Once upon a time, I found myself in a quirky little village called Fondle Sack. And let me tell you, I was in desperate need of a cobbler's help. My poor sandals were barely holding on, with the broken thong of my right shoe dangling by a thread. So off I went to Mr. Franwerks' shop, known far and wide for his outrageous repairs involving tar and popsicle sticks. Yes, you heard that right, popsicle sticks! Click to read more.
Read MoreLife swells in an instant. Keith and I headed out to pick up Roland for lunch at McDonald’s. Yay! He invited Maggie along. As we drove to the restaurant, Maggie advised of an invitation to join Mollie, Lilly, and her friend that slept over at iHop. We discussed as we got ever closer to McDonald’s and Roland decided the food at McDonald’s was better, but El Patron would be okay. And it was delicious! Then a take-out order of Mexican heaven for Jaspir was added. Talk about the Power of Attraction! Roland is like Jesus with the bread and fishes. If we’d stayed any longer, we may have ended up buying a round for the bar. It is always a pleasure to be in his company.
Read MoreA great Junto today. Larry was the discussion leader and, as always, he was thoroughly prepared and we got lots of hand-outs to help us understand the complex topic: The Ideological Subversion of Biology — political subversion that is. Keith and I were ready to rumble after sparring for two hours at breakfast. By the time the Juntees arrived, we were psyched. After a wonderful discussion, we enjoyed some iHop breakfast for lunch (my turn to buy). I love this day and look forward to the next one already.
Read MoreCarey and Monroe the God of HVAC, spent part of their day doing a little gas line magic at Greenwood. Then some time at Artesian giving Maggie a new thermostat. Here is my sister with her tool bag being a badass. Just adorable as can be!
Read MoreI started working on a new Junto website today. I am super excited about this logo I invented that represents the word Junto in geometric shapes. I love it so much, I want to make t-shirts! Anyway, I have the majority of the design done and about 10% of the content. I am hoping to publish by Sunday. Yay! I love creating something real from a thought in my imagination. Few things make me happier.
Read MoreA home run deserves more than a quick Thank You. Tom scored big on this recommendation and got the full homemade Thank You card treatment. We had breakfast together this morning, where Tom mentioned that he and Maria were enjoying the series and thought it was special because of the edgy topics it goes after - especially considering it was over a decade ago. He was dead on.
Read MoreWhen I arranged to have breakfast with Roland, Maggie was most supportive, hoping a big morning meal would make him sleepy and help restore a better sleep schedule. Not only did that happen as you can see in the text exchange, but he woke at 7:00 am and cleaned the whole house! I think I should get her to reimburse me for the breakfast. RIght?
Read MoreToday just might be the thing I’ve been looking for to deepen our connection with the elusive Roland. Yay! I am so happy. I love Roland so much!
We decided against a “standing” date and time because priorities, availabilities, and needs change. But the great news is that we are making breakfasts together a “thing” for now. Roland’s sleep schedule is third shift enough to allow him to join us periodically for his favorite breakfast. I’m aiming for once a week, more if it works. . Click to read more.
Today was not a true test as there was no prep time and Keith could not join us. I showed Roland my Daily Daisy website and the SOUL site I am working on for my sisters. I also went through Presley’s Projects with him, and tried to tease out if he had any business interests. We talked about Canva and original t-shirts, hats, etc. Also, my idea for a free graphic design company that serves non-profits. We talked about Junto’s history and my monthly version and how I run it. So, we’ll see how things unfold, but I am hopeful. With prep time, I hope to be able to pick discussion topics that are more in line with his interests. This just might be my dream come true!
“A dream is a wish your heart makes …” - Cin
Read MoreMornings are such a delight. I am greeted each day by this naked man in my bathroom looking all Albert Einstein. I decided I needed to surprise him and snap a photo or no one would believe the static electric halo.
Read MoreKeith and BFF Tom Kiser made their annual trek to the Iola Car Show Extravaganza! It was somewhat disappointing. Since Keith is shopping for a Model A pickup or something equally compelling, he was crestfallen by the lack of cars for sale in the Car Corral. Since the sponsors of the show lopped off Sunday for poor attendance this year, it seems the poor attendance has moved to Saturday when sellers duck out early. But they had a great time strolling, visiting, meeting new friend, enjoying the show food, and just being guys. A day together wasn’t quite enough. There was another hour visiting on the porch when Tom dropped off Keith. They have so much to talk about. Friends are precious.
Read MoreSome of the funniest moments in life are jut me being stupid — because it happens so rarely, I think. Although not technically a “butt” dial, it was an unfortunate unintended stupor call
Read More“Now I just need to decide if we will dine at Riviera Maya or El Patron’s. OLE! “ That is exactly what a wrote a few hours ago as I dreamed of some superb pollo drenched in queso and grilled onions and peppers. Warm chips and spicy, fresh salsa. Maybe even some fried ice cream, if my will power faltered. But no. Rather than eat like rich Americans, we thought it more a tribute to Senora Frida to eat like poor Mexicans. We made a run for the border and shared a Cheesy Gordita Box. So let’s call that like middle-class Mexicans. For a minute I thought I might have to make beans and refry them. Although I expected to have a beautiful photo and a rave review, you see my photo and here is my succinct food review: It was adequate stomach filler.
Read MoreI have come to love Frida Kahlo, the quintessential artist/rebel with amazing depth and creativity. I did a self-portrait project as a little art project with Lilly and have wanted to do one of myself ever since. To imagine life in her skin for even a moment was elating. I tried three versions and couldn’t make the eyebrows work. Keith finally had to help me on the final. I used some press-on jewels for dimension, and dared to sport the little mustache. So fun! Then I made it into a greeting card and distributed to members of my family. Now I just need to decide if we will dine at Riviera Maya or El Patron’s. OLE! (Updated: I also used the alpha version of Frida’s portrait to make Ada’s portrait. I know she will have fun embellishing it and suggested she add Dinah somewhere in the mix.
Read MoreOh, man! I am sooooo excited about the next Junto. The pre-reading has got me so fired up. So much to unpack. So much complexity. How will we resolve anything! Whew. I might need to break out the hard liquor for this one. I am also excited about iHop (my treat, my choice). We have been going to lunch food places and I much prefer a good brunch. This will be a perfect Junto day in every way.
Read MoreWhat a fabulous celebration for the whole family plus the Eversons. The food was fantastic, the desserts were otherworldly, and the attendees were full of independence and freedom. By all accounts, the fireworks were wonderful (we went home to defend our house from terrorist neighbors trying to burn us from our home), Sure enough, explosions and embers like an umbrella over our roof. The next day, bottle rockets on the patio. The school next door actually caught on fire from these hoodlum adults who should know better. But I digress. No inferno was reported on Artesian Road, so we can assume some level of responsible pyrotechnics. A great day was had by the elders. God Bless America!
Read MoreNothing says “Independence Day” like Mollie’s strawberry poke cake with blueberries atop the whipped cream. Each bite is a red-white-and-blue fork of freedom. It is the main reason I love America.
Read MoreOne of the things I will miss most not having Kallie nearby is just hanging out. She makes my life so interesting. For example, she invited me to breakfast at dawn. I snapped her up and we headed to McD for some breakfast fair and my introduction into a viral Tik Tok craze involving McDonald’s beloved Grimace and his new birthday shake.
Here’s a synopsis I found online from People magazine: “What is the Grimace Shake trend? Each adaptation starts similarly but ends with different gruesome scenes. Some versions show the person passed out on a playground, in a tree or strewn across a car hood. The trend is blowing up online with videos containing the hashtag #grimaceshake amassing 631.6 million views. Click to read more.
I just adore all those little fire departments from the unincorporated towns and burgs in our area. They’re picnic is pure 1950’s retro fun. Keith and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Although it was billed as a “Car Show", as you can see in the photo of Keith’s ‘55 Chevy, it spent most of the day in a “Car Hide”, under wraps to protect it from the heat and sun damage. Keith too. He actually called it quits after lunch due to the mid-90’s temperatures and oppressive humidity. I passed this year and spent the morning on catch-up work in the blessing of our back-up air conditioner. The early stop allowed us time to nap before the late night of fireworks and partying at Mollie & Dan’s picnic. What a fun-filled day!
Read MoreI had given Lilly and her friend Piper each a box of over-sized colored chalk so they could make drawings on the sidewalk that abuts our backyard. When they had lost their zeal for making masterpieces, they made themselves a hopscotch board. My photo taken in June for the contest was this one of mid-air Lilly. I titled it When We Could Fly. It was my unabashed appreciation to go back to those days vicariously through those little girls. Keith and I had the bonus also of watching all the people out for strolls hopping on the board. I just love living here. We get just the perfect amount of foot traffic. My entry tied for first place, so I know this image hits the nostalgia nerve. I love it.
Read MoreThis is Toby, one of three beloved horses owned by Linda Kiser. Keith caught this shot when he was raging about his pen, snorting, stomping, and tossing his mane. The other two horses were inside getting loving attention, petting, and treats from the kids at the Memorial Day picnic at the Kiser’s ranch. Toby was not going to be ignored no matter how much we all tried, so Keith took a hard gulp and ventured closer to get this shot. Alas, it didn’t win but was an exciting addition to the contest. He titled it Young, Angry Stallion.
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