Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Artificial vs Real



I've got to say, I love this time of year.  Making a cozy fire, turning on the Christmas tree lights, the good food and Christmas movies.

I bought a roll of vintage wrapping paper that had never been used....

My daughter made the bow using the paper.    I  thought it was so clever....


and I like how it blends with my ornaments.


This is my first white tree.  I added blues, greens and  a coppery brown.    My old tree is a "Dickens" old fashioned style.  I needed a change.  I do love a real Christmas tree, but I find that they dry out too fast here in Arizona.  As a child we always had a fresh one and it was hard at first to give in to the artificial trees.  I kept thinking my family would probably disown me if they knew.  But at least I don't have the nasty pine needles all over my floor.  If only I could have the fresh pine scent!


Monday, November 26, 2012

Goats, Art, Family and Friends


A glorious fun filled 4 days of having all my children home for Thanksgiving!  The meal went off without a hitch.  The boys brought their girlfriends & spent the evening playing card games.  The following day, we went for a hike in the woods & that evening out to dinner for my second son's birthday.  Caught a glimpse of the Christmas Light Parade.  All in all a great time!



These 2 cuties are going to be the newest edition to our family!  We went out for a visit after being informed these 2 boys were available.  I have always wanted goats & after checking with the city codes, we are allowed to have 2 goats since we have almost an acre.
So excited, this will help with the empty nest syndrome!  My 2 new babies!


My artist friend Jim had an open house at his glass blowing studio......
I love this glass eye....

Jim has lots of cool stuff in his studio....

His vintage BMW police bike....



These glass peppers are adorable .......




After watching the whole process, I am so impressed & have a greater appreciation for the glassmaking business.................






It's a devilish HOT business!






Wednesday, November 21, 2012

OWL the Artist

Owl is my Dad's nickname.  I had a wonderful 4 days with him & wanted to share some of his artwork.


                                 This is a block wall in his backyard in Apache Junction, AZ.



     
Dad painted this mural approximately 15 years ago & it has faded a bit in the Arizona sun.  But I think it adds character.


                He's a clever guy....painted cliff dwellings & western scenes in old wheel barrels.


An artist thinks of all kinds of colorful items.  Here is his brick driveway he designed with a Thunderbird in the center.  It never occurred to me before.....he lives on Thunderbird Drive.


Old OWL singing "Ruby" karaoke at the casino this past weekend.  I couldn't believe we talked him into it!  He calls himself an old hippie.  You can't tell, but he has a long ponytail hanging down his back.  After I took this photo, I got in trouble by the security of the casino.  I guess you aren't allowed to take pictures of anyone!  Who knew.  I don't gamble too often.  I have to say though, it was fun sitting next to him at the poker machines.  Dad hit $500.00 on this night!  I think I broke even.

Last year, Dad had a quadruple bypass, a ruptured aorta & had his arteries in his legs cleaned out.  It was a rough year.  Also, he has glaucoma which led to our weekend together.  Unable to drive anymore, he asked me to take him to an induction ceremony in Henderson, NV for his brother who passed away.  Uncle Dave was a Vietnam veteran with over 100 combat missions, U-2 pilot for a variety of test programs, Lockheed test pilot, etc....... He was honored with being buried in Arlington, Virginia cemetery.

Dad & I stayed in a fantastic luxury hotel, gambled a bit & had lots of time to chat on our long drive.
I took him home on Sunday & we spent the evening watching the Steelers play (loose) a football game.

I'm thankful Dad asked me to take him on this trip & for the time we spent together.  It's a wake up call to make an honest effort to see him more often.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

1969 VOGUE Brings Memories

Cute Outfits

Pucci

Looks like today's kids

Mrs. Nixon



A young Maria Shriver



I wasted a lot of time today looking through this 1969 Vogue.  The model on the cover reminds me of my friend Christine's mom in the early 70's.  I thought she was the perfect mother always with her hair done up, giving piano lessons in their perfect house.  I even remember her vacuuming in her gorgeous clothing.  She would send us to the basement & lock the door when she had a lesson.  I loved it though, because their house was like a castle to me with a stone circular tower in the center.  The tower extended into the basement, where the girls had a playhouse.

 It was probably the first time I had ever had real fudge, made with real butter.  Christine kept saying "Isn't this the best fudge?  The secret is to use real butter."  I really almost couldn't eat it because of the richness.  I seriously never had food like that at home.

 My life was completely different from Christine's.  Where she only had 1 sibling, I had seven.  Our house was probably 1/4 the size of theirs.  A room of my own....never!  New clothes to wear, no...only hand-me-downs.  A mother who looked like she belonged on a magazine cover....I don't think so!  I remember looking into my moms closet and she only had 3 dresses.  One of them being a maternity dress.

 Both of our dads worked for the same publishing company and both were handsome men.  I think my dad may have even had a higher position.   Why was her life so picture book perfect and mine was the struggling, crowded, under-fed household?

I'm really not complaining.  I am grateful and happy for the times I got to spend the night at Christine's house.  The memories are vividly burned into my brain.  Mrs. O, I think you were the woman I aspired to be.





Monday, November 12, 2012

TWIGGY 1967

TWIGGY FASHION - TOTE
(C) 1967

I'm excited about this little vintage find!


Sunday, November 11, 2012

Sweet Savory and Fashion

I had a great time Saturday attending the GETTING OUR JUST DESSERTS, sweet, savory and more 2012 event at The Art Institute of Phoenix to raise culinary scholarships......


Local chefs prepared delicious samples and so many chocolates.........



I almost coded after eating one chipotle chocolate...........


Young, cute, enthusiastic chefs showing her handmade headbands which also keep you cool............

Promising fashion designers challenge.....make an outfit out of coffee packaging products.

My lovely sister Jill Smith is the director for AZ C-CAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) who works with public schools across the country to prepare under-served high school students for college and career opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality industry.  C-CAP manages the largest independent culinary scholarship program in the USA.

Impressive event.......so proud of my sister!!!