MAYhem and Mellowing

May has been a month of highs and lows...some tough personal/family issues to deal with adding to the mayhem, but finally being done with most travel for the season has led to some much need mellowing!

31 May 2009 Photo: Joining The Cult

Well it has finally happened, I've joined the iphone cult. It was not expected, but my work phone finally died and it happened. When I inquired if I would be getting a new tilt or a refurb or at best a blackberry, the email came back saying it was being replaced with an iphone. I wrote back..."Are you kidding?" I am now glad I rigged my old phone to work for the last few months with a rubber band and a prayer because if I had gotten it replaced in March when it started acting up, there would be no iphone in my world right now.

My friend refers herself to an iphone widow...I don't think I am that bad but you will have to ask Bill. The land of the apps is yet to be thoroughly explored since I've only had it for a few days, but all in good time. For now, I am happy to be reconnected!

30 May 2009 Photo: I Want To Ride My Bicycle

Riding your bikes through the ages...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF-VwjPNLr0 (1890's)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9U-Rzd7Lqs (1960's)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CTPLUcQAjk (1970's)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxoiYCmgYJc (2000's)

29 March 2009 Photo: A Few Of My Favorite Things

Raindrops on roses...or irises and whiskers on kittens. Click on the photos...looks much cooler when bigger so you can really see the details.

28 May 2009 Photo: We Are Family

One of my sisters is going in for surgery today so this blog is dedicated to her. Family is very important to me and I don't always tell them so my thoughts and love are going out to all of them today. I was still in high school when we lost my mom to cancer, and my siblings really took care of me and helped me to become the person I am today. Thank them or blame them as you see fit.

I obviously did not take this picture since I am in it. This picture was taken of me (right) and Tra (left) circa 1973/4. As you can see we were fashionistas even back then!

The song below is the one my brothers/sisters and I danced to at my wedding in lieu of the tradition father/daughter dance...I love you guys!

We are family
I got all my sisters (and brothers) with me
We are family
Get up everybody and sing

Everyone can see we're together
As we walk on by
And we fly just like birds of a feather
I'm not telling no lie
All of the people around us to say
Can we be that close
Just let me state for the record
We're giving love in a family dose, yeah

We are family
I got all my sisters (and brothers) with me
We are family
Get up everybody and sing

Living life is fun and we've just begun
To get our share of the world's delights
High hopes we have for the future
And our goal's in sight
No we don't get depressed
Here's what we call our golden rule
Have faith in you and the things you do
You won't go wrong, oh no
This is our family Jewel, yeah

We are family
I got all my sisters (and brothers) with me
We are family
Get up everybody and sing

27 May 2009 Photo: It Tolls For Thee

We had some much needed rain last night, but this morning there has been some filtered sun. At least we got enough rain to water the plants and lawn (which was starting to turn brown). Since it has warmed up, we have been putting out all the lawn and yard decorations/chairs/etc this past weekend and the bells made it to the fence this year since our thermometer that was hanging there broke this winter. In honor of the bells, I recall having to memorize this John Donne poem in high school and it still sticks in my head.

No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manner of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.

26 May 2009 Photo: Planting Pineapple

Since I love pineapple and can't grow real pineapples in my planting zone, I have to settle for some pineapple coleus. I love the colors of this plant and have placed it my garden next to the fishnet stocking coleus! Who makes up these names and how do I get THAT job?

25 May 2009 Photo: The Schmetterling Effect

I found the following info at http://www.thebutterflysite.com/index.html

"In French, the word “butterfly” translates into the wonderfully melodic, rolling “papillon.” Have you ever seen the breed of dog known as the Papillon? If you see this dog from the back, you will no doubt notice that its long, full ears and the markings on them resemble a butterfly with its wings spread.

In the Filipino language, “paruparo” means butterfly.

People in Portugal call butterflies “borboleta,” while in Spain, Mexico, and other Spanish speaking countries, the winged darlings are known as “mariposa.”

If you spot a butterfly while you are in Germany, you call it a “schmetterling,” which is charmingly lyrical. It sounds like the kind of creature that belongs in a book by Dr. Seuss!

The Italian translation is quite beautiful as well: when in Rome, do as the Romans, and call the butterfly a “farfalla.”

Those who speak Romanian know the butterfly as the “fluture,” which sounds exactly like it looks – like you are saying “future,” but with an L in it.

If you find yourself in Lithuania, make sure to point out the beautiful “drugelis.”

If you are speaking Danish, then you are seeing a “sommerfug” whenever you see a butterfly."

Schmetterling...I like the way that word sounds. Next time I see a beautiful winged creature I am going to yell "schmetterling" instead!

24 May 2009 Photo: Burn Baby Burn

One of the perks of living out in the country is being able to burn yard waste. Does that make me sound like a pyro? Anyway we had some large tree limbs come down last week in the wind storm and what the town didn't take away we burned up in our fire pit. I love watching fires (controlled ones) burn. This fire was was going good because we had a lot of VERY dry debris.

23 May 2009 Photo: Summer Dreams

Memorial Day Weekend...as a kid, that meant the official opening of Misquamicut Beach. As an adult, it has meant our National Professional Conference for the last 12 years. However, this year I am not going to the conference in LA and I am thrilled about it.

Today we put together our newest purchase as pictured above. I LOVE this gazebo. This is our third gazebo in as many years and we hope this one makes it more than one season. Our outdoor space is so peaceful and comfy. I could not make it through the summer without our outdoor living room so I am glad we replaced it. Thanks to Bill and his parents for indulging me to get it together this morning! Below is the one from last year that blew down in the wind storm...the new one is much nicer.

22 May 2009 Photo: Perfecto Prosecco

I was getting ready to recycle this bottle of Prosecco and the early morning light looked so inviting. This it the sparkling wine from Italy that Bill bought me for my 40th Birthday Spa Weekend at Mirbeau. I love the reflection of the sunrise and trees on the bottom of the bottle.

21 May 2009 Photo: Between The Cracks

Just some moss like stuff growing between the cracks of our slate patio. I was so excited to finally get to spend time outside to notice. With the holiday weekend quickly approaching and the weather forecast looking good, I suspect there will be a lot of outside time this weekend!

20 May 2009 Photo: Signs Of Summer

Adirondack chairs are such a sign of summer! Today was in the 80's and sunny...also a sign of summer!!! Can you tell I am excited for summer.

19 May 2009 Photo: Wheel Web Weaving

Bill was staining our deck today and we were outside enjoying his "union" break when I spotted this spider web in the wheel well of my car. It was hard to go back inside to work because it is gorgeous out there. Can any hear that...it's my hammock calling!

18 May 2009 Photo: Graffiti Rock Garden

As I was walking through the Detroit airport, I noticed a container that had rocks written on them. These graffiti rocks ranged from professing undying love to commemorating travelers' journeys. If only I had a marker, I could have left one too...next time!

17 May 2009 Photo: Inchworm...I Love You!

Today we went to Minnehaha Park and as luck would have it, we found an inchworm. After playing with it for some time, I placed the inchworm on a railing so that he could be today's subject. It brought back memories of my childhood since one of my favorite toys as a kid was the Radio Flyer Inchworm. To my surprise and happiness, I found that this childhood fave is back in production! If you don't remember it or are too young, you can check it out on the link below. Make sure you also take a look at the vintage commercial on this webpage...it is classic! http://vintage-toys.blogspot.com/2007/11/vintage-1970s-hasbro-inchworm-riding.html

16 May 2009 Photo: Nice Legs

I was sitting in the kitchen at Cathy's house talking to Bill on the phone and playing with the remnants of a glass of red wine. The overhead light was catching the shadows just right to show off this wine's legs. The French call them tears but I think I like legs better! Many people think the legs show the quality of the wine but that is not true. It's just wine snobs playing with their alcohol! http://www.wineeducation.com/legs.html

15 May 2009 Photo(s): Born With A Silver Spoon

I finally got to meet Alex, my friends Cathy and Chad's baby. And I am IN LOVE! He is just a wonderful baby and so happy. That smile...those eyes...listening to him discovering the range of his voice..all of it is such a treat.

Today Cathy brought me to the Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis so I could see the Spoon Bridge and Cherry. We did the first of our photo shoots for Alex and the photograph above is my favorite shot of the day. I am glad I am getting to see more of the great city and am looking forward to the weekend here!

14 May 2009 Photo: Flour Power

I am in Minneapolis visiting some friends. My friend Amy picked me up at the airport and took me on a tour of Minneapolis. I have only been her once before and it was for a conference so I didn't get to see much besides the conference center and the hotels/downtown area. Today she took me for a walk on the Stone Arch Bridge and we went past several old flour mills. I never realized that Minneapolis used to be a hot bed for the flour industry. Learn something new every day!

13 May 2009 Photo: Outfoxed Again

Ok so I am obsessed with our fox family. I look for them every time I drive down the road behind our house. Slowing down, doing u-turns, peering past the train tracks and looking on the logs has become a daily event. I have seen them several times now and even saw the babies feeding from the mom. I could not get a picture of that because it was 5:30AM and the light was terrible. But I did capture this photo of the mama and one of the babies. This baby is staring at me! I have seen at least 4 babies together now. Mona still knows something is living up there but luckily there has not been any problems and we are making sure that she does not get too close.

12 May 2009 Photo: Call A Doctor

The hearts are bleeding! I love this plant but mostly only when the bleeding hearts are in bloom. After they die off, it is not a particularly attractive plant but maybe I can get a heart transplant. HAHA Wow, that was bad! Anyway, for now I will enjoy them live!

11 May 2009 Photo: Wild Child

This little daisy was growing wild in our grass and just before Bill mowed the lawn, I took some shots of the innocent flower. I darkened the background so the petals are the only thing that stands out. Doesn't it just make you want to pull the petals off one by one...he loves me...he loves me not...he loves me...he loves me not...HE LOVES ME!

10 May 2009 Photo(s): Foxy Mama

On the way home yesterday from a long day of looking at bathroom sinks, fixtures and medicine cabinets, I noticed a red fox sitting on a log right behind our house. I practically slammed on the brakes and did a U turn and I think I scared Bill a bit. Anyway, when we got home from stalking them on the side of the road for several minutes, we found a mama fox and her 2 or 3 babies living under the shed behind our house. We now understand why Mona has been sniffing around up there so much.

I captured a few pictures which where techinically taken yesterday, but I figured what better way to celebrate Mother's Day than a mama and her babies. Here's to all of you mother's out there...Happy Mother's Day! And a special thought goes out to my Mom...I still miss her everyday!

9 May 2009 Photo: Neighborhood Watch

Here is another place I don't tend to spend a lot of time...our front porch. It would be the perfect place to watch the neighborhood but I prefer my hammock!

8 May 2009 Photo: Make A Wish...

Is is a weed or is a flower? I suspect the answer to this question has a lot to do with your age. As a child, how many times did I pick dandelions to bring to my mommy? And like a good mother, she hugged me and put them in a little glass. I was so proud of myself.

As I grew older, dandelions became the object in a chant. Holding your thumb under the head of the dandelion you would say, "Mama had a baby and her head popped off" and then flick the "head" off. Now, was it the mama's head or the baby's head? Either way, pretty disturbing.

As an adult, I guess I should be annoyed by this WEED. They grow everywhere, the lawn, the flower beds, etc. I could do without the dandelions in my flower beds but the ones in the lawn don't bother me. And every once in a while, when they turn to seed, I still pick one up...blow...and make a wish.

Here are a couple of fun sites that have "stuff" about dandelions and wishes. http://dailyapple.blogspot.com/2009/04/apple-379-dandelions.html
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewpoetry.asp?AuthorID=83921&id=229526

7 May 2009 Photo(s): Blame It On The Rain

On my way back from the gym today, I heard Milli Vanilli's Blame It On The Rain and when I drove into my driveway, the rain had stopped and I noticed the flowers were bathed in my favorite little droplets of water. I feel like a flower photographer these days but I can't help it because the spring has produced such beatiful specimens and unlike Milli Vanilli, they are not faking it. If you are sick of my flower photographs...you can blame it on the rain! And if you want to torture yourself, you can watch MV here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwrL9MV6jSk

6 May 2009 Photo: Fire Hydrant Yellow?

Growing up I only remember fire hydrants and fire truck being red. As I got older and saw yellow fire trucks, I was dismayed. Wasn't "fire engine red" a real color? I recently noticed this fire hydrant on our street and it was also yellow. Thanks to taking this picture and preparing for this blog post, I now know why hydrants are different colors. Do you? If you are curious...you can find out here http://www.newmarketfire.com/trivia.htm

5 May 2009 Photo: Reading Rainbow

Little colored chocolate chips from when I made the cakepops last week...what does that have to do with reading or rainbows (from the blog title)? Absolutely nothing except the way my mind works around weird word associations. I saw colored chips...which lead me to think of rainbows...which lead back to my childhood and thinking about the kid's show Reading Rainbow. I think it is still around but here is a little video to jog your memory of the old school version of the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6j8EiWIVZs

4 May 2009 Photo: Time Flies

I like the perspective of this photograph. It's the first gift we got when we moved into our new house. Our real estate agent gave it to us and it has hung in our kitchen ever since. I can't believe we bought our house almost 4 years ago - time flies! I figured that is long enough to live with bathrooms I hate, so let the renovations begin!

3 May 2009 Photo: Nights In White Lilacs

I decided it was time for a night photograph. When I walked outside to see what was to be seen through the camera lens, I got a slight wift of the lilacs. Taken with a flash, I captured the brightness of the little white flowers against the darkness of the night.

2 May 2009 Photo: How Do You Solve A Problem Like Mona

Mona has not made an appearance in blog for a while so I figured it was time for another installment of her especially after we watched Marley and Me last night. And yes, by the end of the movie, I was bawling!

She was lying quietly in her bed and when I got out of the shower, I threw my towel on top of her and she just stayed there. After a couple minutes, she finally poked her head out and started singing like Julie Andrews...the hills are alive with the sound of music... Ok, maybe not but doesn't she look like she has a nun's habit on?

1 May 2009 Photo: Call The Plumber

We had a quick thunderstorm move through today. I love thunder and lightening and after today's storm, the skies had gotten blue and the drips were falling from our gutters. Yes, I know more droplets of water...sorry I like and it's my blog! Hope you like it too.