomplish! I've got to get busy! There are so many projects I want to get started on- things that I didn't feel like I was really ready to handle. I will say that getting actual college credit for a subjective area like artwork gives one the confidence of David. I'm not suggesting that I'm ready to take on Goliath. But, it is gratifying to know that an objective staff of legitimate artists viewed my work and have given their nod of approval. Now that's all I'm going to say about personal fears and apprehensions.

Whew! I'm not sure which I'm more proud of! Doesn't matter! I'm celebrating!

Me 'n Sam! Sam 'n I. We are happy. I've only checked and rechecked those grades twelve times tonight! Just to make sure I wasn't dreaming!

And tomorrow? We'll get out that new vacuum that really sucks (lol!), do a little tidying and set up the Christmas tree! And- then... the studio awaits! YIPPEEEE!!!

I hope you find your creative strength and inspiration!

Oh! And, I may have been silent for the last few weeks... but, I've been steadily taking photos! Maybe I'll get some posted soon! Stay tuned!

These Guys Don't Think Outside the Box...

and you wonder at that title?






as a matter of fact... these guys don't think much at all!

Especially when there is a box lid near a source of heat!

Cats LOVE cardboard and paper bags! I think they were probably made for one another.

Here Sam and Max demonstrate just how laid-back our life here in the country really is! It's probably not a lot different from our in-town life- but, it's funny to me that they have made the transitions and just keep on doing what they've always done.

Companioning (is that a real word?) has become the norm for almost all our our cats. Yes! I even looked up and discovered that Kittly had allowed Black-kitty to pile up in the recliner with her one afternoon. Must be going to get cold! There really isn't a lot of places for the cats to perch- so, they have to share with us, too. I'm continually having to dump a cat from my lap to go and let another cat in or out.



This is what I come back to.... a cat stretched out so far and comfortable- that I'm unwilling to disturb her again. So, I go find somewhere else to perch!

Eureka! oh. Wait.. maybe not.

I'm up early cuz I had this ah-ha moment in regards to my understanding of the symbology of the Chi Rho page (in the Book of Kells) and rushed in here to the computer to see if I couldn't enlarge the images well enough to figure it out. Yesterday- I inhaled twelve detailed (scholarly articles) and probably understand less than when I began- so went to bed at midnight knowing I'm so out of my league that it'll be a miracle if I'm able to even identify Jesus in the portraits any more.

but... before I could get the computer up and running, I had to:

let two cats in,
one dog out,
figured I'd better try to entice Katrina-cat again with my special concoction (she's still not eating)
figured I'd not survive any of the above without coffee,
made the coffee (only interrupted twice!);
ran interference with Kittly-cat wanting Katrina's food-
Max-cat wanting his bowl replenished,
Sam-cat wanting to know what it was that Kittly and Katrina were yowering about,
Blackie and TabbyTom taking over the table (where Katrina's food WAS- now removed),
tripped over the circling sharks- I mean cats,
let Wrigley back in-
let Blackie out,
keeping Katrina in
referee a flare-up between Katrina and Tom.... geez.

WHY did I get up again?

Oh. Yeah. ART. Fughedaboutit.

after the rains....

there is a lovely FIERY sunset! It looked as if the whole horizon were on FIRE!

I couldn't help but bolt out the door, camera in hand, Wrigley trailing me (thinking there was something BAD wrong!) to see if I could capture it! There is really NO way to get it with just a hand-held digi-camera and no tripod. But- it was a site to behold! I had to try!

Today was a really hard one. But- it's OVER and this was my reward! Ahhhhhh.... hope you enjoy, too!

a country mile....

While it's not West Virginia nor anywhere near the Shenandoah... it is a small country road and it is the one I travel on to go home! I love the views...... and no... it's not a mile!

But it is.....

Peaceful.

At Peace.

I wish everyone in my life could be this way.

At least Kittly-cat is.... she and all the other felines are napping today all over the house. It's a good day for a nap.

Rest. Relax. Refresh.

Enjoy the day and the lyrics...

Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue ridge mountains
Shenandoah river -
Life is old there
Older than the trees
Younger than the mountains
Growin like a breeze

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads

All my memories gathered round her
Miners lady, stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine
Teardrops in my eye

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads

I hear her voice
In the mornin hour she calls me
The radio reminds me of my home far away
And drivin down the road I get a feelin
That I should have been home yesterday, yesterday

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads
Take me home, now country roads
Take me home, now country roads

Words and music by bill danoff, taffy nivert and john denver

Ahhhhhh- ART!

WOW! I'm living a DREAM!

Taking art classes- living with, looking at, breathing in ART!

Colors have always held me transfixed- the way that they meld into one another and then transform into their pure forms and then transition into yet another color is mesmerizing!

BUT! Black & White always holds me spell-bound!

Now just WHY IS THAT? I don't know! I may never figure it out! For now- I'm just going to accept each view as it is; but, I can't help but "colorize" what is originally b&w and gray-scale whatever is in color! So... today- as I was going over the most recent drawing assignment and preparing it for submission- I got "smart" and thought... hey? Why not scan it in and play with it in photo-shop before I apply any more ink to the original? Hey! THIS IS FUN!

Okay. okay. My favorite "transformation" was when I stained-glass it after having applied a few other coloring filters- but, I can't turn THAT in for this particular assignment! Well... when I've got "free-time" on my hands I'll have to committ it to paper, too! This big exam on identification of prehistoric art pieces is looming and I must concentrate and get my formal analysis (a portion of which will be included in my research paper) completed for next week. THAT- and get some Ferncliff artwork created and loaded at CafePress because Ferncliff is only FIVE weeks away, GASP!

PANIC!

HYPERVENTILATE!

BREATHE!

OH! Just glancing around the studio here and gazing on this piece calms me! You know WHY???? I think it's because applying all these teeny weeny little bitty lines is so PEACEFUL! Who KNEW???

Happy Friday! I'm off to tidy up the house, drive into Arkadilly and cut some matboard and take Mae for a pedicure! Then... maybe, we'll head off over the mountain to Hot Springs to see drawing instructor's debut exhibit at the Blue Moon Gallery. The link above is her mentor's, Audrey Flack, site! I'll post Debi's after I've seen the show!

The Homecoming Queen!

Yes... it is Homecoming Week for many places.... and we are celebrating at Saginaw as well!

Kittly came home this morning! After two weeks of independence- she's decided to call US "home"!

Kittly our most reclusive and exclusive (as well as our eldest cat-aged 15+) is home!

What a RELIEF!

Happy Homecoming to the Queen of the Kitchen Counter!

On the way to school...

...this morning! I saw these beautiful horses and could not resist stopping!

The drives into town and then back to the farm are so peaceful! Even better- I'm driving with the sun!

Wrigley seems to enjoy the drives, too. At first he had to sit up the entire way... now- he just sort of knows the drive and lots of times I'll catch him napping back there!

We've seen other interesting views in our new neighborhood- so, I'm trying to remember to carry my camera every time I leave now. Old barns are first on my list to drive around and photograph... I've alerted Kim! I wish Mimi were still alive to share them all with- she loved them, too. Within sight from my side windows is a large red barn and the most well-fed black angus cattle with a few white-faced Hereford.

Yesterday's "cat news" - a gaggle of the next-door Guineas spied a relaxing Tabby-Tom and gave chase! The look of shock and horror on his face was worth a hoot of exclamation from Byron who witnessed the quick "escape" of his Tomness around Clinton's house and away from those awful things! We'd been concerned that the cats might make a dinner out of a guinea; but, apparently- they thought otherwise! I just wish B had had the camera!

Crazy Cat-lady signing off!

Laura's Quote and Peaceful Kitties

"Why should we need extra time in which to enjoy ourselves? If we expect to enjoy our life, we will have to learn to be joyful in all of it, not just at stated intervals when we get time or when we have nothing else to do."

- Laura Ingalls Wilder -





I know all is well with our world when the cats are all at peace. These two photos show Katrina (possibly the most "alert" cat we've ever had) and Samson (one of the most "laid-back" cat we've ever owned) on our new bed in our new home. The second photo shows four of our five cats (the fifth had just jumped down) but- when they are all piled up and at rest; you know all is well. Max (the other most "fraidy-cat" we've ever owned along with Tabby-tomness (the other most laid-back) and Katrina and Sam again. This photo is really unique because Katrina is actually near to the Tomness and she's not being the usual *itch she tends to be. We have slept with all these critters AND the dog one morning (a thundery morning) and thankfully the $100 bed is large enough to accomodate!

I should probably explain the $100 bed. When Byron was a wee-little boy his g-parents got the first king-sized bed he'd ever seen. His comment to his Paw-paw was something implying that Mimi must be really rich to be able to afford such a bed and it must have cost a LOT thus... the $100 bed. You can take all kinds of inferences from that- but, let me tell you... this bed SLEEPS like a million bucks and as it was Mimi's bed- it's a meaningful "peace" of furniture. Thanks to Muhner & Aunt Cindy for the generous gift... we all appreciate it! And, with that... we'll put that subject to bed!

On tap for this w/e... "Founders Day" for Arkadelphia. The blacksmiths will be swinging their hammers for a demonstration and I'm sure there will be music, food and other fun things. Perhaps we'll get a few more "honey-do" projects completed and if not- no big deal. I've got two big drawing assingments to complete and whatever else crops up.

Hope you have a great weekend! and enjoy when and where you find yourself!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow....

We went to the feed the ponds the other evening... and this is what we saw!

A double blessing!

I've said it before- and I'll say it again... the colors up here on the farm are fantastic and very awe-inspring! An artists' haven for sure!

Enjoy and be blessed.

Green Acres, the wild Blue yonder.... and other colors!

Whulp.

It's official. I'm actually living the lifestyle of the glamorous Lisa Douglas (aka Eva Gabor)-- albeit no fancy-schmancy "cosmeteticals" and "hotscakes" and thankfully- I don't have to climb the pole to talk on the telephone!! But, I do get better internet reception if I climb the roof... so... I had the nice guys from DirectTV/ATT Wildblue come and install a dish. It's not as fast as DSL but it beats the price of installing a phone line, an extra online service and suffering through dial-up modems.

So.... what can I say about the country life?

Hmmm..... it's quiet? Well. If the guinnas aren't squaking!

Hooterville and Pixley are just a mile or two down the road? Try eleven. And... you have to drive through Barney Fife's-dom to get there. No kidding. I got pulled over 2 miles out of his jurisdiction because he didn't recognize me as a "local" yet. Warned me that my license plate lighting was "out" and in violation of state code and because he was just SURE I was speeding down a hill. Not a CHANCE I told him... but, my lights were out! I'm just wondering how he coerced my lights into both going out at the same time while I happened to be driving through his little hamlet?? Hmmmm????

Oh! Here's something I can say about country life! My dh has provided me with (not only) a lovely SUNSET WINDOW but a SUNRISE view, too! Well.. actually GOD provides them- but, you know what I mean? All I can say is WOW! I've not seen this many gorgeous sunset evenings since I was a kid! AWESOME views from our little place! A feast for the artist's soul! Colors of such magnificance.... well- I'm inspired every where I look! Oranges, pinks, yellows and purples! Haven't seen a red one yet- but, I'm sure there will be one!

The other nice thing about rural living? Everything goes to bed EARLY! Us included! Except for our cats.... which is a whole 'nother "tail" to be told. So.. I'm off to hit the hay. I'm tuckered out and got class tomorrow- but am delighted to be back and "in touch" with my virtual world!

So.. in Lisa's very poetic way and our best Zsa Zsa imitation.... goot night dah-lings!

Born in Black & White... Random Scrumble

Well-- here it is! Finally! My first ART assignment! Well, technically- not my first but the first homework. Drawing instructor Debi Fendley gave us the project of choosing one of our FAVORITE things and to draw it! Well... hmmmm..... favorite? I've got a LOT of those! To be honest- my goal in taking art was to draw and paint people! But... the subject I had in mind wasn't cooperative this w/e to modeling for me, so- I chose another fav!

SPECIAL DARK! YUMMMMMY! and I had to go buy a big old bar just to get the label, HAHA!

Definitely puts one "in the mood"! My friend, Lynette- declares that even candles and mood music are tax write-offs for artists... I wonder if that includes endorphin allowances? While I don't burn a lot of candles- I could definitely use the sweet feeling I get from a good old piece of cocoa everyday... sometimes twice an hour!

Anywhoozie.... let's see. Oh. Yes. Black & White. The title! It occurred to me the other day that I have a deep preference for black & white art. No surprise there! I was BORN in black & white! at least if you look at most of the photographs from the early 60's pretty much everything was b&w! There were a few colorful days- mostly special events like weddings and an occasional birthday party... but, for the most part- day to day life was in b&w. Now wouldn't that be a surprise to my great-great grandparents and all their g-parents? The paintings we have of those folks usually have color in the backgrounds- often times the women wore b&w garments; but, they too- were defined by a b&w world! Odd isn't it?

The other thing that astounds me about this revelation is my dog is b&w! And, he's one of the FAVS in my life!

Okay... the word "scrumble" came to my attention today. Because I was skimming- I read it as SCRUMBLE while it was actual SCUMBLE (which means to soften the outlines and colors) and went in search of it and discovered a whole bunch of textile artists that create scrumble and it's fascinating! Technically- it's not technical and not very well defined! It's freeform including crochet and/or knitting. The most intriguing ones were embellished with all kinds of found objects.

I like the word SCRUMBLE as just a free-form word and if I ever get tired of "Flourish"- you can bet I'm gonna start scrumbling!!! Writing, creating mixed medias and life! Sally Scrumbles! hmmmm... definitely gotta ring there!

Meanwhile... back at the ranch- (or farmhouse rather) work is progressing on preparing our little studio house. I like to think of it as a studio house because- it's tiny (like a studio apartment) and I fully intend to set up our studios in it eventually! B's knifesmithing and metalworking will take half and my arts in the other half! For the time being though- we will life in it and since that's the case- it is needing to be rejuvenated and "Samson"-proofed. We've been caulking and moving what the few pieces of storage (furnishings) that survived B's great "cleanup" and this w/e with very dear-friend's, Toby, help- we cleaned off the front porchlet and repaired the door so now we can lock the world OUT! He also helped move those heavy items and took the caulk gun away from me (yippee!) so that I could do some other honey-do's. He's going to help us do some other fix-up stuff (running wires and some light carpentry work) and as soon as it's painted- I will be a COUNTRY GIRL! or... country ARTIST! B prepared us a lovely dinner of roast beef and veggies and as soon as I get a stove I'll make our favorite carpenters a batch of cookies!

so... there's a LOT going on! Drawing for me! Oh! My new Tech Skills instructor is a nationally recognized specialist in his field and published a book! I can hardly WAIT til he signs my copy! He doesn't use it in his classes- and it's not even on our supply list. But, I just had to have it for my reference library!

Okay... must go and finish reading for A-History and do a couple more sketches AND finish embellishing my totes and art supplies! I figured that if I put some pink flourishes on my stuff- it won't go "missing" when all those students spread their supplies out in class! Because we have purchased the portfolio kits from the campus bookstore they are all ALIKE and there is no way to distinguish them! Since I've always color-coded everything for me and the guys; I'll do it for this, too! Ahhh... can you guess I'm happy? Embellishing my art supplies! How silly!

But.. that's me! Silly Sally.. who now likes to Scrumble!

First Day of School...

....and.... my Mom took my picture!

I think she really just wanted a photo of the Mandevilla- lol!

So, it's been a while since my very first day at college!

Heck! It's been a l-o-n-g time since first-grade and carrying a PBJ and carrot sticks in my lunch kit! If my math is right- it's been 39 years- OUCH!

But, I am a college student (again) and taking 9 hours this Fall.

Drawing I, Tech Skills for Artists and History of Art to the Renaissance on Mondays & Wednesdays!

Get this! I still remembered which end of the pencil to draw with.... now if I could only draw lips that look like lips rather than exaggerated Angelina Jolie caricatures!

And...yes- that book is HEAVY! My sister calls it the "Bible" of art-students!

Devo andare ora addio di studio. (I must go study now, farewell!)

Bon Anniversaire!

Buon compleanno! Buon compleanno! Buon compleanno caro di Byron di buon compleanno!

Joyeux anniversaire ! Joyeux anniversaire ! Cher joyeux anniversaire Byron de joyeux anniversaire !

¡Feliz cumpleaños! ¡Feliz cumpleaños! ¡Feliz cumpleaños querido Byron del feliz cumpleaños!

No matter which language-- a most heartfelt birthday wish to my dh, Byron who turns 46 today!

This is a retro-photo of my baby brother, Jeff, and Byron at a family wedding in 1985. My goodness, wasn't he a handsome young thing??

You're a WINNER!!

How many times have you gotten that kind of letter in the mail? the email?

About a gillion?

Well. I got one the other day specially delivered by FedEx.

It seems that I really DID win $1,000 from an online survey I entered a few weeks back. I had bought some of that Gila® Window Film and inside the product was a notification of their online survey and well, why not? Fast forward to last week and I get the delivery....But... (there's always one of those, huh?) it contained a disclaimer among other things that had to be notarized and returned before they could mail it-- and when I went to the bank to have that done- there was quite a bit of speculation about whether or not it was legit.

Reservations abounded from all quarters that it was bogus.There were a couple of concerns that all the immediate family had when I announced "I'd won!" and then the really BIG thing to alarm the folks at the bank was that it had arrived by FedEx. Apparently, scam artists have gotten wise and realized that by using the good old USPS to deliver their schemes- they are in violation of Federal laws.... so.... they resort to other means of delivery. The second alarm was the request for the SS#. Huh? Why would they need that? I figure it's cause they are required to notify the good old IRS of my winnings.

I even contacted the Attorney General's office to substantiate the legitimacy of this. Didn't hear immediately back from them- so, I went ahead and followed my gut instincts that since I had entered the contest (in good faith) and all the paper trails led to the originating site and the company is reputable- I claimed my prize and signed my name on the dotted line. All along, hoping that I'd not just sold my soul (and sacred SS#) to the devil.

Well!! It CAME! Four days after me having mailed it in! My VISA gift-card CAME! And, I'm going SHOPPING!! Woohooooooo!!!

There was a slight hitch- when I tried to log on to the issuing bank site and activate it- naturally there wasn't a code included in my envelope. With help from Margaret, David & Sandy in St Louis and another Sandy in Taos, I have a fully functioning gift-card!

A word to the wise- if you think it may be bogus. Check it out. Thoroughly.
Arkansas State Attorney General, Justin Daniel's online site is: http://www.ag.state.ar.us/
Better Business Bureau: http://www.bbb.org/
Your personal bank is always an excellent resource- thanks to Vicky!

I am soooooooo excited!

Now... if only Ed McMahon and Pulbishers Clearinghouse would show up with the BIG money!

Laura's insight and Sally's ramblings...

"Learning things is most fascinating, and I think it adds joy to life to be continually learning things so that we may be able to go on with it credibly."

- Laura Ingalls Wilder -

Once again-- Laura puts it aptly.

This coming Monday- registration for classes begins at the local University. Classes begins for many public schools. Ahhh.... the smell of fresh crayons beckons me on the school supply aisle. While it may not be academic- I will be taking some art courses and learning lots. I'm anxious to get "to it" and start drawing for real!

In the meantime- it's still hot and the hurricanes are beginning to line up. Which part of the Gulf will Dean target? Sister, Robin, and her hubby, Stephen, are watching the weather channel with baited breath to see whether or not they'll be having to cancel their Mexico plans or prepare to evacuate their home. I hope neither. But, somebody's gonna have weather to deal with. UGH. Check out the link I've added for the local Arkadilly weather if you want to know how miserable it is here. Suffice it to say- nobody's mowing their yards any longer. There's nothing growing to mow. Sad and depressing. I hate this part of summer. Thank goodness there will be classes to distract from that!

Stay tuned. Stay cool and read something chililng- I suggest Laura's "The Long Winter" because it is really about the coldest thing I can think of besides "Doctor Zhivago" or "The Long Walk". I get frostbite just thinking of those titles!

Am waiting on one last delivery man this afternoon and then I will post again (if it's there!) about some rather exciting news!

Antimonkey Butt Powder, ohmi!!!

Do WHAT???

Anti-WHAT???

Monkey Butt?? Excuse me???

Well... my bff, Kim, called me to tell me that I really needed to look this product up next time I was shopping in our local farm supply store. They carry all kinds of unique things in that place from western wear to gardening supplies to paint & hardware to baby ducks... didn't know that they necessarily provided for MONKEYS... but, hey? What do I know... oh.... well.. duh... she corrected me- it's to PREVENT monkeybutt!

I've got to run right out and get some now. If you can't get it locally- then click on the link above for your instant relief. For your inner primate. For all things raw and chaffed (like your skin if you should happen to have to work outdoor in this awful heatwave!) For a good time call 1-800-antimonkey. Sorry. I just couldn't help throwing that one in there. It's not valid. Don't even try it!

Butt-- I must say.... without monkeying around anymore... See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil....and just say "NO" to monkeybutt business!

Aprons..... so comforting!

A dear sweet cousin of my grandPa's, Dotsy, brought these very special aprons that her Mama made to my Mama. Myrtle was a very special woman- I know this because of the way all the women in my family speak of her. I only wish I'd known her. I love the beautiful handiwork that she put on these and am just amazed at the creative bent everyone in my family exhibited.

As it so happens- two of my women friends in my life sent me the following story. I knew when Mama showed me Myrtle's aprons I just had to blog it! Though I've never been one to wear an apron very much- I may have to! They are just sooooo stylish!

Enjoy!

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that "old-time apron" that served so many purposes.

H is for HOTTER than HADES

Well. It's HERE. The dreaded "H" word. Hovering overhead. Hated horribly. I know it's supposed to mean High Pressure. But when I see it dangling over our fair state- it's ominous. It's horrendous.

Comes regularly every year-- sometimes sooner, rarely this late (or so it seems).

First it read 99+, 101, then 103 and finally 106 stinking degrees.

I was reminded of Eliza's pronunciation drills from "My Fair Lady": "The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain. But in Hartford, Hereford and Hampshire, hurricanes hardly ever happen."

I wish a hurricane would happen. Well. Not a great killer one like Rita or Katrina. But just one enough to bring some rains to the dry South (bypassing Texas of course) and giving some relief to us all the way to Georgia. I guess it could be worse... in South Carolina the heat index is 118- ouch!

When it gets as hot and dry as it is- I always wonder just how awful it was to have lived in the dust-bowl days. Mae says she recalls all the dust even here. I'm not sure which is worse- looking at those awful pictures of those houses shrouded in such darkness from the dust storms and their descriptions of how difficult it was to breathe for years afterwards or having to watch the flood victims trying to get to safety. Weather. It's just awfully extreme and so unpredictable.

Anyway-- I'm in the cool this evening after having run a couple of errands this afternoon out in IT. Got the supplies and made a Margarita Pie (thanks for the recipe, Wanda!) for B to chill off with when he finally drags in. He's working two jobs this week and has to pull a Saturday shift at the boat plant tomorrow- they are thinking that they'll all come in at 5 in the mornings in order to get out of there earlier until the weather breaks. I just am looking forward to him coming home and us lazing around in front of some DVD's and basking in the A/C.

Be cool... stay cooler. Send ICE!

Be still, stop chattering

Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht or... Be still, stop chattering.

"Without my morning coffee I'm just like a dried up piece of roast goat."
— Johann Sebastian Bach


Ah, Lordy! What would I do without my morning cups of java? Apparently, I'm not the first to feel this way!

The great J.S. Bach wrote the original piece, the Coffee Cantata, in the 1730's of a father's demand that his daughter quit her coffee habit and that she can't have any until nor will she be suitable for (in his opnion) a marriage. What a wretched thing for a Pa to do to his young-un!

The above quote from the daughter isn't the only one that has significant meaning. I love the trio-
"A cat won't stop from catching mice, and maidens remain faithful to their coffee. The mother holds her coffee dear. The grandmother drank it also. Who can thus rebuke the daughters?"

Purrcolatte! I'm off to find more coffee beans and thankfully- my Dad doesn't mind one bit! Now if I could only convince my dear husband that he really should buy me a coffee pot (a RED one!) for our anniversary! haha!

THREE POINT TWO FIVE is nothing to sneeze at!

Achoooo!!! It's OVER! School's out for the rest of summer!

And, I DID IT! I passed! Okay- so it wasn't an "A" for speech class, but I can be happy with a "B". And am on the way to improving my overall GPA so no loss there! I would just really REALLY like to know how I did on that last test though! That's what pulled me down... I'm not a test taker!

Anywhoozie-- it's over! And, the next class?? ART of course! Whoopie!

I can hardly WAIT til registration! Already bought a new sketch pad and some graphite and toolery!

A big old happy 3.25 weekend to ya!

Don't Allow Politcal Correctness to Infringe on Freedom of Speech

SARAH DIXON
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
SUMMER II SEMESTER
JULY 31, 2007
PERSUASIVE SPEECH

SPECIFIC PURPOSE: To persuade individuals to recognize that freedom of speech is being compromised when a group decides to limit sports competition because of the use of a mascot that offends an outside group.

CENTRAL IDEA: Using the altered motivated sequence method to state my specific purpose and using analogy to show why political correctness has
gone too far.

I. INTRODUCTION
Imagine, if you will, a neighborhood group of children being rounded up by police for their participation in a role playing game. Their parents arrive at the local lock-up center to regain custody and are faced with the announcement that their children are being held for using hate speech. It seems they had been playing an innocent game of Cowboys and Indians when a group of Native Americans took offense.

TRANSITION: No, this is not a real scenario, but, as ridiculous as it sounds- there are cases being tried where schools and professional sports teams are finding themselves in the position of losing their beloved mascots and traditions. They are essentially being financially hamstringed into relinquishing their identity to satisfy political correctness.

II. ATTENTION STEP/NEED
In 1999 the NFL’s Washington Redskins were told their trademark was canceled- later in 2003 the Federal courts overturned the US Patent & Trademark Office decision that had sided with the complainants (seven American Indian activists that felt they were being insulted) for this same assumption of political incorrectness.

In a bow to public opinion the NCAA in 2005 adopted a policy of declaring the use of Native American mascots by its member institutions to be hostile and abusive and further declaring that member institutions using such imagery will not be allowed to host any NCAA post season championship events.

Last month- Arkansas State University at Jonesboro announced it is retiring their mascot the Indians (formerly Warriors), a treasured mascot that they have used since the first quarter of the 20th century.

TRANSITION:
Role playing is an intrinsic part of play for children of all cultures. For centuries- they have played some form of foe vs. foe and most children will tell you that they enjoyed both sides and the benefits that they had from the characteristics of playing on either side be it: Navy vs. Pirates, Cowboys & Indians, Normans vs. Saxons, Knights vs. Conquerers. Will Pirates, Cowboys, Steelers, etc be the next to fall? Is this such a stretch from children’s role playing to the school’s choice
of mascot?

When does political correctness infringe on Freedom of Speech? For that matter- when should political correctness dictate the expense and upheaval of changing something as traditional as a mascot? Or requiring that students only voice their opinions when in a designated (often remote) location?

I took an informal poll of my son and his friend who both felt as if they were much more censored in what they were allowed to voice in public settings and their freedom of speech was limited. They related to me the instances of Speech Free Zones on college campuses. I was stunned to discover they were correct. These have actually been in place since the 60’s and have had a recent resurgence on both campuses and political settings (such as the Democratic National Convention in 1988).

A poll conducted by Sports Illustrated and reported in the Washington section of National Review indicates that 80% of Native Indians polled were not offended by and further did not feel that schools or teams using Indians as mascots should have to change them. The poll also found that 75 percent of Native Americans don't think the use of these team names and mascots "contributes to discrimination."

Sports Illustrated writer S. L. Price reaches the obvious conclusion: "Although Native American activists are virtually united in opposition to the use of Indian nicknames and mascots, the Native American population sees the issue far differently."

I can even understand no longer accepting new schools membership but for existing schools- shouldn’t they be allowed to continue to practice their adopted traditions? Especially, when there was no harm intended by claiming the role and certainly the vast number of fans that have always considered the use of the mascot as honoring?

On a personal note- I attended a high school who mascot was the Indians, we embraced a rich heritage of the Native American culture and held many of their traditions and honorable rites. It saddens me to think that many communities will eventually lose this adopted sense of unity and pride.

While North Dakota State officials are taking the NCAA to court to challenge its restrictions on the University of North Dakota’s Fighting Sioux nickname. Other schools initially deemed to have unsuitable nicknames by the NCAA have won the right to use their monikers on appeal. They include the Florida State University Seminoles, the Central Michigan University Chippewas and the University of Utah Utes.

IV. VISUALIZATION/SATISFACTION
The political correctness pendulum has been a pivotal bone of contention ever since our Country was founded. It is now swinging again in regards to the right to speak freely in our own country. Most school children are aware of the term “Freedom of Speech” even if they don’t realize that it is the First Amendment in our Constitution also known as the Bill of Rights.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

If we don’t begin to demand some levity about political correctness we may find ourselves facing the example I gave in my introduction or worse.

V. ACTION (CONCLUSION)
Knowing that there is a fine line between “walking on a fence” and “straddling a fence” - how should responsible citizens respond when challenged by someone who took offense because of their own lack of education or perspective?

We have a clear solution in the First Amendment. What we need to consider is our own exercising of tolerance, I know that to be difficult because there are many things I find offensive in today’s media and society. But, the rights that were laid out by our forefathers allow for each of us to express our own opinions. For instance by playing roles, such as Indians it is not a disparaging action but rather just an expression of community and pride. In regards to team spirit- can we not believe that these teams/schools have chosen these mascots to honor a culture rather than assuming they are making a negative statement about a group of our society?

Martin Luther King said, "people should not be judged on the color of their skin, but on the content of their character." In similar fashion, People should not be judged on the way others might "color" their words, but on the face value of their content.

REFERENCES:

Associated Press. (October 1, 2003) Judge: Insufficient evidence name is offensive. Retrieved July 28, 2007 from:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1628425

NCAA Sports. (June 22, 2007) Arkansas State to change mascot. Retrieved July 28, 2007 from: http://www.ncaasports.com/story/10233982

J.C. Fullerton and J. Dixon. Interview. July 26, 2007.

David L. Hudson Jr. (September 13, 2005) Free Speech on Public College Campuses: Free-Speech Zones. Retrieved July 27, 2007 from: http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/speech/pubcollege/topic.aspx?topic=free-speech_zones

John Miller. (March 8, 2002) By Any Other Name: What do Native Americans think of sports teams named after Indians? Retrieved July 26, 2007 from http://www.nationalreview.com/daily/nr030802.shtml

Associated Press. (October 9, 2006) N.D. officials sue NCAA over 'Fighting Sioux' ban. Retrieved July 26, 2007 from http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org//news.aspx?id=17512&SearchString=mascot

First Amendment Timeline. (July 28, 2007) First Amendment Center online retrieved July 28, 2007 from http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/about.aspx?item=First_Amendment_timeline

Founding Fathers including but not limited to: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton. (1789) THE BILL OF RIGHTS: Amendments 1-10 of the Constitution. Retrieved July 26, 2007 http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/funddocs/billeng.htm

Sandy C Huckabee. Interview. July 30, 2007.

Image: http://www.bluecorncomics.com/naintell.htm © copyright 2007 by Robert Schmidt.
Copyrighted material is posted under the Fair Use provision of the Copyright Act, which allows copying for nonprofit educational uses including criticism and commentary.

Some lovely new definitions!

grammatolatry
[fr. Gk grammato- + Eng. -latry, worship of or fanatical devotion to] /GRAM eh TAL eh tree/ the worship of letters or words; fig. concern for the letter with disregard for the spirit cf. epeolatry

twitterpated
nonce-word love-struck, smitten
Nearly everybody gets twitterpated in the springtime. - Friend Owl, Bambi

carnaptious
[fr. Sc. knap, to bite] /ka(r) NAP shus/
Scots & Irish dial. bad-tempered, irritable, grumpy

These are just some random words I'd stumbled across recently- aren't they clever? Well- twitterpated isn't all that "new"- but, that it's even in a dictionary was satisfying! Makes ya wonder how much of our slang is "slang" anymore. Is it even considered slang if it's IN the dictionary? Why if it's in the dictionary then you can't use it in word games? I think that's a silly rule! OH- ha! And, speaking of word games... I finally broke 50k on text-twist online. I could always do it off-line but never online today, woohoo! So.... I lead an exciting life, eh?

Today is a much slower day that what I've had this past month. The p'rents finally returned from OH and took over Granny duty. I've spent the biggest part of it in the bed curled up with my favorite Sam-man. I wish I had a picture of him- he's all crashed out in the middle of my stack of magazines that I drug in here for some inspiraition. They are smooth and cool and he loves them on his "shaved" belly. Why on earth that cat has to shear off his hair is beyond me! He looks so ridiculous!

I discovered (duh!) that one of my fav DIY shows is hosted by a good ole Austin girl! She's mentioned TX several times, but- I'd kept not had a chance to look up her show until today- anyway, discovered her (Jennifer's) blog: http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com/

Saturday night-- and I'm not focused.

Am finding it difficult to choose a persuasive topic for my next speech.

I've read the chapter.

I've picked everybody's brains for their choices of topics.

I still can't commit.

Key items in selecting a topic are: knowing your audience (three of us are 35 or older and female) and the rest are 19 or 20 and male. Quite a difference of demographics there. If there wasn't quite such a large discrepancy; it might be easier to choose.

Choose a subject you are passionate about. Argh....there are so very many topics of which I am passionate.

The institutes of God (the Trinity), marriage and family.

Responsible Parenting.

Christian and well-rounded (or classic type) academic educations. Mandatory latin courses!

Responsible pet-ownership.

Political and civil responsibility including (but not limited to) being informed of current events and the foundations that our rights are founded upon- the Constitution.

American patriotism.

Personal accountability.

Proactive stances in health-care (not a demand for socialized insurance programs) but that the patient is given more credibility and that doctors are less likely to assume symptoms and diagnosis rather than taking a few additional moments to interact with the patient and find out if there are underlying and/or simultaneous ailments occurring.

Exercising the right to vote.

Exerice... on a pole or on the way to the poll!

Allowing other's free speech even when it's disgusting and in poor taste- because FREE SPEECH really IS what it's all about!

Healthy well-balanced outlooks.

Looking for the objective viewpoint.

There is nothing better than a classic romantic comedy for any afternoon.

The house of blues really DOES rock!

Trying new tastes and views- like Italy! or Oregon! ;-)

Total honesty- of course, tempered with kindness if it's a hurtful one.

Cats ARE people, too!

Art is subjective-- enjoy the parts you like and don't knock the rest.

Chocolate... it should be a part of the food pyramid.

Recognizing a good thing before and during the event rather than only afterwards.

The need to set a goal, and keep after it 'til it's complete.

It should be mandatory for all homeowners to plant perennials. Okay- that's a little out there- but, a nice sentiment nonetheless! Reckon I'm getting tired?? Hee hee!

Argh. I'm not getting anything writ! But this BLOG!

What to do? What to do? Maybe tomorrow I'll figure it out. In the meantime- I have an excellent idea for another blog subject! Dirty secrets and the family skeletons... when to say "mum"? when to blab? or blog as the case may be?? Tune in next time.....

Happy Birthday, Baby Boy!

Today marks the 21st birthday of my beloved son!

This photo is from birthday "5"- one of those milestones that passed all too quickly.

Since he's not really one for the spotlight, there won't be any big family celebration. His diet-choices have even stymied his Dad's suggestion of his former "favorite" pizza- so knowing how to honor this new adult is difficult. His Grandmother is fixing his favorite beef roast- and as soon as I get back from class I'm going to whip up one of his old favorite desserts-- a peanut-butter Jello mix.

So-- what do you give to the young man that is contemplating entering the nation's military and serving his country? I still think in terms of Legos and clever Disney characters to purchase for him- and yes, he does appreciate them still and to this day! Though his preference runs toward the sci-fi the older he gets- so, I won't be buying Transformers like items unless he specifically requests it.

This date has additional special meaning for me. My sister-in-law, Anita, served as my birthing coach and was a major player throughout. G-mother got me to the hospital on time and Anita was there (even before us) for the big event! While Byron was there- his role was more in observance and to count fingers and toes! He actually had that accomplished before the pediatrician on hand! I couldn't have gotten through that day without them- thanks all!

Happy Birthday, my Baby-Boy. My now adult-son.

Love you-

Mom

Happy 98th Birthday to Mae!

Ida Mae- my dear grandmother (known to all of us simple as "Mae") is celebrating her 98th birthday today! She just beamed when we sang to her this morning- and she's looking forward to seeing all of her grandchildren this afternoon!

The official "party" will be tomorrow and some very dear cousins will join us.

I have made a double batch of chocolate/butterscotch cookies and Mom has prepared three cakes. Our friend, Mr Sandy- will be making her a very special coconut cake and she overheard us discussing it today while I was checking to see if he needed any additional supplies he responded that he had about 20 white cakes mixes on hand already! I repeated that and she misunderstood and her eyes got big-- I just looked at her and said very casually- "oh, he's going to make a 20 layer cake unless you'd rather have it 98?" when she finally broke into a grin!

I think she'd rather we not make such a big deal of it- but, how often does a girl get to this age? In my family- this is the longest anyone has managed! Granddaddy made it to 97 and was so trying to make it to 100.





This photo is from Mae in her college days.

Wasn't she a dish?

I know that my grandmother was a wonderful dancer! Though my grandfather was crippled- he didn't mind her "taking a spin" with any number of their friends. My mom saw her dance once- I belive. Mae has told us of the best dancer partner she ever had- a fellow teacher when she was Dean of Women and taught at the Women's College in Magnolia. She said he was so light on his feet- that she fairly flew!

Mae's style has always been impecable. She knows what is "fitting" and still admonishes both my mother and myself to adhere to it- fashion wise. Looking at her in these pictures makes me realize from what a wonderful woman I'm descended. Knowing her as well and as long as I have- allows me to appreciate certain aspects that I never grew to with my other grandmother, Nancy (also a fine example of womanhood). I can only hope that if I should live as long as Mae- that I will be able to deal with life in the gracious manner that she has.

A true Southern woman.

With a lovely Carolina accent to her speech.

Happy Birthday, Mae! and May you continue to have Blessings and Grace in abundance!

Quiet Reflections....

"We who live in quiet places have the opportunity to become acquainted with ourselves, to think our own thoughts, and live our own lives in a way that is not possible for those who are keeping up with the crowd."

- Laura Ingalls Wilder


I just LOVE Laura! She has such good insight!

While my life these days is anything BUT quiet... of late I have lived in solitary. So have certain others. It really has given the benefit (time and space) to recognize those things that are important.

If you've been acquainted with my personal life and have made certain prayers on our behalf- please be aware that those many prayers have been answered.

Without going into any detail- I want you to understand that what has transpired recently is remarkably like the Berlin Wall. It came down quickly and without a shot being fired. Though many rocks are still left to be picked up and removed from that rubble- there are at least two people working on the project now (and metaphorically speaking) perhaps a garden will be the end result.

I appreciate all the support and love that you have provided. I try (really hard!) not to preach from this forum as it was designed to be primarily lighthearted and informative- but, to be honest... God's Word has not come back void, the Promises He has made have been proven once again and I claim Romans 8:28 ..."al things work together for good..." Since my beliefs are so closely linked to my levels of creativity- it's necessary for me to share with you- this good news.

I sincerely believe that my life has been blessed. With parents & siblings, husband & child, inlaws and friends (that's in order of appearance- not necessarily order of importance!) because if you don't know already- I'm here to tell you... my God is a loving God and He has given grace in measure beyond belief. Grace that transcends physical and material objects.

In other words-- I'm good. LIfe's good. And, like Laura observes- being in a quiet place without distractions allows us to be honest with ourselves.

If you can take the time for your quiet place- do. If you have to- make the time. I'm looking forward to a not-so-quiet place but, I'm ready for it!

~S

"How do People Die?"

The following is the speech I presesnted this morning -Dr A said it was the "most well-written outline he'd ever EVER had!" Yippeee! Now, if I could only present as well as I write! Ugh. Totally went over the time limit and had a couple of visual aid malfunctions- only scored an 84% but, it's OVER! I do have to present it again (in a longer format) as a lecture for Life-Fitness Concepts later this week... at least it's DONE and needs nothing else to be done!

I'm exhausted and going to take a nap. If you read this whole thing- you'll be taking a snooze, too!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
HENDERSON STATE UNIVERISTY
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
SUMMER II- July 16, 2007

Title: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) OR "How Do People Die?"

GENERAL PURPOSE: To inform of the silent killer: DVT

SPECIFIC PURPOSE: To inform of the risk and management of DVT

CENTRAL IDEA: Causes of hyper coagulability leading to the risks of Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and/or Pulmonary Embolisms (PE) occurance, diagnosis and treatment, and to raise general public awareness.

SUPPORTING MATERIALS:
1. Factor V Leiden/thrombophilia Support Site: http://www.fvleiden.org/
2. DVT Prevention site: https://www.preventdvt.org/
3. Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec04/ch046/ch046a.html
4. Venous Thromboembolism: http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com
5. National Library of Medicine and Health http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6. http://ask.yahoo.com/20051128.html, National Vital Statistics Report, 2006
7. http://www.genome.gov/15015167


I. INTRODUCTION

200,000 Americans will die throughout the year from deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE); more than from drunk drivers, AIDS, breast cancer or homicide.

DVTs are treated in 2 milllion Americans each year. Of those patients developing a first-time diagnosis of DVT- 75% were not aware of the risk- factors prior to the event and were unaware that there are preventative measures.

I have had multiple episodes of DVT since 1987 and suffer from resultant chronic post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).

II. Risk Factors
A. Inherited or acquired predisposition to thrombophilia.

Thrombophilia is the tendency to clot or a blood-disorder. As a child I was fascinated with the Queen Victoria and her descendants- one in particular was Prince Alexei of Russia, a hemophiliac, whose mother's reliance on Rasputin to treat his bleeding helped bring about the end of Imperial Russia. Other than that- I had never heard of blood-disorders and to be honest- I found their murders much more fascinating.

1. it wasn’t until 1998 that there even existed a test to determine the most predominant clotting disorder, Factor V Leiden. Before that time, many folks died of clots not knowing why they had clotted.

I was diagnosed with Factor V Leiden heterozygous (one of two mutated genes) in Spring of 2007. The tests haven’t been performed yet to determine the presence of Proteins CNS and can only be drawn when I am off of blood-thinner, a risk in and of itself.

2. Five% of Caucasian Americans and 1% of African-Americans have FVL.

B. Cancer, Trauma, Advanced Age or Unhealthy Life Habits or Situations

Autoimmune disorders such as lupus, acute medical illness with restricted mobility, and certain heart or respiratory diseases can cause blood-clots or pulmonary embolism.

1. 60% of patients undergoing major surgery, such as hip replacement, who remain immobile in bed after operations without preventive treatment may develop clots

2. Age, smoking and obesity contribute greatly in the episodes of DVT.

3. Airline passengers on long-haul flights call it “economy class syndrome” and office workers that remain seated at their computers for extended periods of time without taking breaks (often called “desk jockeys”) account for 34% of DVT/PE.

C. Women’s Issues
Women are at a higher risk for DVT. Birth-control pills, Pregnancy and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) are all contributing factors.

1. Healthy women taking oral contraceptives have a three- to fourfold increased risk of developing a DVT or PE compared with women who do not take birth control. Women with factor V Leiden who take OCPs have about a 35-fold increased risk of developing a DVT

2. PE is the leading cause of maternal death associated with childbirth. A woman’s risk of developing VTE is six times greater when she is pregnant.

My first known episode of DVT was at age 24 during childbirth, with repeating and devastating occurances in two additional pregnancies.

While doing family genealogy it was discovered that one great-grandmother died not long after pregnancy. If you are researching family medical history- In the “old days” it was often called “milk leg”.

III. Symptoms

Often called the “Silent Killer” because as many as half of all DVT episodes
produce minimal symptoms. A number of other conditions display similar symptoms and mask the true culprit until the misdiagnosis can be corrected or results in death.

1. Leg pain, swelling (called edema), tenderness, discoloration or redness of the affected area and skin that is warm to the touch are the most significant of DVT presentations.

2. PE events are characterized by chest pain, shortness of breath, heart
racing or pounding, passing out or sudden death. These episodes can be a result of a fragment of clot breaking loose from the vein wall and traveling to the lung or a clot forming directly in the lung.

3. Symptoms frequently misdiagnosed include: charley horse, muscle sprain, twisted ankle, sore or achy muscles.

4. PTS or post-thrombotic syndrome occurs in 20-50% of patients after a dvt-event and usually is established within the first 2 years after the acute thrombotic episode. It is a disabling chronic condition consisting of leg pain, swelling, hardening or calcification of veins and skin and ulcers.

IV. Diagnosis

While there is a blood-test to determine if the blood is too thick- only x-rays or ultrasound are thorough in their conclusion.

1. Venous ultrasound is the least invasive of the tests.

2. Contrast Venograms are x-rays that display the clots by injecting radiographic material into a superficial vein.

3. EKG, Chest x-rays, arterial blood-gas and lung scintigraphy for PE’s.


V. Treatment
Treatment for DVT, PE and PTS are limited - all medications increase the risk of bleeding, allowing for bruising and are one of the hardest drugs to manage with interactive medications.

A. For clots caught early in development- clot busters (tPA) may be administered.
B. Blood thinners take a while to regulate and require rigid prothrombin monitoring. Foods rich in vitamin K (leafy green vegetables), soybean, green tea and a a variety of herbal supplements are to be avoided.
1. Heparin injections may be given through IV or injections.
2. Lovenox injections must be given subcutaneously (in the belly).
3. Coumadin or the generic , warfarin is commonly called rat-poison.
C. Leg elevation with compressive therapy and/or extremity pump.
D. Compression stockings or TED hose are the mainstay of therapy- many times the extremity must be custom fit which takes additional time, is expensive, and not covered by many insurance's companies including the Medicare system.

VI. Famous celebrities having DVT or PE.

A. Survivors
1. Vice-President Dick Cheney
2. former Vice-President Dan Quayle
3. HIllary Clinton, former first-lady and NY senator
4. Lainie Kazan, actress “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”
5. Terry Francona, Manager Boston Red Sox
6. Victoria Principal, actress “Dallas”
7. Ian Anderson, lead singer & flutist for “Jethro Tull”
8. Bonnie Bernstein, sports-journalist ABC-Sports and ESPN

B. Deaths due to blood-clots or related events.

1. David Bloom, NBC journalist, FVL
2. Shawntinice Polk, University of Arizona basketball player
3. Tammy Wynette, Country singing star
4. Harry Agganis, aka “the Golden Greek” Boston Red Sox
5. Dan Blocker, actor of “Bonanza” fame
6. Cesar Romero, actor played the Joker in TV-series “Batman” aka “The Latin Lover” and “Cisco Kid”

CONCLUSION: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a common but elusive illness that can result in suffering and death if not recognized and treated effectively. You can prevent DVT- Don’t smoke! Exercise regularly! Be aware of subtle symptoms if sitting for long periods of time.