La Llorona Arts

Today, I Am 60

2012-01-31T14:35:00.008-07:00

Today I'm officially 60, have been for the last 2 days. I turned the big 6-0 Feb. 1st. I was born at 11:55 pm. and I will say, I'm grateful my mother made that extra little effort so as I wouldn't have to deal with all the "ground hog" jokes. So how do I feel being a 60 year old lady, well, don't feel much different as when I was 59 on Tues.

I asked myself this morning, "What have you learned in your 60 years of life, you bonehead?" Well, then I was hit with some Zen kind of feelings, it's not what I've learned, but how much more stuff will I learn??? Well, that's easy, I want to learn as much stuff as I can. Many years ago, in my senior year of high school, I read "The Once & Future King," by T.H. White. I recall a particular conversation Merlin (the magician) was having with his young student, Aurthur and the quote just stuck with me, well, ok, I had to look it up in my book of "quotes," a hobby of mine. So here it is:

"You may grow old and treading in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for them--to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting."

So I took that as a sign, eventually, to begin my journey to learn "how the world wags." I've hit many walls in this life's venture, but who hasn't. I've been disappointed by many, but also loved by many and I have to say, it's been a great ride. Like Merlin said, can't regret it.

Another thing I've learned is that the older I get, the baser my sense of humour has become, or is it due to four grandsons??? There all about boogers, farts, and all that is just plain disgusting about human bodily functions, but I find it hilarious!! Although, I come from a family who used to discuss their morning constitutions. I recall my now ex was visiting me, was during our courtship days, and my maternal grandparents, aunt, uncle, and my parents were discussing "poop." I had to translate and I didn't think anything about it...hey, I grew up with this, so I felt no shame or embarrassment. Later on he told me he had never known such a "shit conscious" family!! LOL However, I didn't carry this into my own family but my kids grew up hearing their grandparents talk about it, so again, the legacy continues.

Another thing that I like about getting older is that you just don't give a flip about what people think, at least I don't. I see these young women trying so hard and I feel like shaking them and telling them to stop it!! But like I told my mother, once, "Mom, give me the chance to grow and get to where you are, but for now, I'm doing it my way!" She would tell me how I shouldn't fret about certain things and I was a young woman, with little ones. Not that I was one who ever needed to compete with the "Jones', " hardly! But I had to go through the regular stuff and since I was married to a dentist, well, there were certain social hoops I had to jump...and hated every second of it. I didn't attend many of their luncheons. As a mutual friend of mine who was in the same situation said, she had better things to do than show off the newest fashions and listen to speakers tell us on how to care for our diamonds...what diamonds!!?? LOL Not all of them were snobs, but a good proportion of them were. I didn't have hot and cold running grandparents who readily took care of my children at a minutes notice or even a months notice, so I had a very good excuse not attending. I was asked once by the newly elected president of the local dental assoc. wives club to sponser a luncheon and I groaned and she knew it, but she said she depended on me to come up with something fabulous and I did. Back then, my dear friend was a local fashion designer and model, so I got her to do a fashion show for me, using some of the members, which I personally liked, to be models, another friend who designed jewelry to accessorize the clothes and the lunch was catered by a very trendy eatery which was partly owned by another high school buddy. I had it at the presidents new house; she wanted to show it off without having an open-house!! LOL They talked about that luncheon way after I stopped attending, after Ian's birth.

This weekend we'll be celebrating the 60th b-day since my hubby is currently in Albuquerque, NM taking a continuing ed. course to keep up with his aborist certification...he returns tonight. Then there's Super Bowel (yes, I spelled it that way on purpose) Sunday. Personally, I don't watch football and the Super Bowl is no exception. I do like the commercials...miss those really funny Bud commercials...the parrots, frogs, iguanas, etc. I love the E-Trade babies....so funny. Well, this year, I don't think I'll be attending any party. My hubby wants to see it over at a our friends house, but there will be to many smokers, don't think I'll be able to handle that...been there, done that. Traditionally, we've always gone to my friends house where I catch up with other friends...only time I see them, but the hubby wants to do something different, so I've decided, I will too. I will take Ian back to his father's at 3, swing over to my friend's house for a bite and some visiting, then come home and maybe do a Red Box movie. Now that's my kind of Super Bowl Sunday!! LOL

Before I depart, I wanted to show you a couple of things I've done. I made this doll for the Mixed Media Artists exchange, but I haven't heard from my partner yet and if not, it's going up on the selling block. The Virgen de Guadalupe is for the Blue Heart Campaign, an organization sponsored by the UN which is against human trafficking. The wonderful ladies that I sell my work in Ruidoso, NM are sponsoring an auction and I volunteered to send them one of my paintings.

This little guy is called, "Corazon Espinado," or thorned heart, but since I have no thorns growing anywhere in my neighborhood, I used nails!

My auction offering.

I also made a clock similar to the larger one I made for another auction for Xico, Inc. She's smaller than the original one and had lots of fun making her.

For those of you who have been asking about my little Zoe (umlaut on the e), she's doing great. She's been home for a while now, is getting used to the sounds and smells of 4 brothers, a dog and a nasty cat, and of course, two very doting parents and come May 2nd, a very doting Meema. Here she is, sent to me on my birthday. My little girl all in pink!!

Well, folks, hope you all have a wonderful weekend, have fun, relax, chill out, tune out and whatever else the late Timothy Leary said!! Peace out.

God

2012-01-17T11:14:00.005-07:00

Ok, so now that I have your attention, I'm telling you, I'm not feeling very funny today. My newest grandchild and only granddaughter has pneumonia. Yea, that's a real bummer to say the least. Apparently, it's common among babies born to mother's with gestational diabetes. So my Zoe (add umlaut on the e) is in that "common" quota ...sometimes I hate the word, "common." She'll be hospitalized for the next 7 days and treated with antibiotics. My daughter decided to stay at the hospital while her hubby, Michael, holds down the fort with the Penis Posse.

So why am I thinking of "God?" Well, I hear people giving Him either far too much credit or bashing Him because "shit happened." This is my take on the guy, it's a mixture of Catachism, religious studies in college and a little awareness thanks to Zen. When I was a child, I attended St. Patrick Parochial school and that was our parish anyway. I was there from kindergarten to 7th grade. My parents decided that since my 7th grade teacher wasn't certified yet, hell, she hadn't even gotten her B.A. yet, for the $$, I was getting a shoddy education. I'm a parent, I suppose I would probably have handled it the same way. When I was a teacher's assistant at a local Catholic school, after the ex and I split up, I realized things hadn't improved on the "certification" thing. While I was there, the diocese decided that it's educators should have at least 12 hours of education courses under the belt. One teacher who had been there for 15 years quit instead of working on his 12 hours....come on, it's only 4 courses!!

So I digress, as usual. I was one of the last of our generation to be taught by nuns. Yep, it was the ol' penguins back in the day and of course, we always wondered if they were really bald underneath their habit until one day, Sister Rebecca Marie was showing a tiny bit of hair line, hence the mystery was solved. From first grade and onward we were taught to learn and repeat, ad nauseum, all these little phrases, such as, "Who made you?" "God made me." "Who is God?" "God is the Supreme Being who made all things." etc., etc., etc., blah, blah, blah. The first of the sacraments was Confession and the First Holy Communion...they went hand in hand. I still somewhat remember my first confession with Fr. Alderete:

Fr.: Yada, yada, yada (in Latin)
Me: Bless me father, for I have sinned (was 7 years old, of course I had a few sins under the belt). This is my first confession.
Fr.: Yes, Georgina, continue (back then they knew who we were!).
Me: I have used the name of God in vain (called my little brother a GD dummy...my pops was a class one profaner so I had lots of vocab under the belt...in two languages to boot), spit in my sister's milk because she was mean to me, got mad at my mother because she got mad at me for spitting in my sister's milk. That's it, father.
Fr.: (Trying not to laugh) For your penance, Georgina, you will say 10 Hail Mary's and 10 Our Father's)...Go in peace. (then he blesses me in Latin and shuts that little window).

So I knelt at the alter rail, said my penance, more or less, and was on my way to my first Communion...and got to wear a preeety white dress with a veil, white silk purse, brand new rosary and a Mother of Pearl cover missal (prayer book). So all that kept me going till the next sacrament, Confirmation. Got another swell party and white dress for that one too, plus a Godmother, who's still very special to me these days.

When entering a Catholic high school, I had one year of Public Ed. under the belt....sure had a lot under the belt!! Most of my old friends from St. Patrick never knew anything about public schools, so I was special!! LOL Anyway, we had this wonderful religion teacher, Mrs. Dusbabek. We would get her off the subject of religion and talk about other things, like the occult...even took my Quija board once...that was entertaining!! We one time questioned her about what's this with Lot and his daughters living in a cave after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah...if ya don't know the story, look it up...in the Old Testament. Anyway, what I'm saying here, is that this layman or layperson to be P.C., but when have you ever known me to be pc, began making us think beyond Catholic doctrine and catechism...it created a dialogue..a no-no in the Church, or at least it used to be...been a while for me...been away a long time. Then I entered college, but I was too busy rebelling and flunking out, then getting back in, then bailing again because I fell in love and got married.

My ex is a Baptist. I defiling my faith by being with a "protestant!" Not really, luckily, I was educated by the Nuns of Loretto and Jesuit priests...very open about lots of stuff. However, he also opened my eyes to other ideas....I discovered I was a bit more "Calvinist" than Catholic....it happens. I recall once going to his church and the preacher was what I always imagined, "FAR N' BRIMSTONE" kind of guy. It was Mother's Day and the preacher asked "Will all you Mothers please stand." My f-i-l began to rise...I almost lost it right there, in front of God and his congregation! A memory I shan't ever forget.

After my ex and I separated, I began a journey of self (that's the Zen part). My older two accused me of becoming selfish, and I guess I was...still am to a certain extent, but hell, I'm looking at turning 60 in two weeks, you betcha I'm a bit selfish!! Anyway, I really got back to attending Mass and of course, working in a Catholic school reaffirmed my faith. We split up in the early summer of '96, and I went out to look for work, and within 2 weeks, I was employed....hadn't had a job since '76 when my ex graduated from dental school and we took off to Germany for 3 years while he was in the Army.

I realized while at that school two things: my mind hadn't changed since I was 15, I didn't want to be a teacher (or a nurse) and I couldn't make a living working part-time at minimum wage if there was an impending divorce ( we still talked about a reconciliation in the future). So I gave my notice the following Spring and that Fall I entered college...hadn't been a "coed" since '72. So I took all these courses and some of them were a waste of time, but others were a source of enlightenment. I balked because I had to take 9 hours of humanities....really????? I could have minored in it since all I would have needed was 9 more hours. Well, they turned out to be pretty interesting, plus, since I was an art major, I had to take some hours of art history...really interesting. My art hist. prof was a real tool, but he was a damn good teacher...learned quite a bit, not just about art, but about lots more. So began my re-thinking on the Divine.

This is the way I look at it, God is so far above our understanding, that to say things like, "He works in mysterious ways," which he does, or when someone dies, like a young person, "Well, it was God's will." I personally hate that one. I don't think God wills suffering, death, hardship, etc., etc., etc. I doubt the greatest minds in the subject of theologies can really understand Him/Her/It/Force/Light/Whatever, so they try to explain it to us as simplified as possible because we're all just too lame to understand it, it's too much...our brains just don't have that capacity. It reminds me of when I was a kid and I saw an artist's rendering of the Earth compared to the Sun. I'm not saying we're dismissed, hell no, He's listening...wow, talking about hearing voices....constantly!! I'm amazed at how many times He's come through for me and mine. He's doing it right now...my little Zoe is much improved and things are looking up. My wonderful and dear friend, Anne, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer, is becoming one of Peru, IN's miracles and it has to do with praying.

So there you have it, my take on the Big Guy/Girl...whatever. He's all about life, not death or suffering. But I firmly believe in an afterlife, and He's there too. When you hear about a vengeful, selfish God, don't know who that dude is, but he's not mine....I like mine lots better.

I thought I'd show you a pic of Andria and me right after she was born. The "artsy" pic was taken when Andria was 5 days old by my cousin, Julie. She and my aunt and uncle were visiting relatives in Germany and came by our place for a couple of days before they headed back to Paris where my other cousin was living. The one below that one was taken when she was about 2 weeks.

Now here's a pic of my Zoe taken within an hour after her birth this past Sunday.

See a resemblance??? She also thought her hair was wavy, but in fact, straight up and fly-away, just like hers when she was a baby...called it "birdie hair." Once I tried to train it by applying baby oil on it...she ended up having spikes....she was right in fashion, though since it was the beginning of Punk Rock in Europe. Well, it's time for me to get back into the studio and do something constructive, maybe make a doll or paint a saint...?quien sabe? But I'm off. Peace out.

Goings-On and Random Stuff

2012-01-14T10:35:00.014-07:00

Wrote this earlier today, but for some reason, Blogger has some issue with me...maybe it's my colourful wording??? Anyway, I'm going to try to hit the good ol' "publish" key and see if my ranting will be visible on Dashboard....pinchi Blogger!!

Good afternoon, my bloggy buddies. Wow, it's been a while since I've written here, but the last two months have been hectic for many of us, moi included. Christmas is now officially over, yay-yay and more yay and the remnants of my labours are dwindling to about half a bag full. As usual, I baked my leetle heart away, making family favorites, chocolate chip cookies, Mexican Wedding cookies, or as my grandsons call them, "Liar" cookies, chocolate biscotti, a recipe I borrowed from Mario Bateli over at Foodnetwork, Biscochos, or as my friend, Linda over in NM calls them, "Lard cookies." In NM they add anise seed to them, giving them a wonderful, aromatic scent and flavour, but I grew up here on the border and that's how we make them in these parts, but I just might try my hand at the NM version for next year. I also made some delish Lemon Pound Cake, a recipe I found over at Pinterest, which I'm so hooked on, and my usual Chocolate Pie, a recipe I've had for years after having some at my aunt's one Christmas Eve night many years ago. It's so simple, a none-foody can make it!! I also made a huge Rigatoni casserole for my cousin and his family. My cousin's wife is over-whelmed by his illness plus she's a full-time teacher, the poor woman needs a little help, so this was my contribution to give her a bit of respite. I know I made more stuff, but right now, I just can't remember...call it a senior moment, a brain fart, whatever, I've cleared my brain of Christmas past.

I've signed up for a couple of trades and auctions. Over at Mixed Media, I'm making an exchange due Feb. 1. I just couldn't wrap my brain around what I wanted to do, but then I signed up back in Nov. since Feb. seemed distant...how quickly time flies when your constantly busy...Feb. is far from distant. I was finally hit with that creative lightening bolt and am almost finished with the piece, which I will post as soon as I'm done and my "exchangie" has seen it first. I also volunteered to make something for Xico, Inc.'s annual dinner and art auction. This year, we're making clocks, so they sent me this wooden disc with a hole in the centre. Again, the ol' creative juices were still trying to get over the Christmas "sugar-shock," making it impossible to come up with anything. So last week, I took out some of my favorite children's books, written and illustrated by some local authors, and again, lightening! Here's my contribution to the art auction. It's called, "Mi tiempo con Diego," or translated, "My time with Diego."

I just love her and wish I could keep her around a bit longer, but she's packed and will be shipped off Monday to Phoenix, AZ. I mentioned in an earlier blog post about prostituting oneself for the sake of earning a bit of cash, well, I'm really getting into this prostituting stuff!! I took my Virgen de Guadalupe to our Dec. book club, which we had a blast. There was a large gathering in the salon next to ours, had it at Great American, which are famous for meat, lots of delicious "meat!!" I'm no vegetarian, but I rarely eat the stuff due to cost and cholesterol!! Anyway, the group next to us were singing religious Christmas songs, no big deal for a bunch of ex-Catholic school girls. I decided to take a look and peeked over the wooden slated shades and saw an ocean of white hair. We asked our waitress who was next to us and she said it was a group of Gideons. One of the crazies in our group said she was familiar with their book!! LOL Then one of the other crazy said, "Well, I guess they won't be singing Jingle Bells," and at that moment, they burst out into song with, you know what!!!?? LOL We then joined in the singing, they probably thinking we were a group of Sodomites, making fun of them, but we were actually in a very festive mood....hell, it was Christmas!! LOL

So back to my virgen, we exchanged gifts, actually, we played that stupid game of taking away someone elses' gift, but giving the item a "2 exchange only." So my ol' buddy, Barbara, took my package and fell in love with her. I was so happy she got it but then one of the other crazies decided she wanted it, so she took it, giving Barbara another chance to pick something else, she then picked a silver chain necklace and matching bracelet...I really loved the little silk bag it came in more than the jewelry. Well, someone else took that from her, giving Barbara another chance to pick something else, she then took back the virgin and now she resides with Barbara. I've already made this story too long, but I got some special orders that night from some of the crazies and this past Thurs., I took them to book club and came out of there with some $$$. I then got another order for next month. Well, here are the offerings I made:

San Pasqual, the patron saint of the kitchen. I don't guarantee your cooking will improve, but he sure looks preeety on the wall. Those are miniature clay pots from Mexico.

This is El Santo Nino or El Nino de Atocha. Not sure what he's a patron saint to, maybe prisoners since his story is about that. His story began in Spain, back during the Moorish occupation....talkin' waaaay back. So these Moors take over this area, imprisoning all the Spanish soldiers who participated in this battle, not providing any food or water in the prison, so against the Geneva Convention...oh wait, there was no Geneva Convention...maybe a Geneva, but no convention. So the story goes, this little kid, about 6ish, walks up to the big, bad Moorish guards and asks if he can feed and give water and aid to the prisoners. These cats laughed and decided to let the kid in, since all he was holding was a small basket of bread and fruit and a flagon, or gourd, of water. So the story goes, he was able to feed all the hundreds of soldiers, giving them strength to fight another day and eventually ousting those damn Moors from Spain. It's kinda like a biblical "fishes, bread and wine," kinda story. Well, he was so revered in Spain, his story followed the big, bad Spaniards when they came to this continent.

And that leaves La Virgen de Guadalupe, a personal fav of mine. Being a major beaner, she's one great lady to me and I never have stopped loving painting her. I have another order for her and she will be in colours that are not traditional...hey, my other crazy wants her to match her living room, so I will comply.

Another saint I would like to paint is San Martin de Porres, who my maternal grandfather worshiped. I don't know much about him, other than he had been a slave living in Peru, but my grandfather, who grew up in Northern Mexico and educated by Methodists, loved this guy. He's next on my list of saints to paint and get a bit more background.

So some random stuff:

Why are people so rude,especially during the holidays?? That's the time to be extra patient because of all the rude people!! Just be nice, people, is that so hard??
Why are people still harping about that damn Mayan calendar? If the end comes, well, it comes, can't do a thing about it other than vote out some of the bastards in Congress right now and God help us with a president, Demo or Republican...gawd, I hate politicians!! Anyway, the experts are saying it's the end of an era, whatever that means...hey, change is good.
Was listening to a CD the other day in my studio, "The Best of the Birds." Loved them when I was in high school back in the 60's, but I heard this one song about a horse sung by Roger McGuin...he's talking about capturing this horse and putting his brand and making it his wife!!!!!!!! HUH!!!!!!!!!!???????????? Now that's just wrong!!!!!!!!!!

I know there are more things that have popped in and out of my gray cells, but I can't think of anymore right now. I probably need to write them down and keep records of them, like my "dichos," or "sayings." Like many of you, I grew up with all kinds of sayings, both in English and Spanish, but the ones I usually find myself saying, are the ones in Spanish. It's hard to translate many of them for any kind of effectivness in English and visa versa, but one of my favs is, "El Diablo no se huele su cola," or, "The Devil doesn't smell his own ass." I think that one is just as effective in both languages!! LOL

Well, my friends, it's time for me to "pack it in," as a dear friend of mine from Manchester, England used to say as we were saying our goodbyes. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I also hope you aren't one of those people who still lights up the Christmas tree and exterior lights still on the 14th. Around here, many people leave everything up till the 6th, Dia de los Tres Reyes, or the "Day of the Three Kings," or better known as the Epiphany. Many folks enjoy a cup of coffee, milk with their "Rosca," a special pastery for that day. I'm going to do some experimenting and try to come up with a better recipe because as lovely as Rosca, with it's hidden hard plastic baby Jesus that has been the cause of some major dental problems, is, it tastes like cardboard. Once I figure that out, then it's on to a "kinder and gentler" substitute for the plastic baby Jesus. Peace out.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2011-12-22T09:02:00.009-07:00

Howdy y'all from the great state of Texas and I don't take any credit for Rick Perry either, so don't judge me!!! LOL Just wanted to come by and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I really should be in my kitchen making Chocolate pies and Lemon Pound cake, but I just had to come by and say hello.

Last week I made the last of my Christmas ornies for 2011. Here's a sample:

Made these little guys for daughters of one of Ian's buddies...Monty. He's a sports trainer at one of the local high schools and has invested time and friendship with my son. He's one of those really nice guys, so thought I'd make his little girls, 5 and 3, some cutie ornies.

These little Santas I made for a friend of mine. I make her a homemade ornie every year. The other is going to a really sweet kid that runs this adorable shop...very girlie place. She rents my dad's old office space and she's always been a sweetheart, so giving her one of these and an Chocolate Pie!

This little plaque is for my hairdresser, or is it stylist now??? She's loves all that is Latino and Southwestern, so here's a little something for her kitchen wall.

I finally completed these little darlings. It was quite nostalgic to go through so many of my old designs from years ago...it was a time of great joy and sadness. But the one thing I can say is that due to my "art training" in college, I was able to tweak them a bit. Recall my blog about "prostitution," well, these are the results. LOL

And last but not least, is a little "dark" Christmas ornie I made for an exchange. I can't a be hundred percent"cutsie" all the time, ya know.

Well, my friends, it's time for me to hit the showers, then the kitchen and start that baking again. I've already made dozens upon, dozens of Mexican Wedding cookies or "Liar" cookies as they are known to my grandsons. One year they helped me make them and I told them that in Italy, they're called Liar cookies. When they inquired why that name, I told them to have a cookie, which they enthusiastically obliged. Then I told them that if they had snicked a cookie and "lied" about eating them, I'd know....the proof was on their shirts...they went to look in the mirror and saw the powdered sugar! I've also made many biscochos, the little Mexican cinnamon cookies, Rosettes, those little lovely fried pieces of heaven. My husband calls it a labor of love, I call it a pain in the arse...frying is not my thing, but oh well, it's once a year! Then the chocolate chip cookies, everyone's favorite...not mine, but every one else! For years I never liked the way they turned out, so my daughter took up the task when she was in high school and they turned out perfect. So I just passed that baton on to her. Well, when she moved to Austin, there was no else who'd make them, so I took it up again last year, reluctantly. Lo and behold, I discovered the high altitude directions and finally, after all these years, they turned out perfect. Of course, my daughter told me they had always been on the package, but sometimes I can be so linear, that I don't notice the obvious!

So it's good-bye for the rest of 2011 and to you all for now. I shall return, like General MacArthur, with hopefully some more ornies, dollies and paintings. Have a wonderful Christmas and don't forget to establish a designated driver for the New Year!! Peace out.

Forgotten

2011-12-18T10:42:00.002-07:00

Good morning my bloggy buddies. Just to let you know I'm still here and been busier than a queen bee!! It looks as if there will be no respite till after the 25th, however, if I have a chance, I'll come back this week to show off some of the new stuff I've made and what I've been up to, which is no good for the most part.

Have a great week and again, "if it don't get done, it don't get done!" Peace out.

I'm A Prostitute

2011-12-03T08:43:00.010-07:00

Ok, now that I have your attention, let me explain. Back when I was in school, the second time around...was called "a returning student," which means old fart. Anyway, many of my art professors advised us as to how make our art and make it our own, carefully making a rep for ourselves and being "recognized" for that work. Most of my profs followed their own advise, teaching what they knew best, except my ceramic prof...he got into all kinds of weird materials...no clay involves at all. I wonder if he was affected by one of his patrons who hung up one of his "donuts" in her black and white bathroom...the poor guy was really embarrassed during the tour of this pretentious bitty's house. However, his openness to other materials, made it easier for some of his students to work on other mediums, such as moi. He hated mixed media....don't know why, but didn't really care because I incorporated all kinds of stuff into my ceramic pieces.

Years ago, in my previous life, I was a folk artist. I learned how to do folk painting when I lived in Germany. I took a Baum Maleri course from one of Southern Germany's masters, or that's what he told us. Anyway, I learned all kinds of folksy painting techniques and made all kinds of cutsie stuff. When I returned in 1979, there seemed to be a wave of this kind of painting found in many art shows. Well, I decided it was time for this gal to jump on the band wagon. So I made all kinds of wooden paintings, first straight Baum Maleri, then I branched out to other subjects. About 24 years ago, the local museum on campus at UTEP, the Centennial, had a great exhibition on retablos and ex-votos, religious paintings. I was hooked. This began my journey into iconic art, not the Russian or Greek, but my own.

When the Spaniards were exploring around these parts, they brought a lot of their talents with them, painters, silversmiths, etc. The silversmiths taught the indigenous folks how to make jewelry and other functional work and when the churches were going up, they painted these religious figures on wooden tablets, ya know, kind of like St. Francis of Assisi did...most people in the proto-Renaissance didn't read so he figured out a way for the village people to learn their Bible studies, by painting frescoes on the interior walls of churches. Anyway, the retablos have a very specific style...Google them and you can see what I mean and take a look at what the present day New Mexican artists are doing...many have maintained the old style, even making their own pigments out of the local flora and fauna and minerals. However, I love what the contemporary religious artists are doing and therefore, I set my course and veered into that direction.

I also began making cutsie Christmas ornaments out of wood, little brightly coloured angels, Santas, snowmen...you get my trend. I was invited to huge show in San Angelo, TX...it's right smack in the middle of TX and out in the middle of nowhere. I recall having to get of the Interstate and taking all these little back roads, passing one little pathetic town after another; they were once prosperous during the oil boom, but now just skeletal remains of mules and riggs dot the landscape. So we drive up into this little gem of a town, bustling with lots of action. We drove to Fort Concho, an old army post turned into a tourist spot, and I was very fortunate enough to be housed in one of the lovely little row houses that had once been occupied by the officers and their families. We set up, by we, I mean the ex and me, and were ready for the next few days of sells. The doors opened at high noon that Friday of Dec. 1, 1994 and I was overwhelmed by the attention my work received. I had people coming up to me telling me they "collected" my work...collected????? I was being collected?????!!! I had been discovered while selling my art at this little shop in Cloudcroft, NM, about 2 hours up the road and that's how I got the juried invite. So the whole experience was not only quite profitable, but very humbling. I made approximately $3K that weekend and was ready for the following year, which never happened. By 1995, my marriage was in the toilet, and I was being blamed for spending far too much time on my art work...suppose someone has to be blamed for others indiscretions, so I stopped doing art all together...he had stolen my joy. Of course after a few years of therapy, I realized I let him steal my joy!

So back to what I was explaining...I'm a prostitute, an art prostitute!!! While in school, I loved making all these really fun, whimsical things...wasn't going to waste my time or money on making ugly yard art, that's what I called it and told my profs I was to damn old for angst, so they left me alone!! LOL My ceramic prof kept telling me I was a folk artist...I told him politely he was full of it...was never going back there again...just too painful, and besides, I was being professionally trained....WHATEVER!! So what can I say, my prof was right and I've finally gotten over myself and have resumed making "cutsie" art. One reason being is that is sells, hence the prostitute aspect of all of this, and two, I actually have been enjoying it.

One reason for this sudden epiphany, is that I've got someone representing my work in a shop up in Ruidoso, NM. When I explained some of the work I do, she was interested in the folk art stuff, which I really hadn't made in a while, but I told her I used to do that. So she asked me to send her photos of some of my work, I did, and she fell in love with the red, chile ristra, of course she did!! Ruidoso and Cloudcroft are more geared towards, what I call, white bread art...they haven't gotten the word that there's lots more to NM than ristras, howling coyotes and Kokopeli...oy! Actually, they're quite passee, but they still love selling them to people from other parts of the country and foreigners who feel these symbols are representative of NM...dear lovely Linda, you know what I'm talking about???!!!??!?!????!!!

So I've been making ristras out of polymer clay and setting them on folk art inspired painted pieces of wood. Also made some little angels and Virgen de Guadalupe for another little shop. I know most of you know me for my dolls and Dia de los Muertos artwork, but it's time to expand, even if it's familiar. However, I do have some training under the belt now and the stuff I used to make all those years ago are different...same templates, but different chapter. So below are samples of what I've been making:

My little paintings, almost complete...have a bit more to do with them then add the wire hangers. (NO WIRE HANGERS!)

More little chiles ready for the oven....

And here are the wooden boards...still have to paint them before adding the ristra.

Also, my niece strongly advised me not to post her lovely face on FB, so instead, I'm posting it here. Actually, I want to show you an example of a chili infused abode, my brother, Fred's house...he lives in Las Cruces, NM and he loves all that is "chile", looks great too!! Also, my brother, Fred, both photos taken at Thanksgiving.

Also, can you guess what this is???

Talking about artwork....look what God left me this morning on the back window of my car...had to hurry up and take this pic since the sun was coming up.

Well, folks, it's time to take it to the couch, as the late, great Dean Martin used to say at the end of his show. Have lots to do and already scheduling my month...the Diaz Bake-o-Rama begins in two weeks...looking forward to making my bischochitos and Mexican Wedding cookies or as my grandson call them, liar cookies. Two years ago, Ian and I spent Christmas in Austin with my daughter. I made the Mexican Wedding cookies, but told my boys that in Italy they're called Liar Cookies...when asked why, I told them to eat one, then if anyone asked if they had eaten any and they denied it, the proof was on their shirts...told them to go to the bathroom and look in the mirror at their shirts...powdered sugar...they thought that was hilarious and they've called them by that name since. Have a great weekend, don't stress so much about the coming season, just enjoy....my motto, "If it don't get don't, it don't get done!" Peace out.

Today and Always...Well, Almost Always.

2011-11-20T09:44:00.005-07:00

One of my favorite people I've met via another mutual fav person, made a comment about enjoying the holidays or rather, how she has lost that ability to enjoy them. Personally, I've been enjoying them for years, but when I was younger, that wasn't the case. The holidays always represented time of severe stress and attempts to put on that "joyful" face. I knew I didn't like feeling that way, but I did and never really did anything about it since I'd always felt like that. Flash back into my mid 40's which was a time of great sadness, stress and emotional turmoil. I decided to get some counseling, ya know, the shrinking kind. Thankfully, through my sessions, I learned quite a bit about myself and how events in my childhood affected my adult life, even the simplest of things.

My wonderful belated Pop was in the liquor bidness. It was a family thing, which I think I've mentioned in a past blog. My grandfather started the business, selling it in Mexico where he lived, but also made big bucks selling to the creme d' la creme of El Paso, during Prohibition. My dad told me the revenuers would wait on the banks of the Rio Grande, shooting at the carriers who were hauling these barrels across the river and quite a few made it to their destinations, the elite of El Paso. So as usual, I digress. Well, my dad got into the business because of his father and older brothers. My uncle that lived here owned bars, which I would go sometimes with my dad...he had business with his brother, so I would sit at the bar and eat pickled eggs and pigs feet...ugh, can't even imagine consuming anything so awful now!!

As you can imagine, the holidays were my Pop's biggest time of the year...he made his bucks selling wholesale, so there were many private parties, organizations, businesses, country clubs, etc. that ordered their liquor from him. Of course, this came with a great amount of stress, stress that he brought home. Without going into any specific details, this time of year could get a bit testy. So without realizing it, I carried this into my adult life and forced this legacy onto my own family.

I had to be Super-Christmas Mom!! The house had to be decorated just so...I never wanted the kids to decorate the tree or have anything to do with that. I did ALL the baking, again, not including anyone else. I bought ALL the Christmas gifts for both my family and my ex's. Well, at the end of all this, I was exhausted and resentful! While I did all the work, everyone else enjoyed the holidays...WTF!!! Right??? Wrong!!! This is a case of "quien te manda?" or loosely translated, "who commands you?" Who said I had to do all the work, take on all the responsibilities, all the stress???? There laid the conundrum!! Who "said??"

During my sessions, I learned that I was the one who made those choices, I was the one who for some reason, felt I had to take it ALL on. I recall one Christmas Eve, which is the night we celebrate, my sister, who is not a cook or baker, made a comment about all my baking achievements for that evening. I told her since the birth of my youngest, Ian, who is autistic, I got real smart and didn't do as much (cough, cough, like hell, but again, I was clueless), she said kidingly that she was REAL smart...I then turned around and in a very sarcastic tone, told her she was an "f'n genius!!"

So now I don't do as much. I still have the bake-o-rama, but not because I have to, but because I want to and am good at it and love doing it. Gifts are still very creative and unique, or as creative and unique as I can get them, but I don't do the crazy shopping sprees anymore. I haven't done a Black Friday in years...I don't even go to the grocery store during that weekend. My funds are meager, but I make the best of it and my family knows that. About the only thing I really concentrate on now are gifts for my grandsons...they love Legos, so I got what they wanted already back in Sept./Oct. I already have some things made for other family members and even bought my mother her gift. She mentioned once that she wanted to read the Bible, but had trouble reading the version she has...it's the family bible and weighs more than she!! So I went to Barnes & Nobles and found a student version, meaning simple English, so she could start reading it.

In my forthcoming "old age," I'm doing less but enjoying more. So my feelings on what my friend posted today, "Our attitude towards life determines life's attitude towards us." ~ Earl Nightengale. So I choose happiness, every chance I get; I like what the Universe sends back to me. So there will be some dark days, of course, but there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel, so cut the crap, have fun and laugh...a lot. Peace out.

Nuthin' Much

2011-11-12T08:37:00.008-07:00

I don't even know why I'm posting today...maybe it's out of a little extra energy and time I have at this moment. First of all, I want to thank you, my friends, for all your prayers for my lovely friend, Anne. I will say this much, they're working, so keep them coming!

My honey surprised me with a weekend getaway, starting tomorrow. We're driving up to Ruidoso, NM and staying at the Mescalero Indian resort, Inn of the Mountain Gods. We're leaving tomorrow morning and will return Tues. I mentioned to him earlier in the summer that we both have taken many trips, usually to visit kids and grandkids, him to Houston, and me in Austin. We hadn't taken any trips together since Sept. of '10 when we went to Chicago to visit his daughter and her family; again, kids and grandkids. So I asked him when we could get out together, just the two of us, no kids, no grandkids, no relatives at all!! Since money is tight, and when isn't it, he made reservations at the Inn for weekdays, better prices.

I then received an email from my bud in Austin that she and her hubby were coming to El Paso and then going to Ruidoso at the same time we would be. It's her hubby's birthday and he wants to celebrate it at the Inn. Today, she and her hubby, cousin, cousin's hubby and best buddy took off and will be staying at the Holiday Inn this evening. Tomorrow, the buddy and relatives will be returning to El Paso, but they will be checking in at the Inn Sunday afternoon; we'll probably meet up with the whole gang for lunch somewhere in town tomorrow and do a bit of shopping, or in my case, lots of window shopping. Personally, I would love to have lunch in Alamagordo, NM, on the way up, at Blakes...chile cheeseburger and fries....oh hell, just yummers!! Chile in these parts aren't the stew, with hamburger meat and beans, but beautiful NM long greens, roasted and served with just about everything. Anyway, later on we're planning on having drinks, dinner, drinks, do a little gambling, drinks, chatting, drinks, well, ya get the picture.

The first time I went to the Inn, I was pregnant with my first child, Joel, who is now 35...do the math. I was about 7 months along and my sister had come in from CA and spent almost a month with us. My parents, 2 brothers, sister and I went up for a nice weekend. That first night, the electricity died and they were serving all kinds of free goodies downstairs in the dining room....I recall sending my little brother several times for some desserts...well, lots of desserts. The next day, they all went on a canoe ride...my dad didn't let me go along due to my condition...like I couldn't swim in my condition?? LOL He was just concerned....that was my Pops. The second evening, I asked my sister, who I was rooming with, why she was sleeping with her camera tripod...she said it was to protect us from Sasquatch!!!! We were on the 3rd floor...unless Sasquatch was half-spider or fly, don't think we had much to worry about!!

This is a photo of the sculpture in the front of the Inn...it's a group of Katchinas or as my daughter said when she was a little thang, cochinos...means, "dirty or pigs" in Spanish. We were at the gift shop in the Grand Canyon when she was about 20 months, remembering freezing are areses off because we camped it. Anyway, I had spotted some beautiful Hopi Indian Katchina Dolls, the real deal, and they were still at very affordable prices back in 1980, so I asked her if she wanted one for her doll collection...her reply was, "No, I don't like those cochino dolls!" My daughter began walking and talking at nine months and hasn't shut up since!! A year before, we were traveling back to El Paso after spending 3 years in Stuttgart, W. Germany, it was still West back in those days. We were at the Cracker Barrel, or something like it, in GA, and I she had just turned a year. I was carrying her on my back in a baby back pack and I showed her what is now the original Cabbage Patch dolls, hand-made. She said they were ugly, and I had to agree, but it was an original, hand-made and only for a few dollars....OY....pulling my hair out. Why I gave the 4 thousand year midget so many choices is beyond me!!

This is a photo of the large water fountain at the Inn. Wish I could find a photo of the fireplace...it's gorgeous! In the background are the Sacramento Mountains and Sierra Blanca, meaning "white mountain"...beautiful.

Below is a crappy picture of Burro Street in Cloudcroft, NM. I know the orgiginal structures burned down a couple of years ago, but the whole area was rebuilt. Cloudcroft, which I truly love more than Ruidoso, is a very quiet, quaint little town also nestled in the Sacramentos and just about an hour away from Ruidoso. We'll take the old road from Ruidoso and travel to Cloudcroft for an afternoon...maybe stop by the local grocery store for freshly made bread and pies and stop and do a bit of shopping or window shopping...lots of artists live in the area and have set up shops up there.

One of the other spectacular areas in NM is the White Sands National Park. It was always a destination for us as children, but only in the Spring, Fall and Winter...the sand is too hot to walk on during the summer. Unfortunately, the dessert is encroaching on it, so the dunes are slowly disappearing. I won't see that in my lifetime, but perhaps my great-grands.

Another spectacular view is the one from White Sands up towards Sierra Blanca in Ruidoso.

That's the snow covered peak, and the other white stuff below is the gypsum sand from the park. As you travel up the mountains to either Cloudcroft or Ruidoso, the view below is amazing...you're in this beautiful pine forest and just a few feet below, is the desert and the view of White Sands.

Ok, folks, hope you enjoyed my mini-tour of one of the most beautiful places in this country....world! I love NM and wish I lived there, but I'll settle for far West TX, almost in NM, since it is where I was born and lay my head each night. Peace out.

Prayers

2011-11-09T08:44:00.003-07:00

Good morning friends. Today, I'm asking you to pray for someone. I really am not at liberty to reveal this person's name or location since she is still trying to cope with the news of her medical condition, but I'm asking you to pray for her, please, please, pray. The good Lord knows who she is, so the prayers will find their way to her.

I've known this wonderful woman for about 3 years now. We met, as I have met many of you lovelies, in Blogandia. She has a cutting wit and sense of humour that rivals only a few. Every time we have had our "marathon" phone calls, we laugh till we almost pee in our pants!!

My heart is heavy, sadden and I feel so helpless at this moment. Friendships are so precious and for many of us, we have plenty of acquaintances, but friends, few and far between. So please say a prayer for your buddies today and always. Pick up the phone and call them...or send them an email and tell them you love them. Friends, as life, are so precious...I said that already, but I can't reiterate enough how important this is. I know we get all wrapped up, especially lately with Halloween and now the coming big-ass season, and it's not fair to beat ourselves up, let's face it, life gets in the way and the distractions don't allow us time to do much but carry on our everyday and dem sum.

So today or when you read this post, please think of your friends and let them know you carry them everyday in your heart, regardless where your brain might be. Again, please pray for this wonderful woman and know that I love you, my precious friends. Peace out.

And They Still Keep Coming

2011-10-28T08:54:00.006-06:00

Good Morning all you wonderful Bloggy buddies. Hope everyone is well and looking forward to the upcoming seasonal events which will be upon us very soon. Tomorrow, we'll be heading out to Mesilla, NM for their annual Dia de los Muertos fair. I love going there every year and seeing all that is "skelly!" Also, if I get a chance, I might head out early tomorrow morning (early...hmmm) and visit the local artist fair in Downtown El Paso. Might have time to visit the Occupy Wall Streeters who are also there till Nov.

Last Sunday, I was sitting in our living room reading the paper and enjoying my first cup of coffee when it happened....JEHOVAH'S WITNESS'! Are you kidding me...Sunday morning...why aren't they in church?? Around here, the JW's usually speak "English very few," so I was prepared. As soon as I answered the door, they smiled and began talking...I immediately told them in Spanish, "Soy Judia," "I'm Jewish." The said "oh" then asked if they could leave their literature anyway...I said no gracias.

Now I'm not completely telling a little white lie, my great-great grandmother was a Jew, an Irish Jew...didn't know they existed, but apparently so. My dad thought maybe that part of the family, my maternal, was a result of the sinking of the Spanish Armada off the Irish coast circa, 1588. So some ol' relative, who was a sailor on one of those vessels, swam his way to the beach, and was absorbed by the Irish culture. Now my question was how in the hell was he able to practice his religion since the Spanish weren't particularly tolerant of Jews and the Moors??? He, like so many Sephardic Jews, hid their religious practices and attended Mass like good Catholics, did all the Catholic stuff but come the Sabbath evening, Friday, they did their Jewish stuff on the sly. A few years ago, there was a surge of local Mexican-Americans who realized they were descended from these Jews who jumped ship, or so we think. They realized that even though they had been reared Catholic, there were some unusual traditions within their Christian festivities, so they officially became Jews. I can't recall any kind of Jewish traditions intermixed with our Catholic ones, so I suppose my great-great grandmother left all that in Europe when she married my great-great grandfather in Paris and then immigrated to Mexico...go figure. However, I grew up in predominantly Jewish neighborhood, Catholic school girl by day, Jewish pal by...well, after school. All my friends in my 'hood were Jewish, and I always felt very comfortable...part of the family...their "Bubies" (grandmothers) were great cooks, always feeding us kids and they were very much like my Mexican family, very festive, loud and lots of laughter!

Now going back to the JW's. I do have a very funny story concerning these very charismatic, religious, hard-working people. This happened many years ago in my previous life, when I was married to the dentist, the father of my 3 children. It was one early summer day and I decided I needed to clean out the garage, which had accumulated much junk, as many of you are aware of garages doing....it's as if the junk lays eggs, they hatch, making more junk!! Anywhoo, I found this nasty, very stinky rams skull that my brother-in-law had given his brother, my ex, after he hunted, killed and ate the beatsie. There was still down on the horns and fur on the head and it had been bagged up in a garbage bag in that hot garage for who knows how long. So I decided I was going to throw that nasty thing away. I went out into the driveway and there, up the street, I spotted a group JW's. It was then I was hit with a very bad, but absolutely wonderful idea...wickedly wonderful. I closed the garage door, took the skull, inserted it into an old broom stick, went to the hallway closet where I had my grandfather's black, wool, cape with a maroon velvet lining.

A side story here, my grandfather grew up in a small town in Northern Mexico in the state of Sonora. When he was a boy, the wealthiest man in town wore a little black beret and a black cape which he had purchased in Paris. My grandfather thought that this was just too cool, so when my "Pachito" became a successful bidness man, he did the same. He and my grandmother went to Europe on the QE II and when he was in Paris, he bought the cape, however, he got the little beret in Barcelona, Spain which was more symbolic of the Basques than Spaniards...my grandfather's family were descended from the Basques, so it just made sense for him to honour that part of his heritage by wearing the beret. Well, when I was a kid, I loved that whole ensemble. Every Saturday when they came over to visit, I would don his cape and walk around the house in it, acting like I was Dracula's offspring or something. When he passed away in June of 1972, 6 months before I married the a-hole. My mother came home from taking care of things at the funeral home in Juarez, Mexico, which is right across the river from us, and she brought with her the cape and beret. For some odd reason, my brother, Fred, got the beret, but I got the cape! I still have that wonderful piece of black wool hanging in my closet right here in my office. Don't know who will inherit it since none of my children have shown any interest.

Ok, so back to the JW's....I waited patiently for the bell to ring and it finally did!! I answered it, wearing the cape and holding the rams head on a stick!! I also applied red lipstick (when I was teaching Vacation Bible school one summer in that other life, I heard one of the Baptist ladies say I was one of Satan's minion since I wore red lipstick, nails and my hair was tied up in a bun and I made scarves into partial turbans for my head and wore big earrings...yea, I really stuck out among those ladies). Damn, I wish I had a camera, because it was a mongo Kodak moment!!! My daughter, Andria, was watching this from her bedroom window which was adjacent to the front door. I thought she was choking, but was actually in hysterical laughter. So I asked them with this rather large, Cheshire Cat smile if they would like to come in since they might be thirsty...they politely refused. They asked if they could tell me about their faith and I told them only if they would take a minute to listen to mine!! One woman screamed out, "Es bruja, es bruja," "She's a witch, a witch!" You have no idea how I had to maintain my composure because I wanted to do exactly what Andria was doing, go into total hysterics!! I've never seen a group of people run down my walkway as fast as these people. Needless to say, I was never, EVER visited by them again at that address.

I really don't know which was funnier, the ram thing or the nanist thing. Oh well, I'm condemned no matter what, but I think I'll be in good company!! LOL Quite frankly, I believe God has a wonderful sense of humour, just consider the penguins and orangutans....and lest we not forget the sloths!!

Before I hang it up for the day, I wanted to show you some of my new little ladies. I was never much into the images of Frida Kahlo since she's been done soooo much. I had a drawing prof that always said she was so over-rated and had become cliche. I think she was just jealous especially after seeing her work hanging up during one of the faculty shows...oy!! Now I have loved Frida since I was a child. Once while visiting my grandparents across the river, I noticed a magazine in my grand's living room. It was like Mexico's version of Life magazine and they had a full article about Frida and Diego. I was about 8 years old, so that would have been 1960, some years since they had both passed; she died in '54 and he, in '57. Anyway, they had photos of their work, of them, their home in Mexico City....it all was intriguing. I asked my grandmother is she had known them, typical for a kid to ask that. Of course she hadn't and called her, "Esa Comunista y su sapo!" Which translates to, "That Communist and her toad!" I guess my "Machita" wasn't a fan, but I was, immediately. When I was in Mexico City back in '69, my friend and I went to her house...wasn't ready for the public, but we got to see it from the street. When I returned for my honeymoon with the ex in '73, we were planning on going, but I had drunk the water the night before at a 4 star eatery and the water wasn't 4 star...Moctezuma found me!! So anyway, here are a collection of my little Frida Christmas ornies that can be purchased through moi, if anyone is interested. My Etsy shop needs a mega overhauled so they won't be there.

I'm planning on making more...just had too much fun making them. The one on the far left has a new owner, my dear friend, Judy, who was my partner in crime back in high school. She's the one I wrote about in an earlier blog about our adventures in Mexico City back in '69. Her birthday was in Sept., but last night was the first time either of us could get together, so I gave her one of my Fridas. We celebrated at Chili's, her pick. I told her last night I hadn't been to Chili's in a few years since every time I ate there, I'd get food poisoning. I told her that whatever I ordered was going to be deep-fat fried to insure that nothing lived on!! I ordered little sliders and they came with a side salad but Judy told the waitress about my experiences there and they brought her the side salad instead...she passed!!! LOL

Also, wanted to show you my little pumpkins I made for my grandsons. The one of the left went to Aiden in Chicago and the one on the right to Austin. Now my guys in Austin feel I should send them one every year....maybe I better stock up on those fake pumpkins at Michaels right now while they're at 50% off.

I also got my paper mache masks from my buddy, Judah. He's such a sweetheart...said he wants to be paid in a decorated mask...going to gesso it today!! My daughter also found some of those coffins at her Michaels near her house in Austin, so I should be ready for more Halloween fun early on next year then I'll invade Michaels in August for my paper mache stuff...sigh, Halloween in August, or is it July??

Well, my friends, as always, I got a bit mouthy or fingery, but hope you all have a wonderful weekend and have lots of fun...love this time of year!! Peace out and Nano-Nano.

Funny Story and other Stuff

2011-10-13T07:45:00.008-06:00

While I was in Wimberly for my friend's birthday bash, a bash of 3, I came to a very realistic conclusion, I'm sooo out of shape. It's not an epiphany, Lord knows, I have a mirror and a doctor who every so often tells me to exercise to control the cholesterol and diabetes. I'm unable to take statins for the cholesterol...in that 2% that develops muscle problems in the legs...fell flat on my face in front of the Liberal Arts building a few years ago while attending college while being on a statin for just 2 weeks. Yep, I ate granite and only one young man came to my aid while the rather large group of students just stood and watched. What was really bad was that as I fell, my heavy backpack hit me in the back of my head!! I shuffled into my Humanities class, all the while during the 1 hour and 20 min. lecture, thinking how I was going to get back to my car parked in what's called "Cardiac Hill," let alone just get up the hill to the Fox Fine Arts building. Cardiac Hill is the parking lot adjacent to the Sun Bowl stadium. My concerns were more important than what some dead Roman statesman had to say! I was able to get myself up the hill to the Fine Arts building where I called my hubby to come pick me up and take me to my car. Once home, I looked up the side affects on all the recently new meds I had been prescribed, and there it was...if you develop muscle pain, discontinue use and immediately call you doctor...great!! Long story already too long, I luckily didn't develop whatever complications I would have had I not had this little incident on campus. I also gave away my heavy, Doc Marten sandals to my daughter and stepdaughter...ya know what it's like to shuffle in those heavy things???

Anyway, as usual, I digress. So here we were in the lovely Texas Hill Country, and I do mean "hill," lots of them. Now I live in a hilly, mountainous area, but that's why I have a car!! My friend loves to take nature walks, me, well, not so much. So the majority rules, I went along, with great difficulty. I noticed certain activities that I could perform a couple of years ago, were either more difficult or almost impossible. The camp was very rustic, steps to the river were made of large stones and the walk down there was almost vertical...oy!! Later on that day, they wanted to go to the "Bamboo Forest," which was another vertical escapade. As we were going down the rocky incline, I noticed something on my right side, a female deer had heard or smelled us before we saw her and she panicked and attempted to jump over a wire fence, but her head got caught in it and she was struggling to escape. I freaked out...that poor animal was going to perish because of us! I started back up to the road and they followed. Fortunately, she freed herself and successfully jumped out of the small pen.

Sooo, I decided 2 weeks ago while struggling to breath as I walked along the piney and rocky roads, I had to do something about my physical condition. It was a major wake-up call and the Universe was not going to accept anymore denial and I certainly didn't want to push my luck, next wake-up call could be a heart attack or stroke. I came home, looked up a gym near my house, HerGym, and Monday went and joined. Due to a minor mishap, I was unable to go on Tuesday, so yesterday, I took my first Zumba class. Of course, the instructor was adorable, petite and moved like an exotic Vegas chorus girl. I loved the Latin/Tribal sounds and realized that the Zumba moves were very similar to the age-old high impact aerobics. I took high impact aerobics for 10 years between my mid-30's to my mid-40's. Stopped due to a little life change...a horrible separation and divorce, plus I was working, then returned to school. So as all those sweet young thangs were moving their bodies, arms, legs and hips in sinc, I modified back to the old aerobic moves. I sweated like a whore in Mass and I actually felt pretty energetic the rest of the day, however, moving very slowly! But by about 5 last evening, I was exhausted from the days activities. Well, in a bit, I'm going to start it all over again, except with a personal trainer, she's part of the price, no extra charge, is going to show me how to develop a weight training routine with the machines.

Well, my lovelies, I'm back and my hamstrings feel like butta and my arms, like rubba!! I'm actually liking this, really!! The trainer, another gorgeous, sweet young thang, was very helpful and showed my how to operate all the machines for both upper and lower body, then told me how create my own routine in the time I've allotted for my daily workout. So we'll see just how well I can move tomorrow for another Zumba class. Folks, I mean it, I'm dedicated to lose the weight and get most of this "fluffiness" off of me. I was going to join Weight Watcher, but, nah, I really don't have a big appetite (of course you should have seen me Sunday at this eatery in San Miguel, NM after we hiked and did some fossil hunting...I ate every bit of my 3, rather large tacos, didn't eat the refried beans and rice, though, but topped it off with a homemade cherry empandada..my soooo bad..hey, I hadn't eaten since early that morning!!) and besides, I really don't like those meetings.

Here's the funny story that I have to share, at least I think it's funny. So I went into my nearby Michaels to get a jar of fixative, was running out, and decided to also get some of the Fall coloured flowers for my paper mache masks for next year. I go to the floral section and there, singing her little heart away, is a young mother. As I listened, she was singing her praises to the Lord. Ok, I have no problem with people who are enthusiastic about their faith, I admire it. I turned to look at her and there she was, Crazy Eyes! I smiled politely then began sorting through the flowers hoping she wouldn't start a conversation. Well here is how it went; I'm G and she's CE, for crazy eyes:

CE: Hi, isn't it a beautiful day?
G: Yes, it is (then I looked away again)
CE: Have you found the Lord?
G: I wasn't aware He was lost!
CE: Are you a Christian?
G: (ok, this is where I decided to mess with her, if I believed in Hell, I know I'm going there)I'm a Nanist.
CE: What's a Nanist?
G: We worship the great Goat Goddess , Nan. (inspired by "nanny goat.")
CE: (eyes even crazier and her voice goes up several decibels) You mean you worship a "BEAST!"
G: (Me trying not to have an accident in my undies) Not just any beast, she's very special, she's the great Goat Goddess, Nan!
CE: I've never heard of such a thing.
G: Oh yes, it's a very ancient religion...older than "Rambo." That's the worship of the great Ram God, Rambo.
CE: (backing away from me slowly) Well, I've never heard of such things, I hope the Lord forgives you. God bless.
G: Thank you and Nano-Nano. (Hoping she's never seen old re-runs of "Mork & Mindy!")

After she backed away and couldn't leave the floral department fast enough, a woman who was on the other side of the display, came over and asked me if I was really telling the truth, told her "Nah, I'm Catholic." We both laughed and she said this woman had been singing away and had asked her the same question about her religious beliefs and she said she was Jewish and that the girl just turned away. I suppose her religious group are intolerant of Jews and Nanoists!

Sat. Oct. 15.

So I decided to finish this blog and send it out to the blog world while I can still move my fingers. After 2 Zumba sessions, Wed. & Fri., and one hour of learning the machines, I found myself almost immobile yesterday. After two days of energy to spare I totally crashed yesterday. I came home from Zumba and I thought I wasn't going to make it to my front door. I sat a bit to cool down then drug my very sore body to shower. After that, I just sat on the couch and decided I was going to just veg for the day. I watched two wonderful movies on TCM, "Far From the Maddening Crowd," based on the novel by Thomas Hardy...read his work in my senior year of high school...what a depressing bloke!! The next one was "The Three Musketeers," the 1973 version with Michael York, what a babe he was...was soooo in love with him. He's now an old creepy looking guy!! LOL The other day on the radio, the host of the program I listen to was talking about the new version of the "The 3 Musketeers," and what a flop it was. I told my hubby- guy that my favorite was the one done back in the 70's. How lucky I was to have the opportunity to watch it!!

Today I 'm going to stay put in the studio while my honey and my son attend a children's birthday party. How lucky am I not to go!!!! LOL I really have to hunker down and complete the rest of my work to send out to the gallery in Chandler, AZ next week. Due to my mother's illness this past summer, I was running a bit behind. I didn't make as much this year as last, but I'm gearing up for next year thanks to Judah of http://judahsleep.blogspot.com , who sent me a dozen paper mache masks from a Michaels in Atlanta, GA and my daughter who also found paper mache coffins at her Michaels in Austin, TX. Hey Judah, if you're reading this....send me your address...I have your return address in Atalanta, but don't you live in TN?? Anyway, let me know which address to send the reimbursement. Sent you a message on FB too.

During my very energetic moments on Thurs., I put up my Halloween tree up:

My little ornies are a collection of prizes I have won throughout my time on Blogger. The doll was from a doll exchange last year and created by the lovely Marfi from http://marfibradford.blogspot.com/

Also, here are my little coffins I created for Xico, Inc.'s Dia de los Muertos celebration next week and into Nov. I bought these coffins a couple of months ago and didn't know what do with them till one Benedryl induced night, I dreamed these up. I wanted to make more, but as usual, our local Michaels were out of them and didn't anticipate any more inventory. They are from l to r, Daniela, La Danzarina (the dancer), Chepa, La Chismosa (the gossip) and Ceci, La Sirina (the mermaid).

Well, time for me to check out and make some art. Sorry about this blog being a bit long, but that's what happens when life gets in the way and you have to write about your "happenings" in increments! Peace out...NANO-NANO!! LOL

On The Road

2011-09-29T09:19:00.006-06:00

Good morning and hope you're enjoying your lovely Fall weather where ever you lay your heads. It's still hotter than hell out here in TX and it's getting a bit tiring. The local meteorologists have given up....I think they've taken up reading tea leaves or chicken bones because they're way off course with their predictions. It's not as if we get these really cold winters, hardly, but it would be nice to smell the crispness in the air and the ozone that Fall usually provides for us out here in far West TX. LOL

This is going to be short post, but I wanted to introduce to you my second set of dancing skellies:

I sold the other two, as I mentioned in my last post. I'm saving one of the unfinished hanging skelly for my little granddaughter's nursery, which she will be sharing with her older brother, the two year old Sammy, and yes, he's going through the usual "terrible two's!" Oy

I will be leaving for Austin, TX today to attend my friend's birthday bash. We arrive this evening after 10 p.m., way after my bedtime!! Tomorrow, Irene has to work, but her beautiful daughter, Michele, will be taking us out to the Rocky River Ranch in Whimberly. Of course, we have to stop at Shady Groves for our fix of green-chile cheese fries....delish!! We'll also stop somewhere for ice, beer, water and whatever...it's girl scout camp all over again, except with beer!! LOL I will be seeing my daughter and grandsons on Monday. They're driving down from Round Rock, a burb of Austin and about an hour from my friend who lives in South Austin. We're planning on having breakfast then they'll drop me off at where Irene and Edna will be, hopefully, somewhere on South Congress Street...fun place!! Edna and I will head on home on Southwest and arrive late afternoon...sigh!

Before I go, I wanted to show you a little doll I made out of an Altoid box. Wendy Aspinall over at blissangels.blogspot.com is having a swap. I made this little skellie girl for my partner, Mercedes, and hope she likes it, because I do...LOTS!!

Ok, friends, have many miles to go before I lay my weary head...approximately 640 of them!! Need to run a couple of errands then start packing because I have to head out to the airport around 5...great...just in time for the 5 p.m. I-10 parking lot!! Peace out,

More Masks & Restless Night

2011-09-25T10:06:00.007-06:00

Hello all you wonderful people out there in Bloglandia. Hope you've had a great weekend. I finally finished the last of my paper mache masks, and I say the "last" of them because Michaels ran out and they don't anticipate getting anymore in. When I asked the young woman about it, she looked at me as if I were growing lobsters out my ears, but stocking up on more Halloween stuff at the end of September, oh Lord, no way....it's September, for goodness sake!! We are so done with Halloween in September!!!???!!?? I suppose I shouldn't complain, it's been that way for many years now...Halloween in July, Christmas in September, Valentines Day in December, Easter in January/Feb....sigh! Anyway, here are my little lovelies:

I don't know of any of you remember the little sets of earrings and pendants I made last year for Dia de los Muertos, but I made a few more for the little shop I occasionally sell locally. Desi asked me to make a few just to test the waters, so here is a set of pendents I made since I had four pair of earrings left over from last year. Sorry about the quality of the photo, but must have been a bit shaky the other day when I took this shot.

This past weekend I've had my youngest son, Ian, over for his birthday. He turned 26 on Friday and even though he's that age, he still behaves about certain things as if he were 10. I made sure he had a great birthday weekend, which may be over by today. I'll explain. My son is unable to really read well, so he fills his time watching television, movies and sports shows mainly, and listen to music while hes' here...he loves music!! For those of you who are unaware of what I'm talking about, Ian is autistic with other issues; he's mildly retarded. So I said it, "retarded!" Not mentally challenged, but a "tard." I call it like I see it. Anyway, now that we've gotten that non-PC word done and over with, I also want to mention, he loves to eat. I suppose he fills his days with just so much music and television that he enjoys the feeling and taste of many foods. I've shown him how to make certain dishes for himself when he's over here....the stepmother doesn't allow him to cook in her kitchen...don't know why, she doesn't use it herself either. The kid can cook an artichoke with butter sauce!! The reason I taught him, was one weekend, he was going back home and I didn't have time to cook his artichoke, so I typed out a very detailed set of instructions for this woman, pics and all, and sent it on with him...you'd have to be a total idiot not to understand them...let's just say, she was unable to complete the task!!

On Friday, he was taken out to lunch by one of his friends to P.F. Changs...brought me back a lettuce roll....yum!! That evening we were planning on taking him to Chopes, wrote about it in my last blog. Well, as all best laid plans, this one fell apart. Both hubby and I had put in a long day, and I wasn't feeling too well and we just didn't want to drive 45 mins. to this place, so we had an alternative plan since he wanted to have a steak at Applebees....when I think steak, I don't think Applebees!! So we offered going to "Great American" today for a late lunch, early dinner....another local place that serves the best red meat in town..it's for anyone who's looking for a stroke to happen!! LOL

Last night, we went out to another local eatery, Cappetto's. It's a Italian restaurant in town and it's not half bad...pretty good as a matter of fact. So we went there last night and met up with my mother, brother and his partner, girlfriend...what ever you'd call her. He was bound and determined to have a beer, after I was against it due to the heavy-duty meds he takes, but the doc told him he could have on occasion, one lite beer, which he ordered. According to my mother, he gulped it down, plus 8 oz. of Dr. Pepper. Explains why he was feeling so lousy within a few mins. My brother took him to the restroom, where he was able to splash some water on his face and just allow the guzzled contents to settle a bit. He came back out feeling much better, the rest of my salad, ate 2 pieces of his pizza and more Dr. Pepper. He swore he'd never touch any alcohol again!!

We returned to my mother's where she had prepared one of our favorite desserts and Ian's, Arroz con Leche, or plainly put, rice pudding, but the Mexican style....another yum!! I gave him a hefty serving, then he served himself twice after that. We came home and he proceeded to pop 2 bags of popcorn much to my chagrin. So at about 2 this morning, I'm awaken by DH, telling me that Ian called 911! The dork felt like sh-t and he decided to call 911 since he couldn't wake me up!! I shot out of bed, looked at my dialed numbers on my cell phone, called them back and told them to cancel...thankfully, the ambulance hadn't arrived and they were able to stop it. Well, let's just say I turned him every way but lose!!

We all had a rough night since I lay awake waiting for the other shoe to drop, but thankfully, it never did. At some point, I fell back to sleep and woke to what sounded like running water. DH told me Ian had been in the shower for about 30 mins. Went down the hallway and listened in at the door and he was doing his usual mumbling about something, so I know he wasn't dead. Again, stayed awake for any other sounds, but he finally went back to his room and shut the door.

So today, I'm hoping to get some work done in the studio and start on my new little skelly dolls. I still haven't set up a PayPal account over at my Etsy shop...may have to put that on the back burner for another 2 weeks. I also have been asked to make 2 more of those little hanging ballet skelly girls. Desi told me that a woman came in the other day, bought the two I had for sale there, for her daughter's nursery....and here I thought I was being a bit strange since I plan on making one for my future granddaughter's nursery! So I went to Hobby Lobby for more tulle...got real girlie colours too!! My teeth ache!! Also, returned to Michaels and bought out the rest of their little wooden hanging skellies...I don't assume they'll be getting in more before next July!!

This coming Thursday, a friend and I will be heading out to Austin to spend a birthday weekend with a mutual good friend. We'll be heading from Austin to a town called Whimberly where we'll be staying at the Rocky River Ranch...sounds like a girl scout camp! Due to the drought, there will be no fire pits and from what I've also heard, whatever river than runs through it (no, it's not called Rocky River, just the facility), is dried up, so it will be interesting how we'll spend our time...told my buddy this body will not see a bathing suit anytime soon, so I will not be participating in any water activities unless it's the shower. However, every first of the month, Whimberly has an open craft market, so I'm really looking forward to that. That Sunday, we'll be heading back to Austin for an at -home birthday celebration given my my friend's kids, 5 of them, then Monday, it's back to El Paso...a quick weekend, but should be loads of fun...always have a great time with these two ladies.

Well, time to wrap this up and get my day started. Y'all have a great week and don't forget to do something creative...what's better than making creative stuff?? Making more creative stuff! Peace out.

Saturday Afternoon On The Old Road

2011-09-18T09:30:00.022-06:00

Howdy Blogger buddies! Thought I'd greet you today with the traditional "Howdy" of Texas A&M. My son graduated from there in '99 and was in the corp of cadets band for four years, playing the trumpet. The school is steeped in traditions, I just don't remember them all. I was in the local Aggie Mom organization for about 3 years and had a blast with most of these women, but as their kids began to graduate, those old members left the club for other distractions, and the incoming membership was a bit stiff...as in major sticks up their "nose!" So I left for a couple of reasons, was going through a hellish separation and I returned to college and the old fun and crazy Aggie guard were gone , oh, that's 3 reasons!

Yesterday, DH and I decided we'd enjoy lunch at one of our favorite eateries, the Riviera. It's been around for years and I just love their enchiladas, both red and green, so I had a combo platter....finished half of it since we had decided to take a nice drive up to Mesilla, NM and I just didn't want to feel that bloat on the ride up. Mesilla is this lovely little community outside Las Cruces, NM. We love taking the drive on the "old road" as it's referred here or the historical "Onate Trail." Onate was this New Spain (Mexico) born Spaniard explorer back in the 17 c. who was looking for the proverbial Cibola, one of the legendary 7 cities of gold. A side, he was also married to Hernan Cortez granddaughter. Anyway, this guy was not very popular among the residing tribes and got into some big trouble with the Acomas...if he didn't like you, he'd lop of an arm, leg, whatever...really nice guy! Ok, so I digress, but had to give you a little background on the old road and pretty much my backyard.

Speaking of my "backyard," just thought I'd show some of the beauty of my desert, both west TX and southern NM, which is a valley...the mountains are the tail end of the Rockies. This is a distant view of the mountains and one of the many pecan orchards.

This photo is one of the many pecan orchards in the area (why in the hell are pecans so expensive then??)

The next 3 pics are were taken in the middle of Stahmanns Farm, the largest pecan orchard in the world.

When I was a child, we would take this road to Mesilla and you could see large gaggles of geese in the orchards. They were used to keep the grounds clean plus, they sold their eggs, chicks, and of course, many of those dear birdies ended up on Christmas tables. It's been years since they've had geese, but the orchard is still quite impressive. This area is known for pecans, pistachios and of course, wine.

There's this wonderful restaraunt in La Union, NM, on the road to Mesilla, called Chopes. It's been there for years and in just the last ten years, it's really gotten popular, especially with the weekend motorcyclists, as you can see. They're famous for their red enchiladas. Planning on taking my son, Ian, there for his birthday next week.

Next is this little church that's one of my favs in the area. It's in the small town of La Mesa, NM. I remember the residents would dry their chile crops on the roofs their homes, making the whole town pop with beautiful colours of reds and yellows. I don't know if they do that now, haven't seen it for some time, but the smell of roasting chile just permeates this area this time of year...the scent of the gods!

Above is a house with the adobe wall exposed. It was across the street from the church and thought some of you who have never seen it before would like enjoy this. Adobe is still used in this area, both out here in West TX and NM.

I have been asked to make a painting of San Albinos church in the city square of Mesilla, so we thought it would be nice to stop by, take some pics and just do a little shopping.

I didn't take this particular photo, but borrowed it off their site because our plans for a nice, quiet afternoon in the town of Mesilla turned out to be not so quiet. The square was completely off-limits to traffic. They were celebrating 16 de Septiembre in the town and it was madness, fun, but none the less, madness!!

There were Mariaches:

Dancers:

Tiny Dancers:

It was all very festive and I felt as if I were in a mercado in Mexico. Sadly, the Juarez Mercado across the border is shutting it's doors due to the violence there. I have wonderful memories of the market. I used to go with my mother and/or grandmother and we'd buy fresh everything. The smell of cooking food, herbs, even the scent of the starch finishes on the clothes, the a line of little old ladies making fresh corn tortillas in their comals. I loved to hear my grandmother call out, "Marchante," to who ever was selling the best priced veggies, cheese and meat that day. We would stop at the herbman, that's what I called him, and she would by fresh herbs for the days meal. She also would always get us these rocket shaped suckers, called "piruli (pee-rul-ee)" with the accent on the last "i." They could be considered lethal in the wrong hands, ie. an older sister sticking it to her little brother!! LOL

I did a little shopping too. I got my friend, who I'll be seeing in 2 weeks in Austin, a pair of earrings. Due to the cost of silver these days, the Indian jewelers have discovered the wonders of aluminum and the jewelry is quite nice, plus, no tarnishing and very light weight. I'm just glad I got all my Indian silver & turquoise jewelry back when it was still affordable, in the '70's and '80's. There's this quaint little bookstore that's been on the plaza forever. They sell lots of the locally published books, so I purchased a little children's book by a local guy, written and illustrated by him. I collect children's lit and this book was so beautifully illustrated, I just had to add it to my collection, besides, the author's last name is "Diaz," like mine. I also had to buy a "concha" bag. Let me explain why I call them "Concha" bags. When I was a kid, we had this maid whose name was, ok, 3 guesses...Concha!! She would come every week with her clean clothes and some belongings packed up in two of the bags, hence, Concha bags. Anyway, I'm sure you've seen them, they're the plastic woven Mexican bags with pictures or stripes...I bought one with the Virgen de Guadalupe from a group of local monks from the Holy Cross monastery up the road. I had to help translate for a woman from Duluth, MN, who wanted to purchase a special order carving of San Pasqual...seems this round of monks "speak English very few," but they had some wonderful products, stuff they make there at their monastery. I also purchased a colourful little nosegay of paper flowers made in Mexico. I used to make them as a child and I've forgotten how, so I bought some to spark my memory...DH asked if I spent $6 just to take them apart...nah, just need one!!

Now for some pics of local colour in the town of Mesilla:

A metal "Catrina" sculpture made from large oil cans from Mexico.

A watering can made from a La Costena jalapeno can...very cool!

This is another metal sculpture like the Catrina. His name is Phil, or should it be "Felipe?"

This is one of the many charming homes in town. I wish I had time to take more pics of the more older, rustic houses.

Hope the folks that are remodeling this house know about their attic visitor!

Well friends, that concludes my short tour of the very festive, colourful and one of my favouite places in the world, Mesilla, NM. I feel so lucky to be so close to such a fun place, like I mentioned, this is almost in my backyard...how lucky am I!!?? It's time for this ol' desert rat to drag her tired butt (neighbors had a 16 de Septiembre party in their backyard last night and went on till 2....oy, can't get the mariachi music out of my head!!) and write down all the ideas I was bombarded with while I lay awake singing "Adelita" along with the mariachis!! LOL Peace out.

Remember Me???

2011-09-11T11:08:00.009-06:00

Hello Fellow Bloggers, it's been a while. I thought I had so much to tell you, and for some reason, I can't remember a darn thing!! I was reading one of my favorite blogs yesterday and she talked about just tuning out some of this tech stuff because it is addictive, right? Since my mother's illness, I have found it's real easy to tune and turn off.

Speaking of my mother, she's doing lots better. She seems to be slowly returning to her ol' self, finally. She does have an ability to be a bit "chiplona," with my brother, though. "Chiplona" (pronounced, cheeplona) means being a bit whiny. Well, he falls for it, but not I. I told her the other day that her house, as mine, are "Chiplona-Free" environments! I just don't do well around "chiplonas!" Anyway, she decided she didn't want to make meals for herself anymore, so I'm making some meals for her and my brother will take something over to her too so she can just reheat in the microwave. We've also told her no more driving on major streets.

I've been noticing lately that there seems to be more careless drivers in this city. A lot of these drivers aren't from here, not even from this country, but since the violence erupted across the river from us, lots of the citizens have moved here to get away from the terror that grips the once beautiful Cd. Juarez in Mexico. They have also brought with them their once thriving businesses to this side of the border. We've had an explosion of so many wonderful and exotic restaurants and shops that's it's been great for our economy, plus, they give much to the community. Unfortunately, many of them also have brought with them their bad driving habits, as if West Texas and Southern New Mexico don't have enough of their own! LOL It can be really dangerous out there sometimes and you have to drive always, and I mean always, with extreme caution. I recall when I was in Mexico City many years ago, the guys that were driving us around would honk as they approached a stop sign...they didn't stop, but honked as a warning to those that had the right of way!! Yeppers, that was pretty scary at times. My uncle told me once that in Mexico you don't watch the person in front, but the one behind you...again, pretty scary. LOL

Well, anyway, now that she's not driving much, I've been officially been given the job of chauffeur. My brother, who recently retired from the D.O.D, thinks that art-making isn't a job, so I need one, another one. I don't have problems with driving Miss Daisy, never has been since 1979, but to be told that I'm to care for her in that capacity, well, let's just say that chaps my hide and I've told him so. My husband asked me if she's just gotten that way but since I've always been around, it's just what it is. After I graduated from college in '05, I couldn't find employment here and since I did get a B.A. in Art, well why not put that talent to work, right??

Many of you are artists and know that this profession or rather, passion can be a sinking ship at times. We don't go into it expecting to make lots of money, unless you happen to be in the right place at the right time and have a gazillionaire patron....what are the chances for that?? But we love what we do and I'll admit, I sometimes resent others taking away my time for what I love to do. Last week I was frazzled from caring for my mother, taking her to doc appointments, making meals, visiting with her, taking her on some errands. I hadn't had any time in the studio and I was really getting agitated, then add the crap from my brother, well, I was ready to just kill something or punch them out at least!! My mother noticed I was a little "da-clempt" and asked me what was wrong. It's very difficult for someone who doesn't possess the artistic passion to understand and I can't think of anything to compare it to her life, or her having to be denied something so very important for one's sanity. The only thing I could think of was her golf.

My folks were avid golfers. My dad was one of the first Mexican-Americans to join the El Paso Country Club...my grandfather established the first country club in Cd. Juarez, so we come from a long line of country clubbers. When I was 16 my mother insisted I learn how to play golf...bor--ing!! She even took me out shopping for golfing outfits. Well, that year, I had to drop geometry because I was failing it miserably (a whole other story), so I took it during the summer. I not only I had a really cute wardrobe, but I aced the course and met lots of cute guys!! Needless to say, I was never approached about it again. As of right now, I am not in a country club, nor do I intend to join one, as a matter of fact, none of my sibs are in one because we have better things to spend our money on. My folks left the club some years back when the new bunches of brats decided that it was unfair for the older members to continue using their standard tee times during the weekends, so they voted all that out. As a result, many of the older members left the club...these were the members that built that club and sustained it with their hard earned cash, unlike these other stinkers who were the products of hard-working parents and brought up with entirely too many privileges, they felt entitled.

Well, enough of the rant. Today we're celebrating my mother's 89th birthday by taking her to a nice local seafood restaurant for lunch. Her real birthday is tomorrow and her old friends are taking her out for lunch. I have been invited and since I'll be taking my car into the shop tomorrow for a new switch, I won't have wheels!! So pray that no one will be nice enough to pick me up!! LOL I want to play in my studio and just relax doing what I love, art-making.

Speaking of art, here's a few samples of what I've been doing in between my sharing my life with family. Let me know what ya think. I found these great paper mache masks at Michaels and make sugar skull designs on them...love they way turned out.

Again, at Michaels, I found these little jointed unfinished wooden skellies that I "girlied" up. I am going to be a grandmother again, but this one will not be part of the Penis Posse...talkin' estrogen finally!! LOL Anyway, with Zoe's impending birth, I'm finding myself doing more "pink." I know, I'll get over it, but till then, I'm having way too much fun!! I took these little ladies down to a little shop that sells all sorts of neat-o stuff. She makes all kinds of adorble bows, tutus, personalized t-shirts and some really great jewelry. If you're looking for some really great girlie stuff, visit her etsy shop under the "Royally Sweet" name as her FB page, so go on over there and hit "like" button, plus, her work is top of the line and at very good prices...amazing prices. She's selling her stuff all over the country right now, so bidness is good for her. Of course, I've already enlisted her into making an tutu for the little Miss Zoe, but told her no rush till next Spring.

Well my lovlies, time for me to go get ready for this birthday soiree. Beleive me when I wonder what to get an 89 year old woman who has everything and if she doesn't, she'll get it, of course, I have to drive her there!! I went to this wonderful Mexican bakery and bought her a selection of her favorite sweet breads...that should do it. Peace out.

Much ADO e-zine coming soon

2011-08-30T10:00:00.001-06:00

Just a short one all. Announcing ADO's new e-zine, coming soon or pretty close!! LOL One of our members put this little video together and her brother composed the music. Enjoy!

Still taking care of my mother and spending many hours with her...my creative juices have kinda drained a bit...drained who in the hell knows, but I'm not doing what I love doing, my hey, it's my mom!! She's doing much better and this week we'll find out just exactly what she was treated for since her doc and the ER doc had different opinions...doctor's egos...rolling eyes back to the the edges of my head!! (Heads have edges????)

Have some stuff in the making in my studio and hopefully can complete most of them today and will share with you sometime later on this week. Told mom there was no way in hell I was going to do any shopping for her at Walmart next Monday!! LOL

Have a great week, my friends, and as always, peace out.

Be Back Later

2011-08-17T15:21:00.002-06:00

Just a short one, folks. My mother is in the hospital with viral pneumonia and other problems, but hell, at 88 she's doing pretty good. I on the other hand, am not...having to deal with so much stupidity that I'm ready to ram my '99 Intrepid into something or someone!!

So don't think I'm ignoring your posts, well, I'm not really, but just have very little time to read or comment. Hopefully, next week all will be a bit more calm...said something about she being discharged tomorrow, maybe. There's other stuff going on which I shall write about...lots of fodder coming up this weekend!! Mwhahahahahahahahaha!!

Have a great week and write more later...yikes, it's thundering...looks like another 3 minute down-pour. Peace out.

New At Etsy

2011-08-09T12:43:00.005-06:00

Just a short one today, folks. I have added my little "Bonita Girls" to my Etsy shop. I have four for sale, but I do take special orders. I know I haven't set up a PayPal account yet...my bad, but please bare/bear with me...my wheels keep on spinning and sometimes, they don't take me anywhere!! Here's the link to my shop or just go over to my Etsy button on the sidebar.http://www.etsy.com/people/barrobabe?ref=si_pr

Hope everyone is having a great week and trying to stay cool or in some places, dry. Wish we could get some of that rain out here in Texas, but then our gov better watch out what you ask for, after that big who-ha prayer revival in Houston, Texas just might drown. However, we out here in far West TX just might not get a drop...we're the freckled faced, red-headed stepchild of TX...New Mexico, want to annex us?? After all your gov is a home girl from El Paso, TX!! LOL

Have a great week and please, check out my stuff over at Etsy!! Peace out.

Dolls, Music & Youthful Memories

2011-08-04T10:12:00.006-06:00

The other day I went out and did a bit of shopping even though it meant me descending into the bowels of Hell, but had to "blow off the house stink, " as my ex-mother-in-law used to say. I told my hubby that we were running out of toilet paper, and he replied "his" brand was not on sale. Well, I told him that toilet paper was one of those items you just can't wait for a sale, right?? He's very particular about the kind he prefers, so I trekked out to Target to get a couple of packages. While there I decided I was going to treat myself to some music. My weakness' are music, books and art supplies...I'll take those things over a diamond any day...really! However, with the simplicity and easiness of downloading music off the Internet, it's becoming more and more difficult to find stores that still carry CD's. I like downloading, but if I can buy the CD first, that's the direction I like going. So I went to the music area of Target and they still had a small cache of CD's. The other day, I was singing this song, "Somos," and my son, who doesn't speak Spanish, asked me if I knew the entire song since I was just singing the same lyrics over and over again...told him that's all I remember!! So back to Target, I found this collection by Eydie Gorme. Yes, Eydie Gorme, she sang great and wonderful songs in Spanish. When I was a kid, I recall seeing her and her husband, Steve Lawrence, entertaining at various hotels and clubs in Las Vegas. We used to go there practically every year, after Disneyland. Back then, Vegas was the ultimate mecca for many entertainers (& the Mafia). We always stayed at the Sands, which was razed many years ago. Anyway, I read the song selections and it took me back to the summer 1969, no, not Woodstock, NY, but Mexico City, my summer of love.

That summer I went with my best buddy, Judy, and her mother. They went every year to visit friends and vacation there and Acapulco. That year, my folks gave me permission to go with them after being invited a couple of years before. I was 17 and had just broken up with my boyfriend, so I was ready for new adventures. We stayed at this gorgeous hotel on the Zona Rosa, an area bustling with trendy boutiques, restaurants, and night clubs. On the second day of our stay, that morning we got ready for the day and we all realized we had been robbed...of our underwear, slips and petti-pants (cutsie bloomers). Of course, the hotel was very magnanimous and reimbursed us for our replacements since the only pair of drawers were the ones we were wearing. Judy's mother was so angry at this that she found other accommodations for the 3 of us. As I said, they had lots of friends down there and one of them found this wonderful little flat off La Reforma. There we spent the next month enjoying all the wonders Mexico City had to offer. One of the friends lent us a record player and plenty of vinyls for our listening pleasure. No Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimmy Hendrix, or any of the artists teenagers listened to back in those day, but songs all in Spanish. For some reason, Judy and I gravitated to the Eydie Gorme.

I met quite a few of their friends, one family had 14 kids and all living at home. I recall going over there for lunch, and in the middle of their living room, was this long dining table....filled with all sorts of delicious foods and drinks. A couple of the older sibs were students at the University and were Communists. Yea, real live Commies!! Don't worry, I didn't fall for their propaganda, but it was still exciting for a couple of 17 year olds to be among such a diverse group of people. Upon my return from Mexico City, my mother asked me if I had gone to see the sites, the Pyramid of the Sun, El Zocalo, Xochimilco, etc. I told her I had not, but went to these really cool coffee houses and clubs were Communists hung out!! LOL Ok, also went to a few nice night clubs, not Commie friendly, and danced the night away. We even took a bus ride to Puebla, a very historic city, and stayed with these wealthy people....I remember the guy had the gout and was such a turd!! The bus ride was worth it. We sat in the back with many of the indigenous types...they offered us food and drink from their baskets...making small tacos and burritos and of course, it was all homemade.

We made this stop somewhere in between and this young couple got on, went directly to the back of the bus and quietly sat down. We then heard what we thought sounded like a pig. Well, it was a pig, a piglet and under her shawl, she hid a rooster and a duck wrapped in another shawl....we had a farm in the back of the bus! The bus driver stopped the bus after he heard the piggy oink and asked if anyone was carrying animals, which apparently aren't allowed on the buses. No answer from anyone, but Judy and I had to contain our laughter....tears running down our faces!! LOL

All in all, it was a great adventure for us and one we'll never forget. We still laugh about the time we went to a fortune teller who read a small demitasse cup after drinking a thick coffee concoction. I think there was molasses at the bottom of the cup, which settled after drinking the coffee and then we'd turn it up upside down on the saucer and the molasses would coat the inside of the cup. I was to meet a tall, dark, good-looking stranger with a mole on his cheek. When we arrived in Puebla, these friends of her mother's had sons, who introduced us to their friends. We were "Las bellas del Norte," or the beautiful girls from up North...you could hang your laundry on some of those lines!! A small group of guys walked into the family room and there he was, the guy with the mole on his cheek...Judy and I just broke out into laughter...they never knew what was so funny. I didn't hook up with Mole Boy but the whole incident was hilarious anyway. These guys took us out one evening and introduced us to "chanclas" or better known around here as a "chimichangas." There in Puebla, they were called "chanclas" or slippers in English. In fact, the first time I had a chimichanga, from Taco Hell to boot, I called it a chancla and they looked at me like I was growing lobsters out my ears!! I recall these same young men bought us each a bouquet of roses...11 of them. We wondered what the heck was wrong with them....around these parts we get a dozen, but they told us that the 12th rose was us...oy vey...what schmalz!! Like I said, you could hang your laundry on some of those lines. They told us they liked "las Nortenas," because we had the reputation of being very honest, and did they ever get a truckload of it too!! LOL

When I arrived back home to El Paso, I called my grandfather to thank him for the spending cash he sent me and he began laughing...said he could tell I had been to the "capital" because I was singing in Spanish...apparently the accent down there. Also, while I was gone, my sister decided to marry her psycho boyfriend from CA, so I went from the airport to the seamstress for my dress fitting...nah, it wasn't one of those military weddings, like everyone there had a gun, but she was under the gun to either stay in El Paso and finish out her college or marry the jerk or he would break up with her...too bad she didn't take him up on that offer.

I also purchased the new CD by Adele, "Rolling In The Deep." If you haven't heard of her, look her up on YouTube. That young woman has one hell of a voice and her lyrics are just as powerful...now that's a break up song if I ever heard one.

I have some good news too. After 4 little boys, my daughter and her husband are expecting a girl!! Yea!! They actually went through some kind of process that prepares the system to ready itself for a particular gender. I won't go into it (really funny shit too), but it worked. It will be interesting to see how that household will function with 2 Queen Bees now!! LOL So I went to one of my favorite little shops yesterday and told the owner that come Jan. I want her to make that tutu I've been waiting to order...it's going to sickly sweet....want my teeth to ache!! I just had to buy something for my future little girl, so I got this little headband for her...it will match that little skelly outfit she described to me. Yep, the girl's going to be "skellied" up, just like her older bros.

Speaking of skellies, here are 4 more little skellie ladies I completed last week. Had a blast making them. Luckily, I don't set everything in stone, so I was able to do some changes from my original idea and it turned out lots better.

Today, we're having some friends and family over for a "meatfest." I'm not sure what kind of meat yet, but I'm making a huge batch of potato salad and maybe, if I want to heat up my house, bake some dessert...maybe I'll just go out and buy ice cream. Also, please continue keeping Dana in your prayers or good vibes. This whole thing has been a total travesty and poor little Hunter is scared he's going to lose his mother...I hate lawyers, judges, etc. There is no such thing as a Hall of Justice, but a Hall of Injustice. People can lie on the stand and actually get away with it, judge knowing there's some fudging going on too!!

Well, my friends, hope you have a great weekend and next week be a good one. Take care and as always, peace out.

Love Story, New Doll & Aging

2011-08-01T09:14:00.007-06:00

Sunday I was hit with the "I'm so fried and bored," bug that I decided to just sit around all day and waste my precious time on watching television. Why I felt brain fried, well, I really don't know. It's not as if I've been doing anything terribly intelligent that necessitates using lots of brain power, so I chalk it up to the heat and humidity. I have already complained incessantly about our evaporative cooler...an oscillating fan and a spritzer bottle filled with water does a better job at cooling me down than that piece of crap, so I just lounged away the day. I was hoping to find "Time Bandits" which has been playing lots on cable, but nope, no listing for Sunday...drat. DH wanted to see NASCAR and I'm not one to oblige him with my company on such programming, so I left the comfort of the living room and came into the bedroom, or deadroom!! However, I did take my spritzer bottle and told him since he got to use the big tv with all the really cool cable channels and I relegated to the deadroom, I get the spritzer bottle! So off I went, sprawled on the bed and turned on the tv to see what was playing. I found a new channel, OWN, ok, I know, you're asking, "Georgina, where in the hell have you been??" I had no idea the famous Oprah had her own channel..ahem, excuse the pun!!

So what's playing, "Love Story," based on Erich Segals novel with the same name.

Wow, did that bring back memories. I had just graduated from high school in 1970 and was entering my first semester in collage that summer session...bad idea! I had no problems in high school because I was a product of both private and public education. I attended an all girl's school the first 2 years of high school and loved it. I worked my patooty off, burning the midnight oil every night...that was a rigorous curriculum set for us goils. My sister had just graduated in '66, the same year I entered high school, and she was off to a fancy, shamncy private college, University of San Francisco, which is Jesuit run. So fast forward '68, I was taken out of my wonderful, comfy environment and foisted into public ed. The reason being, is that I wasn't doing well in my private high school...had a B+ average...WTF???? The real reason, unbeknownst to me at the time, was that my dad was struggling with my sis' tuition and something had to give...guess who??? I later learned of this, but to this day, my mother sticks with her story, it was my failure to compete well enough!! Whatever!!

I realized once in public school, the rigors of or lack of, were very different. I breezed through my Junior & Senior year without any problems...didn't bother to compete...why, it was too easy! However, I wasn't given the same opportunities as my sis, so I had to stay here at our local university...she had met some psycho moron in CA, married him and spent the next 9 years of her life in complete terror...he was a psycho, so my folks didn't want that for me, so here I stayed, to find my own TX psycho!! LOL

So I read the movie was coming out and was so excited. I loved Ali McGraw!! She was a big time model, now would be considered a "super" model, and she was one of the few women I had seen in the fashion and teen mags that wasn't blond, blue-eyed with a cutsie nose. She was tall, thin, brunette with dark eyes, kinda like me at the time. I knew who Ryan O'Neil was from the "Peyton Place" television series; loved watching him and Mia Farrow. I had read the book sometime before that. I remember I took a bus to one of my fav book stores downtown and stood in line to buy the book, which took me all of 3 hours to read!! LOL Easy reading, folks! I wonder what happened to that copy...I know I still had it in my old house, during my other life, so maybe I just left it there, who knows.

I went to see the movie with my boyfriend, Bill. We had just started dating and he was really cute, tall, 6'5", blond, green eyes, great smile...was a dream!! Someone once told me he was a "Robert Redford," type...yep, have you seen how well that guy aged...eeeewww!! So Bill and I went to see love story and I used most of my Kleenex tissues from my little pocket package. What a great movie, so I thought back in 1970 when I was 18.

So fast forward 41 years later, I'm watching it again in my deadroom, I'm no longer 18 nor slim with long dark brown hair, but short with lots of gray, about 80 lbs. over what I was back then, sprawled out on my bed with the oscillating fan going full blast, spritzer in hand, watching this incredibly dumb movie!! What happened to me?? When did I become such a non-romantic, when did I stop loving love stories, when did I stop appreciating badly written scripts??? "Love means never having to say your sorry??" WHAT?????!!!!!!! Oh, pleeeezzzzz!!!! Now that's a bunch of bull caca!! It seems that's the only time you say your sorry because you always hurt the people you love, so again, pleeeezzzz!! After than was over, there was this program about Ryan O'Neil and his daughter, Tatum. They apparently haven't spoken to each other in 25 years or something like that and this "reality" show was about them reconciling or something like that. Turned that off, grabbed a book and read instead...should have done that to begin with.

So this started me thinking, what's with all this aging crap that's going on? I don't know about you, ladies, but all of a sudden I find that I'm growing things that were never there just a few years ago, even during my menopause. So what's with the red, dry spots that just randomly pop up on your body? I have had 2 on my left arm for a while now...not cancer, had it checked out, but these red spots, then I found two more on my right leg, then just last week, I found 2 more on my neck and clavical area. What's with the 2's, do they travel in pairs like scorpions?? Also, my sis and I were discussing these horrible little things called "skin tags." GROSS!! I have developed those also, one on the back of my neck and found 3 of them under my left breast the other day. I recall my dad having them on his neck and stomach.....what's with that?? They're small, but I know they're there and it's really getting annoying...I'm becoming a "Crone!" Just waiting for a skin tag to develop on my nose, which will eventually collapse since I don't have a septum...blew it out with over-usage of Afrin back when I was a young woman, my hands are already boney and veiny, like my mother's (I was always afraid I'd get her ugly, bony hands and I did), a curved spine....hell, just waiting for a broom stick now!! All I can say is there is no such thing as growing old with dignity, but I don't intend to fight it either...as they say, sh-- happens and it happens after 50 for many of us!!

Also, thought I'd show you my newest doll from the ADO (Art Dolls Only) monthly challenge, "Celestial Summer Nights." Well, mine isn't exactly ethereal and light and beautiful, but more nightmarish...just got the idea and ran with it. May I introduce you to "Black-Hole Hannah," the meanest black hole in the Universe:

I made her out of paper & polymer clay, plus, I actually did a bit of sewing! I wish I could put her up on my Etsy shop, but while I was moving the tray from the ironing board with all the parts to assemble, her head flew off and onto the floor...she lost a horn which I had to furiously look for. Love that E600 adhesive and it hid the break, but I can't sell her knowing she's damaged, so she is now part of my "Wall Art" in my studio.

Well, my friends, hope you all have a great week. Will update you on what's going on with my step-daughter-in-law...we have another court hearing this Thurs., so hopefully, it will be resolved so keep her in your prayers and keep sending her good vibes. Oh, by the way, I thought I'd let you know what happened to that really good looking boyfriend, Bill...I married the jerk..and he aged just as badly as Robert Redford!!!! Peace out.

Etsy Shop & Prayers

2011-07-24T15:33:00.003-06:00

Yikes, now I know why I procrastinate listing my dolls on Etsy...what a chore!!! I've finally listed everything I have on board, so take a look over at my Etsy shop and buy something!! LOL I haven't set up a PayPal account yet and I know that's important since everyone seems to demand instant gratification, present company included, but again, I'm procrastinating....maybe later on this week. So here's the link or just go to the banner on the right side of my blog. http://www.etsy.com/people/barrobabe?ref=si_pr

I just shipped off a large box to Xico, Inc. and they've already asked for more dolls, so it's off to the lab/studio and get to work on my little darlins'. I was able to play with paper clay the other day and had very little problems working with it, no cracking or drying in my hands.

I'm asking you to keep someone very close to me in your prayers. My step daughter-in-law is going to court tomorrow to fight for custody of her only child. She's a terrific mom, wife and stepmom to her hubby's 3 children...she's an amazing lady and has a full plate with her family, plus, she's going for her B.S. in Nutrition. Her mother started stirring up her caldron (buzz word for witch and beyond if you get my drift) in Oct. Her mother is not a very pleasant person to be around, has this permanent scowl on her recently altered stretched face. She was upset because her grandson was not allowed to visit with her on a weekend, which she gets every other week, because Dana reprimanded him for something he did at school, his punishment was to stay at home that weekend and clean his room and help his stepfather in cleaning out the garage. The woman went into an uproar and that's when the problems began.

In spite of all this, Dana allowed her son to visit his grandmother, even though he has already told his mother on several occasions to please ask her to stop barraging him with "bad questions" about her and his stepfather. About a month ago, CPS shows up at Dana's door with all kinds of accusation from the mother and now, her brother, Mr. Ph.D in social work!! After speaking with Dana and the kids and friends, she was convinced this was just a ploy to put a control Dana, so she closed the case. Again, won't go into any more details, too many and not so interesting, she gets served by her ex that he's going for custody of their son. She was beside herself and we all knew who was behind this web of lies and manipulation. I felt so badly for her, here was a good, hard-working woman who was betrayed by her own mother and now, brother. So tomorrow, we're off to Las Cruces, NM for the hearing, my honey and I will be testifying for Dana and she has an attorney who specializes in these matters that will be speaking for her 8 year old son. The poor little guy is experiencing all kinds of anxieties and fears that he will be taken from his family, so please pray for them or send good vibes out to the Universe. Peace out.

I Hate You, Rain Clouds

2011-07-21T17:32:00.009-06:00

This segment of my blog was written yesterday, July 21st, late afternoon:

My mother has this apparatus around her neck that if anything were to happen, she presses the button and an emergency vehicle is on their way, while they are also contacting the next door neighbors, my brother and me. I was reading when the call came through and I didn't recognize the area code...718, but I answered it anyway. They had already hung up after my phone rang for about 3 seconds. They left a message informing me they received an emergency alert from my mother and she wasn't answering. She has this special phone that is connected to the emergency phone line and if there is an emergency they call out to her, like an intercom, if there is no answer, they dispatch the 911. So I listen to the message, call my mother, no answer, call my brother who lives in Las Cruces, NM, about an hour from her house, to see if he had been contacted, he said no....he neglected to give them the new number after he gave his blackberry back to Uncle Sam upon his retirement last month. So I frantically call my mother again, still no answer and leave a message on her machine; I'm on my way.

She's about 10 minutes from where we live, unless there is a wreck on I-10 East, lots of those lovely big rigs slugging along and slowing traffic, 5 p.m traffic or variations or all the above! I knew I had to keep my cool, which is almost impossible due to the fact it's friggin' hot and humid out here...they said 102, but one of the office buildings, along with my car, were reading the temps at 105. I knew I was going to get the slow traffic, all red lights on my way to the interstate and slow traffic heading east. Yeppers, that's exactly what happened! I finally got to her house and as I enter the door from the garage, I hear, "I'm alright, honey!" Of course I was relieved, but all this anxiety and frustration....aaaaaahhhhhhhh!!! So we visited for a bit then I left, knowing the traffic now heading west to my house was going to be even worse and it was.

I decided I wasn't going to rush, after all, my car has a great air conditioner and it's cooler in my car than my house, so I just went with the slower traffic on the far right lane. Now invariably, as one approaches this one particular exit, the one to the mall and all those other neat-o stores which are just down the street from me, everyone who was too impatient to just drive along in the slow lane, now begins to try to swerve into you and try to fit their fat ass' where your front fender should be. 'These are the "entitled ones." The approaching traffic is already, at that hour, bumper to bumper and these crap-heads intrude on your space, so leaving one car length from the car in front means, 20 cars will get into that space just to make sure they get off that exit.

So after that very terrifying experience, the traffic that is, I realized huge clouds just hovering...hovering like a bunch of Amsterdam window ho's, teasing and titillating us with the idea of rain. "I hate you, rain clouds!" They whirl, taunt and tantalize our already simmering brains, tossing out lightening rods and heaving their large billowing blackness with loud thunderous promises of the wet stuff, just to be completely left, high and dry.

Notice the dry shrubbery and the green below it...the Oleanders suffered during the freeze in Feb. and the green is the new growth...plants either died, like many palm trees, or they're coming back slowly, like our neighbor's Oleanders.

That's what looked very promising, but like an old high school flame, it fizzled out. Reminds me of a joke that my grandmother always told us of a little peasant from a small village in Mexico, who was taken to Mexico City and was treated to the opera. When asked about how he liked the opera, he casually explained, "I heard lots of music, but where was the opera?!?" So it loses some in translation, but that's exactly what happened to our black, rain clouds...lots of glitz, noise, but ultimately, it bombed, like a bad John Carpenter movie...oh wait, I love John Carpenter!! LOL

Below is a pic of our air conditioning which has been the mainstay in the desert for many years, till recently. My hubby promised me he would convert to refrigerated air last year for this summer...yea, promises, promises, promises. So this is a "swamp cooler," or "evaporateive cooler" and it works beautifully in April and May, then again in late September, October and even into November, yea, folks, November!!

If you can read the above little graphic, it explains how the worthless piece of dreck works.

The following are my additional words for today, July 23:

So I shall continue to further rant about my air conditioning system. The hubby and I were talking about growing up here back in the 50's and 60's. We had hot weather in the summer, but there was none of that computer, game-boys, DSL or XYZ's or any that technology that impairs our youth today. It might have been in the 3 digits, but we played outside...you can see pics of our Franklin Mountains, well, I played in those mountains. There were always lots of caves to explore, fossils galore, tad-poles that had limited time to mature before the water in the tanks, indentations in the rocks that would fill up with water during the rainy season, rattle snakes that had to be avoided, garden snakes that were caught then let go, horn toads and blue tailed lizards to catch then again, let go. Mother nature was our playground. Later on, a park was built near my house, and we had an extra place to play, but regardless of the hot weather, we were always outside. There was always a neighbor's garden hose to insure we were properly hydrated...at night we spent our time playing hide-&-go-seek or just relaxing under our non-baring Mulberry tree. Nights would cool down to a pleasant 64 or sometimes lower, and in the middle of July!! We would shoo away coyotes that wandered into our streets, looking for "people food" to savor and on occasion, we'd spot a mountain lion also looking for something to eat, usually some old woman's Chihuahua!!

Our swamp coolers were turned off for the night and open windows were sufficient to keep the house cool and comfortable. You see, sand doesn't really retain that much heat for any great length of time, so it would cool down quickly once the sun rested. By the next afternoon, my mother would turn the cooler back on at about noonish and the house would remain very comfortable till it was shut off before my parents bedtime. The humidity was never an issue, we always had rain on July 4th but that never squelched any family gatherings..it was just expected to happen...just like on Good Fridays, the wind blew and we had dust storms...like clock work.

In the last 30 years, the population of our little city has grown expeditiously and with it, progress has come along, giving us more highways, streets, buildings and the ever encouraged, xirescaping...a garden filled with plants, flora and fauna of the desert, utilizing rocks instead of grass. It's a very efficient way to keep water usage down, but with all these additions of concrete, pavements, houses, rocks, etc., the evenings are no longer cool and comfortable. So our house never really cools down from it's 80 degrees during the day with the swamp coolers that run 24/7 at high speed and don't work because now we have high humidity, something we never experienced during my childhood and into the 80's. The times they are a changin' and so it our climate!

Well, I don't know what's going on with Blogger, but for some reason, they're bent on keeping my blog in bold, italicized lettering...I'm giving up and just letting them have their way. I can "Un-bold" the lettering, but not the italicized version...stupid blogger!!!

Today, I'm going into the lab/studio and just let my imagination run again. I already sent off a large box to Xico, Inc. in AZ and have received a reply from Hannah that they want dolls for Dia de los Muertos, so I'm off to make dolls, more ornaments and just what happens to spark my little gray cells., or what's left of them! Hope you all are keeping cool and as I told Anne the other day on FB, after we both complained about the heat and humidity. I told her I've made arrangements for us to spend our summers below the Equator...hope she likes penguins!! Peace out.

Prize, Truckers & Random Stuff

2011-07-19T09:21:00.003-06:00

First of all, I want to thank Sylvia Smiser for the wonderful little prize I won over at her blog during the Mad Hatter Party, an event which I regret not participating, but had no time this year. Anyway, I won this adorable little flower. Take a look.

You can take a look at more of Sylvia's work over at her blog, www.anaboocreationsbysylvia.blogspot.com.

I had quite an experience this past Sunday. I happen to be a proud owner of a '99 Intrepid. When my father went legally blind, he gave me this car in 2005 right after my college graduation. I then turned around and regrettably sold my '98 Taurus to my daughter. She was in need of a car since they were a one-car family and her Mustang was heading to "heapsville." My daughter is not one who cares for her vehicles, so I knew my wonderful little car, which I took so much care of, was not going into good hands, but again, I put my grandchildren ahead of everything else. Anyway, since then, I've cared for my father's car as best as I can. Since we have no garage or cover for our vehicles, it sits out in the severe heat during the summer and the mild winters. As for keeping the exterior clean, forget about it. When our sprinklers go on, my car is right on target for the driver's side, so that side and the front and rear windows are always dirty. But other than that, I make sure my little sweet car is cared for, making sure her innards are taken care of and repaired or replaced and serviced.

So what happened on Sunday!!? I was taking my son, Ian, back to his father who lives in far east El Paso. It's a good 30 min. to his house if the traffic isn't heavy, and on Sundays, it's usually light till you reach the the last stretch of I-10 before I reach my exit. That's when the damn truckers can drive on the left lane, slowing all the other traffic in both lanes. The powers that be, finally decided that within the city limits, the trucks must stay out of the left or passing lane. Around here, the left lane is used for everything but passing! Sooo, back to my experience...I realized that on my way to the eastside of town, my car was acting a bit peculiar, lurching or jack-rabbiting every so often. Certainly was cause for concern, especially when your going 60-65mph. I thought it was the rug, since that darn little thing sometimes crawls under the accelerator, but nope, wasn't the rug. So when I dropped my son off, I continued on to head out west again, when the "Check Engine" light went on. Now I know that little light means you better check things out or else you're in for some trouble in the near future, but how near, was the question and I'll tell you how near...about 5 mins. after the damn light went on...talking about no real warning!!! I've been driving now for 44 years, and never, and I mean NEVER have I had to stop and pull over on the road, Interstate, lane, street, boulevard, well, you get the meaning. As I began to accelerate as I was getting on the entrance ramp back onto I-10 west, my speedometer began to decrease, so the more gas I gave it, the slower I went. Decided it was time to pull over onto the shoulder. Thankfully, I had my cell phone on me so I called DH and he then told me he'd call a tow company...great! So I waited, and waited waited, all the while, looking at my side mirror and watching all these huge trucks storming down the road. Now it's a law, if you can, pull over to the left or right lanes if you see a vehicle, especially with the emergency lights on. Nah, no such courtesy in this town!! Only a few drivers, truckers included, did that. Now I realize sometimes you can't due to traffic to your left or right, but I could see many times, that wasn't the case...just rude bastards!! So each time a truck would zoom by, my poor little car quivered and shook. I then decided to move to the passenger's side of the car!

So after 20 mins., I called DH and he said he was still trying to get a hold of someone...seems the towing bidness in El Paso isn't a 24/7 kind of thing. I can imagine many decided to hunker down for the hot evening, enjoying their cerveza (beer) and cook-out. Now I can't blame them, but hey, if you're in this business and advertize you are on a 24/7 call, well, then what's that about?? Then about 25 mins. later, DH calls and told me he got a hold of one and that "Jesus" would be there in 30 mins. So I waited, still clenching my teeth every time my car quivered. Well, I'm not kidding, 30 mins. to the second and there was my angel, Jesus!! Now, I have a whole new appreciation for this kind of work. This guy had to gauge every move according to the traffic, especially the trucks. I was impressed and scared at the same time. He was very polite and asked me to please step into the truck while he got my car readied for our trip back to the garage on my side of town. I "climbed" in, try to imagine a 59 year old, slightly chubby, lady heaving herself up onto a tow truck!! As I sat there, I realized the music that was playing was of Christian genre. I had no idea such stations existed in a predominantly Catholic town, but it does. I'm not born-again (got over that after my experience as a Baptist...oey vey, a whole other story) nor do I consider myself religious, I'm what's called "spiritual," which means, non-committal!! LOL I do have my beliefs, using many Catholic tenets, but otherwise, I don't practice it unless I attend rosaries for a deceased friend or family member or Mass for the same reason or weddings, that's the extent of my attendance in church. I've also attended many Jewish ceremonies, but I doubt, I'd be considered Jewish even though I had a great-great grandmother who was. Anyway, the music was very nice and uplifting...I really enjoyed the serenity.

Ok, I digress, as always. Jesus got my Intrepid hooked up on the hydrolic lift thingy and we moved on down the road. Now, the weather people had stated the temps would be in the mid 90's....WRON-GO!!! It was over 100 and I waited in a car that was reading 105, however, thankfully, we had some kind of wind going on, so if I "sweated" I sure wouldn't have felt it!! I should add, that Jesus' truck was not equipped with air conditioning, so again, if I perspired, I sure wouldn't know!! Oh wait, yes I did, as soon as we got off at the garage...I could tell then!! So DH met us at the garage, he left a note with his bidness card on my parked car to let the proprietor know who's car it was and what was going on and he would take the keys over the next day, yesterday, and let him take a look. We said our goodbyes to my angel, Jesus, and we came home where I took a shower and tried to cool down the rest of the evening. WHAT A DAY I HAD!! Well, $504 later, my car is running like new. They also fixed my car door panel. When my daughter came to visit, she didn't know her strength and pulled the plastic interior panel away from the metal door. Now she claims it "just" happened and probably was going to happen, regardless, but according to this guy, she pulled so hard, the ribbits that held the door, along with some kind of industrial type glue, were yanked away, making it difficult to either open or close the door at times. Plus, he fixed my ignition switch, we think he just sprayed W-D 40 since he didn't charge us for that!! LOL Hey, I love W-D 40 and duct tape....they were life savers back when I was single!! Now we have one more problem. My mileage reads "94,145" miles. Now when I had my car safety inspected back in April, I had 60+K miles...yea, I don't get out much, and I noticed last week it was at 93+K....how can that be??? So, something with this damn module that we paid a small fortune to replace was already acting up, unbeknownst to me. Now what?? The mileage is way off!!

Ok, I've complained enough about that...it's upward and onward and perhaps a new car in my future!! LOL So something random. Yesterday, after I came home from driving Miss Daisy on her errands, I decided to just relax and read my book club book for a bit. It was wonderfully quiet, except for the occasional white tail dove cooing up in our Cherry Laurel outside, when I heard this deep roaring sound. I thought at first it was a low flying airplane, but it got closer and closer, so of course, that just sparked my curiosity and I had to look out the front door to check it out. I couldn't beleive what I was seeing. It was this guy on a tractor type mower, you know the kind that's used on large parcels of lawn, like plantations, driving up our street. It gets better....he was wearing a powder blue "leisure suit," (for those of you who were born in the 70's or later, look them up...oh Lord, that designer should have been shot), a WWI fighter pilot hat with goggles, very steampunk, but that suit!! Oh yes, and what we used to call back in the 60's, chuck-a boots. My husband arrived just in the nick of time to see this guy and had to even wait as the lawn mower slowly made it's way up the street so he could drive into our driveway. He got out of the truck, looked up the street as if making sure that's what he really saw then looked at me and said that was just too WT!! I about fell down from laughter right about then!!

Well, I think I've had my fill of excitement for the last couple of days. I'm going to get into the studio and get my mind off of old cars, speedometers, leisure suits and large lawn mowers and do something creative and a little laundry too...how normal is that?? Peace out.

Books, Art, Blogger and Other Stuff

2011-07-12T17:02:00.011-06:00

I just sent out my new blog. I hit that little "publish post" bubble and wa-la, it was posted, but not on the friggin' blogger roll...in other words, my friends, it didn't exist!! Am I pissed, you bet, but I know many of you have had these problems in the past and I know how frustrated it's all been for you and I sat there and would say, "that's never happened to me, " well, I too now can wear my "I got screwed by Blogger" badge!! Now I have to commit to total recall as to what words of wisdom and wit I conjured since I had to delete the whole damn thing...even tried to cut and past on a new page, but nope, they're too smart for me...pinchis ([pronounced: peenchees] not a nice word in Spanish, but oh, so effective).

So let's see what I can remember. Oh yes, I mentioned my book club meeting from last week. We read "Water for Elephants," and it was an excellent read. We usually meet at a restaurant because we just don' t want to cook for everybody or even "pot luck" it, that would mean we'd have to enter our kitchens and make something. But this time, we met at one of the members beautiful home. She has an interesting story. Even though she and her children were all born here, they have lived in Mexico for many years due to her husbands business. He has a furniture factory and makes these wonderful large pieces of formal and informal furnishings. Well, since the cartels began flexing their drug induced muscles, many areas in Mexico have experienced total political anarchy, especially the city across the river from us here in El Paso. Well, many regular non-cartel thugs have decided to get a cut of the action since neither the city nor federal police are doing a thing about it and the police are even getting into the act, needless to say, there's very little law in Juarez presently. They lived in a very nice residential enclave, the country club area of Juarez, an area my grandfather helped to established many years ago. Since then, it's gotten the name "Narco Village" for the number of families involved in the cartels, however, there were many who still lived in that area who were not connected at all, and I say "lived," because so many of them have moved here to our city to get away from the violence and have established my of their businesses that were successful there.

So, this friend's husband was abducted by a group of these "wannabes" and held for ransom. They waited till he left the office and grabbed him...they had been watching his every move since they decided to kidnap him...seemed he had lots of $$ since he owned a factory. Long story short, my friend hired a mediator, which is common over there, they don't really want to involve the police since so many are in cahoots with the bad guys. He was released, the kidnapper, a 17 year old kid, was tried and got 7 month...go figure. Well, to add insult to injury, they found out that now the entire family was in danger, so one evening, they grabbed what they could, threw everything in their vehicles, stopped at her mother's house to get her out also; this poor woman was in heavy mourning for her husband who had just died 7 days before...awful. They all caravaned out of Mexico and into the U.S. where they all happily and safely live. Her husband still runs his company but in the comfort of their home in his office here on this side of the Rio Grande. He has these large screens mounted on the wall showing the different areas of the factory and is in constant contact with the foreman of that particular room.

Well, back to the book club meeting. One of my friend has access to how shall I put it, black market movies, but they are downloaded from the Internet. So Cari had this wonderful spread of delish treats, much wine and we watched the movie. Now if you saw the movie and not read the book, let me know what you thought of it; I was very disappointed because as usual, the book was much better, but then that's usually the case. Hollywood has a habit of crapping up and good story and they exercised that right with this movie. Now that's not the end, this movie had Spanish subtitles and that's where the evening became hilarious. Most of us are bilingual, for the exception of our Barbara and Carolyn, Barb is of Irish/French decent and Carolyn is Lebanese, but we translated for them! We figured out that the translator of this movie either had minimal command of the Spanish language, spoke "English very few," or Chinese!!! Whatever, but we roared at some of the translations...not even close!! Our next book selection is "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan," by Lisa See. So far it has been very intriguing, especially the process of "foot binding," ouch!! I recall many years ago, my father telling me that when he was in China during the war, Shanghai, to be exact, they were still binding feet...he'd see the ladies in the street shuffling along, some using canes, since the binding was botched. I just discovered a couple of new books that I've read about, "The Peach Keeper," by Sarah Addison Allan and "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children," by Ransom Riggs. I read the review and saw the trailer for Riggs book over at http://maggiessecretgarden.blogspot.com/. If you're into the dark and macabre, this sounds like the book for you...go check it out.

I've been quite busy this past month. I'm preparing to send out some more work to Xico, Inc, the gallery in AZ. I made some little figurines and Christmas ornies. I thought if I sent the ornies early, I might not get slammed with special orders later in the season, but then, I assume nothing. So here's the latest that is coming out of my lab/studio:

Two very jolly Catrinas

The finished Virgen de Guadalupe

The shy little Mermaid

The Calaca Lovers

Miscellaneous ornies

Tree of Life ornes

Little Mexican Maiden ornies

I was doing some research the other day on Sumerian clay work and I found this pic of Sumerian votive figurines. They seemed awfully familiar to me, not because I had studied them back in my art history days, but because their eyes seemed similar to my little maidens above! Thought that was really funny....must have been receiving inspiration from them!! LOL

This year has been the year of realizations, lightening hot epiphanies, and many "a-ha" moments. Some have been the result of some rather unpleasant experiences and other from trial and error. One "trial and error" realization I had the other day was that, never and I do mean NEVER try to stock-pile paper clay when you live in a desert climate!! I haven't made any dolls this summer, so I decided to get back into the saddle and take up a couple of challenges over at ADO. I have the buttons on the side bar for those challenges, so you'll have an idea what I'll be working on. The other day, I took out my paper clay to start my Celestial doll and the darn stuff was drying in my hand as I was trying to wedge it. I had an oscillating fan behind me, which sure didn't help, but I'm sorry, it's friggin' hot in my house and I need that fan! However, for the sake of art, I turned it off and the clay still cracked which means the whole batch turned to "dreck." So this was my "a-ha" moment, don't stock-pile paper clay, buy as you need it and don't work with it in the summer unless you have central air conditioning, not that lousy swamp cooler crap!! We happen to have the latter of the two cooling systems and the swamp cooler is quite efficient when it's below 95 degrees and 8-10% humidity, so it works great in early May and again in late September and October, but in the throes of summer, forget about it!!! So I will be making my doll and marionette out of polymer clay since the clay isn't affected by the house temps, at least not right now!!

Oh for those of you who live Texas or are familiar with this store, "Specs" has arrived in El Paso. Of course, I had to go in and get my discount card!! Specs is this lovely store that specializes in booze...lots and lots of it!! It also carries specialized foods, spices and party supplies. My brother is a wine connesiur, no really, he is!! He lived in Northern CA for many years and lived in the heart of wine country, so his knowledge of wines, especially the CA wines is commendable since I know nothing about it, or rather, I don't know a thing about it, but I know what I like!! Anyway, I FB'd about it and he texted me and asked what it was and I called from the store and told him. Every Saturday, he drives down with his girlfriend and they spend the afternoon and evening with my mother, so I told him on his way to mom's, stop by. His girlfriend told me they entered and the first thing he said was, "Jesus Christ!!" He saw row upon row of wines and the guy thought he had died and gone to heaven. He mentioned that he found some wines that are cheaper than his "Wine Club" yes, he's in a wine club...insert finger down throat now!! LOL My mother said he came in with 2 sacks of wine bottles...told her it was more than just bottles!! LOL I feel sorry for the local liquor venders, though. My dad was in the liquor bidness, owning as many stores as this friggin' state allowed at the time. Yes, booze clothed us, fed us, sent us to school, etc., so leave me out of any Temperance Movement!! LOL

Also, to add to my pure delight, a brand new spankin' Michael's is opening up also and both Specs and Michael's are just down the street from where I live...heavenly!! Hey, I'm easy!! Well, my friends, time for me to check out and get my arse into the studio and start on my dolls. Thought I might add some more stuff to my Etsy shop too...nah, do that tomorrow....ok, Scarlet O'Hara!! Have a great weekend and will write more when I have something or anything else to say!! Peace out.

Happy 4th, Art & Revelations

2011-07-01T12:04:00.012-06:00

Good afternoon, my bloggy buddies. I checked my calendar and found that today would be the best day to get a post out before I roast to death in my hot leetle house!! Actually, the temps are falling below 100, but then what do these meteorologists know!!?? It's supposed to reach 97 today and it was already 95 at 11 a.m., MDLST, (Mountain Daylight Savings Time). I wish Texas had the balls to eliminate that daylight saving crap, like Arizona...who needs more sunlight in the friggin' desert during the summer!!????

I'm planning on making my version of buffalo wings tonight and that means that I'll have to turn on the oven, set it at 400 degrees F., raising the temps in my home to maybe 79 or a bit above!! My brother's girlfriend told me my brother, C.A.M., has their house set at 79...all the time and my bro lives just right up the road from me in Southern New Mexico!! At least my house cools down at night, unlike his!! LOL You're probably wondering what C.A.M. means?? A few years back I gave him that acronym, means Cheap-Ass Mexican!! My brother can make a peso scream!! LOL However, of the 4 sibs, he's the most successful, financially, of the group, so there's lots to say about being a cheap-ass!!

Speaking of food, last night I made Coctel de Camarones, or Shrimp Cocktail, Mexican style.

It's easy and very refreshing during these hot summer months and sooo easy to make. This is a pic of my particular serving, since the other two Neanderthals I share a home with wanted there's served in a cereal bowl..."Ug, me want bowl!!"

Here's how I make mine: I buy a bag of frozen, pre-cooked small to medium shrimp, a bottle of tomato juice, any brand, a can of clams in liquid. Now for the veggies: chopped celery, green onions, tomatoes (remove the seeds), cucumber (remove seeds and skin), a little bit of celery tops, cilantro (careful, this is a strong herb so use to taste), fresh lime juice, Mexican oregano if not, regular (again, careful, use to taste), avocado, a little salt, pepper, Tabasco and I like using Cholula hot sauce, the chili lime kind, however you can also use Valentino or Tapatio, but the Tabasco is a must, and the good one from LA and a little splash of Worcestershire sauce. As you can see I haven't given specific measurements because you make this according to how many people your serving, so for some of you, it's lots and others, un poquito (small)! So mix the tomato juice, canned clams, juice and all, freshly squeezed lime juice, throw in the veggies except the avocado & shrimp and start spicing it up to how your pallet is set up....ours is up to high intensity, of course!! You want it spicy, again to your intensity, taste it and make sure it's not too limey (no disrespect to my English buddies), or have all the taste of the cilantro or oregano....you want it spicy and tangy. So put that in the fridge, I make in it in the morning and let it set until about 1-2 hours before I'm going to serve and add the defrosted shrimp (shells removed, please) and the avocado. Put back into the fridge till your ready to serve. If you have any questions, just email me and I'll try to clear it up for you.

So I've been working on some more little figurines. I ran into a problem with the finish on some of them, though. I used the Dick Blick craft matte finish on the little terracotta ones and they're sticky to the touch. So I did some research and polymer clay needs special finishes outside the usual brands. I wanted that matte finish and tried to go with it, but that didn't work, so I found out that Varathene satin finish was the way to go. Well, maybe so, but at $40+ a can, I think I'll need to experiment, so I purchased polyacrylic finish by Minwax. I applied some on the sticky pieces, as instructed with the Varathene, and surprisingly, the sticky texture is gone, but I'm still going to hold back a bit and see what happens to it over a few weeks time. Of course, most of my other work was finished with a popular craft glaze and I've never had any problems with it. So here they are, my newest work.

I'm not done with the Virgen de Guadalupe, still need to drill a hole and set her up on a wooden plaque for better stability. I haven't forgotten about my dollies, never, but I'm thinking up new things for Dia de los Muertos and Christmas, with a twist of the macabre...bwahahahaha!!

This past weekend was a very trying one, enough to make me stop and think about lots. I had a revelation, an epiphany. I realized, that I can't deal with people who live in the past, a past that's always being rewritten and modified for their own sense of power and righteousness. I was in therapy for some years after my ex and I split up and if anything I've learned, the living in the past can and will make you toxic.

Well, time to get going and start some trouble in the lab/studio again. Hope all my American friends have a great 4th of July and enjoy the festivities and fireworks. They've been outlawed here due to the dry, parched landscape and would you believe there are some who are whining about it...until the fires reach their home!! Please assign a designated driver or just stay home!! I doubt our founding fathers were lighting fireworks and drinking Modelo (insert beer of choice) while signing that long document thumbing their noses at King George III and keep in mind, that only covered 13 colonies!! Quiz next week!! LOL Just have a safe and fun weekend. Peace out.

Oey, What A Week I've Had!!

2011-06-29T07:43:00.003-06:00

Good morning, my bloggy pals. Just a short one today to let you know I'm still here and doing fine. Hopefully, I 'll post pics of my new stuff Friday, if not, Sat. or maybe Sunday...ok, whenever I get around to taking pics!! LOL

Hope all is well and you're enjoying your summer. It's friggin' hot here and so dry....parched!! So for those of you who are getting hammered with rain, please send some my way!! Peace out.

And the Weener Is?????

2011-06-19T07:04:00.004-06:00

Ooooohhhh, it's so early!! I have been awake since 6:30 and that's the second day for me to just wake up out of the blue at that hour. I usually get up at 7:30 during the week and much later during the weekends, but today, I have to be at the airport by 9:30 to pick up DH. He's flying in from Houston and thought it would be nice to start his Father's Day early...uuuhhhh, no!! Oh well, I'm up, so I decided to collect all the names from my blog giveaway and throw them into the ol' number generator, so without further ado, I shall announce the winner...drum roll please.....the the weener is....Gloria of http://glorv1.blogspot.com/. Congratulations Gloria on winning my Frida sketch book....hope you enjoy and will use it!! I will need your address, so drop me an email. I also will be mailing out this week Anne's figurine and the shrine that was sold over at the auction for the Oaxaca street children's fund. It's going to AR! I'm so happy it found a good home, as all my offerings will.

Well, it is early so I'm going to get in gear and get ready. I'm planning on taking DH and Ian to Franky's for brunch. It's a great Mexican restaurant and around her, there is a plethora of Mexican restaurants and lots of good ones too. I haven't been to Franky's in years, well, ever since I moved to the west side of town, but the proximity to the airport is so close, going to return after 11 years. Speaking of Mexican restaurants, due to all the cartel violence just across the river from me, many wealthier Mexicans have come over here to set up home, hearth and shop. So many great restaurants are opening up as result, many that were successful and had a large following back before the cartels and anarchy took over Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua, Mex. Now these aren't your enchilada and taco plate special kind of eateries, but more gourmet, regional foods from Mexico....will have to try them one at at time!!

This week is going to be a full one. My daughter, Andria, and my 4th grandie, Sammy, are flying in from Austin for a visit. My daughter gets 2 weekends during the summer visitation while the boys are here with their father, so she will be exercising that this week, meaning, I will have all 4 boys + pregger daughter+ youngest son and then add to the mix, DH and me!! So ya think I'll need to lock myself in the closet with my bottle of Svetka and limes???!!?? LOL This is a reference from one of my recent blogs!! She's planning on picking up the boys at 6ish on Friday, riding with her BFF, Rodrigo or Rod, and they will all go to Chicos Tacos for dinner. I don't know if any of you have ever heard of these tacos or seen them on the Food Network channel, but they are these little rolled tacos, swimming in a puddle of tomato sauce, sprinkled with some cheese. I don't understand the cult behind this little bowl, or bowel, of mush, but it's very popular and many people who have left El Paso and moved on, lucky twits, always return to Chicos....in fact for many, it's the first thing they do when they drive in to town or get off a plane. I just don't understand it...they suck, as far as I'm concerned. My tacos are by far better, filled with roast beef, not hamburger, avocados, lettuce, tomato, cheese and homemade pico de gallo, not watery tomato sauce...bleh!! Well, to each his own and I'm sticking to my own!

I had a great time with my boys the other day. I took them out to lunch to Pizza Hut, thanks to my niece who sent them a gift certificate for there. I wanted to get a Papa Burger, but I was out voted...darn! We then returned home and they changed into their new clothes and off to the Lynx museum for their exhitibion. I was a bit disappointed since their past exhibitions have been wonderful, but they had more artsy-craftsty stuff at the work tables than hands on sort of stuff. They did have this great sound room, actually a closet, that was completely insulated for the occupant's screaming pleasure. They had a monitor outside of it to watch and somewhat listen to the scream while it measured the decibels. I really could have used one of those when I was a young mother!! Then they had this other station where you could listen to pitch of sound. Unfortunately, I have the pitch of a friggin' frog!! I'm not kidding, I maxed out to the frog's highest mean...they must be deafer than a door knob then!! While Ian and the boys were in a simulator, I don't do well in those things, I talked to the young man that was taking care of the little fine art space. I also bought a necklace while I was there. I met this young woman in November at Las Artistas Art Faire, the best one in town as far as I'm concerned. She was with the metal students from UTEP and I fell in love with her work, but I had also run out of checks. She had a display in that little museum and I had to get one of her necklaces, which was very reasonably priced. I know her family, from Chihuahua Mexico, and the guy at the museum told me she had just moved to NYC since many of her clients are from there, so I'm sure I won't be seeing her jewelry at such reasonable prices ever again!! In talking with the kid, I told him I had been making Dia de los Muertos stuff since before he was born and I know he must be younger than my older 2 kids. He said a lot of visitors come in and ask for it, but no one in their small group of arteests make anything like that, remember, it's fine arte!! Whatever!!! So he told me to contact the lady in charge, gave me both his and her card, so if I get a chance this week, I'll be emailing her a letter of interest, plus, photos of my work. Will then wait and see.

Damn, I'm getting hungry, wonder why?? Again congrats to Gloria for being the big weener!! Well, my friends, I doubt I will be doing any blogging this week and if you don't see any comments left on your blogs, well, you'll understand...please pray for me!!!!! Peace out.

Sign Up. Giveaway

2011-06-16T08:01:00.002-06:00

Good morning folks, this is just a reminder about signing up for my latest giveaway. See blog below for details. Today's a short one because in an hour I have to be at the salon and get my head sheared! Another words, I need a haircut and style.

Then I'm returning home, picking up Ian and then heading out to pick up my 3 little guys. They've been here spending time with their father and stepmother and getting acquainted with their new baby brother. My ex son-in-law "allows" me a few hours per visit, so today, I've got them from 11-7. Going to take them to "Papa Burger" for a scrumptious old fashion hamburger, then back here where I they'll change into their new outfits I purchased for them yesterday....didn't know Walmart had such cute kid's clothes, even in the boy's department and so reasonably priced too!!! Then we're off to the local science museum. The exhibition is about sound and noise...hopefully my deafness will tune out some of the "experiments!" If not, I always carry my MP3 player!!

Have a great day, my blogger buddies and again, don't forget to sign up for my giveaway. Peace out.

IT'S A GIVEAWAY & Other Stuff

2011-06-12T09:45:00.011-06:00

Good morning, my lovely blogger buddies. It's been a while since my last really big ass rant, but I said over at Anne's blog, sometimes my brain is like molasses, slow to get the words and ideas out of it. I've been busy making stuff for the gallery in AZ and for my Etsy shop. I will admit, I'm great at getting out the work, but just not to quick getting it listed in my shop. Remember the "Bird Is A Word," dolls I made?? Will, they're still sitting on my Pop's old office desk in my studio, waiting for me to take pics of the ones that I haven't sold yet...have 2 that are leaving me soon...one to AZ and the other to Austin.

I've been inspired as of late...oh yea, who hasn't among all you of you talented and creative types, but again, m-o-l-a-s-s-e-s!! LOL I got this hair brain idea, or was it a hair ball?? Anyway, I was looking at a little figurine I've had forever. Actually, I bought it in Tucson, AZ many years ago when I went to the Frida Kahlo exhibition at their art museum. Got to see many of Ms. Frida's paintings and it was wonderful. Of course, I had to indulge myself in the museum shop and have a look-see. I can't remember everything I got, but this little lady was one of them. Ok, I'm too lazy to take her pic and show it, but it's a little sculpture of a Mexican lady, wearing a typical white shirt and red skirt, on her knees crushing the corn on her metate to make corn meal. Here is something that's been right in front of my face and I was never hit with inspiration till now...oey!! So I pulled out my books on Mexican pottery, as a potter back in my college days, I collected many pottery books, and found this great book about the potters in Oaxaca, a state in Mexico. Oh well, here is a small sample of what I've been doing in the laboratory...eerrr, studio. I made small Trees of Life and am going to sell them as Christmas ornaments. I'm also going to make others, but those are my firsts.

As for Oaxaca, I personally never have traveled there, but I recall my mother and dad travelling there and the Yucatan many years ago and came back with some wonderful folk art....even back as a kid, I collected it. I remember my mother telling my grandmother that she really needed to stop telling people we were descended from Mayan royalty, because she said the Mayans of today looked like "sapos," frogs!! LOL I really don't know where my grandmother came up with that since her father was from Spain and her mother was a second gen Mexican, family from Spain. But I guess it made for a good story and could my Machita to some great word spinning...maybe that's who I inherited from...not the Mayan royalty thing!! LOL She used to tell us jokes, a bit off-coloured for that time, and we'd happily go to school and tell the same jokes to our friends, till my mother got phone calls from their mother's!! hahahahaha!

That reminds me of a story I told my grandson, Sean, when he was in first grade, my guy is now 11 and entering middle school....told him the day he turns 13 he'll develop immediate brain damage...happens to all of us!! They were studying dragons. I told him how archeologists think the myth of the dragon came about....Google it, folks if your interested. Anyway, as always, our conversation turned to all things of human bodily sounds!! Hey, he was 7 and a guy, what can I say?? I told him that fire also came out their butts! He was intrigued, hence, the gateway for a very good spin of my own. I told him that dragons have very bad allergies and as a result, they sneeze a lot, so every time they sneeze, fire blows out of their butts!! So we discussed, he made those farty sounds and then back to the original dragon slayer story for his class book report. So about 2 days later, I get a call from my daughter, asking me what in the hell did I tell Sean about dragon butts and farts and fire! Apparently, my sweet grandson went up to the front of the classroom and gave his book report, mentioning the allergies and the sneezing and you can imagine the rest. Of course, it's a classroom of about 25 seven through eight year old's, all falling out of their little seats, they don't use desks at that age anymore, so it's those little seats that make it impossible for adults, even with small derrieres to actually sit and be serious during conference time...sorry, I digress. The teacher called my daughter and said it was some of the funniest stuff she'd ever heard, but honestly, she said that she had to squelch the allergy story and who the hell is this "Meema," because he swore up and down, his Meema knew everything!!!!! My daughter explained to her who the "Meema" was and would talk to me about putting my own spin on stories. My Gawd, it was about dragons...really???? How did I know he was going to include that in his report....tells ya something!!

Speaking of Ms. Frida, this allows me to segway into my blog giveaway. I had to go back and see when I wrote my first blog and it was back in 2008. For some reason, I thought I've been blogging longer, but time flies when you have lots to bitch about!!! LOL So, my dear friends, here is my offering for all the rants you have endured from this blog.

I found this sketch pad the other day in the bargain area of Barnes & Nobles and thought to myself, "Myself, I think I could do something rather nice with this," thus, began my journey into some kind of 2 dimensional mixed media. I have many buddies who do wonderful mixed media work on a one plane surface and my work isn't anywhere near the caliber of work they do, but then, that's not my thing...I'm a maker of dolls and other stuff...I'm a 3-D-er! But I did have a good time making this and it can be yours. All you have to do is leave a comment, that's it. Now, if you're feeling especially sweet and nice, you can mention this giveaway on your next posts....that would be very nice. But if your feeling your usual grouchy self, just leave a comment!! I'll draw the names ...let's see, what's a good time....ok, how about next weekend...Sunday, yea, that's a good day. So the drawing will be Sunday, June 18th, 2011...sometime in the late morning or early afternoon...depends how my Saturday night goes!! Ok, what did I do with those coloured post-its to remind myself????!!??

The other day we went over to a good pals house for a cookout. I married into these friends and they are one of a kind....good people all around!! Stevie is always stopping by local produce stores and farms and buys from them, oh, he's also a big Costco fanatic. He'll bring all this stuff home, not knowing his lovely wife, Carol, has done some of her own shopping so, their kids and us get the over-flow. Last week they gave us a dozen fresh farm eggs. I'm a city girl, born and bred and my local grocery store is as farm fresh as I get. So they gave us this carton of eggs and told us that the shells were harder, yolks brighter and sometimes, have a vein or two in them...oh, yuck!! What really caught my eye is the colour of these beautiful eggs. I didn't know they came in such a variety of colours. Stevie told us they give the chickens some type of feed, something like lay-o-lot (hehehehehehehehe) which gives them those beautiful pastel shades.

The eggs are really delicious and thick. However, this morning, I cracked one into the pan and there lay a leetle chickie, well, the beginnings of a leetle chickie and I just couldn't. I ended up scrambling it and feeding them to my doggies....they were very happy little Chihuahuas!! I think I'll just stick to the farm fresh store bought brands!

Many of you are fans of Anne Huskey-Lockard at http://elmilagrostudio.blogspot.com/
Anne and I have been bloggy pals from the start of my blogging. I had to go back and see when she first commented on my blog...sheesh...that took a while too. Anyway, I don't remember if I found Anne over at a mutual friend's blog, Bernadette who no longer is part of our blogging family, but I stay in contact with her through FB and emails, or it could have been Tristan, he's back in school so we don't get many posts except during breaks...miss his Pink Friday posts. Anyway, we've been corresponding and chatting on the phone for some time now. The other day she posted about her little birdie, Sweet Pea. Now Anne is a big bird lover and bless her heart, she still loves me regardless of how I feel about birds...that left for another blog or maybe I already did...Swiss cheese brain!! Anyway, she inspired me. I call it "The Bird Lady Of Peeeroooo!"

Anne, I tried to get the right hair colour, but I don't think I had quite the right colours of Sculpey III for the mix....here's a pic of trying to get that combination....just purchased an Amaco Pasta Machine...I'm so in love!!

Well, I did my best and your budgies are not quite their natural colours but I managed to add a bit of detail. Anne sent me pics of her little chirpie darlings...didn't ask why, but like a typical mother, she just had to show them off for the asking!! LOL And if you will notice, I also gave Anne a big ass-rack!! LOLOLOL Call it artistic prerogative!!! LOLOLOLOL Anyway, Anne, this is for you.

So my friends, don't forget to comment for the drawing of the sketch pad and again, if anyone is interested in my little figurines or Christmas ornaments, just drop me an email. I already have 7 figurines on order for Christmas gifts, so keep me busy and out of trouble. Also, my new slogan is "Buy my stuff, it's cheaper than a tank of gas!" Peace out.

Auction's Open

2011-06-06T08:26:00.002-06:00

http://corazon.typepad.com/recuerda_mi_corazon/2011/06/oaxaca-streetchildren-grassroots-shrine-auction-opens-today.html

Don't forget to drop by our auction which opened yesterday. There are some wonderful pieces of art work and your participation will be greatly appreciated. Thank you and peace out.

I For See a Future Giveaway & Stuff

2011-06-02T15:16:00.006-06:00

For so many of you youngsters and grandparents, it's the start of summer and you're lovelies are home for the next several weeks. How I remember dreading this time of year when I was a young mommy. I recall this woman in our group of school volunteers was one of the types that loved having her children home from school. One day as I was preparing the teacher's lounge during "Teacher Appreciation Week," which I was the chairbitch, I was putting muffins, coffee cakes, donuts and other homemade goodies my committee peoples made, we were discussing what we were planning to do during the summer. I told her we were planning a trip to Florida, Destin Beach to be exact, and visit my (ex) hubby's family along the way, the Hatfields and McCoys!

Before I go into that conversation, let me tell you what it was like traveling with the ex and 3 kids, one of which is autistic and at the time, very hyperactive (he's 25 now and a total slug), it was HELL, SHEAR HELL!!! I always felt that I was the proverbial mediator during these long stretches of road between El Paso, TX, LA, MS, TN, GA, FL, if I missed a state in there, forgive my geographical mistake!!! Crossing Texas alone took 2 friggin' days!! My kids, well, were just kids and the hubster just didn't quite like the idea of them acting, well, like kids, so it was a constant scream and swat fest. Every year, I swore I would never go on a family vacation again, they could all go without me and God help them!! Now I loved the traveling aspect of it, all that green, something we don't see out here in the Chihuahuan Desert.

The Smoky Mountains in TN were fantastic and everyone along the way were just wonderfully friendly, except for a woman in AR, oh yea, forgot we went through there too, who had an adorable little quilt shop. It was during that country cutsie decor and she had all kinds of cutsie things. We began talking and she was just as sweet and friendly and then asked me where I was from and I told her, El Paso, TX. She said she'd never been there and didn't want to because she didn't like "mesicans." I know, I could have entered into a really swell debate with her, but what's the point? I politely put down the items I was going to purchase and began towards the door and she asked me if I was going to buy them and I replied that I didn't think she wanted to do business with a "mesican." I walked out. I had dealt with bigotry before while living in Dallas back in the early to mid 70's. I had never experienced it before here at home and it was quite a shock for me to be judged for the location my grandparents were from. But as I've always felt for many years, I just consider the source..."your problem sweetie, not mine, you moron!!"

So back to that conversation in the teacher's lounge, as we were speaking other volunteers came in and listened. She told me she loved having her kids home because she got to love on them all day instead just a few hours!!!!!!!!! As she said that, a friend of mine standing behind her, signaled with the index finger down her throat and I my bladder was bursting due to my withholding much needed laughter, among other things. I excused myself, went to the teacher's potty and there was a big bang on the door, it was my fellow B.S. Crime Fighter!! We made such a rucous in the teacher's bathroom, we got another knock at the door, it was the principal! I opened it and as soon as she saw us both, she closed the door behind her and had to know what was so funny, like I said, she already knew what Terry and I were all about. Well, imagine 3 women in this small space with toilet and sink taking up most of it, all in total hysterics!!

So several years have passed and my little chickies have flown the coop, one in Houston, the girl in Austin, and the other son, living here with his father. Starting today, I'll have him for the month, until July 5th. And what do you think happened to that lovely lady who just loved on her kids all day, everyday during the summer, her eldest, a son, became a teacher, went to CA and is now serving time in prison for child pornography and the daughter, well they sent her to some drug rehab up in UT, she's apparently a heroin addict and was into prostitution. Yes, this is very sad and I feel so badly for that mother who loved her children so much, and I assume still does, but there's something to say about the mommy who wants to lock herself up in the closet with a big bottle of vodka and limes during the summer...gratefully my children, not perfect by no stretch of the imagination, are not doing time nor turning tricks.

I've decided I'm going to have a giveaway in the next couple of weeks. I noticed I've surpassed 200 posts, so there's something to say about that...that I need a life!!??!??!? So stay tuned, my bloggie buddies for the big announcement. Also, I want to show you the stuff I've made in the last couple of weeks:
From left to right, Shelli Bird, Frida Bird and the last one is my sister's order, so she'll name her.

And here we have Jackie Bird and Sissy Bird. I'll have them up on my Etsy shop by the end of this week, for the exception of ? Bird.

Here is my daughter and son-in-laws wedding gift. I had so much fun making them, I think I'm going to make some more, plus cake toppers....whatcha think?? Well, it's time for me to get back into the studio and work on my giveaway surprise...I used this time for them to dry. Oh before I forget, I have to show you what I got in the mail the other day.

While I was making the Calaca bride and groom, I was having a time trying to knead the clay. I noticed that some of the packages had these little dry lines on the edges and I had just purchased them, so WTF??? I got so frustrated, I went to the Polyform site, the company that makes Sculpey, and found that my clay was already "conditioned" meaning, it was useless to use it. Ya think I was a bit perturbed, your damn right....I had invested in a boat load of this stuff and most of it had gone tits-up somewhere in between the company and my studio!! So I wrote the company that afternoon, explained what was wrong with my clay and asked if there was anything I could do to re-condition. I received a very nice reply the next morning from Pat Colella. She told me it was virtually impossible to do anything with the clay, but to send her the lot # on the side of the packages, and they would either replace them or reimburse me for what I paid, after I give them the info as to where I purchased them. I emailed her back with the list of lot #'s and the amount of packages I needed. There ya go, a company that stands by their products and customer service...talking about keeping their customers happy!!! So I'm plugging Sculpey and will as long as it's around...great product and great company to do business. Peace out. forsee

Farewell, Leonora Carrington

2011-05-27T11:03:00.001-06:00

Good journey, Leonora, and say hello to Remedios and Frida when you meet up in that big studio in the sky. Peace out.

Auction Day Is Near & A Short Addendum

2011-05-24T11:51:00.003-06:00

Hola Folks, just a reminder of the up and coming auction over at the lovely, Rebecca's, at http://corazon.typepad.com/recuerda_mi_corazon/2011/05/postcards-from-paradise-1.html. The auction dates are now available, plus you get a little peek at some of the talented people participating, including moi! Many have blogs and/or their own sites, so take a look-see.

Other than that, I hope everyone's doing well and gearing up for the summer. I'm actually looking forward to this summer since last summer was a royal bummer. For those of you who remember, I was going off a some strong meds. I'm excited about starting my Dia de los Muertos art work for the gallery...have everything ready to get started. As for vacations, I don't see any in the near horizon. I will have my youngest son, Ian, staying the entire month of June up to the 5th of July and my daughter and grandson, Sammy, are coming at the end of June to spend time with me and her boys who will be with their father for the next 6 weeks. I'm hoping he will allow me to spend some time with them while they're here in town. My stepdaughter, Jessi, and grandson, Aiden, are coming in Oct. and I'm looking forward to their visits too. Maybe SM and I can do a little getaway in the Fall up to Albuquerque/Santa Fe and one of our favorite wineries a bit north of Belen, NM.

Well, this is a short one, but want to get my arse back into the studio and finish some fun stuff I'm doing for my daughter and s-i-l's wedding gift. I'll post when I've completed it. I'm also working on my "Bird Is The Word, " projects, completing one for my sister who asked me to make them in her kitchen colours. I'll post all that together next week. Again, don't forget to go to the auction site and please, please consider bidding on one or some of these wonderful shrines. Have a great and very safe Memorial Day weekend and don't forget to set up a designated driver or just get hammered at home!! LOL Peace out.

ADDENDUM: I thought I'd share the news I received this morning from my daughter, living in Austin, TX. She is giving me one helluva birthday gift...my birthday is Feb. 1 and her due date is Feb. 3rd!!!!!! This crazy person is doing it again, or a-hem, she's done it!!! She and Michael are expecting their 2nd child, she has the 3 boys from the previous hubby and Sammy from Michael. They hope for a girl, so do I, but if it's another little apple with a stem, I'll be thrilled anyway. So I won't be buying cute girlie tutu's or hairbands or dolls, but I'm already conditioned for a little guy anyway. So my gift next year will be taking a trip to Austin to care for 4 little boys while she's in hospital. Mind you , she had one ovary removed last Oct. so she's operating on half strength!! I told her that her eggs are just plain "hoes!" I can just see those little swimmers making their way to the Ova Hoe House!! Who-hoo!! Peace out.

Good News/Bad News & More on Phoenix

2011-05-21T10:31:00.018-06:00

I shall continue on my usual "stream of conciseness" narrative on my trip to Phoenix, AZ last week. Let's see where did I leave off. Oh yes, the actual graduation. My niece recieved her B.A. in communications after her failed attempts at pharmacy. The girl is just not wired for such things, and I knew it. My sister wanted her to consider engineering when she was in still in high school. At the time, my sis was working here at the university in the engineering department and discovered these people make mucho cash! She then moved on to ASU at their engineering department and and after graduation, my niece received a scholarship from ASU so the incentive for my niece was REALLY something to consider. She knew she didn't have the stuff for that, hell, I knew it from the start, but my sister wanted what was best for her kiddo, what parent doesn't, but let's be realistic, folks!! When my oldest son was in high school, his father insisted he look into computer engineering. My son, wanting so badly the approval of his father, made it his major when he began his freshman year at Texas A&M. I knew he didn't have the "stuff" either, but then, I'm a woman...what do I know!!!?? He ended up majoring and graduating with a degree in environmental something-or-another, basically, an architectural degree but with a fancy-shmancy name.

I digress, but then I always do that!! So she has this degree and fortunately, was offered a job and accepted it with YELP. So the graduation was this long, overly wordy, boring sceanario mixed with many overtures for it's $$ patrons, giving them large, gaudy medallions for their large contributions to the university. All I could think of, is hey, how about all those people sitting below the stage in the folding chairs wearing those very hot, uncomfortable, itchy caps and gowns, melting in the AZ sun...enough with the all those money bags who need their egos stroked!! One in particular, was this old couple who pledged bazillions to the school, only to have to go into bankruptcy, hence, not honoring their pledge, according to my sis and her friend, both ex-ASU employees, this was just a little reminder from the university prez that they still owed!! LOL

One thing I found fascinating at this commencement that I had never seen here, was the number of Native Americans wearing their traditional tribal clothing. I recognized Zuni, Hopi and Navajo, mostly Navajo. Many of the women wore their hair in their ceremonial fashion, thus making it easy for me to recognize their tribal affiliation. They wore beautiful turquoise and silver jewelry, wrapped moccasins and some of the clothes...amazing!!

My mother and I left about 11 a.m., MST (AZ is the only state with any balls to refuse that daylight saving time crap) that Sat. and headed back to El Paso. The traffic was a little heavy, as usual between Phoenix and Tucson, but they have a very nice 6 lane stretch of I-10 between the two cities, making the drive lots more comfortable. We enjoyed the beautiful AZ landscape with all those Saguaro cactus.

A little side here about these cacti, they only grow in the Sonoran Desert which is in AZ and only in AZ and the state of Sonora, Mexico....NO WHERE ELSE! It seems that people think that when they have to paint a Texas scene or need a logo for Texas, it's the good ol' Saguaro cactus...wrong, they don't grow out here....we live in the Chihuahuan desert....nothing like the Sonoran Desert! We've got barrel cactus, prickly pear, Spanish Dagger, Cholla, Yucca and so on and so forth...they have the neat-o cactus, not us!! There's this Mexican brand of food you all back east and mid-west might have in your grocery stores...it's call "Ol' El Paso," and they have, I believe, mountains and a Saguaro cactus as their logo. I live in ol' El Paso and we have the mountains, but don't have Saguaro cacti out here, except for a house about 5 blocks from mine, where they probably illegally dug it up in the still of the AZ night and sneaked it back to TX, avoiding the Border Patrol stations along the way!!

Sooo, back to the trip back. My mother and I decided to have our lunch again at the Texas Canyon rest stop. It was always our favorite spot to have lunch when we were kids. My parents actually had an agenda...let them crawl and climb the rocks to let off a bit of energy, then they'll sleep for a while...which we did.

Thankfully, it was a gorgeous, breezy, not too warm day so my mom and I opted to eat out in the open picnic tables under a Mesquite tree. We enjoyed the view, breeze and all those little pesky sparrows waiting for us to throw them a crumb...actually, that was quite entertaining. While we were eating, I spotted a scorpion, trying to outrun a hawk, from what I could tell from my vantage point.
This sign was a bit upsetting to the couple from NYC, taking their first trip out west. I assured them they're more afraid than us....yea, right, but I grew up with these critters and I know when it's time to run or stand still!! So we left Texas Canyon and my mother thought it best we gas up at the next exit, which took us to the very famous, THE THING! The Thing has been around as long as I can remeber. The big sign advertising it starts just outside of El Paso, at the Vado exit I think, and ends right before you approach it, at the Dragoon exit #322.

My father always refused to stop and let us investigate this desert wonder, said it was fake whatever it was and a waste of time. Fast forward to 1990, in my other life, my ex and the 3 kids were on our way to CA to attend my little brother's nuptials and we made a vacation out of it, stopping at Old Tucson, which burned down a few years ago, Disneyland, Knottsberry Farm, Lauglin, NV, for us grownups, and lots more. The kids wanted to stop at the Thing place and I told the ex, I too was inquisitive about it, since my old man never wanted to waste our time...the man was very focused on getting us to our next destination a.s.a.p...traveling with 4 kids, I understand now. So we stopped, we paid, we saw and my father was right, it's fake and a waste of time! LOL I won't tell you what it is, but you can Google it and find out for yourself. Upon our return, I told my Pop that we had stopped to see the Thing. He wanted to know what it was but I refused to tell him and threatened the kids with just this side of their tiny lives not to tell their grandfather!! However, Joel, my oldest, told his grandpa...I think he was promised something for the information....a random visit at Toys R Us!!! Snitch!!

Now for one of my major pet peeves, truckers. Now I don't mean to step on anyone's toes if you or yours are in this business. When I was a child, we were always told that truckers were the safest, most polite drivers on the road, they were considered the "Kings of the Road." However, it all changed back in the 70's sometime, when Dennis Weaver did a cheesy movie for television about an innocent guy, driving on the road and encounters a possessed trucker, or in this case, truck. The whole show was about him being chased by the deranged, driver less, truck, finally out smarting the demon by making it drive off a cliff and at the instant of impact, there is this big ball of flames and an ungodly screech rising form the fire....he sent ol' Beelzebub or whoever back to Hell until it returned and took possession of my ex's current wife!! Ok, cheap shot...just couldn't help myself!!! My bad!!

Anywhooo, these guys can really haul ass and I'm sure other goods, but why is it, on an incline, one truck is going maybe 70 in the right lane and the other truck/trucks think they can pass him up, slowing the passing lane traffic from 75-80 mph, to 60-65?????? Grrrrrrr!!!! It's getting to the point that the cruise control on your vehicle is almost impossible to utilize since there's no point as long as the truckers have their way. Then there are the ones that speed up on the left, passing up maybe 10-15 trucks on the right, going faster, obviously, than that convoy, but still, it's back down to the 60's for the rest of us!!!!! WTF!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????? Again, I hope I haven't stepped on any toesies and I know the importance of our truckers, but I just have to vent!!

Then my mother began counting the curves on that stretch of I-10 from Deming to Lordsburg, NM, and the other way too. It was supposedly the straightest line in the world back in the day before the Interstate, but she was curious if it was still straight...nope...many curves!! Five of them to be exact!!!!! Oey vey!!! All in all, it was really a very pleasant time, except the night my sister got wasted on Tanquery and tonic and admonished me for being, well, for being "me!" Quite frankly, the woman needs to get laid!! I'll end it at that!!

I sent in some pics of my dolls in hope they would get published in Doll Quarterly for their Fall issue. I sent the information with a CD and pics back in early March and never heard from them. I emailed my friend, Anne, since she had also submitted work to another publisher. At the same time, I also wrote the magazine. I will say this much for Art Doll Quarterly, they're very quick in replying. When you submit work to these publishers, it's agreed you can not post them anywhere nor put them up for sale, so I complied like a good little sheeple. I emailed them to see what was going on. As I said, I sent off the email yesterday late afternoon, and bright and early this morning, I received my reply. They do not have an October issue, oh, sorry my mistake, and that the work had already been chosen for that issue and I wasn't among them, so basically, I'm S.O.L, but "we encourage you to try again." The only reason I submitted anything because I've seen some of the dreck they publish and I know my work is by far better than that. Yes, they do have some very talented doll artist, no doubt, and many I admire, but it seems their view of doll artistry and mine must not be on the same level. My stuff is kind of kitschy and strange, but hey, that's what makes this world go round (don't get ally "physics" on me)...we're all uniquely hand made from the same ball of clay!! Will I try again, maybe, but not anytime soon. I need to go off somewhere, and lick my ego-torn wounds and move on. So here are the dolls I submitted.

I also wanted to show you a pic of the tamales de elote and bowl of my homemade chile con carne we had last night for dinner...delish!! The dishes are also new...got them in Phoenix at Ikea...my favorite colour in the world!! My daughter calls it "beaner" green...hmmm, wonder why I like it then!!?? LOL

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Peace out.

Green Corn Tamale Recipe

2011-05-18T08:59:00.006-06:00

I've had a few of you asking for that tamal recipe, so I shall comply, but take note, unless you're a tamal master, this is very time intensive and there's a rhythm you need to develop in order to make them, just lettin' ya know. Like I said, it's never going to happen in my home...we've got Joanne in Tucson!! LOL

GREEN CORN TAMALES

2 doz. ears of white corn
2 lbs. yellow longhorn cheese or queso blanco (white cheese), Mennonite if you can find it, grated finely
2 lbs. shortening
3 lbs. roasted fresh green chiles (Long greens or Anaheim, whatever they're called in your region)
1 T. salt
1/4 c. sugar

Cut ears of corn on both ends with a sharp knife so that corn husks will be square and even. Remove the husks with care, being sure to save the ones that are more intact. Clean ears, removing corn silk. Into a large pan, cut kernels from ears from ears of corn. After all kernaels have been removed, they must be gound very fine, either on a meat grinder with the cylinder over the front, a food processor, or they can be taken to a molino ( where they make corn tortillas). Cream shortening, salt, sugar, ground corn and 1 lb. of the grated cheese. Mix well until blended.

Mix remaining cheese and green chile in a separate bowl. Place one serving spoonful of corn dough in a corn husk; on top, add a tablespoon of the green chile and cheese filling about half of the husk. Fold top down; use a second husk to wrap over open end. Place in a steam roaster with folded end down. (an ordinary roaster is adequate, but the steaming time is a bit longer.) steam tamales for an hour. The dough should be firm, but if still runny, steam a little longer.

Ok, folks, there's the recipe taken from Joanne's church lady cookbook, "Tasteful Treasures: A Fundraising Cookbook for our Diocesan Vocations Project, Catholic Daughter's of The Americas." If you have any questions, I'll try to answer, after all, my mother knows how to make these little pillows of pure delight, so I can ask her. If you would like a copy of this cookbook, contact the Tucson, AZ chapter of the Catholic Daughter's of the Americas...must be listed somewhere. If not, I can always contact Joanne and get the info.

Bon Apetite! Will write the 2nd installation of my vacae later this week. Peace out.

Back from Phoenix Part 1 & Other Stories

2011-05-15T12:03:00.005-06:00

I just returned from Phoenix, AZ, after attending my niece's graduation from ASU, Arizona State University. My mother and I made a 6 1/2 hour road trip, stopping once outside of Las Cruces, NM at one of those tourist places, like Stuckey's for those who remember those little lovely, sweet rolls of nugget in pecans....ahh, those were the road trip days! It was called Akela Flats, selling the usual cliche tourist item to large, evil cookies packed with nuts, chocolate chips, or raisin-oatmeal or my favorite, white chocolate chip with macadamia nuts. Actually, the reason for stopping was that I needed to visit the little girl's room...that one cup of coffee I had right before I left my house to pick up my mother finally found it's way into my bladder. Will, I didn't want to be rude, so I purchased a couple of really touristy and tacky shot glasses....love that kitsch, and I succumbed to the "cookie!"

Our first destination was Tucson, about an hour and some minutes east of Phoenix. There we did the major "tamale" exchange. Tucson was a crossing place for many Mexicans escaping their country during the Mexican Revolution, 1910-1920, especially those from the state of Sonora, my maternal grandparents home state. Of course, many crossed and just stayed, bringing with them their own particular regional cuisine, which, I grew up eating. One in particular are their "tamales de elote." If you recognize the word "elote" meaning corn, and yes, many tamales are corn based, except a few from the southern end of Mexico, wrapped in banana leaves, another story for later and only for those readers of iron stomach status, but these are made with white corn and filled with long green (Anaheim peppers as so many people call them) chile strips and queso blanco or white cheese and in some, cheddar. My mother used to make them when we were children by first shucking the corn kernals, then she would put them all in a large bowl, mix with lard (later, Crisco) and cheese, give the bowl to my Pop or the maid, who ever was around, then took it outside, where the the large heavy metal grinder was attached to an old nursery room table. My Mom would then add the flour, salt, baking powder or soda, don't really recall, then mix all that and began spooning it into the slightly moistened dry husk, adding the Mennonite cheese, my grandmother and mother's preference, chile, close them up, standing them up and lining the huge olla (pronounced, "oya") or pot, then steam them till they were cooked through. DELISH!!

Needless to say, the secret will go to her grave since that's just not going to happen here at the Autrey/Diaz abode or any of my siblings abode either, but we have Joanne in Tucson to retain when we get our cravin'! So we met Joanne at the Fairfield Motel parking lot, she gave us our 8 doz. freshly frozen tamales, plus, I purchased her church ladies cookbook, filled with all sorts of Sonoran recipes, and we went on our way. We arrived in Chandler, one of the many little cities within the Phoenix metro area, and my sister had her roast cooking in the crock pot because that night, we were going to feast on tamales de elote and carne con chile colorado, meat in red chile sauce. Here we can buy the red chile already prepared and packed in plastic bags, so all we had to do was to enhance it with saute garlic and onions and a few chunks of the round brick like disc of Abuelita Mexican Hot Chocolate, used to cut the bitterness of the red chile sauce. My gorgeous niece came over and all 4 of us enjoyed a wonderful Sornoran meal...yummers!!

That night, I slept on the floor of my sister's small living room on a fancy air mattress, never had anything like that when we used to camp as children!! I admit, I'm a mushroom! I prefer to sleep in dark, cool place or is it a vampire, whatever, I like it dark even when it's 8 o'clock a.m. However, her lovely, top-o-da-line mini-blinds just didn't have that "black-out" effect at 5 a.m. when the that warm Arizona sun came streaming in through all the friggin' windows!! Takes the saying, "Good morning sunshine, " to a whole new level!!! So there I was, awaken by the sun and Posha, my sister's adorable feline. She was happy to see someone conscious, or in my case, half-way, that early in the a.m. I tried desperatly to fall back asleep, but the later it got, the brighter the sun, so I lay there, listening to the stereo-snoring coming out of my sister's room and the guest room, where my mother lay slumbering. I gave up, got up and prepared coffee and thankfully, I took my book for bookclub, which is tomorrow evening, and began reading, Posha next to me purring as she slept, the teasing bitch!

Thursday was graduation day, at 7:30 p.m. in the Sun Devil Stadium. So we had all day to just relax or perhaps, sleep in my case. We did nothing, remaining in our night shirts (that sounds so much classier than old, torn, old lady night gowns) and my mother made one of her favorite chicken guisados, kind of like a stir-fry, but not, or a goulash might be the closest thing to that. Anyway, after she was done, she wanted to lay the dish on a bed of rice or noodles, however, as I told her, never assume anything about my sister's kitchen. The woman does not cook nor does she have the usual fair we might have in our kitchens. Her pantry, luckily, had flour, salt (a large box of Kosher salt I purchased for a dinner I made for her back in September when I visited her), packages of raw nuts, beans and "wild hickory nuts," just kidding...how many of you will admit to remembering that Grapenuts commercial with the ol' nature dude?? Anyway, her pantry is full, but not with the good stuff! Well, it is the healthy stuff, but is that necessarily "good?" My mother was appalled and surprised and even more so when she asked her if she had any bread rolls or canned biscuits!! I had to laugh when she asked my sis that question! We ended up eating my mom's delicious dish with a side salad and I will admit, it would have been lots tastier on a bed of rice or egg noodles, but that's just how my sister is. Funny, I have all that good, healthy/unhealthy caca in my pantry and dim sum, and yet, she's fluffy like me!! She doesn't eat out and especially no fast food, she has this top-o-da-line elliptical machine in her office, or rather the guest room, but she had to move it to make room for the blow-up bed for my mom, numerous sets of weights, every friggin' Zumba tape ever made, rubber bands...hell, that place is equip like any 'spensive gym! So what's with the weight thing!! She says it's a metabolism issue...YEA, YA THINK!!! Oh well, I love her anyway!! LOL

In the next installment of my trip, I will discuss, graduations and the administrators that run them, I-10 construction, speed markers, f'n truckers, the Southwest landscape, The Thing, and of course, other stories. Peace out.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-06T12:17:00.005-06:00

I want to wish you many mothers and muthers a very happy day. I had mine last week since my 25 year old baby was visiting, so this weekend will be just another lovely weekend, without my 25 year old baby!! I always remember my ex-father-in-law on that day. Many years ago, when I was a Baptist (yea, can you see me as a Baptist...wasn't a very good one as I wasn't a very good officer's wife either), and we all attended the Mother's Day service. The preacher was up in his pulpit, doing his preachy thingy when he asked "Will all you mother's please rise." Well, my mother-in-law and I were ready to rise when we noticed my f-i-l was making the motion to stand!! As you can imagine, we never got up because we were on the floor, wreathing in hysterical laughter! So to you, Dad or Big Bill, I salute you...the world was a funnier place when you were around!

I've posted one of my favorite comedic acts by Bill Engval. This guy is a member of the Blue Collar comedy team and this skit just about made me "make water in my drawers!" The reason I picked this particular video was due to something really funny. The other day, my hubby was in the kitchen and yelled out "dork corn!" I ran over to look to see what he was yelling about and sure enough, there it was, a dork corn. So here is a photo of our dork corn...wonder if I could catch a dork fish with it!!!! LOL

The other day after coming home from a day shopping with Miss Daisy, I was exhausted and just wanted to get into my ol' lady house dress and sit in front of the oscillating fan and watch some television. I usually don't watch daytime tv, so I really don't know what to expect when I turn the boobtube on. I put on the Bravo channel and I just couldn't beleive what I was watching. It's a show called "Pregnant in Heels." It's about this little skinny blond living in NYC, who is a clothes designer for the very preggers. I'm not sure if this woman is English and losing her accent, or has a speech impediment, but I can't believe some of these women she services. They seem to be overly-indulged, spoiled rotten, clueless little bimbos who are procreating...God help us!!! There was this one young woman who actually hired a "team" of women to guide her through her pregnancy. Even Little Blondie was puzzles as to why she was called in since this woman had more than enough opinions to go around. Then there was this other idiot who demanded diamonds because she was having her husbands child...really??? I was knocked up 3 times and the only thing I ever got from my husband was a coffee maker and toaster to replace the ones that had bitten the dust a few days before!! That's a mother's day story I'll save for later. The only thing these women worried about was having to push Jr. out and hope they didn't lose a nail in the process!! Aaaahhhhhh!!! Has the world gone crazy!!

Then came the "Housewives of Orange County!" Holy moly!!!! Ok, so I do make it a point to catch them when I can, along with the "Housewives of NYC and NJ." I'm sorry, but I can't maintain my intellectual demeanor for too long!!! LOLOLOLOLOLOL I need a break now and then. I know there are other housewives shows, but these are the only 3 that interest me. Why?? Hell if I know, but they do. The one thing that I do know concerning all these women, the bimbettes of Orange County, the pseudo-sophisticates of NYC, and the total train wreck of NJ, is that "money don't buy class!" Around here, we have our fair share of secondary drug lords that live in the country club areas, buying old, beautiful houses and then tearing them down to put up their horribly gaudy, brash homes with their towers and gates. I'll see the wives and children at the stores, dressed just as equally bad as their homes, minus gates and towers!! They drive their Escalades, Mercedes, Jags, and Hummers, calling much attention to themselves...helloooo, we know who you are and what you're daddy does!!

I also wanted to show you a pic of a painting I made my mother for Mother's Day. My dear mommy is 88 and really doesn't want for a thing, so we, her chillin'," need to come up with something very creative or just send her a card! My mother loves her St. Patrick Cathedral and is very active in the Christ Child organization, donating time and moola to the church. We were all baptized there, received our First Holy Communion, confession (that was traumatic) and confirmation. Speaking of confession, I remember my first time. When your a 7 year old, what can you really confess, well, now a days, maybe kids have lots more to confess, but back in the late 50's, there wasn't much to say. So it went like this:

Me: Bless me father for I have sinned, this is my first confession
Priest: Please recite "The Act of Contrition."
Me: Ok, if I can remember it.
Priest: Try
Me: I'm nervous, father, so I'll say what I know....(I said the whole thing, stuttering and stumbling the entire time).
Priest: What are your sins?
Me: I twisted my little brother's arm and made him say"uncle" because he called me a caca. I spit in my sister's milk because she made me mad and she didn't know about it till I told her after she finished it...
Priest: Wait, you spat in your sister's milk and told her?
Me: Yes, father, at least I told her, so that shouldn't be a big sin.
Priest: (sigh) Georgina, is there anything else?
Me: Yes, father. I went into my closet after my mother got mad at me for spitting in my sister's milk and called her a "caca" because she yelled at me.

Sooo, that was my first confession...I got 10 Hail Mary's and 10 Our Father's for my sins and I really never learned...I confessed the same sins for a few more years! When I turned 17, I went into the confessional and told the priest, who I had the royal heats for, this would be my last confession....didn't see the point of the middleman!!

So here is our church and there's a school next door, which I attended from Kinder-7th grade. My parents were upset that they were hiring non-certified layman to teach...the penguins didn't count since they were certified....some were certifiable!!!! My 7th grade teacher was still in college and teaching, so they used that as an excuse to yank me out of what I had known all my academic life and sent me to a brand, spankin' new middle school for my last year...hated it!! After that, they sent me to Loretto Academy, named after the Sister's of Loretto, for high school, again, yanking me out after my sophomore year to another public high school, this time the reason was that I wasn't doing well academically...I left there with a 3.2 average. The real reason was that they were spending oodles of cash-o-la sending my older sis to a private college, so pennies needed to be pinched. However, I have always maintained my friendships with my Loretto friends, only associating with one of my public school buddies now. I even go the reunions and we see each other once a month, either at book club or the class of '70 dinners now and then.

Well, I really need to get my butt into the studio and get going on my "Bird is the Word," projects. I am not a fan of the feathered beasties, as Anne will attest to that, but I found all these little wooden bird houses and want to do something with them and birds just felt fitting!! Again, have a wonderful Mother's/Muther's Day. Peace out.

A Very Funny Movie

2011-05-01T11:15:00.002-06:00

Happy May Day all!! Today will be celebrated not for it being the first of May in this household, but will be "Georgina's" Mother's Day!! My son will be with his father next week, so we decided to have my own personal Mother's Day today instead. Da Guys have some plans, which I am not privy to, but should be fun, or maybe the plans are for me to just continue having fun in my studio...don't know, but have already enjoyed a delicious breakfast, 2 eggs over-easy and 2 peices of wheat toast. So that might not sound ,"Mother's Day" worthy, but hey, I'm easy!! Besides, I'm not big into breakfast. My breakfast usually is either a piece of toast with a glass of milk or a diabetes quick drink.

While enjoying my breakfast, I tuned into the Turner Classic Movie station and found this flick. It is one of the funniest, silliest movies I've ever had the pleasure of seeing, but this one brought back a very special memory. My parents took me to see it without my younger brothers. This was the first time I was treated, even for just a few hours, as a real bonafide grown-up!! My sister had already taken off to San Francisco to begin her university studies, leaving me as the oldest among the sibs. My parents used to enjoy going to the movies alone, making it an evening of dinner and a movie. Sometimes, it would become a family affair, depending on the film. I recall we all went out to dinner then to see "My Fair Lady," "Around the World in 80 Days," "The Sound of Music," and I'm sure others which escape me now due to this feeble thing in my head called a brain!

We went to this restaurant close to the Plaza Theatre, where the film was showing, then we went to the movie. I loved Zero Mostel, who originally was a Broadway performer and made his character, Psuedolus (a play on words), famous in the Broadway production of this film and the Broadway production of "The Producers," another hilarious film. The make-over with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderwick was alright, but the original with Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder, is a classic. My parents and most of the audience in the theatre were roaring at lots of the dialog, which was beyond my appreciation for sexual innuendo at 14. However, I got the over all meaning of the story, thankfully due to a review I read in Time magazine.

Years later, I saw it again on television and I got it!! LOL But today, as I watched it again for the umpteenth time, I got even more, or was it a case of just forgetting what I had gotten the first time around?? Again, blame it on this poor feeble cluster of gray cells!! So, my friends, if you have never seen this film, I highly recommend it for a good laugh along with the "Producers." As you can tell, I'm a big fan of the late and great Zero Mostel.

Hope you all are having a lovely weekend. The winds have ceased their howling today, so it's a nice thing to look out my window and see my Franklin Mountains, not just the outline and I don't have to worry about having any part of my body slammed whipped by blowing dirt! Peace out.

New Dollie

2011-04-28T13:52:00.004-06:00

Hola all, just a short one today. I joined in the fun over at ADO and decided to create a framed doll for the 2nd Quarterly Challenge. Well, here she is and I had so much fun creating her. After seeing some of the adorable work over at Pam Smallcomb's way, I thought I'd invest, and I do mean, INVEST, in some soft Sculpey clay. Yikes, it's a bit pricey, but sooo nice to work with...almost reminds me of porcelain, but a bit sticky. I'm so accustomed to the Sculpey II, which you need to make sure your carpel tunnel isn't acting up...it's like kneading a dry batch of bread dough!! However, I shan't throw away my Sculpey II since I love working with the coloured clays and I can pop a couple of Advil if necessary.

I painted one of those shadow box frames, minus the glass, and then made my doll. The netting is from one of my stepdaughter's old prom dresses. Years ago, she wanted this gorgeous dress and her father, DH, said not only no, but HELL NO!! The dress was very costly, but her mother conceited and purchased it for her. It had a red bustier, tying up in the back, and this long, flowing tutu like skirt. She looked adorable in it, but when you're 16, who doesn't??? Ok, I've seen a few that look like they've been poked with too many 10' ft. poles!!

Fast forward to about 4 years ago, she and her hubby were invited to a Halloween party and she decided to use the bustier and add it to the rest of her costume...I think she went as a Goth girl. Anyway, she gave me the skirt since it no longer fitted and told me to use it on my dolls. I forgot all about it till yesterday; I then went to the closet and pulled it out of her prom dress bag. There are 2 other dresses in there, but I don't dare cut those up...they can be recycled. Anyone a size 2??

I found this old necklace my mother had given me years ago, and some how, it ended up in my junk bag...hmm, wonder who put it there!!?? Anyway, this piece is called, "Dancing with the Stars." I had so much fun making her, I think I'm going to make another frame doll...maybe a skelly girl!! You know me, I can't stay away from those skellies for too long.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and spend some time doing something completely fun and frivolous and as I tell my friend, Chris, "Do some misbehavin'!" Peace out.

Ol' Hippie Music and Other Stuff

2011-04-27T08:36:00.003-06:00

My honey gave me a new stereo for my birthday after the old one died back in September. I think I blogged about it...I was limited to using cassettes and most of mine were long gone, thanks to sticky-fingered children. I remember I had certain cassettes and was looking forward to listening after taking them out of retirement, like my B-52's, The Doors, Mary Ann Faithful, Buffy St. Marie, the above album and so many more. I told my daughter about the missing cassettes, during one of our conversations, and she laughed and said she and Joel, my oldest one, got into many of those years ago. Love the big confession after the fact!! Well, I tried to remember some of them and decided to treat myself and order them on Amazon. While helping Joel last week moving his stuff out of the storage unit, I noticed he had a plethora of vinyls...my vinyls!!! Told him some of those covers are worth some $$ and he better not sell them or else, I would haunt him!! He assured me he wouldn't and he loved listening to them on his old stereo...really old stereo I suppose and probably my old stereo!!

The above album is one of my favorites from my youth. In 1966, when I was a freshman in high school, my sister went away to college to USF, a small Catholic college in San Fransisco. The school was located in an area that is now full of history. She was just blocks away from Watts, during the Watts riots, and the Haight-Ashbury district, or known back then as "the Haight." She came back that Christmas break and introduced me to what was called the Bay Area sound and The Jefferson Airplane was one of them. She told me she had gone to this club where people were turning on and tuning out, ala Timothy O'Leary, and of course, she didn't...yea, RIGHT!! LOL She described all the lights and stage special effects during their performance, something our children and grandchildren would scoff and laugh at now. She also introduced me to the "The Association," and their song, "Cherish." So, I fell in love with the Bay Area music and in turn, introduced it to my high school buddies. That sound or songs didn't reach the El Paso area till at least 7 months later. I recall looking for the Airplane albums at this funky record store downtown, and they looked at me as if I were growing lobsters out my ears!! "The Jefferson what??" or the "Who???" well, I also was a Who fan, but I was referring to the "Association." There was also, "Country Joe and the Fish," and of course, "Big Brother and the Holding Company," with none other than, Janis Joplin.

I wasn't a full-blown hippie...I wasn't allowed to be...my parents didn't let me!! LOL However, I attempted to wear the paisley dresses and skirts, the wire rim John Lennon glasses and the "l-o-a-ve" beads!! LOL A dear friend of mine went to Mexico City and brought me back all these cool necklaces and bracelets, so they became my "love beads." This girl once at the school library, who was dating my ex-boyfriend, told a friend of hers, who was a friend of mine, that I was "a hippie" because I wore wire rimmed glasses....so did my friend!! She said it as if I were some kind of weirdo...another words, it was a bad thing!! I wasn't a very good hippie, though. I bathed and washed my long locks every day, shaved, wore make-up, but I dressed really kewel!! LOLOLOL I also didn't tune in or out either...drugs scared the crapolla out of me. I saw too many friends experience bad trips and I could swear, some of them didn't return!! I experienced first hand, how these additions contributed to the demise or death of some really nice people. Hey, this isn't far from over...still going on and now there are more drugs around and quite available.

So the only drug of choice for now is a vodka cocktail. I still like the hippie look, have a few of my peasant shirts left over from the late 60's and 70's, in storage since I've put on some weight since then. I still enjoy the music but now, I dance around in my studio, alone, while jamming to the "Airplane" instead of the smoky, pot-infused environment from back in the day. Prefer the air I breath now and glad I'm not 15 anymore...that sucked!! Peace out.

ADO & Shrine Auction

2011-04-21T11:32:00.006-06:00

Greeting All! I have a bit of good news that's happening out here in my little corner of West TX. First of all, I have been accepted into ADO, Art Dolls Only, http://artdollsonly.blogspot.com. This is such an honor and privilege to be part of this very talented group of doll artists. I've been waiting 2 years for there to be openings for new members and Monday, as I was going through my dashboard list of buddies, I spotted a post from the ADO blog and there it was, they were accepting applications for new members. I'm sorry if I missed any of your blogs, but I clicked right to their list of instructions on how to apply and by the the next morning, I had an email stating I was accepted. I did my little "happy dance!!" Ok, mental picture that will be burned into your psyches forever!! LOL I still have to set up my page and get the ball rolling, but I have already gotten some very good feedback from other members, doll artists I have admired and followed their careers. I'm still in shock and so humbled by this honor. I just had to share the good news.

The next little tidbit of information, is the coming auction of for the street children living in Oaxaca, Mexico. I believe I did a post about this some time ago. I learned about it from the wonderful and talented, Abi Monroe, and decided it was join in. Here is my little offering, called "Lupita's Shrine."

Opening day is Friday, April 29 in the evening to the global public for a preview and the online auction bidding to be held Sunday, May 1-Saturday, May 7. For more information about times, please visit Rebecca at http://corazon.typepad.com/gallery_of_hope/.
Rebecca is one of the most beautiful ladies I have ever known...she's just amazing! So go take a look and please, consider bidding on one or as many shrines you desire.

And now for more news, my daughter is finally a "Sadie, Sadie, Married Lady!" They tied the knot yesterday afternoon, strep throat and all, and said their "I-do's." Michael's parents, now my daughter's "out-laws," were present, I'm happy to say. It was good that someone from the family was there other than the bride and groom. A friend of hers made them a "420" cake, celebrating the happy union and er, another occasion. I haven't done my research yet, but "420" is a day of recognition and celebration for the little lovely plant called, "cannibus!" For those who are not familiar with the "Latin" term, it simply means, weed, pot, Mary Jane!! I'll Google it later, but I think it all started in San Francisco, of course!! LOL So my girl married her first on Feb. 29th, now the 2nd is on 420...great!! In her defense, she didn't recognize the date till yesterday when she phoned me and told me what day it was...I already knew! Hey, don't judge me, I'm up on current events!!!!!!!!!! LOLOLOLOLOL!!!

Well, my friends, time for me to head on out and do some more work on this 'puter. I even had to politely ask DH to please vacate the desk chair during his lunch break, (he can play hours of Solitaire) because I had to get some emails out and do other stuff before 3:00....picking up my oldest at the airport. He's coming into town just for a couple of days to pick up his stuff at his storage unit and drive a U-Haul back to his new home, in Houston, TX....finally has a job after being unemployed for almost one year, so much for having 2 undergrad degrees. So adios folks, hasta la pasta, don't forget to check the date for the auction on your calendars, daily planners or write it on your forearm, have a wonderful weekend, don't eat too many chocolate bunnies and their eggs or they will haunt you later, maybe sooner if you eat too much of them!! Peace out.

Love Is In The Air, I Hope!!

2011-04-15T15:55:00.006-06:00

Above is a picture of my daughter, Andria, when she was five years old. She attended a private kindergarten then because she, as my other 2 children, were born in Sept. (I'll save you the counting of fingers...December was apparently our "whoo-hoo" time), which is the cut-off age for children entering school in TX. She was going to turn 5 Sept. 15th, 1983, but since she wasn't 5 at the end of August, she and all the other Sept. kiddos had to wait another year before they could enter Kindergarten. Well, Andria wasn't going to wait, not her, she had been ready for the classroom from birth!!

She used to play both teacher and student from the time she was two. My sister had given her and my oldest son, Joel, who is 2 years older, desks and she took that Fisher-Price piece of furniture really seriously! I recall once she came into the family room excited about the fact she "could read," and wanted me to go back to her blue and pink little room to listen, so I complied. She read a long soliloquy of Cookie Monster and the importance of brushing one's teeth. I sat on her Strawberry Shortcake covered bed as she read all five pages. I was impressed since she was only 3 and I had never really taught her to read. I thought perhaps she had listened in during her older brother's required reading time and heard me help him pronouce words. I had difficulty showing him how to read since I was taught phonetically as opposed to sight-words, but we managed.

One night at the dinner table, Joel gave away her secret out of anger and spite because she had eaten his Milky Way candy bar his grandmother had given him...she also got one, but Andria always lived in the moment and was one of those "instant gratification" type of gals, still is!! It turned out, she sat at her little desk, listened to one of her Sesame Street vinyls on her record player and memorized the story. I was still pretty impressed since she knew when to turn the pages. Joel was "spittin'" mad at is sister as he had every right, but I couldn't help but think what a clever little girl I had sired. Of course, she was reprimanded, no dessert after dinner, and had to buy her brother a candy bar to replace the temptation she had succumbed to earlier, with her allowance...ya know, hit them where it hurts!!

As I said, the photo above was taken at age 5 right before we headed out to her school for her Kindergarten graduation ceremony. I don't recall exactly why they dressed in costume, but she wore my sister's China (cheena) Poblana outfit. If your interested, Google China Poblana, but it's a native dress of Mexico, well, one of the many. My mother had it in her "Ope Chest-er" which is actually " Hope Chest," but that's how my maternal grandmother pronounced it...we liked her version better!! LOL My mother had to rebead the silk skirt and we went to Juarez, right across the border from us, and we bought the sash and I think, a new blouse. I bought the huge ribbons for her hair and this is the finished product....she was adorable!

That was me during my "big har" days....someone talked me into getting it all permed up since my hair is as limp as old spaghetti....really glad I got over that look!! LOL Amazing, was I ever that young and that thin??!!! Take a look at those shoulder pads!!! That pic was taken in front of our fire place in the only house I owned with the ex.

The reason I'm dedicating this blog to my daughter is that she is going to do it again, as she told me over the phone yesterday, "Mom, he's buying the cow!" Odd way of telling me she's getting married again, but that's Andria! My future s-i-l asked me and her father for her hand in marriage, via a text back in early December. He gave her the ring for Christmas, but no definitive date was set, until yesterday. The baby was sick Wed., so she stayed home from work to take him to the doctor...stomach flu...yuck!! Michael had gotten the good news that he had been hired by Apple and will begin working in May but will continue working on towards his college degree. Stomach flu and all, it was turning out to be a really happy day, so they decided to go to a little town up the road from them and get their license.

So next Wed. is the big day and I, unfortunately, will not be attending. Her last marriage was also through a JP, but here in town. The bride wore a lovely lavender dress with small floral embroidery work and was 7 months along with my sweet Sean!! LOLOLOLOL They did have a reception at what was my old house and everyone had a great time. Her father didn't' stay long since his bride was waiting for him at home and as he saw the guests arriving, my aunt and cousins walked in, he knew my parents weren't far behind, so he high tailed it....my father never got around to calling him a "son-of-a-bitch," and he wasn't about to stick around and give him that opportunity!!! Again, LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!! So, she and Michael will have their civil ceremony next week, but they are going to treat themselves, with a little help from me (very little help) and have the "big fat beaner" wedding next summer. I'm hoping she'll be with child again, this time with maybe, hopefully a little girl. I love my Penis Posse, but I would love to have a little granddaughter so I can dress her in her aunt's China Poblana skirt, rebead it and put big red ribbons in her hair someday! Peace out.

Mice & Men

2011-04-08T10:38:00.007-06:00

"The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men...." a quote from Robert Burns poem, "To a Mouse," pretty much applied to my morning. This would have been the first real morning where I didn't have to get up early for either taking my mother on errands, doggie doc appointments, cleaning lady, my dental appt., etc. My SM even left earlier than usual and I slept in till 8:14 a.m. I had a rough night, have had those kind-o nights since menopause, but now that I'm "post" menopausal, WTF???? I'm still symptomatic...still get hot flashes too...again, WTF?????? So I slept in and it was wonderful! I got up, poured myself a cup of java, grabbed the newspaper, sat on our new couch and just hunkered down for delicious solitude and silence. Then they came! I hadn't finished reading the first article about the government shut-down on the front page when, they arrived. Yes, the mowing guys! My honey works for a lawn care company and as a perk, we get free mowing, weed and other critter chemical control services.

Right away, Senor Cacahuate, our crooked-mouthed, almost toothless, Chihuahua (thinks he's a friggin' lion) began his yipping and yapping, off the decibel chart!! The motors started from both the mower and edger, on top of that, the 2 guys were screaming at each other over the noise of their machines...actually, it was a conversation, but in order to hear each other, they had to shout ...again, off the decibel chart!! So I decided I'd forgo the paper for now and go take a shower and listen to my favorite morning local talk show. I put up the volume on the radio so I could hear it over the shower, and as I washed up, I was yucking it up listening to a couple of comedians who were preforming at one the comedy clubs around here this weekend. Then they decided to finish up in the backyard, there went any kind of peace and quiet in the bathroom, no more radio listening, so I turned it off. At the same time, now both Chihuahuas were yapping and carrying on, I thought they were going to have a cardiac from all the excitement....sheesh!! They were clearing up all the dirt and debris from our recent dust storms...that's our lovely Spring weather around here. I then had to endure their discussions about the previous night's adventures in their prospective bedrooms or where ever!! Talking about a "rolling your eyes to the back of your head and oey vey" moment!!! Oey Vey!!! I decided it was time for a little breakfast, left over chilaqueles from last night, and head back into the living room and turned on the tv...LOUDLY!! At some point, the only thing I could hear was the sound of the rather loud television and realized, they were gone. Once again, it's peaceful, except for the distant barking of some other dog who also wants to rip the throats out of their owner's mowing guys!!

I have completed a portion of my studio projects, packaged and shipped them off to buyers and the gallery...feels good. For those of you who don't FB, here is a sample of the rest of the Easter Skellie Bunnies I have sent off to Xico, Inc. Also, I received this wonderful print and post cards from one of my FB buds, Sandy Garcia, from CA. She was born here in El Paso, but like all good Mexicans from here, the fam moved to LA!! I lost many pals to Cali!! I hope to meet her someday since most of her family still lives here and some in Austin...hmmm, she and I have that in common too!!
Small paper mache eggs

Larger paper mache eggs

Sandy's stuff

This week and part of next, I've decided I'm going to work on some stuff that I have put on the back burner till now. First, I'm making a couple of Calavera head pins for the shop owner who is renting my father's old office...she asked me back in November to make her a couple for her mother and aunt, two absolutely lovely ladies. Also, one of my dearest friends daughter married in Dec. and even though Iwasn't invited to the nuptials and reception, open to only family and very close friends of the bride and groom, I told Renie I'd make something for Megan and her hubby as a wedding gift. Megan loves the old paintings of local churches I used to make years ago when she was a little girl..her mother asked me to make one of St. Francis of Assisi in Tularosa, NM. So once when we were on our way up the road to Ruidoso, NM for a weekend getaway, we stopped in front of the church and I took some pics, then came home and made Renie a painting for her birthday....oh Lord, so long ago...was another lifetime. So Megs wants something like that. I decided on painting the Ysleta Mission on the Tigua Indian Res., which is just down to valley from us. Haven't painted missions in years, so I hope I haven't lost my touch!

I also have a book I must start for book club. I have had the book lying on my coffee table for a couple of weeks, but haven't had the time to even crack it open...have no idea what it's about, so going to be surprised!! My mother has another doc's appointment this Monday and it's with the marathon wait doc, so maybe I'll be able to read it in it's entirety like I have other book club selections, unless some woman comes in with a screaming baby who likes throwing bottles at people...remember that blog???

Before I say my adieu, I want to wish my ol' buddy, Linda from http://lindaomasoldebaggsnstuftshirts.blogspot.com/ and her adorable grandson, Ry, a very happy birthday..."HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YOU OL' PEDO!!!" & "A GREAT BIG HUG TO YOU, RY!!" Peace out.

How Do You Define "Success?"

2011-03-28T09:24:00.009-06:00

Thought I'd show off what I've been up to the last couple of weeks. Topping the page are another group of my "Can-Do Doll" series. I had these little paper mache eggs that I painted earlier in the year and just hadn't been inspired how to use them, but as you can see, my muses put me to work and I came up with these little guys. And how do you like my Easter Egg ornies? I posted both on my Facebook page and have to say I got a great response to everything. Sold two of my little eggs and one of my dolls....thanks Letty, Flora and Sandy. I contacted my gallery in Phoenix, AZ and they want them all, so I made another trip to Hobby Lobby yesterday to buy some more of those paper mache eggs and will be making more bunny skellies for the gallery. I haven't updated my Etsy page, so if any of you are interested in any of these, please let me know so I can put them aside for you or replicate the ones that have sold....just email me at the email listed on my Blogger profile.

The other evening my mother and I attended the rosary of a very dear lady who passed away after being ill for about 6 months. She and her husband were dear friends of my parents; "the judge" and my Pop go back to their days in the 'hood. It was quite disconcerting to see many of these old friends I last saw back in November at my uncle's 90th birthday bash; some were now using walkers, canes, in wheel chairs, carrying portable oxygen tanks. There were obvious absences due to the fact others were just too frail to attend or have died within that time period. Of course, all these people are now in their late 80's to early 90's, including my mother who is 88. How I recall parties at our house when I was a kid, all these people were young, many professionals, some not, but the one thing they all had in common and ultimately bound them, was most of them grew up in the 'hood and remained friends no matter where life took them. They were of the high-ball and martini crowd, a generation that resulted from WWII and Korea.

I'm honoured to have known such wonderful people and they were part of my childhood memories, as is many of their children now...I have friends I don't recall when we met, they were just always at our parties and visa-versa..."In-Utero friends," I call them!! LOL I told my SM that I would be attending many of these requiem rituals with my mother for the next few years, and perhaps after my mother's death, if any of them are still around. It's all so sad, but that's the cycle of life.

Recently, someone that was once very close to me criticized me for being, well, being "me." Of course this person told someone else and it got back to me, as gossip usually travels that way. I have "nothing" according these individuals, not the big house, cars, etc. What makes a person successful...is it money, fame, brains, etc.? I married into my honey's house, which is about 50 years old and needs lots of work, and that's coming along, slowly, but coming along, I drive my Pop's '99 Intreped...gave it to me in '05 when he became blind. My hubby drives the company pick-up, is a very hard working, honest man (more than I can say for this person) and toils hard for his paycheck. Let's face it, folks, we are not rolling in the money, honey!! But does that minimize our success'? Many years ago this woman told me that success is the best revenge and I agree somewhat. Success is the best revenge if it matters to you; it matters not to me anymore...revenge, that is. I look at what I've done in the last 15 years: survived a terrible divorce, during that horrific period of time, I decided to get a job, then return to school, completed school, married one of the most wonderful human beings I've ever known, have a wonderful circle of friends, both old and new, here and abroad and of course, you, my bloggy buddies, love my job, which is playing in my studio, have a gallery that represents my work and people who appreciate it, and the love and respect from my children, grandchildren and of course, my extended family. Hell, I'm the luckiest girl if I do say so myself.

These people gauge success with the "stuff" that they surround themselves in....a big house (mortgage to go with it), 2 luxury cars (car payments to match the mortgage), designer clothes (especially that little polo player), etc. I always felt that after a certain age, people who felt it was important, stop climbing that social ladder...you will fall and break your neck!! Well, in this case, Karma caught up with them!! After my conversation with this friend who spoke to these people, I realized, as she did, that they're jealous...OF ME!!!!???!! I had the opportunity to travel back when I worked for a foundation under Johns Hopkins...visiting the cities we tested at was great fun, however, the work was brain sucking! I have also traveled with my SM to various places, some close by, others a bit further in distance, but nothing lavish or exotic...we don't hang that way. Also, I'm just a really happy person, finally. I've always been of the "live and let live" kind of attitude or "till you've walked in my, his, hers, their moccasins...." But growing up in a negative and judgemental environment then marrying into it, made it a bit difficult being me sometimes. But after several years of deciding to stop and smell the roses, I love who I am and what I do. Sure, there's always room for improvement...we should never stop evolving, but that's the problem these people have, they're stuck, stuck in their own set of inflexible rules, they can't see the hypocrisy and lies they live. So for these people, I leave them to heaven.

So as far as I'm concerned, happiness and contentment don't have a price tag on them, it's up to you to make it so. There's nothing wrong with owning the big house, the luxury cars, designer clothes, etc., I have friends and family who have fared quite well in this economy and are very grateful they are fiscally blessed, but they also know, things could happen in a matter of seconds, lives could change drastically, that's why they count other blessings, family, friends, sense of humour, goals, etc. I'd like to think most people think that way, but am I kidding myself, am I just a really big optimist?!?!? Brings me to a question a philosophy prof once brought up, "Is man basically good or evil?" Well, my answer is "a little from column A and a little from column B." Ambiguous? Probably, but then that's being human. All I'm saying, my friends, is to count your blessings outside the realm of the material. Stuff is nice to have, but there's nothing like family, friends and even strangers helping and guiding you along your path. "Don't worry, be happy!" Ok, you can shoot me now!! Peace out.

Returning Is Such Sweet Sorrow Or Something Like That

2011-03-19T09:42:00.006-06:00

I have returned from my little vacae to Austin, TX...our state capital, headed by Hair God Perry...bleh!!! I don't know how that guy keeps getting elected!! Ok, am shifting away from my political views and on to other matters, rants, and memories.

As you can see, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...we have entirely too much fun when we're together! She's getting married, finally...Michael has proposed and making an honest woman out of her. My mother's reacation was typical of her generation, "But she has 4 children, one of which was born out-of -wedlock!" My mother would be the lady behind the counter at the birth certificate section of records, in charge of happily stamping "Illegitimate" on them! That happened to a friend of mine many years ago in Mexico...her son's birth certificate was boldly stamped with the above word in red ink!! Anywhoo, the top pic was taken at one of my favorite stores on S. Congress Street, "Tesoros." They sell folk art from around the globe, especially Mexico. Considering the problems across the river, buying them are now impossible for me unless I want to risk a stray bullet or just because someone wants to shoot someone else, so I must depend on what I can get here, for exorbitant prices too. The second photo was taken in the $ section of Target...love that section!! Oh speaking of Gov. Perry, he said Ciudad Juarez is the most dangerous city in America!! Did he mean the "Americas" or "America?" Nah, he's an idiot...he meant "America!" "Gov. Perry, I hate to break it to ya, but that would be in Mexico..get a map!!" I'm sorry, I just couldn't help myself.

These are my little "gibbons" literally climbing the walls in their house. Sunday night, after returning from our S. Congress excursion, Michael got right into the kitchen to make one of his more popular dishes, his fried chicken fingers ( I didn't know chickens had fingers, but they are delicious!!) and Andria and I sat on our gazornies and just watched the show unfold. My oldest, Joel, drove down from Big D (Dallas) to spend the weekend with us and after a tumbler full of vodka and my diet Cranberry juice ( he drank it all!!) he was feeling no pain and prompted Zachary and Ryan to do their climbing act...that's the top of Joel's head. Zachary was begging us to hurry up and take the picture, hence that frantic look on his face. All the while, I'm yelling "Get the baby!" because little Sammy was underneath them. Zach finally fell, the baby was swooped up before any mishap could occur, but unfortunately for Ryan, his uncle Joel fell on him!! Have you ever been gripped by laughter that you're paralyzed by it? Yea, me too!!! After an "I'm alright" cry from Ryan, Joel still hadn't ascended! Andria and I couldn't stop laughing, then I called out to Joel, "Son, are you alright?" and then came a very slurred "I'm alright, Mom!" Again, Andria and I were paralyzed!! I know, I'm a terrible mother and they know that they have a very quirky mother...explains the way they are. After that, I advised Joel to steer clear from more imbibing and he did...paid dearly for it the following day and he had to drive back too!! Oey!! All in all, I had a great time and hated to say goodbye to my little guys...missed them the minute we drove out of the driveway to take me to the airport.

Here's one of my Box-0-Dolls. I have a few more in the works plus my Can-Do dolls to finish. I'm getting ready for my Easter, so I'm making some little paper mache eggs for my Easter Bush. When I lived in Germany, I got into some of their traditions, one of them is decorating what we call here, an Indian Brush bush, with it's blossoms and hang tiny ornies on them. I collected many of them while I lived there and deocorated the bush with them when my kids were little. Well, I decided to buy a small Christmas tree and spray paint it white for Easter. Needless to say, painting one black for Halloween turned out way better...the white has a greeny look to it!! LOL Oh well, I'll use it this year and when Christmas rolls around, I'll head to Target and buy one of those little trees in white....like Anne's red tree if any of you saw her Christmas blog.

Well, it's Saturday and my honey, Ian and I are going to go over to friends for dinner...better make my Lemon bars for dessert early before it gets too hot. Also, have many projects ready for completion in the studio...yay, my happy place!! Before I forget, my SM is doing fine and has completely recovered from pneumonia. He will be under a cardiologist care for a while...found a strange little blip on his EKG, so he and I are going to relearn how to eat the good stuff, ya know, the healthy stuff and get healthy!! It was a wake up call for both of us...damn, this growing old is a real bummer sometimes, but I wouldn't trade my life right now for anything, except a membership to a gym and more green leafy vegetables...that's doable!! Have a great weekend, my friends, and take care. Peace out.

Go, Going, Gone!

2011-03-08T07:21:00.004-07:00

Good morning, my bloggy pals. I haven't been around for a little bit because I've been hitting the carpet since early Sunday morning.

Long story short, my honey was hospitalized early Sunday morning after I dragged his rear to the ER. What's with men??? Testosterone is definitely the cause of their brain damage!! He's been sick for about 4 weeks, even though he went to see his "quack" about 3 weeks ago. He'd been coughing for at least that long, which is usual during this time of year due to the warmer weather, dust storms (had 66/hr winds here yesterday..major real estate exchange going on), but he was always tired to the point he'd come home from work and pass out on the couch before dinner....not a good thing. He had an appointment with his doc on the 23rd of Feb. and he told her how he was feeling. She gave him a prescription of steroids and sent him on his merry way. No blood work, no chest X-ray, no nothing. This is the same moron who sent him a prescription when he had the Swine flu. I told him that by law, she had to check him and then report any cases of it, as told by my physician when I went in to see him after being symptomatic of it, but she didn't want him coming into her office and spreading it to her diabetic patients.

She used to be a G.P. till she was certified or whatever, to become a diabetic specialist, but she held on to a few of her regular patients from her old G.P. days, I think in hopes that they would find someone else later since she doesn't give them the time of day nor does she treat them as she should and I mean not only medically treat them, but treats them like they're something she scraped off the bottom of her shoes. I have a friend who was sent to her by her G.P. because she developed Type 2 diabetes and she told me every time she left that woman's office, she left in tears, needless to say, she no longer sees that quack!

All last week he was so tired and weak and by the weekend, he was down and out, again, not like him. He had the shivers and shakes all day, coughing up what seemed to be his spleen and just plain sick! I kept "asking" him if he wanted to go to the ER or an emergency clinic and kept refusing me...was going to wait till Monday to call the quack. By Saturday late evening, about 11:45, I took an Advil P.M. since I hadn't slept in quite a while due to his coughing, got into bed and it was soggy!! He was breaking yet another fever and now the "sweat" had found it's way to my side of the bed and we have a king size and he was way over huddled on his side. I then got up, told him to get up and get dressed, we were going to the ER! He kept refusing and I finally told him this was not a democracy, but a dictatorship and he was to get his sorry ass out of bed and get dressed...NOW!!!! If not, I would do it for him, after all, I'm a mother and have dressed children on numerous occasions! He got up, reluctantly got dressed and we left, by now after midnight. Also, keep in mind, I have night blindness and I took an Advil P.M.!!!!!!!!

I'll shorten the story now by saying, he was seen by a real physician, who ordered the appropriate tests for his described symptoms and within 2 hours of arriving, he was sent upstairs for observation because he had a mean case of pneumonia!! After all this, his quack never came to see him, but someone on call...he told my honey he didn't know where she was but was told to take over this case! So now you know why I'm so pissed off. I spoke with his eldest son who lives in Houston. I love that guy because he so much like his dad!! He told me he didn't like that doc either and had gone to see her one time and that's all it took. We both agree the only reason he continues to see her is because he can just call up her office, describe his symptoms, and a prescription is waiting for him at our pharmacy!!

He doesn't like doctors, but who the hell does???!!! Now I love mine, he's a sweetheart and a good guy, but I still don't like taking the time to see him, but I do. My gyn-o is a nice woman, never like my old gyn-o, he was a sweetie too and always refereed to my youngest as "the baby," even though Ian hasn't been a baby for quite a while...he delivered him. He retired and passed away about 2 years ago. Anyway, I gave my sweetheart hubby a little talk about what he and his oldest had discussed and I don't know if I convinced him. The original doc released him from the hospital last night...the quack never showed up. Again, I think this speaks volumes, don't you think??? So this morning he's sleeping in, said he hadn't slept this well in a couple of nights...should have just woken him and pretended to take his blood pressure!! LOL Nah, I slept well too....had my honey lying next to me.

Now for the next round. Yesterday, I received a text from oldest grandson, almost 11 year old Sean. He asked me if I was still coming to Austin due to the fact Andria, my daughter, severely hurt her ankle and foot on Sunday and she too went to the ER thinking she had broken it. I told him that I would be there the 17th of March. He then texted me back and told me I was due to come in THIS Thursday!! So I texted my daughter since I wasn't sure if she was teaching her morning class or was on break. She called me up and told me it was THIS Thursday!! I went to my email account where my reservations are and low and behold, I'm scheduled to leave this Thursday, the 10th, not the 17th. I called my buddy who I had given her the wrong date, and explained to her what was going on and how confused I was, which is pretty much my state of mind most of the time!! She told me not to worry, it's called a Senior moment!!! LOL

So folks, I'm off to Austin this Thursday and will return the following Tuesday. I'm still in a state of "WTF," and have much to do till my departure, so if you don't see any of my comments on blogs, emails, forwards, etc., that's because Georgina is running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. I shall return next week, ready to finally join the gym, get going on my can-do dolls, set up my" Doll Town" account and just plain have more fun in my studio. I completed my shrine for the Oaxaca Street Children campaign, but more on that later.

Have a great week, stay warm, dry, cool or out of the dust, which ever your Spring climate brings. Peace out.

Big Wins and Stuff

2011-03-03T16:58:00.008-07:00

I'm slowly recuperating from my Vegas trip and my ear drums are now at peace with me. They're letting my amp up the volume on my stereo in the studio. Hey, I can't dance to Lady Gaga, The Dave Matthews Band, Santana, etc. at whisper volume...needs to have my tunes loud in there!!

Speaking of trips, I got a call from my daughter Monday that she was sending me a ticket to come play in Austin during Spring break. I haven't seen my little guys since October and I'm really missing them. Besides, now I don't have to ship them their M&M dispenser and all the neat-o coloured M&M's I got them in Sin City at the M&M store. Speaking of which, I told the attendant who was pushing my mother's wheel chair at the Vegas airport I would never return...hate Vegas. She smugly said I'd be back, ala, A-nold!! I made it quite clear that the only way I'd be back is if someone were to bring back my ashes and spread them in the M&M store!!

I'm just now getting around to showing off my lovely wins from a contest and OWOH blog-0-thon. That was so much fun and I made some great new friends. The first photos are of a little contest Pam Smallcomb had over at her place, http://yoborobo.blogspot.com.

The lovely Carmen!

And a copy of her book.

The book is just too adorable and if you have little ones or have little grandies, I highly recommend you get a copy of her book. I ordered one from Pam with the names of my grandsons so she could personalize it and the boys think Meema is sooo cool, since she had the "author" autograph their copy...Meema thinks the "author" is just too cool too, thanks Pam!

I have a new buddy I met over at OWOH. Her name is Elena Cabral at
elena-myquest.blogspot.com. According to Elena, she's a newby at this and and still is unsure of her artist spirit. After seeing her work, I think her soul is soaring!

Well, good morning my friends. Took a little break, like overnight, to return to this blog. Have you ever noticed that certain foods can induce certain types of dreams? Last night I got a late start with dinner, not serving till after 8:00. Last evening I made cabbage rolls. Now I love cabbage rolls and they normally like me, but not after 8ish in the evening!! So last night I had some really funky dreams. The one I most remember, I was with my ex and our children were still little kiddos. I was feverishly looking for some clothes to pack for my daughter because we were "escaping" to Afghanistan to live with a bunch of goats!! Yes, folks, goats. Now some of you know my thing for goats, the name is just funny....g-o-a-t-s!! While traveling in the Austin area, we encountered many ranches that have free-range goats...what the hell is that all about. So my daughter and I became fascinated with the little beasties. Every time I go visit, we both yell out "goats" when we see a herd of them, or do they come in pods, or perhaps, gaggle...oh well, anyway, goats have always been a source of comedy for us. So for me to dream about us going to, of all places, Afghanistan to live among the goats was just too bizarre, even for me!! I can just see my ex living among the goats, Mr. designer shirt man!! If it doesn't have a polo player or Tommy logo on the shirt, he won't even consider it...however, I've read that Lacosta is coming back...let's hear it for that leetle croc or is it a 'gator???!!

The second dream was not bad at all. I dreamed of my cousin, Paul, working in the kitchen store I used to work at many years ago. He was young, mobile and was laughing his wonderful, infectious laugh!! Paul has been suffering from a condition brought on by a cancer treatment he had over 30 years ago. He was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at the age of 21, he's now 62. He can no longer walk, feed himself, dress, bathe, well you get the idea. He's dependent on others to help him. He was told some years back by the neurosurgeons that they had good news and bad news about his condition; the bad news was that everyone who had the same treatment for that particular tumor were now deceased, the good news, he's the sole survivor, if you want to call it that. Basically, his brain is calcifying and he hasn't lived a quality of life in many years. He and I were very close as teenagers and young adults...people used to tell us to be careful because we could get emotionally attached, being first cousins and all. We were emotionally close, like brother and sister, that's it! He was tall, blond, good-looking, had this great laugh and had the kindest heart and soul.

In this dream he was taking care of customers, being the sweetheart he always was and the whole experience felt so natural and normal, except for the fact he never worked in that store, but did date the owner back in the day!! LOL I wondered why I dreamed of Paul and I'm almost afraid to think what this could mean, or is it just a dream.

Anyway, my advise is not to eat late, especially cabbage rolls because you could dream of goats and ex's!! It's time I get myself back into the studio and work on my shrine for the Oaxaca fundraiser. Yesterday, I spent 1 hour looking for some metal foil squares I know I had purchased prior to last Christmas. I cleaned my studio in January and it's been a bitch trying find thing, even though I labeled all the containers....must have been on crack the day I did the labeling! So instead of spending more time looking for them, I returned to Hobby Lobby today to buy 2 more packages, ouch!! Have a great weekend and hope many of you are experiencing a Spring thaw. Peace out.

I'm Back

2011-02-22T10:12:00.004-07:00

Good morning, my bloggy buds. I have finally returned from Sin City and glad to be home. What can I say about cheerleading competitions that already haven't' been said...plenty!!! Now I don't want to step on anyone's tootsies if you have a child, niece/nephew, grandchild, friend of a friend's child, niece/nephew, grandchild, etc. in said sport. If you have attended these events, then you're way ahead of me.

First of all, I've never seen so many blonds and fake mammories congregated in one place in my entire life!! And I'm not talking about the participants, but their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, friends, etc. According to my little brother, who's daughter is one of the few brunettes in her team, this is nothing compared to the competions in the OC (Orange County, a section of the Los Angeles, CA area made popular by Bravo channel's "The Housewives of ..."series). I was amazed at all the glitter, glam, and small amount of material used on some of the costumes and we're talking about youngsters here. Also, after 2 hours of sitting at the convention centre, my ear drums sent me a text, putting me on notice! The volume in that arena was beyond human tolerance and the bass was up so high, that my butt jiggled like jello and I was sitting plus, I'm buttless!!

Coming from El Paso, TX, I've always considered this place to be the "Muffin Top" capital of the world, but not till I ventured to the competing world of cheerleading, El Paso lost that honour! I felt so sorry for those girls who are rather rotund that their team just happen to have chosen those midriff showing, tiny uniforms. They tried to suck it in, but alas, the impossible just happened! It reminded me when I was a child and took ballet. When I was a kid, I dreamed of wearing a pink tutu and toe shoes....NOPE, DIDN'T HAPPEN!! I was one of those chubby little girls who never got to be in the recitals, swaying to the piano players song, flying in the air like a delicate bird, softly dancing on the stage with the other skinny girls!! I was the designated lipstick holder, compact, eyeliner and other toiletries needed for our tiny dancers. Hey, I wasn't the only chubby kid in the troupe, but I was the one who was trusted with what was important!! Did it embitter me, hell no!! At the ripe ol' age of 9 years, I knew 2 things, I was never going to be a dancer or pianist, like my older sister and I was content with that notion. Even at such a young age, I knew what God had given me and it wasn't twinkle toes or fingers, but the ability to laugh, make others laugh (and not at my expense either), and the best artist in my class! So the chubby kid didn't do the cart wheels, the tumbles and rolls, topped the human pyramids, but was the strength that held it up.

Now for something completely different! I completed my guitar for Xico, Inc., shipped it off and from what I have been told, arrived safely. I was a bit worried since it was a mixed media piece and could have been damaged in route, but being the bubble wrap "Queen," it arrived in one piece, thankfully.

I call it, "Muerto Loretia." I also am including the first of my box series of dolls.

I don't have a name for her yet, but I'll come up with something...I'm waiting for my muses to wake up from their long weekend and inspire me!! I still have a couple of more to finish. One of them will be submitted to "Doll Quarterly" for the Fall issue. If they like it, that's great, if not, well, better luck next time. I'm planning on creating another blog exclusively for my work, so when it's up, I'll send you all an invitation, via your blogs. Well, the ol' clock on my screen tells me it's time to wrap it up and say adieu to all of you for now. Everyone have a great week and as I tell one of my cutie blogger pals, "do a bit of misbehavin'!" Peace out.

And the Weeners Are....

2011-02-17T09:48:00.006-07:00

Hola all! I did my drawing and have 2 winners! As you read, I'm leaving for Vegas tomorrow, so I had to have an early drawing....still have to do some last minute laundry and then the packing...oey vey!! On top of that, my honey is home with a respiratory infection. He never gets sick except for these lung things. He normally gets this around Oct.or Nov, when we start getting those awful inversion layers. Since we had a warm early winter, then hammered with the freeze a couple of weeks ago, now it's in the upper 70's lower 80's, the old allergies are running amok!! So need to attend to Mr. Sicky and dote on him...he's such a trooper!! LOL

Ok, for the moment you all (ya'll in TX), the weeners are...drum roll...the lovely and wonderful, Marfi of Incipient Wings, http://marfibradford.blogspot.com.
Marfi is the winner of the Hungarian dolly. I told her that she will be rooming with Lady Val, her pal from "the wall." Marfi and I were involved in Zan Asha's wonderful doll exchange back in Dec. If you want to refresh your memory, go back to my Dec. posts and find the adorable little skelly ballerina doll....Marfi's wonderful offering. She also sent me this fantabulous purse and other little goodies...she's just a doll and I strongly suggest you go over to her blog and read her posts...she's just an angel!!

Ok, the next weener is the adorable, Jingle from http://justjingle.blogspot.com
This young woman is absolutely just too cute!! Again, I urge you to run over there and take a look at her blog...she's a pistol and what a talent!!

Congratulations to my weeners and thank you all for coming over and reading about what goes on here in Looney Bin, TX!! Before you go, though, please read my last posting, the one after this one, about the wonderful auction I'm involved in (never end a sentence with a preposition...oh well!) Please read and if you feel you would like to participate, please make sure you send off an email to the incredible, Rebecca. Peace out.

Oaxaca Street Children Grassroots Auction

2011-02-16T13:23:00.003-07:00

Good afternoon all. I've got something really exciting to share with you. The other day I was visiting some of my favorite bloggers and I came across Abi Monroe's blog. I found she is participating in this wonderful fund raising event. I've been a voyeur in the past few years during this auction and I have always been blown away by all the talented folks that have given their time and artistic heart and soul for this event. So I emailed the fabulous "Rebecca" that I wanted in...so I'm now "In!" LOL

The post below is the information she sent me for this auction and I ask you to please read it and if your interested, please email her and sign up. She's such a wonderful spirit and that's just my take after a few emails we've shared. So read below and sign up or just make sure you go over to view the offerings for the auction at the dates she's mentioned. Also, if you sign up, don't forget to add the badge to your sidebar...muchas gras!

Have a great week and good luck to the winners for tomorrows OWOH giveaway. Peace out.

dear georgina,

here we are, hovering on the pure slate of a new year, fresh starts, new beginnings. a perfect time to consider a long term art project where the work of hands becomes an extension of hearts.

welcome to the third annual shrine auction!
many of our past contributing artists have deep roots to mexico through ancestry, travel, or personal affinity... and consider the rich influence of mexico to have influenced their own artistic expression. this is a heart warming chance to give back in deeply significant ways to a culture we have been touched by.

monies raised will go 100% to support Oaxacan Streetchildren Grassroots,

https://sites.google.com/a/oaxacastreetchildrengrassroots.org/en/

i hope you will take a moment to visit this grassroots organization that supports by offering a hand up, encourages positive change through education, and "pay it forward" ideals. supporting the lives of countless indigenous children who otherwise would never have the opportunity to go to school.

i realize there are countless needs in our world, both locally and abroad. i know we cannot engage in every opportunity to make a difference in this world we share. i encourage everyone to find their perfect place to join a cause. if this is one that you feel a strong connection to, i welcome you with great enthusiasm to this years project.

we are looking for artists willing to create a strong, compelling piece of work, in any media. we hope the artwork will have personal significance and evoke a strong response from the viewers. please take a moment and visit the shrine auction from last year to get an idea of the diversity and wealth of offerings.

http://www.recuerda-mi-corazon.com/

if you feel this is something you would love to be apart of here is how it works:

first send a quick reply to this email and i will reserve your place in the auction!

please note the auction is held online and is open to all. it is possible that someone may bid on your work from outside the country. do consider SIZE and WEIGHT of your piece before beginning. all artists will be mailing their art piece to the winning bidder at the end of the auction. this responsibility of each artist supports the shrine auction in donating 100% of the funds directly to the cause.

participating artists will upload their own photographs of the piece to be auctioned and are welcome to write an artists statement, bio, and include links to their websites, blogs, galleries etc.

here's the time line...
we have from now until april to create a from the heart art offering.

april 1-24
website "gallery of hope" closed to public. all participating artists will have this three week window to upload their information and enjoy a preview of your fellow participants!

april 25

i will announce the opening of the week preview and website. when that posting goes up officially, i welcome everyone to HELP GET the WORD OUT!

may 1-7

the actual bidding week of this years auction.

may 8- 16
the week for artists to mail out their art work to the winning bidder.

last years auction brought in just under $4,000.00.
thank you for your part in this!!!!
we pitched in the difference and were able to send a check for $4,000.00.
last years contribution allowed the oaxacan streetchildren grassroots to re roof the school, that otherwise would have been unusable.

the shrine auction is under the umbrella of Soroptimist international, a worldwide nonprofit organization of women helping women and children. because of this each participating artist will receive a letter for tax purposes to claim their contribution for the makers estimated value of auctioned piece.

i realize that every ones time is precious! thank you for taking the time to read this email. i hope to hear from you all and look forward to working together, supporting each other all the way.

many friendships have been formed and strengthened through this project. i look forward to the same depth of enrichment again infusing our lives.

please email with any questions.
as you know i am here for you all the way.

with great appreciation,
rebecca

please visit me at
http://www.corazon.typepad.com/

OWOH

2011-02-11T09:37:00.002-07:00

Good morning, my my bloggy buddies. I decided to postpone my giveaway till the 17th just like everyone else. I will be picking the winners sometime during the 17th, probably in the a.m MST (Mountain Standard Time, USA) and announce the winners that day.

For those of you who have read my "Welcome" OWOH blog already, know I will be leaving for Las Vegas, NV on the 18th and returning the 20th. During my absence, I ask the winners to send me their addresses so I can readily ship them off their prize the following week. Remember, if you don't get an email back during that time, I'm out of town and don't know if I'll have Internet access, unless my little bro lends me his laptop, which is connected to his hip!! LOL You will get an email from me acknowledging your contact, so please don't think I've skipped out on you.

Otherwise, hope everyone has had a great week and are slowly digging out from last weeks arctic freeze. Some of you know that my hometown made the national news....we're the 3rd World City!! LOL The electric company and water utility dropped the ball during this time, causing rolling blackouts and water shortages...some of the more rural areas in our neighboring state, New Mexico, are still without water! Luckily, we were not affected by either, but we still conserved regardless, since we didn't know if we were next. This is a good time to be a plumber...with so many busted pipes (couldn't believe that spell check allowed the word "busted," and considered "burst" as a misspelling) , there is a waiting list, as long as 90 days!

Well, time for me to get into my studio and start working on completing my newest dolls. Will post pics of both the dolls and my guitar I made as a donation for Xico, Inc.'s founders dinner in Phoenix, AZ at the end of this month. Peace out.

Welcome!

2011-01-30T11:08:00.009-07:00

I want to welcome you to my little corner of Blogandia. My name is Georgina and I live in the farthest city in West Texas, El Paso, one of the safest cities in the U.S., the Pearl of the Rio Grande, gateway to Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico and a road less traveled to the grand state of New Mexico. Wow, how's that for an introduction??!!?

I'm a mixed media artist, dabbling mostly in the doll genre, but on occasion, I spend some time out of my little box and play with other stuff. I share my home with a wonderful hubby (I'm sure there are a couple of ex-wives who might disagree with me), two Chihuahua doggies, Maya or Jackalhund (her ears remind me of jackals)and Senor Cacahuate, a.k.a., Mr. Peanut. El Senor came to us by way of my stepdaughter who adopted him from the pet rescue home because he was tagged, "un-adoptable." However, with lots of patience and love, he turned quickly away from the darkside. My stepdaughter left him in our care many times due to her ever transitioning life so the last time she asked us to care for him, I told her that we were going to keep him this time around and now he's King of the household. Maya was a birthday gift from my daughter, however, her shots, heartworm meds, her little operation, etc., didn't come with my gift, just the dog!! I'm the mother of 3, boy, 34, girl, 32, boy, 25 and four grandchildren, boy, 10, boy, 8, boy, 6 and boy, 18 months...and all 4 from my ever ovum producing daughter!!

I returned to school after my 25 year old marriage began to fade away. I had decided to become a special ed. teacher since my youngest child, my son of now 25, is autistic. I figured I had plenty of experience out in the battle field, and sometimes it was, in order to get the school district's attention. However, a very dear friend of my mother talked to me early on during my education and told me she had done the same thing, returning to school and becoming a special ed. teacher since she too had plenty of experience, her youngest has Downs. She told me that she burned out very quickly...spent all day in a classroom of children with various disabilities then came home to it. That made me think...think hard. She asked me what I was passionate about, art, of course. Hence my direction switched and I majored in art. I graduated at age 53 in 2005 with my B.A. in Art, with a discipline in ceramics, and a minor in English and American Literature. So I can throw a pot on the wheel and write one heck of an essay!! LOL

Since I had some experience in working with clay, I turned to the self hardening clays, paper clay, and oven-hardening polymers. I work with both and sometimes mix the two...will make a paper clay head and add polymer elements to accessorize my doll. I would love to return to creating the crazy pottery I made in my college studio, but my house excludes any space for my kiln, so my kiln is sitting in my mother's garage and my wheel and slab roller and many boxes of New Mexico low-fire clay sit in my studio, a reminder of what will be someday. I love combining other materials with my dolls, such as creating them from tin cans, wooden or paper mache boxes, cholla branches, (a cactus plant indicative to our desert landscape), rocks and fabric, of course. If I can stick a doll head to it, it's always a possibility!

I want to thank Lisa for this opportunity to have these blogs go global even for a while and I appreciate all the work she's put into this huge project...thank you, Lisa. To get more information on this wonderful blog adventure, go to http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/2010/12/annoucning-the-fifth-and-final-one-world-one-heart-event-.html I hope many of you become one of my regular followers and enjoy reading my rants, observations and art. I will be having a couple of door prizes, as seen below. I'll have the drawing Feb. 11th since that will give me time to ship them out within the 3 day corridor of time.

I will be leaving for Las Vegas, Nevada on the 18th...don't go ooowing and wowing...I'm taking my 88 year old mother to Vegas to watch my teeny bopper niece and her cheer leading team compete in some national competition...oh yay!! (add a bit of sarcasm to that last comment.) I've never been a big fan of Las Vegas....I guess it's my parent's fault since every year as children we went to Disneyland for summer vacation, then my folks took us to their playground, Las Vegas, where my sister, brother and I swam and burned all day in the Nevada heat and kept room service jumping at night while my folks went to play in the casinos or see a show, which on occasion we attended. We saw Red Skelton, The Smother's Brother's, a very young Vicki Carr, a production of "Gypsy Rose Lee" and many other celebs I can't recall right now. I returned to Las Vegas in 2004, during Spring Break, with my honey and had a wonderful time, but I pretty much saw what was of interest to us and especially enjoyed the Caesar's Palace shopping mall...fun place. So my only request is to revisit Caesar's Palace and visit the M&M store to stock up on those little goodies for my son and my grandsons.

Here are my little door prizes for your viewing, and for a couple of lucky people, winning pleasure. You know the drill, just leave a comment and make sure it's nice!! LOL Remember, the drawing will be on Feb. 11th. Peace out.

Small painting of La Virgen de Guadalupe in a hand-painted metal frame.

My little Hungarian Paprika Box Doll.

Reminder

2011-01-29T11:52:00.004-07:00

Just a gentle reminder that tomorrow starts OWOH. I'm very excited since it's my first, yes, I'm a OWOH virgen!! LOL Anyway, come on over sometime tomorrow and view my blog and my little door prizes. I'm planning on a couple of them, so be the first on your block to sign up. I'm hoping on getting something up by tomorrow morning, well, for sure by tomorrow afternoon! Here's for a great time and meeting new friends and hearing from old ones...imagine me lifting up a glass of the bubbly and toasting this!! Ok, at least a brewsky then!!! Peace out.

The Holy Grail

2011-01-21T09:46:00.002-07:00

Good Morning, my Bloggy Pals. Today is going to be a short one...no rants!! Now I think that's a first, but I might be wrong. Anyway, today I'll be spending it in the studio working on some new dolls and a piece of art donation for Xico, Inc., the gallery in AZ. They're having their annual big wig dinner and asked their artists to donate a painted guitar for their auction. I emailed them and requested a guitar which I received on Tues. Yesterday, while watching re-runs of "Ally McBeal," I was inspired. It will be a mixed media piece, having a "Dia De Los Muertos" theme, (no, Calista Flockhart wasn't the inspiration...give that girl a sandwich!). However, more on that and my dolls later.

Today in the newspaper, I read in the entertainment section that the production of ,"Spamalot" will be playing at the Plaza Theatre next Tues. Now being a HU-EG Monty Python fan, I really would have loved to see it, but, money being what it is or not, I sadly realized that the ticket prices were a little out of my price range, unless I wanted to sit up in the nose bleed section and see tiny figures on a tiny stage, so I decided I preferred the front row! So this evening, I plan on having a "snack night" for dinner, sweet habanero and cream cheese spread and crackers, queso fundido and my own hot wings (have my own recipe...anyone interested, let me know), and insert my DVD of "Monty Python and The Holy Grail," into the player and enjoy. Lots cheaper and besides, don't have to worry about some bofo carrying on a conversation on his cell phone, I can always put the movie on pause if that happens!! LOL So my friends, have a lovey weekend, even though some of you are under a winter storm warning (in the 60's here today), keep warm and have fun. This evening, I shall be keeping company with "deadly rabbits ("what's he going to do, nibble me bum?"), obnoxious French guards, knights who say, "Ni," zealous body collectors, and politically argumentative peasants." Peace out.

Artist Statement....Oey Vey!

2011-01-15T14:25:00.012-07:00

Hi all and welcome to another installment of my rants, raves and delish dishes!! Above is a large steaming pot of one my favorite things to eat, Calabasitas. It's a pot of shear love!! It's Italian zucchini, corn (canned or frozen), canned tomatoes (with jalapenos or plain), and cheese, lots and lots of cheese...extra sharp cheddar, munster, jack, asadero or all the above!!! It's just cheesielicious!! I also add some spices, garlic and onion power, a bit of Cajun seasoning (if you have Anne's recipe, I urge you to use it!!), and Mexican oregano (regular oregano is fine too, but Mexican has a richer flavour). You can make it as a side or a meal...I've used it for both. Just steam the zucchini then once it's semi-soft, (not mushy), add all the above ingredients and allow cheese to melt. That's it, that simple and so good.

Alright, now that I've exorcised the spirit of "Julia" (I wonder if she ever made Mexican food??), it's time for my rant. I've been asked to create an artist statement and bio for a gallery. The bio is no prob, but the artist's statement, Oey Vey!! If you were to ask any of my studiomates about Georgina and artist statements back when I was in school, you'd get the eye rolling action followed by a huge guffaw!! You see, as an art student I attended many shows, both professional and student shows, and read my fair share of artist's statements. Oh Lord, most of them were a verbal pile of doo-doo!! I thought, do these people really think this way when they're creating? So I'm really stumped for what I need to put down on paper or in this case, an email with an attached document...sigh!

I texted a good friend of mine, who graduated with me and moved on to get her masters in sculpture, making her now an assoc. prof at the university's art department. She called me back and said she couldn't text because she was laughing too hard to punch in her reply. She recalls all those comments I made when reading out those statements. I would take the brochure provided by the artist, back to the studio where work resumed into the late evenings. So for a comedic break, I would read out the statements to my fellow studio dudes and dudettes in the same fashion of a Shakespearean soliloquy!! I was an English and American Lit. minor, so I had lots of practice!! LOL Many of these statements made for a good laugh and began dialogs among us about art and our purpose in that world. Yea, whatever!!

Many of these statements have words like, "conceptual, organic, metamorphosis," and my personal favorite, "genesis!" I have a "genesis" every day, it's called waking up!! So I'm just stumped for words as to how to sound "artsy" and yet maintain my identity. I asked myself, "Myself, what do you think while in the throws of creativity?" I observed this yesterday while measuring where to drill holes into my wooden boxes (later on that project) and then taking the drill for said holes, however, I sounded more like Yosemite Sam after I pierced myself with a drill bit!! Oh well, so much for that experiment!!

While listening to my CD's, the voice of Paul Simon began to waft through my studio (do voices waft or is that scents??). It hit me, like Paul, I'm "still crazy after all these years"....and proud of it!! It was as if my decision to play that Paul Simon CD was more divine intervention than personal intent. I'm working on my statement now, with the "crazy" thing being my main theme. I don't know what direction it will take, if any. I might be like one of my favorite ceramists, Michael Corney, a professor of ceramics at UNM (University of New Mexico in Albuquerque) where his statement is a big question mark, except I'll use the exclamation point instead!

ARTIST STATEMENT BY GEORGINA CECILIA DIAZ:

These are pics of my latest projects since before Christmas. Two of them are little metal frames made in Mexico. I grew up seeing them on the walls of old missions and homes and loved the colours and designs. I ordered a few little ornaments last year and decided to start doing something with them. I'm a doll artist, that's never going to change, but I do enjoy going outside of my perimeter now and then and here are the results of my wandering.

Metal frame with a small painting of "Virgen de Guadalupe," enclosed in a small glass frame.

Metal heart with a satin ribbon and gold milagro in the centre.

Dollar store metal frame with a small painted canvas of "Virgen de Guadalupe."

These are available for sale if anyone is interested, just email me at barrobabe54@yahoo.com.

Well, I'm off to begin my day in the studio. With all these football play-offs, I doubt if my hubby or son will come up for air today until I take my boy back home to his father this evening. So my bloggy buds, have a great week and keep creating and don't forget to try my warm-up-the-soul Calabasita recipe, especially those of you who are chin deep in snow...yea, it's going to be in the mid-60's here today!! Peace out.

Wizard of Oz Celebration

2011-01-10T15:47:00.004-07:00

Hey all, just a short one today, but my buddy, Linda, is having a Wizard of Oz celebration and knowing Linda, it's going to be lots of fun. Just go over to the top of my side bar and click for details. For those of you who don't know Linda, her blog is a must...just love the lady! We met a few years back when we were both members of a Yahoo group and for what, at this point I don't recall. All I know is that Linda and I found each other there and began communicating since neither of us were part of the "groovy people" crowd! We both agreed to "get out of Dodge," and move on to blogging instead, and here we are.

Hope you all had a great weekend and are doing something wonderfully creative this week. I'm working on some new projects and will post pics as soon as I complete them. Have a great week and please, drop by Linda's blog and sign up for her part-ee!! Also, I can assure you, you'll fall in love with her writings, thoughts, ramblings (she does a lot of that, but then that's one of the reasons I love her) and join her blog. Seems I've been hawking blogs lately!! LOL Peace out.

New Blog & Toda La Familia

2011-01-05T09:11:00.008-07:00

Well, here we are going into our first week of the new year and already I have something to rant about!! Oh yea, as if that's a big surprise to you!! However, before I begin my "observations," I want to recommend a blog for your reading enjoyment. My daughter has begun a weight-loss journey and decided to write about it. Now my girl is very much like her "mummy," she's fluffy and funny, although, I think she's funnier than I and writes a heck of a lot better. So if you want a good laugh and a sneak peak into the life, trials and tribulations of a 32 (there Andria, I corrected it) year old mother of 4 adorable little boys (my addition to that, not hers), a music teacher, wife and fighter of the fluff, go on over: http://fattyandi.blogspot.com/ She also has a fan page on her Facebook, so if you like this blog, join her fan page...oh wait, I haven't yet, but then I'm her biggest fan...I don't need to sign up for no stinkin' fan page!! LOL

Right now I'm listening to one of my many stations I've developed on Pandora. I love Laura Nyro, who died much too young. If you haven't heard of her, Google her and see all the wonderful music she sang and wrote, made famous by other singers and groups, such as , Barbara Streisand, Three Dog Night, The Band, The Fifth Dimension and many others and if some of you do not recognize some of the above artists, then Google them!!! LOL

I'm reading another book for book club, but this time, it's a children's book. The sponsor of this months literary evening, is an elementary school librarian. After our first meeting of book club ladies, Carolyn brought me home since I was on her way. We discussed our love for children's literature and how I've been collecting it for years, even though my daughter took the bulk of my collection when she began her family, but I have continued since. She decided to pick a very sweet story about a rabbit, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane." I called my 10 year old grandson and asked him if he had ever read it and he had, in 3rd grade!! He told me it was about a "plastic" bunny. Actually, it's about a "porcelain" bunny, but who's noticing. So I took my mother to her doc's appointment on Monday and having the past experience of waiting so long in that office, my clothes go out of style, I took the book to begin my reading! This reminds me of a story my daughter told me about my ex-mother-in-law, who I still adore...her son, not so much! She told Andria that she has dropped some of her docs due the long wait she has to endure in the waiting room. One of these physicians complained to her that her blood pressure was too high, but she rebutted that if he didn't make her wait so long in the outer office, she wouldn't have high blood pressure!! Makes total sense to me...amazing how I haven't stroked out yet!

We entered the office and to my absolute surprise, it was wall-to-wall people. Actually, it's always full, but we're talking full house! I entered and blurted out "Holy Sh-t, it's standing room only!" Some of the patrons laughed but not Church Lady, who we ended up sitting next to...she didn't think I was "special" at all (remember Dana Carvey's "Church Lady" on Saturday Night Live back when it was still funny)! I don't know if you're familiar with certain little quirks we beaners have, well, not all of us, but around here, it's the norm. Doctor's visits are obviously a family affair..."toda la familia!" A lady who was new in our fair city, asked me once why there are signs in some offices that specify only a certain amount of people can wait in the outer office...I almost fell over from laughing!! I explained the "toda la familia" syndrome that afflicts many of the population here in ol' El Paso.

Well, back to the doctor's office experience the other day, Church Lady and her mother were led back to the patient's waiting room, when a "toda la familia" came into the office, 4 friggin' generations of them!! There was the great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and 2 small children, one of them being about 12-14 months. Now I love kids just like the next person (lies, Georgina, you hate all children including your own), ok, well, maybe not all children, hey, I like mine, sometimes, and my grandsons all the time!! LOL They called in the great-granny, the actual patient and the grandmother, daughter I assume, escorted the little old woman into the back, leaving the mother and the two little ones. All I could think was this woman doesn't get out much because she struck up a conversation with the women sitting next her and the entire time, never came up for air!! The toddler was growing impatient, as toddlers tightly strapped into strollers do, and the mother was oblivious to her complaints, unfortunately, everyone else was quite aware! The problem was that they were sitting next to me. The child cried, wailed at times, threw her bottle and then proceeded to throw it at me...oh no, you didn't!!??!?!? I tapped the mother on her arm and proceeded to explain to her that her child was becoming irritated and was attempting to get her attention...she then told me she doesn't speak English, so I translated my comment to her. Her reply was that the kid does it all the time, and returned to her yammering to the poor souls next to her. The little darling returned to her "usual" behavior and again, launched the bottle my direction. I politely picked it up and set it on the table next to my seat, without any comment or glances and returned to my bunny story. The mother turned around and I assume was ready to give me a piece of her mind, but before she could get a word out, she was met with many tongue lashings from the other people who watched and had to endure her child's shenanigans.

This again, reminds me of another story. We had this cat, Purcy, who was constantly victimized by this neighborhood bully cat. I guess Purcy had enough one afternoon, so he lead this cat in a chase through the metal gate into our backyard, bully kitty right behind him. There standing at the entrance of the gate, were our two doggies, our Belgium Shepard, Charro, and our little Benjie type terrier, Edgar. Well, fur flew and I watched Purcy on the wall watching the show and bathing himself while being entertained by his canine buddies. Needless to say, that cat never bothered our Purcy ever again. Except for me sitting on a wall and lapping myself, that's about how it went in that out office...verbal fur was flying and the irate mother took her two little sweeties outside...bu-by!!

Now for something completely different (Monty Python fans may recognize that one), but the other night I was watching television and this commercial came on. It was an advertisement for a Time-Life music library selection, a set of classical music CD's. As I listened to some of the samples of music, all that came to mind was, "Kill the wabbit, kill wabbit, kill the wabbit!!" Thank you Warner Bros. for introducing me to opera and classical music at such a young age...it left it's mark! Oey vey!!! Well, that's about all, my friends. I plan on going into my newly organized and clean studio, backache and all, and begin creating again. Have a great week and peace out.

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T09:41:00.002-07:00

Here's wishing you all (or y'all if your from these parts) a wonderful, happy and safe New Year. I want to take the time to thank all of you, my bloggy buds for leaving wonderful, heartfelt, loving and just too funny comments throughout my year of rants and art, or art and rants!! That comment reminds me of the time I asked my now deceased, wonderful Pop, when I was about 7 years old, if he suffered during the Great Depression. He said there was always food on the table, for breakfast, they would have beans and tortillas, for lunch, beans and tortillas, so I figured he had the same thing for dinner, but he said absolutley not, for dinner, they'd have tortillas and beans!!!! Para-pum!! Ok, you saw that one coming, but I was 7 for heaven's sake!!

So, I shall post my last blog here for this year and will return next year with more art and rants and even throw in a recipe or two....how about my recipe for Menudo??? I can just imagine what a particular gentleman in CT is doing just about now!!! Tristan, are you there???? LOL Off I go into the confines of my kitchen to cut the "panza" (stomach) sounds so much nicer in Spanish, and take out as much fat as possible, clean it thoroughly and throw into the my big stew pots with the pozole (hominy), ox tail, green onions and later, add the red chile sauce. Will cut up the limes, green onions, open up a brand new package of Mexican oregano and red chile seeds, heat up the bolillos (small French style rolls) and serve up a nice steaming bowl of menudo to warm the belly and heart. I'll have friends and family stopping by tomorrow, Tupperware in hands, for a bowl of my soup and leave here with great satisfaction and full container of my tasty treat.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, MY FRIENDS. Peace out.

Straight No Chaser - The Christmas Can-Can (With A Special Greeting)

2010-12-23T11:10:00.001-07:00

Sending you all the best of Christmas cheer, laughter, love and lots of eating!! I'm dedicating this song to my buddy, Cindi at http://oldblackcatboo.blogspot.com/. Enjoy this, my friend....hope it makes you smile!! Loves y'all. Peace out.

Christmas Cookies And Then Some

2010-12-19T12:06:00.013-07:00

Well, it's that time of year that the elf gets her fat arse in the kitchen and start making all those deliciously fattening, sweets for family and friends. The insanity began Friday. I mailed off my last Christmas gift to my buddy in Austin, then returned to my kitchen where all those little sugar plum fairies (just exactly what are sugar plums?? Or is it "sugared plums??") awaited for my arrival.

So my bloggy buds, today I'm going to show you how to make Mexican Bischochos. They are these little morsels of pure melt-in-your-mouth pleasure (not orgasmic, but pretty close!) Sorry, TMI, right??? They are a tradition in these parts and I've been making them for years. This is the only time of year I actually well go out and make a special trip to buy lard since it's not a staple in this house. Yes, my friends, it's made with lard and lots of butta!!! Also, due to the close proximity to the great state of New Mexico, state line just down the street from me, I also love the New Mexican version of "Biscochitos." They add anise seeds and pinon nuts. A couple of years ago, when my hubby and I were traveling to Ft. Collins, CO for a seminar, we passed through NM, necessary if we wanted to get to CO!! LOL Anyway, it was October and as we were north of Santa Fe, right off the Interstate, cars were pulled over and parked. I could see families in the wooded area, picnic settings, ladders and sheets of some sort on the ground around the trees. Turned out, they were pinon trees and the locals made a day of it by collecting the nuts from the trees. It looked wonderfully fun and if we weren't in a rush to get up to Ft. Collins, I think we would have done a little pinon nut picking!!

So here's the recipe, pictures and all!!

BISCOCHOS

1 LBS. lard

1 c. butter, (softened)

1 2/3 c. sugar

5 eggs

8 c. flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teasp. vanilla extract

*A little brandy or whiskey to moisten the mixture

*Sugar and cinnamon mixture to use for coating bottom of glass to press down on cookie to flatten

In a large bowl, cream lard and butter together. Add sugar and continue to cream together. Add eggs, one at a time, then cream in vanilla. In another bowl, sift flour and baking soda together. Slowly, add dry ingredients to cream mixture and then add brandy or whisky slowly to get a sticky consistency (not too sticky, but firm enough so dough can form a ball without it sticking to your hands). Mix together and take a 1/2 Tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Place balls on ungreased cookie sheet (I still like spraying it with Pam). Take the bottom of a small juice glass and press onto dough in bowl, then set it down on a plate of sugar and cinnamon mixture, pressing ball of dough to flatten. Always press glass bottom in sugar/cinnamon mixture before flattening every cookie. Bake at 350 for 10-12 mins. till browned. Take hot cookies and coat in bowl of sugar and cinnamon mixture. Makes many batches!

This is what it looks like once it's mixed. When adding the whiskey or brandy (I used whiskey...had a bottle left over from a couple of years ago), make sure the dough is a "hard" sticky...ok, I'll admit that's a "Georginaism!!" LOL Guess you have to be there!!

Leetle balls!!! Now many folks will put the dough through a cookies press, but after years of doing that and my carpel tunnel really pitching major fits when I did, I devised this version.

Dip glass in cinnamon sugar and flatten...

Big a-- bowl of cinnamon sugar...

Right out of the oven...reeeeely hot!!!

Into the the cinnomon sugar...twirl bowl carefully to coat cookies....

Coated cookies.

So, here is a sample of my Christmas tradition. Today, Mexican Wedding cookies!!! In Italy, they're called "Liar Cookies." Last year when I was in Austin, I told my grandsons and they wanted to know why they were called that...told them to eat one and see where the powdered sugar ended up...around the mouth and on their shirts!! They got a kick out that one and caught them many times sneaking a cookies here and there....I think they just wanted to be found-out! LOL

A random picture of a pot of pinto beans (BTW, the best pinto beans come from CO)!! Was making beans while making the cookies...was planning on making enchiladas, but at the end of the day, I was pooped and made Chilaqueles instead...Enchilada casserole. Here's an idea on how to take the bitterness out of red chile sauce, add some "Abuelita" hot chocolate. It comes in round blocks and I cut them up and add the segments, one-at-a-time till I get the flavour I want.

Hope you enjoyed reading about some of my beaner traditions. It's late and I need to get into the kitchen and continue with the Diaz Bake-Off. Take care and if I don't send you all Christmas salutations, have a very Merry Christmas. Love you all!! Peace out.