What Now?

That Quiet Time and Place

2010-06-09T09:19:00.001-05:00

Once in a while we all need some place to go in our minds where we can feel God.

Here, I rested and experienced the beauty of a perfect time and place.

I hope you know a place like this.

Memorial Day Family Fun

2010-06-01T06:17:00.001-05:00

Family fun courtesy of my brother Chris at his retreat in central Arkansas...

We remember who we are and where we came from with thankful hearts.

A Pond in Your Own Backyard

2010-05-23T22:43:00.002-05:00

Can't you see yourself walking

down this quiet path?

Having a seat...

fishing

or feeding the ducks?

Well, somebody is not getting

the message.

This beauty is available for

sale near the coast and boating

on the bay just

outside of Houston

at a bargain price of $229,990.

I need a little help from friends.

Pass the word. Thanks.

What does a cow say?

2010-04-24T22:42:00.001-05:00

Eat more chicken, of course.

I have a new part time job with Chick-fil-A as a catering director.

You would be amazed at how generous and devoted this company is to serving others.

I am honored to represent them.

Easter Basket Fun

2010-04-04T23:10:00.003-05:00

Hope your basket was overflowing this year!!!

1930's Bungalow Architecture

2010-03-23T08:14:00.003-05:00

Do you ever ache for simplicity?
And what does that mean to you?
I have the privilege to have a listing for a sweet little house built in 1935. It has the good fortune to be located on a corner in a still small town with great big Houston all around it.
But I can imagine...

sitting on this front porch...or....

...walking across these floors....or...

....closing the pocket doors to keep the noise of the children playing in the backyard away, then curling up next to the fireplace to read a book.

I love glass doorknobs like these...

...and I remember telephone niches for when the phone had to stay in one place ...

Until it sells, I get to pretend this is home...at least while I am there for an open house today.

This house feeds my soul.
Just had to edit this post...to tell you this house is sold to a cute couple.
The wife will be able to walk to her job at a 5 star French restaurant.
Perfect new owners for this sweet little house.

A Simple Ball of String

2010-03-19T21:40:00.002-05:00

What can you do

with a simple ball of string?

Isn't this something!

Such imagination and skill

astounds me.

Yehaw and All Things Western!

2010-03-02T09:22:00.003-06:00

February and March mean rodeo time in Texas. Even if you are not a cowgirl or guy, it is an opportunity to participate in a virtual reality world where you can pretend to understand ranch animals and the people who work with them everyday.

A couple of weeks ago, we attended our small town rodeo and had a blast sitting on the front row (thanks to a generous friend). If you have never done this, you might not realize that you will need a blanket to

a) stay warm and b) keep the dirt and flying poop that the horses and bulls kick up on you when they are zooming all around the arena.

If you are lucky, you will get to sit close to the best looking cowboys like this little guy below:

You might even get to have a little chat with one the performers themselves who really wanted to know why we think having his head all tied up like this is necessary...

Texans really go all out with the pretend. This week's rodeo adventure included the granddaddy of all Texas rodeo cook-offs down at the Reliant Stadium grounds in Houston. They had a record crowd this year of over 200,000 people. My husband and son are on a crew that helped to feed all those folks.

Here is a pic of the son and I hamming it up in a self-portrait shot:

Notice that I am wearing Mardi Gras beads. We Texans will borrow fun from the cajuns to make a party fun.

This guy had the best beads of the night from my viewpoint:

And the next guy was just desperate for attention---which he got plenty of since the temperature was in the low 40's that night, he had green hair, and well, you might say, he was in great shape to say the least!

Even over the hill people like me like to look.

For great western tablescape ideas, click on over to

The Purple Goat Lady

for inspiration!

Tomorrow night, I am going with friends to THE Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Gotta go for the gusto while I still can!

Is It a Doohickle or What?

2010-02-19T15:20:00.003-06:00

We have a great new store in our Northeast part of Houston called the cutest name....Doohickles.

It is a handcrafted gift emporium with just awesome creations of art. The artisans are from all over, but primarily Texas, and each piece is carefully reviewed for quality by the owners. Stacey Siders and her husband are the proprietiors.

Check out that wacky clock beside her!

So VanGoghish!

My first visit there I just had to buy one of these handmade journals for my son who enjoys penning deep thoughts.

Check out the wonderful mosaic art on this candle trough.

And this great jewelry...

More mosaics are in the form of crosses and hearts...

If you are in the Atascocita

part of northeast Houston,

visit this place at

13165 West Lake Houston Parkway.

You will be glad you did!

Happy Valentine's Day--Keep Dreaming!

2010-02-14T17:08:00.002-06:00

May this day and every day

bring you your heart's desires...

The Benefits of Marketing

2010-02-12T11:13:00.002-06:00

I had the opportunity last week to do some real estate marketing while sponsoring a cause and that is my favorite type of advertising. I volunteer for our local chamber of commerce education committee. We had a pancake breakfast to launch the 2010 rodeo in our town which benefits education. All of the profit from the breakfast will be given for scholarships and teacher grants.

There was artwork by students to enjoy.

A stagecoach for photo opportunities. (This is my friend Aurora.)

I sponsored a table and got to add my own decorations. The cowboy has the superintendent's face superimposed on the photo. I asked for his forgiveness, which he graciously granted. There were free calendars and cozies to be had. The balloons represented the high school colors of each school.

We have 6 high schools in our district now!

Finally, the most fun for me was designing this placemat, advertising the home buyer's tax credit which is going to expire on April 30th.

If you know anyone wanting to make a move,

this really is a great opportunity.

Stay tuned for my next entry which will be about a little crafting that I have been up to. Stay warm wherever you are and remember on Sunday that you are everything to someone.

God loves you, His creation,

and you are meant to pass that love on.

Happy Valentine's Week.

2010-01-24T20:10:00.001-06:00

Continuing with my one word subject blog series, this week's word is next. This one word represents my New Year's resolution in a nutshell. It is my plan to learn to embrace the ability to say,

"Next" when... my cake has fallen. Or if

a bird poops on my head.

And

I would like to think if my favorite store is...

That I will take a minute to...

Remember to...

Because after all, I have the

power

to change my attitude and say...

NEXT!!!

Emotion

2010-01-10T10:21:00.003-06:00

What do you do when you have too much pent up emotion?

What if it is too cold and wet to go

outside to dig in the dirt or smash some tennis balls?

Do you cook? How 'bout something salty and sweet and crunchy

enough to chomp into to expend that frustration.

Then after you polish that off...

Maybe...get out your paint.And some scissors

Rip up the back off of a box of crackers...

And draw, doodle, paint and create...

Something...to explain those emotions...

Until another warm sunny day comes around.
And it always does.

Thank-you Lord!

Hope Springs Eternal

2010-01-03T22:32:00.002-06:00

The power of one continues…(see previous post). Today’s word is

This tile was made by residents of the Brookwood Community which is in a suburb of Houston. It is a residential home for the developmentally disabled. They make and sell many items which contribute to the hope that their families have for the citizens of this community to continue to enjoy purposeful and happy lives.

My blogging friend at What’s Deb Doing? talks about the word

Freedom

and she links it to her hope for her son

to be safe on his second tour to Iraq.

Please join in her prayers for his safety.

The Power of One

2010-01-02T11:15:00.005-06:00

A few years ago I read a book by this title and found it very inspiring. It is about a little boy who grows up in a life of turmoil in South Africa and finds inspiration for his survival again and again. The title echoes in my mind…over and over…

On day 2 of this New Year, I am looking for some blogging subject inspiration. How about you? So what do you think about this idea?I have decided from time to time to blog about one word that I find inspiring. I challenge you to think about that phrase…the power of one….and perhaps share your one word and/or pic inspiration.

My first one word inspiration is Christ. Christians know the power of the word Christ.

Debra at Common Ground and A Day in the Life knows and shares more about the power of that one Word. A link to her Bible study, A Day in the Life, is in my sidebar.

I would love to know what one word inspires you. Please share!

Who Dat???

2009-12-28T12:53:00.002-06:00

The New Year is approaching and as you can see, I have made a new header as so many others have.

I am having trouble with my blogger identity and I have been experimenting. Below is a different photo that I considered using…

Identity is an issue around my home right now. My Asperger (high functioning autism) son has had a total identity crisis during the holidays causing our whole family to reinvent ourselves in order to help him. Each of us has put on the good cop/bad cop hat, psychologist hat, educator hat, loving parent hat, silly goofy make him laugh hat…etc.

So…dear blogger friends….bear with us while we take a station break and try to find out bearings. Your prayers would so be appreciated.

…Ships A' Sailing on Christmas Day

2009-12-23T10:14:00.003-06:00

Do you know this Christmas Song? If you don’t know it, it is a jaunty little jig reminiscent of an old sailor’s drinking song (shh…don’t tell anyone…)

I was reminded of this song when I visited a good friend’s home last week. She and her husband love to sail and are therefore attracted to all things nautical. My very clever friends used some old rope from their boat to fashion a unique garland for their fireplace. Notice that the red and green create almost a holly effect.

Doesn’t their fireplace look great!!!?

Merry Christmas to all you sailors out there whether on sea or shore this Christmas.

Peace on Earth

2009-12-19T23:54:00.004-06:00

For my last entry for Vintage Christmas Monday, I thought I would include this simple display from Anthropologie. Isn’t it amazing what can be done with a chalkboard? I don’t know about you, but this just takes me back to about the third grade. My teacher that year was kind of a witch but I can reimagine--(I like to make up words) her into the kind of teacher I needed…one that surprised us when we came into the classroom and we saw this on the blackboard…

Thanks to all who visited me for this special occasion and thank-you so much to Joan at Anything Goes Here.

Come back and visit anytime.

The Blessed Family

2009-12-13T19:05:00.009-06:00

It came upon a midnight clear

that glorious song of old

Of angels bending near the earth

To touch their harps with gold.

Happy Vintage Christmas Monday

My mother painted this set of the nativity for

our family about 30 years ago.
It holds precious memories of my mother

who wanted us to always remember the

true meaning of Christmas.

To see more

Vintage Christmas Monday posts

visit Joan of Anything Goes Here.

Vintage Christmas Monday Mantel

2009-12-06T21:45:00.009-06:00

This old gold gesso frame fits perfectly around a canvas of an old Santa image...

and there are some old Christmas corsage parts tucked into the corner...

saved by my mother who received them

from her grade school students as gifts...

there are old hand made stockings with Christmas bells...

And a vintage Santa in his sleigh with reindeer...
together with some new "faux" vintage items...
which all make up my Christmas fireplace mantel decor for 2009...
To see more
Vintage Christmas Monday
click on the button on the side bar...

Please thank Joan for hosting!

Crazy About Snow in Houston

2009-12-04T17:15:00.010-06:00

It snowed in Houston today and we all just went nuts! We squealed, they let out school, we drank hot chocolate, ate hot soup, took photo op pictures for the real estate office and the kids...
played and posed in the snow after some begging...
this is little Will the son of my friend Christi. She is one of the owners of
Red Door Realty & Associates

(my broker).
Her eldest son, Cade is below....

His little brother just tagged him.
Finally, I present to you, 5 year old Rhyan
with her precious

cup o' snow

All in all, it was a unique glimpse at what a
white Christmas looks like.
They took full advantage of the day of fun and my wish for these children is that they will have
many fond memories
for years to come.

Vintage Christmas Monday--A Charlie Brown Christmas

2009-11-29T13:11:00.010-06:00

I found this vintage photo and enlarged it for the window display when I owned an antique store several years ago. What this family has is priceless. Notice that there is no wallpaper or sheet rock on the walls, and the tree and it's ornaments are meager. But what we see here is love. Two children are scrubbed clean with fresh bows in their groomed hair. Dad is away at war but not forgotten. This is not my family, but I would be proud to be among their members. I plan to use this photo copy to make cards for my real estate clients this year, or maybe next...I should have started sooner...Don't miss out on all the fun of Vintage Christmas Monday by clicking the button on the sidebar. Thanks so much to Joan for hosting this event!

2 Turkeys for Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T16:57:00.004-06:00

My number one turkey! I am very thankful for this big gobbler.
This little stuffed fabric turkey has spent every
Thanksgiving
with us for the last several years.

We had a quiet mom, dad, and one son day with all the fixings.
Our hearts are full of gratitude for all of our blessings.
I hope each of you had a wonderful day!

The Frenchman

2009-11-15T20:55:00.001-06:00

I am not a doll collector, but when I found a companion for the Betsy McCall doll from my childhood I couldn't resist. Don't they look like they belong together? Although she thinks he is a little feminine... on the other hand, she is thinking... he looks... oh so French!

Where's The Beef?

2009-11-09T17:41:00.003-06:00

Chick Fil A is one of my favorite fast food stops, but the ads asking for folks to eat more chicken got me to thinkin' about those poor chickens. If they had an ad, maybe it would look like this.

ATC

2009-10-22T22:38:00.002-05:00

Goofin' around is fun. Hope you like my ATC.

Cut Ups

2009-10-20T08:03:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago my friends and I enjoyed the Junk Gypsy Prom at the Round Top antique fair. I hope you enjoy the pics of folks decked out in their gypsy finery. One of them didn't have a costume so she just cut up the best way she could. Wonder who that could be?

Cute Little Witches

2009-10-08T19:27:00.002-05:00

Don't children make the best witches? I don't like threatening witches, but cute witches are so appealing. I had fun making three different projects with the same image. The first is a collage mounted on a 5x7 canvas.

This one is an ATC size card mounted on a paper pennant which I designed.

And finally, I tried my hand at a little 3D figure using a paper coffee filter as her skirt. I had lots of fun.

Say Cheese

2009-09-29T09:56:00.014-05:00

In a previous post, I shared that I collect "smilers".

Here are two more that are my favorites.

I was thrilled to find out this week that they are part of a collection of folk art produced by C.W.Roberts. My friends and I went to a show at the Houston Center For Contemporary Crafts this week and I found other works from this artist there. I found mine in a Craft/Antique mall 8 or 9 years ago. Besides their obvious cuteness, they are whistles! Their heads come off and their necks are where you blow into them. New definition of air head? I like the way I can swivel their heads to pose them and change their attitudes. They make me smile. How about you?

Smile

2009-09-27T16:47:00.008-05:00

Hopefully,

you can

read this sweet

poem called,

Smile. It is a nice

reminder that the

simple act of smiling

can make a huge

difference in

someone's day.

I keep this in my potty room to remind me, every time I pee, that the least I can do for someone is smile. Just for a chuckle, there is a little shelf near this poem where I keep a collection of smilers. They love mugging for the camera. I will show you two more another day.

Banner Fun

2009-09-20T17:34:00.001-05:00

I have to confess that I admire the welcome banner that I made a couple of weeks ago using newspaper, stamps, twine, wool ties, and a computer program. Notice the great pumpkin lady made by Houston local artist Rosemary Sherline. Isn't she fantastic!!! The crow cut out was a gift from a friend (my handiman's wife). We love all things Halloween.

On the Road Again

2009-09-13T12:16:00.010-05:00

On the road in the Texas hill country, we were beckoned by a sign that said "Saloon Open". (Not the sign you see above, but I digress.) A saloon is far more interesting than a bar so feeling quite Texan we decided we were parched and backed up our steed (car) for a sharp right turn to find the saloon. Fortunately, the sign warned us it was 2 miles away from the main road so we were prepared for a scenic journey through the countryside.
About a mile into the jaunt we came across this old silent community called "Crabapple". (O.K. now...see sign above.)

This sweet little lutheran church is just across a clearing from a tiny schoolhouse.

German immigrants built this little schoolhouse in 1878 from native limestone. As many as 40 students from the surrounding area were educated here until 1957 when they merged with nearby Fredericksburg.

Back in the saddle we came across a

sign to our destination.

(This is where the saloon resides.)

Tin Star Ranch is a 370 acre ranch owned by Cherry and Jim McKinnon. They have a variety of guest accommodations like this wonderful cabin for folks to experience a relaxing night or two.

You can see photos of the saloon and read more about

Tin Star Ranch

here.

Cherry and Jim were delightful hosts and we are grateful for their hospitality.

Where Now?

2009-09-08T07:56:00.004-05:00

Follow along on our road trip from the last entry where we visited Smithville to our next stop. Could it be by the sea?

....where found objects are used to enhance the ambiance?

...where shades of white are soothing ?

....or where country is always cool.

Did you guess Fredericksburg, Texas? My bad...not enough hints.

If you need a trip there for yourselves, I recommend Abbey's sunday Haus. This tiny home is as refreshing as an ocean breeze and even has a pool just in case you are a mermaid who needs to take a dip. Very relaxing...wish we could have stayed longer.

Old and New

2009-09-07T21:47:00.005-05:00

My husband and I took a Labor Day Week-end road trip to celebrate our anniversay. The first stop we made was in Smithville, Texas which is a quaint old town with lots of great antique shops. This home was the site used in the movie "Hope Floats" starring Sandra Bullock. It sits on the edge of the Colorado River and is the kind of place that makes me envy the children that grew up here. My gang of friends and I would have had a blast playing hiding go seek, hunting for lighting bugs, and exploring the river bed.

Today the people of Smithville are progressive in their thinking. Check out this "green" skirt design. I think it needs a little tweaking, but at least someone is trying to keep all these water bottles out of the landfill.

Lady Liberty

2009-09-04T12:01:00.006-05:00

To honor the citizens of our country who labor to provide for their families, I present my latest creation, Lady Liberty.

She is made of wool hooked onto linen and sports buttons and pearl adornments. Still to be done are the attaching of the wool band around the edge and ironing to flatten. She will greet us every morning from her future post on a t.v. closet door.

Hope everyone has a relaxing week-end!

Happy Labor Day.

Counting Sheep

2009-08-28T20:52:00.006-05:00

Today was painting class day at Frank and Judy Bielick's studio in Katy, Texas. Many of you may recognize Frank from "Trading Spaces". He and his wife Judy are both the most talented and generous artists that you can imagine. You can check out their work and learn more about their classes at http://www.moseynme.com/ .

Tweet Tweet

2009-08-27T17:55:00.002-05:00

Birds and chicks make sweet tweets that make my soul smile. Somehow I came up with these while fooling around with my roving and needle. Hope you like 'em.

Rusty Red Truck

2009-08-22T13:20:00.005-05:00

Our friend Jack has a rusty red truck. Jack and his family are "jacks of all trades" and have done lots of good work around our house. If you look closely, behind his truck you can see the scaffolding they are using to put new siding on our house.

Jack's truck is just the best faded red color. The photo doesn't do it justice. Jack says it has over 400,000 miles on it and I believe him. As cool as the outside is, the inside is a total wreck. All the stuffing in the seats is coming out and it looks like 3 cats had one hell of a fight. It just makes me want to run back to the garage and get my duct tape. It doesn't bother Jack so I will shut my trap, but the artsy crafty one who likes the outside of the truck wants to fix up the inside so that it will have that j'ne sais quoi too. Excuse me if I got my French spelling wrong. Something tells me I did. Anyway, the only muse inspiration from me lately is this old truck. Hope you like it too. BTW, if you know anyone in the Houston area that needs good hard working do it yourselfer's like my guy Jack, let me know and I will pass his information along.

Turrets, Gargoyles, Hearts and a Wedding

2009-08-04T22:29:00.010-05:00

We attended a wedding last week-end in Austin, Texas. The venue was lovely with towering turrets, waterfalls, heart shaped ironwork, sweet cherubs and gorgeous flowers, and even gargoyle or two.

The best part was being with happy friends. The best looking ones there were, of course, my son and my husband. My son spent the whole week-end chauffeuring the wedding party to and fro and attending to his best man duties. All his dad and I had to do was attend the wedding.

A mini vacation for us.

Thoughtfulness

2009-08-01T12:07:00.005-05:00

I have a grown son with Asperger's Syndrome...which is a form of high functioning Autism.
The ways in which this is a handicap for a grown man are insidious. His intellegence confuses people who do not know about his diagnosis and they judge him as stubborn, haughty, a know-it-all, and just plain weird. I am his biggest handicap in that I have tried to protect him and have so overdone it for all of his 27 years.
This week-end he has the honor of being best man in a childhood friend's wedding. He is required to be in another city for this event and momma set up a plan to drive him a day early so that he would not have to try to navigate a strange city on his own. He has never left Houston by himself.
Well, on my birthday, he announced that he would be leaving a day early...alone. You can imagine how I freaked! My sweet son held me and let me cry and assured me that he would be fine and to let him go... which I finally relunctantly agreed to do.
The next morning I found these beautiful roses waiting for me with a card wishing me the best. It poured down raining on him all the way but he made it and called to let me know he is fine.
I wanted both of us to remember this day and so I made my first photo collage ever to thank him for the roses and also in having faith in himself and his mom to accomplish something scary. Who knows what the future brings!!!

Book-ends and Birthdays

2009-07-31T20:06:00.005-05:00

Do you have a book-end person in your life? I bet you do whether it is a sibling, spouse, or best friend. Sometimes we have a book-end person in our lives through biology. I have a twin brother and today is our birthday. Just like these funny on the potty book-ends, one of us would be under some strain (excuse the pun) and the other would be pleased as a peach. We are never on the same page like many identical twins. Nobody in our house was bored very long. There was always a drama going among the 6 siblings. I miss that first family a lot.

Rabbit on Guard

2009-07-29T21:04:00.005-05:00

Allow me... to introduce...my guard rabbit!!! He stands proud with an attitude along the sidewalk to my front door. He is getting really tired of the Texas heat and his ear is cracked a little, but he takes his job very seriously. He sees all and knows friend from foe. So far, all who enter have passed his scrutiny. I like to think he makes people think twice about their intentions.

Black "Jet" Garland

2009-07-28T07:52:00.008-05:00

Do you know about black

"jet" beads?

To learn all about them you should visit The Beadin' Path.

You are gonna have to google that 'cause I have caused myself technical issues by trying to add a link and I just give up.

I store my 5 strands of black beads

on my chandelier when I am not wearing them on Halloween.

Lots of people call these old bead strands "jet". They are wrong and that is too bad because if I really had 5 strands of the real thing I would be pinching myself.

More Wedding Decor

2009-07-25T10:48:00.008-05:00

I am not tired of wedding themes so I hope you are not tired of them either.

Here is another pic of the decor in the backyard for my son's reception.

Obviously, I am in a quirky mood with this purple font color...but I think I like it.

One of my real estate clients painted her entire 3,000sq. + house in a light violet. You should see it. It is surprisingly lovely.

My Son's Wedding

2009-07-18T22:50:00.016-05:00

Even though the day started with a trip to the minor emergency for the bride (she broke her arm), all in all it was a lovely day.

It was a truely family wedding with the pews filled with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandmas...and the spirits of loved ones watching over us...a magical time for a parents wishing every happiness for their children.

Looking Down a Garden Path

2009-07-17T20:10:00.003-05:00

My mom gave me this sweet little lady to adorn my garden several years ago and I enjoy finding new places for her to rest from year to year. My lastest post for her is in this old chippy garden chair with a window painted by a talented antiquing friend resting there as well. Many years ago when I belonged to a garden club, we decided to paint rocks for our gardens and I thought this one looked liked an old shoe... the kind you need a button hook for.

Scavenger Hunt

2009-07-17T09:18:00.002-05:00

Finally,
Today,
June 17th, 2009
My brain scramble found the focus
To discover how to...
Get all the blogs I follow to show up...
Visit some of them, I am sure you will enjoy them as much as I do!

4th of July Parade

2009-07-05T12:37:00.003-05:00

There is nothing like a 4th of July parade to make you wish for Christmas. We were very proud of our float and loved seeing so many people come out in support of our community...but it was hot enough to fry eggs on concrete. Hope you had a happy 4th!

Love Poem

2009-07-03T18:19:00.003-05:00

The wedding is almost here!!! We needed a little tablescape for the last minute wedding gifts so here is what I came up with. The two love birds are the focal point and my sister found a wonderful love poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning which I inscribed on the mat surrounding their photo. It goes like this: "You were made perfectly to be loved--I have loved you, in the idea of you, my whole life long." I feel this is true of these two and pray that they will always love each other.

Historic LIttle Chapel

2009-06-24T07:34:00.002-05:00

This is an image of the 100 year old chapel where my son is to be married on July 11, 2009.

It is beautiful from the interior as the light comes streaming through the stained glass windows. There was a time that the plan was for the marriage to take part in front of the justice of the peace at the local courthouse. I am thankful for the change of plans.

Weddings Can Suck

2009-06-10T20:50:00.003-05:00

When was the last time you had to take part in a wedding you were not ready for? Did you do your part and then, what the hell, let yourself go? I am in the midst of a "sudden" wedding. Some folks are helping and some folks are not. I bet the day of, we will all have fun because that is just the way we are. It will all work out ...somehow.

Tagged

2009-06-02T22:53:00.010-05:00

When you get tagged by The Texas Woman to share some facts about your life, you are going to have to dig deep to find anything close to the interesting facts about her life. This blog phenom is worth it just to get to know folks like her. But enough about her. The following is, for once, ALL ABOUT ME!!! Here goes...

1. Half of the people I know call me by my middle name and do not know my first name.

2. There are a growing number of people that call me by part of my first name, and only part of that name, because I don't like to be meowed.

3. I have a twin brother.

4. I fried my brain by sticking one end of an electric cord in my mouth when it fell out of my mixer into the cake batter the first time I used it a couple of weeks after I was married. I laid down on the floor and laughed and thanked God for letting me live.

5. The most dangerous thing I have ever done was to drive a 4 wheeler down a rocky cliff into the Pecos river. My husband had to be life flighted out of that canyon after he unsuccessfully navigated the same river on the same 4 wheeler. Fortunately he is still alive although still cranky and embarrassed.

6. My sister is my best friend and we can have a blast on Bourbon Street without alcohol. We still drink it when we get thristy from too much dancing.

7. I recently won a costume contest at a party!

Bark Cloth Memories

2009-05-27T22:38:00.002-05:00

Check out my living room drapes. They are made from 50 year old bark cloth from an old hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas. As far as colors and design goes this fabric would not be my first choice. But...these curtains are the result of my dad rescuing them. Many years ago he bought them at an auction of items sold from a hotel that was about to be demolished. He used them as a partition in an old panel truck that he used for a camper. He liked them because they were heavy and dark and kept the light out so that he could sleep in the back of the truck on his time off from working on the Kansas City Southern railway. Years after he retired I noticed them hanging from a nail in his workshop, and thought they were too striking to be ignored. My dad and I were alike in that we hated to waste something that was still useful and good looking. I videoed him telling me about how he had acquired them and had planned to send the tape to a television station in Little Rock that did stories about local history but never got around to sending it in before my dad passed away. Now I have a tape with no VCR to play it on. At least I can enjoy my memories of my dad every time I look at them and know that I am paying tribute to his recycling ways.

Architecture by Fay Jones

2009-05-21T16:39:00.011-05:00

Arkansas is the home of not only the new American Idol, Kris Allen, but also of one fantastic architect, Fay Jones.

Fay Jones first met his mentor, Frank Lloyd Wright, in 1949 and was invited to become an apprentice at Taliesin East in Wisconsin. Both Jones and his wife became members of the Taliesin Fellowship, returning annually for the next ten years. Wright’s most lasting influence on Jones would be in the application of the principles of organic architecture: simplicity of construction, use of native materials, attention to crafted details, and seamless integration of building to site. In his own work, Jones was known for the innovative vertical use of glass and a strict awareness of the role of interior and exterior spaces of light.

I have included two interior shots from a home my brother owns outside of Stuttgart, Arkansas. He was fortunate to be able to purchase this historically significant home and enjoys its unique architectural features. The light fixture reminds me of a stalagtite. The rock mantel was designed to trick the eye. In the evenings when a certain light fixture is turned on the rocks project a profile of an Indian's face on the wall next to the fireplace.

Mr. Jones was known for always using light features in his work. His work at Thorncrown Chapel near Eureka Springs, Arkansas produces three crosses projected into the trees as the light of the setting sun shines through the open air cathedral. Unfortunately you have to be present to enjoy these features as the light necessary to photograph destroys the effect.
I think Fay Jones' contemporary style is timeless. What do you think?

Memorial Day Attitude

2009-05-21T14:37:00.002-05:00

Memorial Day week-end is coming up and I decided to celebrate with a little attitude. Since I'm over the hill (well past 50) and my body is puffy and saggy in all the wrong places, ruling out bikini swaggering, I discovered my feet are still worthy of chilin. Black with white polka dots seemed appropriate. Just in case you think I did this myself, think again. I can barely reach my feet because of major puffiness above my bikini line and my hand shakes from the pain in my back when I strain to reach them. But, hey, that sweet tiny Vietnamese lady did a great job, don't you think? I bring you my feet basking in the nice green lawn and then hanging over my porch swing on the back porch. I will not be on a yacht or floating down a lazy river this M day but I will be relaxing with my feet and celebrating the American dream of a carefree day off from work on my own back porch. Hope you have a great week-end.

Making Love On A Piano

2009-05-19T17:03:00.012-05:00

Do you

love

some

one

special and

have fun with them

every day? Check out

this link.

This is the story of love and laughter and passing it on.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090510/NEWS03/905100329/1001/NEWS

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T17:30:00.002-05:00

Happy Mother's Day!!!
I am sure you are like me in knowing that our jobs are never done. We will always have hurts to sooth and hearts to encourage and prayers to pray. What a priviledge and a blessing.

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T08:24:00.002-05:00

On gray cloudy days with no light in the sky, thank-you Lord for your grace. You are our hope and our promise and the source of our renewal. On this day, I pray for every living soul to feel your love and compassion and for each of us to be moved to fulfill your purpose for our lives.
Amen

Mom's Art

2009-04-29T08:09:00.008-05:00

My mom was a very talented and courageous woman. After raising 6 children and teaching for 35+ years, she finally had the time to experiment.
Low and behold, her children learned there was a painter
inside that serious task driven task master (as a good mother of 6 should be.) This was her first production. In the years to follow she worked on many more paintings and her children and grandchildren display her art with pride. Inside each painting we can see the passion and determination of the mother who loved us and who was brave enough to let her light shine as she continued to grow and learn.

15 Minutes of Fame

2009-04-28T14:45:00.004-05:00

Andy Warhol said, "Every-

one is entitled to their 15 minutes of fame." My husband's was when he got a hole in one. His photo was in the paper and his name listed among those with the good fortune to have gotten one that year on the course that he played. I had to document this milestone and play it up because it probably was going to be a once in a lifetime event. As you can see his game ball, newspaper article, and photo have a place of honor. Before the hole in one he played golf 2 or 3 times a week. Since then he practically never plays. He says this is for lots of reasons but I think he just was satisfied with his achievement and doesn't want to compete with himself anymore. Anyway, I was proud of him and still am.

The Eyes Have it--Part 2

2009-04-27T22:40:00.006-05:00

Eyes are fascinating don't you agree? This needle felted example is interesting because...

it follows you wherever you are in the room? because it can see into your soul? because it is creepy to no end? or just because........?

The Eyes Have It

2009-04-27T10:09:00.004-05:00

Whoo-oo, witchy woman...She got the moon in her eyes...words from the famous Eagles recording sparked my memory of reading the history about lover's eye pins. Supposedly an English prince fell in love with an unavailable beauty and ordered a portrait of her eye painted and made into a pin so that he could wear it under his lapel to keep her memory close.

I have included a photo of an example of an eye pin produced in the Victorian era and worn as a mourning piece in rememberance of a loved one's passing. The wooly one is a pin that I needle felted this year. I wear it on a jacket label as a little attention getter and imagination sparker. Another day I will include a different example of another needle felted eye piece. Keep your eye on the prize. Sorry, I couldn't resist the pun.

O.J. and Art?

2009-04-15T17:56:00.003-05:00

O.K. so maybe I am easily impressed but I gotta say I was so pleasantly surprised this morning when I opened the fridge and found this carton of O.J. that my son brought home last night. I admit that I really didn't notice the new design until my hand rested on the cap--uh--ball?--uh, oh-hhh--an orange imitation a.k.a. ball cap! My early morning brain thought that this is clever. Isn't that what art is supposed to do? Get a reaction from us? So I will give Tropicana props for tweaking the mundane twist cap and giving us a smile. I needed that.

Direction

2009-04-15T08:20:00.003-05:00

I don't know about you but sometimes I just love clear directions. Sometimes there are just too many paths or choices. Don't get me wrong, I love to have lots of pots boiling all at once 'cause it is easy to get bored without things to do. One of my friends said she likes to have 5 things going at once so that if two don't work out she has 3 things left to work on. Most of the time that is so me, BUT--this photo pointing out a clear direction seemingly protected with the beckoning old oaks calms me. Sometimes Mother Earth knows we need some... directions.

Christ is Risen Today!

2009-04-12T13:45:00.002-05:00

This cross was planted on a tiny island in the middle of Lake Houston between Atascocita and Huffman, Texas. What a nice surprise to see as I was driving across the bridge on Good Friday.

How great is our God to deliver us from our sins through the resurrected Christ! I am so grateful this Easter. Hope you are too.

Church

2009-04-05T21:05:00.002-05:00

Do you have a favorite church? Here is one of mine. The church in this painting was one that my grandparents attended for many years in northwest Arkansas. My eldest brother painted this in memory of our mother shortly after her death. She inspired us in so many ways starting with picking up a paint brush later in life. My brother decided to follow her example and this was his first try. I think it is wonderful! I keep it on the mantel in my living room to remind me of my source of strength and comfort. If you don't have one, I recomend you find a church.

Round Top Antique Show '09

2009-04-04T16:21:00.004-05:00

Springtime in Texas means bluebonnets and antiques. Some of the Red Door Realty and Associates members took off during the week for a run to Round Top and Warrenton. There is one night designated as "prom night" where folks come all decked out to enjoy good food, drinks, music, and company. This group of friendly folks had the right idea with their cute silly outfits. They called themselves "The One Night Stands". The Red Door group did not dress because we were not sure of the code, but you can be sure next year we will be all decked out. I imagine we will work in the color red for sure.

French Girl

2009-04-01T16:47:00.002-05:00

Ever heard of a good bad painting? Years ago when I owned an antique store I used to have some success selling paintings that were pitiful in some ways but charming in others. What do you think about this one? Does it qualify?I am brave enough to admit that I painted this one. I claim it to be a good bad painting. I hope you agree.

Collections

2009-03-31T07:42:00.005-05:00

Find something you like, say--boxes, brushes, hearts and then just pile them all together on a shelf where they can hang out and be friends.
Voila! A collection!

Wildflowers

2009-03-29T20:27:00.004-05:00

Blue bonnets and Indian Paintbrush are poppin' up all around the Houston area. This field is on Hwy 105 just west of Conroe. My husband and I drove northwest to Austin on Hwy 290 and then back east through Burton to Navasota and Conroe. We compared our bluebonnet road trip to the fall color trek through Vermont one fall several years back. In both instances we kept pointing and saying, pretty, pretty, pretty.

Birds of a Feather Flock Together

2009-03-06T09:03:00.002-06:00

It is springtime and birds are making babies!
Decisions, decisions--where to put our nest?
Why look! The Texas Aggies have left us a pot on the porch and invited all their birdie friends to hang! Everybody's looking for new digs in the springtime. Home Sweet Home.

The Wheels On A Bus...

2009-03-05T20:51:00.003-06:00

My broker advertises on a school bus. How cool is that? It is a win-win for agents and for the school district. Real-estate is alive and well in Houston so if you know somebody moving here have them give me a call @ 281-450-3092.

You should see the cool interactive search system I can use to send you free notifications of homes in your price range. It never hurts to look.

Who Let the Dogs Out?

2009-02-28T08:29:00.003-06:00

My sister says I am not a "dog" person. I confess that I was not a doting parent to the two dogs we have owned. So... out of a need to do doggie penance???...I find myself collecting dog images. The two hooked pieces were created by myself this year and I enjoy these puppies mugs every time I look at them. We get along just great.

The grand dame puppy portrait guards our entry hall. This print has an odd little spot on the muzzle that looks like a bullet hole. I tell new visitors that it was my husband's grandfather's dog and that it was accidentally shot and that the story goes that they were so distraught that they had him stuffed and had his portrait made so that future generations would never forget this wonderful guy. Folks try to listen to this nonsense respectfully. It doesn't take them long to realize I am full of it. I probably really should not be a true doggie parent. I love them best from a distance.

2009-02-23T10:49:00.003-06:00

It is rodeo bbq cookoff time in Houston. My husband belongs to a team called the Kilowatt Kookers. The Houston Electrical Leaque sponsors this team and the reason for this event is to raise money for college scholarships. The team was tickled to have an article published in the Houston Chronicle on 2/25/09 about their efforts. Some of the more interesting facts listed there were that this team cooked over 600lbs. of chicken, 2,800lbs. of brisket, and around 25 cases of ribs last year. Their team was first runner-up over-all in the contest last year and donated over $50,000.00 in scholarships! Pray that my husband's legs don't fall off. He is one tuckered out dude by the end of the week. This is a family affair with my two sons volunteering their time as well. Hopefully they will tell dad when it is time to sit down and rest.

2009-02-22T21:24:00.010-06:00

Same day, second post--why not?

Check out what you can do with found stuff. My sister found this long skinny set of connected windows in an alley in Plano, Texas and being a creative person she knew that she should save it for someones creative pursuit.
While I was visiting from Houston, she showed it to me and together we decided on a great project. My very resourceful sister also had bought an architectural book with renderings of features that came in handy. You see, I was about to join with friends of mine who were starting a real estate brokerage in Houston called Red Door Realty & Associates. We came up with a great idea to put together a series of doors featuring a red door in the center of this "window frame". My theory is that it is one side of a set of mid-century french doors. What do you think?

2009-02-22T11:22:00.003-06:00

Well now. Here is how to have fun. Look up P.J.'s talking blog and read about the classes she teaches. (My friend and I chose a painting class.) Drive through the beautiful rolling Texas countryside outside of Brenham, Texas. Arrive at P.J.'s and paint a chicken or produce whatever art project her class is addressing. Admire her folkart. Pinch yourself to see if you are dreaming that you really are so lucky as to have met this person and have the means to do this. Then just soak it in and smile. That is what I did (the shortened version). You too can find fun things to do like this and don't forget to blog about it so that when you are having a bad day you can go back and remember that you did too have fun once upon a time and how dare you forget it.