The Eagle Has Landed

According to the text I received, Gina is safely tucked into her new home on the coast, wedged between boxes stacked taller than her tiny 5'-something" and a large gammil that is her money maker.   

Heather here, guest blogger for the day as the G woman takes a much needed rest from her whirlwind weekend move and the tangled mess of cords that will someday bring her the internet.

Guest blogger.  Yea right.  Like I can even closely come up with anything as witty, real, honest, and philosophical as G, but she told me to try, so try I must.

I know - I am gonna ramble on about a recent event that took place here in Stockton.  Stockton, the city Forbes sites as one of the most miserable cities in the nation.  I shake my fist at Forbes seeing as how I live here and don't feel too terribly miserable.  Until I watched a recently released video on the front page of our city's newspaper.

A video that shows a man being shot point blank in the face at close range.

Oh, I should warn you - this is not a happy post.  It's a real post. 

See, the video is of a shooting that take place at a local Walgreens here in Stockton.  A brand new, pretty lookin' Walgreens.  Before 10:00 at night.  The victim a 28 year old man.  The suspect - a man.  A man in what looks like a brand new silver HHR.  A nice car, with his woman friend/girlfriend/wife in the drivers seat.

The video shows the 28 year old walking behind the HHR, a little too close and a little too inquisitive as to what is in the car to my liking, but ultimately doing nothing illegal.  The guy in the HHR gets out and "appears" to say something to the 28 year old.  My guess is something like, "Hey, not so close to the car" or soemthing to that effect.

That's when all hell breaks loose.

The 28 year old (looking intoxicated or high by his demeanor and slow movement) confronts the man.  Gets in his face a little a lot.  The suspect pushes him back and then the boy swings and within seconds the 28 year was then shot in the face, left dead in the parking lot while the man and woman drive away. 

Still unidentified. 

Still in Stockton.

Still looking like a normal couple driving a nice HHR.

Why am I so upset by this when murder seems to take place pretty much every other day here in Stockton? 

Becasue the video made it all to real to me (again) that we live in a violent city and that people are not who they might seem to be.

Because people are walking around with guns in their sweater pockets like they are packs of gum.

Because people aren't safe even at your local brand new clean Walgreens.  A Walgreens that I very well might have gone to at the exact same time. 

Did I mention that people are carrying guns in their sweater pockets?

Not gang members, but people that might be running to Walgreens to pick up medicine for their 10-year old daughter that has a cough. 

Regular people are concealing weapons, carrying them to do their regular errands, carrying them right next to me and my five year old and five month old.

This worries me.

What if that guy was NOT carrying a gun?  I bet he wouldn't have confronted that 28 year old.  I bet he would have tried to avoid the situation or just left.  But because there was a gun in his pocket he felt a false sense of courage (or was it stupidity) and let the gun do his thinking. 

What am I saying?  To be honest, I am not exactly sure. I am still riddled by it all. 

The suspect (and woman accompanying him) drove off. Backed up, pulled away, and left the man dead in a parking spot.  Just 60 seconds before that everything was "normal".  Now one is dead, a family is in pain, a couple is in hiding, a life was wasted.  

Stockton does have some pretty miserable qualities.  That's for sure.  Yes, this can happen ANYWHERE.  But it happened HERE.  Where I live. 

So, with all that said.  I guess I can honestly say that I will miss my Gina tremendously.  I have had copious amounts of fun in the last several months all because my Gina was here.  I will miss the stitchin', the bitchin', the coffee sippin', the laughter, the polygrip, the music, the therapy, the damn dog, the adventures... but... I am glad you are where you are.  I am glad you are safe.  I am glad you are home on the coast away from any silver HHR's that are driven by a woman with long dark hair and a man in a baseball cap and sweater - with a gun in his pocket.

I am glad you have landed. 

Please hurry and unpack yourself though, because I need a break from this place - and - I miss my Gina.

PS - next time any of ya'll go to Walgreens - leave your damn gun at home, in a locked gun safe.  No shooting one another, ok?

PSS - Gina will be back soon.  And I am sure after she reads this she will find a DIFFERENT guest blogger, probably someone a little less intense and a lot more cheerful.

PSSS - If you want to see the (sickening) video it is here.

PSSSS - I am not normally depressing - check out my blog for proof.

Signed
Sarah's Mom.

Fideo ( Angel Hair Pasta Nests)

"There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great,
and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow." Orison Swett Marden

 

Fideos,Angel hair pasta nests that are toasted in oil, are popular on the eastern coast of Spain. They are prepared in the same manner as some steamed rice dishes.

My Mother was born in Pueblo Colorado, and her Father a Renound entertainer from Spain. To this day I try to figure out how my Ma's cooking is so diverse, much like my taste in music me thinks! She has recipes that I now have from different parts of mexico, Spain, and Italy! Both ends of Italy! maybe she just liked to cook? My Father being Sicilian musta influenced her too right? Whoa.. where am i going with this? Oh!

So the other night I had company for dinner and I am aware of Miss Sarah being a picky eater, so I decided how can ANY kid resist funny looking pasta? So I made Ma's Fideo. To my surprise, Sarah passed! ( oh the horror of it all). But her mama loves pasta so SCORE!

A welcomed change from Spanish rice in my family, and the kids love it! They always called it Mexican Basghetti.... lol

1/4 cup canola oil
1 Package Coiled or nests of Angel Hair pasta ( fideo)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz)  of Italian style diced Tomatoes ( or Mex)
1 can ( 15 oz) chicken broth
salt to taste
*red pepper chili flakes if no kids) BAM!

*Can be topped with Queso Fresco ( mexican cheese) But why add fat, right?

In a large Saute pan with a tight fitting lid, heat oil and add garlic and oinion. Saute for about 3 minutes, add fideo coils and brown nicely. Medium High Heat. Dont let your fire get too hot as your onions will char. Turn frequently without disturbing the nests too much. ( maybe 10 min or less)
* ( for a different style you can break up nests for teeny spaghetti-ish look)
Sprinkle some salt over the nests. ( red pepper flakes optional)
Mix tomato into broth and microwave about a minute. ( ya want it hot but not boiling)
Pour this mixture over the Fideo, listen for the sizzle, delight in the uprising aroma and quickly fit the lid on top! Remove from heat, walk away. Go pour your wine.... the second glass. DO NOT lift lid for at least 10-15 minutes, and Voila! Tis done. Enjoy.

PS: When you see me again, Guess where I'll be?
(why did I just feel like Wheres Waldo?)

"The tragedy in life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal.

The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach."
Benjamin Mays

Twists & Turns Of Fate

I'm taking a 10 break and Ive been pondering while packing. So I made some coffee...When I make coffee, I start laptop-ing, ( usually). I just take in the totality of the last 3 years and I am more shocked than if I was really watching a soap opera! THIS could never have been MY LIFE... had you asked me some years back. I wonder how close one should examine the hows and whys of it all and just be in the here and now. Sure, choices and decisions play a large roll, but look how many things are really out of your own control anyway?Do you believe that everything happens for a reason? Do you think good can come from bad, eventually?  I personally think it would be oh so cool to be privy to the reasons beforehand. Then I wouldnt have to be so damn curious, right? Who knows what the future holds, but I am happy to know what I want remains constant. Darned few things I can say that I can grasp and KNOW that rope will be there.
Tears falling while packing the shop today. I cant put my finger on exact reason why, so I figured I'd just roll with it. I love my career, and its been hurt. Could be one.... Moving this so many times, things get owies. That could be another. Maybe its the journey that caused it.. From here to there and everything in between. No matter, another twist in the journey, another turn of fate. I also had a "moment" while at the book store. I would LOVE to say that I'm PMSing but we all know that aint happening right? lol I saw the MOST beautiful journal Ive ever seen in my life standing there saying, "pick me up, caress me, take me home!" It was old world,navy blue, leather bound with cording, fleur de lies on the cover, and made in Italy, and I was in love! I fondled it for awhile and rode the wave of recordings in my mind of journals past. I didnt bring it home. I decided to lust after it for awhile...LOL ( I really do make myself laugh somethimes). Who knows, I could be getting over tired. So... for a Thursday, its pretty darn wierdly good? Yes, good. I'm telling it to my heart.
Hey! Speaking of twists and turns... Here is a great tip should you happen to move your FOURTEEN FOOT Gammil Table and wish to protect your leaders.
The stretch tight that Home Depot sells.. Piece of cake to twist and turn it on all 3 leaders... no dirty mover hands, no removing pins...Nice, clean, tight, S.A.F.E.
 its the easiest part, trust me!

Thanks for the coffee break, boxes be calling me! :) Hasta Manana

Morning Juke Info

Now you KNOW about my wierd obsession with cars eh? Have you seen the new JUKE by Nissan?? Its like my Infiniti Squashed!!! It is so darn CUTE! I found one in PINK too!!!! ( one in barney purple too but it sucked)
So my morning distraction with coffee is the search for the perfect Juke:) It comes as low as 18K for a stick, or fully loaded SL for 35K!!! I personally think (after reading all consumer reports and the forums) that it beats the pants of the Mini Cooper. I think I need to drive it to make a final decision though... RIGHT??
I will keep my eye on this hottie for sure!
On the move news....
 I'm not sore, no I'm not.
I'm not excited, No, I'm not.
 ( cool lie).
The house is looking quite bare and tonight is the last supper stitch & bitch. I have plans to revive them on the coast ASAP. It's a need. Its helpful to know ones needs.
Tomorrow I will include in my lists of TO DO's 2 stops at cemetaries and one to my Sissys. It sorta feels like I'm wrapping up a chapter eh.... Hmmmm will ponder. Click.
For now, I'm off and running! Happy hump day dear blog readers:)

So Long Mr.Wizard TaT

"The world stands aside to let anyone pass who knows where she is going."

David Starr Jordan

Of the 4 Doctors in 3 years, Mr Wizard has been the one to help me to think more efficiently, effectively. For that, I thank him. For improving my skills, yep, a big thank you. I will be packing up my pasty world globe, cleaning my wise lil owl, laminating my vision boards, and file foldering my homework to drag out whenever I need them. I think some 30 visits or so and I have learned a few new tricks! More importantly, I have realized the freedom of being the authentic ME. When I walked in to his office for the first time having seen others.. I decided I had nothing to lose. I needed some tools. I wasnt as smart as I thought I was. I had an attitude of here I am... unplugged, and it worked. I have spoken to many people and truly we ALL withhold information and put people on a "need to know" basis. This time, I did not.It was pretty easy actually once THAT decision was made. What have I learned? I suppose my best guess is that I have learned that I am human. I am imperfectly perfect for me. A beautiful pearl that is mine alone. I learned that I may never stop learning about me and others, and thats a good thing. I learned that in another life I may have made a pretty good Ms Wizard myself!! I can see it now! MS DEAR GINA, The coffee's on, come on in! So guess what? You're all stuck with me:)
I wonder what "Tell all Tuesdays" will hold next?
What a ride right? LOL
LYG!

Good Times M&M's

Children Are The Living Messages We Send To A Time We Will Not See

John Whitehead

Wow... What a week! I am trying to keep my head attached! Again I say, You need a packer/mover? I am your go to girl!
The house is looking pretty hollow now, and the shop is next! One more Stitch n Bitch to go and I'm out of here! Last night in all of our box menagerie we managed to have one last dinner cooked and shared with good friends Heather,Kim n Kids (say that 3 times fast). I mad red chili, fideo, beans and tortillas. Walt played with the baby... whats up with that?

They both looked so happy what can ya say? I will so miss THIS part of life. They will have to venture over to the coast more often. Period.It's a better thing, trust me.

Our neighbors stopped in too. Sorry to see me leave, I smiled and nodded...

Avi and Karen are sick puppies. Avi got a fever last night and I had Karen at Urgent Care first thing this morning.I have no way to make soup!!! So currently I am packing, cleaning, blogging, drawing a map, and negotiating with trucks! A multi tasker woohoo!

Take care, I'll write more when I drop.

M & M's Include:

Good friends

Baby chuckles

help packing

THREAD THREAD THREAD!

Katy pery's new "move yer ass" CD!

Aviana's inquisitiveness

Warm tortila with butter and some red chili for breakfast! Oh Mama.....

Soy Syrupy Pork Tenderloin

Thats a made up name for my "go to, easy" marinade. Its how I can remember it. Have I given it to you before? Well... I'm doing it again.. cause I can. Now I have used this for salmon, and for tri tip. its really a cinch and oh so sweet yet savory, and very tender! With the pork Tenderloin you can roast whole at 375 for about 40 minutes, or you can slice the meat after marinading and grill them with some really cool grill marks:) It makes the most delish medallians you ever tasted! With any of these meats I would say to marinade them a couple of hours in the fridge at least.( for the tri tip, overnight if possible)
 I like to serve with steamed jasmine rice and a favorite green... like broccolini!

3/4 cup REAL Maple Syrup ( I guarantee it will NOT taste the same if you decide to fudge and use Aunt Jemimas or something similar)
1/4 cup Soy Sauce

In a zip loc place pork tenderloin and above, chill.
Remove and place on parchment or foil ( just for the messy stickie factor)
Salt & Pepper
Roast about 40 minutes at 375
ALTERNATE-----> slice 3/4 inch cuts and grill
Reserve left over marinade for brushing if grilling.

Now, one may ask WTH are ya doing cooking while packing? My answer? I DO NOT freaking know! I am such a robot you know? I come into the kitchen scracthing things... talking to myself about what I'm cooking for dinner! For who? For what? Escapes me... It really does. I'll consult Mr. Wizard.I am actually still quilting, so packing fever hasnt kicked in yet. I know that I will be down for a few weeks so whats hanging around here must be attended to. Meanwhile, theres always a cookies? Grunt.

TGIF

I LUB Florentines.....sigh......

Packing Problems

A weird and wonderful day yesterday. My Daughter in law phoned and we chatted while I packed the very first box. We discussed our mutual detest of the San Joaquin valley and how we hurt so much being away from each other, but cannot find happiness in this place. She in Idaho and me on the central coast of California. I spoke to my baby grand Jamie and without any ones knowledge got all teary because I could not for the life of me nail down a time when I would see her again. I changed the channel and kept discussing other things like Zumba and moving costs. Jamie is soft spoken when put on the spot, but larger than life in her own element. Reminds me of me:) Shawn's valentine picture just about sent me over the edge, wiry hair and all! He looks so much like his daddy at that age. I want them at my feet until I throw a shoe at them for annoying me. Grunt.
My grands came by yesterday after school. Okay, so thier Mother brought them, but who's counting? They demanded snacks as they always do. I had a 3 minute panic. WHOA.. i didn't expect ya or i woulda.....
No matter... hurry before Aviana melts before my eyes. Now Justin can help himself to cornbread or whatever he sniffs out. Aviana demands prepared foods right? I listed off Bruschetta...Puddin cups... crackers and cheese, turkey roll ups.. I finally hit one with Fish sticks! Avi said " I want 10." Okayyyy Now you know I don't buy minced fish yes? I have cod.... 10 it is..  its stitch n Bitch day, and Im a mess, house is a mess, I packed my first box but Aviana wants a dang snack!
It was then I felt a pang. It was a very deep one too. How will I EVER be happy without Aviana demanding crap on a daily basis? It kind of reminded me of Karen when she left me for her own apartment. ( oh the horror of it all)
As I prepped the fish for baking I made avi busy with sharpies and butcher block paper i was wrapping beverage wear in. No one knew that i was actually struggling with myself about the above mentioned dilemma. I decided to be happy for what I have in the moment, and plan for the moments to come. I feel that one day it will all be okay and we will all be together in one place, happy all. Pipe dream maybe, but it gets me by. Then she had to go and DO IT. YEP SHE DID IT. After eating her fish sticks ( which she complained were too large to be fish sticks) she wondered into the shop and asked to help wrap her scraps. You see she has been given the duty of Nonni assistant and wraps 2 1/2 strips onto half bolts for me, then shelves them. Quite the helper too! She's very meticulous at it! While working her J.O.B. her Mother turned on a new favorite song and guess what she did next? Ahuh.. she began to sing. No.. BELT out this song. No one saw me swooning at the kitchen sink. Double grunt.Whatever will I do without these little heathens around? Did i mention that she is one of the greatest loves of my life? Well, she is. Superific Grunt. ( new one, write it down).
You know, when I first arrived back here in early October I said to myself....we should never have left. We should never have separated the unit in search of a better DQL. I had all that I wanted right here. Our family home, my giant beautiful studio, bricks and mortar, trees planted with purpose,Canadian geese honking all winter long as they strive to find their DQL..... and all of my loved ones within cooking range. ( food, not them.. altho sometimes....) Oh yes, and a Podestos Veggie Sammich on dutch crunch roll.
 Within a short months time, I  took back that statement. I knew why we had left. I was in search of a better life, yes, but silly me they all cant come with cause I'm just not a Kennedy. ( Ma used to say Rockefeller, Fast forward to boomer slang, its Kennedy) I wonder if the grands will "use" Clinton...ROFL.. Geez I crack myself up sometimes.
So theres a price to pay eh? If home is where the heart is i must have :::insert number here::: of each.
hey! Here's a question. how in Gods name do people do it across many states and sometimes countries? So like, where the heck are YOUR grands? Or could it be just me? She wants whats just out of reach?
Good ponder food, meanwhile, I am STILL not a penguin.
I'm sorry, I want it all. My Man, the central coast, safety, security, the best DQL, and all of my loved ones at my feet or at least in shoe hucking range. No, I'm not sorry at all.
Jeez I need another pot.

Thank You Dear GEEmails

So it was YOU PEOPLES that kept me up all night this time instead of just me! LOL
If there is a way, a possibility of loving perfect strangers, met only through text for a decade or more... then I really do love you!
First cuppa... hang with me, I gots cobwebs but I have stuff to share.
In 1996 I found the internet. I was Dear Gee then. I didnt blog but I found a voice elsewhere. It began a journey which led me to the whole 7 chapters of my first book. ( never to be completed mind you). For reasons I cannot disclose I stopped writing altogether. It was around the time that I fractured my back and changed my life. Until I found the blog world, I didnt know that I missed writing with you peoples so much! I am telling you all of this because its happening again, and this time I think I will run with it. Dear Gee of course is Dear Gina. She was, is... for whatever reason I dont understand.. Dear somebody special to write to/with. Lets fast forward shall we?
Thanks Dear Blog Readers... I would like to always say THANK YOU for your support, prayer, friendship, encouragement, smiles, belly laughs, generousity.. all of it! But especially for this...........
Three emails came in yesterday for Dear Gina,not to answer some mind boggling problems that I love to help solve with you... but giving thanks TO ME! For thanking me for helping you when all this time I thought it was you helping me! It feels so very good to know that while walking through fire I can actually still "give". What a great feeling I tell you. I have always said that if my goofy ideas of channel changing, clicking, Colombo-ing, brain storming,recipes, quilting, pondering,, grief work, anything that I share with you FEEDS someone, then I feel FULL. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it. Thank you and I love hearing reading your feedback every single morning. Keep 'em coming and maybe someday I WILL finish the book!
Love Yer Guts!!!

Worry & TaT

"Worrying is using your imagination
to create something you don't want"

Abraham Hicks

It is in my subjective opinion that a person really can call to them what they FOCUS on. Good and bad.

Everything we want in life we can have through a trained brain. Its funny how I forget this from time to time and lose focus of my real juice.My real desires... passion. To control and direct the very focus of my brain. Direct it to happy places only.  Now I know stressers cause this to get weak, and sometimes even fall off a cliff. Pain, grief, pain...lol Changing the channels generally has always worked for me. I think I fell off a cliff. I'm climbing back up. See me? While I dig my nails into every rock I can find, I  forgot one thing. My focus. I'm all over it.

Mr. Wizard was most surprised at my news today. ( as is everyone else) Happily, mind you, but I saw worry on his face.  I can spot that a mile away. The above qoute works for me. I have had enough of it to last a lifetime and frankly my dears... I'm sick of it.

I dont bellieve turning to food or drugs to withstand the challenges within ones self. Its just that I too struggle and work hard at defeating painful things. Conflict. grief. whatever... Never more so in my entire life, than now.

Success= creating consistant pleasure (love, good)  Failure=finding the pain (bad, wrongs) to focus on. What you focus on is how you feel. How about if I focus on pleasure? Finding and rolling in pain just isnt working for me now is it?

Sometimes I think my brain is a computer and I may have a virus. Maybe I need to delete some chit. I will forever ask questions. Evaluate, analyze. Thats just how I roll. Could be I need better questions to ask. My Mother was so very wise and she didnt even know it. She constantly told me not to ask "why" so much. She always backed it up with Ask  HOW and you will find the answer, and fix it. ( she usually followed this up with a hand waving brush off,  and telling me that I had a wild imagination....true! )

My brain enjoys learning... but it seems to only love to learn what I have passion for.

Wierd.

Sorry for my Post Mr Wizard ramblings. Its a good thing. Worry is not.

I am going to go an focus on a pretty quilt. And maybe eat a cookie, I roll that way too:) ( boy do I ever)



G'Night



Did I mention that I'm going home?
:::squeal::::

Marvelous Monday Indeed

"A child can teach an adult three things:

 to be happy for no reason,

 to always be busy with something,

 and to

know how to demand with all his might that which he desires." 

A great productive week end! I'm going home:) I am about to spin off but I wanted to share the above sentiment and beautiful valentine with you:) Shawn, ya made my day!

I want to let all of you know that i COULD BE available for hire not as a personal shopper but as an experianced mover!! GRUNT. DOUBLE GRUNT.

I have quilts to finish up, and here I go again, but this time, with a happy heart, hopeful soul, determined mind. I wonder if it was because i demanded of myself all that i desire? Hmmm the mouths of babes eh?

Happy Valentines Day again, and MM Include:

The sweet smell of success ( or is that fish? I dunno)

Beautiful red roses I watch by the hour exploding with love for its air to breath

Shawns Valentine

The cornbread I just made, geez.. yen CAN cook!

Sharing more than skin

Road trips with good friends, her loving eyes with a lil laughter on the side

Katy Pery Screaming FIREWORKS!

P!NK  Screaming "Less than( F'in) perfect!"

Plan G (not to be confused with A, B, or C)

"When you cannot make up your mind between two evenly balanced courses of action, choose the bolder."
William Joseph Slim



Courage is the human virtue that counts most,

courage to act on limited knowledge and insufficient evidence.

That's all any of us have."

Robert Frost

OKay, so I made a plan for the 12th. Please forgive my absense in advance for I am taking myself to the coast for a few days. I have thought long and hard and what Jamie would want the most is a little bit of happy for Mom. Happy for Mom is a coastal view. I plan on visiting my dentist for the loose bridge. ( not happiness mind you). I will drive the beach and play with the seagulls. Ginger will enjoy this immenseley! I will visit my Pal Linda and have some good wine chat. Mr Mufasa and I will more than likely walk and talk alot and maybe even have a Valentines dinner. The biggest plan for the 12th? Are you sitting down? Of course you are... ok, dont spew the cuppa K?
 I plan on house/shop hunting so I can go home. Yes. I said it. I cannot find peace in a place where I am so uncomfortable. I wanna go home! I hope that you heard the way that I said that even if it soundest childish. I wish with all of my heart that I could take all the things that I love from here with me , ( I can count them on one hand) combine them with my DQL on the coast, and POOF, she's OKAY peoples... she's okay.
I know that I cannot. I wont say that coming back here was a mistake, because I do not believe that. It very well  may have even been nessesary. I will ask Mr Wizard. ( I finally got scheduling fixed.)
I must do whats best for me. If I am to be happy, I must be healthy. Mind, body and soul. This I cannot have here.So.. I am off... wish me luck. It is NOT easy to find an affordable home with a 14 foot machine in tow. YA KNOW? Meanwhile, I am determined and at least a firm decision made. My DQL is but 300 miles south and I aim to get there. This is quite the journey wouldnt you agree? Jamie would too. I bet he hurts because I hurt. I gotta stop that. CLIC
Happy Valentines Dear Blog Readers! May all of your loves be sweet to you. Love yer guts and see you on hopefully on MARVELOUS Valentines MONDAY with great news!

The Pioneer Woman Rocks SF!

Well! Heather and I made the trek to my city by the bay!

We went,we ate, we poligriped a bridge back in, we saw, we signed, we snapped pics.. we conquered!

 THAT dear blog readers was more fun than a barrel of monkeys!!!

Ms Ree did not disappoint! Despite the crowds and heat from them, we got to visit with her, ask stupid questions, and meet her punks too!I have enjoyed many a cuppa or two reading Pdub's blog with many a tickle to go with it!

Her cookbook was cute and I'll bet this new book "From Black Heels to Tractor Wheels" will be a hoot!

I cant wait to read it, altho I must admit I would prefer it on Audio, but how would I have gotten THAT signed? Thank you H for the book and the company. Where we going next month?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qmV9PckK3k

Bullet Proof Vest Or????? Happy Birthday Daniel!

Walking weights?

Answer is....................Walking weights! I gotta get me one of these! Not that I dont have ENOUGH weight to carry around eh? My Sis has a goal. Lose all body fat before she vacations in the Bahamas this summer. Alrighty then... I would just like to lose some poundage to quilt easier! I have never seen one of these have you? It weighs a ton too!!! LOL I have to tell you that when she came out wearing this yesterday I nearly peed my pants laughing. Thoughts drifted to the day before in my OWN FRONT YARD 4 of Stocktons finest Police cars doing something near the condo next to me! I thought wow.. maybe I should get a bullet proof vest!

I SO WANT TO GO HOME!!! I hate this place. No matter how I try to bloom where I'm planted... THIS is beyond me.

Why cant I just win a little lottery ticket and take my friends ad family to the coast, buy a Smurf compound and live happily ever after? I'm just sayin!!!!

I'll take them with me K? Please??? Hear me sweet Universe of mine? Ask, believe, receive? I'm ON IT!!!

Happy Birthday Daniel!!!

Time keeps marching on and these grands of mine make me older Wiser!!!

Have a great Pizza Night Daniel!

M & M's

Is it still Monday? I know I'm late. Just home and I have a cold. I got THICK! I thought it was just vallergies, but its really a full blown head cold. GRUNT. I gots green tea ,warm pup across my feet, and a laptop. I'll be okay right? We had a good time ending with a picnic with Ma. Onward............
Other news My temporary bridge didnt go the distance. 4 days short of my mold for the permenant one! Yep yep yep... I feel look like Sloth! I'll be taking my Sloth self to the coast and get if fixed in a few days.
HEY!!! I took Heather to her very first crab feed and guess what? WE WON STUFF! I won a smoking hot red handbag with a zebra flower and some wine.. Heather won candles.. and a nice chicky won my dancer quilt. A great night. I enjoyed visiting Livermore. A quaint lil city, reminded me of Danville. I looked for Alex Anderson, but.. nope.. she didnt come to the crab feed?
I need to rest up. I have aq busy day as Heather and I will embark on yet another journey tomorrow! Did I tell you about The Pioneer Womans book signing in SF? Well, she and I (H) are going! Roadtrip!

M & M's include

Crab feeds!!
Good friends & family

The Year Without Ma

"Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you sit down quietly, may alight upon you."
 Nathaniel Hawthorne

I made a plan. I'm gonna go spend time with my Sissy and family, do a matinee and a nice meal out. We will laugh, we will remember, and we will dish some dirt. Then take some popcorn and flowers over to Mom's resting site and tell her all about the day. I think she will like that. She will especially like that we are doing what we all love to do, and doing it on Super Bowl Sunday to boot!! I will tell her of all the smiles for the year, and breeze by all of the tears. I know that she is more than likely aware of all of it ( she always knew) But I'm gonna tell her anyway. I'm almost certain that she knew each and everytime I reached for the phone to call her for advise, a recipe, a landing, a craving for a banan split, or just a good cry. I will thank her for keeping her promise of always being with me,and especially for showing where her walnut herb dressing recipe went, but I will scold her for no tamales this year. This will definetley start an arguement over why I didnt do it my damn self. I will ask her repeatedly if she is with my boy and if all is well. I will beg for an answer by any means. She will probobly skirt that subject and begin tongue wagging me about not taking care of myself this year. I can even hear my middle name and see an eyebrow in full raise.It will be a good day. It will be a rough day.I will make tons of promises, and she will hold me to them. I will forever miss you Ma, stay with me K?
If ONLY I could plan February 12th so easily right? Clic

What You Doing Today?



The best exercise for the heart is to reach down and lift someone else up.

"Tim Russert".

It just occurred to me that I dont usually blog on Saturdays... hmmmm I wonder why not? I do the same coffee routine right? I'll ponder that.This morning I'm treating myself to some Kona beans fresh ground. Ummmm reminds me of Maui... oh.. reminds me of Maui... CLIC
So what are you doing? Making yummy super bowl menu items? Planning the perfect Valentines Day gifts? Housekeeping? I am making a plan now... Top of my list is to find a date for tonights crab feed in Livermore...lol  Who wants to go? I am going to attempt grooming Ginger via YouTube. ( ssshhh dont tell her K), Laundry, cleaning and oiling Greta Gammil, and a little lap top quilting.. oh yes! QVC is going to be with me all day too..lol Company!:::thats disgustingly sad). I woke up with the sneezy sniffles.. I hope its allergies. Hope Hope.I have absolutley no patience for becomming sick.
Now... I would really rather be doing other things, like shopping! Yep yep yep... I want to do Costco and spend a perverse amout of money..lol Oh! Oh! I know! I wish to be in Arroyo Grande doing the same thing at Marshalls! I would buy a cartful of Valentines dresses! No wait! I would go right down the street here to my jeweler and pick up Pandora charms for all of my Valentines!!! GRUNT. ::sigh:: I think that would be so much fun dont you? Just choosing those charms for all that I LUB. Beats the hell out of a pajama gram wouldnt you agree? Speaking of.... WHAT women really want one of those pajama grams anyway??? Geez... might as well be a Snuggie. I get a tickle from these commercials though. I imagine all kinds of things! One of my favorites is "HE WENT TO JARED"S!!" Geez... Men, call me! I will take you to the nearest Pandora dealor K? Step away from the pajama gram!
 I have decided to become a frugal freak instead. I joined a site too.. really! I guess I dont want to talk about that since I am in need of retail therapy. Its probably because I missed Mr Wizard this week huh? Yep.. lets call it that. Did you people miss Tell All Tuesday? I knew that you would:) I kinda missed it too. My mistake in scheduling, I'm on it though!
I guess I better GET on it and GET busy. Happy weekend dear blog readers, LYG!

Crab Feed Donation Quilt

OMGoodness someone take the damn camera away from me! I dont think I could take a decent photo if I had a pro over my shoulder!! My Phone camera stinks. My Oly is Broky, and Walt sent home my old favorite, and its THIS picture, so I guess you KNOW what that means? Yeh! Me too! I stink!

This queen is the first of 2 crab feed quilts for thier silent auction. My cousin Glenda ( better known as super Mom me thinks) is heading up the Feed for her Daughter Rileys dance Troupe. ( do ya spell it that way? ) Those STARS look like dancers on there right??? Anyway... Its in Livermore and I'm afraid that I wont make this one. Hopefully the next!
I am also in hopes of it fetching good monies for the charity. I know that the Epilepsy Foundation quilt always knocks my socks off with the proceeds. If ya ask me, the way to go on these is photo memory quilts. Pics of all the "players" of said group. THEY are always a 6 Hankie Win! Really, the sales are through the roof trying to win a pic of their childs mug on a quilt! Its a wonderful fundraiser peoples!
Okay, I'm burning the midnight oil with the next one:)
Love yer guts!

Craigs List Quilter

"Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that

 but simply growth.

We are happy when we are growing."
– William Butler Yeats

Mornin`.. Wanna hear a story of what NOT to do on Craigs list? Ok.. grab a cuppa...
In an effort to promote even more local business, I posted an ad on Craigs List for my services. Yes I did. Wierd, but true. I've been doing a bunch of strange things this year, beleive me! So I'm driving my happy ass home from the coast (I say happy because I got some sun!) and my phone rings. Now calm down I am in the middle of nowhere without a car in sight. I answer it.
Caller, Hi, this is Tiffany and I have a lap top to be quilted, can you fit me in?
M: <smirking at "fit in"> Sure, how about tomorrow , would you lke 3 or 4 pm? ( I believe in choices ya know)
Caller: I'll take 3 pm, whats your address?
Me: I GAVE IT TO HER
Caller, ok, see u then
Me: Tiffany? Which quilt shop referred you to me?
Caller: Oh, no shop.. Craigs list
Me: <pulling car over> OIC, okkkkkk see you then.

Now I am in a slight panic. Did I REALLY just give my address to a perfect stranger on craigs list? I THINK I DID!
OK, now I 've done it. Just when I think that the LUCY moves cant get any screwier ( don't use that in scrabble K?) They get screwier!!
I took out my trusty text finger and notified the world around me. An all call to be on alert for 3 pm tomorrow. Do you know where your mother, wife, sister, friend is??? Now its not enough that I haven't slept well in 3 damn years, lets ADD this to the mix! REALLY? I did what? grunt.
Fast forward to film at 11:00 ..............
I was once again lucky in life and I wasnt raped, robbed or murdered. I DID in fact meet a very nice novice piecer on a mission. THANK YOU LORD!
All the text recipients can relax, I'm safe. Will you all please watch me a TAD bit closer? I am a dork!
Now here where I am, reports are on the news nearly nightly of what NOT to do on Craigs list. I am a watcher of said news! Everyday I say.............. whats wrong with me???!!!????

Thoughts

"He who cannot change the very fabric of his thought

 will never be able to change reality."

– Anwar al-Sadat

Second cuppa interesting thought don't you agree? Hmmmm I'm all over it! (as usual)

I woke up this morning with this mad craving for Rissoto with asparagus. Maybe some cream of asparagus soup? How about asparagus with Isralie couscous!!! I wonder if your body calls out for veggies like it does RED MEAT? Its true! I always know when I need a iron boost. Don't you? Hey! speaking of irons.......... I always get a tickle to read in a quilter blog the perils of finding the right iron. Boring yet important information to we quilters eh? Well, I get to talk about it now!!! I promise not to bore you though. I just think THIS warrants chat. Heres the back story: Ten years ago I bought a Rowenta pro. Last year it died. I replaced with inexpensive Sunbeam. Its just OKAY. I couldnt afford to replace my Rowenta yet.

Heres the front story: Walt had fun on QVC, was feeling romantic generous, and bought for me this AMAZING ( read Sarah word) New Rowenta PINK POINTY PRO! I think its officially called a steaminator or something? Boasting 1800 watts of mind blowing steam...lol ( hand blowing!!) I'm seriously loving this iron! Mind you only binding has happened so far, so I would like to reserve my further reviews for when I attack a back or something K? Gettinginto miters, all collars and corners and inbetween buttons is going veryyyy nicelyyyyyyy!
Meanwhile, I better hush now as not to bore you as promised:) I am in hopes that THIS Rowenta will go 10 years too!

Ok, I'm up.. I'm going... I'm gone!

Exsisting vs Living M & M's

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama, and those who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of LIFE...Getting back up & moving forward is LIVING
Anddddd you missed me right? Its been a very long week end and I have been digging myself out of a hole and doing all of my homework too. I visited the coast and absolutley drowned myself in as much sun as my lil body could hold. Did I mention that I miss home? Yeh, I do. Right now I am looking out my foggy window and I think I lost my dog in it. Wow... Speaking of holes... THIS may be the very HOLE I feel! CLIC

Its February 1st. January is done. Thank God. The journal pages changed, the month locked and gone. Again, moving forward.
Did you hear about the Pioneer Woman's book signing in San Francisco next week? Wanna go? I do! Her blog style cracks me up at least once a week!  Go Ree!!!

Tuesday, February 08, 2011
07:00 PM
BOOKS INC
Books Inc. at Opera Plaza 601 Van Ness San Francisco, CA 94102

I am hot on a quilt this morning! I think I have some mojo! Gotta run!
M & M's:

3 days of real sleep,snuggling and sunshine
A Pink Pointy new Iron:)

It's Thursday, WTH Am I Doing?

Make a list.

Check it often.

Dont forget personal stickies all over the house!

Have 4 calendars going between Dayplanner, Smart phone, desk top and laptop!

switch rings on fingers .....

But above all else.............

Thats my story and I'm sticking to it!

Guess Who's Happy Birthday It Is?

Only one of the greatest women of the world!

Or is that quilter? Oh no, I think its friend... no... maybe its Mom, grandmom, sista or Aunti?

How about just great!

Happy Birthday Dear Ronda!

 I love ya!

Identity Fit & Mr Wizard /TaT

Upon further contimplation (cause thats what I do) ( while boiling eggs) I have decided that I have my foot firmly planted in an identity threat. Now WHO needed a team of shrinks for that? I knew the answer would come!Yes, it is entirely possible that I've lost whats left of my mind. But.........
Now one could call it meaningful collaboration with Mr Wizard, but frankly, THIS never came up.
What if.......... You were shook to your very core with loss,(es) death,(s) change,(es) fear, and add in a threat to your forever happy place?
So I'm quilting away over there, having a little hissy fit with a variegated silky thread. It wouldn't give me perfect tension and I was talking to it as though it were my first born. I had to stop and snicker because I remembered in the beginning how when this happened to me I would find a wall, slink down onto the floor, and bawl for awhile. How far I had come from those days. I actually evolved and BECAME a quilter. I wasn't born that way ya know. I was always somebody else until my quilting journey began. So and So's Mom. So and So's wife. Manager of... Food & Beverage director Of...Innkeeper For.... Even Owner Of....I had IDENTITIES. One day, it turned into that long arm quilter over there... Oh you know Dear Gina.. the quilter from yada yada yada....I found contentment in my identity. I found peace within my realm of colleagues. Then all hell seemed to have broken loose upon the tragic, untimely loss of my son. From that moment in time nothing right can be found. Nothing normal. Not even new normals, unless you would like to call CHANGE a new normal. However, I digress. Who was I now? The Mother of that poor boy? :::God I miss him so much I ache all the time::: WHO could keep track? With all of the moves and changes I think my identity has been IS BEING threatened and I am having an internal fit to defend and protect. WHO wouldn't protect their own identity? I had a good friend say nothing less than earth shattering words to me. "G, I don't think you want to quilt anymore". Another one said, "Hey sell your shit, get bitchy, and go make the big bucks again". And of course, the ALL TIME hair raiser, " Why don't you just go get a real J.O.B.". I was scared! I was am pissed! JUST because I have artistic discord does not equate to identity in trash can. Now, how exactly to locate that artistic harmony is anybodies guess eh? Where's my damn globe? I need it. I need to paste some spots on it. I figured something out. YAY me!
I'm sorry, but THIS identity I shall fight for to the death, and that's all I have to say about that.
 LAQ
Todays session with Mr Wizard was part two in a series of debate. I think that I failed that, AGAIN!

Crab Feed Number One /M & M's

G'morning:) I'm on my second pot, looking for the buzz.. I think I need to switch to expresso! I am fumbling in the shop trying to load a quilt but keep getting sidetracked organizing thread. Thread makes me happy, so its all good..lol I am in search of a perfect thread choice for my Crab Feed Donation quilt. A silent Auction for my cousin Glendas charity event.I took an underwear day yesterday, so I'm trying to find"doubletime" today. I needed it. Or I just didnt give a flying fart one... I dunno.
Jake was in town on Saturday and we went to a crab feed with Karen and Becca too.  I had such a good time that I guess I lost my crab tool box full of pics, crackers and tongs... dang it! Anyway...We had a great time and then went to see Kim ( heathers Kim) play his guitar at a local pub. I personally love his mellow acoustic more, but this was fun too. I tried very hard to have a totally different week end than last week... Maybe if I hit a crab feed every week end I will fake it til I make it? lol It could happen?Hey! I have so many UFO's going on I could donate to every one of them! I think my favorite will always be the SLO feed. I Miss home....CLIC
I will leave you with a picture and get my butt moving... or try!

M & M's:
A visit with Jake
Crab Feed number 1
Flowers for me on a Monday:)
The bird quilt done!
wow... hard and it shouldnt be...............
**EDIT** My poor BFF who has to deal with my self absorbed self on a weekly basis called my attention to yet another M & M. I am ashamed of myself:(
I had a wonderful time watching her Kim happily play his guitar after the crab feed and I saw a familiar look on his face. It was a look of sheer pleasure of enjoying his art. I dont know if I wanted to join him on stage, or just line up more events to see! Either way, it was truly part of my gratitudes for the week. Kim ya wanna team up?

ok, one more... THIS little pistal!

Human Bird Quilt

G`morning:) I tried to get a decent shot of this for ya but I guess I am camera phone impaired? I have used flash on/off...scenes.. nights... close.. far... NO CAN DO? I think that Avianas swear jar might very well turn into a Nonni camera jar! ( oh wait, I already robbed it.. chit.)
Its a 60 inch square wall hanging of needle turned applique human birds. I NEED it to be over today. I must get back to my Blue Beauty. Dont ya love zippered leaders??? Its really tough here since space is compromised but I still manage to drag my leaders around..lol The other night I had such a mess in the shop that I couldnt even hop around dancing to that new song Heather introduced me to.. Hey mama! Hey mama! I tell ya, that song and 2 cups of coffee theres no end to the JUMPING possibilities!
I made a dr. appt. Now I`m making a list!  It could be sinus related? Maybe it could all resolve with sun. I have no idea. They tell me that we should get some late today. I sure hope so. I`m on the rdge, I swear.
Okay, I am going to drag myself to it... TGIF Peeps! CLICK THIS!!!( I double dog dare you not to bounce something!)

Send a Happy Thought?

"We cannot do everything at once but we can do something at once."
Calvin Coolidge

Morning.... my coffee isnt hot. Crap. Why does this happen? I'm so grumpy! I have been having quite a few rough nights. My daughter has me diagnosed with some heart failure stuff..A friend has me walking around with my Moms Diabetes... UG.. I think its par for the course. ( no, I dont play golf so why the hell would I say that?) I know I havent been taking good care of myself. I'm so sick of pain, All of it. in and out. Hmm.. maybe I AM sick of it. Maybe stress really CAN make one sick. I was THIS close to going into the ER last night. I think the only reason I didnt call for help was because I know my iron door is locked! How is anyone to get in? But that was the plan? I need a new game plan. Before I have to go in! My DQL sucks big green wienies! CLIC
I have so much to do today so I better get the self talk talking. Such a cool lie..................But ya lub me right?
Peace out:)

*And THEN I forgot that today is stove demolition day!!! WOW! :::film at 11:00::::

The Debate Team & TaT

"Hope is not a dream, but a way of making dreams become reality."
 Cardinal Leon Joseph Suenens

TaT= tell all Tuesdays, write it down:)

I wanted to discuss this week ends horrid happenings, (not to be confused with my stitch pal, mind u)  however Mr Wizard had a different adgenda.In an effort to calm the voices in Sybils head, he played with the dry erase board for visual aid today. I'm not certain that I would be good on a debate team arguing my point. Or anyone elses. I can site my good ole stand by. My head KNOWS the truths, my HEART refuses to listen. To help to turn down the volume, since we cant seem to shut my head the hell up....we did this.

Defend this statement:

I can effectively and successfully operate a winery.

 you have no education in this field

G: I have 35 years plus in the hospitality industry, it can be adapted into a winery

you have no capital

G: I can enlist investors to increase working capital

but you love to quilt not make wine

G: I will diversify to include my art

you're getting older

G: the older the vine, the sweeter the grape?

This of course is all very hypothetical, I am illustrating the technique. Will it work? I have no idea, but its homework. At any rate, as usual, Mr Wizard has planted a seed, given a tool to ponder. Done. I'm on it. 

Next week, it will be reversed.

I cannot successfully run a winery..... I shall be defending THAT statement. (not really, but its far too personal for TaT)

Maybe when I grow up... I will be a Wizardess!



Gifts Picture!



Hey Gayle, I finally figured out the camera phone, but I gotta tell ya, I MISS MY OLYMPUS!!!
For being such a faithful morning cuppa dear blog reader, I'm sending to you this lucious extra wide yard of double sided coffee suede for maybe one of your amazing art projects:) I fondled it before it was packed up. Right after before I ate this cookie. ( how the hell did THAT get in the pic?) I think you can click on it for enlargement.. not sure? Its on its way to you, and thanks a bunch, LYG!
Gina

Marvelous Monday Gratitudes Are YOU!

"Hem your blessings in thankfullness so they do not unravel."

A.Unknown

Where do I live  now? (HA!) Funny eh? I spent my most of my life firmly placed and now have moved 5 times in as many years! I am now BACK in the central valley near my daughter and family, pining away for the sunshine of the coast!
What was my first blog post about? If Home is where the heart is, I must have 2 of each. Kinda matches above only reversed now. Grunt.

What do I collect? I took a peak.. largest collection of many, FABRIC AND THREAD!!!
newest? Pandora charms!!
What was my first career passion in life, and what is it now?
I dreamt of being Entertainer of the year, and now I dream of being quilter of the year!
What do I do absent mindedly while pondering?
Hard boil eggs and draw happy faces on them!
Descibe your blog buddy (moi) in one word and it cant be trainwreck!
 Many moons ago, Dana ( a foodie friend) called me Effervescent and I am still tickled with this to this day! I find myself striving to honor her TAG. ( how cool is Gretchen eh?)
Whats my favorite day of the week?
Underwear days!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks everyone for playing! That was fun. I used the lil gizmo random Integer thing. Every one was entered twice, and the WIENER is  # 4 Gayle, her second entry! Congrats Gayle, email me your snail mail address for your gift! Yes, I AM TRYING to post a pic but if u remember my lil camera broke :(

 

Golden Globes

Are you watching??? My Fall over song in Burlesque? "You havent seen the last of me" Just won for best orginal song! Woohoo! Go CHER!!! I hope theres a win for Christina in here tonight!!

http://gina-deargina.blogspot.com/2010/11/burlesque-review.html


Now I must go FROG awhile, when I heard the news I screwed up a lil bit... grunt.

I Need A New Lil Camera!!

My lil Oly bit the big one finally:( It was a favorite, it did its job. Now its a big white blur. Dang it. I tried to shoot the new lil human bird quilt with my phone camer.. it stunk. I will keep trying, but On my list besides a new external hard drive is a camera!!!
We had a productive couple days quilting and piecing like crazy! ( me & Linda) I cant wait to get my hands on the black and tan that she is doing! For me.. well... this human bird at only 60 x 60 took forever and a days! Today I am finishing up a Bargello wall hanging, then I must quickly get to work on the Crab Feed donations!!!  I am in hopes of those being well recieved. I have to scoot, I will try to come back later with pics... Happy Sunday, and dont forget the contest entry down there! Do it!
LYG!!
G

:::Contest Alert:::: This Just In!

Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just looked at my site metor and guess what? I`m  a few hours away from hitting 100 thousand!!!! I feel generous!! What shall I do??? You guys are so devoted.. Did I mention I love yer guts? I'm so happy to have all of your encouraging words, prayers, emails... messages, phone calls.. WTF would I do without ALL OF YOU!!!
Now listen.. I have a CUPPA ideas of what I want to send to my 100K wiener yet, but theres the clue. So lets see....  how about 2 chances in the hat to win...

How well have you come to know me via a cuppa in the morning?? Answer these 7 lovely questions in honor of 7 Marvelous Monday entries.....quick like a bunny!!

#1
Where do I live  now? (HA!)
What was my first blog post about?
What do I collect?
What was my first career passion in life, and what is it now?
What do I do absent mindedly while pondering?
Descibe your blog buddy (moi) in one word and it cant be trainwreck!
Whats my favorite day of the week?

 #2 clic the follow me button!! Let me know in a separate comment. ( if u are already there, say so!) I 'll put you in twice, and we shall see what I'm sending to ya!!! Hey!!! work done for me!!

I will give the correct answers and the WIENER on Marvelous Monday! Lets have some fun! Cause I NEED IT!!!!

Happy Thursday Morning.. Keyword: HAPPY

"Become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid."
– Lady Bird Johnson

Sometimes ya just wish the qoute of the day would take hold!

I pushed go too soon! lol Wake up Woman, right? I feel ditzy this morning.. I made this long list then started sweating it... so I decided to get dressed instead. I put on this top and cords, looked in the mirror and saw a frog. Yep.. a frog. My Ma in the mirror me thinks. She would always see this whilst wearing green. I quickly changed while laughing. I instead went for the GREY look.. look of the year over here... Jamie's grey sweats always make me feel "homey".. now where's he at..sigh... I suppose he lives with Christmas... in the ole` heart...CLIC

I am expecting a friend this evening! We will sew and yak and hot tub and eat. Its a plan. Notice I DID NOT SAY DRINK NUFFIN. I have a pot of Hamhocks N Beans on. I have no flippin idea if she even likes this? LOL No worries.. I have a Nummy Pasta sauce, and my tortellini zoupa too! ( indecision is my middle name these days eh?) I seriously need a FAT Costco run. Wouldnt it fun just one time to have like a Costco Visa with no limit? Wow, I just had a rush....
I decided one thing for sure. Friends are a wonderful shot in the arm ( heart). I think my next Pandora charm may be a heart.. Just a reminder:)
Time to go blast some P!NK and quilt some birds!
Love yer guts!



Compass

"Morality, like art, means drawing a line someplace."
Oscar Wilde

Not to be confused with a Mariners compass, Mr. Wizard introduced a Moral compass. A way to answer many questions and slow down the racing thoughts. Now I have tried it out on simple things and it worked. The tougher things, not so well yet. But then again, It may be because I am stubborn.

Hypothetical Question: ( has absolutely no bearing on my case...lol)

Your Mother in law wishes to host Christmas this year, taking the torch from you. What is your reply?

Compass:

APPLY Reason/logic

She is getting old, needs to feel needed. She hasn't many more years to do this with her children/grandchildren. but it makes no sense at all when you and your family have established your own traditions and are comfortable with them.

APPLY Intuition/Instinct:

Red Flag! The kids will be confused and out of sync. Bad idea.She may be trying to get back what it took awhile to establish for your own family.

APPLY Emotion/Feeling:

 I understand her need however I too have the need to be Ms Santa in our own home. I would be amiss without the exhilaration routine of the holiday. (Like she did with her young family)

The Answer should now come easily? PHISHAW!!! In my mind, this only brings on MORE questions!

What would husband think of me if I said NO? What if we lost her and I couldn't live with guilt? What if the kids think I'm a Scrooge? Mr Wizards answer to this is of course to make a WHAT IF question and answer page. Well.. Like I dont do that night and day right?

What If?

Pro Con

do, not do

I mean I am an experienced brain stormer! Analyzer! Feed back seeker!

This is so not easy. Grunt. Especially when I am a sun depraved, displaced emotional train wreck remember??? An interesting concept... Imma go pick up my ball, find a few spoons, do 5 minutes of mindfullness,  and do my homework. (Then make some Zoupa while Quilting) GRUNT.

Happy Birthday Sissy! A Marvelous Monday Indeed:)

Happy Birthday Dear Sissy! This may not be the "best" picture I have, but its so "telling" I had to use it! This is her favorite the 3 cats favorite place to sit in the family room. Not pictured is Tori, the Torti, who is the alpha cat and the PITA cat in my book! Not really sure why she loves these guys so much but she sure does! She also has two Border Collies running the land over there... hey, do ya think she likes black and white? All the animals say yes! Oh I think they need a new family photo with the 5 animals and the family dressed in B&W! LOL Happy Birthday Kel! Have a great day!



"Action is the antidote to despair."
 Joan Baez

Who says? Where did she come up with that one anyway? Words to a folk song gone awry? Hmmmmm

Good Monday morning :) I has a rough week end, could ya tell? I did enjoy visiting sis but yesterday was a funky funk beyond all funks! I thought I lost Sis bracelet, I slept too late, I couldnt find motivation on ANY list I had made. I was cranky and weepy all thrown into one frozen G. The first thing this morning that I see is above qoute. I snickered. ( or was that a sneer?)I'm working on a custom and my artwork was becomming a reflection of my mood, so I stopped. Thank God.. I came out this morning, took one look and scratched things! I have decided that its just GOT TO BE lack of sunshine. I'm already geting shots for vitamin D difiencies. I should go find sun lamps.. you know, so I can have an even HIGHER PGE bill! :::Sigh::: some things ya just get used to on the coast eh?I better move my touche and get back to my human bird quilt!

M & M's:

Heated seats in my car

Stitch N Bitch Night

The motion detector light working!

Movie Dates!

My Do it all cell phone:)

Hope

Country Strong Review NO Stars Here

What do you get when you mix EVERY wierd sterotypical thing about country western genre that you have ever heard of and mix it with a super good cast of characters?

COUNTRY STRONG!!

Oh Dear blog readers, believe me, if you are a CW "disliker", and joke about these sterotypes, you are about to be justified!!! All of them are present here except Mama, and YER DAWG! Yep yep yep.. even the train!

Now I gotta tell you that I am a long time "liker"of SOME CW music. I was country WAY back when, and then I decided that the whining slobbering sob stories needed to stop! I still enjoy some, but for the most part, I can leave it. Afterall, I have enough of a dang soap opera right here, I dont need to get a crying towel out to wallow in it with a brewski..

I'm so disappointed for Gwenyth Paltrow because she REALLY can sing! Tim McGraw, please keep singing instead of this K? The new cute kids... I wish you well and hope this didnt ruin your careers.Hey can you tell that I didnt enjoy this film at all? My poor Sis and I just cringed for 2 hours while stuffing popcorn in our pie holes rapidly as not to trash the movie aloud in public! Heres the bad news.. We were supposed to see True Grit!!!

To be fair, Jackie, 17 year old neice.. enjoyed the film. Her go to Genre is the likes of USHER... sooooooooo

Lottery Daydreams & A New Redhead?

 Congratulations to the winners of MY MEGA MILLION JACKPOT! Ahuh... Washington and Idaho's turn. BUT.. A lucky man here in my City won 200K! (yes I wrote down the stores address!)

For me? Well, I LOVE to go into the store to check my ticket in the little machine to see the magic words pop up that say, "YOU"RE A WINNER! The trouble is, its usually a short lived HIGH. This time I saw it, I felt it, and I won 2 big bucks. So I rolled it over to Fridays draw for 12 million! I can live with that too! I'm SO not greedy you know. I'm certain the Smurf house is under 12 Million right? Of course right. In the meantime, I still have a few bucks on Super Lotto too so it can sneak up on me for a surprise:) Ah California Lottery:::sigh::: What a fun distraction you are.
Did you like the Pozole? Did you MAKE some? I think today I will be quilting while making a huge pot of Marinara sauce to put up. I get this great sausage on the coast ( sweet italian) and blend it with hamburger for a mighty good start to pasta sauce! I think I need to go pick up more containers, they seem to disappear at an alarming rate. I called the Karebear and told her to come get some and bring her own bowl, and bring mine back too! Did she do it? No.......grunt. I have a huge list to get to so I will bid you all a great day!
LYG!
G
---------------------------------THIS JUST IN------------------------------------------------
My BLONDE Dear Daughter is now a redhead??? I love it! Hey, she really resembles her Mama now with dark hair! LOL
 Nice Do Karen:)

Chicken Pozole

OK, Its no secret I miss Ma right? I wasnt satisfied with a warm tortilla with butter this morning, so I went to work. While Mom's favorite is Albondigas, or Cocido.. she always made a mean pot of Pozole for the winter blues. I remember that she did this with Pork sometimes, but had to wait a day or so to skim the fat off. She hated pork fat..lol. The way to fix this is....... CHICKEN! I know Ma would be proud when she reads this.. in fact.. she was while it was simmering:) Manja Dear Blog readers...
This comes out spicy, NOT hot. If you prefer, you can omit the Jalepeno for the kiddies.

4  skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes (may use thigh meat instead)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 large onions, chopped ( I prefer Maui sweets)
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 small jalapeño pepper,roasted, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons ground cumin
3 tablespoons New Mexico chili powder ( Lord I love red chili)
2 tablespoons chopped fine- garlic
1 15 ounce can roasted diced green chili's (Ortega is my "go to") ( Dont tell MA cause she roasted her own Aneheim chilis)
1 cup crushed tomatoes ( she roasted these too, but I used a can! ssshhh)
8 cups chicken broth
1 30 ounce can golden or white hominy (I like white)
Sea Salt and course grind pepper to taste
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1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 cup chopped green onions, with tops
Dollop of Sour cream
 Some say shredded cabbage atop this lovely bowl is delish, I havent tried, but I love cabbage!!

Pour the oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot and heat over medium heat.
Season the chicken pieces with your favorite "go to" seasoning. Add to the pot and sauté until well-browned. Transfer the meat to a bowl and set aside.
Add the onions, minced garlic, red pepper and jalapeño to the pot and brown until golden. (about 8-10 min)
When the onion begins to caramelize, and the kitchen is lit up in fragrance, pour yourself another glass of wine and delight in your accomplishments.. then return the meat to the pot, sprinkle with the cumin and chili powder, stir in green chilies and tomatoes. Marvel at the aroma now huh!!!
Add the chicken broth plus 2 cups of water, bring it to a boil over high heat. Lower heat and let the chili simmer, partially covered, for one hour.
Add the hominy. Continue to cook approximately 15 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasoning ( S & P) and top with minced cilantro, minced green onions and a dollop of sour cream in each bowl. Dont forget the tortillas! I like a handmade white corn tortilla myself:) WITH BUTTER.. jis sayin?

I'm Sorry Means

Expressing or inclined to express an apology
Feeling or expressing regret for one's sins or misdeed.

Whats it mean to you? For me, it means, "I didnt mean to do that, and I damn sure that I won't do it again.

It shouldnt happen again, should it? Sometimes it does.

Today I leaned about the F2F Study. (fight 2 fun:::wink:::) Its research on the good times outweighing the bad and vice versa. What ratio it takes to repair erosion's. How the ratio can fluctuate due to I'm sorrys gone bad. Seriously interesting stuff. I have homework, of course. I shall call it, working on wording...lol Power, pleasure, pain..... Heather would just love it.

I feel like making some soup.. maybe Pozole. You peoples like Pozole? I will type it out if I make it ok? Also.. I think a big batch of sauce to freeze for pastas.. I have no idea why I keep cooking.. maybe its like my boiling eggs.. Just gotta bang some cupboards and create. Speaking of creating, I think my stitch n bitchers need to kick my butt into creating in the correct room! I have come to a point where there is so much that needs my attention that its much like racing thoughts... racing things!

M & M's For The New Year

I think I'm a day late because of my new Droid phone? Will you all buy THAT excuse? Well... its true Imma trying to learn it! Popcorn prayer, "please let me always keep learning new stuff as I grow older". Just when I figured out the Blackberry, I got twinkly eyed over the Droid. So here we go! I am amazed at how it syncs with my calender and emails, etc... I have been reminding myself daily to go and pick up a new day planner and last night it dawned on me... WHY? ( no longer nessesary). Now, if only I could get that Words with Friends game downloaded eh? Grunt. Thank you Dear Walt, for the super sized planner:) Happy New Year to me.
(PS: you wouldnt believe the sound coming from this lil Droid!!)
OK, Holidays over.. geez, thank goodness. Onto the next. I think right now its Mega Million Alert!! 330 million! Smurf house here I come! I have 9 bucks on it now... its all mine:) I think I will buy a FLEET of longarms in different colors...LOL Hows that for a dream? You know that Smurf house is a perfect quilt retreat too... sigh....
Much to do today as I am behind on quilting and its Mr Wizard day too. I want to make a soup tonight, so we shall see. I have a craving for Chicken Pozole, yummmmmm.
Have a great day, I will return with tell all Tuesday!
M & M's Include

NOT the rain
NOT the fog either
NOT S.A.D.

A mega million imagination
My new pocket Pal
Safe travels
Good Ginger Sitters
Lots of thread choices for today!