Poor Little Margaret!

Just flipping through some old vintage art and this little girl just needed a design all her own! Friend, Michelle, has sat across the room peeking over my shoulder all afternoon as it came to life! She has been quite productive on all the altered books for the November sale. I haven't been as productive as I should... but, inspired! Oh, yes!

Guess I found Margaret's muse!!



I'm not sure why she ended up with the name Margaret-- but, it seemed to fit!

Vintage Childhood Memories, Garden Quote Design

This design goes along with the previous post.

It's August? Already?

Uh.... where did the summer go?

With all the rain of late and two foot injuries- I've had more time to create!! Not surprisingly--- a lot of my work is children related! I am just a child at heart! and with new nieces all across the family... well, it just stands to reason!

I'm experimenting with painting in my PS/CS3. Actually, I prefer Illustrator to do that, but my desk doesn't seem large enough to wave the mouse around! And, it doesn't ruin my nail job to paint digitally!!

Enjoy.... the joys of summer while it lasts!

Hair it is...

Everybody's got an opinion... and everyone in my family thinks it's their inalienable right to express it. They are American and-- it's near the 4th of July... so...

...Expect Fireworks....

It's summer. Typical season for reunions. My freshman roommate, suitemate and I plan a get-together for lunch. I'm finally at that stage in life where I no longer get anxious about my appearance and stress out. It is what it is and I want to enjoy the people rather than carry that trunk of junk. Besides! These gals have seen me at my absolute worst and aren't ashamed to meet me in public after all these years!

We had a great time. We laughed and shared our lives: the good, the not-so-good, the dreams, the stuff we can't change. Recollected events; my roomie could and still can french braid her hair while driving a car! We reminisced about the folks of the yesteryears.
Upon reviewing a few snapshots of the day- I realized that I didn't like what I was seeing through the lens. Neither would my Grandmother, Mae, whom I've always relied upon for her sometimes vociferous opinion about my appearance. She has impeccable taste and had hosted these women several times in her home. They would still pass her muster.

...My Hair is Sparking Self-criticism and Beginning to Flare...

For the last couple of years I've been letting my hair grow and most of the time keep it tied up, sort of reminiscent of a bun with one of those big-toothed clips and I can't braid my hair even sitting still. Obviously (since I'm going to reunions) I ain't no spring chicken and there's plenty of "snow in them thar hills" that has to be dealt with and if there's one thing my grandmother dislikes more than granny style hair-do's (on me)... it's letting it grow gray. Thus far, I've not worked up the courage to just let it go au natural and I do tend towards the darker spectrum of brownish blonde. But, in that photo... those roots were overwhelming! Too, my girlfriends' hair was so cute!

...Getting Fired up for a Change...

I mix up a dye color that's a titch lighter than the one I've been using. It's been really hot and I begin to contemplate a much shorter style than what I've been wearing. I print out several pictures of some chic styles to show the hairdresser and tell her what I don't want it to look like. You know? I am always haunted by that line from Steel Magnolias where the young Julia Roberts character describes her mother's (Sally Fields) hairstyle as that of a brown football helmet cut. But, this style is sassy and fresh. Off to the hairdresser I go. She cuts it, I'm thrilled and I leave.

...Anticipating the Explosion...

Show up at my parents home and no one says a word! Do my best to parade my new "do" and get absolute silence. No response from my Mother who hates long stringy hair. Mae makes no note. Out of shock and some awe- I confess my secret to Dad and explain to him that neither of the womenfolk had noticed and that I intended to keep mum about it until one of them commented. He made some genial remark that I didn't register but now wish I could recall.

I go home and call my sister to crow to her about my cute hair. She's done some experimenting with hers recently and it just looks so cute. I will say that she looks more like our mother than she ever has with that cut- so, maybe Mom's preference for our cuts in the classic Buster Brown is going to impact us for ever. Nonetheless-- I'm thinking my head looks pretty darned cute and I've got no one to share it with since Nan isn't answering and my BFF is playing nursemaid-therapist for her hubby. I'll just have to wait til Byron gets home and I prepare myself for what he always says when he finally notices.... "you cut your hair? it looks the same as it always does. You've had bowl hair cuts all your life." To which I always reply "yes, my mother always kept my hair short."

...Going up in Flames...

But, tonight? He comes home, walks through the door, glances at me and does a really long hard stare. I'm thinking- WOW! I finally got it right! Even though he prefers long hair-- this time, I finally got it right! But... no. No. Tonight he says: "Did you cut that yourself?" and I'm thinking "you'd better start dialing 911 for a firetruck" and when I prompt him for more comment what he actually says is "you really look just like that picture when you were three years old! and cut your own hair"! I hadn't; but, that's what he thinks it looks like!

...Declaring Independence May Be a Dud...

Regardless of opinions, tidy or intentionally tousled-- it's here for now. I realize it also looks like every other hair cut I've had in the last 47 years. It's ok though... I'm shopping online for another long stringy hairpiece or a wig. I think I'll get a Dolly Parton style. Yup. I'm gonna go for the buxom blonde bombshell look next week.

I think I know what fueled Britney Spears meltdown. Didn't she allude to the displeasure her maternal unit was going to possess when she got news of her fiasco at the hairdresser? Please pass me a headscarf....

and...Buster?? You'd better not say a word!

Readers: feedback is welcome! Just don't mention my hair, ok?

Some days are just the pits...

but, this is just not one of 'em.

I had to have a photo for an advertisement. The subject was up the road apiece. Luckily, I found a driver and away we went. Wouldn't ya just know it? There's an orchard sort of on the way. Mmmm.... had to stop!


While I'm not a peach connoisseur - I know a few. They like plums, too.

Good thing the crop is in!


These are for the poor sobs who actually enjoy roasting themselves in the heat. Apparently, it works up an appetite. I just thought they were pretty all lined up and empty.

It Happens....

a new favorite anthem!!

Too true and too funny... the imagery of the lyric: "walk of shame with two different shoes" is hysterical!

It Happens by Sugarland
Songwriters: Kristian Bush, Jennifer Nettles, Bobby Pinson

Missed my alarm clock ringing
Woke up telephone screaming
Boss man singing his same old song

Rolled in late about an hour
No cup of coffee, no shower
Walk of shame with two different shoes on

Now it is poor me, why me, oh me
Boring the same old worn out blah blah story
There is no good explanation for it at all

Ain't no rhyme or reason
No complicated meaning
Ain't no need to over think it
Let go laughing
Life don't go quite like you planned it
We try so hard to understand
Irrefutable, indisputable
The fact is
Psssh
It happens

My trusty-rusty had a flat
I borrowed my neighbors Cadillac
"I'll be right back," going down to Wally World
That yellow light turned red too quickly
Knew that the truck moment it hit me
Out stepped my ex and his new girl
("Sorry 'bout your neck baby")

But it is poor me, why me, oh me
Boring the same old worn out blah blah story
There is no good explanation for it at all

Ain't no rhyme or reason
No complicated meaning
Ain't no need to over think it
Let go laughing
Life don't go quite like you planned it
We try so hard to understand
Irrefutable, indisputable
The fact is
Psssh
It happens

Ain't no rhyme or reason
No complicated meaning
Ain't no need to over think it
Let go laughing
Life don't go quite like you planned it
We try so hard to understand
Irrefutable, indisputable
The fact is
Psssh
It happens

Yeah, the irrefutable, indisputable, absoluteable, totally beautiful fact is
Psssh
It happens

R&R doesn't mean what you think it does....

Ah.... time for a little R&R... Sally style!

Rest and relaxation is good for the body. But for me? The true rest for the soul comes through

Rearrange and Refurbish!

When I rest, and I'm talking peace of spirit rest, not necessarily sleep or even getting away from life, here. But, when I rest-- my creative side moves furniture and reorganizes my living/work space into more efficient scenarios. It moves others' spaces and situations, too- but, I could reinvent the wheel and it won't matter unless some martian (of mine) puts that wheel on their vehicle and drives away with it!

Even the change of seasons (or the weather this week) has rested my tired little pea-sized brain and unleashed the creative genius. Yeah, right. Genius. I should have a DIY program of my own! Oh! and tools and a budget and one of those cute little carpenters... sorry, brain vacated for a moment there! Back to the change of seasons.... it has now warmed to the point where I no longer need to sit squarely atop my fireplace and can move the computer out of the living room and you know what THAT means?? Some rearrangment is gonna happen- warn Byron, somebody!! Oh, and Dad upgraded to a flat-screen so guess who got their humungous TV?? Woohoo!! I can now read the scrollers at the bottom of the news!!

Now before you go and get your panties in a bunch- let me disclaim. THERE ARE NO SALLYS HURT IN THE PRODUCTION OF THIS PROJECT. There, Mom- get over yourself. I used the scooties and the kids from across the street! The tv will go where the computer currently sits in the living room, the computer will need to to the gallery room since I no longer have space for it in the studio *sadly* and the old tv needs to be moved into the bedroom. That's a lot of heavy lifting-- better hire more of those kids. But, wait! I've had in mind a window seat (or daybed maybe) for the studio (where the computer sat two seasons ago) and move those chairs to another part of the house and... oh, Lord! This could go on forever! Better stop with just these projects for the time being.

First order of the day: what to use for a window seat. I've been searching for a used coffee table for weeks at the Beehive. Oh! I love that place!! Such treasures!! and I get to see cousin Ricky's smile!! Yesterday-- cha CHING! I nabbed an entertainment center in great shape for 20 dollah!! Now to get me those kids. Borrowed Dad's big diesel truck- I just LOVE driving that thing!! No, really! It empowers me!! Grabbed the boys and headed downtown. Woohoo-- there's a pedestal box (potential for a great mosaic base!) for $5, too!! Drag it all home and as the boys are getting that entertainment center out of the truck... YEWWWWW... BUGS! What ARE those things? GROSS! Ok. Not quite as clean as I'd hoped but that's what Raid is all about!! We deverminize the cabinet and disassemble parts of it to transform into.... a new daybed!! Sidenote: I used Jess's old crib mattress outta the attic so it was the right pri¢e!! $FREE!!

Here's the transformation of the studio window corner complete with the cutest dolls my MIL, Linda, made long ago!!

Gentlewomen- start your engines.

Chick Trip. Mshell, honey? Time to fill the tank.
We're coming to a town near you.

TX had better put on additional traffic detail.

Maybe!! Just maybe... or maybe not!? This is the 3rd (or is it 4th?) reschedule of the postponed girlz trip to Scrap•It•Ta Falls. So looking forward to seeing ya and it's the inspiration for today's crazy collage. And, must have tune-man: Wilson Pickett.



Yes. that's me in my very own vintage 1965 hot rod. Drool, baby, drool.

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!!