Book Review: North & South

North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell
***Clarification:This is not the Civil War North & South

Synopsis: Small town English Southerner finds herself in the wicked North (wicked as in fast paced and stressful) where she befriends the poor Higgins Family and her father befriends Mr. Thornton, a businessman who owns a mill. While the story focuses on a multiple of stressful situations, the two main characters carry the weight of the story's world on their shoulders and come out of it with their dignity still intact.

I'm really picky when it comes to books. I sometimes don't even try books out because I worry they will be such a complete waste of time. So I cleave onto my love of the classics, and stories I feel can stand the test of time.
I also am usually pretty adamant about reading the book before seeing the movie. When Harry Potter was about to come out my Mom insisted I read the books before watching the movie. Good thing too, because books=outstanding, movies=so-so.
Fast forward to some dreary Sunday in December. I'm bored, it's cold outside. Nothing to do. I decide to watch the BBC miniseries North and South on Youtube. It was fantastic, I watched the whole thing that day (I think it's 4 hours). Then I became obsessed with watching certain parts over and over again, like when Margaret tells Mr. Thornton to "be a "man" and go and save his innocent Irishmen." Awesome!
Anyways all I'm saying is when they announced in my Book Group that they were going to read North and South, I was like--shoot! I should've waited to watch the movie until after I had read the book.
Once I started reading the book I was startled to realize how happy I was to have watched the movie first. Because the movie was somewhat altered from the book, significant parts were not included or were added.
This spiked my curiosity into how they justified doing all their editing. I found that it was like reading a book and also solving a puzzle as well.
The verdict is, I loved the book and I loved the very edited movie equally as well.
I can't believe I just wrote that.

To Sophia, My Twelve Year Old.

Dearest, You gave me my first breath as Mother.

The years have rolled on and there you stand a
glimmer in my eye, a strong young woman.

I could never have guessed your character as a baby, still small and delicate.

How honored I am to have a daughter that has grown to be so capable, honest, and good natured.

You were a little angel sent to me from above.

Helping your Mother throughout these years
of constant strain and change.
You know how to do so many things and you have so many talents.

Though, your sisters and brother are still small I hope and pray that they will be

as strong, courageous, and true as their
Big Sister.

Happy Birthday, I love you very much my dear, sweet, and perfect Sophia.

The Hot Dwarf --Ummm..Just About the Funniest Thing I've Ever Read

To Be Hot or Not? That is the Dwarf Question

December 8th, 2010 by maegwen | Discuss | View Comments

The “Hobbit” cast is looking good. Really good. Oooooooh yeah, realllllly good.

Maybe too good?

When rumors began to swirl almost immediately after “Return of the King” left the theaters that a “Hobbit” film was inevitable, I made a prediction: There is no way they can sell a film with 13 Gimli-faced dwarves.

“Mark my words,” I grumbled, “you are going to see HOT DWARVES in this movie. Think of the fan girls!!!”

And it seems I may be right.

When you look at the success of the “Lord of the Rings” movies, a good portion of it can definitely be attributed to die-hard Tolkien fans who unreservedly embraced Peter Jackson’s vision.

But an even more significant part of the audience was made up of people – let’s face it, women – who really liked the eye-candy. From Legolas to Aragorn to the adorable hobbits to the nameless elf who became an internet sensation: Figwit.

And let’s not forget Boromir, Faramir and Eomer fans.

But… not too many Gimli fans, are there? You won’t find a lot of Gimli websites or fan-fiction out there. There’s just not any ‘hotness’ quotient in our short lumpy bearded friend.

Sooooooooo… let’s take a close look at “The Hobbit,” shall we?

The primary characters in the book are… dwarves. A baker’s dozen of short, lumpy, bearded dwarves.

Sure, there’s Bilbo. And yes, Beorn and Bard have promise. But the ratio of Hot to Not isn’t great.

Now, there were loads of issues and drama that came with getting the film off the ground. It seemed as if it would never happen. But one of the key things the project had to recommend it was the insane success of the LOTR trilogy… which just had to guarantee similar audience appeal for “The Hobbit.” Right?

Except for those pesky dwarves.

If you’re a Hollywood studio honcho and are salivating at the chance to take a ride on the Tolkien juggernaut, I’ll bet you and your marketing and merchandising teams are taking a look at the character list and thinking…

“We need hot dwarves.”

“Lose the beards, lose the lumps. Hot dwarves, the hotter the better. We’ll get a wholesome, ‘aw-shucks’ Bilbo, some bad-boy sexy Men, and then AS MANY HOT ACTORS WE CAN FIND for the Dwarves.”

And so they did. One after another, each sexier than the last.

Here’s where the Tolkien purist in me has a heart attack. SEE?? I TOLD YOU!!! HOT DWARVES? HOT DWARVES?!?!?

This is wrong, right? It was bad enough when Frodo, Pippin and Merry popped up in LOTR looking like slender, pink-cheeked cherubs (Sorry Sean, you really looked like Sam to me) instead of Tolkien’s rotund, hairy-toed Weebles. Tolkien was doing somersaults in his grave.

But dwarves? As short, lumpy and bearded as Gimli was, Tolkien intended him to look that way. And so, “NO! DOWN WITH HOT DWARVES,” we say. It’s an outrage! A travesty! Nooooooo…

Except… wellllll, Gimli was really short, lumpy and bearded. With Richard Armitage and Aidan Turner and James Nesbitt and Robert Kazinsky and Graham McTavish cast, I’m not sure I want any of them to look like real dwarves.

When it comes down to it, I’m a purist but I’m a red-blooded girl, too. Armitage alone would get me into the theater. But… put Richard in ‘Gimli’ prosthetics and, well, as superficial as it sounds that would not be as much fun. He’s a wonderful actor; I’m a huge fan of “Spooks.” But I want to SEE him and Aidan Turner and James Nesbitt and Robert Kazinsky and Graham McTavish, etc.

I reckon there are 10,000,000,000 other women in the world who would agree with me on this, and that, presumably, is what determines the film studio’s choice. I know I’m contradicting myself. Writing this I came to realize I believe: 1) HOT DWARVES are wrong, and 2) hiring gorgeous men and not letting them BE HOT is also wrong.

Right? I mean, wrong? Hmmm.

Back me up on this, ladies! Hot or not – which should it be?

=======================

original article found here:
http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/12/08/41237-the-%E2%80%9Chobbit%E2%80%9D-cast-is-looking-good-really-good-oooooooh-yeah-realllllly-good/

Maegwen is a long time senior staffer and sometimes satirist. She can often be found in Barliman’s Chatroom and is our resident film grumpus.

Gettysburg New Year

On a whim Derek and I made some quick decisions for New Years.

Decision points:

1. Living by two major cities we knew we would NEVER leave the house with the kids if we stuck around here. Even if the papers boast of Family friendly events, we're not into crowds or traffic.

2. I REALLY wanted to do something for new years. More than watch movies and eat popcorn.

3. Gettysburg is so close, I've always wanted to go check it out and their city website declared Gettysburg is the place to be on New Years because it had: pyrotechnics, live bands, free hot cocoa and cookies, and fireworks. All pluses in my book.

4. I figured if all the events were really lame at least we had a hotel pool, cable and free breakfast the next morning. And NO clean up.

So Derek's parents and sisters and a cousin came with us and off to Gettysburg we went and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.
First the hotel was fun. They even had hot dogs and sauerkraut at dinnertime, as it is an old German tradition they keep in Gettysburg. Supposedly it aides in health and prosperity for the New Years.
The pool and hot tub were enjoyed by all and after pool time we got ready for the New Years festivities at Lincoln Square.
First, no crowds at least by our Shmaltimore/DC standards--even though the manager at the hotel warned us there would be a huge crowd--ha! The pyrotechnics were sorta lame, just because it was hard to see, however there was music and dancing-fun had by all. One of the churches down the street had magicians--which we unfortunately missed, and music concerts all night long. We arrived in time to hear some of the Celtic music (which I loved) and stayed to have some free cocoa, cookies, chips, popcorn and to chat with the elderly church ladies helping out.
After warming ourselves up inside we headed to the fireworks--which were amazing and fun! Yeah for 2011.

Believin' on Lincoln Square.
The veterans cemetery was beautiful and amazing. It really hits home how many lives were lost during the battle of Gettysburg when you see it for yourself.
Xela sitting by an original Civil War cannon, next to some of the graves.

I really want to take the family back up there in the spring, so we can walk the trails and check out the museums.

Tommy's highlight, riding the mall train.

For Adriane

My sister Adriane is one tough chic, she took us on mini-adventures around her neck of the AZ. This song reminds me of trekking the trails around Montezuma's Well, Jerome, Slide Rock, and her back yard:) Adriane love you and miss you! One day we will have the ultimate sisters dance party, where we play our favorite songs and dance like maniacs!

Magdalena by Brandon Flowers

Benedict Cumberbatch is ....

Sherlock Holmes!

First off I want to write "Benedict Cumberbatch" as many times as possible, because it's the most hoity-toity name I've ever come across (take my word for it, seeing how I have "Dartagnon" listed as a possible "boys name" in my grade school journal). Couple the genius of Cumberbatch with the crazy-good/time warping adaptation of the books and one may deduce
pure entertainment gold!

Also

Watson happens to be Arthur Dent from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Uh, could this show be any more dorky cool? Let's just say that if you've read the SH books then you will squeal with delight as you pick up on the little details they've infused through the scenes.

But don't take my word for it.

Like what you see?

watch it here:
Sherlock:Study in Pink

**Thanks Elizabeth for steering me in the right direction! You are the best.

Cherry Dipped

Dear Chocolate Ice Cream Cone Dipped in Cherry,

You were delicious in the summer and I'd order you again if I could. Sadly it is now Autumn and your yummy goodness is taking a sabbatical. I do think it rather strange and stalker-ish that you took over my dreams last night. Please don't do this for it makes me hungry and wish for an everlasting summer. Which is truly unfortunate for I happen to enjoy the fall. Please for all things that are autum-ish and holy, stay away until summertime--ok?

Sincerely,

Bucky

Where did this come from??

Looking through our old family videos the girls asked about THIS video. I couldn't find it in our files. Thankfully it was posted online. Ha! This was so the BEST Relief Society activity!

Salt on the Magpie's Tale

My love of fairy tales traces back to the day when I'd sleep over at my Aunt Christel's house and under her 80's ruffled canopy bed she'd read me Fairy tales. The Hans Christian Anderson and Brothers Grimm variety. I lay there imagining the three dogs with eyes the size of saucers, bowls, and plates from the story of the Tinderbox. I'd grip the sheets and curl my toes when we'd read the Snow Queen.

What feeds my fairy tale tooth is being a day dreamer since birth (3 report cards in my posession say "Katherine is a daydreamer"). I enjoy being transported to a different time, a fanciful place, and meeting quirky, whimsical characters.

So when I went into the Library with the intent of grabbing only 1 book for myself, I really shouldn't have been surprised to pick up "Swedish Fairy Tales--illustrated by John Bauer".
Tucked into the bottom shelf was this gem. It seemed a little obscure and in need of someone to find it. I read all the stories to my little girls and in their faces I saw my own: holding onto their covers, listening intently as the story of trolls and princesses danced in their heads. It was wonderful.

From England to Maryland; To Home and Back

When I was a teenager I went to Hinxton, England to spend the summer with my very good friend Anna. There I met Anna's cousin Alix. At first I didn't like Alix, I felt like he was making fun of me all the time. And well looking back he was. I was naive, sensitive, and some might say horribly simple minded. I guess growing up in Missouri no one really cares if your simple minded. Simplicity is a mark of a good life--no complications, low stress, easy going. That is me through and through.

I remember going to bed the day after I met Alix, so upset that he thought I was "naive" and then it occurred to me that he was right I was simple--so what! After coming to this conclusion I had a blissful rest and the next morning something miraculous happened. I threw out all my doubts about myself--I wasn't timid, I didn't care what he thought of me and I was 100% Bucky. It felt sooo good!

When the three of us went for a walk I had a good time watching Anna push Alix in the river for being so cheeky to us--hehehe...sweet revenge. Which after a while turned into three geeky kids making fun of one another-- splashing each other and having a glorious time. That night Alix again flat out said "You are such a simpleton"--"Ha!" I thought. I just smiled and sang the old Quaker line "Tis the gift to be simple, tis the gift to be free". And freeing it was! I was no longer chained to the fear that I might not be "cool" in the eyes of another. I was me and i didn't care if he didn't like it. Although I think he secretly liked my simple, carefree ways. And after that night everything was great. At our parting he even said ***insert uppity English voice****"You do realize we will never see each other again?"

"Yup." I responded in all my simpleness and I gave him a hug and we took a picture and true to his words I have never seen that kid again.

Except for right now in my thoughts. I've thought about that experience again. Because is many ways living in Maryland has been my Alix.

Maryland for those who have grown up here is an amazing place with sooo many wonderful opportunities to be "somebody". They have the best schools, people want to be the best, successful people are the hallmark of this lifestyle. I have painfully struggled to find my "place" here among the land of over achievers. Lost between success and complete failure I was stuck in the same place I found my self years ago, sleepless-in Hinxton-worrying about what somebody thought of me.

I have battered myself up inside and out for not being, looking, and acting as I feel perhaps I should. For better or worse living on the East Coast has changed me in many ways but that feeling of trying to overcome my simpleness has loomed over me for the past 5 years.

Until this summer. When Derek and I went out on a limb and traveled west to work, reconnect, and have fun. Slowly my healing took place.

First in Missouri where I was encircled by my family. Of which I must say the old saying is true, apples really don't fall far from the tree. I saw my Grandpa, Dad, Aunts and Uncles and cousins in such different ways than before. I believe for the first time in my life, I saw them for who they really are, people of integrity, kindness, and charity. It felt great to have my Aunts sit and talk with me and my children as if no time had passed. My Uncles teasing my kids and me just like in the old days. They came in and swept out the cobwebs of insecurity and magically gifted me my confidence back.

I saw in my Aunts women who take their divine calling of Motherhood seriously and through their example and the example of their children all my fears I've had for myself were washed away. I'm a mother and that IS something. It isn't easy, it isn't the easy route. It's challenging and it's challenging turning that complexity into simplicity. And yet I watched my family doing it with the greatest of ease, so I knew it was in me too. Isn't family a wonderful blessing!

So much more happened in Arizona. There I spent time being a big sister to my brothers and a daughter again as I lived in my Dad's house.

How I loved waking up watching Tommy run to my Dad and ask for a tractor ride and my Dad true to form, patiently allowing Tommy the indulgence of tractor ride after tractor ride. Though Dad had corn fields and tomatoes a plenty keeping him busy. It was nice getting to know my Step Mom who also was wonderfully patient and kind to us.

Then there was being a big sister again. How nice it was to teach my brother Flint how to swim during special olympics, to let Ethan drive us around town and have dance offs. How superb was it to be with Adriane again in her trailer in the Arizona Hillz---glamorous I tell you :)

Little by little all my fears started to slide off me and soon I felt whole again, level headed, and cognizant of who I am and where I stand. Gosh darn it I was ready to face my Alix again!

Tally-ho, take me home, let me vanquish my fears and conquer those foes who do not like my barefeet and shirtless babies, my stained shirts and my dirty car.

Bring it on cause I got game now---boo ya!

Anyways the first week back brought many challenges, but strangely I've felt like smiling the whole time. Will I soon be back to my carefree simple self? Will I feel comfortable being a simpleton? I may never see Alix again but as far as Maryland is concerned, I think we may be friends after all.

Family Reunion! Missourah Part 2

*Photos by Michelle Wilkins Guerra
The Family Reunion began at the Willard, Mo. Independence Day Parade. Flint loves parades and I think this picture by Michelle captures the moment beautifully. We were able to reconnect with our extended Lavard Wilkins cousins this night. It's crazy to see all the cousins my age with their own little children running around, it was crazy yet comforting to know that I am in the same place in life as so many in my family.

The Darwin and Rosalie Wilkins Reunion started off with a bang! We feasted upon fireworks the whole time we were there. For my children it brought out their inner pyro. I laughed so hard watching them blow up bottle rockets, roman candles, and many other mystery fireworks that one can only obtain in a state like Missourah.

I love this picture of Tommy and I. He is being the clingy koala bear that he always is. Uncle Roy's Farm really brought out his true colors though. He spent most of his time on the four wheelers, tractor, and in the back of the pick up truck. If not doing that then he was busy following Royce, Cody, Dallin, Ethan, and Mitchell around. I've never seen him so content hardly any whining yeah!

*Photos by Sheena Riesner and Shannon Holm thanks for capturing the funny bits!
Talent night was like the Gong show meets America's got talent. Many wonderful talents shared as well as many funny ones. Ethan, Kyra and the crew entertained us with a very lively lip syncing routine to "Don't stop believing". Ethan went for an awesome air guitar solo and totally got the worst rug burn I've ever seen. However the air guitar solo was magnifique--well done Ethan!
The girls and I doing a little Tahitian. Tommy even joined in on the action! Shakey, shakey, shakey!

After the talent show the kids stayed up past midnight playing basketball and capture the flag and who knows what else. They really loved it!

Wilkins golf tournament 2010 did not disappoint. Aunt Becky brought her "A" game. Apparently so did I. Who knew I could golf? Who knew mowed lawn in a cow field makes a great golf green? Who knew Ethan names all his golf clubs Geraldo? Who knew Kelsie has a killer swing (if you don't believe me ask Ethan he had the black bruise to prove it)?

Cliff diving at Stockton Lake was soooooooo fun! I can't do it justice. I was a wimp and went off one half this size. But the kids were crazy and went off this one. Those dare devils!


We had the most wonderful Devotionals each night. I feel like we all got to reconnect with one another and realize that there are so many people who love us and wish us well in this life. How wonderful for my children to know that so many people care for them! It buoys me up and helps me remember who I am! Thanks family! I love you!

Smith Summer Adventure--Missourah part 1

I can't believe the summer is almost over! Time flies when you're having fun and awesome stuff like that.
Our little summer adventure started in Missourah.

Land of my youth, home of my homiez, and food that I love.Land of my youth:

Spending time at Adventure Oasis in Independence.
When did Independence get cool? Maybe it's not and maybe people there think this place is LAME, but I was loving it. Think water park meets city pool, except that when you people watch at this Missourah pool you shall NOT be disappointed. How I WISH I brought my camera to the pool.

Then I could have documented the classic Independence Missourah Mullet.--spikey on top and really long in back--we're talking Jan Brady long in back. I knew that 80's style is back in fashion but over 10 guys had this do, what's up with that? Ah nostalgia, gotta love it.

Paddle boating at Lake Jacomo.
Good times. We almost lost some children on that trip. Too much fun feeding the ducks. Which apparently is illegal or something. Also we were graced by a water snake upon boarding our paddle boats. There was a little freak out going on over that. We got over it thankfully.

Home of my Homiez.

Spending quality time with these nuttiez and also fellow nutcases Denny, Luke, and Flint.


Mom had everything ready for us when we got there--comfy bed, good food. Thanks Mom!
Ethan and I cleaned out her garage. We got out all of our pre-summer-season inner turmoil by cleaning the garage. Lots of aggression taken out on Abel's car parts, good thing he's on his mission or all that junk would still be there--hehehe, boy is he gonna be mad at us when he gets home--oh well. It needed to be done.
In one of his car parts boxes that he got from some other car fanatic we found a dead rat. Here's the kicker it was a Ginger Rat--yikes! I freaked out, Ethan had to prove that at 16 he's a real man by discarding of the petrified rodent (it was as long as a forearm and completely petrified!). Glad to report Ethan passed that manhood test.

Food that I love:

We went to my two favorite places in KC.

Rosedale's BBQ, YUMMY!

and the Farmer's Market.

It was blistering hot that day so we bought the kids some bubble tea, which was soooo good. We missed getting there early so it was a little crowded, but I always enjoy trying out new yummies the Amish people bring to the market. I love their cute German accents and the little boys dressed like Fritz from Sound of Music.

Our stay with Mom was pretty short, but we enjoyed ourselves.
Next installment.......The Reunion!

This one's for Adri--Congratulations Graduate!!! MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS | HOLLYWOOD (ACOUSTIC)

And I by no means am saying this song has any underlying meaning. Just cool dats all. :)

“A leader leads by example, whether She intends to or not.”

I'm changing my lens. Honing in on the principles of life rather than the gravity of it.

Taking responsibility for who I am and what I stand for.

I might be gregarious, funny, frumpy, charming, dimwitted but I'll claim it.

It's just that, for the sake of science I'm wondering what effect it might be having on my offspring.

I mean "supposedly" I'm the captain of this ship we call home, you know supposed to be leading by example and all that jazz. My hope is that the piles of clothes my kids leave laying around the house isn't somehow connected to the pile of unfolded laundry in my baby's crib. I have a crazy feeling it might be.

By the looks of it my little experiment might answer a lot of questions about my parenting skills.

Is it sad that there are more pictures like these than "normal" ones? I guess apples really don't fall far from the tree.

Craptastic October

What made October so craptastic you ask? Well I shall tell you:

1. Tommy has a touch of the Houdini hands. He has somehow lost-

my cell phone, my wallet, and pretty much the contents of my everyday life.

2. Apparently I have a knack for self induced stress as I, after replacing everything somehow lost it all again. Crappy? Yes I know.

3. I had a little car accident. NOthing major but Derek now refers to my sweet ride as a smashed-up-looking-ghetto-car. Life is Saaweet :P

4. Got ripped off by the car place fixing my car. Why didn't I just go to my mechanic I trust! Why?! Stop the INSANITY!

5. We all got the flu simutaneously with records lost and cars getting smashed. That was a feverish, congested, mad chills kind of crappy I tell you!

6. I forgot to pick up my kids at school when I had no car and no stroller. I felt AWFUL--Worst Mother on the face of the planet kind of awful!

Oh on a not crappy at all side note Derek's sister Emma was married in the month of October --that was fabulous. However when I was renewing my TR, I was asked if the time frame from which I needed to renew it was for my OWN child's wedding?! Huh, what?! What rainbow did I just get barfed out of? I feel like I've been totally living in Bizzaro land. No ruby slippers to take me back to Kansas! Serenity NOW!

*OK after writing my little cry fest I just read this post from nienie and I realize I'm a tad bit whiny--sorry folks. Lesson learned--cry fest over I'm an adult and can handle my silly little frustrations.

nienie's awesome post!

Birthday Rundown

Friday was my Birthday. I should've known that special days have a tendency to start off rocky. So I should've seen the Friday morning breakdown coming. S was having trouble with homework which she failed to mention was still unfinished and then refused to go to school with out it done.

After tears, howling, and moaning I made the executive decision to save my sanity and Birthday and let the kids play hooky with me and do some fun B-day stuff. Rundown:
9 am-end of melt down/executive decision made
12 pm-finished chores and head out for the day
1 pm-Dad called to send B-day wishes thanks Dad:) We got to the mall, ate yummy mall food, rode the carousel, and let the kids play at the kiddie area (even though the mall Moms made disgusted faces at my "too old" kids playing in the kiddie area)--I just stared them down and let my kids play, my kids are harmless and very gentle with the toddlers, so I wasn't afraid. By the time I left the Mall Moms didn't seem to notice my gigantic kids playing on the plastic fruit.
3pm-head to Costco pick up dinner for kids and some pictures
cross the street to Trader Joes for my birthday pie (strawberry rhubarb-yum!) and B-day flowers.
4pm-get home and clean it up before Grandma, Auntie Emms and Auntie Hanners arrive.
5:30pm-the MOST fantastic dinner I've ever had at the Catonsville Gourmet.

where deliciousness is made mmmm....

7pm-home and take the kiddos and Grandma and Aunties to an outdoor interactive Sound of Music showing at the creepy, yet cool Patapsco Female Institute.
We won door prizes, had free movie treats, and got to see people dressed up in lederhosen and habits. It was fantastic, I forget how much I enjoy that movie.

10pm-talk to brother Carlito for an overdue Big Bro conversation.
then listened to Adri on voice mail sing me Happy B-day and Mom's B-day message!--Love ya!
So in the end, after all the drama this B-day was pretty darn good.

On Getting Things Done

*Sir Cries a lot getting into things he shouldn't

Some things in life can wait--dishes, home projects, cleaning the car.
Some things in life can not--holding and rocking a cranky son all day. Being there for my children when they come home from school. Chatting with Derek when he comes home from work. Cooking, cleaning the same messes over and over again, making school lunches and hearing chatty kids all day long.

Even with the tediousness of chatty, loud kids I still find myself wishing there were more hours in my day, week, year.

A little voice in my head keeps reminding me that those things will soon fade away and I will be left with me--the me I crave all the time.

They will grow and I will get old and laugh at this "over burdened" phase of life, sigh and wish to have it back again.



Conclusion? Enjoy it while it lasts.

Here Comes the Sun

Here is Derek's Little Sister Emma. Isn't she beautiful? And Aren't I lucky that she agreed to model some vintage dresses for me?




The sun was amazing. But then again Emma is like a tall glass of perfect sunshine, so I guess it was a match made in vintage/perfect light Heaven.

I'll be selling my vintage dresses on Etsy (So keep your eyes on the lookout for Sitchbird). Each outfit is as gorgeous and timeless as is Emma and Sunshine.

Sun-soaked and Sand-blasted

Taking a camping vacation to Assateague Island was wonderful. We enjoyed camping just a short distance from the beach.

The girls all woke up early to watch the sun come up over the pounding waves.

T-boy enjoyed the beach and had so much sand covering him all the time that I gave in and let him roll in the sand to his hearts content.

The hurricanes provided for some pretty awesome waves. The likes of which I have never seen before. I thought the girls were going to get swept away. But of course they are part jelly-fish and kept popping up. Me on the other had miscalculated the waves and basically belly flopped on the scratchy sand.

The bathrooms in Ocean City are pretty lame. The ONE bathroom said "no changing allowed" of course I had the girls break the rules to change--L and X were totally fine with it, but S held to her guns and refused to break the "law", so she swam red-neck style a la t-shirt and cut off jeans.

We took a little cruise to Assateague and saw all the ships that pick up oysters and fish. The breeze on the boat was nice, T-boy and Daddy enjoyed themselves.

And we all came home a little crazied out from the sun and sand. I have video proof.

Dancing Revival

Dear Adri,

I am in a funk. Things to do, but no one to dance with whilst I do my daily duties.

Laundry isn't fun anymore (uh, when was it ever fun actually), vaccuming is a bore, and cooking--let's not speak of it. My kids have lost their desire to be my spazoid-clean-the-house dance partner. Why do they have to grow up and be so glum?. Why do I have to be so glum? where's Adri in her "Booty Queen" sweat pants when I need her?

I need Mr. Lagaan or Gauri to pump me up. The rain ain't coming and I am seriously in need of a down pour (of inspirational-to-do-power that is).

A birdy by the name of Mom said you were driving out to Mo. Lucky!

So if I plan a trip in September to the Az. Hillz are you still willing to show me around Jerome? I think I need to add a little water to my well, so to speak.

Luv ya!

Bucky