Things that have crossed my mind today......

and some photos I like too.



ROOM FOR RENT - FEATHERED FRIEND WANTED


1. I read a post that said, " Do you know that they say you can always tell how a man will treat you by the way he treats his mother. Hmmm. I think there is wisdom in there. But I don't think we will discuss that any further.

2. Pondering fate and believing in the power of things we have no control over. A phone conversation that reminded me that those of us who like to be in control have to realize that there are more people in this world than just us and we are not always in the drivers seat. I don't want to discuss that one any further either.

3. That pancakes for breakfast are never a bad option. Especially our family version which is Norwegian and involves lemons and sugar. Gonna make them.

4. Having a cold can be a blessing. It's a sick day off work to rest, watch a little TV and see what Ellen and Oprah have been up to. ( I like Ellen better). Call an old friend. Have a chat while still lying in bed.

5. Living near the ocean is pretty special when you look out the window and there are seagulls on the grass in front of your home.

6. Fresh Basil smells good any day.

7. I should take a picture of all the tissue I have used on my nose in the last 2 days so my boss will know I really was sick. I think I will do a documentary one day to show the management team. I think it would be funny. They probably wouldn't.

8. Can you kill germs in your body by lying in a tanning bed?

9. I need to re-paint my toes and I am out of dental floss. Some of life's biggest dilemmas

10. When you watch movies with subtitles, you have to be a fast reader.

11. I saw a girl the other day with black hairy legs in a pair of shorts and it didn't seem to bother her a bit. We all need that
kind of confidence.

12. There doesn't seem to be anything that great on TV these days. Is it just me?

13. Trying to spread hard butter on toast is not good.

14. Sometimes I can hear my neighbors through the walls. Today they were arguing beside me and I think she was crying.
(I felt bad for her) Upstairs my neighbor is using the blender. She must be good at it because she does it alot. I think
there is an elephant that lives up there too.

15. I wonder how the lady in the vintage hat shoppe in St. Augustine is today? I liked her alot. She told us that you can tell
vintage dresses by the kinds of zippers that are sewn in.





REMEMBER WHEN WE USE TO PUT CARDS IN THE SPOKES OF OUR BIKES ?




CAUGHT THIS YOUNG GIRL READING A BOOK IN A BIG OLD TREE BY THE BEACH
- THAT'S TIME TO YOURSELF - AND THATS YOUTH.




TEA FIRST AND LAWN GAMES AFTERWORD. WHAT DO THEY MEAN BY LAWN GAMES?


Those are things I choose to share. The others I will keep to myself. Hope your thoughts cause you to pause - and reflect on
how quirky and interesting this world can be.

Out of my mind. Back in 5 minutes..........

Any one of these images could have described how I felt when I realized what I did yesterday nite. I pondered keeping it to myself but decided it's so crazy that I musn't be the only person who has ever been so overtired and brain overloaded that they have done something that makes you wonder if you have totally lost it once and for all.


So here's the story. I come home from work at around 4 in the afternoon. Park my car and come into my place. I set down my bag and head into the bedroom. Before I can even consider taking off my shoes - I sit down on the bed and flop over on my side with my head on the pillow. This is dangerous for me because I know I will likely just close my eyes and not get up. So moments later, still wearing the shoes, and my clothes from the day, I find myself closing my eyes and pulling the quilt up over my shoulder. For a fleeting second I think I will just have a "little" rest. I immediately fall fast asleep. I had no idea how long I had been sleeping. Surely didn't move a muscle and didn't hear a thing going on in the world around me. Glorious snooze which I obviously needed, so embrace it right?
I wake up and look at the clock on the table beside the bed and it says 7 o'clock. I think uh-oh, I have to be to work. I am covering for another person and I have a bit of flex in the time I have to be there so I figure I have time to get up and shower.
I do that, get dressed, blow dry my hair. Get the flat iron out and put on some make-up. Usual routine for the morning.
I get dressed and put the kettle on for a cup of tea to take in the car and make a sandwich to take for lunch. I think, jeez I didn't have any dinner and by the tiime I get coffee at work I will be famished so.... I quickly made some toast and fried an egg with some bruschetta on top. (it's actually really good). Threw that back and headed out the door. It's around 8:15 and it's light outside but there is a red haze in the clouds. I drive to work ( a half hour drive) and I'm thinking to myself about that old saying.... "red sky in the morning - sailors take warning". They said it was going to be rainy and windy for a couple of days and it certainly looked like that was going to happen. I didn't have the radio on, so I was listening to a CD in the player and drinking my tea. Traffic was pretty good and I didn't pay much attention. I get to work and I scan my parking pass into the lot and head into the underground parking area. I look around and think how weird it is that for this time of day there are not many cars in the parkade. As I head down to the 2nd level where we park - there are even less cars. Weird.
I park anyways, get out and go up the elevator to the main floor of the hospital. As I come off the elevator to the foyer I notice the security guard at the reception table ( who only hangs out there after hours in the evening) and that it has suddenly gotten darker outside as I could see through the window of the building. I start laughing to myself because I know something is very wrong. I open the inner corridor doors to go to our department and I see the clock that says 9 o'clock. It's the evening. I slept for 2 1/2 hours only. Not all nite at all. I couldn't believe I had done this. Seriously I went and sat down on the bench and started laughing at myself and shaking my head. I phoned my friend to tell her how crazy I was and she asked me if I needed her to take me to see a doctor. Ya. Unbelievable. I drive all the way back home ( 1/2 hour again ) and park my car, put my sandwich back in the fridge, change out of my clothes and sit down on the couch to reflect on the whole fiasco. I found myself thinking that it must have been a pretty great power nap because when I woke up I felt like I had been asleep for many hours. The alarm clock doesn't have an AM/PM marking. Just a dot and I guess I didn't really pay that close attention. I hadn't set the alarm because I didn't plan on falling asleep all nite. So many ways to justify how I could possibly do such a crazy thing.



So that's my story. I know I will never do that one again. I figure the next time I am not sure - I will turn on the T.V. to see if breakfast TV is on or if it's actually the evening news.


That's definitely all I have to say about that one.

J.

Listen to Singin when no-oness looking

Art is like a drug to me......

"THE BRIDE". Student artist.




"FACES ON CANVAS" Student artist. Loved, Loved this piece. Would I like this one for my place. YES!



Last weekend I went to Vancouver to the Emily Carr School of Art & Design grad exhibition. One of the ladies I work with has completed her degree this year and she had her work on display. Of course a degree from this school is respected in the art community and I wanted to show my support and enthusiasm for this accomplishment by going to see the show. It had been a busy week but I was so glad to get out there to meet a friend and wander around the gallery together.




So this is the work I went to see. I considered my friend who painted this and how I perceive her and what I know about her.
This tells another story I think and I can't wait to work with her to ask her if "I got her idea". Each panel seems to be a different area of our Canadian landscape. There is a girl who appears to be an immigrant standing not in front of - or behind but inbetween a wrought iron panel. So, I wonder what she is trying to say here....................... "The piece is titled " Wonder how i ended up here, Better keep smiling "



There was some amazing stuff there. It totally intrigues me how a mind can envision something and then produce it for the rest of us to enjoy. What were they thinking? What was the inspiration? Am I suppose to get it - because sometimes I truly don't..... and what it must feel like for the artist when they catch someone admiring thier work - Is it difficult to sell original pieces of art? It would be like letting go of something in your home you are attached to. Sometimes it's not about the money you could get for it right? It's almost irreplaceable. But I suppose that's what fuels thier creativeness. A mind so full of ideas that what sets them apart is that they are always a step ahead of those who try to emulate ( or dare I say copy ) thier style?
The true artist. I just think they are interesting, cool people.
So I came away feeling rejuvenated and actually the day looked brighter and more colorful than ever before.
Artistic types flavor our world. Like salt on food. Our world would seem like greyscale without them and it reminds me alot of why I loved Savannah, Georgia so much on my previous roadtrip last March. It is a town with flavor. Musically, artistically, architecturally, and the wafts of seaside smells paired with the hot sun on the pavement and chefs (who can be artists themselves) who send sweet smells into the air to taunt us make for a "colorful and artistic" experience.




SUPPORT YOUNG ARTISTS BUY A BAG CAMPAIGN... This is great. You purchase a shopping bag that has been handmade by a local artist. They get the money and you get a cool bag. Clever.




IN A LOCAL COFFEE SHOPPE, AN ARTIST WORKS ON A PIECE WHILE WE CHAT AROUND HER. PRETTY COOL STUDIO RIGHT? SHE HAS A GLASS OF WINE GOING THERE AND THERE ARE LOCAL ARTISTSWORK ON THE WALLS THAT CAN BE PURCHASED. THE COFFEE SHOPPE HAS MIX MATCHED BIG OLD FURNITURE IN CRUSHED VELVET AND TAPESTRY PATTERNS AND LOW COFFEE TABLES SCATTERED HERE AND THERE. THE BATHROOM WALLS WERE PLASTERED WITH INTERESTING BUSINESS CARDS AND YOU COULD STAND AND LOOK (OR SIT AND LOOK) AND TRULY HAVE A RELAXING EXPERIENCE.









I am a true believer that we can buy all kinds of things that are manufactured for our pleasure and convenience but there is something very special about things that are produced as a labor of love and inspiration and by the hand that perceived the thought. The next time you look at an artist... think "color in this world".

And that's all I have to say about that. . (for now)

Come Spend the day with me.....

Disclaimer: you may want to get a drink and comfortable. It looks like a long one....... (blog that is)

So, The plan is..... beautiful sunny day in early May in The Pacific Northwest. Day off work. Everyone seems to be busy so - mini roadtrip.


Destination: Fairhaven, Washington. On the American side of our border - about a half hour drive once you cross from the Canadian side.



I loved this planter/water catcher which you can find at "A Lot Of Flowers", Garden & Gifts & Floral.
They have some really cool stuff.
I decided I needed groceries more than I needed that head - but I reeeeally wanted it. (Note to self: check the lottery ticket to see if you won)





This one I did bring home, found it in a junkin kind of shop but the price was right! It has fleur de lis on 2 sides and Mother on the other opposites. Isn't it a nice mother's day present for my place?
I know - now I have to get dirt and flowers. That's next weekends project. Shhh.. $ 20.00 !





Now this is a nice mat. So very CC and my guess is that our little Miss "The plate Addict" would like it too - but Claudie would hate the black. (excuse me, I mean Claudie would be opposed to the black) I'm trying not to say hate. Anyways, my thought was... we can make these. Just need a plain sisel mat from the hardware store and a can of spray paint and some stencil lettering. (Claudie, you can buy pink paint - but you should try to make your mat black first or I don't think the pink will show up enough! Then it is very CoCo Chanel. Don't cha think it's a good project? They wanted $30.00 and I almost bought it!

I am getting ahead of myself here... So this town of Fairhaven.....




It's a historical little town that is full of charm, interesting shoppes, and friendly people. It's also a University town so to speak because Western Washington University is nearby so lots of students and artsy folk call it home. Off the interstate 5 at exit 250 you drive until you come to 12th street. Left takes you to Chuckanut Drive and right takes you into the town. Both are good choices because Chuckanut Drive is a picturesque sampling of why people love to live out on the westcoast despite some rainy days from time to time. It's very pretty seaside drive that is fun for a sportscar because of the twisty and narrow roadway. Put on your favorite music and roll down all the windows. There are tons of fit and health oriented cyclists that take on this route too and they were all there today enjoying the sunshine. A whole flock of them in bright colored lycra and slick sunglasses. Some bikes built for 2 even.








The 2 above picture of the old Bank Building is a shoppe called "Three French Hens". They have some lovley things in there too. There are Italian dishes I DESIRE there ( but which would also require a lottery win), and a 3/4 length summer coat that is pretty special too. The change room in this store is inside the old bank vault. There are bronze curtains hanging on the door and the inside is so comfortable you just want to sit and look around for a minute.

The Village Bookstore is another place to linger. They have t-shirts that say "reading is sexy". Liked those too. Didn't buy one. Good girl. But I wanted the Artful Blogger magazine and they actually phoned Barnes & Noble for me to see if they had it. Sheesh. Who does that?




And one more that'll drop your socks off. So I go to get a tea at the coffee shoppe call "Tony's".
I don't know who Tony is but apparently he must own the coffee
shop.
Ya know what was weird. There was this sign on the cash register that said "no plastic, but cash and local whatcom county cheques are o.k." Isn't that just so small town america? I mean that in the nicest way. Its not the no plastic that was odd,
- but the fact that they still accept cheques from people for coffee and treats at a small lunch spot. I think that was weird -
but very endearing. Then, while I am waiting to order I see the girl from the flower shoppe across the street come in to get something. She says, "I'll pay you cash because I am not sure how big my tab is now. The guy behind the counter
pulls out this stack of note pads with pages over turned and is looking for hers! Now, I ask you. Do you think Starbucks
would run a tab for me? Or accept my cheque? NEVER! and I always order a tea misto because I don't drink a lot of coffee actually - and it cost me $2. 40. At stabucks I have been paying almost $ 4.50. So where's the logic?
Big corporation does not have anything on this little local shoppe.

You simply have to go. There's a neat consignment store too there girls.... (Did ya say you liked my purse? ) Ya, got it there!

We are right on the edge of summer. Put it on your list. And if it's too far from where you are, I am sure there is a little place close to your home that is just as delightful.



I have to tell you this one more thing.... ( I know I said that, but this is really it) I had lunch at "The Oyster Bar" on the Chuckanut Drive and before I sat down I used thier washroom. On the counter in the bathroom beside a little bouquet of flowers is a glass jar containing tampons. An emergency supply for their female guests. Well some people think of everything. I've never seen that before except in a metal machine on the wall that eats your coins - so aside from a fantastic salad with salmon chunks and gorgonzola cheese and strawberries and vinagrette dressing on a sunny patio- I even got a free tampon today to put away for an emergency.
Isn't life full of good surprises sometimes!




With that thought, this day is over. Good nite friends.

I need to get a bike. Need - that's a funny word.

LIKE IT ALOT! GREEN IS VERY ENVIRONMENTAL AND WILL GO WITH MY PLACE. (see explanation below)




I've always wanted a California cruiser bicycle and I think with the summer right close by, it's time to start looking for one. I want to ride down the sidewwalk to the bakery to buy apple turnovers and to the beach so I can lay on the grass and read without having to pay for parking. I can take along my camera and pull over whenever I want. I have this ideal in my head that a California cruiser bike pedals like a dream. No work at all. We actually glide rather than pedal. I really don't have a place to park one in my apartment, But I've thought that thru just now. I could put it in the living room with some fresh flowers in the basket on the handlebars. I'll need a basket too I guess. Doubles as a piece of furniture. Brilliant.

I LIKE THIS ONE TOO - ALOT. IT HAS HISTORY AND A NICE WORN LEATHER SEAT. I BET THE SEAT IS ITALIAN

.


THIS ONE'S A BEAUTY. WHITE IS ALWAYS A GOOD CHOICE - BUT NOT QUIRKY ENOUGH FOR ME.
THE PRICE WILL DEFINITELY BE A FACTOR.
(Claudie would kill me, but I'm not totally sold on those pink rimmed tires.)





So, that's what I am thinking of. Bikes, and summer and flowers and reading on the beach. Peaceful moments with nowhere important to be. Those are easy days.

My wish for you all is that there are only those ahead.



Au revoire my lovlies.
and for those who just check in to see what I'm up to....... I hope you found something of interest. (smile)