Living Boldly

Teaser

2012-01-23T20:35:00.000-08:00

Headin' Out

2012-01-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

See you mid-February

Oh Boy!!!!!

2012-01-02T17:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2012!

2011-12-31T15:59:00.000-08:00

Baby New Year is primed to launch 2012 ...

Get ready, get set, go!

Happy New Year

Scanning The Globe

2011-12-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

State-of-the-art body scanners were recently installed at my city airport! Though many folks have a problem with the technology … I willingly embrace it! I’ve grown weary of a routine that goes something like this:

Me to TSA – both of my hips have been replaced.

TSA (shouting) – we need a female assist over here!

I travel more than several times a year and could probably recite, verbatim, the script TSA females use as they pat me down! What a relief to bypass those standard metal detectors, the endless patting and posturing ~ the hassle.

The new scanners feature millimeter wave technology … not the peek-a-boo technology that sparked public outrage a few years ago. Tiny radio waves are bounced off a person’s body in search of irregularities. No pictures ~ just generic outlines of a human ~ with any abnormalities marked on the outline with a yellow box.

The machine picks up on metallic and non-metallic items, from cell phones and belt buckles to the more ‘nefarious’ objects.

Scanners are not for everyone, for me they facilitate the move through security .. others may continue using the standard metal detectors.

It’s all good. That is, when planes aren't overbooked, babies don't cry, departures and arrivals are in sync and passengers actually smile!

She Has A Gift

2011-12-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays

I am blessed to live in one of the most beautiful areas in all of America.

Photograph, Jaime

During a recent Google search for sculptor Greg Congleton, I stumbled onto Jaime's photography blog. I was awestruck by her ability to capture the splendor that is

Bend Oregon!

Photograph, Jaime

With her permission I have included several photos ... please pay Jaime a visit by clicking on her name.

Photograph, Jaime

You won't be disappointed.

Photograph, Jaime

160 For Sunday

2011-12-10T17:18:00.000-08:00

Howdy-do you rascal you

Long time no see.

I thought you might make an appearance

So I baked you a cake

A Better Than Sex cake,

Cause you and I both know

We’re through

BETTER THAN SEX CAKE

1 (18.25 oz) package German Chocolate cake mix (and the eggs, oil and water it calls for)

1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed milk

1 jar ice cream topping / Caramel Sauce

1 Bag chocolate covered Toffee bits

1 (8 oz) container frozen Cool-Whip, thawed (optional)

Directions: Bake cake according to package directions for a 9×13 baking dish. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Using a fork, poke holes all over the cake.

Pour the caramel sauce evenly all over the top of the cake. Then pour the can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the cake. Sprinkle toffee bits evenly on top. Place cake in refrigerator and let chill for a few hours to cool completely.

Remove cake from refrigerator, and spread (if you dare) the thawed cool-whip evenly over the top. Serve!

Friday 55

2011-12-09T08:58:00.000-08:00

Shoe to Helen:

I’m brand new!

Barely out of my box

You have damaged me, modified me, customized me, humiliated me…

For what?

To keep that malformed foot of yours comfortable?

Helen to Shoe:

Now wait just a minute!

I’m seventy years old ~ I need to keep walking ~ whatever the cost!

Stuff it!

What's In A Dream

2011-12-02T15:19:00.000-08:00

Dreamland

Where the rules of reality and logic do not apply ...

Dreams!

Lately mine have been

Mysterious, dark, funny, fascinating!

In black and white

In living color

I awake, attempt an interpretation

And I write ... haiku!

My pet elephant

Lives with me in a penthouse

Elevator down

I’m no threat to you

Suppose I should feel flattered

Too old for these games

Hitting the jackpot
Making all your dreams come true
Highly unlikely

Creeping and crawling

So hard to make it over

What is stopping me

Mommy guilt is tough

Dreams of abandoned babies

Awaken in tears

Paralyzed with fear

Orchestra ready to play

My throat is closing

Really terrified

Trapped under English Channel

No way in or out

Mom and Dad alive

Overwhelming emotion

Don't awaken me

Possibility
Older woman younger man
Hard to make it last

Sunday 160

2011-11-26T10:51:00.000-08:00

Prince Harry

Prince Charlie

As my grandson Charlie matures, he looks more and more like England's Prince Harry!

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Harry or Charlie?

The reddish hair

Mischievous look in their eyes

Impish grins on their faces

Look-alikes maybe not precisely

Close enough

Giving Thanks

2011-11-22T19:58:00.000-08:00

Created by me ~ just for you

Sunday 160 - Oh Baby!

2011-11-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

Oh baby!

Lying there

All relaxed

Arms propped behind your head

Amidst gemstones and geodes

Not a care in the world

Don't you know

Time is fleeting

2012 is almost here!

Flash Friday ~ 55

2011-10-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

Summer of 1994, Anchorage Alaska

I'm standing on stage

With Don McLean

Microphone in hand, trembling

We sing about American Pie

Transporting ourselves back to the 50s, the 60s

We were happy for a while

We dreamed of rosy futures ..

Watching, as our dreams

Faded into memory

Bye, bye Miss American Pie

Batter Up

2011-10-17T00:19:00.000-07:00

I wrote this poem last year before the start of the World Series .... Time to post again

Photo taken in 2009 ~ Busch Stadium St. Louis MO

Batter Up!

When summer fun has ended

And autumn leaves begin to fall

Baseball takes the center stage

For the greatest show of all

Frenzied fans will pack the stands

They scream and shout and cheer

It's time for the World Series

The best games of the year

Fans keep track on scorecards

Pitch by pitch and run by run

Through each of the nine innings

Or 'till the game is done

They boo the home plate umpire

Its three strikes and you're out!

No spit balls, scuff balls, mud balls

Umpires must leave no doubt

And when the games have ended

The champion has been crowned

They know they've been a part of something

Something quite profound

Carl Turns 50!!!!

2011-10-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

My son Carl ~ Happy 50th

Willow Manor Ball

2011-10-04T06:25:00.000-07:00

I can't believe a year has passed ... time to choose a perfect gown for the

Willow Manor Ball!

Which one do you like? They all have full twirly skirts ...

the better to dance the night away, don't you think?

# 1

# 2

# 3

# 4

Can't wait to see all of you in your ball gowns ... and tuxedos.

Grandchildren are a treasure

2011-09-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

Charlie (15) and Jen (18)

Maddy's Coming Home Outfit

2011-09-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

My sister Shirley crocheted this adorable outfit for a friend's newborn ... isn't it beautiful?

Monkey Faces

2011-09-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

'Monkey Face' Face-off

By now I imagine many of you have seen the video of the adorable couple trying to make sense of their new webcam .... a grandchild posted it on youtube .... didn't take long for it to go viral!

It also made major TV networks, newspapers, etc, etc.

Now I ask you ~~~ compare the monkey faces above with monkey faces below ~~ who do you think best captures the illusive and difficult to make monkey face?

The adorable couple from Oregon .... or my sisters and ME?

We have been working on the monkey face since we were kids.

This very attractive photo was snapped in the late 80s.

Yes, I got permission before posting!

We are now 65, 68 and 70 (on Sunday)!

I think it's high time we had a 'monkey face' face-off, don't you?

I say bring it on adorable Oregon couple ...
bring it on!!

Forever

2011-09-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

We watched … horrified

A nation unified by collective suffering

Vulnerability and tremendous loss

No magic pill

Could erase the images

Or take away the pain

We were

Altered … forever

Now This Is Exciting

2011-09-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

The Red Shoes Artists Book Project

Re-entry ~ Wheeeeee!

2011-08-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

Summer began on a lazy note ~ lots of reading, writing poetry (you can read here), hiking, experimenting with new recipes, leisurely dinners with family, a few decorating and crafting projects, shuttling my teenage grandson and his friends around Bend ~ in my little Cabrio ~ top down! They tell me I’m way cool .. I must have been having fun, I neglected to take many photos!!

In early July my son and I headed down Los Angeles way. The Laguna and Newport Beach areas, as well as the Los Angeles Dodgers were on the agenda. California did not disappoint. The Pacific was warm, the beaches pristine, folks friendly!

The evening of the Dodgers game, we allowed several hours to make the 30-minute drive hoping to see the players warm up. To tell you we got lost driving there is a huge understatement. We left several hours early ~~ only to arrive fifteen minutes late. We were more than ready for beer and pretzels! I always pay attention to where I park but didn’t take into account how MANY cars would arrive after we did. It took 45 minutes to find our rental car after the game!

Dodger Stadium, third row seats!

Carl

These adorable kids had just been interviewed on TV

This little tyke was sitting on the floor at Nordstrom surrounded by shopping bags

Driving back to our hotel we got lost again .. in a part of Los Angeles where English is not the first language. Kind of frightening. But we found an angel who put us back on the right route. Our California journey ended on a high note ~~ Eric Clapton went through airport security right before us!

Mid-July found me in a more serious and unanticipated situation. My former sister-in-law has ALS, is deteriorating and can no longer speak. She had been living alone. I volunteered to travel to the Midwest to help relocate her .. to my former husband’s home. I have known this woman since she was twelve years old and wanted to do whatever I could to help. Both my former husband and his wife are physicians with extremely busy professional lives. Retirement affords me the luxury of time. It took three weeks … I’m proud to say I accomplished everything I came to do. Packed up her home, staged it, found a real estate agent, got her home on the market, escorted her to banks, post office, attorney, financial planner, disconnected her telephone, dealt with the trash and yard folks, donated what she no longer needed to neighbors and a great charity .. and since she can no longer eat solid foods … created some pretty radical shakes! When I arrived she weighed 73 pounds, by the time I left she had gained at least five. My former husband and his family are what she needs most now.
I feel blessed to have been part of the journey.

My Staging Handiwork

Another huge positive during the trip? My sister also lives in St. Louis ~ we were able to meet with the cousin we never knew we had. It was amazing to spend time with him. He is in great health, has a personality that sparkles and in many ways reminded me of our father.

Sister Shirley with cousin Ken

Summer weather in Central Oregon has been near perfect ~ temperature fluctuates 30-40 degrees from morning to night! Heavenly sleeping. I did not turn on my air conditioner one time!

Soon it will be Labor Day. My fifteen-year old grandson begins his first year of high school ~ where does time go?

Charlie Sleepyhead

Granddaughter Jennifer ~ climbing at Smith Rock

I have been called for jury duty the day after Labor Day ~ not much happens in Bend, I’m not expecting any long drawn out trials!

This winter my son and I are hoping to spend a few months away in a warm, sunny place. My old joints and bones cry out for heat and humidity when winter heads this way. I have fallen so many times it’s virtually impossible for me to kneel down! (I have no plans to replace those knees ~ my replaced hips are enough bionic hardware, thank you!)

Summer

2011-07-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

Laguna Beach, CA

Ask me if we're having fun .......

See You In September

2011-06-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Time for a summer break from Living Boldly

To enjoy the outdoors, explore, travel.

See You In September!
Be safe ~ be happy

Rub-a-dub-dub

2011-06-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

Rub-a-dub-dub

Bath time in a wash tub

My boys not quite one, two, three ~

When they see this, there may be no more ME!

My mother and step-father had a little cottage in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains ~ no indoor plumbing. We visited as often as possible. The cottage sat on a hill overlooking a lovely river .. fishing, floating, homemade ice-cream, playing games, hiking, relaxing in the hammock ~ our long weekends were idyllic.

When it was bath time, we hauled out this huge old tub. All it took was one glance for them to know what was coming.
Oh .... they did NOT like this method of bathing.

Son #1 seems to have embraced the ordeal, Son #2 isn't quite certain, we had to chase Son #3 ... he wasn't walking yet ~ I still can't believe how fast he could crawl!

I treasure these memories more than I can put into words ...
my sons who are now 48, 49 and 50 do too

Congratulations Jennifer

2011-06-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

We Love You

Friday Flash 55 Dream

2011-06-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

My mother came to me

In a dream last night

So real

I felt her presence

She smiled

It felt as though time had not passed

As if her body was real

She motioned to me

Come here

Or was it

Go back

Neither choice right for me

Timing all wrong

Loving

2011-06-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

Jennifer's Father Jim ~ Grandma Margaret

Granddaughter Jennifer

Jennifer snapped this photo of her father and grandmother

beautifully simple ~ amazingly complex

Memorial Day

2011-05-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Never Forget

It's tough to face the Wall ~ to stare it down

I approach, walk away, gather myself, return

Searching for one name

Over 58,000 names ~ too many

Denis Galloway ~ funny, handsome, brilliant man

Fresh from West Point ~ his future bright

And there it is

I trace every letter with my fingertips

Braille for my heart, my soul

Denis Wayne Galloway

1LT - 02 - Army - Regular

Length of service 2 years

His tour began on May 10, 1966

Casualty was on Oct 24, 1966

In, SOUTH VIET NAM

HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY

MULTIPLE FRAGMENTATION WOUNDS

Body was recovered

Denny,
Your job is done ... rest easy, sleep well
Others have taken up where you fell ... the line has held
Peace, peace and farewell

Found!

2011-05-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

My father ~ his sister Ella

Ella was twelve years older than my father

Several weeks ago I posted about an aunt I never knew existed ... and her children ... cousins I never knew existed. I'm thrilled to report I have found them! Living in the same Midwest town we were raised in. Ken is now 79 and Norma Jean is 81. Small world.

Google is my best friend.

I have had phone conversations, email exchanges and major photo sharing with Ken. He is in great health, sharp as a tack and delightful. His wife is in mid-stage Alzheimer's ... he cares for her in their home. Norma Jean is a widow, still works, and according to Ken 'has a boyfriend.'

Ken with his wife Gloria

We have caught each other up on our lives ... our children, grandchildren, family members and mutual friends long gone. Best of all? Photos of my father's sister Ella who passed away at the age of 38, leaving a six year old boy and an eight year old girl motherless. Their father eventually remarried. I have surmised from conversations with Ken, the step-mother/child relationship wasn't the warm and fuzzy variety.

Ella was a wonderful female version of my father. The resemblance is stunning. Ken has no memories of his mother. He told me can't 'see her in his mind's eye.' Only a few photos of her exist. Sadly, there was no one to keep those memories alive for brother and sister.

Believe it or not ~ we all attended the same high school, just missing each other due to the difference in our ages. Thinking back, I can remember hearing my father talking about the Bluemner family .. my sisters and I were certainly aware of their presence in our very small town. I had no idea we had a blood connection to them. When my father passed away, I was only sixteen. Had he lived longer, we might have learned about the existence of our cousins.

I'm thrilled we do today.

On The Sleeping Porch

2011-05-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

I have been intrigued with sleeping outdoors for as long as I can remember. As a girl I would drag pillow and covers into our living room ... open the French doors leading to nowhere ... and settle down for the night. Girl Scout Camp included overnights ~ heavenly memories.

My mother's retirement cottage in rural Missouri was perched on a hill overlooking a clear, gentle river ~ best of all? A small screened porch jutting out over the hill amidst a canopy of trees. It didn't matter what season I visited, my mother knew the first words out of my mouth would be 'oh, I want to sleep on the porch tonight!' Weather permitting, I did.

I have collected pictures of sleeping porches for quite some time. I'm not certain where they originated ... sorry, I won't be able to give credit where credit is due.

Currently I am toying with the notion of screening my lower deck which sits off my bedroom and faces a very private back yard .. with an 18' high privacy fence. I live in a town home, complete with all of those pesky covenants and restrictions ... my plan is to make a screen I can install now and store during winter.
Can't ruffle community feathers you know.

I am in the sketching stage now.  Handyman ~ where are you?

Without further adieu ...

Ready for my bed

This one too

ZENN Car

2011-05-07T06:53:00.000-07:00

A generous blogger shared this ... Today I share with you!

Take a few minutes to view this incredible ~ really amazing ~ car!

ZERO EMISSION NO NOISE

Best Black Licorice

2011-05-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

Oh Yes!

If you enjoy black licorice

you must try this brand!

So soft, so chewy, so rich, so delicious ...... perfection!

Sammy

2011-05-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

Please keep my daughter's dog Sammy in your thoughts today.

Sammy was attacked and mauled by a dog who managed to jump his fence yesterday. It happened in the blink of an eye ... during a daily walk/run in their neighborhood ... so quickly my daughter was unable to pull Sammy away before he was injured.

We don't know the prognosis ... Sammy is still in an animal hospital here. Exploratory surgery is scheduled.

Sammy is seven years old ..

.. in spite of his size he is a HUGE part of our family.

The Most Beautiful Shoes In The World

2011-04-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

Oh Yes .... these are them!

I have bad feet .... really ugly (though I am thankful to have them)

Bunion surgery on both feet in 1989 ~ at the same time ~ another surgery in 1994 to correct a neuroma. Recovery from bunion surgery took one year ... the surgery was a dismal failure. My surgeon ~ a family friend ~ apologized and never used that particular procedure again!

Needless to say, most shoes hurt now. I have hammer-toes, several toes that cross over each other a bit, callouses where my walking shoes rub. I wear wide-toe flat heeled boots in the Spring, Fall and Winter ... flip-flops and thongs in the Summer, sturdy walking/running shoes for exercise ... heels are out of the question. How I long for the days I squeezed my tootsies into those 3" beauties. Of course, they were a major contributor to the bunions ~ pointy-toe heels ~ and genetics.

I found these new shoes in a sale pile at Kohls ... $14.99 with an additional 15% off! They are the first pair of shoes in all these years I have slipped into, gave a satisfied sigh and walked out the door in complete comfort! Added bonus? They support my ankles too!

Tag ~ You're It

2011-04-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

Helen's tags

Mary's tags

The most sincere form of flattery? Imitation of course!

I found Mary at A Breath of Fresh Air many months ago. Her blog is refreshing, beautiful and overwhelming in the best possible way. She hails from NC now ... but she's British through and through.

Mary operates a booth in a NC antique shop ~ SuzAnna's Antiques ~ serious eye candy for days!

She is so talented. Stop by for a visit ~ she will be thrilled.

When I saw the tags she made I knew I had to make a few of my own. So simple ~ manilla shipping tags, dipped in left-over black coffee, popped into a 200 degree oven for ten minutes, stamped with whatever strikes your fancy!

Or left plain if you prefer.

The perfect gift tag ~~ or bundle a few for the perfect gift!

Jennifer Louise Is Eighteen

2011-04-19T00:34:00.000-07:00

On Her Way

Precious granddaughter, I have been privileged to play a role in your life for eighteen years. I've watched as you grew from a toddler into the lovely and talented young woman you are today. Where does time go, Jennifer? Dance and piano recitals, school choir concerts and horse shows .. overnights at Woonie's, amusement parks and the beach. So much has happened, so much ahead for you. I wish you happiness ~ always. You are adored by many ~ and by me!

I am 'SO' not French

2011-04-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Klenke

Eagan

Alas, I have acquired two most unpleasant maladies named by renowned French physicians

~ Dr. Guillaume Dupuytren and Dr. Maurice Raynaud ~

Note the yellowish color of my middle finger (NOT the rude gesture please) ~ Raynaud's phenomenon.

Note the tendons in the palm of my hand ~ Dupuytren's contracture.

Oh la la! Pauvre de moi! Woe is me!

A Little Sketchy

2011-04-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Original Art ... Me

This has to be one of the most unique sites ...

Click here for the 'sketchy' website.

Have fun!!!

New Excuse!

2011-04-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Brother and Sister

This gem from my 14-year old grandson Charlie .... his excuse for requesting early dismissal from school yesterday.

Woonie, my emotional equilibrium was off ..

Sixth Sense

2011-04-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

Have you ever experienced a hunch .. a gut feeling .. a sixth sense .. an intuition?

A week or so ago I could not let go of an overwhelming urge to research more of my ancestry. I spent what seemed like days searching every website I could find. I found the names, birthdates and dates of death for many of my maternal ancestors. My father's side remained more of a mystery. He died when I was only sixteen .. I vaguely remember his mother and father who passed away when I was a small child. I knew and loved my father's sisters ... my Aunts Pauline, Louise, May and Estella. Aunt Pauline was the only sister to marry. She had two sons .. one died as a child .. the other, my cousin Jack passed away a few years ago. I contacted Jack's widow hoping she could shed more light on my father's side of the family tree. What I discovered astounded me.

My father had another sister .. an older sister, Ella, who died when she was a young woman. She had married and given birth to a son and a daughter ~ cousins I didn't know I had! They would be in their late 70s / early 80s now. I'm searching every possible avenue to locate them, hoping they are still living. Hoping they will be able to share memories of their mother with me ...

about the aunt I never knew existed.

Music Makes The World Go Round

2011-03-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

If you believe in magic come along with me

We’ll dance until morning just you and me

And we’ll go dancing baby then you’ll see

How the magic’s in the music and the music’s in me

Will we ever learn what makes music work such magic in our lives?

Probably not. It's magic.

Tragedy in my City

2011-03-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Not in my city

Please not in my neighborhood

She disappeared on the way to book club

Over a week and no clues

Bloodhounds and divers searching

Family and friends out of their minds with grief

I know her casually

A thoroughly delightful woman close to my own age

Her husband committed suicide on Wednesday

Normal from every indication

This lovely woman and her husband

Into their seventh decades

Living the good life

How quickly it ends

When one partner

Becomes unbalanced

Lanford Wilson, Playwrite

2011-03-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

1937 ~ 2011

Lanford Wilson was born in 1937 in Lebanon Missouri ~ a city I have visited many times. Mr. Wilson was a prolific artist .. writing some seventeen
full-length plays and more than thirty one-acts. His settings were both rural and urban, but most revealed his heart through rich and emotional dramas centered on the struggles of small-town Missouri life. I 've seen ‘Hot L Baltimore’ .. ‘Fifth of July’ .. and ‘Talley’s Folly’ (for which he won a Pulitzer .)

I was born and raised in Illinois close to St. Louis. Wilson's beloved Ozark Mountains are dear to my heart as well. My maternal ancestors hailed from that part of the country, my mother and step-father lived in the Ozark foothills for many years. Wilson’s plays always strike a chord deep inside me, as they do countless others. We will miss his creative genius.

Emerging

2011-03-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

Charlie ~ Boy / Man

It's Here

2011-03-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

Huskies Rule!!!!!
Yippee!!! I called it.

(Well .... it's not going to be Notre Dame!!!)

BUT .......... UConn is still alive! Updated March 28th ......

Complete March Madness

My picks?

UConn and Notre Dame in the final!

Any more fans out there?

Already had a few upsets .. more to come .. after all it's a

Mad, Mad March!

Band of Green

2011-03-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

Notre Dame 'Fighting Irish' Band

The oldest continuous college band in the United States

You know they're celebrating in South Bend Indiana

Making Rain

2011-03-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

The Rainmaker has come to the end of its run ... I'm going to miss working backstage.
This was a GREAT cast, AMAZING director and WONDERFUL crew!

Starbuck ~ Rainmaker

Noah Curry

Nightly Ritual

Mishaps? Antics?

We had a few!

In random order!
An entire scene played with an open fly (jeans ~ we think/hope no one noticed)

Jimmy Curry

Sofa leg collapsed twice (no injuries - repaired) ~ audience laughter/groans

Lizzie Curry

A few missed cues ~ pure genius ad-libs

Deputy File

Tack Room set got stuck during scene change (twice)

Massive backstage pretzel consumption

Sheriff

Possibility of performing Heimlich Maneuver backstage (pretzel induced / not necessary)

Uncontrollable backstage giggles (of the silent, tear-producing variety)

H. C. Curry

'Throwing leg over chair' stunt mishap (no injury, more ad-libs)

Fight scene gone wrong (injured knee - three times/same actor)

Director, Susan

Celebrate Diversity

2011-03-12T09:19:00.000-08:00

Discrimination comes in many forms

For folks outside the prescribed norms

A glance, a stare, a muffled laugh

The tactless taunt, the senseless gaffe

It's Shrove Tuesday!

2011-03-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Pancakes

I think that I shall never see
A pancake paired with Cornish Tea
A fresh baked scone with clotted cream
Merely a Roman Catholic's dream
Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day is here
Confession time ~ nothing to fear
Saint Pancake says it's meant to be
Feast first and next a fast for me
Pancakes to last the whole day long
I need those carbs to keep me strong
Through forty days and forty nights
A Lenten season marked by rites
Then with a flourish it does end
Rebirth the message that we send
And back to what was meant to be
No pancakes with my Cornish Tea

Simply Fabulous ~ Pre-fab!

2011-03-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

Family and friends know I have had a long-standing love affair with small home design and decor ~~ cottages, cabins, walls of glass, stone fireplaces, reclaimed wood floors, rustic furniture, down-filled cushions, beds piled high with fluffy comforters, candle chandeliers .........

Recently I discovered a prefabricated home right here in my smallish city!

(next photo)

... Which led me into all manner of research and hours of daydreaming.

Take a peek at these prime examples of prefabricated gems.

One day ~ yes, one day ~ I will find the perfect piece of land and have my very own cozy, energy efficient, add-my-own-touches, eco-friendly, spectacular prefab home!

Is Time Running Out?

2011-02-27T14:04:00.000-08:00

The summer before we began high school ~ 1955

Without a care in the world

That's me in the middle ~ back row

Senior Prom ~ 1959

You know the years are slipping away when your high school reunion committee decides NOT to wait for the 55th reunion ~ choosing to have a '70th birthday bash' this summer!

Time is slip, slip, slipping away!

Hello Honey!

2011-02-23T10:38:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows bread ~ warm and crusty ~ is delicious dipped in olive oil ...

Olive oil with fresh garlic ...

Olive oil with balsamic vinegar ...

For an incredible treat try drizzling a little honey over the olive oil in your dipping dish ....

WOW!

Firin' Up The Grill

2011-02-20T11:27:00.001-08:00

Welcome ...

Have a seat ...

I'll be right out with the frosted mugs and ice cold beer ...

Yee - Haw!!!

Have You ~ Or Haven't You?

2011-02-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

Image ~ Dennis Adler

I did ~ Many, many times.

There was one shoe store in the small town I grew up in. The owner was a charming man named Norman Bendel ~~~ and my father's best friend. As a child, I was given free reign to wander about this paradise .... emerging a hopelessly hooked shoe addicted young woman! My first toddler shoes, school shoes, penny loafers, saddle shoes, church shoes,

grown-up kitten heels, prom dancing shoes ... all came from Bendel's.

Norman also had the only shoe x-ray machine for miles around. My sisters and I loved poking our toes inside that machine ~ mesmerized by the image of our wiggly, glowing toes and bones! Throughout the country advertisements encouraged parents to bring children to stores with the x-ray machines ~ 'with the proper fit fewer pairs of shoes would have to be purchased for themselves and their children.' Important in the post-war years.

While the theoretical dangers of excessive radiation exposure were already fairly well known then within scientific circles, real data on 'shoe store exposure' didn't appear until the late 1940s. By the end of the 50s most machines were gone!

Many questions about the potential health effects of those x-ray machines have surfaced through the years (skin and bone marrow damage, growth problems, cancers.)

Norman Bendel certainly spent a fair amount of time bent over that machine ...

and lived till the ripe old age of 94!

The Rainmaker ~ Backstage Crew!

2011-02-13T13:45:00.000-08:00

I'm at it again, working crew on a local production of 'The Rainmaker.' I really enjoy being backstage ~ most likely the closest I will ever get to onstage. (Except when the lights are dimmed, music is cued and I'm moving props around.) Opening night is this Friday, the play runs four weekends. 2nd Street Theater is small intimate venue ~ with seating for around 100. We're hoping for sold-out weekends, no snow and happy audiences.

The director is a very talented actress I worked with on 'Steel Magnolias' and 'Harvey.' The cast is awesome. I'd forgotten the movie (not Burt Lancaster!!) I had never seen the play. Who knows? Maybe one day I will take an acting lesson - or a whole slew of them - and muster up the courage to audition.

A small role.

Something to cross off my bucket list!

Rolling on the floor?

2011-02-11T10:38:00.000-08:00

My wonderfully zany, brilliant, hysterically funny sister sent this to me. It's way too great not to share.

Once again, The Washington Post has published the winning submissions to its yearly neologism contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words.

The winners are:

1. Coffee (n.), the person upon whom one coughs.
2. Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained.
3. Abdicate (v.), to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
4. Esplanade (v.), to attempt an explanation while drunk.
5. Willy-nilly (adj.), impotent.
6. Negligent (adj.), describes a condition in which you absentmindedly answer the door in your nightgown.
7. Lymph (v.), to walk with a lisp.
8. Gargoyle (n.), olive-flavored mouthwash.
9. Flatulance (n.) emergency vehicle that picks you up after you are run over by a steamroller.
10. Balderdash (n.), a rapidly receding hairline.
11. Testicle (n.), a humorous question on an exam.
12. Rectitude (n.), the formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.
13. Pokemon (n), a Rastafarian proctologist.
14. Oyster (n.), a person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.
15. Frisbeetarianism (n.), (back by popular demand): The belief that when you die, your Soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.
16. Circumvent (n.), an opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish men.

The Washington Post's Style Invitational also asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.

Here are this year's winners:

1. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
2. Foreploy (v): Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.
3. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period.
4. Giraffiti (n): Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.
5. Sarchasm (n): The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
6. Inoculatte (v): To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
7. Hipatitis (n): Terminal coolness.
8. Osteopornosis (n): A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
9. Karmageddon (n): its like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.
10. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.11.
Glibido (v): All talk and no action.
12. Dopeler effect (n): The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
13. Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
14. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
15. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a grub in the fruit you're eating.

And the pick of the literature:

16. Ignoranus (n): A person who's both stupid and an asshole.

Time To Say Goodbye

2011-01-23T07:59:00.000-08:00

Christopher ~ Arriving

Time to hit Mt. Bachelor ~ Ski Day ~ Brother and Sister

Perfect Conditions ... Perfect Day!

How to say goodbye .. It's so hard

Your children are always kids .. No matter their age

Last Night ~ No Ordinary Lasagna

2011-01-18T09:55:00.000-08:00

Mama Mia! Talk about authentic!

Traditional Bolognaise Lasagna

The magic is in the Sofrito Sauce ~ simmered for hours

Chef Christopher sauted minced shallots, celery, carrots, garlic and green onions in olive oil until a light brown color ~~

Equal amounts of Mild Italian sausage and ground beef ~ browned

Crushed tomatoes

Tomato sauce

Tomato puree

Red wine

Cracked pepper

Red chili flakes

Sugar

Parsley

Basil

Mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, cottage cheese and eggs for the filling

Sliced sauted mushrooms layered between noodles / cheeses

Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles

Sweet Red Pepper garnish

We consumed the larger dish ...

plenty left over for today!

Personal Chef Lands in Bend!

2011-01-16T20:54:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah ......... He's back in Bend

For one whole week ~~ He's ours!

My son Christopher is a professional chef at Mystic Lake Resort and Casino in Minneapolis. He polished his skills at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix and the Whitney Hotel in Minneapolis. He is also an accomplished ice sculptor.

I prepared dinner this evening ~ dinners the remainder of the week are the Chef's responsibility

~ his Christmas gift to we lucky Bendites ~

Bend is a great place to vacation, any time of the year. Mt. Bachelor, our ski mountain, is twenty minutes away and is packed with snow. Snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, tubing are favorites too.

We have miles and miles of hiking trails, art galleries, the High Desert Museum, local theater and live music in numerous venues. Folks are friendly, traffic is manageable. Currently our weather is on the mild side ... highs in the low 50's ... low's in the high 30's. We have over 300 days of beautiful sunshine each year.

Chris arrived from extremely cold temperatures and huge amounts of snow in the Twin Cities.

He is happy to be here. We are thrilled he's here.

Thanks for a great Season!

2011-01-10T00:05:00.000-08:00

IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR ..... THANKS University of OREGON

GO DUCKS!
2012 Here we come!

Just when we were wondering what to serve tonight for the BIG GAME our local newspaper provided us with Duck Food inspiration!

As they point out ... it's the Championship Game ... 'time to go beyond standard tailgate fare.'

** Stuff The Quarterback Mushrooms **

** Duck Eggs **

** Football Cheese Ball **

** University of Oregon Brownie Pops **

** 'Chip' and Blue Cheese Dip (coach's name is Chip) **

One caveat ~ Never serve duck ... we're fans, we're not eating duck!

I draw the line at Rice Krispies treats with green food coloring ~ way too hard to remove that green tinge from your teeth and tongue!

Rumor has it the Auburn Tigers fans have added dishes with names like Duck Hunt Menu, Lame Duck appetizer and Three Heisman cocktails!

THE NERVE!

Yes ... we are underdogs in this, the ultimate battle. My money is on the Ducks!

Down to the wire, tied with ten seconds to go ..... doesn't get more exciting!

It was an exciting game. There's always next season

Slip, Slidin' Away

2011-01-05T08:39:00.001-08:00

Stayin' Alive

Wardrobe essential out here in snowy mountain country ...
ever so glam!

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T10:04:00.001-08:00

Baby New Year

It's going to be a good one ......

Happy New Year!

2010-12-18T10:53:00.000-08:00

Angel On Earth

2010-12-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

Most of you who follow Living Boldly know I cared for my mother during the last five years of her life ....

Christmas is the time I miss her most ....

Activities, crafts, music and games were a huge part of her daily life in Memory Care.

One afternoon during a visit, she proudly presented her latest work of art ..

This hand painted ceramic angel!

When I told her how lovely the angel was ~ she asked 'don't you know who it is?' I asked who .. her reply .. 'why, it's you!'

My mother was a real angel ~ on Earth

Just In The Nick Of Time

2010-12-12T13:41:00.000-08:00

Now resting in my office / loft

Timing is perfect

Wouldn't you say

Cookies and eggnog

Yule Log and candies

This should keep the pounds at bay

Need I Say More?

2010-12-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

My son Carl

GO DUCKS!

Through my Skylight

2010-11-30T08:36:00.000-08:00

Icy shadows
On a sunny day

Just One Thing

2010-11-27T10:16:00.000-08:00

The holidays are for giving ~ the giving of gifts ... also the giving of compassion to those in need.

So many people are living through difficult times.
Open your hearts ~ your pantries, your closets.

Shelters and food banks need donations. We can make a difference ... If each of us contributes just one can of food, or one packaged toy, or one item of clothing ~ the impact will be felt one million times over!

PLEASE HELP!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T08:58:00.001-08:00

From Snowy
Bend Oregon

Passion Works

2010-11-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

Beautiful flowers made from recycled aluminum, hand painted ..
small, medium and large sizes

Tree ornaments

Glass cutting boards

Decorative tiles

Clocks

During October I spent four days in Athens, Ohio with my sister.
During a conversation with the owner of a small gift shop we learned about Passion Works ~ a collaborative of artists with - and without - developmental disabilities.
The gift shop owner carried a few of the 'one-of-a-kind' art pieces produced at the Passion Works Studio in downtown Athens.
I support anything that enhances the quality of life for disabled people ~ so, off we went to the Studio to see firsthand what happens there.
We fell in love with everything we saw, made a few purchases and suddenly it was closing time.
We treated ourselves to a return visit the next day.
Major holiday shopping !!

Love, love!

2010-11-15T09:06:00.001-08:00

Reading is magical
Reading transports me
To another place
Another time
I love the feel of a book
The smell of an old book .. a new book
I love turning page after page
Until I am finished

I also love my new Kindle
The ease of transporting it
The feel of it in my hand
It weighs practically nothing

Winter months are reading months
Cozy under a layer of down
Fireplace keeping me company
Tea brewed and ready for sipping

Motorcycle Mama

2010-11-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

Oh Yes ... That's Me!
(Yesterday's treasure?) What a trip!
I didn't spend the entire month on the back of a bike .. but I can tell you I thoroughly enjoyed the hours I did!

My son is awesome ... I never felt more safe.

(after my legs stopped shaking)

Gone, gone, gone

2010-10-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

Doing a wee bit of travel through the end of October ....
see you when I return!

I Just Might Dance All Night

2010-09-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

It's here ... the night we've been waiting for .. I'm ready!

Dress, shoes, jewelry, a few hair extensions, professional makeup!

Intoxicating fragrance!

I realize until this very night everyone thought I was bringing

Jude Law to the Willow Ball ........

BREAKING NEWS !!!!

Out with the old .....

In with the new ......

Mr. Stafford Ray

You know him as a poet, playwrite, novelist, musician, teacher, philosopher, environmentalist, political activist, funnyman and all around good guy!Stafford lives in Australia ~ given the difference in time zones we had to do some serious logistic maneuvering

Dancing shoes on ... ready, set, go!!

Cookie Jar Capers

2010-09-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

Recently a friend asked if I would create a little story book for her six year old daughter using my cookie jar collection as inspiration .... I couldn't refuse. Her little one, Mandy, is beginning to develop an interest in 'helping' her mom in the kitchen ... much to the dismay (at times) of her mom.

I am attempting to re-create the story in 'blog form!'

Cookie Jar Capers

Psst ... psst ... It's your Mother!

Attention! Attention!

It's time to have fun

They're all sound asleep

Tucked snug in their beds

Chocolate and chip dreams

Are filling their heads

The kitchen is quiet

All tidy and dark

Time for our get-away

Let's head for the park

Our ponies are ready

The merry-go-round waits

Follow me my little ones

We'll sneak right through the gates

Dear Peanut! Miss Cupcake!

Master Dough-boy! Little Mouse!

Night time is our fun time

When we escape from the house

Wise Owl has warned us

Old McHam-Burglar is near

But we have Big Dog

And Fierce Pig

So, nothing to fear

We dance and we frolic

All through the long night

Then head home for dream time

When night sky becomes light

And the Winner Is ....

2010-09-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Was there ever any doubt?

Seventh Floor, Please

2010-09-18T00:31:00.000-07:00

Birthdays are fun ... each one brings anticipation and reflection

Today I turn 69

I had expected it would be difficult ~ leaving middle age behind

It isn't!

It's liberating!

I no longer feel a need to prove myself

I live each day in almost child-like anticipation of what will be

I continue to learn, to challenge myself, take risks, embrace life

This is a good day ...

Willow Ball

2010-09-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

I've heard it said that Tess of Willow Manor is the most lovely, gracious, generous, creative hostess in the world.

My date for the Ball?

Get ready!

Shut Up!

It's true!

JUDE LAW

Don't you just love that all-over 'scruff' he wears so beautifully?

(I know ..... older woman ~ younger man ... yada, yada!)

It's taking me forever to choose my gown, shoes and jewelry!

I need your help!

Option #1 .... Fuchsia

Option #2 .... Red

Option #3 .... Lavender

Jude is jetting across the Atlantic to fetch me .....

When the dancing has ended and the last drop of champagne sipped
I will have memories to last a lifetime ~ or at least until next year!

Meet Gimpy & His Pals

2010-09-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

We are blessed to have many deer living in this part of Oregon ~

avid gardeners don't seem to share my warm, fuzzy feelings!

It's not unusual for me to glance out my loft window ... to observe the deer as they feed. Everything is so lush and green now ~ a veritable feast for them!
In the photo above, you can see 'Gimpy' whose left rear leg is deformed.

* My granddaughter named him several years ago *

He was either injured or born with his deformity ~ still he hangs out with all the deer pals and appears healthy.

Oops, I think they spotted me ..
Yet, they don't run off.

Aren't they precious?

It's almost Sunday ... the beginning of a brand new week ...
enjoy!

The Unbearable Lightness Of Being ??

2010-08-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

The Unbearable Lightness of Being?

DEFINITION:

When your almost 14-year old grandson gets into your car and the conversation goes like this:

Me: Charlie, you probably could have walked home from here.

Charlie: That's funny Woonie .. I was just getting ready to thank you for driving me all over town this whole summer.

Me: I wouldn't trade spending time with you for anything. I enjoy you. I always want to be there for you .. as long as you need me.

Charlie: Well, at least until I'm sixteen and I can drive.

Me: Even after.

Charlie: You have a really nice personality, Woonie. I like spending time with you.

When he is seventeen, I am going to remind him of this conversation!

Senior Portrait ~ Creative Version

2010-08-18T08:44:00.000-07:00

Local photographer, Jill Rosell, snapped this photo of my granddaughter
Jennifer. The shoot took place near the Deschutes River, among wildflowers and millions of mosquitoes.
(Jen was actually submerged in the water ~ what a trooper)

Cheer Leading ~ How It Relates To Crime

2010-08-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Me ... the blond with long hair

I grew up in a small town ~ 1,200 people give or take a few ~ barely cognizant of what lay beyond Caseyville Illinois. I sang in the choir, played my flute, twirled a baton ... never thought about being a cheerleader ........

UNTIL (Ta-da) Margie Lou Wortman appeared on the sceneMargie was my seventh grade teacher. She had long red hair, smoked, had a neat wardrobe AND she drove a turquoise convertible ~

in the 50's!
Doesn't get any better!
But Margie Lou had a dark side ~ through no fault of her own, mind you.
Her father was Ted Wortman ... Buster Wortman's brother! I realize you won't recognize the name ~ however 'The Wortman Gang' was notorious in Illinois and Missouri from the 20's through the 50's. The fact that they lived in my tiny town was a claim to fame. Believe it or not, Buster built his home on a tiny island, accessible by a moat! Ted (and Margie Lou) lived not far from us in a huge home, complete with stable, horses and acreage.

Folks! We're talking real gang stuff here! Organized crime, murder, corruption, gaming, gambling, bribery, bootlegging. Buster was considered to be Al Capone's 'representative' in the greater East St. Louis Illinois area. His brother, Ted .. right there by his side. Partners in crime. Prostitution, narcotics and kidnapping were the only segments of the underworld they were never involved in.

Margie Lou was a recent college graduate, she was 'with it', unlike the rest of our ancient teachers. She decided the boys' basketball team needed a female cheer squad to spur them on to victory. Every girl in my eighth grade class showed up for tryouts ... all nineteen of us. Six of us would be chosen. To this day I'll never know how I made it ~ I couldn't even master a cartwheel ... though I did a mean 'splits!'
What became of Margie Lou, her father and uncle?
We were a cheer leading squad for only one year. Margie Lou wasn't

re-hired. She left the area, we never saw her again.

Buster and Ted grew old, their legal battles and the loss of their coin machine territories greatly diminished their fortunes ... however they remained in control of the Southern Illinois gambling scene until their deaths.

YES ... I can still twirl a baton
I can still belt out a ballad
I still play my flute
I no longer attempt the splits!

The Livin' Was Definitely Easy

2010-08-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

June, July and August have been leisurely .... and long ..........

Trips to Eugene & Portland

Visiting the many lovely lakes surrounding Bend

Mt. Bachelor ~ chair ride up and down ~ for lunch
(I don't like heights!)

First Friday Art Walks

Gallery Hopping

Hiking

Outdoor Dining

Homemade Ice Cream

Antique Shopping

Outdoor Concerts

Community Theater

Farmer's Market on Wednesdays

~~ my days and evenings were full ~~

I also managed to read a few books and volunteer at Memory Care!

Sadly, three of my favorite residents passed away.

Though I took a break from Living Boldly, I continued to write poetry for Poetry Matters (couldn't resist the temptation) and in the process discovered many extremely talented writers.

Writers who were kind to me ... in spite of my feeble attempts.

I looked at your blogs from time to time and left comments on a few ... in the coming weeks I will make it a priority to play a little catch up.

I missed you!

****************

You may recall this display table I dreamed of transforming ....

The finished table ~ now to transport it to Greece or the south of France for those outdoor meals!

Deck Re-Do .....

Well worth all the hard work!

Both upper and lower decks ....

The 'Glass Mangos' ~ my grandson Charlie on the left!
Performed all over town ~ quite nicely too .. earning a few dollars in the process.
Shoes? Optional!

My 17-year old granddaughter Jennifer bit the bullet and took on a summer job at a local juice cafe .... money for gas, insurance and clothes!
My daughter (in straw hat) and the mother of my grandchildren river rafting!
She managed to stay in the raft!
And finally ~ flying off to Minnesota on August 23rd ~ for a week.

Reunions with many old friends +++ four relaxing days on Gull Lake

.... With My Three Sons

Summer Beckons ~ And I Follow

2010-05-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

I made a valiant attempt to 'step away from blogging' last summer and failed miserably!

This summer things are going to be different.

Summer officially begins for me on June 1st.

Though I will miss you, the prospect of returning in August ~~ catching up with your blogs and your lives ~~ is something I look forward to with sweet anticipation.

Magpie Number Sixteen

2010-05-27T09:24:00.001-07:00

SPLAY ~ Such An Ugly Word

I was an addict
Surrounded by shoes
High heels and pointy toes
In hundreds of hues

Until one dark day
When I learned of my fate
And came to discover
A word I would hate

As my doctor explained it
My feet ~~ they would splay
Splay? I was puzzled
Could I keep that at bay

No way to stop it
The damage was done
Now it's loafers and flip-flops
The splayed feet have won

Simplicity

2010-05-25T10:58:00.000-07:00

I found this most unique piece in downtown Bend .... loved it the minute I saw it!

This candle holder was handcrafted by Jonathan Black (Bella Barrel) from recycled American and French Oak used in wine barrels.

100% made from the parts of each barrel. A 'green' product!

Jonathan is a fourth generation wood-craftsman with a real passion and love for what he does. He grew up in Sonoma County in the heart of the Valley of the Moon, California.

His life experience in the wine country is where he draws inspiration for the design and style of his wine barrel furnishings.

Magpie Number Fifteen

2010-05-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

GO FISH !!

SUMMER
When the living is easy
Fish are jumping
Every meal a feast

FALL
Leaves clog streams
Thoughts turn to raking
And sharing fish stories - in front of a roaring fire

WINTER
Fish seek the warmest spots in their waters
Adapting to the cold winter
Sleeping as much as possible

SPRING
Life begins anew
Simply the best time for fishing
Shallow waters are full

And fish are easier to catch!

Brought to You in Living Color!

2010-05-18T09:45:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I had the opportunity to spend time in one of the most charming homes I've seen. Vibrant color everywhere ~ Quirky, unique artwork ~ Light-filled open spaces!
A few of my favorite images!

Magpie Number Fourteen

2010-05-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Flying high above
Winter Fall Summer and Spring
Lovers forever

Kayaks As Art

2010-05-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

Newest addition to Bend's round-about art!

"YAKAYA"

A little battered ~ a little sore ~ a little black & blue

2010-05-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

Surgery day dawned bright and sunny.

8:30am appointment.
On table by 9:15.

Great news ~ only one layer of tissue had to be removed.

Cancer gone.

Black eye on the horizon - soon.

Nose a little crooked right now ~ and numb.

Must sleep with head elevated tonight.

Pressure bandage on next 24 hours.

Stitches out next Tuesday.

Then steri-strips.

The healing process begins!

Magpie Number Thirteen

2010-05-07T09:18:00.001-07:00

The Operating Theater

It's Christmas morning
I'm seven years old
Tree lights are twinkling
Tinsel shining bright gold
'Modest means' describes us
We always get by
Under our tree
Homemade gifts are piled high

Do my eyes deceive me
Can it really be true
Is that a real life dolly
With eyes of clear blue

Santa has brought me
What I'd dreamed of all year
A doll I will cherish
A doll to hold dear

The years pass by quickly
My doll 'Gerrie' grows old
One eye is missing
A sight to behold
Still I treasure my Gerrie
She is part of my life
I will fix my dear dolly
Take her under the knife

I find a replacement
With eyes oh so blue
And within a few minutes
She's as good as brand new

D D B S D

2010-05-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

And just what does this stand for ?????

DARING DARLING BATHROOM SNAPPING DIVAS

It's a party and we are all invited.

If you hurry, you can just make it!

Who could resist the many charms of Shelia ~ new grandmother, funny lady and all-around nice gal? She is the only person in the world who could coax me into doing this!

The rules are (there are no rules!) .... bring a camera, a mirror, a smile & snap away.

Anyway ...... this is my (last) bathroom snap ~ EVER ... for better or worse!

Have fun looking at these bloggers in various stages of undress ~ all quite chaste and proper of course.

52 Years ~ And It Still Hurts

2010-05-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

Ralph Klenke ... August 2, 1912 ~ May 4, 1958

My father passed away on this day fifty-two years ago.

Out of nowhere, not feeling well one day .... in the hospital the next .... gone the next.

I never had a chance to say goodbye or whisper a last 'I love you Daddy.'

I was a teenager ~ sometimes an obnoxious teen! I hope he knew how much I cherished him.

My dad was smart, talented, creative and sensitive (though he tried his best not to let us see the soft side of him.)

I wish my children and grandchildren had known him .... I see the best parts of him in each of them.

Daddy ~ I Love You

Magpie Number Twelve

2010-05-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

From a Fish's Perspective

When turmoil rages all around me
Safe inside my big glass bowl
I swim protected from the danger
The dog, the cat, the lurking stranger

OH !! I may have spoken prematurely
For just within peripheral view
Blood-red talons poised to grab me
Voice proclaiming "I'll get you my pretty!"

No need to worry the fortune teller explains
It's your fish bowl I need for just a few hours

My globe has become murky, the magic powers gone
You may stay if you're quiet ~ I need your home till it's dawn

Her creepy red hand then opened
With incense, strange music and candles burning bright
She began her strange,rhythmic chanting
Telling our fortunes throughout the long night

Keep swimming! Keep swimming!
No place to hide! I am not frightened ~ I will survive!
I am living inside a most magical place
A fish out of water ~ A fish lost in space

At sunrise - as promised - she bid me farewell
Never to return, no more fortunes to tell
Was it a dream? Was it real? Who can really say?
For fish tales and fairy tales are lived every day

Serious Stuff

2010-04-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

A confession. I am a sun worshipper. That is, I was a sun worshipper ... from my teens through my 40's. As a child of the 50's ~ we used iodine and baby oil to achieve our golden glow!

I've had skin cancer multiple times.

My first?

Back in the late 80's ~~ a basal cell on my left shoulder.

A few more here and there over the years, lots of freezing/burning little cancers and precancerous sun spots.

Then, in the mid 90's a larger basal cell in the middle of my forehead requiring Mohs Surgery. Mohs is a specialized method of removing skin cancer ~ it's removing layers of tissue, one at a time, examining the tissue under a microscope, continuing the process ~ until there are no more cancer cells evident!

It's not extremely painful, lots of numbing of the area. It can be time consuming depending on how many layers of tissue are removed. In 2008 I had biopsies on both sides of my nose.

(by this time I could diagnose them myself)

More Mohs surgery. I was quite fortunate to find a dermatologist in my city who specializes in Mohs. He was able to close the dime-size wounds with skin flaps ~ taking skin from adjacent areas of my nose and fitting the skin into place ~ somewhat like working a jig-saw puzzle. Healing and recovery are lengthy, I've been lucky .. left with scars I can cover with make-up.

For the past several months I had been watching an area on my left cheek ~ a blemish that was there, then not there, then back again ~ never really gone ~ a real indicator of skin cancer. Sure enough, after a biopsy last month I have another skin cancer that must be removed.

Mohs Surgery again!

This one won't be as easy to 'close' I suspect. Don't know if a flap will fix things this time. I may need a graft from a site elsewhere on my body, most likely behind my ear or the back of my neck.

The reason for sharing my story ???

It's simple! Please don't abuse tanning!

NEVER use a tanning bed!

Use sun screen religiously!

Stay out of the sun during mid-day if possible ~ wear a hat!

Pay attention to your skin ~~ all of it!

See your dermatologist once a year ~~ especially if you have abused the sun

My surgery is set for May 11th ~~ I'll be back with the story.

Magpie Number Eleven

2010-04-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

The Journey to Dinner

I watch them as their day comes to a close
The continuous shuffling of bodies and souls

Some of them walking unaided

Some of them walking assisted

Some of them being pushed in chairs

The familiar journey to a room

Most of them can't recall from day to day

I wonder ~ will he or she be there the next time I visit
I've grown so fond of them all

EARTH DAY ~~ EMBRACE IT!

2010-04-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Magpie Tales ~ 10

2010-04-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

No need for clocks

No need for watches

Death comes on its own time frame

Like a thief in the night

Stealing your most precious possession

Living Boldly

Teaser

Headin' Out

Oh Boy!!!!!

Happy New Year 2012!

Scanning The Globe

She Has A Gift

160 For Sunday

Friday 55

What's In A Dream

Sunday 160

Giving Thanks

Sunday 160 - Oh Baby!

Flash Friday ~ 55

Batter Up

Carl Turns 50!!!!

Willow Manor Ball

Grandchildren are a treasure

Maddy's Coming Home Outfit

Monkey Faces

Forever

Now This Is Exciting

Re-entry ~ Wheeeeee!

Summer

See You In September

Rub-a-dub-dub

Congratulations Jennifer

Friday Flash 55 Dream

Loving

Memorial Day

Found!

On The Sleeping Porch

ZENN Car

Best Black Licorice

Sammy

The Most Beautiful Shoes In The World

Tag ~ You're It

Jennifer Louise Is Eighteen

I am 'SO' not French

A Little Sketchy

New Excuse!

Sixth Sense

Music Makes The World Go Round

Tragedy in my City

Lanford Wilson, Playwrite

Emerging

It's Here

Band of Green

Making Rain

Celebrate Diversity

It's Shrove Tuesday!

Simply Fabulous ~ Pre-fab!

Is Time Running Out?

Hello Honey!

Firin' Up The Grill

Have You ~ Or Haven't You?

The Rainmaker ~ Backstage Crew!

Rolling on the floor?

Time To Say Goodbye

Last Night ~ No Ordinary Lasagna

Personal Chef Lands in Bend!

Thanks for a great Season!

Slip, Slidin' Away

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

Angel On Earth

Just In The ** Nick ** Of Time

Need I Say More?

Through my Skylight

Just One Thing

Happy Thanksgiving

Passion Works

Love, love!

Motorcycle Mama

Gone, gone, gone

I Just Might Dance All Night

Cookie Jar Capers

And the Winner Is ....

Seventh Floor, Please

Willow Ball

Just In The Nick Of Time