Oh my

The fun we can have on the Internet sometimes boggles my mind. Pity on those of us who need to get work done! These images were created using my top website for the week, a little site called obamicon.me. Try it and send me your images!

PS Sorry there is no list!

a few signs that it's spring!

1. The kitty is frantic, she wants to go out
2. Kids in the neighborhood play and shout
3. Plants in the yard are beginning to sprout
(they seem to know what it’s all about)

4. Students are wearing their sneakers and shorts
(A shedding of their fur, of sorts)
5. Everyone seems geared up for sports
6. And many are hogging the tennis courts!

________________________



And some photos of a recent trip to Ephrata, PA!



A local flea market had so much stuff ....



But oddly enough I couldn't find anything I wanted to buy

At a conference center ladies room, detailed instructions on How To Wash Your Hands. But there's no indication of what to do after "then...."

Such pretty sprinkles!

Wordsmithery

Isn't this so pretty?

I happened upon this amazing little web tool today when I was looking for an illustration for an article. Wordle takes your words and makes a collage. There are loads of settings for colors and fonts. I made a a few test collages with my favorite words. It's an incomplete list in no particular order and I'm probably forgetting a million of 'em. I'll do more later! Isn't this so cool?

Try it, it's free!

• moxie
• haberdashery
• money
• fluxy
• girth
• surprise
• goofy
• sweltering
• whimsical
• sibilant
• missy
• love
• smooch
• persnickety
• snarky
• sunnier
• benign
• dowse
• lozenge
• serendipity

Here are some more, I can't stop!

Surprise!

I've come to the realization that the older I get the more I like surprises. I guess it's due to the fact that the older I get the less I happen upon surprises, maybe because I am weathered or because my life is all too predictable.

This delight over surprises is one of the things, I guess, that draws me toward the Garage Sale.

There is something so serendipitous about it. My friends who know I garage sale sometimes ask me what I'm looking for, and I answer, "I don't really know." And I don't! The truth is that I usually have my eye out for something that I like that doesn't cost a lot of money.... a surprise!

Take the last garage sale I went to, last weekend. It was actually an estate sale--the entire contents of the house was up for grabs. It was years and years of accumulated stuff.

The woman who had lived there (I try not to think about what's happened to the people who've abandoned their worldly possessions) was clearly a sewer (read that as a person who sews, not the pipes in streets where water goes).

She had many old sewing notions, zippers, fabric, snaps, buttons, hooks, books, etc, all of which were practically being given away. No one was interested in them, that is no one except me and Tati (who is Emma's daughter and my sidekick for the day). 

I am careful not to hoard, so I chose only two books of old patterns from the 1960's, one package of piping, one package of rick-rack, and two aprons. I spent $1.50, and these few possessions are among the things I love. The books are so inspirational and fascinating!

I did some scanning and am sharing some highlights; these books are from 1968.

The yellow onezie to the right is adorable. I would definitely wear that, maybe it should be in another color and maybe a tad bit longer. But I love the styling and love the gold chain belt. The other outfits are not my cup of tea but I am in deep love with the pink shoes which the gal to the farthest left is wearing. (I'd marry them.)

I am completely weak for a onezie. The fabric is so darned fun. Her hair is so adorable (it makes me want to get mine cut). I love her accessories. The shoes are To Die For, so darned cute! One thing that scares me though about this photo is: what in the world is this woman doing? Is she dancing? Who poses that way? Is she climbing over an invisible fence? Getting in the mood for a key party? Words fail me.

Do you love the flowered number to the left as much as I do? It is girly and mod and the tights and shoes go so well. It reminds me a little bit of some things I recenly saw in the Lilly Pulitzer line, but this is way cooler. I would wear the sunglasses in a heartbeat. (The girl to the right, admittedly, looks goofy, and what is with the way she's standing?)

Finally, let me just say that this woman looks beautiful. Refined, elegant, the dress looks like something Michele Obama might wear. I love the shoes. But what fascinates me most is The Hair.


Is it real? I want me an extension that looks like that! I'd wear it every day!

(Later on I'll take some photos of the aprons and post them! I have quite a collection! Uh-oh, am I hoarding??!)

Why it's better to watch the Oscars with girls rather than boys

1. Girls are content to eat carrots and tomatos and nurse a glass of white wine, and don't need to tank up on Doritos
2. Girls know the skinny on who's who, who's dating whom, who's out of rehab and who's just had a baby.
3. Girls can discuss hair, gowns, shoes, boobs, make-up, etc until the cows come home and they do not shush you or roll your eyes or act like they don't care (because they do care, they really do!).
4. Girls have crushes on the same boys you do.
5. Girls do not change the channel during commercials to see the score of the hockey game.
6. Girls do not fall asleep and snore so loudly you cannot hear the acceptance speeches.
7. Girls are girly!

The shudda wons

After last night's Oscars, I wanted to publish my own list of who should have won in a couple of the categories.

• Best actor: They chose Sean Penn; I chose Mickey Rourke, followed closely by Richard Jenkins. Mickey Rourke might look a bit distorted (um, mangled) these days, but he was absolutely amazing amazing amazing in The Wrestler. It was painful and moving to watch. I just found him fascinating. Richard Jenkins in The Visitor was stunning.. that was an excellent movie.


• Best actress: They chose Kate Winslet; I choose Anne Hathaway.


• Best supporting actor: They chose Heath Ledger; I choose Michael Shannon from Revolutionary Road (Kate was amazing in that!)


• Best supporting actress: Those chose Penelope Cruz; I choose the same! (And I loved that Vicki Christina Barcelona, too!)

Best dressed women? Natalie Portman & Tina Fey; Tilda Swinton looked gorgy in an androgynous sort of way. The Fugly Girls say some funny things.

A silly list I found someplace

For lack of a better blog theme today, here's one of these silly lists that are making the rounds.

1. Where is your cell phone? Right here

2. Your significant other? Right here

3. Your hair? Right here (where it always is!)

4. Your mother? dead and buried.

5. Your father? ditto.

6. Your favorite thing? my camera, my kitty stamp, my bed

7. Your dream last night? scary

8. Your favorite drink? cai pirinha (but cannot spell it)

9. Your dream/goal? be really good at tennis, play the harmonica

10. What room you are in? den

11. Your hobby? photography, garage saling, bridge

12. Your fear? anger

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? someplace warm

14. Where were you last night? right here

15. Where were you this morning? with the Amish

16. Muffins? lemon poppy seed

17. Wish list item? a place in the sun

18. Where you grew up? Philadelphia

19. Last thing you did? wrote an article

20. What are you wearing? cozy stuff

21. Your TV? Ulf bought it

22. Your pets? meow

23. Friends? so dear

24. Your life? lucky and happy

25. Your mood? hopeful, tomorrow is friday

26. Missing some one? always

27. Car? wish i could drive with the top down

28. Something you're not wearing? boots

29. Your favorite store? Bookbinders Design, NK

30. Your favorite color? to wear: white; to view: bluegreen/aqua (like the sea in Southern France)

31. When is the last time you laughed? just before I began this inane list

32. Last time you cried? yesterday

33. One place that you go to over and over? trader joe's

34. One person who emails me regularly? my boss & emma

35. Your favorite place to eat? Pattis's? Mary's? Home?

What's good about coming home from Florida to Philly in February?

We were all asking ourselves that question at the airport yesterday. I was trying really really really hard to think of positive things about coming home, with much difficulty. Then, as my day progressed, I got my answers!

1. Finding a birthday present outside our front door (two books from Susan W, one Anne Lamott book, Traveling Mercies, and one called Listography, which will provide fodder for my blog for a long time to come!) Thanks Suz!

2. Seeing my sissies and the whole family for dinner, and the wonderful meal made by Cathy for my birthday. Thanks Patti and Cath!

3. Worth a special mention: Getting one of the cutest cards ever made... from my neice Sophia... see picture at right and click on it to enlarge.

4. Seeing Findus, my little kitty. (She was, by the way, Very Rude to her lovely surrogate parents, not coming out for a single a cuddle or purr, only appearing at mealtimes or to Steal A Piece Of Fish not intended for feline consumption, very very bad kitty!) But we missed her while we were gone.

5. Sleeping in my own bed (simple pleasures are the best)

6. Being able to drink tea in the morning again.

So it's not so bad. Summer is soon here.... i think. Still. Florida was a blast and I can't wait to go back.


Me on a Sanibel Island beach, shelling.


Tati in hysterics..........


because Emma literally collapsed on the beach!


A bird was fishing (what kind of bird?)


The boys were shelling



Taking my dogs for a walk


Other beachcombers

What to pack when you are going to Florida to play tennis for a long weekend

I am so excited about the upcoming trip to Florida over Presidents' Weekend.

Here is our packing list:

• 2-3 tennis skirts (we have laundry facilities)
• 2-3 tennis tops
• 2-3 prs socks
• 1 tennis hat
• 1 beach hat
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• tennis shoes (wear on plane)
• 1 pr dressy sandals
• 1 pr flip flops
• 2 bikinis
• 1 sarong or coverall
• 5 undies
• 2 bras
• 1 pr pajamas + comfy jacket for hangin out
• shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, hair product
• make-up (moisturizer, foundation if u want, blusher, mascara, eyeliner, 2 shadows, 2 lipsticks)
• razor for legs
• tweezers
• women's needs if necessary
• fake tattoos for fun
• 1 skirt
• 1 pr capris
• 1 pr jeans
• 2-3 dressy tops
• jacket/sweater that looks good
• a few pieces of jewelry
• entertainment (books, ipod, magazines, dvd's)
• tennis racquet
• camera and charger
• playing cards (2 decks)
• phone and charger
• computer for work (for me only)
• a surprise!

what have i forgotten?

List of songs with "chain" in them.

I'm feeling a bit emotionally locked up. Nothing to worry about, but today I tried -- just for fun --to think of all the songs with the word chain in them.

1. Chain of Fools
2. Unchain My Heart
3. Unchained Melody
4. Working on a Chain Gang

It's a short list. Can you think of any others?

(Photo is of Tristan and Charlie and their amazing snowman. BTW snow disappeared in the warm spell today, yay.)

Short list on Groundhog Day

Unfortunately, the groundhog closest to my neck of the woods saw that fuzzy shadow of his, and it means spring is six long weeks away. (Findy also saw her cute little shadow.)

Here is a short list of reasons why I'm am dismayed on this Groundhog Day of 2009.

1. I am tired of winter


2. I am tired of winter


3. I am tired of winter

Need I continue?

(almost) endless list on a snowday

I always get that kiddish delight when I wake up and discover that schools are closed because of a snowstorm.

Here's my list of things to do on a snowday.

1. Wake up at 5.45; it's still dark. There's no way to see what's outside without actually getting out of bed, which doesn't appeal to you. Turn on the TV instead, and wait for the school closings to roll across the bottom of the screen. Hold your breath till it gets to L for Lower Merion. It's there (!). Realize, seconds later, that Philly schools are also closed. Immediately send a quick email from your blackberry to your sister (who's a teacher) saying "yay yay yay" because you know she waits all year for a snowday, and finally it is here.
2. Quickly get up, shower, get dressed and do your toilette.
3. Go to kitchen and start breakfast. Add buckwheat to the oatmeal cause you recently heard it was very Good For You.
4. Make a pot of tea. Eat a quick breakfast. (You like the buckwheat in the oatmeal and today you've tried Lapsong Souchon tea, which you never thought you liked because of its very smokey flavor, but you realize you love it! Remind yourself of the importance of Always Trying New Things, even at this age.)
5. Work for a couple of hours, sipping yummy tea, while your child hangs out in his pajamas and watches a few TV shows about dinosaurs. Realize, even though you are not listening, that there are a few new theories about how the dinosaurs went extinct.
6. Polish your silver candlesticks just cause they are there and they need it. Put new candles in and light them. Admire their beauty.
7. Take up an offer from your child to go out and make a snowman. After all, how many snowdays do you get? Go to the cellar and hunt through your winter storage box to find your snowpants, a favorite hat you forgot about and some good waterproof gloves. Say a quiet "yay" to yourself when the snowpants fit. Appreciate the swishy sound the snowpants make when you walk, it's like music (anyone wearing snowpants makes that noise, even extremely skinny people).
8. After layering up properly and blowing out the candles, go outside and realize the icy sleety snow on the ground is not the correct kind for snowman-making. Suggest to your child taking a walk on your favorite trail. When your child agrees, set off.
9. Appreciate the quiet and the newness of the trail (no one has walked here yet) and the crunchy sound the shoes make with each step. Wonder over the fact that your child's footprints are as big as yours. Enjoy the walk, the talk and the beauty. It's not often things look like this, snowy and ice covered. Think about the movie "The Ice Storm."
10. Arrive back home, relight candles, make more tea, engage in optional activity for rest of day. (For me it's back to work.)

Five reasons to love Emma

Since it is Emma's birthday today, I'm taking the chance to list the reasons she is so great. I met Emma only two years ago when I moved back to the States. She is an incredible person. Here is why:

1. She took me completely under her wing when we met.
2. She is tons of fun, always up for whatever adventure you suggest. And she's pretty good at finding fun in the daily ratrace.
3. She is a good person. She never talks about anyone in a negative way. And she gives people the benefit of the doubt.
4. She is very generous, not necessarily with money, but with her time, energy and just herself. Sometimes she comes over with apple spice cake or Swedish cheese from IKEA. Just for the heck of it.
5. She encourages me to exercise and eat right, just by setting a good example, not by lecturing me.

Emma, if you are reading this, happy birthday!! Much love to you...

what hurts me today

What was I thinking? I must have been out of my mind when I chose to do two back-to-back weight-training classes yesterday at the gym. The first was "Abs and Arms" and the second was "Body Pump." I felt pretty good at the time, but I am paying dearly now.

Here is a list of the top three places on my body where I have the most pain:

1. Thighs - I can barely climb the steps
2. Stomach - from low to high, even breathing hurts.
3. The sides of my lower back - are they called my obliques?

But it's good pain, not bad. I've already decided to go back for more tomorrow.

Seven things to do on a very cold day

Brrrrrrr. A cold spell is upon us. Here are seven things to do on one of the coldest days of the year.

1. Dress in comfortable clothes.
2. Pick your favorite place in the house.
3. Light lots of candles.
4. Prepare a pot of tea.
5. Get one or two blankets and drape them over yourself.
6. Extra important: Call your kitty and make sure she curls up on your blanket. And purrs.
7. Engage in optional activity: work, read, do the crossword, watch tv.

Sheer bliss....