tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86734451110899115832024-03-13T07:40:45.739-04:00Mopping the RefrigeratorA collection of comments, tips, humor and wisdom(?) to help my readers live each day with a positive attitude.Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-72588563709285189212011-12-18T21:02:00.000-05:002011-12-18T21:02:42.544-05:00This 'N That<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I'm never "ready" for Christmas. However, I do have a bunch of cards ready to mail tomorrow - maybe they'll get there on time....<br />
<br />
And - I've been trying for 2 days to order gifts online. I got a couple squared away, but messed up on the rest. For me, it really is faster to go to the store (but hard on the feet).<br />
<br />
Think I might visit the Super Walmart tomorrow.<br />
<br />
One thing I won't do is shop on Christmas eve. I did a few years ago and had a bit of a disagreement (shall we say) with a lady at Target. Back then I didn't have a cell phone. If I had, I would have called the cops.<br />
<br />
She was no "lady" - and neither was I!<br />
<br />
So I'm spending my days cleaning up after the puppy. She's getting it - slowly - and is probably wondering in her little head why Momma is so interested in her bodily functions.<br />
<br />
She eats like a little pig. Gained 2 pounds in the first 10 days we had her!<br />
<br />
On another note, there's nothing like a good movie to take one away from holiday stress and puppy stress. Last night I watched <u>Super 8</u>.<br />
<br />
If you're a sci-fi fan, make sure you see it some time. And if you're not, I think you still might like it. It's got kids, zombies, a space monster, a sweet romance, lots of action, explosions and mystery. It might scare little kids, but for grown up and half grown kids it's a great movie:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbgLq7QM1oE/Tu6XJ0RR2uI/AAAAAAAAAjg/d-CU9R1viQY/s1600/Super8One.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266px" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbgLq7QM1oE/Tu6XJ0RR2uI/AAAAAAAAAjg/d-CU9R1viQY/s400/Super8One.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kids - Amateur Movie Makers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcrWfW2CYhU/Tu6Wko7ohxI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/TxiGIgDU2ws/s1600/Super8Two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168px" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcrWfW2CYhU/Tu6Wko7ohxI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/TxiGIgDU2ws/s400/Super8Two.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here Comes the Space Alien!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpe5Wsg9OPY/Tu6W9wgJvEI/AAAAAAAAAjY/_UmFnfNJJCM/s1600/Super8Three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266px" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpe5Wsg9OPY/Tu6W9wgJvEI/AAAAAAAAAjY/_UmFnfNJJCM/s400/Super8Three.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.... And There It Goes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Did I mention it was produced by Steven Spielberg (think ET)?<br />
<br />
That's it for now. Hope you're having a wonderful day - and don't worry about being "ready" for the holidays!<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-20740456883222455312011-12-08T10:50:00.000-05:002011-12-08T10:50:20.095-05:00Family Addition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><em><u>Faith speaks:</u></em><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bo357vsN_UE/TuDVj2NVduI/AAAAAAAAAjE/pNK6Cxd7sDA/s1600/ChicaThreeMonthsOld.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" mda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bo357vsN_UE/TuDVj2NVduI/AAAAAAAAAjE/pNK6Cxd7sDA/s200/ChicaThreeMonthsOld.JPG" width="126px" /></a>Y'know, they just won't leave well enough alone!</div><br />
When I adopted these two mommas, there was a dog in their house already. The dog refused to leave, so I have been nice enough to let him stay.<br />
<br />
But now they've done it. They've really done it!<br />
<br />
Last week they brought home a puppy.<br />
<br />
That thing piddles and poops everywhere, barks at me, and even had the nerve to sneak up behind me, with her tail waggin', like it was a game or something!<br />
<br />
The first time she piddled in the living room I covered it up with my own pee and that made Momma Carol very angry. Well - if you don't want my help - OK, I won't do that again!<br />
<br />
I explain to this dog with every creative growl and hiss that I know, and I've bopped her on the head a couple of times too, but she just won't leave.<br />
<br />
Man, can she let out a yelp - somewhere an octave above high C - so loud and so high that I'll bet they can hear it for miles! She does that when I bop her one - heh, heh.<br />
<br />
I'm tellin' ya, she'd better learn her place around here or there's gonna be blood!<br />
<br />
<em><u>Faith's momma (Carol) speaks:</u></em><br />
<br />
No, there won't be blood, Faith.<br />
<br />
The new puppy is Chica. Chica is a street child from Puerto Rico. We were told that there are a lot of dogs there who run loose on the streets and don't use birth control (shame!). Chica was three months old and weighed seven and a half pounds when we adopted her. She's very lovable but also quite feisty. She just won't back down from Faith.<br />
<br />
Faith comes to me and "talks" about her unhappiness, in a variety of growls and whines. I feel for her. She's getting extra petting and brushing these days to make up for her stress.<br />
<br />
I have no doubt Faith will continue to be the "Alpha" here, and the puppy will survive, and peace will prevail once more, but for now the adjustment is quite entertaining.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I also believe that <u>eventually</u> piddles and poops will learn that <u>outside</u> is where you put it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfe3vNRyOvs/TuDVayCKxuI/AAAAAAAAAi0/K_ZVQ04TrBw/s1600/FamilyNapTimeDogs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241px" mda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfe3vNRyOvs/TuDVayCKxuI/AAAAAAAAAi0/K_ZVQ04TrBw/s400/FamilyNapTimeDogs.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Nap Time (dogs)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dALxN9xE7Og/TuDVdNh7OWI/AAAAAAAAAi8/DwGo39uYpN0/s1600/FamilyNapTimeFaith.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273px" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dALxN9xE7Og/TuDVdNh7OWI/AAAAAAAAAi8/DwGo39uYpN0/s400/FamilyNapTimeFaith.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Nap Time (Alpha Cat)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-81691252048101071452011-12-03T14:32:00.001-05:002011-12-03T22:00:53.156-05:00OK OK!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">OK I'm back! I'm OK!</div><br />
You're OK!<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>No reason for the long break, really; just lost interest for a little while.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, October 19th was my one year anniversary on this blog. In that time I had over 11,000 page views, from 10 different countries. My posts prompted 254 comments this year. Thanks y'all!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I wrote 123 posts this year. That's almost one every three days.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">By far my most popular post was, <u>Flying Purple People Eater (FPPE</u>). It was viewed 366 times.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>I have a theory about that, which was suggested by a bit of spam that came through. In the spam comment there was a hint that FPPE may have been some sort of communication code involved in the "Arab Spring." Really! It was not the usual spam, which is full of advertising links. Instead, it was a message about prison and being captured, etc.<br />
<br />
I hope the guy got away, at least I <u>think</u> I do....! The Internet is a <u>fascinating</u> place!<br />
<br />
My second most popular post was <u>Still Life, With Potatoes</u> - a recipe post, of course. My recipe for hash browns prompted several comments and 2 recipe contributions (french fries in the oven and sweet potatoes in the crock pot). Thanks, Jude and Paul!<br />
<br />
I have 4 followers, and thank you for your extra support. Folks who read me regularly, would you like to become a follower? It's relatively easy, I think.<br />
<br />
You don't get a prize for becoming a follower - just my thanks, praise, gratitude, prayers for a good life, etc.<br />
<br />
The folks who have found me by accident have "googled" some interesting phrases, such as:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>dali</li>
<li>eggs and hashbrowns</li>
<li>purple people eater</li>
<li>sad momma pictures</li>
<li>purple people</li>
<li>tupperware cat</li>
<li>a mopping refrigerator (now, there's an idea!)</li>
<li>dish pan purple</li>
</ul>In the meantime, I've been busy with projects and so on. Here are some pictures for you. Art Basal is in town:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6aJrG0PZLvE/TtpxZyO6J8I/AAAAAAAAAiE/P73z_lhMB_0/s1600/Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="289px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6aJrG0PZLvE/TtpxZyO6J8I/AAAAAAAAAiE/P73z_lhMB_0/s320/Title.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvv9zWHWUAs/TtpxdpnbcNI/AAAAAAAAAiM/7kqB2d2dZEU/s1600/BlueWoman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvv9zWHWUAs/TtpxdpnbcNI/AAAAAAAAAiM/7kqB2d2dZEU/s320/BlueWoman.jpg" width="256px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rveqAuaHWOY/Ttpxi-Q47AI/AAAAAAAAAik/13QD4WmZP40/s1600/Shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="230px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rveqAuaHWOY/Ttpxi-Q47AI/AAAAAAAAAik/13QD4WmZP40/s320/Shoes.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shoe thing has gone too far!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-de4ZzKIFSfo/TtpxkFYpxEI/AAAAAAAAAis/Q63mBW3Yd20/s1600/FocusOnTheHand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="212px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-de4ZzKIFSfo/TtpxkFYpxEI/AAAAAAAAAis/Q63mBW3Yd20/s320/FocusOnTheHand.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look carefully - at the visitor's hand!<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBxmEBuNkE0/TtpxheE9HZI/AAAAAAAAAic/7iX5cHPt4as/s1600/PeopleInWater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBxmEBuNkE0/TtpxheE9HZI/AAAAAAAAAic/7iX5cHPt4as/s320/PeopleInWater.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art Basel is in Miami but not literally on the beach - and neither are these ladies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_eNTnYqED1I/Ttpxfd6ZnWI/AAAAAAAAAiU/EzcHDoJBKMg/s1600/HeadOutside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_eNTnYqED1I/Ttpxfd6ZnWI/AAAAAAAAAiU/EzcHDoJBKMg/s320/HeadOutside.jpg" width="245px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What <u>is</u> it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sorry - no drawings from me this time. I have some, but my scanner is giving me problems....!<br />
<br />
Hope you're having a wonderful day. I am!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-18438666700557663532011-09-28T14:55:00.000-04:002011-09-28T14:55:17.123-04:00What the Heck is Turmeric?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">For me, it's <em>the wonder drug!</em><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gm2FuDHGg-s/ToNC0hL3lWI/AAAAAAAAAhM/7v0tr9Ga0Po/s1600/turmeric008_edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gm2FuDHGg-s/ToNC0hL3lWI/AAAAAAAAAhM/7v0tr9Ga0Po/s320/turmeric008_edited.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the thing: I've known for a long time that when I eat curried chicken at our favorite Chinese restaurant, well, I just feel so - - -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Satisfied?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Comforted?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Satiated?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At Peace? ....Yes, that's it - at Peace!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I never knew <em>why</em> until Dr. Oz mentioned <u>turmeric</u> on his show. Turmeric is the thing that makes curry yellow and contributes to it's unique flavor. It comes from the root of a plant native to India, and is used frequently in cooking <em>and medicine</em> in that area of the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Turmeric is recognized for its medical ant-inflammatory properties," says Dr. Oz, "Researchers are evaluating its use to treat high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, scabies and irritable bowel syndrome."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well - no wonder my gut feels good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Turmeric is listed among the <span lang="EN">best antioxidants, per Dr. Oz and the Mayo Clinic. It is said to be good for fighting infections, reducing inflammation, possibly helping prevent Alzheimer's and cancer, and is a great fabric dye also!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can add turmeric to rice or couscous.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can add it to the bread crumbs, flour or cereal coating you use to make baked "fried" chicken.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or you can try one of these:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: purple;">Corn Relish:</span></div><ol nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><li nodeindex="1" sizcache="21"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: purple;">In a large saucepan, mix corn, cabbage, onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, white sugar, ground dry mustard, celery seed, mustard seed, salt, turmeric, apple cider vinegar and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. </span></span></li>
<li nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: purple;">Transfer the mixture to sterile containers. Seal and chill in the refrigerator until serving. </span></span></li>
</ol><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #38761d;">Southwestern Rice:</span></span><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1"><ol><li nodeindex="1" sizcache="23"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #38761d;">In a large nonstick skillet, saute the green pepper, onion and garlic in oil for 3 minutes. Stir in the broth, rice, cumin and turmeric; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Add beans, tomatoes and corn; heat through. </span></span></li>
</ol></span><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1">The exact ingredients for these and other great recipes can be found at <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/main.aspx">http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/main.aspx</a></span></div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><br />
</div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1">Of course, I like to do my own thing, so the other day I cooked half a bag of frozen cauliflower (in the microwave - about 12 minutes in plenty of water), drained it and mashed with a potato masher, and flavored it with salt and pepper and a tablespoon of turmeric. The result looked like rice, so I stirred it up in a skillet with an egg and a few more vegetables. It was delicious "fried rice" without the rice.</span></div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><br />
</div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1">Any time I can substitute a vegetable for a carb is a good time for me!</span></div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><br />
</div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1">So I hope you give turmeric a try, because it's good for you.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1">If you've told yourself, "I would never eat that stuff!" here's some news: Turmeric is a major ingredient in mustard. Guess that's one positive for hot dogs!</span></div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><br />
</div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1">If it's still <em>really</em> not your thing - well - brew it up like tea and dye some fabric! Or make a paste and rub it on your face; they say it removes facial hair!</span></div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><br />
</div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1">Am I......</span></div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><br />
</div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1">the only one......</span></div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><br />
</div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1">with facial hair????</span></div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><br />
</div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3KRWPI333Qc/ToNcG3n8y2I/AAAAAAAAAhU/vmzYzRBj_LI/s1600/BlogBennyArmyCoat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3KRWPI333Qc/ToNcG3n8y2I/AAAAAAAAAhU/vmzYzRBj_LI/s200/BlogBennyArmyCoat.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"></div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1" style="color: blue;">By the way....</span></div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" nodeindex="1" style="color: blue;">Benny was released from the animal hospital and is recuperating nicely at home. We're relieved and grateful for his return to health. (See my post dated September 21.)</span></div></div><ol><div nodeindex="2" sizcache="21">
</div></ol></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-76227717778699072242011-09-22T08:23:00.000-04:002011-09-22T08:23:10.573-04:00"If you be outside....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">....'n you see it comin'....<br />
<br />
Run!"<br />
<br />
- advice from Lottie Williams, only person known to have been hit by a piece of space debris ( in 1997, weighing about 6 pounds)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E4sMTOq4wag/TnsdEntVdvI/AAAAAAAAAhE/9jJCrU-8I3w/s1600/TheSkyIsFalling%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="400px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E4sMTOq4wag/TnsdEntVdvI/AAAAAAAAAhE/9jJCrU-8I3w/s400/TheSkyIsFalling%2521.jpg" width="385px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sky is Falling!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> So this thing is supposed to rain down on our heads Friday afternoon and as I write this they don't know where.<br />
<br />
They said yesterday a person's chances of being hit are about 1 in 3,200. Better than having a car accident; much better than buying a winning lottery ticket...<br />
<br />
Hmmm....<br />
<br />
And they're saying today that there will be about 26 pieces that will actually make it through the atmosphere.<br />
<br />
And the largest will be about 300 pounds!<br />
<br />
OK - hmmm....<br />
<br />
If you're religious, I'd suggest prayer.<br />
<br />
If you believe in karma - ah - do a good deed today. Maybe two.<br />
<br />
If you're an optimist, make plans for the weekend.<br />
<br />
If you're a pessimist, organize your desk and lay out your will.<br />
<br />
If you're depressed, go back to bed and wish it to be over soon.<br />
<br />
If you're paranoid, put on your tin foil hat and keep an eye on the sky.<br />
<br />
If you're Henny Penny, go tell the King - and don't talk to wolves on the way.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0xLGqufeRA/TnsgMehdDVI/AAAAAAAAAhI/yAW_QIOL9do/s1600/HennyPennyTakesAWalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="400px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0xLGqufeRA/TnsgMehdDVI/AAAAAAAAAhI/yAW_QIOL9do/s400/HennyPennyTakesAWalk.jpg" width="386px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sky is Falling! The Sky is Falling!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Boggles the mind doesn't it - a 300 lb piece of space junk!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-85817226113356228812011-09-21T11:30:00.000-04:002011-09-21T11:30:13.805-04:00Benny<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XK8_ZwYJ0ZI/TnlQkV1Jb9I/AAAAAAAAAgk/uYvoxwCVb94/s1600/WeWereBornToBeg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="185px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XK8_ZwYJ0ZI/TnlQkV1Jb9I/AAAAAAAAAgk/uYvoxwCVb94/s400/WeWereBornToBeg.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benny (in new shirt) and Odie (in birthday suit)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Benny - the most lovable little doggie I've ever known. Benny is all wiggles from head to toe.<br />
<br />
Benny never barks.<br />
<br />
Benny's motto is, "Love food, never argue, pee where you feel like it."<br />
<br />
Benny's mission in life is to give love lavishly.<br />
<br />
Sadly, Benny has been feeling poorly lately and had to stay overnight at the Animal Hospital. He's ten years old and he's developed some of those same conditions that plague many middle aged people.<br />
<br />
We all know that dogs and cats age faster than we do, but the knowing doesn't make it any easier to deal with. We're all very sad here, but hoping he makes a full recovery soon.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, some quotable quotes, and pictures:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sD-7o626ols/TnnjJdipH8I/AAAAAAAAAg4/OpVaAWEGATc/s1600/HPIM0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="300px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sD-7o626ols/TnnjJdipH8I/AAAAAAAAAg4/OpVaAWEGATc/s400/HPIM0542.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benny is my "nephew" dog, Odie's cousin</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span lang="EN"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">" No Matter how little money and how few possessions <br />
you own, having a dog makes you rich."</div><dir><i><div style="text-align: center;">Louis Sabin<br />
All About Dogs As Pets</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IOGjzLv3NkQ/Tnn92OtSFRI/AAAAAAAAAhA/culeZYO1xrg/s1600/BlogBennyWithHisBoy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="174px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IOGjzLv3NkQ/Tnn92OtSFRI/AAAAAAAAAhA/culeZYO1xrg/s200/BlogBennyWithHisBoy.JPG" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benny & His Boy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN"></span></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: left;">"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy<br />
licking your face."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bern Williams </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PejcyHIiiWg/Tnnmn0UssAI/AAAAAAAAAg8/tT_Zy8YyC5Q/s1600/HPIM0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="300px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PejcyHIiiWg/Tnnmn0UssAI/AAAAAAAAAg8/tT_Zy8YyC5Q/s400/HPIM0543.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Plays well with cats."</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Benny's a bit overweight because he's such an accomplished begger. When he gets over this crisis I suppose he'll be dieting. I feel for ya, Benny!</div></span></i></dir><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-70220086829228194602011-09-14T12:02:00.000-04:002011-09-14T12:02:57.633-04:00What Were They Thinking!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have to talk about the latest of several recent beatings and arrests of disabled individuals: This time it was a young man with Down Syndrome.<br />
<br />
He was strip searched, punched and body slammed by two officers, right in front of his house at 9:00 in the evening. He had been walking home from a friend's house all by himself.<br />
<br />
The newspaper report says he is 5 foot 3 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds.<br />
<br />
And two trained police officers couldn't get this little guy under control without hurting him? Yeah, right!<br />
<br />
It just so happens that the "suspicious bulge" under his clothes, which was what attracted the police, was - are you ready for this - <u>a colostomy bag!</u><br />
<br />
What is it with people (police) that they have to be so violent!<br />
<br />
Here's the thing: I don't know this particular young man, but I have experience with many DS individuals, including my daughter.<br />
<br />
Beth, a DS individual, actually takes 10 minutes to process and respond to new or unusual information. I know this is true because I have timed her.<br />
<br />
Does anybody get it? She's <u>retarded</u>. "Retarded" is not an insult; it is a highly accurate description of people with Down Syndrome. "Retarded" means<br />
<br />
<u>S L O W</u>.....!<br />
<br />
If your thinking is very slow, you might adjust to this fast paced world (and police officers) by freezing your actions, taking a defensive posture, maybe shouting "no" or "stop it," etc. What else can you do if you're scaired and you can't comprehend the demands that are coming at you way too fast!<br />
<br />
I'm trying to train Beth to say, "Just a minute," or "I need time to think," so that people <u>might</u> slow down a bit when confronting her. (And then she'd better 'fess up if she is indeed the guilty party!)<br />
<br />
Down Syndrome people are said to be stubborn. No, they are not. They're just thinking (and constantly trying to keep up).<br />
<br />
<u>Authorities of all types - and especially the Police - need to have constant training in how to deal with disabled individuals. I can't emphasize this enough, because they (the police) are armed and dangerous!</u><br />
<br />
When I was working as a case manager I had a client who was retarded (not DS), about 20 years old, and not looked after very well by his family. He was hyper-active, and always hungry, and very thin.<br />
<br />
He was also very polite, shy, and cooperative. Truly a gentle soul.<br />
<br />
One morning he walked into the convenience store in his neighborhood and stole two small bottles of juice.<br />
<br />
For that, a police officer chased him down all the way back to his apartment, and shot him dead.<br />
<br />
There were no complaints, no investigation, nothing happened to that officer. Nobody cared about Kerby alive, and nobody cared that he died.<br />
<br />
Sorry, I can't add a happy ending to this post.<br />
<br />
Sometimes we just have to sit with the fact that bad things happen. When I think about Kerby, I know, <u>guaranteed</u>, that he is in a better place, because this world just wasn't good enough for him.<br />
<br />
I'm not bitter. Just determined to do what I can to help. So this morning I sent my comments to the Miami Herald and Channel 10 News. And I am publishing this post to inform and educate.<br />
<br />
Now I think I'll call a friend. And maybe sew something nice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #cc0000;">"Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference."<br />
– Virginia Satir </span><br />
<br />
<br />
</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-85380590422966729852011-09-11T15:37:00.002-04:002011-09-12T00:14:57.547-04:00Henny Penny<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F35hY7xM4yc/Tmz7QVlD43I/AAAAAAAAAgg/1oMtdidcgJ4/s1600/HennyPennyTakesAWalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F35hY7xM4yc/Tmz7QVlD43I/AAAAAAAAAgg/1oMtdidcgJ4/s400/HennyPennyTakesAWalk.jpg" width="386px" /></a></div><br />
One day Henny Penny, a chubby, likeable, not-very-bright chicken experienced - as they say - a life altering event.<br />
<br />
She got hit on the head by an acorn.<br />
<br />
Just an acorn. That's a seed from a tree for you city folks.<br />
<br />
But Henny Penny was prone to hysteria, so she immediately concluded that total annihilation was at hand.<br />
<br />
"The sky is falling! The sky is falling! I must go and tell the King," said Henny Penny.<br />
<br />
So she went along and she went along and she went along until she met Cocky Locky.<br />
<br />
"Where are you going, Henny Penny?" asked Cocky Locky.<br />
<br />
"The sky is falling! The sky is falling! I'm going to tell the King," said Henny Penny.<br />
<br />
"Can I go with you?" asked Cocky Locky. "Of course," said Henny Penny.<br />
<br />
So they went along and they went along and they went along until they met Ducky Lucky.<br />
<br />
"Where are you going, Henny Penny and Cocky Locky?" asked Ducky Lucky.<br />
<br />
"The sky is falling! The sky is falling! We're going to tell the King," said Henny Penny.<br />
<br />
"Can I go with you?" asked Ducky Lucky. "Of course," said Henny Penny.<br />
<br />
So they went along and they went along and they went along until they met Goosey Loosey.<br />
<br />
"Where are you going, Henny Penny and Cocky Locky and Ducky Lucky?" asked Goosey Loosey.<br />
<br />
"The sky is falling! The sky is falling! We're going to tell the King," said Henny Penny.<br />
<br />
"Can I go with you?" asked Goosey Loosey. "Of course," said Henny Penny.<br />
<br />
So they went along and they went along and they went along until they met Turkey Lurkey.<br />
<br />
And Chickin Lickin.<br />
<br />
And Rooster Booster.<br />
<br />
And Pigeon Figeon.<br />
<br />
And Sparrow Darrow.<br />
<br />
And Robin Sobbin. And many others that you may have heard of.<br />
<br />
All of them said, "Where are you going, Henny Penny, Cocky Locky, Ducky Lucky," and so on.<br />
<br />
All of them asked to go with Henny Penny, Cocky Locky, Ducky Lucky, and so on.<br />
<br />
And, "Of course," said the inmmitable, unflappable Henny Penny, who by now had forgotton her fear and was enjoying the crowd of friends she was bringing with her. "Boy, won't the King be impressed with how many friends I have!" thought Henny Penny to herself.<br />
<br />
So they went along and they went along and they went along until they met Foxy Woxy, who asked, "Where are you going, Henny Penny, Cocky Locky, Ducky Lucky, Goosy Loosy, Turkey Lurky, Chicken Licken, Rooster Booster, Pigeon Figeon, Sparrow Darrow, and Robin Sobbin?" (and others you may have heard of)<br />
<br />
Upon learning that they were going to see the King with this questionable news, Foxy Woxy recognized his golden opportunity.<br />
<br />
"Let me help you," he said, "I know a short cut."<br />
<br />
Henny Penny couldn't wait to impress the King, so she and her entourage eagerly followed Foxy Woxy to a cave in the woods. "This is the way," said Foxy Woxy at the very dark entrance to his lair. "I'll go in first, and you follow, one by one because the way is narrow."<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #cc0000;">OK, Parents. Cover the children's ears, or send them to bed, because modern children are too delicate to be exposed to the violence which is about to follow. Ready? OK:</span><br />
<br />
Foxy Woxy waited in the cave and all those silly fowl filed in one at a time.<br />
<br />
And one at a time he broke their necks and stacked their bodies in a corner.<br />
<br />
Foxy Woxy had a full pantry throughout the winter, and emerged from his cave in the spring just fatter than a fox should be!<br />
<br />
And the King never found out that the sky was falling.<br />
<br />
Moral: If a leader uses fear to motivate you, be cautious. If you turn off your brain and just follow the crowd to fit in, stop and think. And if a fox lures you into a dark cave, take a flashlight and a neck brace.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Th th th th aat's all, folks!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-24961028355485548512011-09-09T22:14:00.000-04:002011-09-09T22:14:20.046-04:00Don't Panic, Arthur Dent*<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">ABC News just gave a five minute rundown of what "ordinary citizens" can do to stop terrorist attacks. The gist of it is, be on the lookout for:<br />
<br />
Strangers in heavy clothing on a warm day.<br />
People taking pictures at football games(???) because they might be taking pictures of security.<br />
People talking to maintenance personnel at games or in malls, etc.<br />
People asking about fire drills and bomb drills.<br />
Full trash cans; maybe holding a bomb (I kid you not!).<br />
<br />
All right, already. Those al qaeda guys must be surprised and thrilled that, ten years after the fact, they're still terrorizing the American population.<br />
<br />
We need to chill. Let the professionals do what they're hired to do and protect us.<br />
<br />
And then we all need to remember that the next moment could bring anything - disaster, joy, death, wonderful news, devastation, millions of dollars, a great job, a new love, a wonderful experience, a horrible experience, and on and on.<br />
<br />
The point is, don't ruin today by worrying about tomorrow.<br />
<br />
In 1953 The Communists were going to get you. It said so in the January 1953 issue of <u>Woman's Day</u> magazine, in an article titled "The communists want you!" written by J. Edgar Hoover. Really!<br />
<br />
(There was a recipe on the back, which is why the first page of this article got saved in Mother's cookbook for many years.) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SjzZncV3cJU/TmrAUuW1j4I/AAAAAAAAAgU/Hcros926SXc/s1600/CommunistsWantYou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360px" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SjzZncV3cJU/TmrAUuW1j4I/AAAAAAAAAgU/Hcros926SXc/s640/CommunistsWantYou.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
And I quote:<br />
<br />
"....a Communist National Women's Commission is in charge of preparing special programs for the indoctrination, recruitment, and training of new members....The enemy is here, invading your back yard, your home, your school....They detest our way of life; their allegiance is to the Soviet Union....everything our nation does is wrong, everything Russia undertakes is right....Communists want to make every nation - including ours - a Soviet state."<br />
<br />
And on and on.<br />
<br />
There's always something to be afraid of. If we let the fear take over, they've won already, whoever "they" are.<br />
<br />
Well, they're not getting me, this particular weekend or any other.<br />
<br />
Go out and make it a wonderful day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XoZhXRG8IvE/TmrHbW86CmI/AAAAAAAAAgc/t8slxmcpNg0/s1600/ArthurDent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XoZhXRG8IvE/TmrHbW86CmI/AAAAAAAAAgc/t8slxmcpNg0/s200/ArthurDent.jpg" width="163px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #cc0000;">*Arthur Dent - Character from <u>Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy</u>, a sci fi novel. The guidebook within the book had on it's cover the most important instruction for traveling through space and time: "Don't Panic!"</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-20427074748324407892011-09-09T07:56:00.000-04:002011-09-09T07:56:26.505-04:00Love Those One Dish Meals!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I came up with this, inspired by one of my Mother's 1940's recipes. Not being a professional food photographer, I didn't do so well with the picture, but this will give you the idea of it anyway:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpOcVEzm3tE/TmnzY5jHGpI/AAAAAAAAAgM/7cwiixfDHFU/s1600/BlogChickenRice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210px" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpOcVEzm3tE/TmnzY5jHGpI/AAAAAAAAAgM/7cwiixfDHFU/s400/BlogChickenRice.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
Five ingredients: Chicken, broccoli, rice, cream of mushroom soup, french fried onion rings<br />
<br />
Cook the rice. I use whole grain rice, which takes about half an hour. I also like to flavor it with <u>turmeric</u>, which makes it yellow, but flavor yours however you like.<br />
<br />
Brown the chicken. I used boneless thighs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii4UWgh8BD4/TmnzcGOnjYI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/eh96fXtpWtM/s1600/BlogChickenRice2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108px" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii4UWgh8BD4/TmnzcGOnjYI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/eh96fXtpWtM/s200/BlogChickenRice2.JPG" width="200px" /></a>Layer the ingredients as I have listed them, with chicken on the bottom, then raw broccoli, cooked rice, one can of soup diluted with about 1/2 cup water, and then the onion rings.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. If the onion rings start to get too dark, cover with foil.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We had this for dinner last night - yum!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>And the best part was almost no dishes to wash after because I washed all the prep pans while it was baking!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: magenta;">"I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate." -- Julia Child, celebrity chef and cookbook author</span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-29383124172630662382011-09-06T10:18:00.001-04:002011-09-06T10:22:30.817-04:00On Organizing - And Being "Different"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am organizationally impaired, deficient, disabled.<br />
<br />
My daughter Beth, on the other hand, is a super organizer. She gets that from her Dad.<br />
<br />
Beth comes to our house for the weekend and the first thing she does is organize her clothes - the clothes that stay here that go through the wash between visits but never get put away until she comes back. I tell myself that she'd rather do it herself - whatever!<br />
<br />
After she's done with her own stuff, she starts organizing our stuff, cleaning dirty coffee cups off the desks, putting eyeglasses and car keys where they belong and - without being asked, I kid you not - emptying all the wastebaskets!<br />
<br />
<u>We love it when Beth comes to visit</u>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ds0eg1tQ3_M/TmYka92lzuI/AAAAAAAAAgI/ZaJHf8pQjzk/s1600/FamilyPictures4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ds0eg1tQ3_M/TmYka92lzuI/AAAAAAAAAgI/ZaJHf8pQjzk/s400/FamilyPictures4.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
These photos were taken a few years back, but she hasn't changed very much. That is, except for quite a few grey hairs and her age. She's 37 years old now. Since coming to Florida she has attended an adult day treatment program where she gets instruction in academics, social skills and activities of daily living. Beth's favorite part of the program is the workshop, because she earns real money there.<br />
<br />
Thirty-seven years ago I would get up at night and rock this little baby and cry and cry. Then one night I looked down at her sleeping peacefully and realized she didn't have a care in the world. She didn't know she had Down Syndrome. She didn't know her life would be substantially different than most people's.<br />
<br />
It was then that I started taking her life - and mine - "one day at a time."<br />
<br />
I started noticing that my worries about the future took up space in my head and drained my energy. I also noticed that what I wasted time and energy worrying about almost never came to pass and, if it did, was never as bad as I thought it would be.<br />
<br />
So my motto for life is "one day at a time" or, "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it."<br />
<br />
Makes for a peaceful life. Although, I think I should tweak it somewhat when it comes to housework....!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCmRcQ3pneg/TmYkPF7JFII/AAAAAAAAAgE/IV8tgg3tkWk/s1600/HeartsInABasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCmRcQ3pneg/TmYkPF7JFII/AAAAAAAAAgE/IV8tgg3tkWk/s400/HeartsInABasket.jpg" width="330px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hearts In A Basket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Have a wonderful day!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-58496982625110506352011-08-31T12:34:00.001-04:002011-08-31T12:35:09.163-04:00What's With the Weather, Right?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_h4q47x="118">I can't believe how <u>damp</u> everything is!</div><div closure_uid_h4q47x="118"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h4q47x="118"><div closure_uid_4gn37q="116">It's so wet that we have toadstools in the front yard:</div></div><div closure_uid_h4q47x="118"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_h4q47x="186" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6F0RawNKA30/Tl5Oiuux93I/AAAAAAAAAfs/CQ-1hfpfzFM/s1600/IMAG0005_edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6F0RawNKA30/Tl5Oiuux93I/AAAAAAAAAfs/CQ-1hfpfzFM/s400/IMAG0005_edited.JPG" width="400px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_h4q47x="118"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h4q47x="118"><div closure_uid_4gn37q="118">In true Florida fashion, even the toadstools here are fancy, with scalloped edges like petals. I outlined their shape with pen and added a fairy:</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="118"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_4gn37q="130" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vH0l_ObbVN8/Tl5b7s0aRKI/AAAAAAAAAf0/KQuIyuK2O3g/s1600/FairyInTheFrontYard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vH0l_ObbVN8/Tl5b7s0aRKI/AAAAAAAAAf0/KQuIyuK2O3g/s320/FairyInTheFrontYard.jpg" width="266px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="118"><br />
</div></div><div closure_uid_h4q47x="118">The stepping-stone tile in the picture is covered with moss. And so is my front sidewalk:</div><div closure_uid_h4q47x="118"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IbwXWcUWxHA/Tl5POtm1gWI/AAAAAAAAAfw/e0mN-Whd-rI/s1600/IMAG0009_edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IbwXWcUWxHA/Tl5POtm1gWI/AAAAAAAAAfw/e0mN-Whd-rI/s400/IMAG0009_edited.JPG" width="400px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_h4q47x="118"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h4q47x="118"><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133">Think I'll have to go to Home Depot and see what they have for moss, because it's slippery.</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133">This is a serious problem: I'm concerned that the Chinese Food delivery man might fall - or the Pizza guy - causing long term negative consequences for our happy home, if you know what I mean....!</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133">As for my gardening project, well, due to the rain I haven't done much. But I was able to get everything stacked in the back yard, thanks to Tyler, who mows our lawn. So, heavy lifting done, all I need to do is set up the fame and cut open the bags of dirt!</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133">On a totally different subject, but because I just couldn't wait to show you this picture, look at this neat idea for a snack:</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-qf4BCheY4/Tl5fs_GH1eI/AAAAAAAAAf4/TVmLLlcmNdo/s1600/IMAG0004_edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-qf4BCheY4/Tl5fs_GH1eI/AAAAAAAAAf4/TVmLLlcmNdo/s400/IMAG0004_edited.JPG" width="287px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133">It's a waffle ice cream cone filled with grapes.</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133">Well, yeah, I'd rather have ice cream too (sigh).</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133">Anyhow, time to say bye for now. Go eat something tasty!</div><div closure_uid_4gn37q="133"><br />
</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-75669967353728808902011-08-26T20:57:00.000-04:002011-08-26T20:57:36.347-04:00Back to School (sigh)!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hi Everybody.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z43nyZ2fwhY/TlgzX4F4v-I/AAAAAAAAAfk/9EwlA3EgVLI/s1600/BlogOdieSad1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z43nyZ2fwhY/TlgzX4F4v-I/AAAAAAAAAfk/9EwlA3EgVLI/s320/BlogOdieSad1.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>Odie here.<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_3jk3n4="333">My Momma's been in a funk lately so I'm trying to help her out.</div><br />
<div closure_uid_3jk3n4="334">But, hey, I've been feeling pretty bad too. You see, school has started back up and my Momma Caroline is gone all day - <u>every day!</u> She leaves at 7 in the morning and doesn't get home 'til 4 or 5 o'clock and, boy, do I miss her!</div><div closure_uid_3jk3n4="361"><br />
</div>Now my Momma Carol, well, I think she's just feeling her age. You see, she turned 65 this month:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" closure_uid_3jk3n4="249" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WysBSe4ljkA/TlgyKeri-nI/AAAAAAAAAfg/dHsWeOgi-2c/s1600/CheersCarol2011_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308px" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WysBSe4ljkA/TlgyKeri-nI/AAAAAAAAAfg/dHsWeOgi-2c/s400/CheersCarol2011_edited.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
She looks happy enough here. But that's what you get with a couple of beers and a silly hat!<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_3jk3n4="313">Now she says she's feeling fine again. Whatever it was that got her down earlier this month - depression, infection, aggravation, imperfection - she's better now. She's cleaning off her desk, cleaning up the house (sort of), getting back on track. She even went and bought materials for that raised bed vegetable garden she's been talking about!</div><br />
I'm glad for that, 'cause her bad mood was getting me down!<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_3jk3n4="314">It's tough enough having to wait at the front door for the other one to get home.</div><div closure_uid_3jk3n4="314"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsT0MbTA2uc/TlgzbJGhL4I/AAAAAAAAAfo/X7r1T_X-pRA/s1600/BlogOdieSad2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsT0MbTA2uc/TlgzbJGhL4I/AAAAAAAAAfo/X7r1T_X-pRA/s400/BlogOdieSad2.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_3jk3n4="293" closure_uid_u06ghd="116"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_3jk3n4="293" closure_uid_u06ghd="228">Now, don't mope around like I do. Check out these two poems (limericks) and see if they don't bring a smile to your face:</div><div closure_uid_3jk3n4="293" closure_uid_u06ghd="228"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_3jk3n4="293" closure_uid_u06ghd="228" style="text-align: center;"><span closure_uid_u06ghd="126" lang="EN"><u><span style="color: red;"><strong>County Down</strong></span></u></span></div><div closure_uid_u06ghd="127" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_u06ghd="127" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>A young lass from old County Down</strong></span></div><div closure_uid_u06ghd="127" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>Was arrested for painting the town.</strong></span></div><div closure_uid_u06ghd="127" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>"It just got in me head</strong></span></div><div closure_uid_u06ghd="127" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>to go paint the town red."</strong></span></div><div closure_uid_u06ghd="127" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>Which she did in her night-sleeping gown.</strong></span></div><div closure_uid_u06ghd="127" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_u06ghd="127" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: red;"><strong>by Denise Rodgers</strong></span></em></div><div closure_uid_u06ghd="127" style="text-align: left;">And this one is <u>not</u> about me:</div><div closure_uid_u06ghd="127" style="text-align: left;"><em></em><span closure_uid_u06ghd="163" lang="EN"></span></div><div align="center" closure_uid_u06ghd="160"><strong><u><span style="color: red;">My Long-Eared Dog</span></u></strong></div><div align="center" closure_uid_u06ghd="160"><br />
</div><div align="center" closure_uid_u06ghd="160"><strong><span style="color: red;">My long-eared dog is very sweet</span></strong></div><div align="center" closure_uid_u06ghd="160"><strong><span style="color: red;">He loves to lick my stinky feet.</span></strong></div><div align="center" closure_uid_u06ghd="160"><strong><span style="color: red;">And that is why I'd use my mace</span></strong></div><div align="center" closure_uid_u06ghd="160"><strong><span style="color: red;">before I'd let him lick my face.</span></strong></div><div align="center" closure_uid_u06ghd="160"><br />
</div><div align="center" closure_uid_u06ghd="160"><strong><em><span style="color: red;">by Denise Rodgers</span></em></strong></div><br />
<div closure_uid_u06ghd="141">Mom says she found these at: <a href="http://www.funny-poems-for-free.com/short-funny-poems.html">http://www.funny-poems-for-free.com/short-funny-poems.html</a></div><div closure_uid_u06ghd="141"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_u06ghd="141"><br />
</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-51124796954265202902011-08-13T10:41:00.000-04:002011-08-13T10:41:39.410-04:00Bye Bye Pool!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-7VUJbFa9M/TkaHeqgSgHI/AAAAAAAAAfY/7tcWHpYVCHA/s1600/BlogByeByePool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262px" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-7VUJbFa9M/TkaHeqgSgHI/AAAAAAAAAfY/7tcWHpYVCHA/s400/BlogByeByePool.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
Well, we finally did it. We finally got rid of the above-ground pool.<br />
<br />
There was nothing wrong with it. It's been nice to have - when it's clean; when the weather's good, etc.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, swimming pools take a lot of work to maintain and keep clean. A few years back we hired a pool man.<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_oc2m2c="284">First, the owner of the pool service came. He was a wrinkly old man who stripped to his Speedo in our back yard and did a great job patching and cleaning our pool.</div><div closure_uid_oc2m2c="284"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_oc2m2c="285">After that, though, he sent a kid every week. The kid didn't seem to know the job and even caused some damage. Not so great.</div><br />
<div closure_uid_oc2m2c="286">And pool service isn't cheap either.</div><div closure_uid_oc2m2c="256"><br />
</div>So we - Caroline! - struggled alone to keep it clean. It was not easy.<br />
<br />
Remember when the frogs took over the pool?<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_oc2m2c="287">But now the problem is solved, and we have a nice flat (and grassless) patch which is perfect for a vegetable garden!</div><div closure_uid_oc2m2c="288"><br />
</div>Can't wait to get started!<br />
<br />
By the way, here's my colorized version of Ridin' Along:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" closure_uid_oc2m2c="210" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lZcRpBfweXA/TkaGglcYYbI/AAAAAAAAAfU/_FiPWOWkQ-U/s1600/RidinAlongAug2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352px" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lZcRpBfweXA/TkaGglcYYbI/AAAAAAAAAfU/_FiPWOWkQ-U/s400/RidinAlongAug2011.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_oc2m2c="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_oc2m2c="211">Hope you're having a wonderful day!</div><div closure_uid_oc2m2c="211"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_oc2m2c="211"><br />
</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-77954823287631178632011-07-29T14:08:00.000-04:002011-07-29T14:08:51.656-04:00Hang the Debt Ceiling!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">So, as I write this they're still wrangling about the debt ceiling in Washington.</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">Republicans are fighting Democrats.</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">Tea Partyers are refusing to play.</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">"an no one's gettin' fat 'cept Momma Cass!"</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">Sorry - 60's flashback. (People under 30, ask your parents.)</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">Anyway, here's what I've noticed:</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">I get mail from the Democrats. I see ads from all kinds of political organizations on Facebook. I see the President on TV.</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">And this is my conclusion:</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">They'll get it done. We'll all survive. The world will go on. And all this will have served it's purpose.</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">What's its purpose, you ask?</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">Money. Of course. This whole thing has been terrific for fundraising and gathering the troops for the next election. Think about it: When people get all fired up about something they get involved - and they <u>send money!</u></div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">You may disagree, but since this is my blog I get the space up top. Would love to read your comments though.</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">In the meantime I, unlike those clowns in Washington, am doing something useful.</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">Like drawing pictures:</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvB3nqKV8OE/TjL2Uphxv-I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/MhQPxO7BuE4/s1600/RidinAlong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvB3nqKV8OE/TjL2Uphxv-I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/MhQPxO7BuE4/s400/RidinAlong.jpg" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding Along</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117">That's it, and I hope you're having a <u>wonderful</u> day!</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_h6p1ej="117"><br />
</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-63937725019726138352011-07-27T10:53:00.000-04:002011-07-27T10:53:26.628-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" closure_uid_50sjk8="274" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csTzRwAo0oc/TjAfnfItCyI/AAAAAAAAAfI/vuX5GBflZdk/s1600/BlogColeSlaw3July2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csTzRwAo0oc/TjAfnfItCyI/AAAAAAAAAfI/vuX5GBflZdk/s400/BlogColeSlaw3July2011.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
I've been playing with my blog design a bit. Something I've been trying to include is a little game, like "Bubbles" that I had before. I'm not totally thrilled with what I've found so far (see right ----> ).<br />
<br />
If you wish to try it and comment, please do. I only know what it does on my computer.<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_50sjk8="340">When I was recently on vacation, I went to Boston to visit with my sons. I stayed at the best bed & breakfast in town (thank you Andy) and ate at some really nice restaurants.</div><br />
<div closure_uid_50sjk8="338">But the very best part was hangin' with two of the finest young men in the world! Also, my wonderful daughter-in-law, and another young lady who would be a great daughter-in-law also and - always the star of the show - Penny the pug!</div><div closure_uid_50sjk8="339"><br />
</div>I'm looking for interesting blogs about Boston so I can feature them here. It's a wonderful city.<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_50sjk8="284">On the home front, I can't wait to tell you about the terrific coleslaw I made recently:</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-liJiKhetpT0/TjAdTQtyCUI/AAAAAAAAAfA/PcM8CU1NZFY/s1600/WeddingBoquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="373px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-liJiKhetpT0/TjAdTQtyCUI/AAAAAAAAAfA/PcM8CU1NZFY/s400/WeddingBoquet.jpg" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding Bouquet</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Oops, that's not it! My mind wanders.<br />
<br />
Let's try it again:<br />
<div closure_uid_50sjk8="245"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nE0d0XraDhA/TjAfg2-2RGI/AAAAAAAAAfE/7nSmYUIirkM/s1600/BlogColeSlaw2July2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nE0d0XraDhA/TjAfg2-2RGI/AAAAAAAAAfE/7nSmYUIirkM/s400/BlogColeSlaw2July2011.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_50sjk8="275"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_50sjk8="275">The ingredients: Cabbage (1/2), carrots(4) and apples(2).</div><div closure_uid_50sjk8="275"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_50sjk8="275">The equipment: Tupperware Quick Chef</div><div closure_uid_50sjk8="275"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_50sjk8="275">I chopped everything in small batches and mixed it up with a bit of purchased coleslaw dressing and there I had it - a super simple, very easy salad.</div><div closure_uid_50sjk8="275"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_50sjk8="275">It was so much fun I went ahead and chopped up a couple of raw potatoes, skins and all, for hash browns. The hash browns were good, but next time I'll add an onion - yum!</div><div closure_uid_50sjk8="275"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_50sjk8="275">That's it for now, except I <u>have</u> to say this, to our representatives in Washington: "Why can't we all just get along?" (Thank you, Rodney King).</div><div closure_uid_50sjk8="275"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_50sjk8="275"><br />
</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-25776719733470320642011-07-25T19:22:00.000-04:002011-07-25T19:22:38.114-04:00Therapy, Rest and Relaxation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div closure_uid_2c4fnc="204">The sewing machine is always set up and ready to go at Mother's, so of course I had to make a quilt when I went to visit. This is a baby quilt for Project Linus: <a href="http://projectlinus.org/">http://projectlinus.org/</a></div><div closure_uid_2c4fnc="204"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_2c4fnc="204"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqaI7EV7QIA/Ti3xPVyrSYI/AAAAAAAAAe0/324oa5Iaqbs/s1600/BlogBabyQuiltJuly2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqaI7EV7QIA/Ti3xPVyrSYI/AAAAAAAAAe0/324oa5Iaqbs/s400/BlogBabyQuiltJuly2011.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The Project Linus mission is "to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans." </div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">This quilt, like most of the quilts I make, is about 3 ft by 4 ft, with a very low loft, pieced on the front and backed with a corresponding fabric. I did something a little different with this one. Here's a detail:</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="299" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKK_3VTp08w/Ti3xYn4yF_I/AAAAAAAAAe4/wIhsomHhALQ/s1600/BlogQuiltDetailJuly2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKK_3VTp08w/Ti3xYn4yF_I/AAAAAAAAAe4/wIhsomHhALQ/s400/BlogQuiltDetailJuly2011.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I made each 9-patch block, and then I joined the blocks with a thin strip of a red print. It was made by cutting one inch strips, folding in half lengthwise, and placing on the seam when I joined the blocks. I like the effect, so I think I'll do it again.</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I machine quilted it <u>on the diagonal</u>. That was different for me and, because I don't do straight lines well, I had to draw every line before I stitched it. I like the way it came out, though, and it was actually easier because the bias of the fabric eases better and doesn't pucker.</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Even more fun than the sewing at my Mother's house were the long conversations, about politics, family history, Meadville doings and good books.</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">She loaned me <u>Dreams From My Father</u>, by Barack Obama, and suggested another book she has read called <u>The Peabody Sisters of Salem</u>. I ordered the sisters from Amazon.com while I was in Meadville, and it arrived today. I love the cover:</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="353" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YyxYanQqBlQ/Ti35tGTfvpI/AAAAAAAAAe8/r9J2AwGQ6vU/s1600/PeabodySistersBook-copy_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YyxYanQqBlQ/Ti35tGTfvpI/AAAAAAAAAe8/r9J2AwGQ6vU/s400/PeabodySistersBook-copy_edited.jpg" t$="true" width="276px" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So - my suitcase is half unpacked, because we had Beth over the weekend, went to the grocery store, watched movies, etc. And I have a long "to do" list at the house, but I will take time to read.</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">A good book is the very best therapy, escape, R&R, etc.</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe even better than drawing and sewing.</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">What are you doing for rest and relaxation?</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_2c4fnc="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-75851975980301780492011-07-23T19:08:00.000-04:002011-07-23T19:08:06.405-04:00Momma Got Lost in the Cell Phone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" closure_uid_nm4nfg="172" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5MKVbtTuyxs/TitPyg4TccI/AAAAAAAAAew/5saAgIfc1VE/s1600/BlogOdieToothBrush.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5MKVbtTuyxs/TitPyg4TccI/AAAAAAAAAew/5saAgIfc1VE/s400/BlogOdieToothBrush.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
Hi.<br />
<br />
Odie here. That's me, above, getting my teeth brushed.<br />
<br />
I don't talk a lot; mostly just wag my tail and look cute, 'cause that's what pleases my Mommas (and gets me treats).<br />
<br />
However, I have to tell you about the terrible thing that happened to Momma Carol. This is the honest to God truth:<br />
<br />
Momma Carol got stuck in the cell phone!<br />
<br />
It's happened before but she always got out pretty quick. This time she was gone for 12 whole days!<br />
<br />
Well, I think it was 12. You see, I really can't count past 2.<br />
<br />
Once or twice a day my other momma would talk to her, and she would let me listen, but no matter how hard she tried Momma Carol couldn't get out of that phone.<br />
<br />
I listened. I looked at the door to the office, where she is often sitting by the computer. I looked at her car, but she never got out and came into the house.<br />
<br />
It was awful.<br />
<br />
My other momma said Momma Carol was "at Grandma's house." I don't know what that means.<br />
<br />
By all my observations, she was stuck in that darn cell phone! I know it. I could hear her there!<br />
<br />
Then one glorious day, just out of the blue, she was knocking on our front door and hollering at me. I couldn't believe it; I was so excited I 'bout wagged my tail off and almost peed on the floor (most embarrassing)!<br />
<br />
So, Momma Carol is home again and I can sit on the couch next to here and lie on the bed and watch her sleep. Life is glorious again!<br />
<br />
Momma Carol says she has lots to talk about on this here blog, as soon as she gets organized. She's got pictures and all.<br />
<br />
Just as soon as she goes through the mail and unpacks her suitcase.<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_nm4nfg="193">I was sooooo happy to see my Momma back at home!</div><div closure_uid_nm4nfg="193"><br />
</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-1379254605480839152011-07-06T22:24:00.001-04:002011-07-06T22:25:11.918-04:00Escaping RealityThe Reality is I fly out of here on Saturday, headed for parts North.<br />
<br />
I need to finish a couple of painting jobs and then pack, but I got my "druthers":<br />
<br />
I "druther" draw pictures. Fantasy:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_zRRlx5bqo/ThUUwA_FtXI/AAAAAAAAAes/HBrFstdt3LI/s1600/LeprechaunAndTheWolves+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_zRRlx5bqo/ThUUwA_FtXI/AAAAAAAAAes/HBrFstdt3LI/s400/LeprechaunAndTheWolves+001.jpg" width="395px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Leprechaun and the Wolves</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Caroline and I watched a movie called "Skellig The Owl Man," a fantasy based on a children's book. That's what I was doing when I drew the leprechaun.<br />
<br />
Don't remember what was going on when this came out:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khBNVEAHsbo/ThUTV2Kv0wI/AAAAAAAAAeo/r0D8LC2d3jk/s1600/WhyMyNoseHurts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khBNVEAHsbo/ThUTV2Kv0wI/AAAAAAAAAeo/r0D8LC2d3jk/s400/WhyMyNoseHurts.jpg" width="355px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Man of the Mountain Grows a Tree, or<br />
Now I Know Why My Nose Has Been Hurting</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
And then things started making sense again:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dyu7CqRIykU/ThUSY-ojQhI/AAAAAAAAAek/jovTpAgt518/s1600/InLineAtTheCarousel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323px" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dyu7CqRIykU/ThUSY-ojQhI/AAAAAAAAAek/jovTpAgt518/s400/InLineAtTheCarousel.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting In Line At The Carousel</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
All of the above will be available on FineArtAmerica, of course.<br />
<br />
And now I better get back to my chores.....!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-81498359153231995352011-07-05T17:02:00.000-04:002011-07-05T17:02:51.367-04:00On Getting Away With Murder<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So, a young lady about 20 years old has a baby; no father is mentioned.<br />
<br />
Her parents "help" her with the baby. Don't know anything about the grandma; the grandpa is a former police officer.<br />
<br />
Casey, Baby's Momma, also has a brother, who seems to be a very emotional kinda guy with a victim mentality.<br />
<br />
Casey accuses her dad, the cop, of molesting her; also, her brother.<br />
<br />
Casey's in and out of the house, travels a lot with the baby, leaves baby with sitters not known by the grandparents. The child is away from her grandparents for an unusually long time.<br />
<br />
The grandparents - <u>and this is the part that shocked me</u> - accept Casey's lame excuses for a <u>month</u> before they start really wondering what happened to their grandchild. <u>What is that about?</u><br />
<br />
My Social Worker instincts tell me that this is a very sick family and a family in denial - about a lot of things, most likely.<br />
<br />
My Social Worker instincts also wondered why the lawyer for the defense didn't try to plead mental illness; she clearly is a young woman with - shall we say - issues?<br />
<br />
I realize now the lawyer saw how weak the case was and banked on getting Casey off Scot-free.<br />
<br />
Which is exactly what happened.<br />
<br />
Sad to say, if I had been on that jury I would have voted "not guilty" also - because the proof wasn't there.<br />
<br />
My gut says she's crazy and probably killed her baby.<br />
<br />
My gut also says she needs a lot of help and close supervision.<br />
<br />
And she shouldn't have any more babies.<br />
<br />
But I think, probably, she won't get the help/supervision, and she probably will produce more children.<br />
<br />
I think the down side of our American freedoms and our excellent justice system is that sometimes this stuff happens. Because people can't be convicted on gut feelings; evidence is required.<br />
<br />
In which case I, personally, believe in God, Karma, natural consequences, etc. She'll get hers.<br />
<br />
As for me? Yesterday I renewed my drivers license and in the process donated an extra $5 to the fund to help prevent child abuse. It's not much, but if everyone who feels bad about this case puts a little toward a good cause - well, maybe it'll do some good....<br />
<br />
<br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">“More children 0–4 years of age in the United States now die from homicide than from infectious diseases or cancer.” - David Finkelhor and Richard Ormrod in “Homicides of Children and Youth,” <u>Juvenile Justice Bulletin, October 2001</u></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-1975423581891579642011-07-03T17:31:00.000-04:002011-07-03T17:31:41.627-04:00Froggie News - Disaster Hits Fort Lauderdale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kp4vOnyfSak/ThDaqVa85BI/AAAAAAAAAeM/Sdjlgs08jfo/s1600/frog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kp4vOnyfSak/ThDaqVa85BI/AAAAAAAAAeM/Sdjlgs08jfo/s400/frog1.jpg" width="307px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<strong><u>Breaking News From Frangipani Pond in Fort Lauderdale:</u></strong> Disaster struck today in Frangipani Pond (named after Brad and Angelina Frangipani, prolific propagators of froggie progeny). At about 9:00 this morning, Frangipani Pond was infiltrated by poisonous chemicals, leading to the disastrous demise of thousands of tadpoles and young frogs.<br />
<br />
The details - as reported by four young frogs who miraculously survived - are sketchy, but this is what we can report:<br />
<br />
The poison spread immediately to every corner of the pond, and froggies and tadpoles jumped and crawled to dry land as best they could. Some faced a second threat, THE NET, but THE NET could not move fast enough to catch most of our folks.<br />
<br />
Froggies who survived did so by clinging to the blue and white cliffs on the edge of the pond, and a few clung to a floating yellow island, but many of our brothers and sisters succumbed to the fumes and the strong current which took them down stream and trapped them in a small pool which some know of as THE BUCKET.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gbRUUq8TPBA/ThDbf8wAVcI/AAAAAAAAAeU/aWJK7HSEtlY/s1600/thumbnailCARUKWNB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gbRUUq8TPBA/ThDbf8wAVcI/AAAAAAAAAeU/aWJK7HSEtlY/s200/thumbnailCARUKWNB.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><br />
Survivors, now homeless, are thanking the Great Frog God for their deliverance, and ask sympathetic readers to send donations to: <u>Frangipani Frog Relief, c/o Faith Shoemaker, Fort Lauderdale, FL.</u> Faith, we are told, is a CAT, but can nonetheless be trusted with the money.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For more news of froggie doings in Fort Lauderdale, we refer you to this story: <u>Daredevil Froggie Kisses Ugly Princess - Disastrous Result.</u><br />
<br />
(Ed note: We neglected our back yard swimming pool to the point that it became populated with tadpoles. Caroline tried to fish them out with the net, but they swam and jumped away from it. When she finally gave up and put in the chemicals we had a "mini holocaust." It was very sad - and messy. We have resolved to take better care of the pool in the future.)<br />
<br />
And how was <u>your</u> day?<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-64460385647776179322011-06-29T06:22:00.000-04:002011-06-29T06:22:25.050-04:00Home Improvement - Or Not<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A man named Stuart Hamblen was out hunting with his friend, John Wayne (the actor), when they came across an old tumbled down shack out in the middle of nowhere. They opened the door and discovered the place was a broken down mess inside as well. They also discovered a body. The guy who lived there had apparently died alone, in that old house.<br />
<br />
The experience inspired Mr. Hamblen to write "This Old House," - or so the story goes.<br />
<br />
Some of the lyrics:<br />
<br />
<span lang="EN">This ole house once knew his children <br />
This ole house once knew his wife <br />
This ole house was home and comfort <br />
As they fought the storms of life <br />
This old house once rang with laughter <br />
This old house heard many shouts <br />
Now he trembles in the darkness <br />
When the lightnin' walks about <br />
<br />
<span lang="EN">CHORUS: <br />
Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer <br />
Ain't a-gonna need this house no more <br />
Ain't got time to fix the shingles <br />
Ain't got time to fix the floor <br />
Ain't got time to oil the hinges <br />
Nor to mend the windowpane <br />
Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer <br />
He's a-gettin' ready to meet the saints <br />
<br />
<span lang="EN">This ole house is a-gettin' shaky <br />
This ole house is a-gettin' old <br />
This ole house lets in the rain <br />
This ole house lets in the cold <br />
On his knees I'm gettin' chilly <br />
But he feel no fear nor pain <br />
'Cause he see an angel peekin' <br />
Through a broken windowpane <br />
<br />
<span lang="EN">This ole house dog lies a-sleepin' <br />
He don't know I'm gonna leave <br />
Else he'd wake up by the fireplace <br />
And he'd sit there and howl and grieve <br />
But my huntin' days are over <br />
Ain't gonna hunt the coon no more <br />
Gabriel done brought in my chariot <br />
When the wind blew down the door <br />
<br />
This song has been going through my head for days, instigated most likely by our recent hiring of a plumber to fix a couple of leaks that were causing huge water bills (like, $200/month).<br />
<br />
I remember it well from my childhood, many years ago. Back then we lived in an old house and my Dad was always making repairs. But even as a 10 year old I got it that the guy wasn't just singing about a house.<br />
<br />
And I definitely remember a man singing it, although Rosemary Clooney is the singer who made it famous.<br />
<br />
I like the simple faith expressed in this song, and it's tone of cheerful acceptance.<br />
<br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-198365925214179512011-06-27T22:48:00.000-04:002011-06-27T22:48:58.405-04:00Yes, You're In The Right Place<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">How do you like my new header?<br />
<br />
It's symbolic of my tendency to escape into fantasy whenever I get the chance. That, and, Caroline brought home these kits for making cute little fuzzy critters. Here's the whole crowd:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TV5lsknVLA/Tgk3Jpo32YI/AAAAAAAAAdg/jH2wdj-CMr8/s1600/BlogFuzzyCritters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370px" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TV5lsknVLA/Tgk3Jpo32YI/AAAAAAAAAdg/jH2wdj-CMr8/s400/BlogFuzzyCritters.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
I chose the lady in the tutu, but I do so love the doggie with the green eyes! The following picture would have made a good header, but it was too long - took too long to load, that is. It suggests, though, how I feel about housework:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LnW6ITPZGDA/Tgk4B072eAI/AAAAAAAAAdk/BK-9Pf-XAi0/s1600/BlogHeaderFuzzyMe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LnW6ITPZGDA/Tgk4B072eAI/AAAAAAAAAdk/BK-9Pf-XAi0/s400/BlogHeaderFuzzyMe.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm way too little for this big job!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Over the weekend Beth and I watched "The Incredible Shrinking Woman." I think it stuck in my mind....!<br />
<br />
Or, it could be the fumes. You see, today I started staining a book case. When it's done, it will sit in the kitchen and hold about twice as much as our old "pantry" did. You may notice the stacks of canned goods, etc. on the table; it's been like that for a week and I'm sick of looking at it. The book case this stuff came out of is actually a book case again, in our spare bedroom / office.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-PmWN5FJuk/Tgk6i1CrMOI/AAAAAAAAAdo/Gcl4xkP-Z0M/s1600/NewKitchenPantry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-PmWN5FJuk/Tgk6i1CrMOI/AAAAAAAAAdo/Gcl4xkP-Z0M/s400/NewKitchenPantry.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
We do this every summer - move stuff and re-arrange everything.<br />
<br />
Caroline says it's the best way to clean.<br />
<br />
To which I say - why clean?<br />
<br />
If it weren't for her, I'd just sit in the dust and draw. Here you go:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLsskIB_3qw/Tgk-9jglF7I/AAAAAAAAAds/pCjmIuwxJs4/s1600/TryingToKeepUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLsskIB_3qw/Tgk-9jglF7I/AAAAAAAAAds/pCjmIuwxJs4/s400/TryingToKeepUp.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying To Keep Up</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And, I bought some nice PENCILS at the art store the other day. My first effort:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBWxFSlBM2I/Tgk_042MXhI/AAAAAAAAAdw/GJ8UDKj4yyY/s1600/GrowingLikeAWeed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBWxFSlBM2I/Tgk_042MXhI/AAAAAAAAAdw/GJ8UDKj4yyY/s400/GrowingLikeAWeed2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Growing Like a Weed 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>"An' that's all there is 'cause there ain't no more,"<br />
<br />
Says Faith.<br />
<br />
Gotta feed her.<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-46150551731734043822011-06-17T22:23:00.000-04:002011-06-17T22:23:34.260-04:00Trade Secrets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Not really.<br />
<br />
It's just that I said I would talk about the backgrounds of my drawings, in case you're interested.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's been fun.</div><div></div><div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I made a collage from bits of construction paper that came home from Caroline's first grade classroom.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I dabbed paint.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I took a picture of a flowering bush.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I glued yarn - and bits of ribbon.</li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These were the raw materials. I scanned them into my computer and played with the Photo Shop application, changing the colors, shades, sharpness. Cropping the design and enlarging it. Changing the printer settings, etc. etc.</div><br />
Here are some of the results:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BEwVyp133mQ/TfwAlme5vGI/AAAAAAAAAck/XGX_1Iukp8w/s1600/BackgroundRedRibbon_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BEwVyp133mQ/TfwAlme5vGI/AAAAAAAAAck/XGX_1Iukp8w/s200/BackgroundRedRibbon_edited.jpg" width="158px" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWOwSJle6gE/TfwAxywMVFI/AAAAAAAAAco/SkWNHhZpGYg/s1600/ArtPaper2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWOwSJle6gE/TfwAxywMVFI/AAAAAAAAAco/SkWNHhZpGYg/s200/ArtPaper2.jpg" width="152px" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ldkwRo9FiQE/TfwCiqEpV0I/AAAAAAAAAcs/wHYvT7-IgtY/s1600/NatureBackground2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ldkwRo9FiQE/TfwCiqEpV0I/AAAAAAAAAcs/wHYvT7-IgtY/s200/NatureBackground2.jpg" width="126px" /></a></div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWKyfUfq8mE/TfwC6pojMAI/AAAAAAAAAc0/2zNDKIzA_io/s1600/Background06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWKyfUfq8mE/TfwC6pojMAI/AAAAAAAAAc0/2zNDKIzA_io/s200/Background06.jpg" width="180px" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And, one drawing with - and one without:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQeONVlhPgQ/TfwI-QNj4mI/AAAAAAAAAc8/dAsrsvqoP3Y/s1600/Growing+Like+Weeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQeONVlhPgQ/TfwI-QNj4mI/AAAAAAAAAc8/dAsrsvqoP3Y/s400/Growing+Like+Weeds.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Growing Like Weeds</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-twuuwfr1mCU/Tflqs68YiZI/AAAAAAAAAcY/dV-e55jjIdg/s1600/Sail+or+Swim+G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-twuuwfr1mCU/Tflqs68YiZI/AAAAAAAAAcY/dV-e55jjIdg/s400/Sail+or+Swim+G.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sail or Swim</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: left;"></div>Now I'm working on adding a little color to my drawings without allowing the color to dominate. For me, the line's the thing - and always will be.<br />
<br />
Hope you're having a wonderful day! Bye for now!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673445111089911583.post-31597012206131211602011-06-14T11:48:00.000-04:002011-06-14T11:48:42.322-04:00Found Treasures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07yDUB0hP2g/Tfd3omIt6AI/AAAAAAAAAb4/HNEaX25F8xM/s1600/IMAG0007_edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07yDUB0hP2g/Tfd3omIt6AI/AAAAAAAAAb4/HNEaX25F8xM/s320/IMAG0007_edited.JPG" t8="true" width="159px" /></a><img border="0" height="140px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu28YWOjIoI/Tfd3s7JeGOI/AAAAAAAAAb8/1Zuyv5FULAg/s200/IMAG0005_edited.JPG" t8="true" width="200px" /><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQuttsSi6iY/Tfd3yBn1jfI/AAAAAAAAAcA/HbZCcwNE1wQ/s1600/IMAG0004_edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQuttsSi6iY/Tfd3yBn1jfI/AAAAAAAAAcA/HbZCcwNE1wQ/s200/IMAG0004_edited.JPG" t8="true" width="200px" /></a></div><br />
Look at this beautiful Oscar de la Renta dressing gown:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This is a size small gown made for a tall, thin rich person, but I got it at Goodwill for four dollars. The photos don't do it justice, but I think you get the idea. It's in perfect condition - maybe never worn.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's missing the belt, but that's no problem for me, since I will be shortening the gown for a very short size small person. The fabric I cut off will be enough for a belt and a few other things besides - makeup bag, slippers, whatever.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>It's a lot of fun shopping for "finds" at Goodwill.<br />
<br />
The stuff I <u>donate</u> to Goodwill is usually so worn out they probably sell it for rags. But other people's donations are sometimes just wonderful! And Goodwill gets the money to continue their programs. Some years back they provided job placement and training for Beth, helping her work at Publix Grocery for awhile and then Wendy's Restaurant for about six years. Love those people!<br />
<br />
Speaking of people helping people, a certain young lady has shared with me two excellent projects:<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.reallyreallyfree.org/">http://www.reallyreallyfree.org/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thredup.com/how-it-works">http://www.thredup.com/how-it-works</a></li>
</ul>I don't have personal experience to report on, but the premise - people sharing what they don't want free or next to nothing - is a wonderful way to go.<br />
<br />
Reminds me of the 60's. Guess I'm really just an old hippy after all....!<br />
<br />
So, for all you old hippys out there, and non-hippys, here's another drawing:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHy1wwqKDus/Tfd-ZuIpojI/AAAAAAAAAcE/zGzjbbT2u3Q/s1600/Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHy1wwqKDus/Tfd-ZuIpojI/AAAAAAAAAcE/zGzjbbT2u3Q/s400/Stars.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
Hope you're checking out all my prints via the link in the upper right corner of this blog. They're all for sale (hint!). Even if you're not shopping, you can have fun playing with different color mats and frames, and how they affect the pictures. Oh, and there's other artwork on there too, including photography....<br />
<br />
Next time I write, I'll talk about the backgrounds on my drawings.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href='http://carol-shoemaker.fineartamerica.com'><img src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyArtworkYellow.jpg" alt="Photography Prints" title="Photography Prints" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Carol Shoemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447342166502154301noreply@blogger.com1