Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

You know... sometimes I have these images in the files that don't really fit into any one category? Too random. Too ornate. Too whatever. They just sort of whisper at me everytime I'm shuffling through. I should start a flotsam jetsam file!

For some crazy reason- a couple demanded attention last night.

Thus was born: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."



And, today- was a really GREAT mail day!! I won, I won!! A box full of inspiration. ITALIAN flavored inspiration as well as rubber stamps- YES!!! And, a magazine chock full of altered images, woohoo!! Good thing I was a domestic diva yesterday and cooked roast, potatoes and "the best gravy I ever cooked in my entire life" as well as banana pudding! Byron saw that box of art supplies and just knew I was "out to lunch" for the rest of the weekend. HA!

With every rain... a tree might fall.

...and it's not as loud as you might think.

We've had a bit of rain lately.
Honestly? We've had a LOT of rain.
Too much, in fact. The rain gauge has registered at least 11 inches since last Wednesday. The ground is saturated, to say the least. So when the tree tipped over, it really wasn't all that loud.

We lost the last of the "Triple Trees", century-old white oaks covered in resurrection fern, amidst fireworks and explosions as it took down power lines and blocked the street for a couple of hours. It narrowly missed taking out our gas meter, front gate and hitching post. Adding to the excitement, several vehicles nearly collided with the obstruction and live wires while several of the neighbors and I were frantically trying to call 911. I finally got hold of the fire department (though they weren't interested) who rolled the call over to the police department. The emergency response finally told one neighbor that that the system wasn't working. Uh.... not good. I'm just glad that this wasn't a life or death matter.

Anyway, the power came right back on and the street is cleared for traffic within a couple of hours. Thanks to the Entergy guys, the police and street departments.

I shall now draw up some landscape plans... I see a picket fence and some bright red crape myrtles in my future!! And, yes- there is already a white oak (a little over head high) already in place.

To the Stars....

Jess and I said goodbye to Kittly (Kiddily) Cat (age 17) today.

~~Make Art, B!t¢h~~

I don't make this stuff up, folks. I just note it! 

My mother won't like it, though. 

My sister offers an alternative phrase: houndette. 

My best friends say to just use it as it was originally written and let those that are offended get over it. To be honest- they suggest I post it on my wall in the studio!!

With that directive in mind..... here I go. Digitally anyway! And, work in the altered book is coming along as well!

Yeah. You know who you are.

My morning wouldn't be complete...

(and sometimes my afternoons) without:

Tall and slender with shapely calf,

Stands strong shouldered with one hand on hip,

Fair-headed, sometimes dribbles with tongue sticking out--

Forgive the occasional 5 o'clock shadow.

♥ favorite coffee mug ♥

ahhh... Springtime Bliss!

a lovely quote to go along with a favorite view! 

"I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world."

George Washington

There is no place like home!! And, I'm so very happy to be able to share photos like this one with my dear Grandmother, Mae, whose home it was, also. She planted these azaleas, iris and honeysuckle. The oak was little more than a sapling when they first moved here in 1944. While it is a little inconvenient living in an old house (the front portion you see here was built around 1880)- it offers a setting incomparable to modern housing.

In large part- the reason my family bought this place was because of a family illness. My grandfather, Ernest Still (born in 1909), was brought up by his maternal aunts. His father, Cleve, died when he was but two years old. His mother, Cora Moore Still, died when he was around 12. Aunt Eva, the oldest of the Moore sisters, shows to be the head of the household in the 1920 census- while the married sisters had houses across the street on 14th Street. By 1940, Pa and Mae and my Mama were living in Arkadelphia with Aunt Eva. Pa had bought much of the property on both sides of Martindale Hill (now known as 15th Street) and rented this house from a Mr Murphy who was with the OBU ROTC in 1944 when Aunt Eva's TB was nearing the point that she had to go to Booneville. They drew up plans for a house to be built a little further south and on the west side of the road, but for whatever reason, decided to purchase this house and continue the additions and renovations rather than build their dream home. Over the years, they let go most of the pastureland and kept some of the woodlands.

Mom and Mae's recollections of that first winter they spent here are much like Laura Ingalls Wilder's book "The Long Winter" except they suffered through with a less than capable wood stove and all had a horrible fever. The next year, they got the indoor plumbing finished and the chimney on the fireplace was completed- I wonder if the reason it sways is because they rushed it, but who knows? The old house is still cold, in spite of the central heat and wood stove insert that have been added since we've lived here- but, cold or no- it is home.

And, in the Springtime, I tend to forgive the inconvenience and revel in the comfort of knowing the family that has called this place home. I'm not the granddaughter of an empress- but, I can be a little imp!

Going Bright Siding!!

Economic catastrophe.
Corporate greed.
Death and destruction.
The most depressing stories make the headlines of the media and I'm a little weary of it. It turns out that I'm not alone.

Come on, Get Happy!!

This new internet based trend, called brightsiding, is the philosophy of viewing the world optimistically and is the norm.

Of course-- as most topics do, this one reminds me of a song. You may recognize the tune from the Partridge Family and isn't the way it was originally recorded for the pilot. These lyrics are perfect for an earworm for the rest of the day and as mood music for the venture.



The assignment for beginning to brightside is to recognize those things you are grateful for and say it aloud or in writing.

With that in mind- I have a quick list of gratitude.
1. I'm secure in my family lineage-- I AM a child of God.
2. My husband is my best friend.
3. My grandmother, who is sitting beside me, needle pointing one of my designs.
4. Rain- just enough to have washed away the pollen.
5. Zest for life.
6. Red. Orange. Yellow. Green. Blue. Violet.


It also reminds me of another favorite!
Those funny Monty Python boyz!

What would you pay to keep these photos from being published on F/B?

No.. This is not bribery or a blackmail threat.

It just sounded like a funny title!!

But, it got me to thinking....

Now that so many of the people from our past are beginning to reappear, by way of Facebook (or F/B)--it stands to reason that some pretty scary images from those eras are floating around. Big hair, really bad perms, fashion faux-pas, etc.

So what if they do get published on F/B?

It's not as if the majority of the users (under the age of 20) here aren't having their lives exposed in this manner; or worse, look at Michael Phelps. Almost real-time images and escapades are being publicized and the fall-out is generally over within a week. A part of the maturation process includes making dumb mistakes, dealing with the consequences, picking ones' self up and making a different (hopefully, better) choice for the next challenge. In many instances- two years worth of smart decisions can override the dumb ones; and certainly in five years (provided the really stupid acts aren't serial incidents or unlawful) the past can be forgiven.

But... what about us? The 39+ population?

The supposedly "responsible" parents, some of us even grandparents? Are all of our indiscretions from those teen-aged and immature 20'ish years going to come back to haunt us?

We made those irrational choices over 15 or more years ago. We've screwed up and, hopefully, matured some. Had babies and made more mistakes. Raised kids and dealt with our kids knowing our own personal foibles and recognized when they were nearing the same pitfalls; guided them through it and forgiven ourselves (or not) for our own pasts. It's all part of life.

Since many of us are nearing reunion time and have sought out electronic means to reconnect to our pasts- it makes me contemplate.

Is it fair to have to endure these horrible images from our pasts all over again? Especially in light of the fact that we ourselves have finally gotten over these scars??

What if our kids should see these? Will it scar them for life? Worse- will it cause them to disrespect us because we succumbed to some horrendous fashion fads? and what about co-workers and friends that we greatly esteem? When our son saw a photo of his father in a PINK shirt, his approval rating sunk lower than Geo. (43) Bush's.

I don't know. Just forgive me, ok? Consider yourself forewarned.

P.S. Byron doesn't want me to edit or "photoshop" the less than pristine portions. I could have changed that pink shirt of his... but I adhered to his policy, ROFL!!

** For those of you readers not on Facebook-- you have NO idea what you are missing!!

That photo up there is not Byron. It's an old friend, Mark. And, no- I never inhaled that cigar.

I can has cheezburger now, Meow

more animals


more animals


more animals


more animals

N fihn-a-whee awwhr fav-ah-wheat....

more animals

Mlle Anne Thrawpy …or…

Miss Ann Thropy

The English writer Jane Austen, famed for her use of irony, parody and satire, frequently showed a cynical attitude towards society and many of the people within it. Elizabeth Bennet, in Pride and Prejudice, says to her sister Jane: "You wish to think all the world respectable, and are hurt if I speak ill of any body ... There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense." (Pride and Prejudice, Volume 2, Chapter 1.)

Have yourself an artsy little Christmas....

What would Christmas be without Thomas Nast?

Just who IS Thomas Nast, you ask?

Well.... his name you might not recall.. but, his art- oh, his art!
Oh, yeah... and he is considered to be the "Father of the American Cartoon." Political cartoons were some of his specialty. But, I love him best for these...


His depictions of Santa have endured and shaped the westernized and commercial view of Santa Claus since the second half of the 1800's. In 1890, he published Thomas Nast's Christmas Drawings for the Human Race.

Culture, fruitcake & family myths....

Our sister just loves fruitcake!

Ok, that statement may be an exaggeration… as a matter of fact- the more correct adjective might be loathes.

Nonetheless, she has (for years) claimed that our dear grandmother has "nursed" a certain family heirloom and cultivates a rich heritage for her descendants. Yes-- my sister accuses Mae of keeping an ancient (and not-so-secret, cuz she blabs it aloud alot) family artifact. It's almost guaranteed that every year the topic is going to come up of the contentious item- the fruitcake.

I'm not sure when Robin's abhorrence of the spicy cake loaded with brandied fruits and nuts came about- she has always liked fruits and nuts in almost everything (some of us didn't until we became adults a year or so ago!). Anyway-- there was a certain piece of crockery that has always lived in Mae's kitchens and yes, (she did in fact) used to store a fruitcake wrapped in cheesecloth and took out at least twice a week and soaked with brandy. But, it was a fresh fruitcake that was made each Fall and "liquored up" for weeks before Christmas. As a kid- I even recall being honored with the duty of unwrapping it and getting to douse it a time or two. At some point in time- the crockery was broken and there was some discussion about the most appropriate vessel to replace it.

Initially, I think a piece of Tupperware was used; and, maybe this is when the legend began to take on a life of it's own. Or, maybe it's when Robin became a hostess in her own domicile and realized she didn't have the dreaded millstone around her neck with which to contend. The supreme responsibility of caring for and presenting the hallowed fruitcake every year to the family that "oohed-and-awed" in unison while very silently shivering with dread and screwing up their noses just knowing that they were fixing to be served (only a very teeny-tiny) sliver of… the "roll-your-eyes-widely-when-you-utter-it" fruitcake. Sheesh. Sounds revolting, doesn't it!

Universally- the very word "fruitcake" is uttered with a sense of dread and awe. A phenomenon that is widely held and believed as truth in many American families. A common myth that there is this ancient food relic that is handed down generation after generation to the eldest daughter, like a treasured "start" of *sourdough yeast. *Yes, those do in fact exist (read it on wikipedia) and can be bought on the internet and eBay.

Except... that there really ARE some families that have century old fruitcakes in their possession. Ewwww.... yup. That picture (above) is of an almost 100 year old fruitcake. Supposedly made around the time of the Titanic. Read all about it here.

Then... for a real good laugh.. click over to Revenge Gifts for a tale of a 1,000 year old fruitcake! I couldn't get any of the links on this site to work.... and after a little research discover that it's a clever little marketing ploy!! You'll have to figure it out and come back and leave me a comment when you do!!

Please post fruitcake related jokes and images to the "I Ate Fruitcake and Lived to Tell About It" Facebook Group!!

Now.. for the culture!

Sister, Nancy, informs me that today, December 16th, is the birthday of our favorite English author, Jane Austen! She even had tea & cakes this morning while reading a chapter in honor of dear ole' Jane!! 'Er... Nan? Was that fruitcake you had by the way, dearie?? You might should consider having an allergy shot or some penicillin around if you did!!

You gotta Believe!!

All you gotta do...

just believe.

"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."
Acts 16:31

Mary Engelbreit has it right on-- this is the new garden flag!! Isn't it cute 'n clever??

She has a whole line of Christmas stuffs-- but, this one just screamed at me!!

The morning after the rain....

Morning, Sunshine!!
What a welcome sight after last nights fright(ful) lightening!!

Surprisingly-- it was a much greater storm where Byron was. He called to let me listen to the thunder and hail! It must have woken him up under that metal roof.

But, today is gloriously bright and c-o-l-d! Yesterday was so warm I had to let the fire go out.... in the middle of the night it was freezing (literally!- there was a slight sheet of ice in the wheel barrow when I took the alpha dog out for his 4th midnight walk. Not sure if it was the weather or his allergies or his overall geriatric body that kept him so restless; but, we didn't get much sleep.

This morning though--- he is near the wood burning stove where the blower has finally kicked on and is beginning to warm up. Too-- we have two cats sitting nearby awaiting the warmth.

Life's good. Except for that slight leak in the roof. Can't put up the Christmas tree until that is repaired as it will sit dead center to where the run off lays. Can you imagine what a mess?? Soggy Christmas tree and ornaments-- ewww. Add that call to the to-do list.

ARTiculations in PDF and Forums!!

"Lawdamerci, Miz Scarlet!
I dunno know nuthing about burthing no babies!"

But, I do know inspiration when it smacks me like a ton of bricks!

I found it (and now you can, too!) on a couple of new websites.

The e-mag ArtTrader issue 4 (PDF) is 56 pages jam packed with great ideas!

The sister site is Mail Art World- a forum and gallery for the artists connected with the above mentioned publication.

I'm going to have to go into hibernation long enough to soak it all up!! Thread painting, ohmi! I can hardly WAIT! Yeah, yeah-- I know.. it's just glorified quilting! But, that's what I long to do.. make paper, quilting and inks all into single pieces of art.

I'm not weird. I'm altered!

Speaking of... the Quilters Guild meets in just a few hours for a Christmas potluck. I'm going to bed with visions of sugarplums and art in my head!!

The cutest red shoes EVER!

Some gals are fashionistas. Some people prefer purses. Some are shoe freaks. Some are jewelry nuts. Some are cosmetic connoisseurs.

Me? I'm not really in to any of that. Perhaps it's because Paris Hilton and I wear a similar shoe size! That's about all I have in common with that celebra-tartlet.

But... if I were a trend-setter and could find 'em in my size... I'd have to have me a pair of these shoes!




Aren't they just adorable??

Of course... I think it's because of the art on the bottom of the sole that's just so kicking!

Kinda jiggles a memory of watching the women at the Methodist church when they went to the altar rail to take communion and looking for the tell-tale red magic mark across the sole that told the world that they'd shopped at Well's Shoe Outlet or the Arky House in Hot Springs.

Oh- I miss those stores. And, the days when my sore feet could tolerate cheaper and kitchy shoes!!

And, if you just happen to know where I can find a pair of navy spectator pumps in size 11- please give me the heads up!!

One 99 and 99 and one more 9

Today was a momentous day.

During the eighteenth hour on the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month of the year two thousand aught eight; my father and I watched a milestone. Well. Not necessarily a mile-STONE, per se, but a a quantity of major importance! My beloved red Crown Victoria clicked 199,999 and then over to 200,000 (which isn't nearly as lyrical).

I had been watching the miles tick off for days waiting for it to happen... the anticipation factor alone in watching such an event is akin to... I don't know... watching a turtle hatch? Well- okay, not quite so spectacular, but you get the drift.

It just so happened that at 199,997 I was heading to the p'rents home and I know that it's about 1.5 miles. I got the brilliant idea to "share" this occasion with my Dad (knowing he's game for quirky things and it's his old car anyway) so, instead of running a few extra feet on the way over there- I told Dad there was something I needed him to look at in my car. Wouldn't you know it? He claimed the "no, it's too cold" card.

I finally talked him into coming out with me (you reckon he's always suspicious of paybacks from his children?? haha!) and told him he had to get in and let me drive him around to see it. The first "go around" the driveway (it's a circular thing) and I was on the phone calling mom to tell her to wave out the window. He knew he'd been "had" and thought I had just got him snookered into driving donuts in his own drive!! He has pulled that stunt on us and other unsuspecting passengers or drivers following him and always beams when he's played that joke or had it played it back. Anyway-- after the 2nd time around (and my mother in stitches on the phone) I told him "Quick! Look! THIS is what I brought you out here for" and he realized that not only had I "taken him for a ride" but I really had something unique to show him!!

We took pictures!! And, he wonders just why his children have such a wicked sense of humor?? ROFLMAO!!

It also reminded me of a favorite song... Toto's 99. Enjoy the video!

Celebrating the Feast of Saint Cecilia

Saint Cecilia,

the patron saint of church music and musicians, was said to have been martyred in Rome around the 2nd century AD. November 22nd is Feast Day in her honor. While today is now the 23rd- we can still celebrate. Painting at left by John W. Waterhouse.

Yesterday's offerings on satellite music included this group, Cappella Romana, a real delicacy for the ears as well as the soul. It was so powerful it had to be played again today. Enjoy!

Super-duper Surprise Cake recipe!

Per niece, Elizabeth's, request.... the recipe for a super-duper lemon cake that is moist, tart & sweet (and with alternate variations)!

YUM! Can't have a holiday without this cake!!
Photo: my Mom pulling it out of the oven!

Eye hand Coordination....

My sister thinks I have nothing better to do that play games!

My score: see picture.
Her score: we're still waiting for her to reveal that.
What's your score? put it in a comment