Fat Tuesday

Yes a weight post. The horror! I promise it'll be brief and I will only subject my readers to kvetching about corpulence once a month. Yes, I have reserved the first Tuesday (Mardi Gras, how ingeniously appropos.) until my desired ass size is achieved.

I realized last week whilst scheduling my appointment with the neurologist- who, by the way has loud, hard rock hold music and a gum chewing receptionist, that I'd likely have to resume taking the metabolism maligning migraine medication. This was met with great trepidation the first time around and that was 25 pounds ago. Now, at max weight for my current wardrobe's capacity, it is a crying shame. Alas my friends, I must pick myself up from the sweet comforts of my sofa and get to work.

Losing weight is hard work. I'm still not sure where the erroneous science of gaining weight and losing weight came from. Surely, not from a woman age 30 and over. As many of us can attest, losing things- keys, your mind and the like is an easy task. Whilst gaining, as in muscle mass, momentum and energy is not. So, I present the following corrective argument and action plan: I found the extra padding on my ass and the extra chin and am now working towards gaining the discipline to stay away from the donuts and the comforts of my couch. A process that will be meticulously recorded and shared with you all the first Tuesday of each month until I lose my mind...er I mean the weight.

Joe, formerly known as Favorite Guy-I kid, I'm just being whiney, will not join me on my mission. If any of you are up for making a semi-conscious lifestyle change, feel free to share your tried and true tips and stories of triumph and carbs-deprived tragedy right here, same time, same place, each and every first Tuesday of the month. Peace.

Love, Lambs & Silence

ATC-Love.Lamb.Silence by: T.Allen-Mercado 09/08

The initial plan entailed a weekend replete with activities and socialization. Some time Friday evening between deep breaths and trying to ward off the brewing anxiety surrounding a-not double, but triple date, I crashed.

I was missing my friend (Joe) and, I didn't want to share our time together with anyone else. I felt like being moody, brooding and pensive. I didn't want to sit through a comedy show. I didn't feel much like laughing. I didn't feel much like talking. I wanted the warmth, the comfort, the silence of sated hearts; an unspoken understanding. I wanted the stillness of being in love. I wanted to toss my cloak of courage and bask in all of my sheepish vulnerability. I wanted to be emotionally naked. I wanted to rejoice in the contained freedom that only art and love provide me. And, I did. It was heavenly. What will you do to nurture your spirit this week? Peace.

Shutter Click & Chat 9/28

Shutter Click & Chat 9/28

Fantasy Wardrobe Remix

Cha Cha Matador cap $85 ravinstyle.com , Grace ring $18 prettyinpeace.etsy.com, black leather boots with contrasting white stitching mine since 1999! Hayden Harnet Yoko Colorblock dress $220 ravinstyle.com. Now where will we go? And, what will you wear? Don't forget to link up! Peace.

Shutter Click & Chat 10/5: Mother Nature's Marvels

A tree, a bird, a blossom, a berry-show me one of Mother Nature's marvels.

Shoes!

Few things excite me more than shoes. One can never have too many and, contrary to what Favorite Guy says there is no such thing as too expensive when it comes to your happiness. Growth and lifestyle changes (ahimsa and aparigraha) have certainly put a cap on my unlimited and excessive shoe hoarding, but the love is still going strong.

I knew to choose just 10 pairs would be way too challenging, so I went with the 10 pairs most recently worn. Plus, they were the boxes I could get to without clearing the chair of my favorite but un-hung jeans and tops! Here are some brief intros. I guess if you click on my dandy collage, you can zoom in on the glory!

Top left: Puma Anjan in green and blue-I bought a pair for myself and my girlfriend because they matched my favorite green, $5.00 clearance sweater and they're St. Patrick's Day chic! BCBG Girls barely there black leather sandals-these are my sexy shoes. I love the way they look against my skin and unpolished (I hate nail polish.) toenails. Freedom black leather boots with contrast stitching-these make me feel like an ass-kicker, they're my power boots. Kate Spade polka dot slides-I don't even wear red, but I love these. Did I mention that shoes are not required to match in my style book? Well, they're not-they can stand alone! Saga shoes black platform bumper toe Maryjanes-these are my "I'm a mom, but I'm funky" shoes. Anthropologie patchwork clogs with wooden heel-these are probably the shoes that speak most to who I am. Earthy, girlie, organic, just a little left of center and fabulous! Birkenstock forest stripes-they go well with beer and patchouli, no other rhyme or reason for the purchase. Nike ACG in cranberry, taupe and navy-these are classy sneakers, no? J.Crew cut-out leather pumps with contrast stitching and a wooden heel-I just love these, they are comfortable too. J.Crew wine with contrast stitching and ankle strap-these shoes make me wish I liked Ports and pretty flame engulfed desserts, but alas they go just as well with Diet Coke and nachos!

There you have my Top...(well, bottom shelf) Top 10 shoes! Thanks for inspiring me to do this Renee! You guys know the drill, if you do it, link up. I want to see. Peace.

A First!

This is my first Friday Fill-In. I'm slowly but surely emerging from my headache haze, thanks all for your well wishes and concern. Group hug. Peace.

Believe ATC by T.Allen-Mercado 08/08

1. Halloween candy, playing dress up and cooler temperatures are some of the things I'm most looking forward to in October.

2. Sometimes I wish life had a handbook, not that I'd follow.

3. Childrearing wasn't always in the cards and that's why there is a saying, "never say never"!

4. When I'm down, I clean, complain and wallow in self-pity, it helps.

5. The dining room/kitchen is where you'll find me most often.

6. A rainy day is good for resting.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to art, music and wine, tomorrow my plans include a comedy show with my Favorite Guy and Sunday, I want to sleep late!

If

If

Pronunciation: \ˈif, əf\
Function:conjunction
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English gif; akin to Old High German ibu if
Date: before 12th century

1 a: in the event that b: allowing that c: on the assumption that d: on condition that2: whether 3—used as a function word to introduce an exclamation expressing a wish 4: even though : although perhaps 5: and perhaps not even —often used with not— if anything : on the contrary even : perhaps even

I can't recall where or when I first stumbled across this meme. There are many different variations floating about, I liked this one best. Please link back if you do it, I'd love to read yours. And of course, as always, feel free to question why I chose the answers I chose. Enjoy. Peace.

If I were a direction I’d be…East
If I were furniture I’d be…an old couch
If I were a liquid I’d be…honey
If I were a sin I’d be…forgiven
If I were a gem/stone I’d be…a ruby
If I were a metal I’d be…mercury
If I were a tree I’d be…fruit-laden
If I were a fruit I’d be…an apple
If I were a flower I’d be…a lily
If I were weather I’d be…an autumn breeze
If I were a musical instrument I’d be…castanets
If I were an element I’d be…lithium
If I were a color I’d be…golden
If I were an animal I’d be…a cat
If I were a sound I’d be…a whisper
If I were a lyric I’d be… "Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean dont you know. Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean. Sleepin' peace when day is done that's what I mean. And this old world is a new world and a bold world for me". -Nina Simone

If I were a song I’d be…Keys to Imagination-Yanni
If I were a music type I’d be…world jazz
If I were a perfume/cologne I’d be…patchouli
If I were a feeling I’d be…ambivalence
If I were food I’d be…shortbread cookies
If I were a city I’d be…Manhattan
If I were a taste I’d be…hot and sweet
If I were a scent I’d be…bold and woodsy
If I were a word I’d be… paradigm
If I were a verb I’d be…think
If I were an object I’d be…a tome
If I were a piece of clothing I’d be…a shawl

If I were a body part I’d be… a neck
If I were an facial expression I’d be…a grimace
If I were a cartoon character I’d be…Lisa Simpson
If I were a movie I’d be…Castaway
If I were a geometric figure I’d be…a sphere
If I were one of the 4 seasons I’d be…autumn
If I were a sentence I’d be…a run-on

I'll be back on Thursday!

"Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest”

-Ashleigh Brilliant

The stop sign at the end of the street.

The headaches are back! I'll be taking a couple days to rest and obey the signs. Peace.

Monday and the Living Ain't Easy

This morning begins with a bizarre, acid-trip-esque dream involving aerobic exercise and the friendly (He was exceptionally- almost weirdo status friendly, for a New Yorker) janitor from an old job. This confusing trip through my sub-conscious was abruptly interrupted by the cacophonous caterwauling of two cats fighting at the base of my bed. As luck would have it, my foot would get the brunt of their angst! I tried to go back to sleep after the melee, but my scratched and burning toes were too much of an annoyance. Off to find a cure at the bottom of a cup of coffee.

Bumbling about still in a half haze-(Favorite Guy had an event this weekend so I'm still in max-socialization recharge mode) I begin to brew a cup of joe. Fill the filter, replace it. Fill the pitcher with water. Pour the water in the maker's well. Turn on the coffee maker. Sit at desk, check Etsy, e-mails and read blogs in no particular order. Now, generally the worse thing that can happen is I realize somewhere between full lucidity and grouchiness that I have not turned the coffee maker on. Not today. Today, I hear the piddle of freshly brewed goodness as it drips onto the counter top and subsequently the floor. The counter top and the floor?! Notice after, "Pour the water in the maker's well", there is no, "Place the pitcher on the base", before turning on the coffee maker. Well, yeah that...Happy Monday!

Shutter Click & Chat 9/21

The Money Shot

Rod and I forget-her-name's wedding 1999

This is my Liz Smith shot. Liz Smith is a NYC gossip columnist who has used the same head shot photo above her column since I had weekly current events homework. For those of you who are new to the Honey House, that's more than a score ago! I clearly remember the day I caught a glimpse of her covering a red carpet event. I ran about and, scrambling feverishly, I turned to page six of The Post. I looked at the television, back at the photo and back again, "What the?! All this time...I...I...I've been duped."

Favorite Guy took this pic at a cousin's wedding, it was the last shot in a one time use Rite Aid brand camera. No Photoshop, (note: full funky ashtray) Annie Leibowitz, or airbrushing; I owe the glow to Yael who was about 8 weeks old. You gotta love those wacky hormones sometimes!

Unless some magical crones'-beauty-inducing hormonal wave surfaces, this will forever remain my money shot just like good ol' Liz. And you? Show me the money shot!

Shutter Click and Chat 9/28:

Fantasy Wardrobe Remix

A spin on the popular Flickr group, for next week's pic I invite you to put together one amazing ensemble from any online shops, boutiques or designers you can find and, incorporate one thing you already own. Ready? Begin.

Hey Rocky! May I have a word with you?

I'm sure I've mentioned that I don't get out much, and most of you know I'm not a fan of us humans. I currently, (Disclaimer: This is subject to change without fair warning or notice upon the next moon phase or mood swing.) have 2.75 friends with whom I engage regular phone conversations at great or as Favorite Guy would say, "Freako" lengths. All this will come around to a point, bear with me. I read a lot of books and blogs. I've even devised a little system of blog links lurking, it is how I keep my blog list long and fresh. I read my regulars' blogs daily and at least one new one from their lists. Smart, right?! I'm a bright bulb, really. So, back to the point of all of this. Amidst all of this new found socialization I am running out of words! Huh? Yes. And, it pains me deeply.

I find myself using the same words so often that when I pull one out of the dusty grey crates (Does anyone remember the TV series Herman's Head?) I have to relearn it, kinda. Like, I have to make certain that I'm not pulling an Oswald Bates; Damon Wayan's genius master of malapropisms on the now defunct In Living Color comedy series. The horror! But fear not, I have pulled out the big guns, that's thespian for thesaurus, and I'm getting back in the game. Have an interesting, exciting word you'd like to share? Post it here.

Across the Universe 2007

photo courtesy of www.amazon.com

Thought provoking, thoroughly entertaining, gut wrenching and delightfully whimsical. Huh? Yes! I can't recall the last time a film took me through so many thoughts and emotions in such a short period of time. 2 hours and 13 minutes sans subtitles (couldn't find the remote) and every line, music number and syncopated dance routine resonated more deeply than the one preceding. Perhaps it is the timing, perhaps it's just the times.

Across the Universe is a made for film musical centered around the lives of two young lovers; one wealthy American girl falls for one sexy working class Brit. Romance, Vietnam, 60's war protests, riots, race, activism, art, NYC sub-culture and the Beatle's songbook. Heavenly. Anymore, and I'd totally spoil it for you. Like a good book, the simplicity of the themes and characters adds to the breadth and complexity of how it is received by viewers.

Not since La Mama Morta (Philadelphia) and Seasons of Love (Rent) have I been so deeply moved in 3.5 minutes as Carol Woods' gospel version of Let It Be and , NYC's erm...not so finest do an exceptionally well executed and choreographed cover of Come Together. Great film, great soundtrack, no big name Hollywood stars-always a plus for me, they're so overrated. See it, let me know what you think. It's available on Netflix. Already seen it? What did you think? What exceptional films have you seen lately?

Go forward all of my Indie film reviews can be found on The Buzz. Be sure and check it out from time to time as Favorite Guy and I plant our heels more deeply in this Indie revolution. Peace.

My Blog Can Moo, Can You?

Fellow Etsian and blog banner designer, Erin of Swiekysiggies, designed these amazing Moo mini cards for my public blogs. There is no denying the sleek sophistication of Moo cards, they're surefire conversation starters.

Before my blogs, I included Pretty in Peace cards with my shipped orders and to display my on-the-go design portfolio. By dividing them by seasons and adding them to mini accordion albums I'm able to carry my designs with me wherever I go. Now, I just need to leave the house.

I'm excited to see if the inclusion of The Buzz cards drives increased traffic to the Indie art, music and film reviews featured on the site.

I've spaced the features to bi-weekly because I'm just not getting the interviews back in time to edit and publish weekly. If any of you are interested in being featured or have someone you think might be interested, please leave a comment with your/their contact info. Now is, as fine a time as any, you'll/they'll get in on my Moo card experiment and some extra promotion just for answering 3 questions! Peace.

Men, Migraines and, Murderous Thoughts

Not a good day in the land of Tea and Honey Bread. For the past 2-3 weeks now I've been dealing with mini, almost migraine type headaches and a couple full blown bangers. Last night's full moon has pushed me (quite rapidly I might add) from happy homemaker to histrionics and bordering on homicidal. Before you phone the authorities, I am overly dramatic in love and war. While I wouldn't actually kill anyone/thing-it is cathartic to engage in perverse thoughts every once in a while. Winks.

Favorite guy has forsaken all presence of his previously molded marital mind and resorted to speaking in his native quasi caveman-tongue. He does this from time to time to test the limits of my sanity and ability to reason without engaging in the destruction of home decor and flatware. The children? Yeah, they are in on it too. I know this seems completely out there, but please tell me I am not alone. There has to be someone out in the vast blogosphere who has the occasional, "Come one, come all and, get on my fucking nerves" Day. Perhaps, we should engage in some traditional dance, an exchange of cards or something to ease the angst? How do you cope?

Itty Bitty Charity Committee

Fellow Etsian Nicole Castille, owner of Nicole's Visions has engaged the ever important undertaking of promoting breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer and diabetes have all but depleted my family's sage grandams. As a result, I have made it a point to actively support any and all efforts to educate women (and men) of the dangers of breast cancer and, the importance of early detection and prevention by way of regular self examination and mammograms.

Last week, Nicole issued a call for bras-big ones, small ones, bras for grandmas and superstars, she's accepting them all. Her mission, while not carved in stone, is to connect the collected bras and string them across the bridge connecting Wenatchee and East Wenatchee. I'm assuming the Wenatchees are in Washington state, I'm certain my very meager bras shown here aren't going to make the trip, so this is where you come in. Gather your bras; too tight, too big, pilled lace, burgeoning underwires, bleach stained, misshapen, hooks missing, safety pinned, ragged old bras. From the most comfortable to the downright painful, toss them in an envelope and mail them to:

Nicole Castille

Nicole’s Visions

PO Box 1602

Wenatchee, WA 98807-1602

Additionally, 25% of your paid postage fees will be donated to charity! What an awesome opportunity to support a worthy cause as you clean your dresser drawers. For more info and updates, see Nicole's blog. Peace.

Shutter Click & Chat 9/14

Long ago (1991) in a land far away (NYC) Favorite Guy (yeah, him again) purchased this book for a young and budding, gentle/attachment parenting, extended nursing, homeschooling, magical goddess mama deluxe in training (guess who).

17 years later, "Mamatoto" (Swahili for mother and child) - now out of print and well worn, remains in my heart and on my shelf. This book is one of many which will be passed on to Yael at her menarche ceremony. There is only one way into this world yet so many beautiful ways to get there. This book highlights the journey and all its celebrations around the globe. Even if you have no children, or the desire to have any, Mamatoto will change the way you look at anyone who's ever given birth. Here are a few highlights:

My Special Book

The Body Shop Team presents: Mamatoto: A Celebration of Birth

How about you? What's your special book?

A quick note on Shutter Click & Chat Sundays-no worries if you miss by a day or so, I'd still love to see what you have, link up and let's have some fun.

Duh!(I published without this)

Shutter Click & Chat 9/21: The Money Shot

Show me your favorite picture of you! Show an old one, take a new one-professional photos are welcome. I want to see 'em all!

Unspectacular Me

The uber-cool Charmaine over at High Desert Diva listed 6 unspectacular quirks about herself and seeing what fun it was I opted to follow suit. So, here we go:

1. I have a humans' tolerance threshold that maxes out at about 4 people. More than that and, I'm no longer at my sparkly best, hence the 2 kids cap. Pets, as I'm quickly discovering, are fair game in larger quantities.

2. In 2005, I quit smoking cold turkey after over a decade of doing so. Caffeine, refined sugars and, carbohydrates I fear I'll need an intervention or ECT to shake.

3. Laundry-yes complete with folding and putting away, cooking and mopping are relaxing to me. These are chores that I enjoy doing, I'd rather itch than do dishes, dust or sweep.

4. Itching is my personal purgatory, I'd sooner undergo natural childbirth again than itch over more than a square inch or two of my body. I'm still not right after contracting the chickenpox at age 17!

5. I have some of the most complex, fussy "no-fuss" beauty regimens you've ever heard of. See above: Plaits are the pre-cursor to my no-nonsense mom-bob with bangs hairstyle. Preceding the plaits is an overnight neem oil scalp treatment, followed by shampoo and deep conditioning, air drying, sectioning, scalp moisturization and then plaits. "Girl your hair looks fierce." "Really?! Oh please girl, I just slapped it together. But, thanks"! Winks.

6. In 200+ posts I have never gotten it right the first time. By the time you guys see my posts, I have read, re-read, edited, did whatever it is I do that makes the fonts shrink, fixed it, cursed it and done it again. I hope you appreciate the hard work. Laughs.

Random Thought: Raggedy Ann, Andy and Holly Hobbie

What ever happened to these guys?

photo credits: www.liveandlearn.com,http://www.flickr.com/photos/hellomorning

This morning during literature, Yael reads the word, "ragged"-but she mispronounces it so that the suffix mirrors that of walked or talked. Ancient mom that I am, apparently-I correct her and say, "It's pronounced ragged, y'know like Raggedy Ann". Crickets, blank stare, head tilts to the right as eyebrows are raised. "Who?" The lesson continues.

Admittedly, I am eager to get to the end of the chapter where she will answer a few questions and summarize the text so I can scurry over to my PC and find out what happened to my friends, Raggedy Ann & Andy! Oh! And, Holly Hobbie too! These were my very best friends; as an only child, dolls are friends and these guys were true blue. Much to my disappointment they have been "improved". I can't bear to post the pics, tragic-just plain tragic.

I showed Yael a picture, she wasn't impressed. "Oh yeah, kinda like my Super Size Groovy Girl but not...they're like funny looking," she says. Sigh, crickets, blank stare, head tilts to the right as eyebrows are raised...

www.afb.org

Taking Care of Business

Yes, Bachman Turner Overdrive! That song has been playing in my head all day like some musical mantra, psyching me up for my big win against "The Man". Laughs. I-and please don't hold this against me, enjoyed the live, pre-recorded-at-a-Canadian-prison version of the video whilst eating lunch this afternoon. Laughs.

It's been a long day in front of the computer so today's post will be short and sweet. Pretty in Peace has crossed the pond! Last night, I signed up on DaWanda. It was one part motivation and two parts consternation following an exchange with my current host site that can best be described as buffoonery. I'm not looking to buy a yacht, but after yesterday's insanity I hope to at least recover the co-pay for my therapist! So, I opened with the four items I'd planned to list today.

I'm pleased with the site thus far; I saw some familiar faces, pricing is reasonable, and I get to watch the decline of the American dollar with each currency conversion. I'm somewhat dismayed with their banner template, but the pros outweigh the cons. It seems they allow a maximum banner size of 720 x 200 but have a Texas sized space outlined leaving your banner to float. For now, it'll have to do. Actually, this post and a subtle throbbing in my left temple is all that is keeping me from tweaking it! If you're in the area, stop by and say, "Namaste".

Update on Lupe

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers:

for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Hebrews 13:2

No one has come forward to claim Lady Lupe - yes, she is a she. Last night, we bought a large bag of dog food, a doggie dish set and, a toy; although, Lupe looks more like she'd like a cup of coffee and a TV Guide. Laughs. She's been no trouble at all which deepens the mystery of why she's been abandoned. We're now looking for a low-cost veterinary clinic and taking it one day at a time. Thanks for all of your thoughtful comments and e-mails. Peace.

Welcome Lupe!

If dogs could talk, perhaps we would find it as hard to get along with them as we do with people. ~Karel Čapek

What the? Um, yeah...that is the underside of an automobile! Some time shortly after the local schools let out this little guy/gal (still uncertain) ended up under our car! Thankfully our neighbors' children spotted him. He was clearly overheated, frightened and exhausted. He was wheezing and panting heavily, but still too afraid to take me up on my offer of iced water. I had to scootch under and place it right next to him.

A short time later, I made these posters and Favorite Guy put them up around our subdivision, but still no calls. He's/She's pretty old and as much as I'm hoping my suspicions are wrong I'm beginning to think someone abandoned him/her.

I gave her a bath and the cats don't seem to mind her much. So, until further notice this funny looking little dog is ours. I named him/her Lupe Fiasco. Laughs. I was under a Nissan in the desert heat, with a cat dish in hand, coaxing a strange Chihuahua to safety, somehow Lupe Fiasco seemed fitting. Welcome to the Honey House Lupe! Peace.

Happiness

The only person you really have to make happy, Tameka, is you.
Good thing you're so cool -

The Universe

Today's note from the Universe is pretty cool, huh? Oddly enough, making myself happy is not something I've historically had much luck with. Depression is quite the formidable opponent of sustained happiness. But today was different, although the day isn't over, it's safe to say-random tragedies not withstanding, I've made a conscious decision to be happy today. That my friends, is a start.

I slept in a little later. I wore yesterday's clothes. I let the voicemail get it. I reached over and gently touched the prickly hairs that curiously line my Favorite Guy's face on Mondays. I ate a lollipop, I wrote a letter, I sang out loud and off key, it was Kajagoogoo no less! I kissed my cats, I brushed my daughter's hair and smelled her hemp-oiled scalp. I opened Jordan's door, sniffed and grimaced at his boy-scented room. I wrote a friend, I phoned a friend, I think I've made a friend. I bought stickers. I visited the library. I smiled at a baby, she smiled back quizzically. I ate cake, and then I ate another piece. I made a decision to be happy today. How was your Monday?

An Awards Ceremony

Over the past week or so I've received several blog award nominations. Pauses for applause. I'm ever grateful for all of you who stop in and take the time to leave a kind word or two. To that end, it makes me especially happy to be chosen for these awards amid the swarming sea of blogs in the blogosphere. This time however, they all came in so quickly in succession that I've spent an inordinate amount of time in hair and makeup. Not to mention interviews, writing and editing of acceptance speeches and the dish and dine with Oprah and Regis. Alas my lovelies, I've failed to nominate any others. I hope you won't hold this against me in the future. Winks.

This Brillante Award was presented by Kate of ShiboriGirl and Kimiko.

This Kind Blogger Award was presented by Jewelry Rockstar

This I Love Your Blog Award was presented by The Blossoming Tree and Casbah Kitten.

Many many thanks, please keep coming back. Peace.

Shutter Click & Chat 9/7

Thrifted and Funky!

I purchased this shirt in 1999. I was pregnant (8 months) with my second child and the annual Mother's Day outing was approaching. Mother's Day in NYC meant dinner and drinks with my committee of girlfriends who are also mothers. Only this year, with their waistlines intact. How does one transform a pumpkinesque physique in time for a night on the town? You don't, you find an outfit so funky that all eyes are on it and not your girth!

There she was on my way into the office, the window of Andee's Cheapies in NYC's Greenwich Village. She was, and still is mine for five fabulous dollars. I think the best thing about this blouse aside of the gorgeous embroidery, and puffed sleeves is the timelessness of it. It's 2008 and we're still as fun, funky and in love as we were in 1999. What have you got?


PS. I paired her with denim capris and gorgeous Birkenstock Gizehs, who needs a waist! Laughs.

Shutter Click and Chat 9/14:
A special book-
It could be anything from your wedding album to something you've written. I want to see and read about your special book.

A Mother's Love and a One-Eyed Viking God

This afternoon while reading we came across the word hotheaded. Hotheaded, in the particular text, was defined as; easily angered, ill-tempered. This definition was then summarized by the lovely Yael as, "Like you mom". To which I reticently agreed, "Yes, like me", as we continued.

A few paragraphs later, we come across the story of Odin, God of Wisdom, father of the all powerful Thor. Odin it would seem, gave his eye for a sip from the Spring of Wisdom. As I read this aloud Yael quizzically comments, "He gave away his eye for a drink?". "Not just a drink", I say. Read it again. She reads it and looks back at me like, "What's your point?" I explain and, rather histrionically I might add; arms flailing and all. "Wisdom is huge. Especially, following the Ancient Greeks and Romans. To be wise, learned, sage, a scholar-all of this is greatly important. Yes, important enough to Odin that he'd rather have one eye than be without it". She gives a wide-eyed, understanding nod and says excitedly. "Oh, like the way you'd give away your eyes for me and daddy and Jordan because, we're so important to you?!" Following a deep breath and the restoration of my composure, I reply, "Yes Yael, exactly like that".

I am admittedly the resident hard-ass, education dictator and firm believer in clearly defined boundaries. As our children get older and there's less "Schmoopy-poo" talk, it isn't always clear to me if the deep love I feel for them is evident. Like most, I try to cross my "T's", dot my "I's", kiss boo-boos and understand friends and fashion trends. But, it is difficult to really know if your children or anyone for that matter ever feels loved enough. That is, until you read a diary, a tell all novel or an Introduction to Norse Mythology. Go hug someone and tell them you love them, because I said so! Laughs. Peace.

Random Thought: Hey Dad, about those apologies...

True remorse is never just a regret over consequence;

it is a regret over motive.

Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

I've been thinking a lot about my dad lately. August marked the anniversary of his death, only I don't recall how many years it's been or what day it was. I blocked it out before it even happened. AIDS related death is such a slow agonizing sentence. It was shortly after my birthday when the dementia set in, that was the last time I visited. He wished me a happy seventh birthday and became ornery when I corrected him. I was an adult with a child of my own, seven years old was so long ago. I remember wondering what it was about that time that made him hold on to it. But I can't remember what age I said I was when I corrected him. The memories of those last few years are blurred and have eventually faded from view. As the painful flood of emotions make their way to my fragile consciousness they're met with a preemptive squelch from the wonders of modern medicine.

My dad was quite the communicator, he had a way of-albeit an insufferably long winded way, getting to the very craw of a matter. He taught me about grace and diplomacy, he taught me how to apologize, how and when to accept one. Like all dynamic duos, my mother sat at the other side of the helm doling the dish on how to take anyone down at the knees with a stern glare and a dose of well timed vitriol-she's a whole other post.

I discovered early on that I do not like to apologize, I'd rather itch. With that discovery, I made a conscious decision to a. Listen more, speak less b. Overthink everything to the point of being too exhausted to speak at all. It works. It may not be practical, but seldom do I have to stammer over to some sullen faced human with my shoulders slumped and my eyelids low to mutter those words, you know the ones.

I also learned oftentimes what people offer apology for and wish to be excused from, has little to do with the person they've allegedly wronged. They want, and often need a get out of jail free card. Whether they're being held by guilt or remorse, it is they who are being held. Playground psychology, if you will. I don't think we ever get past the time our parent-along with some other equally embarrassed parent, forcibly brought us forward, to confront someone whom we probably felt quite justified in maiming, for the symbolic truce; a vacillatory, "Sorry." A reluctant shaking of hands and a Machiavellian grin. You may or may not still get the snot beat out of you when you get home. (That might explain what all the playground pugilism was about in the first place).

I guess what I'm thinking is, what really is the point of an apology if you're not sorry? And further, why must we accept one simply because it has been offered? Why the pressure? Suffice it to say, I've yet to end or reconcile any ties based on the concept of an apology. Even when the sincerity is present, some things will fix themselves and others, well others just aren't meant to be fixed. I wonder what my dad would say. And you, what are your thoughts?

200th Post Dance Party

Due to a migraine the regularly scheduled post has been interrupted. In its place, I present a pre-recorded 70's disco dance party in celebration of my 200th post. Thanks to all of my readers and new friends I've made along the way. Go ahead, grab a cold one and hit the dance floor. Tiesha, I see you over there doing the snake! Laughs. Thanks again all! Peace!

Halloween 1998

Special thanks to Jorge and Hilary for allowing me to embarrass them on the interwebs without their written or verbal consent!

You Are Disco Dancing

You are very energetic and lively. You could dance all night. Fun loving and social, you like dancing best when everyone in the room is dancing. You love to dance to anything, and it's hard to stop once you start. You love dancing in a crowd. And no matter how big the crowd, all eyes are usually on you.

A New Chapter

I don't often discuss homeschooling with others, most of my readers know we are home educators, but this isn't one of those typical homeschooling mom blogs. Am I allowed to say that? Laughs. As a home educating family we see our journey as individualistically as others view their faith, finances and politics. We don't have a traditional classroom, we don't have a schedule. Rather, we see every room, every tool, book, experience, every part of our everyday lives as an opportunity to learn and educate ourselves. Much like spiritual growth, it isn't in the where or even the how it's simply within.

I have learned and continue to learn so much from my children throughout the home education experience. In fact, just yesterday I spent 40 minutes or so choosing books on understanding and overcoming dyslexia. As our Yael's vocabulary grows we have come closer to confirming what we'd suspected for some time, Yael has dyslexia. This is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives as home educators. It will undoubtedly be challenging, but ironically I'm almost looking forward to the challenge. I can't think of anything greater to reinforce my love of language than uncovering the tools needed to spread that love. Working around the confines and frustration of this learning obstacle to make reading more enjoyable for someone whose existence has so greatly enriched my love of everything around me. This has truly fueled my fire to dive into this new chapter, no matter how long it takes us to wade through it.

What challenges are you facing this week?