Pictures worth a thousand words

I know I haven't made an appearance on the blog scene in quite some time now, but there's reasons for everything. As the old saying goes...."sometimes, life throws you a curve ball" and apparently it was my time at bat.

A lot has happened in the last month and writing has been ever so regretfully, pushed to the back of the shelf next to my sketch pad and the dust bunnies. I imagine I'll pick it back up again in the future, but for today I'll just catch you up on a few things.

First, I was laid off after 7 years at my now defunct career.
This was both a blessing and an ulcer inducing event because while I was very good at my job and earned a substantial income, I was indeed, very sick of the business.

Perpetually seeking the lesson in all things, I try to focus on the fact that sometimes we just need a catalyst to propel us toward new ventures and risks. I try to see this layoff as my catalyst, and am seeking a completely new career path even though at my age that can be kind of tricky.

You might remember that my friend and I have been doing event planning on the side for a couple of years? Well, I thought this would be the best time to jump into the event planning business full time, and have actively been searching for the right property to build a facility. (If not now, when right)? It's scary quite frankly, and won't happen over night even if we do find land feasible enough for construction so in the meantime, I still need employment. As it turns out, I'm rather fond of electricity, water and the like and bill collectors seldom take kindly to those who don't pay at the end of the month.

Go figure.

Aside from unemployment, job hunting, and eating antacids in massive quantities, I'm still staying busy.

Secondly, we finished a big fundraising masquerade ball for the Theatre. It took us two days to set up the decor, a black, purple and white affair complete with a tarot card reader, a fortune teller, (both actors) a 15 piece band, and live auction deals. Everyone dressed in masquerade style, danced, drank martini's at the martini bar and when it was all said and done, the Theatre grossed about 20 grand. I believe they were pleased.

Next, I turned 30.
Again.
oh Shut up.

Let's see....what else have I been doing between loads of laundry and other regular Mommie stuff?

I finished some more sketches.

and did some scrapbooking.

Remember Cochise, the horse in Costa Rica? That's him in the picture...the white, hairless bastard.

I bartered a couple of manicures from my manicurist in exchange for my wallpaper services, cause I'm broke, er uh, thrifty like that.

I Auditioned for the next main stage production at the Theatre which happens to be Oliver.
(Auditioning is kind of like those dreams you have, where you're standing naked in front of people and can't seem to find a wall to hide behind). It's both embarrassing and exhilarating at the same time, only in an audition you're on stage with a couple of people evaluating your nakedness from behind a clipboard. I was selected for a few minor numbers, singing and dancing in the background. It's just filler stuff, but should be fun regardless. Rehearsals start next week.

and Last but not least, I've been doing some production assistant work at the Civic Center for a show that's coming to town in a few weeks. It's an impressive Christmas show with an elaborate stage set, that's been interesting to watch as it comes together. I'll be posting some photos as we progress but won't name anything yet so as not to give any details of the show away to Google searchers.

So there you have it.

Thanks for stopping by to check on me.

Some Blogher News

You may or may not remember when I chained myself to that flagpole in hopes of gaining the attention of the Ellen Degeneres Show?

Yeah, well Ellen didn't even look my way, but I pouted for a month then got over it. Anyways...

the interesting news is that this year, Blogher is coming near me! The 2008 Blogher convention is taking to the road and will be in Atlanta during one of it's stops. You can read about the full schedule here on Elisa's Blog and for more details.

I think I'll go.

Wanna join me?

an addition to the previous post...

Turns out I didn't do my Grandfather quite the justice due him in my description below. He was in fact head guilder and one of the original artists when the house was built in 1927. The paintings and gold guild seen in this photo was his handy work.

I wouldn't even know how to begin to do something at that magnitude, but can scratch out an odd looking scared cat
and a dragon . It seems my cats will need some work as their faces tend to be a little creepy and are going to need some doctoring.

I'm no Sharon

I come from a very artistic family. My uncle is the resident artist at Mar a Largo in Palm Beach Florida, and works for Donald Trump. His job is to keep the 118-room, 110,000 square foot estate and all it's grandiose artwork in pristine condition. This is in addition to the various and sundry other artistic jobs a man such as Donald Trump would need done such as keeping the gold lettering on his personal Boeing 727 jet sparkling in the sky.

He was also the creator of the cake base for Donald and Melania's wedding cake. It too was layered with 24k gold leaf painstakingly applied by my Uncle's artistic hands.

Before my Uncle had this Title, my Grandfather held the honor. He participated in the initial restorations to the mansion's elaborate murals, fresco's and statues that pepper the interior and exterior of the incredible Louis the XIV style estate.

Then there's my cousin, who can draw, sculpt, create and bring to life the most amazing things in every medium whether it be pencil, paint or styrofoam, and has done so both personally and professionally for many years. Several of his pieces were showcased at the Olympics when they were here in Atlanta.

Then there's my Mom. Her art of choice usually involves sewing, but I'm not just talking about pattern sewing of clothes. She can create a piece of art out of fabric that rivals any Da Vinci painting you've ever seen. These aren't quilts you use on your bed either mind you, but more works of art you display on the wall.

aaaand......then.......there's me. I suppose after two generations of mutations, the artistic gene became brittle and like all good clones, I am a weaker substandard versions of the originals.
Occasionally I like to sketch but what I produce is nothing to speak of. Some people like Sharon can easily turn nothing into something, like an ink blot into a fairy or tiger. Others like A favorite photographer of mine sees the world through the lens of her camera, to produce stunning pictures. She has the ability to capture random moments and make them art worthy. Take a look at her recent "trash the dress" stuff.

I usually like to scrapbook because I can combine colors, textures and fabrics with memories to create a keepsake we all enjoy seeing. But every now and then I get the urge to sketch. Yesterday was one such moment, so I drew what my son requested. I'll be doing animals for a while because that's what I'm in the mood to practice. Next installment will most likely be a dog or cat because I feel like dabbling with fur textures, but don't expect much. I don't claim to be a professional. -wink-

Can someone please tell me how this happened? I'm pretty sure it was only yesterday that you were my little bitty baby boy, so small I could give you a bath in the salad bowl.

Now you're turning 13, and I'm not even a day older. You're almost as tall as me and won't stop growing out of your pants!

I watch you on stage as you sing and dance, and I gleam with pride and joy. I hope you know how proud I am of you, and am so thankful that of all the little boys in the world a Mom could have, I was blessed with you! Happy Birthday my precious angel. Moma loves you!

Clues Through Shoes

I was reading over at Blog Blah Blah and I got tickled. Heather was doing a post inspired by Jellyhead regarding shoes and whether or not a woman’s shoes reflect her personality. The concept of the post? Post your shoes, what do they say about you?

If you’ve read my blog before you may have already met my shoes. They’re a rowdy bunch and live the vida loca in the closet off the master bedroom. There’s many a pair in there and I’m pretty sure some of them are the bastard offspring of other shoes that live there. On occasion, I’m forced to tame the shoes else they might unite and over run the household.

I’m convinced my shoes reflect my personality in more ways than one. First, I have many different styles all for different functions. I also have many of the same style in different colors because I couldn't decide which color to choose, and ended up getting them both. Second, I don't spend a lot of money on any single pair of shoes because they are, after all, only shoes. They don't save the world or cure cancer, but they do however need to be comfortable, yet fashionable. I’m also convinced that choosing just a few to label as favorites would be difficult, and indeed indicative of my inability to make choices. Here’s a few examples for the purpose of this post.

Today I wore my flip flops with the red oriental fabric. They matched my pedicure, and I like the bamboo-ish insole on a hot day.

Here's a sampling of the functional family. Dance shoes, tap shoes and my favorite of about 5 pair of athletic shoes.

I would have to say these reflect my love of dance. I should show my slippers next to balance the active pairs with the lazy pairs, but my slippers are just any socks that happen to be on my feet at the moment.

Next, there's the green suede jingle shoes. I have a million pair of flip flops but these are one of my favorites of the group.

I've got several business shoes but these black sling backs are a staple.

They go with every business suit and even look nice with skirts.

For the festive occasions when a fancy sandal is in order, I'm covered. I go to lots of formals and of course each dress needs the matching shoe. Silver, gold, rhinestones...I've got them all.

There's also plenty of casual shoes for everything else. I got these brown leather wedges for $9 at Walmart the other day.

It's the second pair of these I've had to get in a short time, because the dog chewed up the first installment. In fact, many a pair have gone to the trash thanks to the dog's inability to distinguish between my shoe and the multiple rawhides I've offered in their place. Any the dog doesn't ingest, the cat will. He's especially fond of flip flops.

In fact. As I put the snacks, (er uh, the shoes) out on the floor for photographing, they both came a' sniffin'.

I'll spare you my collection of boots, (ankle and knee high, dressy and cowboy)... as I'm sure you're probably ready to stab your eyeballs out with your fork if you've made it this far at all.

I don't know what all of my shoes reveal about me to you, but in a nutshell I'd have to say that my taste in shoes reflects my broad range of interests. There's a time and place for everything in life, and a matching shoe to get you there.

Feel free to do Jelly's Meme yourself. It's all in good fun in this serious world of ours.

Things that make me go...hmmmm.

The Times

(the August 4, 2007 edition)

China tells living Buddhas to obtain permission before they reincarnate

Tibet’s living Buddhas have been banned from reincarnation without permission from China’s atheist leaders. The ban is included in new rules intended to assert Beijing’s authority over Tibet’s restive and deeply Buddhist people.

“The so-called reincarnated living Buddha without government approval is illegal and invalid,” according to the order, which comes into effect on September 1.

The 14-part regulation issued by the State Administration for Religious Affairs is aimed at limiting the influence of Tibet’s exiled god-king, the Dalai Lama, and at preventing the re-incarnation of the 72-year-old monk without approval from Beijing.

It is the latest in a series of measures by the Communist authorities to tighten their grip over Tibet. Reincarnate lamas, known as tulkus, often lead religious communities and oversee the training of monks, giving them enormous influence over religious life in the Himalayan region. Anyone outside China is banned from taking part in the process of seeking and recognising a living Buddha, effectively excluding the Dalai Lama, who traditionally can play an important role in giving recognition to candidate reincarnates.

Well now isn't that something? Can you imagine the paperwork involved with gaining a permit to reincarnate? Is there a special form or Visa? Do you have to perform miraculous feats of enlightenment to qualify? It would be way easier for all the souls waiting in line to just come to the United States.

Apparently you don't have to be a legal citizen, or follow tax paying laws to live here.

Hmmmm.

Money Money Money

If you're still not convinced that we need a new tax structure in place-

and you missed the news story about the alleged drug lord who was arrested in Wheaton, Md this week, get a load of this.

U.S. officials say Ye Gon’s arrest was the world's largest seizure of drug cash of all time. They found $207 million dollars in cash at his sprawling mansion in Vegas, where he was considered gambling royalty. It wasn’t unusual for him to gamble away millions in a single evening and has lost more than 125 million in the last three years. In addition to all of that glorious tax free cash, he had multiple luxury cars and several kept mistresses living life in the finest of style.

Ye Gon, a Chinese-Mexican "businessman" was wanted on organized crime, drug trafficking and weapons charges. Clearly an outstanding tax paying individual.

Why shouldn’t Uncle Sam be entitled to a piece of his pie? I realize he’s tied up right now worrying about the $700 dollars he’d like my husband and I to cough up, but honestly. Wouldn’t it be something if even creeps like Ye Gon had to fork over some of their loot and pay taxes?

And here’s an interesting statistic regarding Mexico. 80 percent of illegal drugs come into the United States across the Mexican border. Yet another reason we should tighten border control if you ask me, which I realize you didn’t, but that’s neither here nor there. I don’t have an issue with Mexicans being here, but I do have an issue with illegal non tax paying immigrants being here. They don’t pay taxes, but expect access to the funds.

Say it with me now… Fair Tax.

Fair Tax Anyone?

I pay my taxes.

I’d say I support at least three families on governmental aid just on my income alone.
Ok. Fine.

But then I get another bill from my friends at the IRS stating they want more money based on some additional income I apparently forgot to claim from some stock dividends.

Ok fine. But wait. Their figures are not correct! They are no where near correct! They inform me I have to pay the taxes now, or challenge it by following a skadillion steps and procedures which ultimately cost me more money. They also inform me that the interest will start accruing on the balance……right….

now…!

tic toc tic toc tic toc tic toc. Great. Tax on top of Tax.

After seeking the help of an accountant, (pay him) then mail in the challenge form provided, I wait to hear the results of my grievance.

Meanwhile, the interest is still compounding.

Tic toc tic toc tic toc tic toc.

Granted, If my grievance is found correct, I don’t have to pay. But if it isn’t, I get to paythe full amount and all the interest that’s accrued since I received the letter.

Tic toc tic toc tic toc tic toc.

Have you ever known the IRS to do anything in a timely fashion?

Did I mention this was a letter calculated on my 2005 tax return?

Will it take the IRS two years to find an answer?

What’s the interest compounded on $9,000 for two years?

Tic toc tic toc tic toc tic toc.

Damn.

If you haven’t paid much attention to the Fair tax, please do.

The FairTax Plan is a nonpartisan national grassroots campaign to replace the federal income tax system with a progressive national retail sales tax. It provides a "prebate" to ensure no American pays federal taxes on spending up to the poverty level, dollar-for-dollar federal revenue replacement and, through companion legislation, repeal of the 16th Amendment.

It would replace the following taxes, (just to name a few) and my personal favorite, our friends at the IRS.

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax,
Fuel permit tax
Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
Hunting License Tax
Earned Interest expense
Inventory tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (Yay! tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Road usage taxes
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
My personal favorites:
Telephone federal excise tax
Telephone federal universal service fee tax
Telephone federal, state and local surcharge taxes
Telephone minimum usage surcharge tax
Telephone recurring and non-recurring charges tax  (huh?)
Telephone state and local tax
Telephone usage charge tax

-inhale- -exhale-

Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

And we can’t forget when you die, you’ve still got the 

Estate tax
inheritance tax
casket tax
burial tax

Here’s a great comparison chart if you’d like to learn more about the fair tax. It’s important to stay in the loop!

http://www.fairtax.org/PDF/FairTaxFlatTaxIncomeTaxComparisonChart.pdf

And….some closing arguments to finish off my soapbox rant.

-Consumption taxes are the oldest form of taxation for many good reasons.
-Consumption taxes are self limiting
-Uniformity of taxation wards off special interest manipulation.
-Direct taxes (Income taxes/poll taxes/head taxes), throughout history have been the tools of Tyranny.

www.fairtax.org.

A Meme for Monday

Heather from Blog Blah Blah has kindly offered a Meme to help motivate me into another blog post. I’m not keeping on top of the entries, possibly because after 2 ½ years I have nothing left to say.

In any event, here’s a feeble attempt, an interview if you will, to get the words flowing on Contemblogging. Thank you so much Heather for lighting the fire under my you know what.
1. I know you live in the South. What are the best and worst things about living in the Deep South? I absotivley, posilutely love the warm weather. Apparently I’m a reptile and reptiles need the rays of the sunshine to warm cold toes, or claws, or whatever. I went 10 years without ever showing my feet when I lived in Belgium because it was so cold I had to wear socks and boots all the time. They were cute boots needless to say, but my poor little feet never come out of hibernation until I moved back South. Now my toes are free to wiggle in the cutest of open toed sandals and perpetually sport a good French manicure. The worst part of living in the South would either be the stigma of Southern stupidity, or the bugs. I can prove the stupidity thing is just a stereotype, but the bugs… the huge amount of bugs is just plain creepy!

2. You always have elaborate and wonderful costumes for Halloween. Was Halloween a big deal when you were a child or is it something that you got into once you were an adult? Halloween tends to be the best time of year to blend in with the other fruit cakes that like to dress up so I take the Holiday and run with it. I remember when I was a kid, my parents were always dressing up and attending elaborate costume parties. More often then not, they would win the prize for best costumes, which later ended up in my play chest. I have fond memories of dressing up and pretending to be all sorts of alter identities. Now, I make it a point to buy up all the left over children’s costumes the day after Halloween for half price. My kids get to play with them, and I get a great deal of enjoyment creating my own prize winning costumes.

3. Finally, You've traveled a lot of places, right? Name your favorite of all the places you have lived or visited. Hmmm. That’s tough because choosing one is hard. I’ll tell you a few of my favorites, all for different reasons.

The Austrian landscapes are breathtaking. The crisp, clean and vast beauty of the Alps dotted with small picturesque villages will remain photographed in my minds eye until the day I die. I drove through the majority of the Country and never saw a spot I didn’t like.

The night skies at the Grand Canyon will instantaneously put your life into perspective in the grand scheme of things. They are responsible for making me feel small and insignificant forever more. I’m pretty sure if you tried, you could reach up and touch a million stars, just like you were sitting on the edge of the universe. Simply unforgettable.

I like the shopping in Atlanta Georgia.. Period. From everywhere I’ve been, it’s the best.

If I had to die from over eating, I would head straight to South America for their delicious black beans, plantanos, rice, mango, and fish. They even serve a combination of the above with eggs and toast in the morning. What a way to go!

And while I’m not so fond of France per se, I think the atmosphere, weather, and “good hair” factorability is most certainly top rated near the Mediterranean, South of France. Monaco, Marseille, Toulon, St. Tropez, The Côte d ‘Azure, the huge yachts, the money, the pace of life, the tans. Very nice.

When all is said and done though, there’s nothing better than the feeling of coming home and crawling in my own bed.

thanks Heather for the Meme. I gave it a try, and now I believe In Meme fashion I'm supposed to offer an interview to someone else. Anyone up for some questions?

Time Warp Tuesday

Ever had the impression you've been here before?

My friend popped over this morning to drop off something and pick up something.
I’d say what something was only I don’t remember anymore.

Just like I didn’t remember why I walked her into the adjacent room to show her something only to forget what something was once we got there.
“It’s in here,” I said “come with me…” leading her through the magical magnetic door frame that obviously wiped my brain matter clean of any useful residue the minute we passed through.

I stood there sputtering and scratching my head while sizzling noises seeped from my ears. “wait…what am I doing here again”?


"Do you smell smoke?"
“and what did you say your name was again”?

Maybe I’m just a little distracted…what, with work, house things, and taking my son's medications. It’s possible I suppose, but I’m good.
Really I am.

Now where did I put those car keys???

What's yours is Mine

I woke up this morning and began the usual routine.
Wake Son up.
Let dog out.
Start toast.
Get medicine for Son ready.
Get my medicine ready.
Take all above mentioned medicine myself in one sweeping gulp.
Prompt son to hurry out of the shower and come eat breakfast.
Tell dog to stop begging.

Wait.
Did I just take my Son’s medicine?

Look around for said medications.
Scan countertops for Son’s pills.
Check table tops and floor.
Check pill container (yes it’s been removed)
Look at dog funny to see if he’s chewing something.

Nothing.

Yes, I’m retarded.
I took my Son’s medicine for Attention Deficit, for Anxiety, AND my antidepressant.

Spent the day happy as a lark, focused as hell and not afraid of anything!

Sheesh.

Animal Soup

He’s been sent outdoors for bad behavior, and he's not so happy about it.

I’m not sure if he was digging to China, or just trying to tunnel his way back into the house after getting thrown out for chewing too many random socks.

The little shit.

I’m about 9 socks to short for making complete pairs, and until he can quarry out some new ones from those holes he’s so fond of creating, he’s outside Mister.

I know he’s cute and all, and my son thinks he’s the best thing ever, but his appetite for all things fabric is getting ready to earn him a new home in my pot of stew.

And what’s with the cat? We moved into a house with wood and tile floors, but yet he finds it necessary to run find the 8 x 12 patch of Persian rug to puke on. God forbid he should gag on anything less than 100 % cotton.

For my next post I'll be sharing some of my favorite recipes....

John Mayer

I'm telling you.

He's brilliant!
Here's a fine example...

Belief

Is there anyone who
ever remembers
changing their mind from
the paint on a sign?
Is there anyone who
really recalls
ever breaking rank at all for something someone yelled real loud one time?

Everyone believes
in how they think it ought to be
Everyone believes
and they're not going easily

Belief is a beautiful armor
but makes for the heaviest sword
like punching under water
You never can hit what you're trying for

Some need the exhibition
and some have to know they tried
It's the chemical weapon for the war that's raging on inside

Everyone believes
from emptiness to everything
everyone believes
and no one's going quietly

We're never gonna win the world
we're never gonna stop the war
we're never gonna beat this
if belief is what we're fighting for

What puts a hundred thousand children in the sand?
belief can
belief can.

What put the folded flag inside his mother's hand?
belief can
belief can

-John Mayer

An Update

I haven’t posted in a long while.
Mostly because of the busy holiday schedule, but partly in fact due to lack of interest.

I’ve had a few nice requests to please start writing again, but without the appropriate motivation on my part, I would most likely have bored everyone right to the North Pole.

There’s been a lot going on to keep me busy though.

First there was my auction for the Children’s Theatre. We raised around 5 grand which is good I suppose. Sharon was kind enough to donate one of her paintings
and it sold right away! Two people sort of went back and forth until one gave in at $130. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!




Then there was the whole annual decorating of the house spectacular, starting with the inside

and ending outside for the grand finale.
And of course I had to set the table with my Christmas dishes.
(Yes, I have Christmas dishes too)…so go ahead and say it. I’m a dish whore.

I’ve been making Arbonne gift baskets for friends, getting the house ready for the arrival of the Princess and little Hurricane, making lists, checking them twice, shopping, working, blah blah blah.

I just wanted to pop in briefly to say hello and hope your holiday preparations are coming along as you would like them too.

Suzanne