COLLEEN'S QUEST

2011-08-18T13:26:00.001-07:00

Source: thingsweforget.blogspot.com via Nadean on Pinterest

2011-08-18T10:44:00.001-07:00

Source: illbeasunbeam.tumblr.com via Colleen on Pinterest

Sweet Lemony Girl

2011-05-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

While looking at my daughter sleeping on the opposite sofa this afternoon I couldn't help but think about her cake request she wanted for her birthday this Sunday, her 20th. Since she is more than 2 weeks past recovery from her tonsillectomy, she requested Lemon Cake...something she wouldn't of been able to eat any sooner. Watching her slumber made me think of the little girl that was so sweet but oh so sneaky! Lemon Cake Lemon Cake...oh my memories of her and Lemon Cake! When she was gosh I want to say about 3 years old our family attended a church where Jim and I were in charge of hospitality. We would bring something sweet and brew coffee for the folks after the service on Sunday morning. I usually made the dessert the night before after the little ones went down and I could bake without someone tugging at my skirt. I had made 3 large oblong cakes and topped them with lemon juice and powdered sugar...when I was finished I covered them all with tea towels and dropped in to bed. In the morning I awoke and went to make coffee and when I rounded the corner in to the kitchen I noticed something right away...the tea towels were on the ground and the cakes were all cockeyed. Someone had strategically scraped all the sweet lemon goodness off the top of each cake! Obviously one of the children had been oh so naughty! I instantly yelled "ANNIE!!!" It was then I heard some shuffling under the breakfast table...I looked over and saw little arms wrapped around little shins under the table. I got on my knees and sat down on the floor in front of her and asked her to raise her head and look at me...I guess I could have gotten angry at her but I told her she had to sit on her bed after church...I remember asking her if the cake was good and she nodded "yes." I pulled her onto my lap and the sight was well "sweet" she was a lemony sticky mess..all in her hair...all over her face..well, everywhere...just precious! Lemon Cake has always been her favorite and to me holds one of my favorite memories of it and her. Ain't it sweet to be a mom?

Tis A Mouse In The Thread Drawer?

2011-01-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

Baking was the first thing in order for my morning as I'm sending off a care package for my sick and weary son in Portland. Between cookie batches I decided to pull out a drawer from the (new to me) sewing table I purchased from an Estate Sale last weekend. The drawer was filled with vintage wooden spools all well used and I couldn't wait to dig in and check out the goodies in my newest stash. I began to pull things out when the timer went off to the oven. I had to delay my dig so I could pull out the cookies. As I turned around I heard a sound coming from the drawer and I stopped dead in my tracks. I am not proud to say crawling rodents are NOT my favs. I have a tendency to freak way out...further out than I want to admit. I gathered my "cookies" and approached the drawer...nothing...not a sound. I walked away on purpose and there the sound went. SOMETHING was moving in the drawer. I went to the right of the drawer...not looking at it...there the sound was. I went to the left of it...again, the sound. Frantic, I jumped up and down as to detect if it were the uneven surface of my vintage cabinets...nothing. I looked like a fool but...nothing. Over to my cookie sheets to scoop more dough onto and then into the oven. Back to the "mouse drawer" I went. When all of a sudden I tripped on something which sent me into the cabinet. I looked down to see that my UGG boots were encased in thread...Unknowingly I had wrapped myself up in thread from a spool inside the drawer! It must have been from all the going around in circles foolishness! I then broke through the thread with one leg and out popped the "thread mouse" from the drawer which was a wooden spool of blue thread...yes the size of a small mouse which made me jump and scream out loud! Then it made me scream with laughter...
I was so blessed to pick up the small sewing table at an incredible Estate sale for dirt dog cheap. The only thing in the room that was under priced. Asking about it the ladies doing the sale said the sewing machine doesn't work so they priced it to MOVE...Lucky me..I didn't need the machine as I will place my machine on top. (Note to self: Give back Chris's machine she loaned me) Another plus...it has storage drawers..something I really needed...plenty of room for all my "mouse" thread spools!

Official Stockman 2010 Christmas Photo!

2010-12-27T10:45:00.000-08:00

My DIY Chalk Beam..haha!

2010-12-27T10:11:00.000-08:00

This is my ultimate DIY project for the Holidays! Actually I decorated it for Thanksgiving with a turkey. It was fun and a great use of an unsightly beam running through the ceiling of the kitchen. We floated it with joint compound...sanded it, primed it, and then painted it with chalkboard paint. Now I can draw different holiday sayings, happy birthdays, scriptures, or kitchen sayings. I love the way it looks and makes an already "cozy" kitchen look even cozier!!

Highlights of the Holiday Season!

2010-12-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

My DYI Fresh Pine Bough Wreaths...smells loverly!

My Sweet Little Charlie Brown Tree!

Missing our #1 son now in Portland...this tree is his.

Father Sean Christmas! What a good sport he is!!

Hand Stencilled Nativity Set

My Lovely Bunco Babes

I had a quiet little holiday season this year. Starting off with decorating what I call my Charlie Brown Christmas tree! It was a sweet little tree that we purchased at one of the big outlets right after Thanksgiving so we enjoyed it for a good long while. I kind of was in the "bah humbug" mood right away as I asked the clerk when purchasing the tree to save the bottom boughs for me so I can make Christmas Wreaths for around the house...well, he gave me boughs but not from my tree, a noble fir. I notice they were selling small boughs of noble fir for $4.98. But when I got home I notice they were all Doug Fir which doesn't always last through the season so I had to bite my lip and NOT be tempted to get in my car or go for the phone and complain about the bough switch. Isn't it funny what get's our goat? I felt foolish about it but right is right, right? Haha! I have to "bough" to my husband though because he took me to a tree lot downtown to see if they had a pile of boughs they were throwing away and right away we came upon it...THE MOTHER LODE of tree boughs. Ironically all Doug Fir but FREE just the same! As you can see in the photos I made bunches of wreaths and even enough for little Maxine's house next door!

But believe me by the last wreath cast I was done with the Christmas handcrafts. It was on to baking and BAKING I did...Persimmon cookies out of the ...well...you know It was A LOT! haha! My beautiful some-day-to-be daughter-in-love Lily supplied me with an endless amount of Persimmons which I still have 8 cups of pulp left in the freezer! The baking continued and I was able to bake Sugar Cookies for my Bunco Babes as you can see them all in their beauteousness in the photo above! So much thanks goes to God for them. With all their faithfulness in praying for our family over the years. I feel so much support from them in every way. They are truly my sisters.

The Cottage looked particularly sweet this Holiday with the wreaths attached and the added shine of the silver tinsel stars. Although illness struck this year I was able to decorate and feel the Spirit of Christ this month. I'm praying for my friends and family that this coming year would be one of prosperity and wholeness in God. Love to all!

The Cottage ~ Christmas 2010

Christmas? What about Thanksgiving!!

2010-12-13T00:56:00.000-08:00

I'm such a BAD blogger..the worst! Arghhhh...going to get these photos posted of our little Thanksgiving Feast in the Cottage. You may notice that the table is set in the kitchen...Yes, that's the oven light on in the photo! Ha! Actually the kitchen is the largest open area in the house! There's only 4 of us so no biggie!
When I think of this little home and how God brought us here it brings me such joy at the thought of it! The owners of the "compound" and our little Cottage ...Bryn, Brent and the baby are more than friends they're family and I pray God blesses them immensely and especially with a successful pregnancy this time around...two people couldn't deserve it more!
Not to toot my own horn but my pie crusts turned out...well...out of this world. I don't consider pie making as my forte...But I decided to make my own pie crusts this year with trepidation sure...but I wanted to push myself into the baking world and I did good! I bow to you Martha...

Yes, so much to be thankful for...and it seems thankful doesn't adequately describe what I feel. When you've been through and continue to go through the fire with an illness that unfortunately there is no cure for you realize that each day you wake up...each breath you take is God breathed, God inspired...."thankful" indeed is inadequate...but with thanksgiving I pray I will use what gifts, what talents He has given me to deserve the days He will bless me with...Luv you all, Colleen

Happy Halloweeny 2...

2010-10-31T21:23:00.000-07:00

What a fun night! All was well in my little part of the hood. The children were precious...especially a little "Downs" Snow White...she LOVED it when I called her gorgeous! Ahhh I could just eat her up!
Jim dressed as Igor...wait...I didn't get a picture of him!! Oh man...he is NOT going to dress in that wig, hump, and teeth another time tonight!!
I'm posting a few pictures of me and the house decorated...my camera is not working at all and I had to give in and use a tripod but it still didn't help...the flash is not responding...time to retire el camera. But you'll get the gist of the festivities. We found this really cheezy CD at the dollar store of scary sounds and this guy with an altered voice saying things like "Igor get the children some candy..." or "You weren't thinking of leaving, were you? Igor get the chainsaw!" We also crime scene chalked outlines of bodies...with the help of Sean...he really got a kick out of doing it. So there were three dismembered Seans laying around on the driveway...sooo cool.
Well, time to put the black lipstick away and cut down the neon green spider webs in the morning. Up with the Harvest leaves and baking the pumpkin pies. I will enjoy November with it's spicy smells and people lighting there first fireplace fires...well, before they tell us it's a no burn day! Welcome NOVEMBER...I love you.

Had to show off my orange felt flower with vintage bakelite button!

Add captio

Had to add the Lord to my graveyard: Grace Christian..."I will cling to the old rugged cross"

Jim and I had a blast doing this graveyard at the last minute!

Someone HAD to tell me that it's against the law to use yellow caution tape if you aren't law enforcement or ambulance workers. I think it might be a fallacy BUT just in case I decorated this morning and will leave it up till tomorrow morning! I didn't want to insult the VERY nice person that offered it to me!

Happy Halloweeny!!!

2010-10-31T05:44:00.000-07:00

I never dress up for Halloween. In fact when my children were younger it was EVERYTHING to get their theme fulfilled of dress up and out the door to trick- or-treat! I miss those days, truly..
.Recently I visited my dearest friends John and Laura Vasquez in Hanford, CA and dressed up..FINALLY! Okay I'm sure some would wonder about my costume choice but I was feeling rather witchy... Actually, the other costume I brought to Hanford was a sweatsuit and wig. I was going to be Sue Sylvester the cheerleading coach from the TV show Glee. I had dialog and everything. I quote her, "My parents were famous Nazi hunters, they weren't around much when I was growing up..." She's a witch too so I was staying in theme! The reason I didn't play Sue was that it was hot a few weeks ago here in the valley and the sweatsuit was exactly that....a SWEAT suit...fleece lined and unforgiving.
I'm posting pictures of Laura's twin grandchildren's birthday party. I bow to the Vasquez's they go over the top on ALL the kids parties and are such fun folk! They built a spooky maze complete with strobe lights and cute ghosts...oh and black lights..sigh..it was fantastic and I was so blessed to help in my inky dinky way. I made one of those crazy kitty litter cakes and bloodshot eyeball deviled eggs...SUPER fun!! My photo's are l-o-u-s-y!! So these are the only ones I can share without totally shaming myself.
I'm going to try and take a photo of my front porch after I hang all the caution tape around it. I'm going spooky this year...but I will be a completely and totally sweet adorable lovely witchy poo..haha!

It's Curtains For You...

2010-09-05T16:35:00.000-07:00

Love it when I get the good deal so unexpectedly! I heart all things thrift, yard sale, rummage sale, and estate sale! Mr. Lovely and I mapped out our morning which included the neighborhood Catholic Church. ML took off the minute he touched down and I let him roam...I think it's better that way. Somehow I like to be unfettered when I'm honing in on "the deal." ML found a guy to chitter chatter with...good...I just veered toward to the far side of the lot that was shaded...theses people were smart as the Bakersfield summer heat even this early in the morning was stifling. I didn't really have the patience to look through piles of clothes but a HUGE Costco bag caught my eye. I spied some designer fabric on top and thought there might be a few good pieces in the bag. I started rummaging through the bag and couldn't believe how much beautiful fabric was there...just yards and yards all coordinating too..weird. Or was it?? haha! I always feel there is no coincidences in life good or bad. Life happens, it's all how we deal with it. Anyway....
I asked the girl who's fab fabric it was what the price was...practically wincing as I asked...She said "$3.00." Trying not to get to excited I said "sold...I'll take it." She threw in the bag so I could literally drag it out to the parking lot. It was that heavy!
All of that, for this, I picked out my favorite print in the lot and sewed curtains for my little cottage bedroom. I'm going to use the rest of the prints for coordinating pillows for my bed and chair. It's been fun getting into the swing of things with my sewing projects. Next project is embroidery...

Hope you enjoy the pics of my project God Bless!

Following are photos of my finished project:

Sewing Pattern Paper Roses...

2010-08-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

This, initially last year was my inspiration on my road back to recovering my creative spirit. For four years I worked very hard at a job that I eventually lost and I hadn't created anything for all that time. I got online and started trolling around...ahha...for ideas...inspiration...and came up with these roses made out of vintage sewing pattern paper. Then I thought that's kind of a sacrilege to the vintage aficionado's to use old patterns so I started using ugly 90's patterns..not yet vintage and too ugly to be used by anyone!
Anyway, I love the look of these and could even see a bride carrying a bouquet of these down the aisle or placed in a blue ball jar with raffia around the neck. I keep them displayed in my bedroom as a reminder that "I STILL have it!"...Yes the creative spirit that God gave me...and I thank Him for it!!
*Note: notice in the background of each photo you can see the pedestals I made out of thrifted plates and candlestick holders. I went a little nuts and made a BUNCH well here I am in this little house where there is absolutely no place to store them and no market for them either. Well, I ended up giving them away to friends.

Love the Pocket Watch Design...

2010-08-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

I thought is so funny that I picked up a clock for my room a few weeks ago that resembled a pocket watch. I came across this idea at Design Sponge that was so very awesomely awesome. I hung mine and this is what it looks like below. The clock cost $1.00 and the chain $1.00. I got the belt chain the same day for Annie though and kinda reclaimed it. I actually changed the position of the chain since I photo'd this but you can get the idea...

Design Sponge:

My Yard Sale Find:

Fairy Party...please give me one!!!

2010-07-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

Love the photos and ideas at this link on Party Starters and Frost Me blogs. Such creative spirits these women have!! I'm in awe of the flippin' cuteness...especially the mushroom seats!!

Recycle...Reuse...Re-Nest...

2010-07-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

Okay...I guess I am into recycling more than I realize because when I saw this sight chocked full of links to reuse household items that one might already have I kind of got excited!! I guess I love extreme information and lots of it. So much to choose from here: Click for the link!!

Want One of These....Sigh..

2010-07-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

I really really want one of these. Don't I deserve it?? Haha! One day..but not before his/her time!
I'm not really into the "sustainable" thing but I recycle and don't care much about my "footprint" but I enjoy reusing textiles in all forms be it vintage, tshirts, wovens, laces, etc.
The Train To Crazy features tutorials and patterns to reuse your favorite tshirts or fabric you have hangin' around...a perfect opportunity to use your thrifty finds from your favorite secondhand store or yardsaling. Enjoy! Click here for the site!

Measure Twice Cut Once...

2010-07-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

This site is so cool...if I had the tools to work with I would take on some of the plans here to make CRAZY wonderful furniture indoor and outdoor. Check it here...

Free Crafting Tutorials Are Oh So Fun!

2010-07-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

Although this blog is "no more" I found so much cute cute stuff there. The author a personable young mom and might I say oh-so-talented! Please click through the Tutorials for inspiration and fun sewing ideas!
Click here!

Cutest Cupcake...and so Do-able!

2010-07-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

There are some bloggers that are talented and then there are some that are so over-the-top...and I mean that in a GOOD way! Stephanie Lynn from Under The Table and Dreaming is one of those over-the-toppers! Check her popcorn cupcakes!!

On the Look Out For Used Pendleton Shirts...

2010-07-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

Love the wool! http://mushroomvillagers.wordpress.com/the-eddie-cap-tutorial/
Earlier in the year I thrifted a pristine vintage wool blanket and placed it in the trunk of the car. A few days later I asked my husband where my blanket was that was in the trunk...He replied with, "oops!!" Not good. My annoyance was defused when he told me he placed the blanket around the shoulders of a shivering homeless man on our local streets.

May Good Fortune Be With You!

2010-07-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

Love the idea of homemade fortune cookies...click here to check it out!

Meandering Saturday...

2010-07-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Just a listing of a few of my favorite things I've seen on the web this lazy daizy Saturday morning. Listening to Michael (sigh) Buble and wandering...meandering..getting inspired!

What a great little site with the SWEETEST picnic party the blogger had with her sweet friends...luv..

I really want to go nutty with some chalkboard paint...I have a few projects in mind. First comes vision then motivation. Here are a few spots that have great ideas:
Painting a patio table...A message center out of the fridge! haha...well if you have an extremly ugly fridge...on the back of a door.

Lovely Crafty Vintage Things!

2010-07-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

I'm collecting vintage sheets and pillowcases again. Don't know why the obsession! Could be it reminds me of an easier time...an innocent time. When the usage of color was uninhibited, not contrived and reproduced. I'm building up my stash and am having fun doing so. A gal I talked to (who's yardsale it was I was at) told me she was selling some of her vintage stash. I picked up several pieces and LOVE what I got. She said that she couldn't get rid of her yardage with the mushroom print...arrrgghhh! Just what I was looking for...but I didn't finagle her to sell it to me...I know the attachment one feels to her textiles.

Thank You Lord...

2010-04-04T02:09:00.000-07:00

New Crafting Blog...Too Cute!!

2010-03-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.thediydish.com/blog/

Flamin' VW Bug...

2010-03-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

Omg...this image of the 60's VW brought back such a terrifyingly FUNNY moment! In (i want to say)1963 my father had purchased a brand new Volkswagon the same color as in the picture above. We had a cabin in Lake Arrowhead, CA...and on the way home to Huntington Beach my father traveling at a good rate of speed down the winding San Bernadino Mountain road decided to light up a cigarette. I was sitting in the back seat and can remember the indecent quite distinctly...seeing my father struggling with keeping his left hand on the wheel and juggling with putting his cig in mouth then trying to light it with his right hand. When all of a sudden the lighter flamed up and started his hair on fire. My dad then yelling and slapping his head to extinguish the flames...pounding at the fire, his hair caught the fuzzy part of the headliner on fire and POOF...the whole surface of the headliner was in flames...I remember sinking down in the back seat thinking I was going to die. And just laid there till the drama stopped. When my Dad ripped over to the side of the road and the smoke cleared...My fathers eyebrows were gone, his hair was singed and the head liner of his brand new VW bug was intact but brown and burned looking. Dad talked about his crappy luck and never being able to keep anything "nice." ...I think I was just thankful to still be alive and added this to my arsenal of funny stuff that happened to the Madigans.

Sew Sew Sew...Needle Needle Needle...

2010-03-14T22:41:00.000-07:00

Feverishly was I sewing today for my Bunco ladies tomorrow night. I made a handbag out of the black and gray damask above...

I was sewing today and realizing how much preparation there is before hand to complete a project...far more than the actual stitching. God has been preparing a place for us in heaven for more than two thousand years...it will be complete when we walk through the gates of pearl and walk down roads of gold to our magnificent homes.
It's up to us to do the "stitching"...to keep our work straight and a thing of beauty. When we see Him face to face our work will be complete...Handstamped "finished" by the Master's hand. So as I live my life stitching and "sowing" I pray my work will be presentable and useful for my Father's house.

Happy 54th Baby!!

2010-02-09T07:53:00.001-08:00

I posted this picture of Jim because he's most happy with his family. He's always lived his life for US...we're so fortunate to have him in our lives and honored he loves us so much. Such a trustworthy and honest guy. Happy Birthday my love...I know you won't be able to read this but my heart belongs to you!

Where The Grass Does Not Grow...

2010-01-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

"On the road between the houses of friends grass does not grow"

This quote reminded me of more than 40 years ago when I was a wee one and I visited my Grandma Helen's home in La Sierra, CA. I loved my summer visits with her. It was a time where someone attended to just me. What child wouldn't love it! The smells from Grandmas house are still ingrained in my memory banks...walking in and the smell of persimmon cookies, date nut breads...everything homemade waiting for me, just me. Grandma Helen lived in a rented apartment on the back end of a property on La Sierra Dr. with one home separating her from her mother, my great-grandma Grace. The two would get together at Helen's apartment for their afternoon soap opera's. There were no fences hindering their daily activities which included them traveling back and forth to each others home via the neighbors back yard. So hence a trail where the grass didn't grow. Just a trail of dirt that represented so much between mother and daughter. A friendship...so many wish they had. I hope that my daughter and I will, if life produces times where our spouses are gone to God, that we might have a friendship like those two...Helen and Grace...a relationship between us where "the grass does not grow."

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T18:56:00.000-08:00

A quick snap and then lunch out with Sean and Annie...they insisted on picking up the tab...I could get used to this one in the New Year!

2009-12-22T21:16:00.000-08:00

I invited "Little Lady" from next door over for some Christmas cookie decorating. I was going to play dress-up with her...put a green and red ribbon in her hair...vintage apron. Oh my!! She would have NOTHING to do with it! She was seriously in to the icing...the cookie...hot cocoa with whipped cream...more cookie. How fun it was to see her smack her lips uncontrollably...yes, sugar has it's effects! Her mommy is very organic foods and was so gracious with letting me be grandma for the moment...I remember how my parents were with over indulging my children...some day in God's timing I'll be able to do the same with my grandchildren. Maybe instead of the sweets I'll tell them how sweet they are and over indulge them with love...

Merry Year Here!!

2009-12-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe it's the second Christmas we've spent in this humble little home! What a year what a year what a year!! If November is the month of thankfulness then December is the month of reflection. Events that occurred in 2009 are ones that surely shaped me...molded me...and I dare say scolded me. At times I felt like flaying my arms out to the Heaven's and shouting..."Hey wadda ya thinkin'??? I could have done without THAT little lesson!!" If there is anything I know with out a doubt is that my God is a faithful God... faithful to put me in to situations that will conform me into His Son's image. Sometimes it hurts because change is uncomfortable and at times I dig my heels in and resist...but what blessings there are when I receive the instruction the Father gives me. And believe ME, I'm not an easy student to deal with...I'm usually the one daydreaming...looking out the window of the classroom. The kid who has to read the instruction booklet 10 times before she "get's it." So God...I'm in the "zone" now ready to listen...ready to be instructed. You may see me wandering but I'm open to learn from all these HARD lessons I've endured...prayerfully I've taken good enough notes!!!

"Let me hear the choir sing...Oh you pretty thing..."

2009-12-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season!

2009-12-08T18:02:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd post a photo of our tree. Annie and I shopped for it the day after Thanksgiving. We purchased it and then asked Dad if he'd go and pick it up with Sean...thought we'd let "the big guns" do the work!
Had them specifically keep the under branches that were cut off. I was able to make two large and one smaller fresh wreaths...smells so GOOD!!

Things of Beauty...

2009-10-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

Love this mommies creative touch in making beauty come to life...simply lovely!
http://samstermommy.blogspot.com/search/label/naptime%20crafting

The Stockman Harvest Homestead

2009-10-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Harvest from the Stockman Family!!
Went on a weekend get away with my lovely Bunco Babes last weekend and had a blast. Although I put patience to the test when I decided to purchase cornstalks at Avila Valley Farms! I didn't realize my friends trunk area was so compact! Everyone's stuff BARELY fit which was a little un-nerving...because oh well I had to mention the fact that said stalks are VERY fragile, especially the frilly things on top! The stuff that tests friendships! I'm exaggerating, no one made an issue out of it...LOVE my friends!
It's been so dang long since I've been inspired to bring pretty in to my world and the trip to the coast blew the cobwebs out. The blue sky...the tranquil coastline...how could one NOT feel pushed to create beauty??

If You've Ever Been Loved By Katie...

2009-10-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

I decided to post my tribute to Katie here on my blog. I spoke this at her funeral today. I will miss this phenomenal lady so much. If you've read my Blog at all you would have read about Katie and her valiant battle with cancer. I know the cancer thinks it won but oh no! Death has no sting...no victory over us as Christians! Katie attained what all of us want...to see our Jesus face to face! But now it's time for her to rest and too for all of us who love her. I'm praying that I'll be able to sleep now...sleep has been elusive the past few weeks and as I think about it...this whole past year! Sweet dreams Katie...sweet blessed dreams my friend.

If you'd like to read it's as follows:

First of all I’d like to say to Tito and his children that the love and care you gave to Katie this last year is the perfect example of how a family should function when faced with the challenges you did. You all handled each step with grace, with dignity and unconditional love. We all love you and pray for you that God will give you His perfect peace.

My name is Colleen Stockman I introduced Katie to our Bunco group soon after she and Tito moved to Bakersfield well over two decades ago. I really didn’t know how Katie would react to all of us…a bunch of women screaming BUNCO!! But it turned out she loved the fellowship and soon after we all fell in love with her …and in time she became the leader of our group. Katie had a way of making us feel special…If Bunco was at her home she would make sure every lady left with a special scripture and would mention that she prayed for whomever would receive it. She was our mentor, our prayer warrior, and she was a sister to us all. So we haven’t lost just a friend but we’ve lost a member of our family.

On a personal note: I will miss my sweet friend. I will miss her smile most of all. It’s one that would light up the room she entered. I will miss her baseball caps and sunglasses…seeing her pull up in front of my house before Bunco …opening the car door…and hearing the sound of Motown playing…yes Motown. She would always share the latest CD her brother burned for her but eventually would replace it with something more spiritual! That’s Katie always bringing a situation back to the Lord. I will miss our Bunco retreats…walking on the beach…taking in a few yard sales…She loved a good sale…the Dollar Tree…RAD her favorite thrift store…and we would always share about getting “the deal of the century!” I’ll miss her warmth…the gift of hospitality…bringing a gift basket to every occasion. Mostly I’ll miss the sound of her voice…her prayers for me in difficult situations …one time especially when I thought all was lost…it was one of those times where I felt God wasn’t listening…Katie sensing and knowing what to say pressed in and prayed…and prayed …and prayed some more. By the time I got home the problem was resolved . When I shared with her the next day she replied, Praise Jesus Sister, all the glory goes to Him!”

“For I know the plans I have for you, “ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Oh my what significance does this scripture hold for Katie now. Jeremiah 29:11 has been quoted so many times through out this process our dear Katie has traveled through this past year! We thought this scripture pertained to plans for her earthly life but in fact it pertained to plans of the heavenly kind. Yes what glorious plans the Lord had for Katie. If you have ever been touched by Katie…If you’ve ever been loved by Katie…You would know what her number one priority was and that was serving the Living God. Now if you’ve ever prayed with Katie you would know that her children were number one in her prayer life. She knew the intense responsibility of what being a mother was and she never took the task lightly…she prayed constantly for all of us but mostly for the salvation of her children.

I was talking to a friend the other day about the “Why?” question…he asked “why are there so many horrible people who continue to live for years, while Katie who was such a wonderful person was taken home so soon?” I’m sure many of you have asked God the same question…I know that I have. As we sift and search to find all the answers to our hurt and suffering let me tell you unequivocally and without a shadow of a doubt Katie Olivas now knows the answers to all the “Why did this happen” questions.

The great missionary Jim Elliot died at the age of 28 some would say far before his time and I quote him: "Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus." I believe that Katie lived a full life . The length of her life wasn’t what we expected but it was the length that our Lord God destined. Now it’s up to us to fulfill all that she prayed for. To live a life full of God and His Son Jesus Christ.

Gotta Love The Lamp Base Birdfeeders!!

2009-09-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

Another project search for the perfect vintage lamp!!

Do it Anyway...

2009-07-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

Love this...

Was written on the wall in Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

Lovely Junk!

2009-07-03T16:58:00.000-07:00

I've been perusing alot of "junk" websites...so many cool ideas for re-purposed items. My little outside porch needs help...It's very bare! So I will look for three junky chairs and go for it!

Happy Anniversary Babe!

2009-06-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

30 Years! WOW! It kind of sunk in a few minutes ago! My groom and I were married June 30, 1979. God gave me the "gift" of Jim in 1975. My girlfriend Maureen and I were cruising Chester our first semester at Bakersfield College. The car was a convertible MG...white...spoke wheels...a real cutie magnet. My husband pulled up next to us in his green Camaro and all he had to do was smile. I know there is no such thing as love at first sight but I definitely felt a serge of some sort that elevated my blood pressure! He still has the ability to effect me that way...
We lost contact for about a year but reunited In the fall of 1976...the year he came to Christ. I was sowing my wild oats at the time but followed him to a ministry called The Solid Rock Foundation. From there we began dating and knew from the beginning we would be married.
God blessed us with three talented gorgeous kids. And we both realize how blessed we've been. Great challenges have presented themselves to us along our marriage road but God has always and like the song says "will make a way where there seems to be no way." To my husband, my groom, my love...it's always been you and always will be.

No Way This is Crazy!!

2009-06-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.stumbleupon.com/s/#3cuUCY/wineandbowties.blogspot.com/2009/05/color-picker-pen-by-jinsun-park.html/topic:Arts

Ahhhh...Craving Chocolate?

2009-06-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

Giving you a link to this decadent dessert. I'm looking for the perfect chocolate cake recipe to go with my fluffy white frosting. Think I found it!
http://inncuisine.com/decadent-desserts/have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too-recipe-deep-dark-chocolate-cake/
I love this website...stumble upon/TasteSpotting. The visual-ness (ha!) of the recipes is exquisite. Check it out!
http://www.stumbleupon.com/s/#4VA6Ti/www.tastespotting.com//

First Friday...Downtown Bakersfield, CA

2009-06-05T22:32:00.000-07:00

Olivia, Gale, Barbara, and Me...
I had so much fun with my friends tonight at "First Friday." All the merchants kept their businesses open late and people just spilled out on to the sidewalks. It was GREAT. Karen met us a little after this pic was taken. (Olivia's husband Xavier took the pic) A mix of friendships I treasure! God Bless them all.

I Have Plans For You...

2009-06-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

It was a little over a year ago that Jim and I drove to Hanford, CA with Tito and Katie Olivas. We were attending Laura Vasquez's 50th Bday and on the way we stopped at a Starbucks and all got a round of our favorite coffee drinks before the celebration. Later when we were at the restaurant after a thrill ride in the party limo Katie followed up with more coffee and dessert. She was experiencing some acid stomach on the way home and then her reaction was far more violent the next day. After much testing & misdiagnosis it turns out she had stage four stomach cancer and to date has gone through several rounds of chemo. I visited her today and she is hanging on. So fragile she is...life is fragile because of disease...because of evil that comes upon us on this "journey". She asked me how I was since I lost my job in April and I hesitated to tell her because I didn't want to stress her at all but I did share a bit about the situation and the deceit that was brought against me. I love being with her because of her wisdom and ability to bring everything around to the Lord and His Word. She told me to read Psalm 27 that it would help. I'm pasting it here...hopefully it will help someone like it did me.

Psalm 27

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.

3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.

8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.

9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.

10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.

12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.

13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.

14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

Annie 18

2009-05-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

All these beautiful girls are graduating this week. Just another excuse to get together before graduation as their youth wanes and they get nudged into adulthood. Annie's 18th birthday party was relaxed and wonderful. Nothing like hearing a teenage girl's laughter...it does your heart good...

"An Artistic Discovery" Congressional Art Exhibit Metro Galleries Bakersfield, CA

2009-05-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

Annie's photo was submitted to the Congressional Art Exhibit and she placed Honorable Mention. Here she is pictured with Congressman Kevin McCarthy along with her submission. Bakersfield is so fortunate to have the Congressman represent our District. He is such a gracious man and he shared with Annie that he'd taken photography at BHS too. She and he discussed the process of developing film in the darkroom and we were impressed with the personal touch he gave all the participants.
A representative from the Congressman's office asked Annie if she would mind if they displayed her photo in his office in Washington D.C. The rep said the photo would be gone for a year. Of course Annie said "yes"!! Mr. McCarthy said that he thought the photo was taken some place in Washington State and not Bakersfield. Actually the photo was taken out by Rio Bravo with fresh snow on the mountains.

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

Spending time with my kids is especially fun on days like this...so low key. We ate our favorite foods and laughed alot. I spent a good part of the day forgiving myself for what I thought was a bad haircut and the rest of the time thanked my Lord for my children who are my biggest fans and greatest assets.

In Memory Of...

2009-05-06T05:47:00.000-07:00

Bob Madigan 1930-2007

You make me smile Pop.
Remembering your strength.
Remembering your last few months with a grateful heart.
Knowing you loved me.
That's all I need to know...
From "little bit"

Things I Miss About You...

2009-05-05T18:13:00.001-07:00

Your laugh...It's the richest deposit ever made in my memory bank. Easily accessible and sure to bring a smile to my face. I remember you throwing out your back from too much laughter... The Madigan back on the other hand isn't that strong which didn't fare well with the best laugh in the universe!

Your Sense of Humor...The funniest man I've ever known. A gift from you that I treasure...it truly has got me through the toughest of times.

Your Eyes...The bluest blue. They were honest eyes and could show emotion at the drop of a hat. I never wanted to see disapproval in them so I lived my life to please you. If I disappointed you...you never let me know...I think because you knew and often told me I had a "tender heart." Oh Dad I miss you...

Your Horn Honk...Believe it or not Pop it's true! I remember every car you bought had a THUNDEROUS horn sound. One car you brought home had the sound of a duck honk. It was so hilarious. You had it replaced with a double whammy super slamming thing that could rival a locomotive horn. My neighbors always loved it when you showed up at the front of the house honking just one time too many... The kids would run like the wind to get a ride from Grampa! I miss your impromptu visits at AAG and how I'd skip out to see you...I knew what excitement my kids felt and I felt the same way too!

I could go on and on pop...maybe I'll add some more tomorrow...I'm just a little soggy right now and I know how "tender hearted" you'd get when you saw me cry. I love you so much and imagine all the time what life is like for you now...It's fantabulous I'm sure...

Don't waste anything...

2009-05-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

2009-04-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

It's lemon weather...this link has a wonderful lemon cake made with olive oil...must try!
www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/recipe-review/new-favorite-lemon-olive-oil-cake-043229

Get Creative!!

2009-04-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

This website is phenomenal if you are interested in getting creative or going green in little ways...check it out my peeps...

http://tipnut.com/

Humble Abode...

2009-03-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

I had a yard sale the other day and someone mentioned how "peaceful" our home was. And I'd have to agree with that person. We came from such a tumultuous situation before we landed here and God wanted us to "rest." This is indeed a restful place! I'm so thankful to Him for directing us here and providing for the move. I'll post some pics of the landscaping the landlords are installing soon into our side yard. We are so fortunate to have met them...they've been so gracious and welcoming to our family.

Art Show...

2009-03-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

Annie heading to her art showing at the College on the hill. She's showing a piece of her photography...plus, isn't she purdy?

Hope moves me...

2009-03-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

"Hope moves me.
Faith sustains me.
Love maintains me."
Me.

March Bunco 2009

2009-03-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

I have a lovely group of gals I meet with each month for a game called Bunco. Some how this same group has managed to stay alive and continues to keep "rolling" along. It's no secret I'm not in love with the game of Bunco but totally and completely in love with these women that meet together each month. Since we had an open spot in the group this month we decided to meet for dinner at Macaroni Grill. We were so blessed that our Katie was able to attend. Coming off another round of Chemo..the worst session yet...she was able to recover quicker and insisted that I pick her up for the evening. I obliged and we had a great time chatting and catching up. I posted a smilebox so you could see what everyone looks like.
I'm sorry my poor little neglected blog...my voice...my informer. No one has been able to read about the goings on of this one desperate secretary. Since Katie's illness it's been hard to write anything funny or witty. But I'm getting out of my funk and trying to be more creative beginning with decorating for a dear friends daughter who is getting married next month. Researching for this event has really oiled my seized up creative life. It's been great.

A Merry Stockman Christmas...

2008-12-24T05:52:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Ho Ho Ho!!

2008-12-17T07:11:00.000-08:00

We are now nestled in to our new little home and "making it our own." I've made new draperies for the living and dining areas. Last night I completed our bedroom with black and white toile. It kinda looks shabby chic which is a place I thought I would never go. But the wood paneling on the walls is white and so it's appropriate. I've posted a pic of our Christmas tree. It really warmed the place up and brought much needed Christmas cheer!
I spent time with Katie last night. She told me it was time to "take her hair down." And so Jim and I went over to her home last night after work. I was expecting to use my clippers and really take it down short but when we began I could tell she wasn't ready for that. Instead I cut it off in to a short bob. She complained about her hair being "too heavy." I guess that's how weak she's been...but I think this haircut is a transition one. It would be way to hard for her to see this very long hair each day laying on her pillow.
Katie has never been apostolic. Ya know the religion that doesn't believe in ever cutting their hair, but I've always felt Katie's hair was her glory. Always long...always beautiful...thick...lustrous....Okay, I love her hair. Katie has always been a cap wearer, a beret wearer...her hair back in a pony kind of person. So when the transition of wearing those hats primarily comes... it won't be a shocker to see Katie only wearing a cap. But it's what's not under the hat that will be heartbreaking. I know I'm making a big deal about this but it's one of the insidious things about this disease. She is feeling better after being so ill after her first round of chemo and them changing her meds. She's been keeping down at least one good meal a day...thank you Jesus.
Katie set the stage to music...beautiful praise and worship. I couldn't restrain myself when she lowered her head and began to cry, I put my arms around her neck and did the same. I slowly began to comb...careful...not to hard. She was worried that large chunks would come out so I was very gentle. So much came off into my hands...I didn't tell her though...I just continued. Her next round of chemo is just past the first of the year and I think she just wants her hair through Christmas. It's inevitable, she will loose it all but God please give her hair through Christmas...

Post hair cut...

My Dear Katie Update...

2008-11-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting impatiently this week wondering about Katie lady...what her prognosis is. I found out a few days after I posted about her cancer that it wasn't Multiple Myeloma...there was a glimmer of hope...the hope is what keeps us going I suppose. I finally had a conversation with her dear husband (whom I adore) today. I talked to him last night but all he could utter was "it's bad..." and all week I've been in grief knowing but not acknowledging what could and might happen to my dear friend. She has instead of Multiple Myeloma, Stomach Cancer and it's in stage 4 and has metastasized to her bones. At this point they will give her meds to make her as comfortable as they can and she's decided to do chemo after Thanksgiving so she will have one good holiday with the family before that phase begins. This can't be happening...
This has been an hellacious few months...it has...it's just been the crummiest. The prospect of us being homeless in a short while...our world turned upside down...seems trivial in the perspective of my friends health and wellbeing. There have been times where I've truely felt sorry for us asking the "why" questions to God and then I think about Katie...7 children and many grandchildren...the possibility of them losing such an angel. My situation seems small in comparison...Jim restated this morning to me a saying his father told him when he was young and that was "I felt sorry that I had no shoes and then I met a man who had no feet..." so we will keep our faith and our hope alive..."faith is the things hoped for the evidence of things not seen."

Katie and Me...

2008-10-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

For the sake of our necks I decided to crop the heck out of this picture. Katie's neck looked okay but mine looked like I had gathered my skin and tacked it down...not a pretty picture. I call Katie the Aztec Queen because of her high cheek bones and the royal way she conducts herself.
Earlier in the day...actually the day this picture was taken, monday, Katie called me at work and I knew right away all was not well. We began talking and she broke down. My body began to tighten as she never cries...I continued to listen to the news. Her voice cracked..."Colleen, I have cancer...I have multiple myeloma. I cried out..."no Katie, not that one!" My Uncle died of that disease. And then I began to tremble with the craziness of her diagnosis. If you want answers about anything "Google"...but if you want peace if you want encouragement NEVER use that browser because the results are grim and depressing. We haven't gotten the final on her testing to find out what stage she is in...that will come Tuesday so please pray for her.
I could say that Katie and I were best friends but that would almost trivialize what God has given us and I could say that she is like my sister...she knows me with all my warts and shortcomings but we always look further and have a blind eye to all that stuff. I've known her for 25 years and in all that time we've never had a disagreement an argument or a harsh word towards each other so what we have is beyond anything man could put a label on. I would consider our relationship heavenly...simply heavenly. Really the thought of not having her in my life is not an option...I will not accept it. God...please please heal her...don't let us live our lives without her...ever.

Sean Stockman 2008 Grad and Turning 18 Today!!

2008-07-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

BHS...Impressive!

Sean..the coolest Chess Captain that ever exsisted!

You Did It!!

Quite a crowd of Graduates!!

On the long trek to the podium...

What a glorious day when one of your children graduates from High School! Bakersfield experienced record breaking cool weather for this time of year...well, I don't know about that but I do know that it was an unusually supreme evening for Sean's graduation. I'm so tardy with posting to my blog as we've had computer "issues" for a few months. We traded in our lemon and got this sleek shiny computah....awwww what a beaut!

It's so hard to believe that Sean is turning 18 today. His was a hard and fast birth at home. I'm thankful his midwife lived less than a mile away and that she was able to deliver Sean less than an hour after she arrived. The cord was wrapped around his neck and Christina was able to release it and deliver a healthy baby boy. Unfortunately because of the pressure on his head through the birth canal Sean began to have seizures which ended with him having to enter the hospital. He was the biggest baby in the NICU at Memorial Hospital weighing in at 9 lbs 4 oz. He stayed for 11 days. After a few days there Sean was moved to a private room because of the commotion from other parents with their Little little preemies...I can understand their despair. The blood on the back of his brain dissipated and he was declared healthy and was released to a very tired momma and proud papa...I was proud too but mostly tired. That was a scary time in our lives but what joy this boy has brought us!! Happy Birthday my love my endless love...Sean.

18 noogies for little bro...

Couldn't resist adding this one...

All I can say is "Blue eyes...baby's got blue eyes"

Jason and Jim

Big bad 18 year old...
Sean Ryan

All he wanted was chocolate cake...

the kind that makes you sick it's so chocolately.

He got it!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ME!!!

2008-05-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

No gifts just a lovely lunch, that's all I wanted. I've been trying so hard for the past month to stay on my diet and I felt it fitting to cheat today...ahhh, I LOVE Mimi's Cafe. I LOVE their corn chowder and so I indulged my self with the love of my children and corn chowder and 1/2 of a yummy burger with avocado and some carrot loaf. Oh man...I just PLAIN blew it. But I didn't eat the whole burger...I could've done that...

I'm in love with my children is my bottom line. They've taught me how to really love unconditionally. Today was so lovely spending time with them...I felt like puffing my chest out and yelling..."yep these are my offspring!!" Well, they are, and I birthed them and they're mine, mine, mine...there is nothing more "mine" in this whole world.

Bob Madigan...I miss you...

2008-05-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

I miss you Dad...one year ago today you left us. I was kind of sick and emotional all day...I pressed through though and just "got through it." You're in my heart and mind today and forever.

Prom 2008

2008-05-05T07:13:00.000-07:00

April 19th was Bakersfield High School's Prom. Sean took Olivia Garrison as his date and Annie went single and met friends there. It was magical (for me, haha) to see Sean and Olivia go to prom together. They've been friends since infancy as her mom and I went to Federico's Beauty College together in the 70's and I was an attendant in her parents wedding (still friends after all these years...in fact, Barb recently wanted me to take Salsa dancing lessons...it was fun watching but no way man). Olivia is a beauty inside and out...she's smart as all get out and "just" friends with my son.

Congratulations Lovely Annie!

2008-04-04T02:11:00.000-07:00

Annie was honored last night at an awards ceremony at the Bakersfield Women's Club. She won second place in the Kern High School District for her black and white photography entry. She didn't know there was a cash prize so that definitely put the cherry on top of her night. Just thought I'd share a few pics of the event...

The Women's Club provides scholarships to promote the Arts in our local schools. The ladies that sponsored this event were so lovely and kind. It was a pleasant evening. The building was very grand and the room we were in had fantastic BRIGHT chandeliers, high ceilings with original moldings. It reminds me of a building you'd see in New Orleans.

THE REDHEADS CELEBRATE! BUT THAT'S ONE TIRED MAMA..

SECOND PLACE SEAGULL...

SHE CHANGED HER MIND ABOUT ENTERING CONTESTS WHEN MONEY IS INVOLVED!

"How Innovative!"

2008-03-14T20:36:00.001-07:00

I was wondering why all the men were looking at me while I was standing in line at the bank...Thought I "still had it" but turns out they were looking at this. I sheepishly pulled my reading glasses off my face after realizing I was wearing both reading glasses and sunglasses at the same time. I remember getting in to the car and thinking aawwwkk It's soooo bright! Grabbed my RayBan's and then as Jim drove me down the street I rustled through my Vera Bradley for my paycheck, deposit slip and reading glasses....Do I take off the sunglasses or put on my reading glasses where I wouldn't be able to fill out my deposit slip anyway since I was full on facing the sun. Well, you can see I found a solution. It took ONE woman in a line of 10 men to tell me the truth....she took one look at me and started snickering! She started laughing when I grabbed them off my face. She told me she's a teacher and has never had to wear reading glasses but told her students this week that she is having a hard time reading the small print on their class papers and so she is going to have to break down and buy a pair. She's 56 and never had to wear reading glasses..She told me, "I looked at you wearing both pairs of glasses and thought..."How innovative!" We really laughed hard about that and annoyed all the silent men...shame on them for not telling me!

Borders Cafe Black History Celebration

2008-02-24T21:19:00.000-08:00

She was one of the jazz musicians last weekend at Borders Bakersfield. The group was entertaining in honor of Black History month. As the singer expressed it, "this is a tribute to the African American experience." Annie and I just happened upon the venue. We staked out a table near the front with our stack a stuff...the thing we love to do most together. We chit chat about fashion, stars, and most of all laugh and just plain enjoy being together.

The opening song was awe inspiring. If Annie weren't sitting across from me and I wasn't in fear of drawing attention to "us"...I would have shed a tear...or two. I read that there was controversy about the song. It was said that the Jewish author wrote it for Billie Holliday when in fact he wrote it after being horrified by seeing Lawrence Beitler's famous photograph of the lynching of Thomas Ship and Abram Smith in Marion, Indiana in 1930. The song made it's way to Billie who used it as an opening to her act.

STRANGE FRUIT
By Lewis Allan
Southern trees bear a strange fruit,
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root,
Black bodies swinging in the Southern breeze,
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.
Pastoral scene of the gallant South,
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth,
Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh,
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh!
Here is a fruit
for the crows to pluck,
For the rain to gather,
for the wind to suck,
For the sun to rot,
for the trees to drop,
Here is a strange and bitter crop

The singer had a beautiful sultry sound that spilled out gold as she sang this song. It moved me so and I approached her during the break to ask her about the name of the song which my 51 year old brain forgot...

Some think that there is entitlement to this place we call America because their skin is a paler color. None of us is entitled anymore than the other. Black America has it's history and out of that history comes a richness because of suffering. I come from a long line of suffering. With my Jewish heritage and Irish heritage...not to mention the Scottish blood that flows through me...I descend from William Wallace. We are all Americans and all of our relatives came here for a better life and the ones who would come after them. I am SO in favor of Black Americans celebrating this month. Not because they are more "entitled" but because what happened to their ancestors happened on AMERICAN soil. What happened to them should have never been. We owe them so much more than a month or a holiday.

We had to leave prematurely though. An elderly man managed to maneuver his way through the maze of listeners and plopped down right in front of Annie. Obviously intoxicated and so much so that he opened a grocery bag and brought out his bottle for all to see...filled his Borders cup nearly full and then proceeded to hold the cup up and with a proud look turned around to Annie without a word but as if to say...Look I gots me some hooch! I guess her sense of smell was much more refined that day because he wreaked big time. The jazz musicians look completely mortified and Annie silently said to me "Let's go!" There's nothing like an embarrassed teenager to spoil your fun. For the record I told the powers that be that there was an old guy with an open container front and center wrecking their sweet little jazz venue and by the time we left the check out and were walking to our car said drunk guy passed by us in the parking lot. Great day great times were had by all.

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T07:37:00.001-08:00

Today started off with my traditional HUGE Hershey's kiss to my kiddos. A few years back I thought that MAYBE the teenagers were getting a wee bit too old for that tradition...I was sooo wrong and was chastised vigorously for my insensitivity. Sean reminded me this morning with..."remember the time you forgot to give us the Kisses Mom??" If that's the only thing they can scold me for in their poor deprived little lives then I guess I'm doing okay!
My sweetheart and I went out for burgers tonight. Wow...you might think " they went all out, didn't they?" but we were driving by a burger joint called Happy Jacks on our way to dinner and found out they were opened til 8:00...we couldn't resist and stopped in. The place is what it advertises..."HAPPY." The whole place has bar seating and no more than 20 seats complete. The only thing they serve is burgers and they are the best. There really is nothing better than a bun that is toasted. The owner serves it with his own secret sauce and very fresh beef patties. The waitress/owner reminds you that the burger is 1/3 lb. of ground beef. She is a character and I had the opportunity to be in the presence of her and my father bantering back and forth when he was alive. He loved Happy Jacks. He loved the service and Francis who knew how to handle the old guy.
This day of love reminds me of those who have unwaveringly given to me warmth and affection...they've emailed me, spoken words of affirmation and concern for certain challenges that have surfaced the past months. I appreciate beyond words the encouragement that has been given to me and my family. So...God Bless those dear ones,,,those sweet ones...the ones that have filled my heart and my mind with so much joy. I rejoice and am thankful to my God for you...may you be blessed a hundred fold .

I'm going to be better...really...

2008-02-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

There is an absolute PRESSURE to write a blog. Especially for a perfectionist...one that thrives on things all in a row. I know that the pressure comes from having to write about the bad and the good...the funny and sad. I think I'm going to begin writing about some of the negative things that happen in my life because it seems I write less and less. So you guessed it life has been hellacious lately. Even so, I'm getting geared up to be more faithful in writing... I guess I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel now so here I am writing...for no particular audience. But if you've been asking me lately to write...and you know who you are...this one's for you.

Okay...here goes. I have SO many funny things that happen inside and outside my line of sight during the day at my place of employment...I wish you could be there to laugh with me because it's gut wrenching...and that is just plain good for the soul. Anyway...It was about 4:30 Friday...very close to closing time when the phone rang. Well, my boss has taught me to check the caller ID...but it's not something I've taken to well. The name popped up..."Institution State" I didn't really have time to react..Institution State...okay that could be an employee from a State Institution calling for a price quote for their personal residence...could be a jail...glass work there. A number of things. Another, and it has happened before...a collect call from a person in Jail...just wanting to talk or a wrong number. Okay...yesterday, not the day before yesterday when this incident happened , I got 6 wrong numbers, 4 hang ups, 3 people who I referred to an automobile glass shop, and one woman...and I don't mean this in a bad way...whom I had to tell several times we are NOT an auto glass shop. This is how the conversation went..." All American Glass"..."Hi, I need a windshield for a..." Sorry we aren't an auto glass company." woman says, "Well, two people referred you to me and..." No, sorry never have been an auto glass company.." "Well, my friend had her windshield fixed by your company recently..." No, it couldn't have been us we only do commercial and residential. I always refer people to Bobs across the street maybe they were the company your friends were referring to." "No, they specifically said, All American Glass." I then said, "I'm sorry your friends have us mixed up with another company." SIGH.... SHE THEN SAID, "So, you don't do auto glass?"... That is when I felt like dropping my head to the desk and taking a nap..

Getting back to the Institution State story... The person wanted a quote for a storefront widow that was cracked. He gave me the dimensions and info about the window and because of the size I decided to wait till my boss got back in to town to give the man his quote. Friday...my boss is back...we figure out the quote for the customer at Institution State and I call him back...Ring Ring Ring..."Hello, Intuition Skate Shop..." I think to my self...Intuition Skate Shop...but the caller ID said...Institution State...hmmmmm. OHHHHHH.....oooookaaaayy! I need to get stronger glasses...really. I mistook Intuition Skate for Institution State...I laughed so hard I cried. I hope this cracks you up too because don't we need a little laughter in this world right now? Another thought about Institution State...it could have been Brittany S. just wanting to talk...I have so much I want to say to her...but that's a whole nuther story...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2008-01-03T23:39:00.000-08:00

I made mention about how white my legs are to my husband..."Gosh honey I must have the whitest legs in the whole universe..." he said, "No honey, not the WHOLE universe..."

Well...this is what my desk looks like at work. A little about the picture...you'll notice my feet kicked up? An indicator that my boss is in the Bahamas and I'm dreaming of being at the coast...somewhere near water...warmer weather though. Okay...I'm dreaming about the Bahamas...that lucky dog. Anyway...I'm showing off my new shoes. Nike Maryjane's...cute huh? I LOVE them. My personal angel gave me a wonderful Christmas gift. Crazy, it was the same amount of money that a new pair of UGGS cost...Hmmmm...she's psychic! I purchased the UGGS the same evening she gave me the money...5:30pm I'm at the shoe store buying those boots because I KNOW any crazy emergency can happen the minute I get off work! If I don't get to that store quick that money could possibly go for something else on the way there...it's sad but the Stockmans are an unlucky crowd.
I wear the UGGS to work the next morning...it's insane how very little exercise I get at work...so I didn't walk around in them a whole lot. I just enjoyed the sheep fur enveloping my feet...the boots were amazing...soft, comfy, and so very COZY. I should have weened myself off of them long ago. Not really a fashion statement for a 51 year old woman but I adore them so and at this point in my life it's all about comfort..ya know? Although, the next day, on Saturday Jason and I were walking around downtown window shopping I found out there was a slight defect in said boots. The rim on the left boot began rubbing a divot in my shin and we had to cut our walk short and go home so I could change shoes.
We picked up Annie at home and returned the boots...Guarantee Shoe Center is the best. You can return a pair of shoes with in 30 days of purchase and get a full refund...love that store! I was able to purchase two pairs of shoes with money left over to purchase this:

Not many know that my son Jason is a tailor and is now living with us in Bakersfield for an extended stay. He was with out machine and while we were out at an Estate sale this past week end we came upon this treasure. Jason just about came unglued when he saw it in all it's glory. This a Singer Slantomatic 401 circa 1958. I have researched this a little and people are practically nutty about this model of sewing machine. It is very heavy duty and sews through leather like buttah. The people set the machine price a bit high (or so I thought) and though I longed to buy it for my son...I just couldn't swing it, nor he either for that matter! I couldn't get my mind off the Slantomatic...something drew me to the Californian Classified at 4:00 the next morning. I was checking out the yard sale section...darn...only 4 yard sales in Bakersfield on a Sunday morning...well, Temple Beth EL has yard sales on Sunday...I love their sales. Okay, anyway, the same Estate Sale was advertising their sale again...only that day was their 1/2 off sale!!! Woweeee! I could just feel the good vibe in my bones. I'm on a mission today! I started off my prayer "I know I should be in church today Lord but....." Lord this is a SLANTOMATIC!! Well, I didn't say that because at that time I had no idea what a Singer Slantomatic was. But I WANTED and needed that machine for my Jas.
Okay, so Jim wasn't crazy about getting to the sale early and waiting but he could tell I'm sure by my tone that I meant business...so he just followed my direction and went with the program. He found out that the sale was actually at 11:00am and not 10am. That seemed to be our way in because NO ONE was forming a line outside. He got to talk to the Estate people and they let him in after he said he was there for the sewing machine. He told them that his wife sent him and that everything was 1/2 price and so he wanted to purchase the machine for 1/2 off. The lady told him that she didn't want to sell the machine for 1/2 price because of it's value. My husband could sell dirt to an obsessive compulsive and so he worked his magic and came away with the machine!! Yehawww and that's a big Bakersfield Buck Owens Yehawwwww!
My son has finally figured out the in's and out's of the Slantomatic...it has a perfect stitch and Jason has been buzzing away on it...now I just wish he'd get his inspiration before midnight...well, we'll work on that one!
Oh and by the way?? I just saw a Singer 401 Slantomatic go for $500. on Ebay and that's machine ONLY. Jason's came with the cabinet for under $130. Can I hear an amen??

Christmas Past...

2007-12-24T16:14:00.000-08:00

I was so delighted with this gift for Christmas...I had to be 4 or 5 in this picture. The fire truck was called "Casey Jones." Until today I didn't realize that this was kind of a masculine gift to get a little girl but I LOVED this vehicle! I out grew it quickly and was devastated when my folks gave it to a relative the following year.

Going through all the family photos I came across a picture of Laurie and I decorating our faux tree. I remember when we moved to the house in Anaheim my mom spent way too much money on this tree but I loved it. I remember the first time we put it together and how I felt...my mom totally bogarted the tree that first year but it really was a parents dream tree because there was NO WAY the kids could mess it up...simple...just tree limbs and blue bulbs. Oh, and we musn't forget the light wheel which changed the tree every shade of primary color. It was awesome. I would lay for hours and watch the tree...green...blue...yellow...red...awesome...

God Is Good...

2007-12-23T07:53:00.000-08:00

I don't say it as often as I should but "God is good." Ideally we would have all our children home for Christmas. If we pray our Christmas wish to Him and leave it in His hands maybe just maybe the one thing we want the most, not the hype, not anything else....IT will come to pass. Well, I received my Christmas wish this last Thursday. Jason my oldest son arrived in Bakersfield...no worse for the wear... He dropped by on the way home from the Amtrak station with his siblings and pop. I am always amazed at Jason...he walked in my office looking like he just walked off a runway...dressed in black. You'd never know he had spent almost 24 hours on a train.

Jason and Sean took a picture of themselves the first night Jason arrived. Jason always has a lot of "goodies" with him from the shop in Portland so the picture shows them with vintage shades having a blast. Jason used Photo Shop to give Sean a mustache and soul patch just like his. They had so much fun working on this...it was GREAT to hear their laughter!
Jason and I spent better part of Saturday hitting our favorite thrift stores and Antique Malls. He is my compadre in that we LOVE the pursuit of finding junque, really really good junk...I mean junque.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

2007-11-30T09:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9635054639
Morphed our dear family into elves...I can't stop watching us!

One Hour Turkey Countdown!

2007-11-22T13:49:00.000-08:00

I know I wrote about Thanksgiving yesterday but thought I would post a pic of our Thanksgiving table today... The dance begins in an hour. The hustle and timing have to be precise. And again after all these years I have to amaze my husband at HOW I can get everything to the table HOT. Well, he is my prep chef now-a-days and loves to clean up after me. So I'm very thankful to him for being ever so cooperative today and everyday.

Be Thankful Unto Him And Bless His Name...

2007-11-21T19:05:00.000-08:00

In this news clipping Ruthie Sloane, John Mort, Jeff Hinshaw, and me. Giving thanks for the new harvest. This was either 3rd or 4th grade at Central Baptist School. I was picked for this photo because of how colorful the dress was that my mother made for me. Not at all what a pilgrim would wear. I think my mom was off by a few hundred years! Ha! Very "Little House." It landed me on the front page of the Anaheim paper though!

Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

As a child this was one of the first scriptures I memorized. It is emblazoned in my memory banks and you couldn't pry it out if you wanted to. I liken it to my father being a Catholic and very meticulously could recite "Hail Mary's" and various other verse from the church. It took hold not only in my head but in my heart too. Early on I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was my best friend. And it is amazing throughout the years how many times and situations that as in the Psalm found out that "His mercy is everlasting..."

A few nights ago I was at the computer and Annie was entering the room from the kitchen when she turned the corner and went down to the floor. Backing up a bit...Annie had knee surgery on her right knee during summer vacation and was in a brace for over 2 months missing most of the first quarter of the new school year. Recovering from knee surgery and wearing a brace non stop is very challenging. We couldn't of got through it easily if both of us were working as tending to a person in recovery is a 24/7 job.

Annie was laying on the floor bobbing in pain and all three of us Jim, Sean and I rushed to her rescue. Could she have undone all that her surgery had accomplished?? We were dizzy as we began to feel the knee...Annie cried "Mom it's my good knee!" Her good knee meant it was not the one that had surgery...I went to feel the injured knee...omg her knee cap was now located on the side of her leg!! I quickly drew my hand back in disbelief...her father felt it and looking at me began to bow his head. It was at that point we simply got Pentecostal on her knee...all of our hands were laid on her and we began to pray loudly...as if He needs us to pray loudly...but it was all we had to give to Him...our voices and our pleading. I couldn't bare to touch her afflicted knee and so Jim ever so lightly cupped his hand over it. He said very quickly as he touched it the knee cap sprung back in to place! Annie is now walking on the knee and so this Thanksgiving we have EVERYTHING to be thankful for. We aren't traveling out of town for the Holiday but opting to stay close to home so she can safely go to school on Monday...if you read this and believe in the power of prayer please pray for Annie's knee and that she would fully recover and NOT need another surgery...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!

Cheers to Agua Dulce, CA!!

2007-11-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

I love Agua Dulce. My sister Laurie calls it home. And I only wish I could. Before our little road trip to our cousin Patti's house on Saturday, Laurie picked me up in Bakersfield. Friday after work we headed down Freeway 99 to Agua. We stopped off at Maria Bonita's in Agua Dulce where we had a sumptuous Mexican meal and a few margarita's. I don't drink more than a few drinks a year and so those lovelies left Laurie and I VERY happy. We decided to head over to The Sweetwater Cafe where there was live music in the bar. On our way, no kidding was this....

Sweet Orange Cream Dream

Yes, it REALLY is orange!!

Me in 1965 Ford Roadster

Because of my recent obsession with Orange Laurie and I went WILD!! The owners name is John and he's been restoring this gem for about a year. A friend of John's saw Laurie and I making fools of our selves and went and got John and his lovely wife Margaret to show us the car in greater detail. John showed us under the hood and strangely enough I was interested...could it be the Margarita's?? All that shiny chrome surely could make a grown man cry...what is it with men and chrome?? I really could not believe that John WANTED me to sit in it. He was the nicest man alive. I was so nervous to even touch it and asked him exactly WHERE to put my hands as to not do any damage. John's friend told how much the car is worth and I've never had the honor of sitting in a car that expensive. The fact that it was ORANGE was just icing on the cake.

Her Momma's World...

2007-11-14T05:34:00.000-08:00

Last week I tuned in a local country western station on the radio at work...you know Buck's station. I found myself weeping a lot and found out that country music songs are kind of repitious. Well yesterday...about mid day I just about screamed. Sorry you country fans...I just couldn't stand it any more. I almost started slapping my face Three Stooges style. I HAD to change the station! Then as I'm ready to turn the dial this came on and it's only the chorus that hooked me and reeled me in. The singer is talking to the boy who is picking up his daughter for a date:
Come on in boy sit on down

And tell me about yourself.

So you like my daughter do you now?

Yeah we think she's something else

She's her daddy's girl

Her momma's world

She deserves respect

That’s what she'll get

Ain’t it son?

Hey y'all run along and have some fun

I'll see you when you get back

Bet I’ll be up all night
Still cleanin' this gun

Annie at 16...

It was the "she's her daddy's girl, her momma's world that got me. Annie hasn't started dating yet. But I'm sure when she does I'll be thinking about this song and wishing we owned a gun. Not really... but there is everything about your girl that is worth protecting. And so as parents we pray and pray that one day someone will come in to our dear one's life that will cherish her as much as we do.

In Defense Of Orange...

2007-11-11T15:57:00.000-08:00

I AGREE WITH HIM

“Orange is the
happiest color.”
Frank Sinatra

I love orange. I don't necessarily decorate in orange but I'm not afraid of introducing a spot of orange here or there in my environment. I made a purse that looks like a pumpkin, a bright bright pumpkin. I would find people smiling at me more often when i wore that purse. I'm going to fix the strap tonight and wear it through this month to give some happiness and maybe I'll get some too. That purse is a real attention getter...

When I pull out these Thanksgiving decorations they make me feel good..

Helloooo orange!!!

Tug boat scene from Funny Girl... my favorite movie of all time...

See what she's wearing. She didn't even know she was influencing me...and she hates orange.

Barbra doesn't love orange. It made her rich for goodness sake. I loved this dress she wore in the movie Funny Girl. She asked that the world not rain on her parade in that dress. In it she was flung in to stardom...how ungrateful can you get. Said dress sold for over $33,000. at an auction that benefited her estate...again...ungrateful. What has orange ever done to her but make her rich? She asks that there are no orange flowers or anything orange for that matter in her line of sight at any venue that she is performing at. She hates orange so much that she has no orange flowers in her estate gardens. She probably spent the auction money raised from the frock to buy more lavender roses for her garden. sheesh...what an uptight woman.

Audrey Hepburn wore an orange coat in Breakfast at Tiffany's. My daughter and I watched B at T's the other night and we both love orange immensely and thought the gathered back of this coat was adorable. I don't feel I've influenced Annie at all...although I recently bought her an orange 60's swivel chair and a 60's painted woven hamper for her room...

Everyone looks good in orange no matter how old they are...

See, even her...is there anything she wouldn't have looked good in??

Oranges, apricots, cantaloupe, peaches, pumpkin, carrots...Orange even tastes good...

I wasn't too nuts about this...because I didn't like the taste of saccharine...I couldn't understand how anyone would drink something that could possibly give them cancer... It was written on the package. Bless my dear mother...she bought it anyway.

Have you changed your mind about orange yet??

Come on....give in...

mmmm orange tulips...

Orange can even make a vegetable I really can't stand seem more appealing...well, maybe not...

When we moved to Bakersfield, my sister Laurie bought a van just like this one. We loved it...it was a dude magnet. I remember when we had about 4 boys in the back of the van, each one defying gravity as we rounded the Garces Circle again an again...going as fast as that orange thing would go...Our goal was rounding the circle 100 times...the cops stopped us at about 64...
Keep going...

Even cats look good to me in orange...

Okay I might really be blowing it and you'll never want to look at orange again but I couldn't resist...The Cheezies...Would any other color make these guys look better?

again...IN DEFENSE OF ORANGE...

Did you know that I currently have several cupboards worth of orange Tupperware ready to be put away...still on my sink from a recent eBay debacle?? sigh...

Vegan...I'll think about it...but dream about meat...

2007-11-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

http://urbanvegan.blogspot.com/2007/11/autumn-express-101-simple-vegan-meals.html
I really don't have time right now to peruse through this link...but wow, some simple steps to eating well.

Saturday Morning Obsession

2007-10-14T17:18:00.000-07:00

Isn't this Set Beautiful???

I think I'm going to start a blog on JUST the things I purchase in Yard sales because I pick up some sharp stuff...for sure. Jim and I were on the tail end of our morning mainly because we were nearing our "limit" as it were. I was intrigued by the last sale we were hitting because of how the Salers advertised in the paper...listed as "Best Friends Yard Sale." Must be a good one because who would waste the space in their ad to make that statement. Not I.

When we approached the sale I realised my hubby and I had been to this same house a few years back and purchased the coolest stack of white plates with retro brown sunflowers on them...very sixties, very cool. We are still using them. I began using the "look over everything first" technique that I some times forget to use...but I guess my feelers were out because I fixed on the set in the picture above. I um started shaking a bit when I saw it. I kinda did..funny..I was amazed first by the colors. I fell in love. I turned over a few pieces hoping to see some kind of stamp or signature...something to tell me "what" it was. But nothing. The lady who's sale it was approached me and began to tell me about the set. She mentioned that it was her mothers and that it was made in the 40's. What really struck me about the tea set was the mint condition and the fact that there were 8 mugs. She added that the stand the pot sat on was custom made for just those pieces. It is so stunning and the picture doesn't do it justice. As I was leaving I thanked the owner and as I passed her she shot back, "value it please." WOW!! I really "got" her. I felt her words stab me a little. I had to analyze what she meant when I got to the car because the statement kind of bothered me right off. But I got it. She was saying...This was my mothers and I'm not at all interested in the things she found useful or intriguing. And now after all these years I have to release it. Hopefully the next person who finds it adorable will take care of it so I can have peace of mind and not feel the guilt of getting rid of it. Yeah that's it. I know the feeling after selling all of my mothers glassware which amounted to hundreds and hundreds of pieces which she painstakingly collected while she was a well person. I can remember all the trips to the coast as a teenager when she HAD to stop at all the antique stores and shop for treasure. It was an obsession for her and I think that same genetic thing is in me. I will add though that my stash is very minuit in comparison. I recycle heavily and am always saling off my treasures. This tea set is a keeper...well for a few years at least.

September 23, 2007 The Most Beautiful Day of the Year...

2007-09-24T22:31:00.000-07:00

Not just because Jason was here for a visit but because the rain swept out all the gunk and left the air crystal clear...the sky was the color of royal blue and the clouds couldn't be more full and lush. The fam took a jaunt out to The Market Place on Sunday. We all sat and chattered for a while and ate Chinese food. The people watching was slim pickins because? I don't know...didn't everyone know this was the most beautiful day of the year thus far?

I ran, well drove home as quick as I could today to see Jason off. When Jim came to pick me up from work he told me he hadn't left yet...which he was supposed to be gone at four. I was half frantic I just wanted to hold him one more time before he left for Portland...just one more time...

He was at home...still. Thank God for the un-dependability of youth...the kind that has no timetable. Jason was here for a very short week. The time he spends with us is always just TOO short. You can tell when he's gone because there is such an emptiness...such a sadness. The void eventually gets filled with busyness...hey, we have two teenagers in the house. But my arms are aching with emptiness for now...today...for him...my #1.

My Beautious Chillins'

2007-09-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

Having fun with the Camera...Or am I?

The kid's and I were fooling around with the camera last night. Getting an outdoor family pic might be out of the question this visit with Jason since all the good light is gone by the time I get home from work. The picture above is sweet with Annie but I felt as ragged as I looked. Jason and I took a few too...wanted to share them with you.

EBAY OBSESSION...

2007-09-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

A LOVELY SEA OF ORANGE...

Until recently I've never bid on anything from EBay. My brother gave me a few pieces of orange servalier Tupperware and I instantly thought omg how great is this color. Connoisseurs of the plastic stuff would agree that the Servalier container has to be the best of all storage containers. Short of taking a knife to it or holding it over an open flame the Servalier like cockroaches would survive a nuclear bomb. I don't know what happened to me but EBay is the mecca for silly saps like me that feed the need to acquire a specific piece of ORANGE plastic. Since I'm new to the bidding process I got suckered in to the game and I don't think I'm a very good player. Although, I DO have a boat load of the lovely orange stuff to store my kitchen goods in.

PS...I realized this morning and am horrified by the fact that yet another orange canister set will be arriving in the mail this week...my servalier container runneth over...sheesh!

PSS...I'm finished with the orange...really I am.

Christmas in September...

2007-09-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

Look at her hand on his...

I couldn't resist...seeing this photo really got to me. How I miss those years...when the faces were cherub like. A funny thing about this photo...they took 24 of the same pose in a row because mommy was too impatient to have the film developed, pick a favorite, then have 24 prints made of the same photo. So amazing...every frame was precisely the same. All were beautiful. They truly made up for my "can't wait...instant gratification" attitude. I made homemade Christmas cards for several years in a row...this happened to be my most treasured.

Bakersfield Crud...

2007-09-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

"Yah, you got the Bakersfield Crud." A Customer of mine assessed my illness for me. I was thankful for their input as I was in a quandary as to exactly what I had. I've been sick for the last month and a half...and I've let my little blog run dry.

I had to post this picture of my teenagers Sean and Annie sitting on my mothers lap. I purchased their little hobo outfits for Halloween that year at the store that is now Big Lot's. I just love this picture and love every ones facial expressions, especially Annie's little puzzled look...

From Grief to Grateful...

2007-07-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

Another sorting session done Friday unearthed this photo of my Dad. Laurie had set aside a little book I had got for my dad in high school celebrating his birthday. I read it through amazed at how cheesy it was...and then tucked between a folded page was this...

Was he incredible?? Sigh...my dad was a hunk...
I couldn't wait to look through the little bag of goodies my brother and sister put together for me so I pulled the car into the Goodwill warehouse parking lot...sweltering heat out side...I was rummaging through everything when I came across the book with the photo of Dad and I couldn't take my eyes off him. This little picture waiting for me at that moment in time and I didn't cry...I wasn't grief stricken like I normally am when viewing a picture of him. I was just plain incredibly happy and joyful looking at him. I laughed out loud...his face just effected me like that... And then I thought how natural he looked. Not many people are "in the moment" like that while posing for a photo. If there is a reason for EVERYTHING then I believe I was meant to find my father today...if only in a photo. I was meant to have that feeling of his million dollar smile. And as my life as chaotic as it seems right now...his face... his smile...makes things seem less than they are. It was a nice reprieve from the battle of life.

I guess there comes a time when one goes from grief to grateful when losing a loved one. This is what happened to me today. I don't know if it will stick. Tomorrow is another day. But I'll hold on to this moment right now and say "God, thank you for my break through..."

The Things You Find...

2007-07-01T05:07:00.000-07:00

My sister Laurie came to town Friday and we met over at my brothers house to help him sort through the mountain of stuff that my parents left behind. I snagged these pictures of my mom. From the 40's to the 60's. I guess you could describe my mother as "One Tough Broad." She was raised by a single mother...her Dad left the family for another woman. It was so difficult for her and I don't think she ever got over it. She also had broken teeth growing up which were never fixed until she met my dad. The pictures show her crooked smile.

This is such a fantastic photo of my mom and beloved grandma Helen. She is the only grandparent I was blessed to know though out my life. I have wonderful memories of visiting her at her little apartment in La Sierra, CA.

Cheekbones as high as the ceiling...

This picture is obviously from the 50's after she was married to my father. He had her teeth fixed and she looks like Jane Russell! I got the biggest kick out of the photo because obviously the dentist didn't really match the teeth to her mouth. But I can tell she was proud of her smile...a smile that says, "nothing will hold me back now"...and nothing ever did.

Mom posing in front of THE COPPER DREAM, our Chevy Impala station wagon. Gosh we loved that car! Mom looks like she could have been a model for the dealership. She was amazing standing next to that hot ride! Gosh the memories of that car...in the sixties where anything goes. You could transport kids up to the roof and no one could care less. We'd roll down the back window and drive all the way to Lake Arrowhead with our heads out the back...arms flaying out the window...yanking them up and down for the truckers to sound their horns at us. There was no such thing as seatbelts and no one with a cell phone turning you in to the authorities. We'd sleep all the way home to Anaheim. The back of that wagon would serve double duty...oh yes the sweet induced sleep that only car exhaust could give...that was the good life...

Happy Anniversary Baby...

2007-06-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

June 30, 1979

"Happy anniversary baby

Got you on my mind

Happy anniversary baby

Got you on my mind"

I sang the intro to my groom this morning...The Little River Band sang it much better but I got Jim to smile. Just like he has EVERY day for the past 28 years. Yes this day 28 years ago Jim and I were married on a record breaking heat wave of a day here in Bakersfield, CA.
After all these years of heartbreak and despair
Laughter beyond compare
Joy unspeakable
Let downs and sorrow
Babies laughter
Teenage banter
All of this and more
I still adore
This man...

SCORE!!

2007-06-29T20:30:00.001-07:00

RETROTASTIC THINGY...

How saaweeet is this little ditty! I'm tellin' ya there ain't nothin' better than this...love it love it love it...(get a hold of yourself Colleen!) Any way can you tell I'm head-over-heels-in- love with whatever this is? I went to an estate sale last Saturday in what we in Bakersfield call "Westchester." It was so much fun mainly because it was so unorganized and the family just wanted to "sell" their stuff and not pull in top dollar for it. Which, by the way is my kind of SALE!
We recently found out that our landlord (what a creepy title) is selling the home we live in so I took the opportunity to purchase something for our new digs. We have no idea where we will go but it will probably be in to an apartment. Well, doesn't my retro find SCREAM apartment?? Yah baby...and I plan to decorate our kitchen AROUND these colors. I'm determined. What would you call this thing... Snack containers...snack stackers...haha I just tried saying that 5 times REAL fast...I'm a dork.
Gotta run...I'll finish this later...

2007-06-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

I know I'm finally writing something after the death of our sweet freddy boy...nothing seemed worth writing about...But then the fog lifted and although I KNOW I should not have laughed about this I couldn't help myself. I was raised in a VERY sarcastic household and so our humor sides on slightly weird stuff so... Here goes, you be the judge. Funny? or NOT funny. Just click on the link:
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20043882,00.html

This Is Another Reason I Didn't Write About You On Father's Day Dad....

2007-06-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

Because we lost our prince...

Our Freddy T-Bone
Our light has left the building
To return no more.
I know this sounds dramatic
But so was he
Dramatic
Fun
Playful
Joyful
Fiesty
Yummy
We waited so long to introduce
a dog in to our lives.
We never could relate to "dog people."
We just didn't get it.
Not until...
Freddy.
Two years ago he came
in to our lives and...
He strutted
He was wreckless
He was fearless
Freddy was adventurous
and LOVED his walks.
He offered his soft under belly
His huge chest
To any person he loved
Which was just about everyone.
Won't you just scratch it?
And let the fun begin!
We will admit we were silly gaga
over this lad.
He was priceless...one-of-a-kind.
I know what you're thinking...
They've become "those" people
You know the kind they would
shake their head about.
We became more than one those people
we became
"Freddy" people.
And the light
has
left
our
home...
But not our heart
and most importantly...
Not our memories.

Dad...

2007-06-18T01:13:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I didn't write about you...on Father's Day. I really was just trying to get through it. I ache for you Dad.
Luv,
Me

Oh Laurie...for your information...

2007-06-13T02:12:00.000-07:00

I DID make the pasta salad as stated below!! Yes, your sister frantically made it across East Bakersfield to Green Frog Market...found the dried cranberries their even...boiled the pasta...threw EVERYTHING together...and even had enough time (barely) to put a brush through her hair change her clothes and then...knock knock knock (the door bell still doesn't ring) and I schlepped out the door to Bunco...whew! You made me determined to do it sista.

Okay...I did change a few things. I tasted it and it was good...but the sauce kind of needed some sweet, I felt, and so I added a little raspberry syrup to the sauce. I can tell this one is better the next day. I got complements but not "omg" compliments. I think I might of put too much of the parsley in...can you have too much parsley in a salad? I think so...

Anyway Laurie...I have met your challenge...when you said "so did you make the salad you mentioned in your blog?" Arrrgggghhhh I thought...I couldn't WAIT to leave that office...time was of the essence...and not to be snide but....nah nah...nah nah nah...I did it!

Delish...

2007-06-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

Please check this out...http://feliciasullivan.com/?p=622

I love this girl's style and I know I will love this recipe. The base is similar to Liz Grundvig's chicken salad she made for us over 25 years ago when we started that crazy dice game called Bunco. I think I'll make it for Bunco Tuesday night. Yes that's right this same group is still together and going strong! Some of the faces are different but the group still exists. These women are dear to my heart. It's so funny because I've subbed for various other Bunco groups and most are able to finish 4-6 rounds whereas our group can barely finish 2. Haha! What is different still is the fact that we go around the group and take down prayer requests after we play. It gives us a chance to REALLY catch up with each others lives and offer all of our needs up to God. We need prayer and the WORLD needs prayer...and "l0ve sweet love."

My Enameled Beautious Yard Sale Find...

2007-06-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

Enameled Wall Hanging

I had a mission last Saturday. Clothes. One simple word. I could not justify any other purchase. Two adorable daughters were selling their mothers wares. I have learned when in a group of yard salers to not dwell on one area when I arrive but to scan the WHOLE sale. My eyes locked on to only ONE THING...not clothing...not the mission. But this BEAUTIFUL enameled beauty. Birds have never been so lovely to me...

The girls said their "mother is lurching forward right now" at the assisted living facility she lives in on the other side of town...sensing they sold her birds for $5.00...I assured them I would love it unflinchingly.

Luv Nora...

2007-06-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

I just got done watching Nora Ephron's segment on Oprah tonight...She is genius...I want her book "I Feel Bad About My Neck." She said something SO true..."Faces lie but necks tell the truth." TRUE TRUE TRUE... I can voug for that. It was as if over night my neck fell. It just said, "Face the fact chick...I've been holding up long enough...I need a rest...and well the "rest" is history. The face is doing okay...it's the freakin' neck that I'm ticked about.

See...scarf around neck...

Again...neck...See, the truth is in the neck it..does..not..lie. omg, that's enough of that!

Sweet Sixteen Partayyyyyy....

2007-05-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

ANNIE STOCKMAN...SWEET SIXTEEN BIRTHDAY PARTY 5-26-07

These are the cutest teenagers in the WORLD...They are STILL going strong and maybe the party will be winding down soon...hopefully...please Lord!!

Google your Food...

2007-05-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

This site has to be the BEST I've visited today...UNREAL!!
http://www.researchbuzz.org/wp/tools/cookin-with-google/

I'm going to have sooo much fun when I get home from work!
Colleen

Strike a Pose!

2007-05-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

We still had the camera on the tripod and I don't know WHO said it but this is the result of that statement..."Strike a Pose!" My kid's look like they could get a modeling contract tomorrow...but look at me!! Hahaha! Have you ever seen the movie "Carrie"???? OMG...I couldn't believe it! Imagine the scene where she has the pigs blood poured on her head...I had JUST colored my hair before work that day and the brightness of the red could rival Sissy Spaceks hair in that scene! But it's REALLY my WIDE open eyes that gets me! There I go burning down the gymnasium...run for your life kids...mama's really lost it!!