SWANEESINGER

SIGH.....

2010-07-15T21:33:00.003-05:00

That is my big guilt sigh, as I try to figure out how to explain my lack of enthusiasm for doing posts on my blog and getting back into reading your amazing blogs again. After my months of hell during these last few shows at my theater, I went on a short break to visit with my daughter and the G-babies and go to my family reunion. It was nice to get away, but I came back to several band trips and then had to play catch up on work that I needed to still get done for the theater. (I had a director quit on me----and have had several weeks of panic!)

But now, I have some time, and I can't seem to get the posts done! I keep putting it off. I have a camera full of pictures. I have tons to say. I want to read blogs. I want to write a post.

But I just can't seem to do it.

Its a mystery, that is for sure. Maybe its like when you get so far behind on something and feel that you can't ever catch up, so you just stay away from it.

I don't know.

I have been doing this blog for almost five years, and I am wondering if I even want to do it anymore sometimes. That is the negative side of me. I really want to keep it going to have a record of my life----as I don't believe that I will ever write my auto-biography one day for my children, etc. That is the hopeful side of me. I really do enjoy the writing---it helps relieve my stress, in a way. That is the positive side of me.

So.....what do I do?

How do I get past this slump?

Someone out there give me some sound and fantastic advice.

I am not worthy.....I am not worthy.....

I Am Being Featured!

2010-06-17T22:42:00.003-05:00

Today is my BIG DAY, as I am the featured writer on a really super famous blog, Explore Your Possiblities----Dare to Dream. Whitney does this blog that celebrates women and their dreams----and she has some amazing women on there. My friend, author Julie Berry, introduced her to me----and she invited me to write a bit about my life in theater and performing.

So, go on over and check it out! Read my post, and then go around and visit some of her other featured writers. She is a pretty fantastic women herself----talented and insightful----right up there with the women that she features.

Thanks, Whitney, for letting me do a post....I'm honored....

My Day With Johnny Depp

2010-06-14T21:50:00.004-05:00

Oh, yes.

It was divine. We were an item. We went shopping. We were holding hands. We were best friends. We were going to see a movie. He was nice. He was fun.
We laughed. We talked about nonsensical things. I was thoroughly engaged. It was really what I needed with all the stress that I have been going through.

Then........I had to wake up.

Yep. One of the best dreams that I have ever had......sigh......

My Earnest Life

2010-06-08T20:42:00.006-05:00

Once again I have let over a week go by without posting..... Sigh.... I can't seem to find the time to do everything!

As for my number one baby right now? Well, its *Earnest, thanks for asking.

I thought that this was just going to be a simple show-----my last one of the season. Yeah, right.

Then the poop hit the fan. It started with not being able to find a main character that pushed the rehearsal schedule back almost three weeks, then having another few actors keep changing their minds on when they could rehearse, which lost us another week and a half. Then, to top things off, my lead girl decided to bow out two and a half weeks before the show opened. All this on top of having to do costuming, work on props, block, direct, oversee the set build, do the set decorating, publicity, tickets and maintain the website and blog, etc. (And yes, I found a really great lead guy and a really fantastic actress to take my lead girls part...even better than the original one!)

Well-----once again I have gotten through it, and am now just praying for more ticket sales. Wish you could all be here to see it----it would really boost my sales!

Algernon and Jack have it out.

Gwendolen and Cecily are sure that they are both engaged to Earnest.

Jack tries to make up to Gwendolen.....

.....And Algernon declares his love for Cecily.

Miss Prism gives Cecily some advice.

Lady Bracknell tries to show Gwendolen the error of her ways.

And......that is my *Earnest life.

*(The Importance Of Being Earnest)

Home Sweet Home----Or At Least For The Time Being....

2010-05-23T20:15:00.014-05:00

If you remember, we have had some stress in finding a new house----yep----we were supposed to move on Saturday and it was Wednesday and we didn't have a house yet----remember?

Well----we found this really great historic house to rent----month to month----until my hubby can get a new job and we can still buy the house that we were originally going to buy.

Uh huh---that is in a perfect world.

BUT I promised pictures of the house that we are living in now---it is way cool----but really a lot smaller than we are looking for, so we probably wouldn't be interested in buying it---and the price is RATHER steep for this size, as the town is a bit higher priced over all. But----it is fun to live here----and yes, I got unpacked EXTREMELY fast, as we already had an open house (yes, the house is on the market---and we have to show it---that is part of the deal) just a week and a half after moving in! AAAhhhhhh!

The front of the house----red brick----built in 1827.

And the back of the house----great windows all across the back...better to
see the great yard!

The gardening shed and Aydan on the bridge.....

....over the brook that runs through the back yard.

Here is Aydan on the rock bridge----making a boat.

And the finished boat----sail and all.....

Here is Aydan with another boat----up his nose?

Aydan----launching his boat in the brook....

....but it knocks it apart....

....and it ends up in pieces later on.

This is the kitchen.....

The cool pantry that is original to the house.

....and the dining room with the beehive oven.

The entryway---where the front door is----looking into the living room.

The living room with another fireplace-----and no, that is not our couch---
they left it here with the house----mine is at my theater.

The master bedroom----with another fireplace and our spring colors!

This is Aydans room and/or the guest room when someone comes to visit.
Isn't that bed amazing? Yeah----it came with the house, too....sigh.
(There is another room off of this one----its Aydans play room--
but that was still a mess---heh, heh.)

The main bathroom----the only full bath.

The family room----with its big windows across the back....
(Its hard to tell, but our couch is at the end---with the TV armoire----and you can
see a bit of the loft up in the right hand corner----
isn't that wood stove great?)

.....and looking up to the ceiling---the big original beams....

,,,,and yes, there is Marmelade....in her favorite spot, on the top of the armoire.
(There is a loft above part of the family room, and the cats pretty much hang
out there---then walk the beams...) That painting of Aydan on the
left was done by Maryn----one of my artist daughters----amazing, huh?

So, here we are.....just playing the waiting game.

But at least, we have a home.......................for now.

Happy Mum's Day

2010-05-09T19:43:00.006-05:00

A flower given to us in church today.

Well, we are finally moved into our latest house. I am not calling it our new house, as it is only temporary. The problem is that we can't buy a house until my hubby has a steady job again, and we are still pre-approved for credit, etc.,...but only if he is making a certain amount. So, he is constantly looking, and we are still hoping that we can buy a house before the end of the summer.

Meanwhile, we thought that we would move into a small two bedroom apartment, and store all of our stuff, but we couldn't find one that we could rent month to month----yeah, I know----go figure. BUT when I was surfing through rental listings on an MLS site, I found a house----circa 1827, in a small town not too far from where we were living. I wanted to go see it, as it was just the right size and the rent was the same as what we were paying, but our realtor and my husband both reminded me that we didn't want to find something permanent, just a month to month, so I put it into the back of my over-crowded brain.

Fast forward to a week later, and we STILL had not found a place to live! We were supposed to move out on Sat. of last weekend, but we had NOT found a place to live, as of Thurs. morning. Then we got a call from my realtor (she's amazing, by the way) and she informed us that the old house that I had inquired about, was willing to rent month by month, and were we interested in looking at it? Well, duh....of course!

We went to look at the house and were overjoyed with its quirkiness, its history, its amazing back yard, and we wanted to move in! Long story short, the afternoon of that Thurs., we met with the owner, signed a lease, and asked if we could start bringing our things in the next night. Voila! We had a place to call our own----well----for a few months anyway.

So, that is my mothers day present, basically. I have slowly tried to get unpacked, after taking about three days to move in, and have only managed to get the kitchen done this week, around working and rehearsals, etc.,,,,but its a big accomplishment for me!

My kids came today, made dinner with my hubby, and brought super presents and their fun selves. It was really nice to relax for a bit,-----they played Beatles Monopoly----and I fell asleep on the chaise in front of the huge windows overlooking our great back yard-----with classical music playing in the background......ahhhh....a little bit of heaven.

Sometimes----despite all the stress of normal and not-so-normal life, its the little things that make your days. A yummy dinner. Some satin jammie bottoms. A new super cookie sheet. A small flat screened T.V. An amazing cake with strawberries. Big hugs from my children. Two special phone calls from my sweet daughters that live far away.
These are the things that made my Mothers Day special and revived my spirit.

Now, I'm ready to take on my usual stress for the week. I can do anything now.
If only I could get my printer to work.....it keeps saying (as if it talks) that the new cartridge isn't the right one....sigh....I just hope that it isn't broken.

And....yes, I will get back with pictures of the house, just as soon as I finish unpacking.

The basket of goodies from my sweet daughter, Brinna.....

....and here we are----aren't those satin jammie bottoms amazing?

Some new super cookie sheets from my son, Clayton.....

....and the fantastic cake that he baked for us. (Texas bundt cake with
fresh strawberries and whipped cream---so yummy!)

A flat-screened TV and water bottle from my hubby, Bret, and my son Aydan.

Everyone playing The Beatles Monopoly----right before I headed in to
take my nap....(and yes, that's my husbands cranium in the foreground---heh, heh)

Happy Mothers Day---hope yours was as FANTABULOUS as mine!

Don't Like Ticks.

2010-04-28T22:44:00.005-05:00

This is the time for ticks in New England. Did I mention that I DETEST ticks?

The other night as I was getting dressed for bed, I noticed that the lower side of my back was sore. I thought, at first, that it was a new ache----from yoga. I get some new aches every once in a while, but chalk it up to it being a "good" pain---and figured that it would be gone by the next day.

So, I laid down in bed, and started reading my book. Suddenly there was a sharp pain in my back----like something sticking me. Wha the? I couldn't figure out if I had something sticking in me----maybe a splinter or something?

So, I got back out of bed and went into the bathroom. I took off my P.J. top and checked out my back in the mirror. It was at a strange angle, but I noticed a lot of redness, and there in the middle was a small dark brown dot. A-HA!

It was a tick. Burrowing into me.

Of course, I freaked out and ran into the bedroom---waking up my hubby....and demanding that he get it out!

He had just gotten a tick remover a few days before this incident, thank goodness----but of course, we couldn't find it! We have been packing and the place was upside down, so it had been misplaced. On to the next idea. We found my eyebrow tweezers.

He grabbed that little sucker---yes, play on words----and popped it out. Then right into the toilet----and flush!

A few days later, I checked in the mirror and there was still a red dot there----and I could still feel that soreness. Thank goodness that they hurt so much when they are trying to burrow in---or I would have never even noticed!

A few days later, Aydan found one crawling up his shirt---he had only walked from the bus stop----thank goodness that it hadn't found skin....

So, now I have to remember to check everyone after they have been out doors. UGH. Such a pain.

Its not too bad for my little doggies.....I just put flea and tick meds. on them---and check them every once in a while.

Now, why isn't there a flea and tick medicine for humans. I would sure invest in some.

And yes....I thought that I would super gross you out by this little display of
an engorged tick....enjoy.

Stress Is Now My Middle Name

2010-04-21T22:45:00.006-05:00

Have you ever wondered what the most stressful things are that you go through in your life? Well---apparently, I am going through about three of them----at once.

One of them is losing a job. Yep, we are there.

Another one is moving. Shouldn't they also add that we have NO place to move to, as Bret has to have a job before they will let us close on the house? Hmmm....how picky of them....
So----yep, we are there with that one.

A change in financial state is another one. Well---what else would you call trying to live off of unemployment----duh. Not to mention that I have only had my own theater for a bit over a year---so am still extremely stressed about making it work.

Now....I am not going through a divorce----well, not yet, anyway.... And there has been no death in the family----thank goodness----I count my blessings for that one. And I haven't been confined to jail, so I guess I am safe for that one. Another stress is an illness or injury----and well, I guess that I can count that one too, as Bret just got over that....remember?

Believe it or not, the other one is marriage. Go figure. I guess it is just all the preparation, etc. that is stressful.

I only wish that this was my problem.....

A Really Special Lady

2010-04-11T21:47:00.010-05:00

There is a really special blogger out there, Susette. She is beautiful both inside and out, and has the sweetest personality that you can imagine, and I have a special place in my heart for her.

I have been able to meet with her several times----once when I went out to Utah----and once when she came to New England to visit with another amazing woman, Rhonda----when she won a trip out to Connecticut. About a month ago, I was out in Utah, visiting my daughter, and had that great bloggers luncheon, but Susette wasn't able to come---and I missed her.

A few weeks later, there was a note on on her Facebook page.

It was tragic, and heartbreaking.

Her son, Porter, had been hiking and had fallen to his death. It was sudden, and such a terrible tragedy. I couldn't stop crying when I read of it.....I can't even imagine the pain of losing a child----I don't know how she could deal with even getting up in the morning each day. Her blog gives you an idea of her coping with this, as well as her love for this amazing young man. Her daughter, Kali, also shares her poignant thoughts about her brother.

I then read on Facebook that she was traveling back with her daughter, after the funeral, to spend some time here in New England, as her daughter lives in the area. Of course, I sent her a message, as I hoped to be able to see her, and give her that big hug that I wanted to share with her.

Well, we ended up meeting for lunch, along with her sweet daughter, her grandbaby Miles, and her daughter's husband, Wade. It was so great to see her and meet her amazing daughter and family. We talked about her son, Porter and the things that surrounded the accident----and as we both teared up a bit, she talked about how this trip that she was on was supposed to be shared with Porter, her son.

And we both agreed that he was there....spending those days with his Mom and sister---seeing the sites and enjoying the New England days with them....

At lunch in historic Concord----little Miles, Kali, Susette, and I.

My heart goes out to this special family----for their loss----for their spirits----for their determination to make each day normal again----and for their knowledge that they WILL be with their Porter again someday. I love you guys....

What I Have Done For The Last Month And A Half.....(And No, You Don't Have To Read It All, Because It Is WICKED Long)

2010-04-04T23:33:00.000-05:00

NUMBER ONE
THE BAND TRIPS: My band returned to our favorite hang out state, Oklahoma! I had just ended a HUGE month with my different shows at the theatre, and was ready for some down time and was looking forward to getting away. And thank goodness we ended up having a pretty good trip---no weird flight changes, no cancellations, no one getting extremely sick and running to the toilet all the time, and no really drunk passengers or anything. And best of all, we didn't have to stay over in an airport on a cot!

We had played at this casino last year, so we were familiar with it, and the best part of this place was the fact that we could eat whatever we wanted at this marvelous buffet----they even served breakfast foods after we were done with our gig at 1:00 in the morning---how neat is that? (Of course, my favorite thing to do WOULD have to do with food!)

We played there two nights, and they seemed to love us----so maybe we will be able to go back again....

In the airport....me, Louis, Rick and Steve.

Waiting for the plane....

.....and at the casino----this is our stage.

Rick, re-inacting where he spent most of his time the last time we were
in Oklahoma.

Rick and I, right before we went on.

Yep....back in the airport again!

And in the airport between flights.....

...riding between the terminals in the psychedelic lights.

Fast forward to a few weeks later----we had a trip to Florida! I was so looking forward to the sun and warmth. Yeah, right.

We got there, and since I had only brought a light jacket, not my winter coat----well---it was Florida, for hecks sake-----I was freezing! We stood, waiting for our car----trying to get warm in the sun. We ended up playing in a really quaint inn----apparently a hot spot for most folks over the age of 65....and the best part? Yeah, you guessed it, all the food that we could eat----oh, and I got to meet one of my favorite bloggers, Shawn of Seriously fame. She had met Rick (our Rod impersonator) on a cruise that she went on and had found out that we were going to be performing about 15 minutes from her house, so she was going to surprise me! But things didn't go as planned and she ended up having to let me know beforehand.

So we just decided to have her come and meet me for lunch----and she had to hang with the band for awhile. Oh, what a lovely lunch we had! She is so beautiful, stunning eyes, and such a great personality to match----I totally fell in love with her! She fit right in----getting along well with the band members----as they oogled her-----dirty old men that they are....(did I mention that she is gorgeous?)

We enjoyed the buffet and and even had a bit of dessert with the heavenly strawberries from the area. She then came over to our sound check, as she wasn't able to come to the show later.
What a sweetheart she is! I am hoping that we are down there again----hmmm---maybe New Years?

We then got up the next day and drove about 4 hours down to Ft. Lauderdale. The place we stayed was a bit scary----I mean----the beds were lumpy and there were no blankets, only the bedspread on the bed.....eewwwww----just thinking about it gives me the creeps! We had a great show, with an even older audience----I believe that the average age was closer to 85 this time----but they enjoyed themselves----and that is what its all about!

We didn't get much sleep----there were slamming doors and noise all night long at the creepy motel that we were at, and we had to get up at 3:00 a.m. in order to leave for the airport by 4:00 a.m. But the trip back was pretty uneventful---thank goodness---and we arrived home quite exhausted, but safe, nonetheless.

We aren't scheduled for any more plane band trips for awhile, just driving gigs, (Maine and New York, to be exact) so this should be the last one for some time.....but come to think of it....I am going to miss that good food.

Airport fun.....

....with Steve, the drummer.

The Rod man, himself.....smiling?

Steve discovered that he was in love with this airport pole....

.....and here I am with SHAWN!! The two Shawns together!

Our Florida stage.....

and me, at my microphone.....

....and the view from the stage.

Next night, in Ft. Lauderdale....the stage....

.....and here is the view from the stage.

Hanging in the girls dressing room----what the heck was Louis doing there ?

NUMBER TWO
TRIP TO UTAH---MY G-BABIES: I try to get to Utah as much as I can to see my daughter, and the G-babies---oh, how I love them! Hailey is doing a show, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"----and it is MAGNIFICENT----so Aydan and I flew over there for about 5 days---and I watched the babies and visited with family, saw Hailey's show, and had a great blogger luncheon---it was a great trip.

The beautiful twins, Lane and Lucy, in their princess dresses.

Lane, getting into my glasses---isn't she adorable?

And of course, Lucy had to try on another pair.

Bowling with the family....Ethan goes first.

Then Aydan has a try.....

and he gets a spare!

Here I am, actually making a strike.....

...and then Lucy gives it a try----with a little help, of course.

Lane takes a try with this amazing contraption.

Mila and Aydan await their turn.

Hailey awaits her turn also---snuggling with Lucy.

At Grandma Cannon's house, Lane takes her try at drums.

Taylor with his Dad, Pat---my brother---goofing around, as usual.

My nieces, Sariah, with her fiance', Brett, and Cami, and Melinda.

The blogging ladies---and cutie daughters----at lunch.
Hailey, Me, Melissa, Corrie, and Tiberon----aren't they lovely?

NUMBER THREE
LUCKY STIFF---My Musical Comedy:
I have been directing the first musical (for adults, that is----I have done two childrens musicals) at my theatre since January. I have wanted to do this musical for about 8 years, since my daughter did it. Its a hysterically funny comedy with lots of twists and turns and great songs, and----well----TONS of props and tech work. BUT---it finally opened this past weekend, and it has been a smash! I have a ton of pics from the show----and you don't have to look at them all, but I've got them here for posterity, right?

Here I am----doing the hair----early 1960's, dont'cha know----and yes,
I did the costumes also....and you were wondering why I've been so busy?

Opening number----Bret, my hubby, built the set, by the by---he is pure genius!

Harry is bored with his life....

....and his landlady got a telegram for him.

A telegram for Mr. Witherspoon?

The solicitors news.

At the Optometrist.

In the train to Monte Carlo.

Dancing with a dead guy....

Having it out with Annabel.

Rita and Vinnie.

Parachuting with a dead guy?

In the casino---the French emcee'.

Dominique with Annabel.

Annabel reminiscing about her dogs.

What? Vinnie in a dress?

Rita, singing to the dead guy....

.....and now shes had enough!

Trying to find the body.

Wrong hat!

Harry's nightmare.

Annabel---don't leave me!

There's that crazy woman with the gun, again!

Rita----will Tony take you back?

Happy ending....

Ok, so these are just a few of the things that I have been doing these past few months. Add in there my church job----choir director, and teaching my voice students two days a week, and starting two new show choirs this week, as well as taking care of the website----which you should all check out, as I am quite proud of it----www.thecannontheatre.com. Then, I have also had to do all the work on the publicity and tickets, etc., etc.....

Well...you get the picture.

And now I get to pack over Spring break...... Sigh.

Oh, and I almost FORGOT! We might have a house!

But......................that's for another post.....

Where, Oh Where Has That Swanee Gone?

2010-03-18T21:56:00.002-05:00

I know that I have been the worst of the worst about blogging----and believe me, I have missed it. It feels like a part of my life is missing and I keep wondering how everyone is doing, and then I feel guilty that I can't catch up, so I get worse. Its kind of like when you haven't cleaned your house for a long time and don't know where to start!

Anywho----I have a ton of posts to do, with pictures and adventures----lots of travels with the band, as well as a great trip to see my G-babies,......and I PROMISE that I will get it done! I have been dealing with a new problem this past week and a half, so I am into super drive stress time----yeah----when it rains, it FLOODS at my house! I just found out when I got back from a band trip that my landlord in kicking us out in a month, so we have to find a new place. Apparently his son is moving back to MA and wants to live in the house (he's got a nerve, huh?) so we have to find something else----and there IS NOTHING OUT THERE TO RENT!! It is pitiful, to say the least....

So, we are trying to work out a purchase deal again.....sigh.....wish us luck and keep us in your prayers----and hey----maybe I need to do a charity run to get the down payment or something----ugh....

I know I keep promising that I will be back, but I have so many "balls" in the air and I am finding it hard to even take the time to sleep and exercise....and well----I always find time to eat, but I guess I could not do that and blog instead..... Hmmmmm.....that might be good for all involved.

Hope everyone is doing well. I will get it together someday. And I WILL let you know if we get a house. Hugs to everyone!

Fabulous Find For A Friday-----A Fantastic Friend

2010-02-19T12:25:00.010-05:00

There has been a special person in my life for the last 5 years or so. This amazing gal I was able to get to know pretty well a few years ago, when I came to see her every month as part of my churches Visiting Teaching program. Then, as we began having her and her family over for major holidays, and doing some special activities together-----she has become my forever friend.

My hubby and I have always felt so blessed to have this wonderful family as our friends. My husband, Bret, has enjoyed going mountain biking with her husband (they love coming home and showing off their scrapes and bruises from their insane rides!) and we have loved having their sweet little girls over when we are having get-togethers.

I am sure that you remember that phenomenal concert that I went to with this sweet lady----U2----remember? We shared a lot of laughs that night, and I felt that I bonded with her a bit more. She is such a beautiful girl, with a bit of a sarcastic wit, (that I love) and has such a great giving and loving nature. She has almost felt like a daughter to me, as she is young and energetic and so cute.... I love her spirit, her wisdom, her intellect, her down to earth attitude, her love of being a mother, her super blogging---(be sure and check out her blog!) and her tolerance of New England. (It was something that we disagreed on, as I LOVE New England----but she made me laugh, as she complained constantly---sorry, Michelle----but you were the cutest thing when you were whiny!)

But she and her husband have now moved on.

They have taken a job in Albuquerque, and it seems like a long, long way away. I keep telling myself that we will go there to visit someday. After all, I also have another friend there----my sisters brother in law that was a great friend of mine in college.

But I know that I will miss her.

I looked forward to her smile across the pews on Sunday and chatting a bit after church. And I will forever miss the sharing of our crazy traditions with her family each holiday.

Isn't she beautiful?
(pics by BBSNAPS.NET)

The whole gang----dogs and all!!

Here we are----the last time that I saw her....

I just hope that I can get there someday to see you, my sweet Michelle. You have truly blessed my life, I love you and I will miss you.

Dire Circumstances

2010-02-12T18:01:00.006-05:00

I have been putting off writing this blog.

I haven't wanted to take credit for being a big fat loser and not writing or reading blogs lately.

But, I felt that I had to explain.

I am in dire circumstances these days....

The past three weeks, or so, I have been juggling two shows at my theatre. Doing tech rehearsals, programs, final costuming, etc., etc. for one show and starting blocking on the next show. I have also been continuing to teach voice lessons, doing my church job, having three birthdays in a row, trying to find time to keep the house clean, keep Aydan on track at school, do a few gigs, work on marketing for upcoming shows, etc. and make a meal once in awhile.

Add to this mix my hubby getting laid off work at the same time, and well...........need I say more?

Stress with a capital "S"!

I actually lost my voice last week----and it wasn't from too much singing---that's for sure. Nope, it was from the stress and lack of sleep. (Did I mention that I started having hot flashes again?-----ugh.)

Now, I knew that this was going to be a hard time for me. Yes, I was prepared for it. After all, I did it to myself-----its my theatre and my decisions for when shows are being put together----- but I realized that I HAD to do it, and there was no one else to carry it out....except me! Does that make sense to any of you out there?

So, again, I have to apologize. I absolutely ADORE reading so many of your blogs----you know who you are! You take me to another world, so I don't have to think about mine for a little while----for this I thank you all out there....but I know that I haven't been AT ALL good at reading OR writing for the past few weeks, and for this, I feel really bad.

I am determined to get through this. I love writing on my blog and would not give it up for the world. I have been doing this for over 4 years now, and look at this blog as a bit of cathartic medicine, in a way----I need it to get through....

I will get on track, I just know it. But, be patient with me and please don't leave me when I need all of you the most right now!

Much love,
Swanee.

Winnie May

2010-02-03T23:30:00.009-05:00

Oh yes, you guessed it-----its another birthday in our household! My little Brinna is not little anymore......sigh. She has come to a huge crossroads in her life in age, and I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE THAT I AM SO OLD! (Of course, this blog is about me, so lets just dwell on that astonishing declaration for a moment....)

Anywho----Brinna, or Winnie May, as I used to call her, is all grown up now and out in the world pursuing her singing career. She doesn't live too far from me, but I don't get to see her very often, as our schedules don't allow for it, but I think of her EVERY day anyway! She is in London right now, going on a birthday trip to celebrate and get away for a bit, and I am very jealous that I am not right there with her. She had to go at this time, or I would have been.....

We had a great birthday party, though, last Sunday, before she left. We celebrated Aydan and Brinna's birthday together, as their birthdays are so close. Normally, we celebrate with Maryn also, but she is out of state, remember?

We decided to have a "rave", but one with no ecstasy, so don't get too worried! My son, Clayton, came up with the idea, as we were at the dollar store and he saw all the glow sticks for sale. Well, he was practically jumping up and down in excitement!!

So----that's what we did. We had a MAH-VE-LOUS time-----dancing to techno music in the dark and swinging around our glow sticks, all the while sporting glow necklaces to boot. It is always fun to be with my kids, but sometimes, when the craziness kicks in----it is a WICKED good time!!

I also came up with a new game idea where we hide and try to find each other by our glow sticks----then....like paint ball.....take the person out that we find, with........well......what else?
A fly swatter!

Yeah----the idea was better than the outcome, but we started swatting each other on the booty and I was laughing so hard-----my sides were hurting! Fun times.

As for Brinna.... She and I have had our good times and our bad times, but that is life, right? But I love her just the same. She is such a talented and neat person----so passionate about the same things that I am-----I do enjoy being with her.

These are the things that I love about her:

I love how she loves to read as much as I do. We have so many great times talking and talking about books----and we exchange them frequently.

I love her husky voice when she was growing up. It was the cutest thing ever! She no longer has that husky voice, but she still has a great singing voice!

I love her sense of style! She is so good about coordinating her outfits, and often sends me e-mails of great deals. I also send her fantastic fashion finds----its great to have that connection with my daughters. (Well, my oldest two, anyway....heh, heh.)

I love her artistic side. She doesn't draw or paint that much anymore, but I would love to see her do more of it eventually----she is so very talented!

I love how she talks about costumes with me, when I am working on a show. We talk about eras and styles of that era, and she gives me ideas for some of my costume dilemmas. I just wish that she lived closer, so she could help me at the theatre ALL the time!

I love her great sense of decorating. You should SEE her apartment! It is gorgeous, and she has such an amazing style with her decorating, using both modern and vintage mixed with a bit of eclectic. So chic!

I love that she adores her brothers and sisters. She really enjoys getting with them and hanging out-----doing goofy things, eating, talking and laughing a lot!

I love singing with her. I used to be in a band with her and I loved it more than anything! I still miss doing that with her..... At least once a year, she comes and sings with the family and I in church, and I cherish this so much.

I love her writing. She also doesn't do it very often anymore, but I used to love to read her stories, and plays. She even used to want to write a book. I keep hoping that she will go back to school for those creative writing courses someday----she really has a talent!

Here are some pah-tay scenes:

Here is the dining room with the birthday decor....

....and the two birthday kids!

The "rave" gets off to a good start.....

....and here I play around with the pink glow stick.

Great shot of Bret, my hubby-----uh----hello----anyone out there?

And so Clayton had to try it....

.....as well as me.

Brinna got creative with color.....

....and Aydan went the whole color scheme!

Getting ready to blow out the candles on the cake....

.....and right before we cut the cake! (Baked by Clayton---made from scratch
from one of my favorite recipes)

The birthday duo after getting some presents----nice purple extensions
and fly swatter, Brinna!

Happy Birthday, my Brinny Winnie-----have fun in London!

Fabulous Find For A Friday-----My Minnie

2010-01-29T22:12:00.012-05:00

My youngest daughter Maryn, or Minnie, as I used to call her when she was a baby, has been the topic of my blog quite a few times. She is my wandering spirit, so I worry about her a lot and yearn to have her near. Today she turned 22, and of course, par for the course, I called her and sang her Happy Birthday----right when she was born, of course, but I had to sing to her cell phone answering service. Then I left several messages on her Facebook page, but I haven't heard from her..... Sigh.....

It is hard to have a child like this sometimes. When they are small and we have so much control over their lives----we tend to complain about how difficult it is to do everything for them, but when they are gone, and we sometimes don't even know where they are----it is hard----and sometimes it hurts a bit that you can't have them near. It sometimes makes you feel that they don't care anymore.

Maryn was a darling baby, a beautiful little girl, and my little sweetheart. She is my artist, singer, super creative, alternative, rebellious, and was always pushing my envelope----but I love her just the same! That's what we do as mothers----we love our children with no strings attached.

There are so many things that I love about Maryn:

I love how she is unique----has always been---definitely does her own thing!

I love how she gets along with people of all ages. She has such a great spirit about her----and people respond to that.

I love her artistic talents. She is BRILLIANT in her artwork, and even supercedes my talent....

I love how she loves to sing. She writes music, sings constantly and performs by herself or with different bands. She also taught herself to play guitar.

I love that she loves animals. She has adopted two cats, and she takes care of them so well----even feeding them when she doesn't have any money for her own food.

I love her intelligence. She is really smart and reads a lot, and definitely forms her own opinion about things----and is NOT afraid to voice them!

I love her hugs----she has the BEST hugs in the world!!! Big, long, squeezy ones.....my favorite!

I love her sense of humor----she is crazy and so fun when we get together----acting out and well....just being one of us!

I love her laugh....she always laughs at the antics I pull----I tend to get crazy sometime, and Maryn is always the first one to get everyone going with her infectious laugh!

I love her free spirit, but sometimes I detest it, as she can't stay in one place for long, and hasn't really decided what she wants to do.....well, she kind of gets that from me, as I STILL haven't decided what I want to be when I grow up! But I worry about her and just want her to be happy----no matter what she decides to do.

Here's that beautiful face....(Maryn, a few years ago)

....and her fun side!

She's very photogenic....

....and loves to goof around while we are shooting.

Performing at one of her "shows".

Love this smile....

....and there she goes.....again!

Brinna, Maryn and I---this past Christmas in our....er.....well.....Christmas
jammies, of course!

Happy Birthday, Minnie!

The Beauty of New England In Celebration Of The New England Bloggers Birthday!

2010-01-27T23:58:00.012-05:00

If you scroll down the right side of my blog, you will see a button for New England Bloggers. These stupendous bunch of gals are all bloggers, and, of course, from New England! There's a super blogger that started it all about a year ago----Elizabeth over at Evil Overlord----and she thought it might be nice to celebrate by having some bloggers write about living in New England----just to celebrate our year of blogging together.

It is hard for me to decide what I love most about living here. When I first visited New England with my sister, almost 20 years ago, I fell in love with it here. I absolutely ADORED the history, and the historical houses, as well as the greenery and the beauty.

I am a visual artist, as well as the other many things that I do, so I am inspired by nature----especially the change in nature----and New England is the place to be for change! From the greenery of the summers, with the humidity and the rain, the AMAZING amount of trees, and just a short drive to the coast.....

Beach view in Duxbury.

....to the myriad of colors that come with each Fall, as the leaves change and share their vibrant glory with the world.....

New Hampshire foilage.

....to the cold and icy winter, with its dry climate and breathtaking snow views......

Winter in Vermont.

...and finally end up back to spring, as the earth re-awakens and rears its head from under the cold to reveal the stunning beauty of a new change, a new world, one of flowers and color and fresh clean air!

Downtown Boston---cherry blossoms.

"There is nothing more constant than change".

"Change is not merely necessary to life—it is life.’ Alvin Toffler

So, come and visit and fall in love with this intriguing, beautiful place.....I guarantee that you will not leave unaffected.

***Be sure and check out other New England Bloggers HERE!***

A Fabulous Find For A Friday-----Little Boo

2010-01-22T22:39:00.013-05:00

A big birthday happened today. A big 10th birthday!

Its almost impossible to believe that ten years have gone by....and that my little boy is growing up so fast. He is my baby, and yes, I called him "Little Boo" when he was little----as his little lips were always pursed as if he was saying "boo". He is a special little boy----one that deals with so much for his young life, and hardly ever complains.

There are so many reasons that I adore him:

I love that he always gives me the best snuggles ever----and I am going to be devastated when those end.

I love that he always cares about others----how he worried that some boys were treating a girl badly in his class and he asked them to stop.

I love that he is so into exploring and looking up everything----from the human body and how it functions, to how space and the planets are formed and why, why, why..... He is so inquisitive.

I love that he wants to help out, whether it is learning how to clean a toilet (and yes, he knows how to do it now) or putting the silverware away after the dishes are cleaned.

I love how he knows so many different recording artists by hearing them on the radio----from Elton John, to Styx, to Queen, to Coldplay and U2.....he always knows them, and is right on!

I love how he goes to my theatre hour after hour as I teach voice, have rehearsals, organize costumes and do a myriad of things and he just reads or does homework, or plays quietly with his toys, and sometimes entertains himself with doing little tricks to make the students smile.

I love how he loves to read, and finished all the Harry Potter books---the first three before school started, in about 3 1/2 weeks! And the cutest part was that he REALLY wanted it to be real.....he wanted to really go to a wizard school himself.

I love that he believes in dragons. And all things mythological. He is devout.

I love how he looks up to his siblings. He knows that they are older, and don't always have time for him, but he cherishes and looks forward to each time that they come home to hang with us, or when he can go to their houses and spend the night. He loves his brother and sisters.

I love when he giggles and laughs when I talk baby talk to him or act crazy in the mornings. (as I am wont to do when I am tired in the mornings...)

I love that he says the cutest things sometimes----in all seriousness, and doesn't even realize how adorable he is.

I love how he is so funny at other times, and how he tries to make other kids laugh, and be happy in his presence.

I love how he loves to play games with his Dad, and can spend hours building things with him, then learns how to take pictures on his Dad's camera.

There are so many other things that make me love this little guy, but it would take almost a day to write them all down.

He is my gem, my little guy, my little Boo.

His first day of school, Sept. 2009

Photos his Dad took----BBSNAPS.NET

Happy Birthday, Aydan. I love you.

Winter Wonderland

2010-01-19T20:55:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, we got a lot of snow.....again. Yes, I know that I am in a very small minority, but I love snow and the look of it. I even like to shovel it----such a great workout for the arms!

And along with the snow was a day off from school----and a fun day for Aydan to play in that said snow! So, we put the parka's on the puppies, and they joined him for some fun in the snow.

The view outside our front door....

.....and turning toward the conservation area.

There's Aydan, in the midst of the snow kingdom.

Musette, with her little snow parka on.

Musette, going for a visit to Aydan----whoa---this snow is COLD!

Now is Mignon's turn to experience the snow.....

....but she bolts for the warmth!

Aydan----running from the camera.....

....but he can't hide from me!

Musette and our cat, Shadow, relaxing after the snow romp.....

.....and Mignon finally joins them after she gets toweled off....oh....so nice to be WARM!

As the snow keeps falling today, and I do another sweep with the snow shovel, I stop and enjoy the beauty once again. That's why I love the change of the seasons----it gives you a chance to appreciate all the beauty of the world---whatever the season.

Fabulous Find For A Friday------Black Adder Series

2010-01-15T22:08:00.009-05:00

One of my favorite things to do is watch the BBC. I am a BBC junkie. A BBC American, if you will. I have watched their shows for many years.

I love British humor. I know, most folks would say that I am crazy, and they just don't get it....but I will always pick a British flick over American any day. Lets face it, history never quite feels the same when Hollywood gets a hold of it.

But I digress.

I really want to talk about their comedy. My love started with Monty Python. First, the weekly shows, then "The Holy Grail". The first time I saw their comedy, I felt that I had finally found something that I could relate to-----it was great!

Fast forward to several years later.....I saw one of my first Rowan Atkinson films.....I forget if it was the first Mr. Bean series, or what, but one of my favorite series was "The Black Adder".
I watched each week and fell more and more in love with the humor of Rowan and his pals. That was the first time I saw Hugh Laurie, who is magnificent as one of Rowan's side kicks. (He is also so funny in "Jeeves and Wooster"----with Stephen Fry----if you haven't seen it---check it out!)

Well, I got the entire set of Black Adder series for Christmas, and have re-lived each episode with my family, and had quite a few laughs. My little guy, Aydan, is now a big fan, and has watched his favorite ones several times now. (Just a note: There are some innuendos that may not be good for some kids---but my son doesn't get them-----yet...)

So----check them out on Netflix or get them at the video store, and be prepared to have some chuckles....or maybe full-out laughter!

Here are a few examples.....

The Black Adder Part 1 - Watch the best video clips here

Prince Blackadder - Blackadder - BBC - For more funny videos, click here

And if you don't like British humor?

Well, I have nothing to say to you........

Whin-ey Wednesday

2010-01-13T22:55:00.006-05:00

I've decided to start using Wed.'s to vent when I need to-----therefore the title of this post. No, it won't be every week. I really don't have time to do that-----sigh.

Today, I am going to whine about the fact that my hubby is out of work.......again. Last Friday, he broke the news to me that he had been laid off, and I sort of......well.......FREAKED!

Perhaps it had to do with the fact that just six months ago, he had a really bad accident at work, where he almost lost the third finger on his right hand. They had to re-build it. You might want to refresh your memory and read about it here.

Well, he was on disability, but of course, that doesn't pay all the bills-----and he was getting a small compensation from his workplace also, but that didn't cover the overtime that is required for us to....well......basically.....pay those darn bills. So, we have been trying to juggle things to get everything covered, and are still, basically, behind.

NOT a good time to be laid off, for sure.....

I work really hard---doing voice lessons, and trying to get the theatre off the ground and making something from that----someday----but it doesn't bring in a lot now, therefore I don't feel that I am prepared to take on any more debt problems.

I guess I am just P---O'd! I am getting so tired of being stressed out about money, and where its going to come from. I am getting older and sometimes wish that I could be like most of the women my age, with great houses, having vacations, re-decorating their houses, going shopping and just worrying about who to go to lunch with----occasionally babysitting the G-babies.

And another down-side to this extreme stress----I don't sleep well. I get panic attacks sometimes waking up at about 4:00 in the morning----not being able to breath, and panic-ing about how to get through all this. I have been working on getting caught up with everything, and I am FREAKING out how this will affect all that I have worked on.

Ok----just writing about this has made me feel like a total whiner. I apologize for going off, but if its only once in awhile-----can't a girl just GET THINGS OFF HER CHEST ONCE IN A WHILE!!

Now----end of the pity party.

I need to go out and do something for someone else. It always manages to take my mind off of my problems....

Fabulous Find For A Friday-----On A Saturday-----An Over The Shoulder Boulder Holder

2010-01-09T19:40:00.008-05:00

This phrase is very commonly used to describe one of a womens least favorite article of under clothing----the bra. I have particularly always had troubles with anything in this region of my body. And like me,-----for some reason, most women are not happy with their boobies---they are either too small or too large----too flat, or too droopy.

Then, of course it doesn't help that society and MEN seem obsessed with these annoying appendages. I mean, what the heck? Can't they all just get over them? Ugh.

When I was in eighth grade, I basically, had not reached......ahem......maturity yet, and didn't have much up there to speak of. Well, my mother was ADAMENT that I could not have a bra until I had SOMETHING to fill it with!

Oh, the trauma of trying to dress in the girls locker room before gym class and do it without a bra to cover oneself with! I eventually found a slip that I had that was a bit padded on the top and tried to pretend that it was the new rage----the built-in bra in my slip.

I have always been built a bit smallish on top----even after finally getting to wear a bra. I was at my largest right before I got married-----as I grew up to a small "C" cup. This was the most that I had weighed in my life, and I felt very robust indeed!

Fast forward to several years later, after my first child, (you know how it is----you get huge, blow up like balloons------so its painful when your milk comes in, then you start nursing, and are still quite large-----until you decide to stop nursing....) and I no longer had much there to speak of. I seem to remember size "A" as being my size then.

Then, along came another child a few years later-------same thing--------but this time, I kept losing weight and most of it came out of the upper half of my body. At this time, I numbered at a "AA". It was at this time that I was modeling the most, so it kind of went with my new body and I started to really enjoy being smallish up there.

Fast forward again to many years later-----after having five children----my upper region had----shall we say----rounded out----to a small "B" size. I was happy, this finally felt "just right!" I had gotten down to my original weight and life seemed grand-----I could have even modeled still if I wanted, but just didn't seem to have the time.

Body image was good.

I'm sure that you are on the edge of your seat---wondering how this story ends up, right? Well, if you fast forward just a few years more, you will find me starting to go through that most dreadful of times for a women----the pre-menopausal years----and all of a sudden, your body starts to have a mind of its own.

I remember one day as I was walking past a bank window on a street and caught a reflection of myself----and I had to stop, and stood there with my mouth agape!

Where had my "real" body gone? And what were these things that kept growing?
I guess most women would rejoice to wake up one day and------TA, DAH-----two large boobies!

Well, that's not how I felt. I felt matronly, and stocky, and well, like someone had taken over my body.....

How have I dealt with it? Well, it has been a trial. Trying to find bras that are comfortable that don't make me feel like I am Dolly Parton, and that are supportive, etc.

It has been annoying, to say the least.

I eventually found that if I wore sports bras, I had more support and I was a bit smaller that way. AND they were comfortable!

But they don't last very long, and I do like to have a bit of underwiring, also. So, I have kept searching......and searching......and searching for the right one.

And yes----I think that I may have found it! I kept getting catalogs from the on-line store,
One Hanes Place, as I had gotten several sports bras from there, so I flipped through one a few months ago.

VOILA! There it was. A minimizer bra. Just the ticket to what I needed!

Long story short-----I ordered two----as they had a sale----and I figured if they didn't work out, I could send the one back that was not used.

But I love it! It guarantees that it will minimize your rack from an inch to an inch and a half.
And you feel supported and not totally squished like with a sports bra.....and score!----the back supports you also----don't worry about that back fat anymore....

Here it is---Bali Passion For Comfort Minimizer Underwire
With Comfortable Back
(Yep, a mouthfull-----did I really just say that? Oh, no---I di-ent!)

So, if you feel like I do----and don't want to necessarily be larger-----yes, there are a few of us out there----then try this brassiere-----it is divine!

Re-evaluations, NOT Resolutions

2010-01-04T16:52:00.005-05:00

I don't particularly like the idea of resolutions. I don't disagree with them, but I like to make them ongoing.

All through the year.

Monthly.

Weekly.

Daily.

Ok......hourly.

That is pretty much how I roll. I am constantly re-evaluating my life and what I want to do with it. I am still deciding what I want to be when I grow up, you might say. And I envision that I will still be doing it the day that I drop dead.

So, basically, I have thought about some of the most recent things that I have been mulling over in my mind. These are the things that I will share with you.
(And did I mention that I am a woman of lists? One by my bed, one by the bathroom sink---not even kidding, one in my daytimer, on my calendar, and one in my head at ALL times. Is it any wonder that I have insomnia?)

The latest list of re-evaluations:

*Keep my business---i.e. the theatre going---and try to not freak out so much about it.
*Get my next season of plays and musicals picked THIS season-----trust me, its harder than you think!
*Try to get to bed by midnight----and yes, this is hard for me----I am a night owl.
*Keep exercising at least 4 times a week. I already do this, but am expanding to include yoga now once a week.
*Try to get that other 10 lbs. off----seriously----I don't take this lightly---I lost 14 lbs. from Aug. to Nov.----and have gained back about 2 lbs. during the holidays.....aarrgghhh.
*Try to train my pups to not bark when someone comes to the door----we started this about two months ago---but it is hard to find the time to keep working on it!
*Be better about volunteering for helping those in need in my church. I am terrible about doing this, if I know that it is early in the morning, or takes too many hours in the day----I have so much to do, and I wimp out.
*Try to keep my house cleaner----ummm----maybe I should check into a cleaning service once a month? Oh, so tempting.
*Continue reading more. I love to read as much as I love movies (which is my addiction, by the by) and I have stepped it up this year, by TAKING the time to read each day----even if its only 1/2 hour in the morning and a 1/2 hour at night.
*Be a better and more attentive mother.......er......ah.......I asked my young son about this one-----if I needed improvement----and he answered that I could do that by only making him do ONE chore every day instead of two before he can have computer time..... Minx.
Seriously, I should hang out more with him----more quality time----as he is always with me, but I am doing my theatre thing and don't always pay attention to him----did I mention that he is a great kid? I know....you've heard it before.
*Be a better wife. What? Where did that come from? Was that my alter-ego trying to get a word in edgewise? Whateveh.... Although, I guess it wouldn't hurt to send him notes and do mushy things once in a while-----yeah----I can do that. And maybe not nag about money anymore...................(tweet, tweet, tweet)...........NAH-----thats NOT going to happen.
*Write two posts a week in my blog----and get those blasted Memory Mondays back! Geeze! Why can't I seem to get it together?!!
*Get back to reading blogs at least two times a week.....ok....well, shoot for three and see how it goes.....

There you have it.

My re-evaluations.

That's all she wrote.

Been there, done that.

How about you check in with me daily and see how I'm doing?

I'll write you down on one of my lists.

What A Way To End The Year

2009-12-30T21:55:00.012-05:00

It was such fun to have all my lovely children around me during this blessed Christmas holiday!

And these are the moments:

*Picking up Maryn from the airport---and a big juicy hug---finally!
*Decorated the cookies and put on final Christmas touches.
*Clayton and Brinna coming in----lots of hugs and gaiety!
*First night of caroling----got lost in Hudson----and boy, was it cold---but we love to do this tradition----so great to harmonize with my kids.
*Fun day for last minute shopping, wrapping, and another night of caroling---this time we got more done and I heard the comment, "Why do we have to go to so many people?" And, "Couldn't we just go to the houses that give us something?" Uh, huh----they are kids.....
*Spent the next day doing last minute shopping and wrapping, got the house all cleaned, the rolls out, the soup made, things set out for guests.
*Some great friends over for Christmas Eve. Both families are moving in 2010----so sad.
*Fun carols, Texas and Cajun Night Before Christmas, Chimes played, and finishing up with the Nativity Scene.
*Christmas jammies from Mrs. Claus----fun to take crazy pictures.
*Up at 7:30 a.m.----finding Santa had come! Still great----as we all become small children again!
*Pictures all around---a couple of disappointed remarks---but that's what Christmas is all about, right?
*Blueberry muffins, omelets and hot chocolate----these are our traditional Christmas breakfast fare.
*Time to open presents----more pictures----a bit of a spat between me and the hubby. (long story...sigh)
*Time for the hubby and the kids to play games, put together mechanical toys, as I go to.......bed.........for a long winters nap. Aaaaaahhhhhh.....
*Get up, still in Christmas jammies, put in the ham----Clayton had put out more rolls----good. Cook the potatoes, sweet potatoes and corn. Go take a shower, and change.
*A Christmas feast. An amazing time with people you love the most....the best.
*Brinna leaves to visit friends----sorry to see her go.
*Dinner is done---we bring out the "Black Adder" DVD collection from Santa----to the family----and start watching.
*Next day---general cleanup for me----well, yeah----I'm still a Mom----and kids and hubby go to the mall. I wouldn't take a step out there the day after Christmas---no sirr--eee!
*Go to a movie with my oldest kids----"Nine"---not the best musical, but it makes me happy---and I ADORE Daniel Day Lewis!
*Sunday----our church Christmas program. (we were snowed out the Sunday before) I am a bit stressed as I am the choir director and wrote the program, but things go well.....ahhh, a sigh of relief from me.....
*We go home, have a delicious dinner----Pad Thai----home-made by Clayton, my chef. Delish!
*Brinna comes back and we prepare for one of our favorite things to do-----TAKE OUR FAMILY PICTURES! Ahhh---remember last year? (They were technically posted the beginning of this year---but who's counting?)
*Go to the Mill Building---where my theatre is---my hubby, Bret, gets his things set up---and we do what we do best---be hams!
Want to hire a great photographer? BBSNAPS.NET---(of course, you have to be in the New England area)

It began pretty normally....

...then we mixed it up a bit.

Yep, we got just a bit more absurd.

Everyone in their own world---uh, huh---that's my family!

Got the kids looking adorable....

....right before we let them go wild!

A big jump!

We took time to take a few of Bret and I---taken by my young son, Aydan.

Individual shots:
Beautiful Brinna.

Handsome Clayton.

My little minx, Maryn.

My little cutie guy, Aydan.

(Of course, we are missing part of the family, as my daughter, Hailey, her hubby Ben, and my G-babies live across the country----be sure to visit them HERE)

What a way to end the year.....with my favorite people in all the world.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christmas Traditions----Part Four And Five

2009-12-22T23:57:00.010-05:00

One of the favorite traditions in our family is to have a baking day on the third Saturday in December. Unfortunately, this year, I had to go to the recital of my son's voice teacher. Well----it wasn't unfortunate in that she has an amazing voice, but it was unfortunate that we had to put off the baking until the next day.

The kids and I have always made several different types of cookies and goodies----and they have changed over the years. We used to make fudge, caramel popcorn, sugar cookies and divinity. Then----I ended up taking out the fudge, because no one would eat it, and when I married the hubby that I have now, I took out the caramel popcorn, as he doesn't like chewy, sticky treats. Then last year, I stopped making the divinity, as it was too sweet and even Aydan didn't eat it anymore. But, I still make the sugar cookies---only I make them with the 50% less sugar mix and use almond extract in them---with a butter cream frosting----so good! Of course, part of Christmas has to be the decorating of the sugar cookies----and the eating, of course....

I also got a few ideas from bloggers----one from Rae over at My Life On The East Coast. She had a great recipe for some Turtle type goodies----except that I don't like nuts, and decided to just make them without nuts. Aydan really got into making these----they were so easy to do----and I only had to help him flatten them after they had warmed up for 5 mi9nutes in the stove. They were super yummy and he gave a bag full of them to his bus driver! (Didn't get a picture of them.)

We also got a great idea for another delicious treat from super blogger, Tiburon, from Shark Bait. She had a great recipe for Peppermint Bark Popcorn----and it sounded delish, so we gave it a try----with a bit of a twist! I used white chocolate instead of almond bark----and put the peppermint directly into the melted white chocolate----then drizzled it over the popcorn. Ohhhhh, how yummy it was! (Notice I say, "was", because its gone now....)
But definitely check out Tiburons recipe to get the real scoop on how to make this delicious treat!
I put this in bags and gave it out to friends when we went caroling this evening.....

Here is the popcorn laid out with the chocolate drizzled on it....

.....and....um.....did I mention that I made some delicious Pumpkin Pie Bars?

Everything in ready for getting the cookies going.

Aydan is hard at work----and his shirt definitely shows it! (Note to self:
NEED to get aprons!)

And success----just look at the chocolate smile!

My daughter, Maryn, helped out with the decorating end of things
when she got into town the next day.

Here we are with my big head stuck in the frame---stylish hat on head----hey--its cold
outside! Love the look on Aydans face----and what the heck are you doing, Maryn?

.....Which brings me to my fifth Christmas tradition! We always go caroling to our friends, some work mates and members of our church. I have been doing this tradition since my children were small, and they still love doing it! It is the highlight of our Christmas, and we usually go to about 15 or so homes, sharing a few carols and some fun harmonies, as well as lots of smiles and good cheer! (and a small bit of goodies) This is really our way of sharing our talents as well as our love for these people at Christmastime.

I hope that you have all been able to do all the traditions that you are used to. I pray that during this festive time of year that there haven't been too many hardships, and that your lives are as blessed as mine. I love this time of year-----the goodness, the peace, worshiping Christ, and feeling the joy of family and good friends. It seems a time when people are trying to be congenial and pleasant, even though there is stress abounding.

Its a time to reflect, and restore oneself---to prepare for the new year.

May you all feel this perfect peace during your Holiday!

Fabulous Find For A Friday-----Two Talented Sons

2009-12-18T22:38:00.012-05:00

This past week, I was able to go and experience both of my sons' different activities. First----was Aydan. He started taking Karate about a month ago, and really takes it seriously. He is a smallish boy, so we wanted to give him something to do to give him confidence and lets face it-----it helps with agility and muscle buildup, etc. Its all good.

The guy who owns the place and teaches is really a neat, easygoing man. He goofs around with the students, and speaks in different dialects, so Aydan feels at home---- and he is enjoying himself!

After Aydans class, we went into Boston to see my other son, Claytons' voice recital at his University. He is a senior, and is working up to a Music Education Degree----and his voice is MAH-VE-LOUS!! (Ok, so I admit that he was forced to take voice from me when he was growing up, so I am a bit biased...)

He did some classical songs---not his Broadway numbers, so that was great for me-----as he has a great classical voice. And yes, I am his BIGGEST FAN! He and I have very similar voices---matching vibratos and all----and had also been lucky enough to sing together the day before in church. It was a treat!

All in all.....a great week for me. I am so lucky to have such fantastic boys---they are truly super----and if you can't tell----I love them alot!

Christmas Traditions----Part Two And Three

2009-12-15T23:50:00.010-05:00

The second weekend of December, we always go and get a new ornament for the tree----you remember----the one that we put up the first Saturday----or we try to make some. I asked Aydan which he would like to do this year, and since it has been YEARS since we made ornaments, he chose that.

But how do I do that, exactly?

Well, we head to Michaels! I figured that if there was a great place to find ideas for making ornaments, it would be Michaels. And away we went....

It was good and busy, thats for sure, but we managed to get some supplies and headed home to use some of our Christmas creativity!

What did we use? We opted to get some foam pieces in bright Christmas-ey colors, some sparkly, some not, some Snowman and Tree shapes, some glue, several pairs of scissors and we went to town!

Bret and Aydan work on their ornaments (MAN---look at the front
of that refrigerator----it is totally a mess of stuff!)

And here I am with my ornament---while Aydan works hard
in the background.

The final group of ornaments.....and one hand that kept speaking to me.....

.....and then, the next day, while I was taking a much needed rest.....more
cute ornaments appeared! Don't you love Aydans creativity? (LOVE the diaper tree!)
Ours are the two at the top left---the rest?
Yep---Aydans!

Another tradition that we do on the second Saturday of December is host the Christmas Community Concert at our church. All of the churches in my community come together with their congregations and have an evening of music and good food. Since I am the choir director for my church, I always have to pick the music, work with my choir for about two months on it, then direct my choir for the event, as well as direct a combined choir number. It is a wonderful evening that really gets the Christmas season off to a great start!

A very small picture of my choir! I'm somewhere on the right side---
out of the picture----doing my "thang!"

Stay tuned for even more traditions!....

Fabulous Find For A Friday-----The Road

2009-12-12T01:01:00.002-05:00

Two years ago, my favorite book was "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy. It was horrific, but so real, that it was genuinely disturbing and scary, but the writing was amazing, so I couldn't put it down.

Last weekend, I saw the movie.

Now, may I say that I went-----expecting to be disappointed, as most of the time my most favorite books are not represented very well when moved to the big screen. But, much to my dismay, I loved ita

Of course, it helped that the lead was played by Viggio Mortensen, one of my favorite actors. He did an amazing job, playing "The Man" who lives and is trying to survive in a world post apocalyptic-----its a dreary world, one where no nature nor insect nor animal lives. It is a world that is only inhabited by pitiful humans----a handful of them, scrounging off the land and in the trash for food of any kind.

Then there is "the boy", his son. A child that has grown up in this horrific world, has lost his mother (she decides to give up and 'leave' her family) and has managed to maintain a goodness and innocence despite it all. The actor that played this part was really believable and pretty amazing.

The director, John Hillcoat, and the person that wrote the screenplay, Joe Penhall, did a splendid job recreating the book---staying pretty true to the original story. The production was very well done, and I thought that even the computer generated graphics were even well done. After all, it isn't easy to make the entire world look devoid of trees unless they are burnt out and dead looking. And even though I knew what was going to happen, the movie still kept me on the edge of my seat, as I lived through each tragic moment.

And the best part of all-----it is a love story. Not between a woman and a man---even though the love of the boys mother and his father is brought up through flashbacks-----it is the love that is never ending between the man and his boy. One that we know this father has for his son, as he would even sacrifice his own child rather than leave him for torture and an ultimate grisly death at the hands of cannabalistic humans. And it is a story of good. Yes, good.

My favorite part of the book and then, the movie, is when the young boy keeps asking his father, "We are the good guys, right? No matter what-----we will always be the good guys, right?"

It makes me tear up just thinking about it. It really makes one realize that in the world where there is so much evil, the good will always be there.

Somewhere.

The good will always prevail.

Christmas Traditions----Part One

2009-12-08T23:50:00.006-05:00

We, as a family, have many Christmas traditions. Since this is one of my favorite times of the year, I am so all about keeping the traditions going,.....no matter what else I have on my plate-----WHICH IS A TON RIGHT NOW!!!

So, our tradition the first Saturday of the month of December is to get our Christmas tree----not just get it, but find it, choose it, and cut it down ourselves. There are several places that we like to go, but our favorite place is behind someones house. They have a shed where you pick up your saw, and a wagon to carry your tree. You just go out to the field, cut your own and then leave a check through a slot in the shed door.

Yep---totally the honor system. And the trees are all $25.00! No matter what size!

We always pick a "Charlie Brown" type tree---one that isn't perfect, and needs someone to take it and make it special. I don't like fat, perfect trees,-----no, I like those that need some love.

The next day----on Sunday, we spend the evening decorating the tree and get all the Christmas decorations out and ready to put up around the house. It isn't the tradition to get it all up that night, or I would never be able to keep that tradition. We just get the tree done and do a bit each day, slowly but surely....

Bret and Aydan with the chosen one....

....and yes,....it was pouring rain!

Aydan----carrying the tree by himself....

....and there he goes across the field.

Now you can see all the ornaments all over the table----stuff everywhere!

Aydan and Bret decorating after I got the lights on.....

and Aydan and I continue to decorate.....until he gets tired of it.

So, it turned out great.....and even though a lot of people are going over to the fake tree.....I will always keep having a "live" tree----it is just tradition,-----and it makes me smile.

As long as I don't go out of town and leave the watering for my hubby this year.......

A Drive, A Buffet, A Few Movies, A Little Shopping, And Lots Of Eating

2009-12-01T14:06:00.015-05:00

Well, its been a whirlwind of a week since last I posted. I am going to get back to reading your blogs soon, but I had to share our trip to Columbus, Ohio----to see my daughter, Maryn----or Merona, as I call her.

We left the Boston area at about 3:30 in the afternoon on Wed.----the day before Thanksgiving----and drove to the Scranton area of Pennslyvania, as we were dropping off my son's girlfriend, Meg. She is a cutie----and needless to say, we were packed to the tip top of my little car----but it was fun hanging together goin' down the road. Road trips are a favorite in my little family, and my kids all fondly remember most of the ones that we took together,-----mostly good times.... But since the gas prices have gone sky rocketing for the last few years, we haven't done a road trip in a while-----and we were looking forward to it!

So we dropped off our Meg at about 9:30ish and drove on another three hours-----or, well, I drove and everyone slept. I think that I have mentioned that I am a night owl? Yeah----pretty much because of the whole band business----and I, basically, have always been like that----so I don't mind driving at night.

We stayed in a small town in western Pennslyvania, and then got up the next morning to drive the final 4 hours to Columbus. My daughter had not been paying her phone bill----uh, huh----the life of the young----so she called on her friends cell phone, so we could let her know when we were arriving.

We got to Columbus in the afternoon, checked into our motel, and went to my daughters house----it was a fantastic house---huge with about 8 bedrooms and bathrooms with enormous jacuzzi tubs in them----ahhh----the life!

I had been stressing about where we could eat, as we all wanted good food----since it was Thanksgiving and lets face it-----its ALL about the good food!! But being in a strange city and not knowing what was good or where to eat. We were going on restaurants that served Thanksgiving buffets----that we found online. I know-----that can be SCARY-----but what could we do? We narrowed it down to two, and then made reservations. As it turned out, we discovered that one of the restaurants was an hour drive away----so we canned that idea and went with the first choice.

It was great! Have you ever been to one of those really old restaurants that are dark inside----with candles on the tables, done in reds with swagging curtains on the windows and those leather stackable restaurant chairs? Yep, this was like that. Very old school. And most everyone that ran it was over the age of 60...... A cute old lady with a fancy updo seated us, and we were off for our first adventure in eating Thanksgiving dinner "out". It wasn't bad----not amazing, but the ambiance made it fun and just being together made the day SO memorable....
My biggest complaint was the fact that there was no whipped cream for the pumpkin pie.

Well, the next few days went by quickly, as we went shopping, went to a few movies, and ate at a lot of different places. Yes, we got to experience a fantastic Waffle House, a great diner, some Mexican food, and even ice cream! And yes, I might as well admit it......I gained two lbs back......sigh.

It was great to see my daughter, and hang with my super special family again----I just wish that I could have had ALL the kids with us, but that just wasn't possible.

I'm still hoping for a cruise together someday.

Clayton and his girlfriend, Meg----squished in the back seat.

Aydan, humoring himself on the drive----with his lit cap.

Yes, of course we took the pups----here they are sleeping on my lap.

Finally got to Columbus-----outside the restaurant.

Maryn, enjoying the Thanksgiving buffet....

....and Bret and Aydan get their share.

Clayton is enjoying his meal.....

.....and I am just enjoying the ambiance!

The next day....eating again....at the Waffle House.

Good food, great company!

A building in downtown Columbus.

And the capitol building that doesn't have a dome? Hmmmm?

A local diner----great food, by the way....

Here we are----in our diner booth---Clayton is taking the picture.

Maryns house----there were some amazing houses!

Maryn, walking around to the front door.

One of Maryns cats....

.....and the bathroom that Maryn uses----gee---I never had it this good when I
was in college!

Outside the front door, as we are about to leave.

My sweet daughter and I.

Then on to Megs parents house in PA----here she is with her Mom in
the background....

.....and the rest of the family-----except for her Dad----he had to work.

And here I am with Megs Mom----fun to visit them at their house!

So, anyone up for that cruise next year? Or another road trip? Nah....I'll take the cruise.

It's A Crazy Life, But It's My Life.....

2009-11-24T22:53:00.011-05:00

Sounds familiar, huh? Yeah, well, maybe I stole it from a certain not-so-popular couple that may or may not have eight kids between them. It popped into my mind, since I can't seem to get things done these days. I keep trying and trying and seem to never have enough time to do everything that I would LIKE to do! And yes, that means blogging and blog reading.

Sigh....

So, I am going to have to do a bunch of random thoughts and happenings, just so I can get it all down in the short time that I have.

And YES-----I do promise to get back on track! It just might take a few weeks.....and.....or......uh......then there is Christmas stuff to get done......oh, crap....it might be the beginning of the year?

So----here goes randomness:

****I watched the finale of Jon and Kate-----which was one of the saddest things that I have ever seen. Jon sat there talking about how he needed to just get away from things and learn to grow up. Wha' the? Grow up? That is his excuse?

Gag me.

And then Kate just keeps apologizing. For being demanding, for trying to have normal kids, for maybe leaving too much. It was rather pathetic and oh, so sad. I think that those kids will be the ones to watch in the future. How will they handle life without a camera crew in their lives every day?

Only time will tell. And the biggest telling moment about how Kate feels about Jon's "mid-life---I was too young and just needed to get away" words? When she told us that she didn't think that his new relationship would last.....nope......probably not. May I say that I agree? These boys....

***This past weekend was the last weekend for "Rookery Nook". the first adult play at my theatre, I don't know if any of you were around----a little over a year ago, when I started my own theatre, The Cannon Theatre. It has been a LONG journey to get to where we are now. Lots of hard work----my hubby and I doing all the work, and just literally using every extra cent that I made, to put into this theatre. No grants. No loans. Just hard work, and a lot of faith.

I am just so grateful for those great people that have come out of the woodwork to support this effort. I had a great director to work with, a fantastic cast, and a superb tech crew----lead by my hubby, of course. I also discovered new friends and found new supporters in the folks that came out to see the show! We got lots of great reviews and sold out the last two weekends----so it was a real dream come true for me.

Onward and upward from here!

The space----before......

...and now.....after!

The whole cast and crew----and yes, I did the costumes, as well as being Producer---
that's my head attached in the back row----three heads from the left.

***I am constantly being plagued by mice again this year. Is it just me or do you detest them too? A few weeks ago, we returned from a late tech rehearsal to find a squished bloody mouse at the top of the stairs and then around the corner, another one----with no head at all!

Well----that was disturbing enough, but something was definitely wrong with Shadow----our two year old cat----and the next morning, she was lying on her side----panting and having a hard time breathing. So----into the vet we went----only to find out after about $650.00 worth of testing, that they couldn't find out what was wrong with her-----maybe gastritis?

Huh? What? In other words, it was something she ate.....

And I'm thinking that it was a mouse head.

And yes....this one was just a few days ago....ugh.

***Well, this year we have decided to do something out of the ordinary for Thanksgiving. We have all worked hard and had little time off, so we decided to road trip to see my youngest daughter in Columbus, Ohio. Yes, she is there because of her friends----and perhaps because of an ex-boyfriend----either way she is slumming it there, working minimum wage and doing band gigs-----selling her CD's once in a while. She's young. She can do things like that. I think that I have mentioned how much I miss her, so I am excited to see her. She is my baby girl, and I am excited to give her a huge hug.

We are going to go out to dinner to eat turkey dinner. It will be interesting, the food may not be that great, but it will be fun----because we will be together-----and we will love to laugh and just hang out and catch up. My older son, Clayton is going to come also----and I am excited about that. It will be like old times---when we took road trips together. The only one that won't be there will be Brinna----well, of the kids that aren't married. She has to do her gigs this weekend and couldn't take off. So, we will miss her.

***That said, I will be not doing any more blogging this week. I will have internet at night to check my e-mail, but won't have the time to read blogs. That said.........I want to wish everyone a FANTASTIC Thanksgiving!! I am thankful for so many things----from my Heavenly Father and all He has given me---to my talents----to my family----to my health-----and for the most amazing friends----ones that I have known in my life, those that I have discovered while blogging, and even those that are new friends from the theatre.

Life is good. I still have the off day----you know, those tantrums that all women take, and I still yearn for a house of my own someday, but all in all.....

Life is good.

Catch-Up!

2009-11-17T23:24:00.015-05:00

I realized today that I have been remiss in keeping up with my life on this blog. I didn't even share my trip to Utah, as I have been running as fast as I can as soon as I got home.... And no,....I don't mean in a marathon!

So, bear with me, as I recap the past month in pictures, and moments in my life. I have to brag occasionally about my G-babies---they are so amazing and the most adorable children that I know----well, except for my own little guy. I had an absolutely fantastic time with them over their short fall break----and Aydan and I spent a few relaxing days.

But before we left, we had a visit from our old friends----who moved to Georgia---
here is Sydney with Aydan----they have known each other from birth!

Here is my amazing hubby with Ryan.....

.....and here I am with Alicia and her littlest one, Melanie.

Now.....on to Utah.....and the most gorgeous eyes of my little twin, Lucy.

Lane, with her beautiful eyes....so sweet.

Lucy, having fun with Mimi and her camera----we laughed a lot!

Lucy and Lane----so alike, yet so different....

Lane finally had to put on her princess dress also, to show off to me.

After seeing Haileys show, "Little Shop Of Horrors"-----here is Ethan, Mila,
Hailey, and Aydan with the large eating plant!

We got to go back stage and wait for Hailey to get ready to go home---theres Mila
and I with Hailey.

A few days later, we went to lunch at Thanksgiving Point----here's Aydan and Lane.

Lane is my little sweetie----she loves pictures as much as her Mimi!

All of us at the lunch table---the food was YUMMY, by the way!! And I even had
a bit of dessert! Here's Lucy, Mila, Ethan, Aydan, Lane, and I.

We then went to a Fall Outdoor fair----here is Hailey with Lucy on the pony swing.

Mila and Ethan climb around on a wooden train.

The three scarecrows---in the corn maze! Aydan, Ethan and Mila.

Hailey and the twins at the Chicken Show----we waited and waited----but
never saw the show.....

And here is the Cow ride! Yes, you heard me----it was rough getting my booty
in one of those little cow carts----there's Hailey and Lucy in front of Lane and I.

Now shift to a few days later-----this is my sister, Margy's new dining room----she
just redecorated it----isn't it PHENOMONAL?

And Hailey is happy to sit in this amazing place, even though the rest
of my family is outside having dinner. (and yes, the twins were afraid of
Margy's dogs, so they had to stay inside...)

Here is my brother, Patrick, with his oldest daughter, McKayla, and my Dad.

Against the backdrop of my sisters fantastic garden, my nieces Sariah and Cami, give me a smile---they are daughters of my super sister, Janene----another blogger.

This is Patricks wife, Angie, holding McKayla now, as she wasn't feeling well.

All too soon, it was time to go home----as Hailey drives us to the airport.

Smiling for the girls, but inside I was starting to freak out, leaving my G-babies again.

I bought the twins little crowns for an early birthday present----Lucy wasn't
feeling well----but she loved the crown, nonetheless....

...and Lane had to show off her new crown also----so precious!

Back in New England, and a week later, we are carving our pumpkins
on Halloween.

Aydan wanted to cut his pumpkin all by himself this year, but I was close at hand.

LOVE this picture of the scary look Aydan is giving his pumpkin!! (He's such a ham
-----don't know where he gets that!)

And finally......the last day of the month....right before we left to go Trick or Treating---here
is Aydan in front of our scaaaaaaarrrrrry porch!!
If you want to see OUR costumes, you have to check out an earlier blog----
yeah-----you remember the one.....

Thanks for bearing with me to get these memories out----if I don't put them on my blog----they might be lost forever.

I am still feeling guilty because I am two years behind in doing my family blog----so I have to try and get some things down on this one.....

.....Or lose it forever in my external hard drive abyss!

Fabulous Find For A Friday-----Shade Shirts

2009-11-13T11:28:00.000-05:00

As I was getting dressed this morning, I automatically reached for my usual layering shirt----a Shade shirt. Now------what is a Shade shirt, you ask?

It is a knit shirt that is fantastic-----fitted and extra long even on this body which has the longest waist ever. It comes in every color, has short sleeves or long sleeves, and if you really want it, they have it in the three quarter sleeve! They even have a long john, waffled style for the winter.

I have tried many brands of this type of shirt----but after trying them out, I usually come right back to this Shade brand. Its hard to describe the reasoning, but one of them is that the bottom of the shirt stays in place. You know how it is when you layer something over a shirt that is always riding up underneath the sweater that you have on.....it is SO annoying!! You have to keep reaching up under your over-shirt or sweater and pull the offending garment down and keep adjusting it!

Well, worry no more! These shirts are fantastic----so comfortable! AND they are fitted to the body, so they stay smooth and sleek under all those over-shirts or sweaters.

They have a website where you can buy them online----but they also have them at Costco in Utah, if you are ever in that area. I always get me several packages of them when I go visit my daughter. I don't know what I will do when she moves away from there.....

Here is the cap sleeve style.....

...and the crew neck long sleeve style.....

....and one of my favorites for winter, the scoop neck. longsleeved style-----
aren't the colors divine?

So, check it out----indulge in layers! Don't fight to keep your shirt down over your low rise jeans or pants again!

Get yourself some Shade.

Question For Thought...

2009-11-11T21:39:00.006-05:00

I hope that the amazing Tiburon and the phenomenal Melissa don't mind that I borrowed this image..... They do a question for each week, but I couldn't possibly keep up with that----but every once in a while, I would like to post one.

Well....this week, my hubby told me about a person that we know----that decided just this week that he was going to quit his job and become a professional photographer.

He has never taken a class in photography.

He is not an artist.

He does Photoshop.

So, this brought to my mind this question:

Should a self-claimed "photographer" admit that they are really a photo-shop-ographer?
And should they be charging the same for their sitting fees as professional photographers that have studied?......

Just curious about YOUR thoughts.

(Ok, so obviously I am a bit partial to the studied photographer.....www.bbsnaps.net)

Oh Yes, It Has Definitely Been Heck Week

2009-11-05T23:28:00.009-05:00

I have tried to get working on this post for four days now. I wanted to do a post on "what my week was like", but haven't had a MINUTE to do it!

Yes....that tells it all.........about what my week was like. Trust me, I haven't gotten to bed before 3:00 a.m. yet this week! Sigh.

BUT.....I did want to perservere and keep you all up to date on a few hap---hap----happenings!

FIRST!

Remember Mia Michaels and my tribute?

Well, I DID IT! This is my version: (taken in my hotel room in NY)

Then.....last week, I met several SUPER bloggers for lunch down in Conn. These ladies are so adorable and fun-----have fantastic kids and are such great women! There were supposed to be several more woman that were coming also, but they had small children "happenings", that result from being amazing moms, so they couldn't come. So, after the hour and 15 minute ride, I met Rhonda, from Conn. (her blog is private now----or I would share it with you!) and got to see Susette again. She was visiting Rhonda---and here to see her new grandbaby. What fun!

Here we are----laughing outside, as we tried to get all our faces in together----in the brisk windy day......and take turns holding up our cameras---it was pretty funny---trying to get a good enough picture.

I also was very flattered to get another award a few weeks ago from the FABULOUS Redhead Riter----her blog is so insightful, fun and I learn so many things from it....

I know that I need to give this great award along to some worthy bloggers.....but quite frankly----I am soooooo far behind on just getting this post done, as well as reading other blog.....well....you get the idea.....and to make it even more difficult----there are SO many deserving blogs that I read.

Lets just say that I would give this award out to all of them!

Hope your week was a bit more relaxing than mine....

Fabulous Find For A Friday-------Two Flappers And A Scary Guy

2009-10-30T19:56:00.014-05:00

This year for Halloween, we are going trick or treating to our favorite neighborhood in Mass. We have gone there for about 5 years, as it is safe, has sidewalks, and you get good stuff!

Well, that is not really why we go there,....but it is where we used to live, and my daughter graduated from High School near there----and it is one of our favorite neighborhoods.....

And since we are gearing up for our show at my theatre, The Cannon Theatre, and our show opens next week, "Rookery Nook", (do you have your TICKETS yet?) we decided (or rather, I decided,) since my hubby usually has to be matching with me----(yeah, remember that I make him match sometimes?) to dress up like the 1920's flapper era. And yes, you guessed it----the play is set in the 1920's. And yes, we just keep trying to promote the play, as we could use some ticket sales!!

Now, last Friday night, my church hosted our annual Halloween Trunk or Treat-----it is where everyone dresses up, we get together to have yummy food, a costume parade, then everyone takes their cars or trucks, decorates the trunk or back and the kids go around getting candy from everyone. It takes place in the parking lot and you can let your kids go, as they are really very safe. Its a great tradition!

You may be wondering why Aydan isn't connected into the theme of our Halloween costumes. Well.......he usually likes to be something evil. Yes, every year, I try to get him to do something fun and positive, but he prefers to be something that has to do with death or some sort of a bad guy.....

So, this year, as I was trying to change his mind, as usual----and he was heading for the black and skeleton section, he let me know the reason that he likes to be evil at Halloween.
.

"Mom, I am a really positive and good person all the time," he said.

"Right"...... I replied, "and that's a good thing!"

"I know....but the only time that I can be negative and evil,..............IS ON HALLOWEEN!"

Makes perfect sense, right?

Stepping back into the past.....1920's!

And here is that scary ghoul guy with Bret, the flapper dude----notice the great socks...

Yes, that little boy can be pretty scary!! He comes from
an acting family, by the way----what do you expect?

Mia Michaels----Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

2009-10-27T12:06:00.010-05:00

As you know, I am a woman that likes change.

Yes, it kind of gives me a thrill to do something different, to move to a new place, to meet new people, to try out a new trend, to shake things up a bit.

But there are some things that I don't like about change. Especially when it has to do with my favorite TIVO'd shows. I don't like it if they change an actor on a favorite series----like MI-5. You haven't heard of it? Well, its on BBC and it was a great show about an under, under ground espionage group----even deeper than the FBI----and it starred that hottie actor, Matthew MacFayden. It was the only reason I watched it.

Then they changed the actor.

You heard it right----they GOT a new actor! My hottie left the show, and well.....I watched it two more times, then......you guessed it, I stopped.

Now, one of my favorite shows is "So You Think You Can Dance." I took some dance in college, but am mostly self-taught----and absolutely love to dance-----and I love to choreograph, so a big part of that show is watching the choreography.

And yes, one of my favorite choreographers on the show was Mia Michaels.

I love her! Yes, I do.....yes, I do. She is BRILLIANT! Her choreography is quirky, stylized, refreshing, passionate, and full of soul. I think that her personality is even amazing, as she tells it like she sees it----doesn't mess around----I think that its refreshing.

I even love her personal style. When I first started watching her on the show, I was inspired by her hair styles. I get so bored with my hair and yearn for change, so I am constantly trying to figure out how to accomplish that change.

And she inspired me. (Well, if truth be told, Pink was the other half of my latest hair trend inspiration....)

This is pretty much what my hair started out like, about a year or so ago...

....and don't you just ADORE this picture----the strength, poise, and creativeness of it?

And then, this year, she had gone for the longer-ish look.

My all time favorite picture of her....so strong, sultry.

And here is her latest phenomonal creation on the Canadian SYTYCD-----it BLEW ME AWAY!!

Do I have a gal crush on her? Well, maybe, in a kind of admiration, jealously, type of way.

But now I don't get to see her brilliant inventive dances anymore. She announced that she was leaving the show, even though the executive producer, Nigel, refused to agree that she was gone for good----hmmmm.

Well, I shall miss her. I really will.

Did you notice that she cropped off all of her hair for her last time at judging? I tried to find a picture of it, but couldn't.

It made me yearn for a change. It made me want to cut mine all off.

So, I was thinking...........that in honor of Mia not being on SYTYCD anymore, that I would chop off all of my hair. You know, just a buzz cut.

No big deal. What do you think? Do I dare?

My take on Mia's "do"....(with a new rockin headband--yeah)

.....BEFORE.

And after?

Fabulous Find For A Friday-----Fantastic Blogging Friends!

2009-10-23T20:55:00.015-05:00

As you know, I have tried to get some blogging get-togethers off the ground here in New England. For some reason or another, I have only managed to have one blogger come to each event.

Well, I was in Utah to visit my amazing daughter, Hailey and see her show, which blew me away, by the by.... If you live there----you HAVE to go and see her----she is one talented gal! (Even though I do say so myself) She is at the Hale Center Theater in Orem----every Wed., Thurs. and Friday nights through the 21st of Nov.---Little Shop Of Horrors----she plays Audrey....

Now......I was able to meet some of my favorite bloggers this time out to Utah. I was going, going, and going with my daughter, and my G-babies, as well as spending time with my sister and family members,......but I was able to squeeze a show, a lunch and dinner with some super bloggers----and now super friends!

The first thing that I was able to do-----was to go to Haileys show....and sure enough, there were some uber cool blogging ladies there!

Julia, Me!, Hailey,(in costume and hair) Tanya, Lisa, and Kacy (check out their blogs---
you'll love them!)

And then, I had a great dinner with some more bloggers.... These women are strong, opinionated, warm, loving, intelligent, funny, fun, and just the coolest women ever!! Everything that attracted me to their blogs came through when we met in person----I loved it!! The only sad part in the whole plans, was when one of the bloggers, Melissa, who was the front runner in getting one of the get-togethers going, ended up in the hospital, after she had a reaction to the medication that she has been taking....for a fracture that she got when running one of her marathons. She is such a fantastic person----so positive, and such a great lady---I was SO sad when she couldn't make it, but I am now looking forward to seeing her the next time.

So here we are in all our glory.....eating at Chili's----yeah, I know, not very inventive, but when people are coming from almost 45 minutes away!! And we had to meet late, as everyone had different schedules, etc.----and no really cool restaurants stayed opened past 9:00----yep----its Utah, what do you expect?

Susette, Hailey, Me, Arianne, Tiburon, Corrie, Rachel, and Hannah (Yes.....and
they each have splendiforus blogs also---check them out!)

Me, Rachel, and Hannah for an extra hug after the dinner....the wind was freezing and what
the heck is growing out of my head? Hmmmm.

Then, the last day before I left, we got together with Lisa for lunch. I called and tried to
get ahold of one of my favorite bloggers, Lynne, but she didn't call back-----I left the message with her hubby---hmmm. And then I never got back with her----as we were hustling around
trying to get ready for me to get out to town the next day-----so much to do and always so little time! I just hope that I will be able to catch her on my next trip!

Lisa (who also writes for Light Refreshments Served) and I----isn't she gorgeous?

And last, but NOT least----my beautiful daughter, Hailey and I! (Rockin' those
mustard color earrings...)

So, I would recommend that any time you are going to another city around this great country---try to get with some favorite bloggers. By the by----Susette is planning on coming out to visit Connecticut and Boston-----she is going to stay with another great blogger, Rhonda, and then coming to stay with her daughter.....so I am hoping that we can hang for a bit more.

So, who wants to come out and check out Boston? I would love to have some visitors.....

This Really Makes You Think

2009-10-18T10:13:00.010-05:00

I know that I have been a huge slacker about reading blogs and commenting.

Shame, shame, shame on me!

But I left to go out of town on Tues. morning, and I have been hanging with the family and my G-babies this entire week and will be----most of this next week, so I HAVE A GOOD EXCUSE! Finally.

I can always tell when I haven't been out there reading your blogs----I have a huge drop in comments----I know....it shouldn't matter, but since I actually love to comment, as I ENJOY making someone feel good that their blog is being read, I hope that everyone out there understands that it does the same for me!

My day has been brightened many a time from comments from all of you-----so keep commenting! It can turn a rough day into a fantastic day.....

That said.......I read this in the blog of a super amazing blogger, M Cat, as she likes to call herself----she is an uber athlete, a terrific lady and I am really excited to be meeting her this week-----it is going to be one of the highlights of my visit to Utah! I am also hoping to meet the super-de-duper Tiburon, aka the Shark, the dancing queen, Arianne, the amazing Mom, Susette, and the feisty Rachel! I have grown to love these ladies from their blogs and am super excited to meet them in real life.

Don't worry, I will be posting about it after I get back----and yes, I WON'T FORGET MY CAMERA!!

So----back to this interesting article.....

...And yes, I have to preface it with the statement that I don't think that Bush was a perfect President,-----he had his faults, but this certainly makes you stop and think....

If George W. Bush had been the first President to need a teleprompter
installed to be able to get through a press conference, would you have
laughed and said this is more proof of how he inept he is on his own and is
really controlled by smarter men behind the scenes?

If George W. Bush had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to take Laura
Bush to a play in NYC, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had reduced your retirement plan's holdings of GM stock
by 90% and given the unions a majority stake in GM, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had made a joke at the expense of the Special Olympics,
would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given Gordon Brown a set of inexpensive and
incorrectly formatted DVDs, when Gordon Brown had given him a thoughtful and
historically significant gift, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given the Queen of England an iPod containing videos
of his speeches, would you have thought this embarrassingly narcissistic
and tacky?

If George W. Bush had bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia, would you have
approved?

If George W. Bush had visited Austria and made reference to the
non-existent "Austrian language," would you have brushed it off as a minor
slip?

If George W. Bush had filled his cabinet and circle of advisers with
people who cannot seem to keep current on their income taxes, would you
have approved?

If George W. Bush had been so Spanish illiterate as to refer to "Cinco de
Cuatro" in front of the Mexican ambassador when it was the fourth of May
(Cuatro de Mayo), and continued to flub it when he tried again, would you
have winced in embarrassment?

If George W. Bush had mis-spelled the word advice would you have hammered
him for it for years like Dan Quayle and potatoe as proof of what a dunce
he is?

If George W. Bush had burned 9,000 gallons of jet fuel to go plant a single
tree on Earth Day, would you have concluded he's a hypocrite?

If George W. Bush's administration had okayed Air Force One flying low over
millions of people followed by a jet fighter in downtown Manhattan causing
widespread panic, would you have wondered whether they actually get what
happened on 9-11?

If George W. Bush had failed to send relief aid to flood victims throughout
the Midwest with more people killed or made homeless than in New Orleans ,
would you want it made into a major ongoing political issue with claims of
racism and incompetence?

If George W. Bush had ordered the firing of the CEO of a major
corporation, even though he had no constitutional authority to do so, would
you have approved?

If George W. Bush had proposed to double the national debt, which had
taken more than two centuries to accumulate, in one year, would you have
approved?

If George W. Bush had then proposed to double the debt again within 10
years, would you have approved?

****So, tell me again, what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant and
impressive? Can't think of anything? Don't worry. He's done all this in 5
months -- so you'll have three years and seven months to come up with an
answer.*****

Oh, Yes------It's The Alphabet Quiz

2009-10-14T17:58:00.010-05:00

I really wanted to post about our busy Columbus Day, as we went on a great bike ride---it was brisk-----about 54 degrees outside, but beautiful all the same---with leaves falling on the path as we rode our bicycles leisurely. But, I am the loser extraordinaire and didn't take my camera, so I don't have any pics to share. Then we went to lunch with some old friends that moved to Georgia, and I did have my camera for that one, but I don't have the time right now to get them downloaded and on here....I will have to do it later. Then my hubby took some great shots all afternoon, of Avery, a super cute gal that was getting senior pictures done----if you want to see those, go HERE.

So, I decided to do this Alphabet Quiz. Yes, I thought that it was rather clever----thanks to Arianne at Little Pink Houses and could be done in a short period of time, and well....I guess it would give you a bit more insight as to who I am.

Not that you would remember anything, but here goes:

A: Addiction: Movies and books---say no more, say no more.
B: Breakfast: A ham and cheese omelet---yum!
C: Chocolate or Chips: Don't like chocolate that much---except dark chocolate covered pomagranate. So, I guess that it would be salt and vinegar chips!
D: Dessert or Appetizers: DESSERT! Duh.
E: Essential Items: Lip chap, moisturizer, undereye concealer, mascara, lip gloss, valerian, nose spray, and my white noise machine.
F: Favorite Color: Green,.....no, purple....no, green,......aaaaahhhhhhhhhh!
G: Gummy Bears or Gummy Worms: Bears, I guess.
H: Hometown: Is this where I was born? Denver, Colo.---but my hometown is where I live now, if it is what I call home....
I: Indulgence: Books---have to own them----no library, thank you.
J: January or July: Neither is my favorite, but I guess, July.
K: Kids: Depends on the kids....
L: Life isn't complete without: My family, books, TIVO, food, movies, music and theatre!
M: Most exciting memory: Well, its one of my favorite memories....the last time we all went on a family vacation together---all the kids and Bret and I. We spent a week on the Cape and a week in a cabin by a lake in New Hampshire.
N: Number of Brothers and Sisters: Two brothers, and three sisters.
O: Oranges or Apples: I really love fruit and it depends on when each is in season---but it might be apples the most....
P: Phobias or Fears: Oh, so many! Heights, claustrophobia, snakes, mice or rats. Ugh!
Q: Quote: Its at the top of my blog-----"In my own little corner, in my own little chair, I can BE WHATEVER I WANT TO BE!"
R: Reading: The Forbidden Garden
S: Summer or Spring: I'm really a Fall kind of gal, but I love spring second!
T: Tag 6 people: Hailey, Michelle, Rachel, Melissa B, Karen, Julie
U: Unknown Fact About Me: I was in several T.V. movies---yes, WITH lines!
V: Vacation I want to go on: Back to London and visit The Isle of Man someday.
W: Walking or Running: Walking. Never running. Ever!
X: X-Ray or Ultrasound: Really rather have neither, but what the heck---x-ray?
Y: Your favorite food: Hot pot Japanese, chinese, and salad all the time.
Z: Zoo or Bowling: Bowling. But not candlepin like in the East. I like REGULAR bowling---the one where you can get a strike once in a while!

A little blast from the past....

.....fierce, huh?

And, yes, if I tagged you, you are supposed to give it up.....information about yourself, that is.....

A Fabulous Find For A Friday------A Place To Take a Dump!

2009-10-09T22:16:00.013-05:00

I don't know if you read about my pets in a former post. Yes---the cats that are naughty and my dogs that are naughty----they seem to poop everywhere except where they should! Read ALL about it here.

AND THE SMELL!! THE SMELL!! THE SMELL!! No matter how good your litter box is, there seems to be some sort of urine smell-----aaaaccckkkkk.

So, about a month and a half ago, we decided to give a new product a try. Yeah, I would love to be able to say that I tried it out for the company that it came from and could do a giveaway or something. But, no,....I wish I could do that, but don't know how to go about it. (I could use a few free products!)

This new litter box is called the Breeze Litter System. I found mine at Walmart, not too expensive---about $34.00----and it includes the pan, a pad that catches the pee and a bag of pellets. But get this.....you only have to change the pellets about once a month, and the pads only have to be changed about once a week. And the best part? NO SMELL!! I kid you not!
You just have to scoop out a poop or two a few times a day----and flush them right down the toilet, then change that pad once a week-----open the tray, roll up the soaked pad, and throw away! Then put a new pad into the tray and push it back it.

Here are some strong points:

Odor Control: System separates urine for outstanding odor control.
Anti-Tracking: Cat-friendly BREEZE™ Litter Pellets stay in the box, leaving your floors
clean and litter free.
Clean and Easy: BREEZE™ Cat Pads absorb urine odor for up to one week.

As far as the money goes----I would usually spend about 12 to 15 dollars on litter each month----have to keep dumping it every few days, and the urine smell NEVER went away.
Now it costs about 6 dollars for the pellets for the month, and 4 dollars for four of the pads.
So----the cost is about the same----we are even SAVING on litter purchasing!

And did I mention that there is no smell? The pee goes down through this vented bottom and is absorbed in what is much like a woman's feminine pad----yeah, you get the idea! Its awesome!

Here it is! And the green is pretty, too!

If you have cats-------GET ONE-----you'll thank me!

Oh, and one more thing---speaking of taking a dump.....

Are you a golfer or do you have a golfer in your life?

You might want to put this on his or her Christmas list. Hmmmmmm.

Fun, huh?

So Many Plays And So LittleTime

2009-10-06T22:12:00.000-05:00

But first.......I need to get something out of the way.

You blogging readers are awesome! After my meltdown from last week, I got so many encouraging comments and so much blogging love, that I felt truly that I had REAL friends out in this blogging world. I could really feel the love----thank you all!

I realize now----that some of the anxiety that I was experiencing on that rough day was part of hitting the wall after an extremely stressful week.

Let me explain a bit.

I am directing a play----a one-act, "The Marvelous Playbill". It has been stressful, as we have only been having rehearsals for one month and the play is set in 16th century Spain, so there has been a lot of costumes that have had to be made in a very short period of time. And since I don't have a costume person for that play, I have been managing the buying of material, patterns, finding amazing women that are willing to sew, and have had to try and keep everyone on track---as well as try to get accessories, and props, etc. The tech rehearsal was tonight, and the dress rehearsal is tomorrow night, with the play going up this weekend on Friday and Saturday night.

So, that is one of the plays that I have had to get everything done for-----by THIS week!

Then......I am also producing a play, "Rookery Nook" that is in rehearsals at MY theatre, The Cannon Theatre. So, I have helped the director with everything from marketing ideas to choreographing a small number in the play, as well as ticket sales, and oh......did I mention that I am also doing the costumes for this play? And yes, it is pretty fun, as the play is set in the late 1920's-----but I HAVE to get all the costumes done by this week, as I am going out of town......
....And this play goes up the first of November!

Now, there is more.

I have been reading plays, (well----I am always reading plays, truth be told...) as I will be having auditions for my NEW play at the theatre the first weekend of November----the same weekend that the other play opens. I have decided to do "James and the Giant Peach"----which is an amazing play for the whole family, and will be totally cast from kids to teens. But I have had to get the word out about the auditions, making new signs and flyers, as I get ready for this new directing task.

I'm excited to get going on it, but everything had to be done----yep, you guessed it....by this week.

Of course, all of this happened to be at the same time that I have had to find new music for my church choir-----yes, I am the director----and I try to get music that is different and memorable and yes,----just a bit difficult. We always host a big Christmas concert the beginning of December, and it requires quite a bit of work----so we have already started on that.

Now, please don't think that I am whining. Au contraire! I really LOVE to do all these things----and I actually thrive on a bit of stress. But------I think that it might have all happened a bit too close together.

Like.....well.....last week. Obvious meltdown.

But now, I would like to tell you about another play. I'm sure that I have mentioned that I have amazing children. (Like a thousand times...) And my oldest daughter, Hailey, was a theatre major at BYU. She still tries to do at least one play or musical a year, and I TRY to get back there to see them, if I can fit it into my insane schedule!
You remember that I said that I had to get everything done because I was going out of town?
Well, I am leaving next week to go to Utah and see Hailey in that wacky musical "Little Shop Of Horrors". She is playing Audrey, the lead, and well....I must admit......that it is one of the parts that I have always wanted to play, so I am living vicariously through her.

It will be marvelous! It will be fantastic!

Because after all this work and stress, I will be able to sit and enjoy someone else's hard work----and just be happy to take it all in.

Here is a "cheesy shot" (her words) advertising the play
at The Hale Center Theatre----yes---don't you just love
the bright red hair? Isn't she adorable?

****So, if you are in the Utah area, you will WANT to get tickets to come and see her marvelous performance!! Maybe I will see you there....I will be the relaxed one with a smile on my face.*****

Friday Feelings

2009-10-02T12:45:00.004-05:00

Where to start, where to start....

I'm having a bad day today.

I think that it started when I realized this morning that we weren't going to get that house. We made an offer on Wed., rather an inventive offer in these tough times, I guess. Because my hubby is still on medical leave from work, we aren't able to get things together to get a conventional loan, but loved the house so much, we tried to get the seller to carry us on contract until we could get the financing.

Well, she didn't see us as an amazing family that would take care of her house, (even though it had been on the market for a year and a half) instead she wants someone to buy it out right. Makes sense----why should she trust us? But then, I know us and I know what we can do.

And yes, I know that there are so many other problems that people have with health and not being able to get a job and hunger, and the list goes on.... But this was something that I have been passionate about for many years, and have been trying to find the right house-----its hard to throw a lot of money out the window on rent----when it would cost the same to make a mortgage payment.

Well----I was ok until my little boy asked in his morning prayers that we could get the house and make it work, so we could have a great place to live.

I lost it. And I can't seem to recover. Do you ever have those days when you feel that every thing that you have been holding in for SO long just comes out----like flood gates opening?

Well----then, for the past few days, I have been watching a movie as I worked out, "Incendiary". (great movie with Michelle Williams---who reminds me of my youngest daughter---by the way) Yesterday I started it, as I was doing my weights, and today, as I was walking and running on my treadmill, I finished it. It was the perfect movie for today-----about a young mother that loses her husband and 4 year old son in a bombing in London----and how she learns to finally cope. Well, may I say that I love my treadmill, because you can actually walk and run----all the while blubbering like an idiot.

After it was over and I sat down, I started to think on how precious life is, and how much I love my own children----often to distraction----and how sometimes I wish that I could go back and have them little----all around me again. I so miss their little voices in the background, even the arguments. I miss the hugs and just holding them. Every morning I come in and wake up my son----who is now 9 years old, and I just bury my nose in his neck and smell him and kiss him over and over. I do feel blessed to have had a child so late in my life, as I would be totally bereft with out him, because I miss my little ones so much.

Another thing that I sometimes wish for is that I could do it all over again----and do it better this time. I was going through an abusive situation in my first marriage, and I wasn't very well----so I know that I wasn't the best of mothers. I did the best that I could, but I just WISH that I could have even a day of it back, so I could just hold my little ones all again and smell them and just ENJOY THEM! I don't think that I took that time enough, and it makes me regret.

Because when they grow up, and move away----you never get to hold them again. Its kind of like that childrens book-----it makes me cry every time----about the mother who rocks her son and by the end of the book, he is rocking his mother----when she is an old lady.

I'm sorry----I don't know what has gotten into me today. I am really a very positive person and always try to have a positive outlook on life. My motto is "NEVER give up!" And that is me----no matter what gets me down, I have gotten back up, brushed myself off and tried to start all over again. So many times. So many times.

But today is just a bad day. I debated on whether I should post this post, as it seems so negative, and I am such a Debbie downer, but then I realized that for all those people out there that own houses, and have amazing families, it will give you the chance to take a few minutes to thank your Heavenly Father for what he has given you, and you can also take those little ones of yours in your arms----right now-----and hold them----smell them----kiss them----enjoy them.
And be thankful for them.

Now. don't get me wrong,-----I thank my Heavenly Father EVERY day for my talents, my health, my family, my amazing children, and that I have a husband now that treats me really well. But I think that it is important to express these feelings---as dejected as they may be---as I write these posts and have this blog, so that someday, when I get it published into a book, my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be able to read it and really get to know me.

This is what I hope for. That this blog will be a piece left of me, when I am gone.

And I think that they need to know......

...I'm having a bad day today....

...And its OK to have a bad day.

Memory Monday------Great Grandpa and Grandma Hales

2009-09-28T22:52:00.011-05:00

I have not been very good at keeping up with my Memory Monday posts. I wasn't able to get organized enough during the summer to get photos scanned and well......that is part of it.....you've got to admit.....it does make the post a bit more personal.

So, this week I decided to write about one of my more pleasant memories. When I was younger, I lived in Utah----I believe that you remember the posts I did before, about this time in my life.

Now......I am not sure where my Great Grandparents lived, but they were my Mom's grandparents, and I know that it was somewhere in Utah, as we had to drive a ways when we went there. I always loved to go to their house----there were so many things to explore and everything was so different!

My grandparents lived in a small white house, not very fancy. I still remember walking into the back door---that is how you would enter----and you would be in the kitchen. There was a big sink with a large pump.....yes, the kind that you would pump up and down to get water. It was always the first thing that we did! My grandma would get us a glass, and we would pump some cold well water to drink. There was always something baking at their house, also. My grandma would slice up some warm bread and get down some homemade jam to spread on it. It was so divine!

I guess by now you have figured out that my grandparents didn't have indoor plumbing---I don't think that they had electricity either. It was one of the amazing things that we loved about going there. Of course, we had to go outside to use the outhouse-----which was one of our favorite things to do. I am sure that you are all cringing over this, but you have to remember that we were children and it was such a novelty! They always had a stack of things to read in the outhouse, and the only time that it wasn't so fun was in the winter---boy, was it cold.

My grandparents also cooked using a wood stove. They cooked everything on that stove----we would go there for dinner----I seem to remember that it was on Sunday----and have homemade pies, all kinds of meat cooked, home made bread and rolls. I will never forget those smells----the musty smell of their house, the fresh smell of baked goods, and the starched smell of my Grandma when she came in for a really big hug.

After the kitchen, there was the living room----and through the living room, you could see a huge organ----that we loved to play around on. We didn't really know how to play it, but my Grandma knew how and would sometimes play for us. My Grandpa was funny and liked to tell us stories, and make us laugh-----and he would take us outside and show us his garden, so we could pick some fresh vegetables.

I still remember, one year, when I got older, that my parents and my aunts and uncles decided to surprise Grandma with indoor plumbing and a real bathroom! It took awhile, and she got really sick before it was finished. She ended up dying shortly thereafter, and it was so sad to go see Grandpa after. He just couldn't get over the fact that Grandma never got to use that beautiful new bathroom.....

Years later, after my Grandpa had tried to live all by himself, they had to put him in a rest home.
I still remember going to visit him there. He used to tell us about all the "crazy" people in the rest home and how there was no one to talk to, as no one could carry on a conversation. He would also take snacks and treats from his meals----when ever he knew that we were coming---and stash them to give to us. There was one time that we had been fasting for our church, and we went to see him after church. He handed us these little graham crackers that he had hoarded from one of his meals. We didn't know what to do, because we weren't supposed to eat anything! But, my Mom just nodded and smiled and said that it was ok----she wanted to make Grandpa feel good----and I was super glad----because I was starving!

Outside my great grandparents house....in our Sunday best.....

....and a little older sitting in their living room----weren't they adorable?
(thats me, my older sis, Janene, and my little brother, Jeff)

This is with my Grandparents, my Mom AND my Great-Grandparents!
(I'm down on the far left...)

When my Grandpa died, I went to his funeral. I was very sad, because I felt that something had shifted in my universe. I realized that I would never again experience some of those unique things that I had enjoyed, as it was as if a whole generation of that pioneer spirit had died with them....

Its Alright,....Its Alright,....Al--right.

2009-09-23T21:17:00.012-05:00

A few months ago, a good friend and amazing person, Michelle, asked if anyone would like to go to U2 with her. Well, let me tell you, folks, I am a gal that LOVES me a great concert, and I have been a fan of U2 music since I was rather young. (Well, they HAVE been around a long time!)

So, I told her that I was definitely up for it----and yes, it was this week and it was rockin'!

Now, many of you are not really into Bono, I know this from reading your blogs. And I know that he was slammed because of his 40 million spent on the huge structure that he used for his concerts, and he sometimes gets overly political, but let me tell you-----I can see why he did what he did.
Now, hear me out a second, Ok?

U2 plays only in stadiums these days----and Bono knows that when you are going to a concert in a stadium, the band basically looks like ants. Yes, unless you have the money to pay for the first few rows, you can barely see the band. Well, this was called the 360 Tour, as there was a huge circular screen that hung over the band----and a huge structure that housed this screen. I thought that it was rather brilliant, and a cool idea for them to make it like a space ship. It was fun, entertaining, and they put on a great show! And well, the amount that they spent on this structure, is nothing compared to what they will make for the entire tour-----of which, hopefully, some will go towards their AIDS charity.

Bottom line? I think that I am not the person to judge what others do----especially when they are trying to raise awareness for those that need help, but can't help themselves......

So----now I'm off my soapbox----the concert was great----with the exception of a few poooo-ooopy women that sat behind us that kept telling us to sit down. When you go to a concert----you stand and dance! HELLO! Just sayin'.

The band was phenomenal and they put on a fantastic show-----structure and all!

Snow Patrol opened for them----LOVE this band----so that was
exciting for me-----and check out the crowd!

Snow Patrol lead singer....

....and here is the controversial structure-----cool, huh?

You can just barely see Bono and the band with my camera zoomed out!

Oh yeah----look at that baby light up----pretty spectacular.

Here we are----the concert goers-----gorgeous Michelle and I!

"Its alright, its alright, al-right....
(And please ignore me singing in the background---force of habit----ah-hem)

Well, there you have it. I love concerts. I love live music.

It. Makes. Me. Happy. Inside.

Fabulous Find For A Friday-------A Historic House No. 2

2009-09-18T16:22:00.018-05:00

Those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile remember how I am always trying to buy a house. Yes, I am close to 50 and don't even OWN a house!

Sigh.....

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE history and boy, do I live in a place-----New England----that is steeped in history! So, as I get closer to when the lease is up on the house that we are renting, I start to get antsy and DREAM of having that special house of my own.

Do you remember the last time I found the house of my dreams? It was that Historic House No. 1. It was perfect and I had already mentally moved in.

Well, it sold to someone else, and I still drive by it and curse the people that are living in MY house. (Whoops----did I really type that out loud?)

Until this week.

I had seen this house for sale about a year ago, but it was way out of our price range, so I hadn't even bothered. But a year and a half later, it is still on the market and we went to see it this week. (At my prodding, of course!) It is still over what we could pay, but maybe the owner would consider less?

We still have some hoops to get through----that might not get resolved for a few months, but if it all works out------------and the house isn't sold yet, and they accept our offer (another long shot)----maybe we can have this house?

A girl can dream, right? (And dream....and dream.....and dream.....)

The house was built in 1700----even earlier than the other one and is one of the four oldest houses in this area. Cool, huh? It is in fantastic condition, and only needs some wallpaper removal, some carpet removal and floors re-done, re-painting, a few bathroom re-dos and its good to go! (All these things can be lived with, with the exception of green carpet in what would be my son's bedroom----kelly green shag-----Ugh!)

The grounds are beautiful and large and the house has lots of meandering, quirky characteristics. These are ALL things that I love about really old houses! It has a great feel about it----not creepy----it felt like a very happy old soul, and well taken care of.

I instantly fell in love.

Here it is----red with a blue door...

....and the side entrance----which is where most New Englanders go.

The front entry way.....

.....And the family room-----don't you just love the exposed beams?

The master bedroom---lots of blue, huh? But isn't the woodwork great?

The guest bedroom----it has a HUGE walk-in closet! (We know that I would be
using that one)

One of the baths---off of the guest room.

I guess it would be strange to pray for something like this, right? But I am getting just about THAT desperate! So, if any of you have a close relationship with the big guy, could you put in a word or two for me?

Awwww.......I'm Not Worthy......

2009-09-15T22:03:00.015-05:00

I have been lucky enough to find terrific bloggers as I search the blog world. There are tons of fantastic blogs out there, but I think that the ones that I read are the creme-de-la-creme. I usually don't feel as if I am worthy of being on the same level as them, so I am always extremely flattered when I am given an award.

It really makes my day when someone remembers me and.....well......even comes back and reads my blog again! I have been blogging longer than most. I believe that it will be 4 years in Nov.-----hmmmmm----I guess I better check that date out, as I SHOULD have some kind of a giveaway for that date.

I have been inspired by so many of you-----you blog everyday and share so much of your lives and your world with those of us, the readers. AND you manage to read lots of our blogs and COMMENT----which in turn is making that blogger feel so much better about themselves!

In short-----I am not worthy of it, but the unbelievable Redhead Riter has given me two----yes, two-----awards! She has only been blogging since the first of this year, yet she has a HUGE following, always leaves great comments, and has amazing thought provoking posts. It would really behoove you to go on over and check out her fun blog!

This one is all about the rays of sunshine----which we all love!

And isn't this great that this is the button for one of my favorite
bloggers.....The Scholastic Scribe!
(Its her award and she has passed it on to many---I was 1010!)

Thanks for these!!

Now for the rules:

1. Each Superior Scribbler I name today must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends

2. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.

3. Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to this post which explains The Award.
4. Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives this Prestigious Honor.

5. Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

Have fun----you superior bloggers, you!

1. Hailey at Hailey Tracks. She is an amazing mom, actor, singer, comedienne, daughter, and one of my best friends! (And yes, she is my oldest daughter!) Check out her fantastic posts about her very busy life!
2. Kristina at Pulsipher Predictions. She is one of the funniest bloggers around----and can even make a Snuggie look good! She probably has gotten many awards, but she deserves it as she will make you laugh out loud reading about her life.

3. Julie at The Art & Life Of the Ruby Nest. She is a super talented artist with her fantastic paintings, she seems so sweet and you have to read the stories that she makes up about her the girls that she paints----she has so much talent for stories!
4. Tiberon at Shark Bait. She is an inspiration with her exercising (biking like a crazy person!), her daily blogging and her fun look on life----I was once up against her for a blogger award, and I didn't have a chance----yes, she is that superb!
5. Angela at Domestic Lifestyle. She is a real (in life) friend of mine----super smart, super gorgeous, a super mom, wife and a travel agent also. AND she home schools too!

Congrats ladies!! You are all Super Superior Scribblers!!

My Tenders Are So Glad To Be Off This Seat!

2009-09-10T22:33:00.008-05:00

This was a week of firsts.

The first day of school.....

Yes, those are his new glasses, by the way-----so trendy,
don't ya think?

And he picked out his this new shirt all by himself----good taste for
a little guy.

And the first time that Aydan finally rode a bike by himself!

Now, this is always a huge thing for children, but most of them go through it when they are 5 or 6----or even 7.

But Aydan is 9. It has been an issue for awhile.

So, as we were walking our bikes to the soccer park to work on his riding.....again., he kept this dialogue going:

A: I don't like this bike.

Me: You will change your mind soon.

A: I don't EVER want to learn to ride a bike.

Me: You'll be fine. Just be patient. (and like a cheerleader) You are going TO DO IT today, I can just feel it!

A: No I won't. I really DON'T WANT TO RIDE THIS BIKE!

Me: We are almost there. Just hang in there. It doesn't do any good to be negative about it.

A: I hope a car comes along and runs over my bike-----right now!

Me: Well----you know that Daddy will just buy you another....

A: And I WILL PUT IT INTO THE ROAD TO GET RUN OVER AGAIN!! AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN!

Me: Ummm....

Well.....we got to that park.

We worked on his balance....again.

I should win Mother of the Year, because I was patient. Oh, yes, I was patient. Holding that little seat upright and running alongside.

And.........little by little, he went farther and farther. Hubby came and took over for a bit---- helping with holding the seat upright.

Then-----yes, he let go. And Aydan kept going.

It was so satisfying. So sweet. Knowing that this was my last child to do this with-----was actually bittersweet.

And from his satisfied grin, you could tell that he was so happy to finally get it!

And his only complaint, as I was complimenting him and giving him just one more "great job!"

"Well, this seat is too high! My tenders were HURTING!!

And when he got home and off the bike entirely----yes, he DID make that statement above. (the title of this post--------for those who aren't catching my drift----and what do your boys call their "packages?"-----that is a whole new blog post all on its own!)

Yes, I know that the bike is too small---but its been a few years....

But here he is....VICTORIOUS!
Priceless.

Now, to get to those swimming lessons..... Sigh.

Super Birthday Swap!

2009-09-06T21:14:00.007-05:00

I believe that you remember about the birthday swap that was held in celebration of a birthday over at SHAWN'S blog.

Sure, you remember it, right? If you need refreshing, check it out here.

Well, I was lucky enough to get the gorgeous Cadance as my swap person, and boy, did she give me some great stuff! I LOVE getting things in the mail, (have I mentioned that at least eighty times?) almost more than sleeping, so you have to know that I really LOVE IT. And sure enough, this last week, I got this great package and THIS was what was inside:

Fresh, fruity, fragrant and fantastic cards!

I adore smells----(well,.....bad ones are my pet peeve, you know)----and am so into candles---I have them going all the time----with my candle warmer. So, I am lovin the candle, and then, since I am a HUGE Bath and Body shopper----love their soaps, smells and antibacterial products----she sent me a fantastic pomegranate hand soap----smells amazing. Last, but certainly not least---there were some great cards for writing on and sending to those that you are thinking of----so adorable. (Not sure if she made these or not---but they are the cutest!)

Thank you, thank you Cadance and thank you, Shawn, for a successful swap! You gals rock!

I was lucky enough to get Debi over at Girlz A Soul Sista.
She is a super cute gal that loves music, crafting with beads, is into movies, and has an adorable sister! (It was her birthday this week...) I am looking forward to getting to know her better----and will be checking out her blog from time to time....

So----if you get a chance to do a swap----go for it----its downright fun times and you get something in the mail, to boot....

How I Spent My Summer----Through Aydans Eyes

2009-09-02T13:08:00.003-05:00

I had a very great summer----well, part of it, anyway.

Next week I have to start 4th grade, so I decided to show what I have been doing all summer.

First of all, my Mom teaches Musical Theatre Summer Camps. She ALWAYS makes me take them whether I want to or not, because she either needs some boys or she needs more kids in her class. I don't really like to take them, because I have to do the rehearsals. I don't mind the memorizing, but I HATE the rehearsals in class.

But by the time the second class came around, I knew some of the steps, so I could help my Mom teach some of the things. That was ok. I liked to do that better.

"One" singular sensation....my top hat number.

Here is a video of my part----I'm an orphan, dont'cha know!

Its a "Hard Knock Life!"

The closing number---"Fame"----can you see me on the front row?

Here I am with all the girls-----luckily the next two classes had boys in them.

My sister came to stay with us for a few weeks also. She brought her kids----who are my nieces and nephew, so that was fun---to have someone to play with every day. I love playing with Mila, my oldest niece-----she is the SAME AGE AS ME!! (Well, I am really 5 months older than her, but we are in the same grade.) Sometimes we argue a bit, but this time, we got along almost all of the time. My nephew, Ethan, sometimes wants to play with us and gets in the way, but I try to be patient with him. Then there are the twins! They are so cute and they get into things, but I don't mind as much, except when they make a mess of my bedroom!

Here I am with Mila and Ethan, at the 4th of July parade!

And here is where we put on a play for the family.

Here I am with Lane, trying to get her to pet Musette----she was scared of my dogs---silly!

After the summer camps were over and my sister and her family had left to go home, my Mom took me to some really cool places! We went to the Boston Childrens Museum for an entire day, and I really loved that. The best part was where we could play games on a big dancing pad----we had to try and keep away from the colored ball on the floor. It was super fun!

Playing the musical instrument----it was fun!

This is how the astronauts go to the bathroom----you have to attach something
to your bottom and match up the holes with the toilet----it is bizarre!!

This was the fun "Dodgeball" game that we played on the floor----see how you
get away from the light "balls"?

Mood lighting....

....and birds of a feather flock together.

We got to color, then use paint water to make a wash over the picture---
it was a neat effect.

I loved to climb in this climbing tower----there were many levels, and
you could crawl for three stories high!

I also got to go to the Museum of Fine Art, in Boston, with my brother, Clayton and my Mom. I got bored some of the time, but I liked doing sketches of things the most. I liked the Modern Art part of the museum and enjoyed see the illustrations and cartoons. I want to be an illustrator someday. I REALLY like going to the gift shop! They have the coolest things in there----and my Mom got me a "little monster" stuffed toy to attach to my backpack. (My Mom had some pictures, but she can't seem to find them!)

My Mom traveled a lot this summer, so I got to go to LOTS of places with my Dad. I LOVE to spend time with my Dad, and we like to go camping, and fishing. My Dad got in an accident at work and smashed his finger, so he has not been able to go to work, and that means that I get to spend more time with him! We went to Pennsylvania one time with Clayton and his girlfriend, Meg, went camping in Vermont a few times, and even went down to Boston to hang out at Boston Commons! We even went to Colorado to see a bike race----one that Daddy was supposed to be in, but couldn't because of his hurt finger-----but we got to see Lance Armstrong----who won the race. I also got to play with my cousin, Taylor, and hang out with his Dad, Patrick-----and I got to ride a horse at his house. I did it all by myself!

Camping fun----and one of the best things about being out of doors
is the hiking!

This is the pool in Pennsylvania.

And we got to ride the boats in downtown Boston Common!

Daddy likes to use his camera to do great black and white shots of me---in Colorado.

Yep, that is Lance Armstrong finishing first this year at the Leadville 100 race!

We got to go to see where the Golden Spike was laid for
the railroad in Utah---so two railroads could connect.

Caught in the tree shadow....

.....and hanging with Dad at the Continental Divide!

Some Moab rocks---they were really cool!

YES! Here I am riding that horse----all by myself! (I need some cowboy boots,
by the way...)

Another fun place that I went with my Mom was The Armory Museum. This is the COOLEST place ever! There are lots of swords and armour from history----dating back to even before Christ was born----my Mom told me that is what BC means. I liked the weapons the best, but thought that it would be neat to be a knight. Although, we tried on the knights helmets and they WERE HEAVY!! I could hardly lift them on my head! Another favorite place was a fantasy room where they showed a professor that had gone to find dragons and places like Medusa and things. I spent about an hour in this room, because I LOVE fantasy, dragons, and mythological creatures. I have invented many types of these creatures when I draw.

An early piece of armour.

Say----what are you guys fighting about----hang on----is that a skirt? Hmmmm.

My Mom really liked these armour shoes----I think that she wants some.

Mom, sitting in repose----contemplating the middle ages in the great hall.

Some really old armour----scary----they are so real looking!

I really WANT this castle for the knights that I have----but its a bit too big.

Time to try on a armoured helmut----whoops----it is HEAVY!!

Mom looks silly in this helmut----it is an Asian armour helmut.

....And this one fits just......uh.....where is my face?

Oh, yeah......I almost forgot about going to the Ecotarium. It is a place where there are a lot of ideas for living green, as well as lots of cool hands-on things that you can do to experiment with science, sound, the atmosphere, and even animals! My Mom and I even got to see a Polar bear, several owls, and my favorite was the river otters. They would swim right behind you and come up to the glass. It was cool!

Making bubbles outside.

Here is the prettiest snow owl ever!

Can you see the polar bear behind me? Its like a camoflauge trick---good luck!
(Hint----its over to the left of me from your view)

These river otters were my favorite! Look at how they swim around.

Walking through the different plant life on the trail back to the car.

One of the favorite times that I have are when I get to spend time with my brother and sisters. I got to go to dinner with my sister, Maryn, when she was in town, and I got to spend some days with my brother, Clayton. I love going to his house in Boston, because I get to play video games all the time and watch lots of movies, and stay up late! I also went to spend a few days with my sister, Brinna and my Mom at the beach. We went into the ocean and floated around and had a ton of fun!

Here I am----just lazing around the beach in the shallow water---it felt so good!

Someone had built a huge sand castle, and I was trying to save it before the
high tide ruined it!

There's my Mom taking it easy---getting to read and enjoy the warmth----hey, Mom,
your hat is crooked!

We couldn't stop the high tide from covering the sand castle.

The ocean on the Cape----the color is beautiful!

I have also gone to the library several times this summer. I started reading the Harry Potter books a few weeks ago and I am already on book 5! I love to read, and just sometimes wish that the books were real....I would love to experience all these awesome things!

Its been a fun summer, yes, it has. But now I have to get ready for school. My Mom got me a new shirt for the first day and I am excited to meet my new teacher. I hope that she is as good as my teacher last year, because she was great! I am sure that my Mom will post a picture of me from my first day. We don't go back to school until after Labor Day, so it is a week away.

Well, thats about it. I hope you have had an exciting summer! What were your favorite things that you did?

****Be sure to go on over to my blog and write a caption for the caption contest!!! My Mom said that I can give a prize this time!!! YAY! www.aydan-drart.blogspot.com******

Fabulous Find For A Friday------Pets

2009-08-28T21:31:00.009-05:00

Yes, I am BACK with everyone's favorite Friday Find!!

Ok, so only about two of you even missed it, but whateveh....I am trying to get back on track again. (yay!)

I grew up with pets. Every place I lived I had a menagerie of pets----from dogs, to cats, to pigs (yes, I said pigs) to fish, to calves, to horses, to guinea pigs....well, you get the picture. I even managed to sneak several cats and dogs in with my last husband, who was allergic to cats and some dogs. My kids and I tried EVERYTHING to keep animals, and if I saw a stray, I was usually picking it up.

It got to the point that my kids would yell, "Mom, don't look----there really ISN'T a stray dog over there! Just keep on driving!" I just wanted to take care of all of them.

Fast forward to now.

I have two little doggies, Mignon and Musette. They are Yorkiepoos, and very small, so it feels like I ALWAYS have puppies. They go with me on errands a lot and are very nice, snuggly dogs, are litter boxed trained, and seem to be the most perfect of dogs!

Except for one small problem.

They tend to have accidents once in a while. For no reason at all, they will pee just outside their litter box or drop small turds as if they are leaving a trail for someone to follow them---much like Hansel and Gretel did as they went deep into the forest----got the picture, right?

Well........at least they are small turds. So, I can't complain TOO much.

Our next pet is a great cat, Marmelade. My hubby found her in the middle of the freeway in LA and stopped to get her----she had cuts, was covered with fleas, and had her little ribs sticking out, but we loved her instantly. She is very lovable----and has always put up with my kids dressing her up or carrying her around. She is the perfect cat, really.

Except for one small problem.

She has started peeing in the corners of the house on occasion. And of course, she only pees where there is carpet. There is no rhyme or reason for it, and she doesn't do it often, about once or twice a year or so, but its a BOOGER to get the smell out! (Do you realize how much of that chemical smell remover that I have poured in the carpet? Did I mention that I have an ACUTE sense of smell and am anal about any bad smells in my house?)

Then, almost two years ago, Santa's elves left a crate in front of the house with a kitten in it for Aydan. He had wanted a kitten badly for the last year or so, and was overjoyed! His name is Shadow and he is an amazing cat, so easy going and loves to give you kisses when you pick him up----so gentle and sweet. He is such a perfect cat in every way.

Except for one problem.

He has the BIGGEST, STINKIEST turds that you have ever seen from a cat! And he doesn't believe in covering them up. No, sirree, not this cat.
It is the worst thing ever to walk into the front door and.....WHAM!.....be blasted with this smell----the most foul putrid poopy smell that you have ever smelled. It knocks you over! And the litter box is clear up on the second floor in the bathroom, so you can imagine how powerful these turds are, as the smell wafts down to the front door.

Yes, my pets are precious.......but they come with a price.

Mignon and Musette---aren't they adorable in their tea party dresses?
(They wore them for my son's girlfriends birthday tea party.)

Marmelade----not skinny anymore----just enjoying life.

Shadow----in one of his favorite poses----catching a cat nap.

I sometimes daydream and think of the times when all I had to do was change a measly ole' diaper a few times a day.

Now...........I am surrounded with pee and poop----but it doesn't come encapsulated this time around. I find myself cleaning up one bowel mess after another, and rant all the time about how annoying these pets are! Its like potty training all over again, only you don't get any "Pull-ups" this time.

But then again, when they come over and jump into my lap and settle in for a snooze, or they look up at me with those adorable little eyes, or run around with my young son, as he laughs and laughs at their antics.

Well.....then.......I wouldn't have it any other way.

My Trip To Brazil And I Promise I Won't Post About Any More Celebrity Trips----Even Though There Were At Least Two More...

2009-08-23T18:43:00.020-05:00

I don't want to go on and on about my trip to Brazil.

I just got back from our last band trip for the summer today----to NY, and I am officially exhausted. I don't think that I had re-couped from Brazil, and the sets we did in NY were long and we went late.........and.......well........I guess I have to admit that I am not as young as I used to be.... (Oh, stop laughing----you will feel that way someday too!)

So I am saving you having to read about every minute of the Brazil trip. I am just going to post my observations and then some pictures and call it a day. Better all around for everyone, right?

So, here are the observations that I made:

1. If you are going to Brazil, go someplace closer to the northern tip, as it takes about 14 hours to get to Sao Paulo from Boston. (Ok, so we got a layover to change planes in Houston, but trust me, it didn't help much)

2. Only go on a flight that is NOT sold out! We went down and had lots space to spread out and sleep, as we took red-eyes both ways, but on the way back----it was almost full, and man, was my butt numb.

3. Take the helicopter, if it is offered, to the hotel, as the traffic is horrendous-----you take your life into your hands as the driver swerves and races through motorcyles, small cars,------all the while driving only about 5 inches away from each other. I swear the lanes are RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER. There are no laws-----at least none that I noticed.

4. Do not be a pedestrian in Sao Paulo. They do not recognize them and WILL run you down!

5. Get settled into your amazing room and take a nap before you go to rehearsal----you will feel much better.

6. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EAT ANY PIECE OF FRUIT OR DRINK THE WATER! I can not emphasize this enough. I even hesitated to eat some watermelon and fresh papaya, but since they are cut from INSIDE the fruit, I decided to trust it. AND I kept my Imodium AD ready.

7. Take Imodium AD with you. If you read my last post on Brazil, you KNOW what I mean.
Nuff said.

8. Enjoy the beautiful hotel view, but don't look down. There may just be a homeless person living right up next to the hotel-----cardboard house and all.

9. When you are up on the rooftop swimming area, do not be annoyed when you look across the street and see a man peeing on top of the building next door. Just take a picture of it.

10. Do walk around to the shops in the area around the hotel, and try to find something for your hubby and young son, but then feel frustrated, as you can't find anything like tee-shirts or hats with Brazil or Sao Paulo on them. Nope. Not a one. I did find some with the Yankees and LA, as well as Disneyland on them. Hmmmmmm.
Be confused.

11. Also, when you walk around to the various exclusive shops, don't be annoyed when the person working there keeps taking out the article that you touch----just to look at, mind you----to show it to you and speak in Porteguese to you about it. Just smile and nod and
move on. Eventually you just leave, as they keep following you, and you find it disconcerting.

12. Try to ignore the fact that the city kind of smells. A mixture of B.O., cheap perfume/aftershave, and I believe-----a bit of urine.

13. Don't freak out on the night of the gig, when your van doesn't arrive on time and you sit in the hotel lobby for two hours waiting, then decide to forego sound check, as there isn't enough time to get to the venue and back again to get ready.

14. Enjoy working in a gorgeous place with truly wealthy people. I mean, these people make most of the rich look poor.....but they are the nicest people ever. So great to work for, and so gracious. What a beautiful wedding and all the best to Adolfo and Flavia. The gig was an amazing one!

15. Don't worry about staying at the party after the gig until 4:00 a.m., because we DON'T HAVE TO GET UP EARLY!

16. Ignore the perfume and after shave in Brazil,......it is strong and kind of spicy----hard to describe, but ignore the fact that you smell like it after everyone gives you a hug.

17. Do enjoy sleeping in the next day, then watch movies subtitled in Portuguese, as you get ready-----then have a really nice buffet lunch before you go to the airport.

18. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER agree to have your Brazilian saxophone player come with you to the airport when he has had too much to drink. It makes for a LOOOOOONNNNNNGGGG trip to the airport and that, along with the traffic scariness, makes your stomach feel a bit queasy.

19. Try to concentrate when the customs man is speaking to you with a HUGE accent and you don't understand what the heck he is saying! Stressful!

20. Don't forget to use up your "reals"----Brazilian money----as you probably will be left with too much when you arrive home----then what the heck do you do with it? So, to do this, find a few things for your family in the airport. (As they have NOTHING in the hotel or at the shops----remember?) Just be happy that you found something, even though it cost more than you planned. But don't plan on refrigerator magnets for friends, as they don't have any of those. Nope......not a one.

At the airport---Danny and Steve have their passports around their necks----so they
don't get lost.

Then Steve is joined by Dan, the keyboard player.

Here I am----looking rather fresh in my new yellow earrings----remember them---
from Brimfield----I love them!

Even Rick (Rod) is in good spirits----"Oh, yeah..."

The sunrise over Brazil from the plane.....

....and the reflection of the "sweet light" from the sunrise on my face....
after a few hours sleep.

The lobby of our hotel.....

....and my room----with a rotating TV....

....and a living room area.

Rehearsal with Cookie, the Tina Turner tribute act from Vegas----here is Steve
on the drums----and part of Danny on bass.

Dan on keys and Jeff on lead guitar-----getting ready to rehearse.

There's Cookie and Rick-----looking incognito but sounding like the REAL DEAL!

Adolfo with his bride to be, Flavia, and his son with some friends. They came
to listen to rehearsal.

The next day, out on the rooftop of the hotel----look at that view of the city!

Then take a look down to the street----can you see how close the cars drive?

And back around to see the pool with Steve and Rick in the background.

Steve is enjoying the sun with the city for a backdrop.

Danny, Rick and Steve are soaking up the sun.....

....while I find the foilage on the other side of the pool.....

....but then my eye is caught by THIS-----YES-----its the man peeing on the roof.
Uh huh. Classic.

Here is the transformation of Cookie to Tina Turner----pretty amazing, huh?

And here is the girl power---but I look major pale compared to her!

Flavia----the bride----so gorgeous---dancing at the party.

And Steve is in heaven, surrounded by beautiful Brazilian women!

Its 4:30 in the morning, and I still have my "hoochie"......er.....performing eye makeup on----
but looking a bit tired, huh?

After a great nights sleep, a bit of walking around, packing and some good food,
I am looking out my hotel window.....

......then look down and see an amazing church.

You can see the sun is starting to go down, as I take a last shot in my room
before we leave for the airport.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. There are tons of beautiful women in Brazil----all wearing the tightest pants that I have ever seen----and trust me, they are NATURALLY gorgeous....they don't rely on makeup, like I have to.

But the bottom line on Brazil. Its great to see and experience another country and how they live, but..........I was way excited to walk back into the United States. I was doing a bit of a jig, even though I had had only 2 hours of sleep.

I really do appreciate living here. Yes, I do.

Adolfo mentioned that he wanted to have us back at Christmastime. Would I love to go?
Well, I might feel more comfortable each time I go back, and the people are gracious and warm, so yes, I guess that I wouldn't mind doing it again.

But I may take some Fabreze with me this time.