Through the arbor

Through the arbor, originally uploaded by bossamama.

Starting to blog with a picture a day. We'll call this one August 4. Hazel's 8th birthday.

movies

On the movie front, I brushed up on the last batch of Pre-Code Hollwood movies that I had recorded from TCM. They have been on the DVR for months and I was tempted many times to just erase them. But I finally got around to transferring the to DVD. And, boy, am I glad! These were by far the best of the bunch. The other pre-code movies, have been silly, exploitive little romps. Sure some had serious subjects, but the acting and directing weren't the best. These were all directed by William Wellman, who I now think is a directing master. It turns out, I have enjoyed many of his movies- and not known they were his. The three latest are "Midnight Mary", "Heroes for Sale", "Frisco Jenny" and "Purchase Price" Wellman was known for directing "men's" pictures with titles like "The Story of G.I. Joe" and "The Ox-Bow Incident" but he was a marvel at "women's" pictures- stories where the woman was the main character.

And Pre-Code these movies definitely are. Sex, drugs- and jazz (rock 'n roll hadn't been invented yet) are duly represented along with babies out of wedlock, prostitute rings, and a realistic portrayal of the desperation of the Depression. It's so odd to watch and hear these actors who you've seen as very chaste utter the words "Do you like sex?" or a main character-a war hero no less- addicted to morphine, arguing with his dealer and begging for half of the stash. These are just plain good movies too. The stories are great, they are involving and to the point (each movie is just about and hour and 10 minutes.) The actors are great, women like Barbara Stanwyck, Loretta Young,

Charlyne Yi

Glenn Gould

Media I have consumed...

I read the book "The Ten Year Nap" by Meg Wollitzer. I picked it up for $4 at Borders in the remainder bin, even though it's a fairly new, bestselling book. I gobbled it up. It was the first time I had identified so closely with a book in a long while- it being about 40-something stay at home moms. It was nearly perfect in it's portrayal of the conflict we feel as mothers. (Okay, maybe it was just perfect.) The daily pull of self interest against family interest. As one review put it- who do women owe their allegiance to, themselves? their children? their husbands? their mothers? their friends? The worries of our lives, our children's well-being, our husbands interests, our aging selves- the cutting off from our old selves- before children. What if? You can read the first chapter here.

I have read several articles in The New Yorker which I have already forgotten. But which will return to me in some weird fashion in the middle of a conversation one day. One morning, I absent-mindedly started reading the middle of a short story. I rarely read them- I don't know why- there is no good explanation. I guess when I'm reading the magazine I'm not in a fiction mood. Anyhow- it caught my interest so I turned to the beginning. To my delight it was written by Lorrie Moore. I was introduced to her in college and read a few of her novels. At the time, me being young and starry eyed- they struck me as mean and dark. Now, as my older self, I appreciate her style. Funny- "Childcare" is about a young college girl interviewing for a job as a nanny to a 40-something woman. Coincidence? I think not. The gods are speaking to me. You can read the short story here.

recovery and inspiration

As Barney Frank said last night on The Daily Show, people would rather receive stimulation than recovery, when referring to what to call the "stimulus package."

As I recover from my second surgery I'm trying to take it slow. I'm trying to save myself for the future. Instead of the "I'm young still I can do anything," I have to approach it as "I'm young, but I have to preserve myself by not overdoing it." The last few days have felt stale and I feel like an old stone just sitting, waiting. I've been trying to stimulate my mind. But what I've been doing is consuming like crazy. Not food, it isn't sitting too well as the anesthesia still affects my body. I have read a whole book, watched a lot of amazing movies and read a lot of New Yorker articles and snarky internet news blogs. I've been trying to inspire myself with thoughts of projects, but nothing really grabbed me.

Then this morning as I sat on the side of the tub changing a diaper (we do them standing up now) I glanced up and saw this...

... and inspiration struck.

More Music

I've been greatly anticipating the latest project from Stuart Murdoch- creator of Belle & Sebastian. I fell head over heals with this music a few years back, but just a few years late of their arrival. Somehow I missed the premiere- I think they came out when I was deeply immersed in Duke Ellington. The music is an extension of my beloved Smiths- which I feel was engrained on my DNA through so many nights of listening to The Queen is Dead over and over my year after high school graduation.

Now, Stuart Murdoch has created God Save the Girl, which at the outset seems to simply be Belle & Sebastian sung by girls. But it's a bit more than that. It is the music for a film that Murdoch is creating. The songs tell a story. And I don't understand how he does it, but he channels the mind of a young girl. That young girl that was sitting in my room 20 some years ago, pining, melancholy sometimes- but generally carefree, on the cusp of life-before car payments, before college, before marriage and children. Such a sweet time, but not very recognizable while one is immersed in it.

To get a real feel for the whole project, you can listen to the entire album here.

Thank you

Thanks to my friend, Lydia, I got to see Jenny Lewis last night in concert at the Plaza. It was an amazing show, and solidifies Jenny's spot as one of my favorite performers. Her lyrics really speak to me, she is as confused about a lot of the same things as I am and she writes eloquently about them. Seeing her perform live is a completely different experience- her band is amazing and the music really takes hold- some bands just don't live up to their recordings- but I think Jenny Lewis surpasses them by far. This clip is from Bonnaroo, just weeks ago.

Goodbye

I'm sorry to say that I had to put our cat to sleep yesterday. It was very hard to decide, but in the end I knew in my heart that it was right. She was 18 years old and starting to decline and I didn't want her to get to the point where she was really suffering. She wouldn't eat anything and we couldn't get her to come out of the closet, where she had been for three days. We held and pet her for a long time and while she seemed somewhat alert, her body was limp. I even took her outside, but she tried everything she could to get back in the house fast. Later, Lora brought some ice cream and gave V. some, but she barely licked it and laid back down. I couldn't stand to see her suffer. She has been in decline for a long time and had lost so much weight, her fur was dingy and she had stopped grooming herself a long time ago. We kept her going as long as she still had some spunk, still enjoyed playing a bit, hissing at the other cats or wanting to sit on our laps. She hadn't done anything like that the last 4 days.

I decided to take her in by myself and I'm glad I did. She was always my cat and I felt that I owed it to her to see her off. I didn't stay through the procedure, but I did stay with her a while before to make sure she was calm and talked to her before they came in. The vet people were very sweet and I felt confident leaving her in their care. She was very calm and tired, and -I think- really ready to go to sleep. It was extremely hard to do and all night I had flashbacks and felt misgivings- had I done the right thing? But today, with a clearer head, I know I did the right thing. The whole day felt like a test from God, I had to do it completely alone. I wasn't able to get ahold of Mark all day and only talked to him last evening when it was all over. I do feel stronger for having done it on my own and I think that was the way it was supposed to go.

She was a good girl and we enjoyed her greatly. She had an awesome life. Her last good day was amazing! We took her outside on Sunday to brush her and get all the mats out of her hair. She loved it and then she wanted to sit outside in the grass, she stayed out there for an hour or so while I gardened, she gently explored and laid on the hot concrete-always a treat for cats. After we came in she stood at the door and meowed to be let back out. The next day began her major decline. The last few years with her have been very trying with her kidney problems and incontinence- but we always still saw her spunk. When that was gone, I felt it was time. This is the lot we choose when we take care of animals.

Today, we are going to the beach with a bunch of friends. I think it will be good for all of us to get away, someplace very different- for the day. Hazel was upset yesterday, when I told her that Veronica was not getting better. I told her I would take her to the vet and see if they could help her, but was pretty sure that they wouldn't be able to and she would not be coming home. Lora came over to sit with them and Hazel didn't seem upset at all when I left. I think she was trying to not think about it. She didn't mention anything about it the rest of the day or this morning. We all slept together in my bed last night- more for my benefit than theirs. But it turned out to not be so great for me- because those girls flail around in their sleep like they are doing gymnastics! I was reduced to clinging to the edge of the bed all night! We all feel good this morning, it's sunny and a new day. We don't have to worry about Veronica being sick anymore and we don't have to worry about closing our doors or barricading all the furniture. It is a bit of a relief, really. And we still have two stinky cats, one who ever so sweetly threw up all over our dining room table last night.

Magnification

When I am alone, every sound is louder, every moth that flies in my face is a monster and every problem turns into a crisis. The drama of a sick cat escalated to me making an appointment to have her euthanized. I spent all of last night and this morning wondering how I was going to get through that alone. Thank goodness I had my mom and brother come and help form a second opinion, and the cat was just plain visibly better today. She is old and each day I can't find her, I steel myself for finding her white, furry, lifeless body. I imagine what I will do. When Mark is home, of course- I would flee the house with the children and call him from an undisclosed location. I have a fear of death. I've never really handled any dead thing up close. Much less a companion of 18 years. But being alone, being faced with the inevitable fact of death- knowing that I have to protect the children- I guess I'd just have to deal with it. So, while Veronica lays in my closet and I still wonder if she is going to make it until Saturday (when Mark gets home) I will be on edge.

It doesn't help that I have a hysterical child yelling at me to draw her a "better horsie"- she wasn't happy with what I drew and threw a temper tantrum. She has been sick and is running on that high you get when you feel better. She's been so hyper today- it's been trying. I don't know how my mom did this alone with me and my brother. Maybe because we were older and she got breaks by going to work. Maybe it was just as rough. Sorry, Mom, for any extra stress I caused you!

Welcome to my blog

Fuzzy Squirrel Bank, originally uploaded by bossamama.

Hello, if you've traversed here from Facebook. I've been doing this for about a year. I mostly post pictures, music, video clips, things that I find interesting. It is a public site, so I don't get too terribly personal. It's a fun place to talk about interesting things. You can peruse through lots of old entries, while I get back on the blogging horse. Come back and visit, and leave notes if you like!

Corrie

New music

Just discovered and bought new Camera Obscura album. It's lovely, a bit more upbeat just in time for summer! Here is a sample... "French Navy"

My gosh, I love them. This video reminds me of the movie Two Days in Paris- which could be the antidote for the over the top romance of this video. A great movie- watch the trailer... (please disregard the movie guy narration- so annoying and unnecessary.)

Arbor fun

Before

I ran across this crazy picture of the arbor from last year. I can't believe I let it get that out of control! It was taller than the house! I believe this was in the fall after a long summer of rain.

After
The arbor is looking good these days, it's finally starting to get some leaves on it after this major haircut in the spring. Now the trick is to keep it trimmed and neat. We've had so much rain, it is sure to have a major growth spurt soon.

Guerilla Gardening

What a nifty song too! More...

Last Friday

Big-ears Magee, originally uploaded by bossamama.

Today is the last Friday of the school year. Next Wednesday, school will be over. I will be spending 24 hours, 7 days a week with two restless girls. Added fun, the toddler has just discovered Scotch tape.

Ducks and ducklings at Lake Eola

Ducks and ducklings at Lake, originally uploaded by bossamama.

Yesterday, the sun came out for about an hour. We were lucky enough to be out at Lake Eola and caught this scene. It helps to watch after we lost all the mocking bird babies yesterday. It has been raining non stop and I think the parents simply gave up on the nest. I tried to save them, but to no avail. It was very sad. But this video is very happy and sweet. Life goes on.

Mockingbird hatchling #1

Mockingbird hatchling!, originally uploaded by bossamama.

Mabel has been sitting on her nest diligently the last few days. I have been careful not to walk by and disturb her. Today, she finally flew away for a moment so I could have a peek. I saw one tiny fuzzy head poking up. Mark took this blurry picture, he is my designated picture taker in these situations. I kept watch for Mabel and Marvin- who flew into the tree right next to Mark- I thought for sure they were gonna pull an all out hawk-style attack, but they didn't- they just squawked a lot. We quickly got out of there, I don't want to endanger the nest. Hopefully, the rest of the crew will arrive soon. We have to think of names! First born, I think- Maurice.

All about nesting.

Today I went out to check on the nests. Both mama birds were sitting in their nests, so I couldn't see the status of the eggs or hatchlings. It was a sweet sight though to see. The mamas all nestled in cozy and I guess, content. If birds possess that feeling. Today, I'm staying home and nesting with my little one, although I won't be sitting on her. I've spent the last two days up at the school getting ready for Art Night and poor Lilah has been dragged along. She is pretty amazing, she just sits there at the table I have set up for her and contentedly eats or plays. Occasionally, she would insist on sitting in my lap, and I wouldn't be able to take her, because I was working on something. I felt very bad. But I made it up to her last night and played and sat with her all evening and gave her my undivided attention. Going to try to do that again today.

Baby Birds!

Cardinal hatchilings, originally uploaded by bossamama.

These aren't Mabel and Marvin's eggs, they still haven't hatched. I found another nest in the backyard yesterday! These are cardinal hatchlings and they are in a nest in our orange tree. I was in the backyard and I heard the distinct cry of baby birds- I investigated and found these guys. Mark came out and stood in a chair to take this picture. I was too scared that the parents would come and attack me- although cardinals don't seem to be too worried about people. They just watched us as we stuck our heads near the nest and came to check on them when we left. Baby birds aren't too awfully cute at first, in fact if I found one of these creatures in my house, I'd probably scream and freak out. They look the most dinosaur-like at this stage! I think this picture is sideways, but I have a headache and I can't focus very well right this minute. It does look to me as if the mama has brought them a dill pickle though- doesn't it?

Come to my garden

Spathiphyllum/Peace Lily, purple penta, gnome, originally uploaded by bossamama.

Go over to my Flickr site and see lots more pictures of my growing garden. Just click on photo.

Jar Mania

Candy Jar!

How can I take time to write about jars? I love a good jar. It is one of the simple things in life that makes me very happy. I guess that might be odd. When I see an empty jar, I thrill with the ideas of what I can jam into it. I love to see lots of little things gathered together in a kaleidoscope fashion. I like to see things, not put them in covered boxes and hide them away. So many things are pretty to look at- soap, candy, buttons and who can resist a jar full of googly eyes?

Bathroom Jars

Craft Room Jars

I save jars from spaghetti sauce, jelly, whatever looks interesting. I have a cabinet in my kitchen devoted to empty jars. Now that the girls are getting older I don't have to worry so much about having so much glass around. Although I am awfully clumsy and do break things occasionally. But I've cleaned up so many broken things, it doesn't scare me much anymore. Just sweep it up! Today as I was browsing Anna Marie Horner's blog I discovered her passion for jars as well and a link to a jar mecca that I previously did not know of. Now, it's just a matter of figuring out where else I can jam some jars into my house!

Pantry Jars

Too much nature

All this nature is starting to freak me out. Yesterday it was hawk-mockingbird wars. Then we discovered that the pile of wings and bloody remains in our yard were probably from a mockingbird, meaning that the hawk had already eaten one unfortunate soul. That's why he was just sitting there in our yard letting the other birds peck at him. He was eating and he wasn't going to be bothered. Thank goodness this morning, I saw both Mabel and Marvin show up and sit next to each other on the wire above their nest. I was so happy to see them and told them so. They just looked at me.

Then later this morning we came across this:


A turtle digging and apparently laying eggs right out in the open by our back gate. It was a pretty big turtle and seemed totally undisturbed by us watching it as it dug. I looked up turtle egg gestation and it's around 60-90 days. So we'll keep an eye out. Though, I have a feeling the raccoons who like to use our back yard as a latrine will soon sniff them out and have a snack.

It's like Mutual of Omaha around here. Anyone remember that show? So just when I thought I was finally safe and ensconced in the house from nature... I opened the garage door to find this:


I was horrified. Snakes are okay out in the yard but not in my garage where I walk barefoot and do the laundry. Mickey just stood there and would not come in the house. I knew Minnie would soon run out there and grab the snake and bring it in, she's done it before. So I slammed the door shut (and then got the camera.) I coaxed Mickey into the house and then I tried to pick the snake up with our handy broom and stick dustpan. I've done it before, when I absolutely had to get a snake out of the kitchen. I tried to scoop up the snake, but it started coming up the steps toward me! I was screaming and trying to stop it, but it wouldn't stop!!! Then I started pushing it back down the steps with the broom and it finally slithered off under the washing machine! I pray that it doesn't die under there, because we have learned that snakes smell very bad when they die in a hot garage. It didn't look injured, so I hope it is smart enough to get back outside under the garage door. I will be freaking out every time I do laundry now.

I don't think I would do well living out in the woods or something. This is why I don't like camping. I love nature and animals, but I like them outside, not inside my home- being nice and not killing each other in front of me! This happens to me each year I realize, when I spend a lot of time outdoors. I just get plain freaked out by nature.

Rumble in the Front Yard!

Photos used for dramatic reenactment, the hawk was on the ground

and Mavis, Mable and Morton were attacking from the roof of our house!

Red Tail Hawk

Today we arrived home from piano lessons to find our Mockingbird couple, whom we have since named Mabel and Marvin, viciously attacking a hawk that was at least 4 times their size! There was even a third Mockingbird involved, perhaps Mabel's brother Morton? At first all we could see were the little birds squawking and flapping their wings and dive bombing. I was sure they were trying to protect their nest and we approached to see if we could help. Suddenly this large hawk ( I think a Red Tail like pictured) flew off from where it had been sitting on the ground. It left behind a big pile of feathers and what looks like some red flesh (eww.) I ran over to see if it had eaten the eggs already and thank goodness it hadn't. I looked it up and read that Mockingbirds are one of the most vigorous defenders of their young. I'll say! Bravo Marvin and Mabel (and Morton!)

Listen...

Not a video, but someone was nice enough to post the song on youtube, odd choice of picture though.

My latest find. The Long Lost. Not new, but new to me. Heard on local college radio. I am always a sucker for a bossa nova or samba beat. Also if I hear a flute softly playing that gets me. This band is interesting. A husband and wife duo- they dress in a sort of shabby Victorian style. The husband has large mutton chop sideburns and the wife wears very long straight red hair. Their songs are extremely quiet, perfect for a quite evening or to calm oneself after a busy afternoon. I often listen to them while driving. This song is the peppiest on the album. Here they are...

I'm just passing through

That's what this little boy named Carlos said to me today. I was at school collecting art for our second annual all school art show. I have spent the past few weeks meeting with each and every child asking them to pick their favorite piece of art to display from a year's worth of work. It has been fun meeting all the kids, except one fifth grade class- who were particularly difficult. And in the end I felt bad for them, all having been pegged as behavior problems. But today, Carlos took me aback. I asked him to pick his favorite piece and he said "I won't be participating in the art show" (He's in third grade.) I told him this was an art show for everyone and that he didn't have to come that night if he didn't want to. Maybe he thought he had to be there. Anyway, he then said "I'm just passing through." He kept saying it. Then he said his mother wouldn't come on a Friday night because she has something she always does- I didn't understand the word he used. He eventually just wandered off and I didn't notice at first because a bunch of other kids had gathered around me. When I noticed I called him up and told him he could take all his artwork home, he wouldn't take it. I asked if he was sure he didn't want me to pick something for the show. He again said "I'm just passing through." Finally, I just picked something and forced his folder into his hand as he left the class with the others. I think he said it again as he was going out the door. "I'm just passing through."

It's the weekend. Foux Du Fafa

Mockingbirds

Last weekend this Mockingbird couple decided to build a nest in our arbor. They spent a week building the nest, bringing tiny bits of things every few hours and meticulously weaving them into a beautiful nest. The nest is right at my chin level so I can peek right in!



I'm so excited because I found 3 eggs in the nest this morning. It was hard to get a good picture because I was terrified that the birds were going to attack me. I love looking at birds and I think they're amazing creatures and want to learn more about them. But if they come too close to me, I get a bit freaked out. Now, we'll wait and see if 3 baby mockingbirds hatch. I'm just amazed that these birds picked this spot, I walk through the arbor everyday to water and garden. We can also see the arbor from the girl's bedroom. Maybe we'll get to watch the babies hatch and grow!

If you like cats...

... you'll adore this one! Found this on the NPR website. This is the most relaxing five minutes to watch, that ends with you giggling hysterically. This cat is awesome- I've never seen such a thing. Stick around to the end- it's worth it. You can also find more videos of Maru here. He's addictive.

For Diana!

A drop of golden sun!

Hope

Our school may be closed, but then merged with the local middle school. This would be great news for us, continuing our language program and opening it up to more children. Not such good news for the middle school. It's curriculum would change drastically and many children would be rezoned to go to other schools.

It's a give and take. A bittersweet proposition. This economy.

Love Neko Case

Neko Case creates the kind of music that must be listened to turned up loud. It's best blasting in a car on a moonlit night with all the windows open. The music echos and Neko's voice floats out on the wind. I would like to listen to it in a canyon or in the woods. It has a dark quality, but of a woman calling out letting us know she's still out there waiting. It causes me to try to be poetic.

Second day of March

Sunflower with ants, originally uploaded by bossamama.

It's extremely cold in my house, a strange March cold snap is to blame. It's warming up outside I'm sure, but I'm housebound with laundry and potty training today. I found this picture that I took a few years ago and forgot. I love looking at it. I enjoy being able to capture a moment with creatures in action. I can't seem to catch a bird, I think I need a better camera for that.

Fried

February Gone!

I realized the whole month of February had passed and I hadn't blogged. Been spending a bit too much time on Facebook. I have also been uploading lots of stuff on Flickr. You can see how my garden has been progressing. I have been worrying over our school closing and spending a lot of time thinking about that. Been wondering whether to hook all this up to Facebook, so that my friends there might check this out. I think most of my friends there already know- well actually, there are all those high school friends and other friends, that I don't know extremely well. This is public, so anyone can see it- but honestly who comes here? Especially when I don't update too often. Have to say summer is a more productive time here around the blog! Here's a peek at the garden.

My High School Sweetheart

My boyfriend.

I was not much of a dater in high school. Not for lack of wanting, just didn't get asked. Then my one fumbly experience turned sour. So my real high school sweethearts were the pop stars that I fell absolutely in love with. First there was Sting. I was obsessed and had pictures of him everywhere. Immediately after high school and my terrible boy experience- I discovered the Smiths and specifically Morrissey. It was perfect timing- I was so disillusioned and scared of boys. Morrissey was there and completely caught my fancy beyond even Sting. Why? He was attractive, sensitive and well-read but mostly because he was gay and a self proclaimed celibate. He sang about unrequited love and never being able to find the right person, plus he was a little naughty sometimes in a British way. Each song was calling out to me and comforted me in a way that Sting never did. (He was much too grown-up for me- I now realize.)

It reminds me of a review I read of the Twilight movie- the critic supposed that teen girls love the vampire heartthrob character because he adores the girl character, but cannot have sex with her and she finds that ultimately non-threatening and romantic (as opposed to um- him being a blood sucking vampire?) But come to think of it, maybe that's why my "love" of Morrissey was so strong- he was safe. I knew that if I was caught alone with him, even though I might have wanted to totally make out with him or at least swoon- he wouldn't have touched a hair on my head. Gay and celibate- that's as good as a vampire to a girl. Oh, and then the fact that I could never possibly ever meet him.

What got me thinking about Morrissey? His new album- which is being heavily advertised right now. I have every Smiths album and the first few solo Morrissey albums that I still listen to frequently and can sing to by heart (it's in my DNA now- I'm sure my girls will know the songs too.) But somewhere around the mid 90's I lost track of my sweetheart and got involved with other bands, other genres of music, it became less about a late night companion to swoon over and more about really appreciating music. And maybe it had something to do with the fact that I was married to a real man.

So, today I went to Morrisey's website, inspired by Facebook and all that reconnecting with old friends. I listened to his new single- not knowing what to expect. And guess what? The music sounds exactly the same, his phrasing, his lyrics- still singing about the "absence of human touch." It's like he's in a time capsule! I don't know how to feel about it. Other artists from that era - such as David Byrne- have expanded and gone all over the place. But there's Morrissey, same hairstyle and haughty chin-up pose, just a little doughier around the jawline. Is it comforting or disturbing? The music is good- as I look back on other bands I was into- I realize that the Smiths were just a plain good band, they stand up to scrutiny. But my old boyfriend- he's caught in a time warp- rehashing his youth over and over. Should I be concerned? He seems happy, maybe I'll just let him be. We had some good times and he got me through some rough spots. I'll thank him for that. Next time I don't see him.

My boyfriend 20 years later.

Kind of Blue

This year is the 50th anniversary of the release of Kind of Blue. It still sounds fresh and cool. What geniuses. Witness the real thing--Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Wynton Kelly, Jimmy Cobb April 1959

An awesome way to start a day

Watch Hammerdance videos and dance lessons at DanceJam.com

As is often the case, I do not know how I ended up on this website watching this video. But I just had to share. It's fun, funny and this kid is pretty good at the Hammerdance. I couldn't figure out whether to watch him or his mom quietly knitting behind him on the couch. She seems unperturbed by her son dancing wildly and hopping around in front of a video camera inches away- this must be an everyday occurrence at their house. Also, he doesn't seem to think having his mom sitting behind him will lessen his cool. How he does this grand dance in that tiny space between the couch and the TV and his use of every available space is impressive!

And I just discovered you can watch many, many more people doing the Hammer dance by clicking on the link above. Quite entertaining indeed.

Another word about the Inauguration

After my heady week of watching non-stop Inaugural coverage, I'm ready to get back to work.  I swear, I just got weepier with each moment.  Maybe it was that I was tired.  One night I watched "The Daily Show" and found John Oliver making fun of Obama.  I didn't like it.  I didn't like it one bit, then I suddenly felt a shock of realization- is this what it felt like for Bush followers all these years?  Have I become a blind follower of what one person in the NYT called a "demagogue?"  I have to be honest, I had to look that up.  I mean sure I've heard that word a million times, but did I really know what it means?  I guess not- "a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument."  But-- also in ancient Greece and Rome- "a leader or orator who espoused the cause of the common people."  So yeah.  I guess that could describe Obama, you could take it as a negative or a positive.  By the way, it's about time the spellcheckers of the world added Obama to their lists of correctly spelled words!  Just type it and see what I mean.

A peek into our morning...

Get Happy!

Update: I just found out that Rufus actually played at one of the Inaugural Balls, of course it wasn't one that the Obamas visited. Although I'd have given something valuable to hear Rufus sing "At Last."

Happiness

I'm so excited I'm crying!  

Square Pegs

I am so excited! I used to love this TV show and now you can watch it on Hulu.">!

Super fun with toys

Lots more videos here...
http://www.youtube.com/user/MadRuth

It's all about squirrels

Squirrel rumble.  Reds vs. Greys  From the Dining and Wine section of the New York Times.

What goes with a faux-hawk?

How 'bout a busted top and bottom lip? Sounds like that would complete the ensemble. I've got them now, since Hazel accidently slammed her head into my mouth as we were both bending down to look at hermit crabs at Petsmart. I wasn't in some sort of punk rock mom rumble at a club. It hurt terribly bad and my lips were bleeding as we checked out with our cat food and litter. If I didn't feel like a weirdo already, that cinched it. Plus my hair doesn't really look like a faux hawk now, it just looks like I have a bad haircut. Which I guess is the same thing. Ha! Oh, I guess it's not that bad. Off to get dinner and laundry done...

My Mid Life Crisis

Stupid? Immature?  I am 40 after all.  Can I really pull of a faux-hawk?  My hairdresser thinks so.  I asked him for something edgy and this is what he came up with.  It's also easy to push down or even make more hawky.  What's going on?  I figure, it's only hair.  Next week my life is changing drastically I needed to have something in my pocket to hold onto. I might go into surgery with it fully spiked.  Why not? Well I guess it wouldn't be too comfortable to lie on. It would give the nurses something to talk about.

How we feel

Obama TV, originally uploaded by bossamama.

Still processing the news. Every time I hear it again, it thrills me, and tears nearly shoot out my eyes. My favorite moment, when I told Hazel the next morning. She was very excited- although I'm sure she doesn't understand. She just thinks that we were on team Obama and had a sign in our yard. I told her this was very historic, she asked-Why? I told her he was our first African American president- she said- What does that mean? I said- He has brown skin. She said- Really? That's silly that he's the first. Why hasn't there been any other? She has no concept of racism or what this all means. I've tried to explain things to her in the past, they talk about MLK at school, but it doesn't stick. And the labels definitely don't stick. I hope that goes for the rest of us soon. This is a start.

THINK PINK!

Dedicated to Lora and Andy...

Happy Halloween!

This movie has freaked me out since I was a child and somehow saw it. Just recently recorded it, but don't know if I'm up to watching it! Scarier than any gory thing they've been putting out lately. Really scary if you turn off the lights and open the windows- I don't know what it is about opening the windows. All I know is I did it once and completely wigged out while watching this! And you have to watch it loud, because it's the noises that are the scariest part. Boo!

Where have I been?

Gosh, it's been a while since I blogged. And I miss it. I started this whole project in the summer and I had lots of time. Since school started time has gotten a little tighter. Have to help with the homework, go to piano on Wednesdays and go to school twice a day. Also, I have been working a little at English Gardens. I take Lilah with me and we answer the phones and help around the place. It's been an interesting time learning how to juggle schedules. I've found that I'm not very good at it! My house is suffering, my hair is suffering, and for some reason the pores on my nose are growing larger each day. Don't know what that has to do with it all, but it certainly is disturbing. I don't know if anyone is even reading this or visiting anymore. People tend to forget when you don't update. If you're there, give me a little shout! There are so many things to talk about, but I can't think of them right now- I'm a bit tired and tomorrow is Halloween. It's going to be a crazy day. Trying to just take it all in and not miss anything.

Take a look at Fred and Ginger

This routine is so effortless, these were two extremely cool people. I love how they laugh and make it seem so natural that one could just break out in tap dancing. Fred Astaire is the most confident person I've seen on screen and Ginger Rogers is effervescent.

Greetings from Caterpillar Land

caterpillar 2008, originally uploaded by bossamama.

It's been a busy month. I'm trying to get back to blogging, I enjoy it too much to stop. These caterpillars are eating the Butterfly Weed I bought a few weeks ago. I haven't even planted them in the ground, just set the pots in the garden. The caterpillars found them and started to feast. The fat little guys just couldn't wait. This somehow symbolizes the way life has been going lately- but can't quite put it into words in these few minutes I have. I'll think about it.

I wish I was asleep

You're not the boss of me.

I have been gone for a while, practically the whole month of September! Adjusting to school, new schedules and working a little myself, all while dealing with a two year old (see photo.) It's been tiring and in my free time I've been working on my yard and house. I'll be back soon when I figure out how to fit blogging into my new schedule. I do miss it.

Left alone with loud music

I actually got very hungry for cookies and brownies while making this, advertising works!

"College" scene, complete with giant soda and boom box.

Well, I was asked to make a giant poster and some sandwich style signs for the PTA fundraiser. Had to get it done by yesterday evening and, as usual, I waited until the last minute.  I spent all of yesterday working on things.  I had gotten a lot of help starting out on Saturday from a friend, but there was a lot left to do. Anyhow, I was laboring away and turned on some music.  With the acrylic paint and the metal ruler out I was transported back to college- well, college with two antsy kids getting underfoot.  Then Daddy took the kiddies away to go swimming for a few hours.  I turned the music up loud and even put on The Smiths, my high school sweethearts.  I was really feeling it, singing along loudly- and realized, I hadn't been in this situation for a long time!  Blasting music, painting and totally alone- immersed in art.  Even though I was painting giant chocolate chip cookies and coffee mugs- it still felt great.  Either that's really sad or somewhat inspiring.  If I only had a little room- no!- building, of my own, what could I do? Besides paint giant chocolate chip cookies of course.  When the family got home, Hazel said "It sounds like you're having a party in there!" 

Update:  Saw the safety patrol kids in car line this morning wearing their signs, they were so cute and all the PTA moms were waving at me appreciatively. Nice!

Observations of the Morning

How'd you like some frozen peas to go with that pile of bread you've got there?

• I don't like bare floors. I always feel like there are crumbs under foot. I need a rug to alleviate that feeling and to wipe the crumbs on.
• I don't have any rugs down because of my incontinent cat. I put down washable ones occasionally, but she immediately targets them. Annoying.
• I don't like it when my children squeal and squawk in dismay. It sends my blood pressure up. Hazel is home today sick. Although from the sounds of it, she isn't that sick.
• I have accomplished more this morning than I expected. Doing laundry twice a week isn't so bad, eh?
• My hair was cut a wee bit too short this weekend. But it will grow fast.
• I need to clean my major appliances as a major appliance check up is happening this Friday. Time to dust under the fridge. Last time a repair guy was under there he asked how many cats we had and were we missing any?

What a Show!

Just found this on Netflix. How could I have never heard of this extravagance? Dig those wild costumes and hair! Shirley MacLaine! Paul Newman! Gene Kelley! Dick Van Dyke! Robert Mitchum! Dean Martin! A chimp named Frieda and Parisian Beatniks who are real Hepcats! This clip is more than I can handle. Let out a gasp when I saw Shirley on Robert Mitchum's shoulders while waterskiing.

What I did on the first day of school

My favorite corner with baby dolls.

More collections encased in cabinet.

This might be where it gets out of hand.

But we love books, and paper dolls, and...

Vintage valentines and cute vintage animal ceramics.

This was Mark's grandmother's shoe holder, now it holds tiny animals.

And I just discovered, you can click on the pictures to see the details, if you are so inclined.

Yesterday was Hazel's first day of second grade. I was up and at 'em by 6:30 a.m. Then after dropping her off and going to a school program, I arrived back at home alarmingly full of energy. I don't know why. I have had the entire summer to get stuff done. Instead, we were determined to have the laziest summer ever. I had so much energy and the day seemed to stretch out endlessly before me before school let out. I think I was trying to distract myself from feeling sad. Without any plan- I went into the girl's room and rearranged things, hung pictures that have been sitting around for two years and cleaned under the beds! I also semi-rearranged the closet (this is much more taxing than one burst of energy can tackle.) I was pleased with my accomplishments by the end. Where was Lilah? She is so cool, she just hung out with me and gave me her 2 year old opinion occasionally.

I fear that I have passed on my pack rat ways to my children. Well, actually I know I have, no unknown fear here. It might be because of the jam packed arrangements of stuff I have in their room. This room is not big, but I have managed to cram collection after collection in there. I think it may be too much. But it sure is lots of eye candy. The girls seem to like it, and I do too. I guess that's what matters. I have no idea what I am going to do with all this stuff when the girls decide to decorate on their own. I pray that they won't want to plaster the walls with some flavor of the month tween star or big purple unicorns. So far we have stayed away from all that. We are pure little baby girl right now! And sadly, these pictures are only of one wall of the room, there are three more. But, I swear, not as crammed! They have to have beds to sleep in for goodness sake.

Rainy Fay

What to do on a rainy day?  School was cancelled today due to Tropical Storm Fay.  Too formal, let's just call her Fay.  Anyway.  It hasn't been the scary, windy sort of day I was expecting.  Just a bit dark and gloomy with occasional downpours.  I think we have every light on in the house- it seems awfully bright in here.  I don't know how it came to me sewing tiny sleeping bags and making a tent for the doll house crew. But it all got crazy when I went outside in the rain for twigs to make a tiny fire for marshmallow roasting.  We had fun setting up scenes and taking pictures.  Back to school tomorrow!

Market Research

I don't know if I mentioned this but last month I was recruited to be in a focus group.  I answered the phone one day and this dude started asking me questions.  I was a bit bored so I thought- why not? I was suspicious, thinking he was selling me something of course, but it turned out to be a focus group.  The real catch was the $75 they promised me.  Just to sit in a room with a bunch of other women and talk about amendments to our state constitution and how they would appear on the ballot come fall.  It was fun, although I did feel like a bit of a dumb bunny at some points.  

Anyway, I signed up to receive emails from this company Schlesinger and Assoc. to try to earn some more easy money.  They email me all the time, but I don't usually fit the criteria, I'm not a teenager or latino or chew tobacco (really- a focus group on chew?) But the other day an email came that asked if I like to entertain in my home-- oh, do I? So I called up and got asked a bunch of questions related to bakeware and how often I entertain (I may have upped the numbers just a smidge.)  Do I have birthday parties? Yes. How about poker parties? Yes. Do you have cook outs? Yes. Is it important to you that your kitchen tools match your kitchen? I guess.  What is the most important goal in your life? Huh? They had to punch in some "algorithms" and called me back to let me know I qualified. So I'm going to a two hour market research study, right down the street and I'll get paid $100 this time.  Plus I might get to eat some food!  I think it's going to be about bakeware- because they only asked about that kitchen item.  Maybe I'll get to see some new fangled bakeware that they are researching. If they only knew what a sucker I am for any sort of "new" products.  If you like- you can go to their website and sign up, you might be able to take part in studies in your area.  I sound like an ad.

A sure sign

Back to school, originally uploaded by bossamama.

It's back to school time. Didn't I just blog about the last day of school? That went fast. Of course. Dig these socks, they are so very cute.

Who's 7?

This baby is now 7.

These last few days of summer have been spinning by fast.  Been trying to squeeze every last bit out so that we won't regret missing anything.  Lilah and I sure will miss Hazel when she goes back to school.  We'll just be rattling around the house until she gets home again each day.  Since I last blogged she turned 7.  Hard to believe.  August is a month of grand memories and always causes me to pause and revel in them.  My rolly-polly little baby, now all arms and legs and always ready with a charming smile or little quip.  She's wise and patient beyond her years- but still a little girl who cries when she bumps her head.  Not growing up too fast, I think she seems to be going at just the right rate. She walks away without looking back- I think- until I catch her peeking over her shoulder to make sure I'm still there. She has strong opinions and is slowly moving from our little family to explore the world on her own.  Chubby little rolly-polly baby of mine.

Anniversary #17

Hello, from 20 years ago. 

Gosh, we were pretty.  Met in 1988, married August 10, 1991. Two cross country moves, six residences, four cats, two babies later, me with the same haircut, Mark no longer blonde-  spending our 17th  Anniversary at IKEA with our little daughters and their friend. Romance is all in the head.  

Did everyone get married in August?

Our anniversary is coming up and so it seems is everyone else's!  Lora just missed the August date, she always has to be different.  But I have two other close friends who got married (to separate men of course- this isn't a Big Love situation) on August 3rd.  Can you guess which one had her reception at this beautiful place?

Busy, Busy, Busy

This must be sung to the tune of "Money, Money, Money" from ABBA.  Saw Mamma Mia the other night with Lora.  It was a gorgeous mess of a movie.  The ages and times were all messed up.  But you could forgive it all for the beautiful Greek scenery- especially the church on the top of a little rocky island- amazing!  And the exuberant Meryl Streep who just went wild through the whole movie.  It was very fun- reminded me of a classic movie with lots of singing and no sense.  And we saw at least one woman completely dancing in her seat, shimmying her shoulders and everything- alone no less!  

This week I am completely busy preparing for Hazel's 7th birthday party.  Started out simple, got complicated fast! Well, actually I have to say I am the most organized I have ever been so far.  Already have all the stuff purchased, except for food.  On a tight schedule to make sure I get it all done on Friday, since the party starts at 10:30 AM on Saturday.  I had to have it that early to beat the heat.  Plus everyone will be gone by the afternoon and I can take off to Greece, just like I planned!  I wonder if anyone will notice if I leave for a few days?

Happy Anniversary L & A

Happy Anniversary Lora and Andy!

I can't believe a whole year has passed, cheers to you both!

Happy Birthday Donya!

Here are the lyrics- I've never quite been able to make them out- sing along! 

(but don't try to figure them out)
Happy
happy birthday in a hot bath
To those nice
nice nights.
I remember always
always I got such a fright.
Seeing them in my dark cupboard with my great big cake.
If they were me
if they were me
And I was you and I was you -
If they were me and I was you
Would you have liked a present too.