Story From a Photo

For today's blog I asked Eric to make a random photo selection from our 7 billion (an approximation) photos. He chose this photo.

So, let me first explain what you are looking at and then I will put it all into context. You are looking at a blade of grass, leached of it's color, laying in sulfuric water. The photo was taken at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone Park.

Before we were married I decided to take Eric to the homeland, Montana...what that's not your homeland? Anyway, we drove up from New Mexico, where we were going to college, and went through Utah, Wyoming and into Montana.

Eric got to see a very different side of the US. Before that he had been mostly an East Coaster. He saw buffalo and moose, geysers and gigantic mountains while traveling North.

Mammoth Hot Springs is on the Montana side of Yellowstone Park. Shortly after this photo was taken we left Yellowstone Park and drove into Gardiner, MT where Eric got his first real taste of Montana. It was early evening, the shadows were getting long and we drove (triumphantly) into Montana. He was instantly sold and fell in love with the state.

So, I decided I could marry him. OK that's a lie I was already planning to marry him, but I was so happy that he too loved Montana.

Have you ever been to Yellowstone Park?

Random Friday

My husband brought up an intriguing point that I thought I would share with you. Why is it that cartoon characters don't have to wear pants? (Photo taken from here) Seems a little scandalous doesn't it? Who started this trend of pants free cartoon characters and why didn't we ask questions?

This weekend Eric and I are working on a photo shoot for an upcoming interview. I will keep you posted when the interview comes out. I am really excited about it!

Yesterday I received a card in the mail from my childhood friend Robin. She sent me a coupon for $1 off pickles. She knows how crazy I am about pickles (except sweet pickles, they're an abomination). Anyway, I seriously intend to use that coupon. Thanks Robin!

Next week we are house sitting for my parents. I am hoping to spend some time outdoors, weather permitting.

Also, next week is my Mom's birthday! Hooray! She was born.

Eric's Day at the Museum

A few days ago while I was at work Eric decided to take a little trip to the Denver Art Museum. He also photographed his experience.


First he decided to try and get a better pictured of Linda, using our macro lens (please note Linda is not a real human). He leaned in closer and closer to get the photo and ended up setting off the silent alarm. Oops. Eric wasn't embarrassed. He didn't leave the museum in shame. Probably because he has seen me accidentally trip the silent alarms at half of the museums we've visited. Anyway, he decided to stay and roam the museum like the art historian he is.


When he made his was to the Japanese print section he about had a heart attack. On display was his favorite Japanese print maker (well, not the actual print maker but his prints), Yoshitoshi.

Eric was so overjoyed that he wanted to capture his excited reaction. So, he set up the camera to take a picture of himself freaking out over the prints. I love him.

Get this Girl a Lotto Ticket: Fascinating Tales About Luck

Well, I am not much of a lotto player. When I turned 18 it seemed like a monumental occasion and the only thing to do (since I wasn't a smoker) was to buy a lotto ticket. So, I went to a gas station at 12:01am on my birthday. I gleefully ran up to the counter and requested a lotto ticket, license clutched tightly in my hand. The cashier tossed the requested lotto ticket onto the counter. I sweetly asked,"Don't you need to see my ID?" She sighed loudly, shifted behind the counter and answered with a nod/grunt combo. Still smiling happily I tossed my license onto the counter. I knew she would have a change of heart when she realized that I had just turned 18 moments before. She barely glanced down, clearly not long enough to notice my date of birth.

Not catching on that this woman had no interest in me (she was working at midnight for heaven's sake; I have worked the night shift and now know that it is almost impossible to feign interest when you pass a certain hour) I pointed to the date and said, "It's my birthday. I just turned 18 a few minutes ago." The woman realized that I was not going to leave without a little enthusiasm from her. "Happy birthday," she said in a monotone voice. Ouch, it finally sunk in. If I had a tail I would have tucked it between my legs as I hustled out of the convenience store.

Once outside joy washed over me anew. I was going to win a million dollars I just knew it. I got into the car with Eric and scratched (yeah it was a scratch ticket and I am sure the grand prize wasn't a million) and....I lost my dollar.

This wasn't the first time I had been unlucky. I recall a raffle in jr. high. The raffle was such that every name was eventually drawn and every person won something. I was the last name drawn. My prize was a small bicycle frame. Other prizes had been cool things like boom boxes and games.

Anyway, it would appear that my losing streak is officially over. Yesterday I went to my mailbox and found TWO packages, the spoils of my recent winning streak.

I recently won the Advent giveaway on the Lineanongrata blog. I opened up the first package and found this lovely card made by Julia (see her website here).


Next there was this beautiful handcrafted bag. I am sorry I didn't have time to iron it and it was a bit wrinkled after the trip over from France to Denver. Isn't it just beautiful?!


Inside of the beautiful bag was a tiny and elegant purse. Look at that fabric. It's just perfect. Thanks Julia!!!


As if that wasn't enough I had a second package from Meg over at Becoming Whole blog. She is the author of the books Becoming Whole and Breast Cancer Exposed. I won this wonderful cookbook called Greens Glorious Greens. While it isn't entirely vegan I can certainly veganize most everything in the book. I have been perusing it this evening and I am really excited about it. The focus of the book is on greens (genius I know), which is something I always long to make more interesting. I can't wait to try out some of the very creative recipes like Apple-Cinnamon Beet Greens. Thank you so very much Meg. I am a cookbook-aholic.


So, you can see that maybe I need to try my luck at the lotto once again considering that I am smack dab in the middle of a winning streak. Thank you Julia and Meg!!!

Happy Music

I love music. I think it's just inherited. My father is a musician; my mom is in the choir. Music has just always been a part of my life. My childhood was spent on my my parent's musical tastes: John Denver, Juice Newton, Gordon Lightfoot, etc.

When I got to high school I started developing my own tastes and got really into bands like Depeche Mode (or as my friends teased me calling them Depress Mode). Anyway my musical tastes were self indulgent and depressing or angsty.

Well as an adult I find that I pretty much want to listen to exclusively happy music. Don't get me wrong I still blast Depeche Mode and The Cure, but mostly I am interested in music that makes me happy. Here are a few on my happy list:

• Kylie Minogue, come on like she doesn't belong on the happy list.
• Dion, every time I listen to Dion I wish I was a swooning teen in the early 1960s. OK well maybe not, but still he gives me a slight urge to swoon.
  
• The Sound of Music, I love to sing along in full operatic voice. I do have to keep this one under control because I don't want to annoy my neighbors and turn my happy music into their annoying music. Seriously I think I blog about my love for the Sound of Music at least once a month.
• Harry Belafonte, what's not to love about the King of Calypso?
• Serge Gainsbourg, he's a tricky fellow that Serge he is somehow super cool. When I want to feel cool and happy I listen to Serge.
• Georges Brassens, in keeping with the French I also love me some Georges. His music whisks me away into a French dream...not real France, but some invented and romanticized version of France, sigh.
• The Talking Heads, I didn't find the Talking Heads until I was in my 20s. I knew who they were of course, but never really cared. Now, I am a convert. I love them.
• TRex, another like Serge Gainsbourg that is both cool and fun. How I wish I had big curly hair!

So, your turn what is some of your happy music? I am talking about music that makes you smile a big cheesy grin whilst exhibiting some of your worst dance moves. Seriously, yesterday I was listening to Dion on my way home and I have no doubt that I made other drivers fear for my mental health as I was smiling and singing while all by myself. Happy times.

The Kindness Bandit: Hot Water Bottles

This week's Kindness Bandit was done by my blog friend Elizabeth over at Bits of Sunshine. She is helping out with the Hot Water Bottles for Nepal Project. You can read her post here. Her help with this is a great example of each person chipping in a bit to make a difference.
If you are interested in the project head on over to her site for more information!


Photo of hot water bottle taken from here.

I invite you to submit your Kindness Bandit deeds (with photos if at all possible) and I will feature them on an upcoming posting of the Kindness Bandit. Just remember to be creative and to be kind! Additionally, I will link to your blog or website.Please submit your Kindness Bandit activities to maria @ planetwimmer.com
In the mean time I will continue on with the Kindness Bandit as always!!!

A Few Lovely Things to Start a Cold Monday

Good morning, or afternoon, or evening. I don't know what time it is when you are reading this so just fill in the appropriate time of day. For me it is morning and I just thought a good way to start the week would be with a few lovely things that are on my mind. Mostly just for setting a good mood as the week begins.

First off, my brother Ben is engaged! His wedding will be in August. Congratulations to my brother and Sara!!!

Eric spent an hour teaching my youngest brother, Sam, how to set up a drum set over the phone! He also gave Sam a quick drum lesson via telephone. How great is that?

Look forward this week to the next painting lesson (click here to read about it). I have been waiting since I have so many people who are participating. If you decide you want to join, please do so! I will leave the lessons (click here to go to the first lesson) up for anyone who is interested in the future.

My other brother Sam was funny last night while we spoke on the phone. Here is the gist of what he said," I was thinking about making giant cucumbers by giving them steroids or something, but then I worried that they would become too cucumbersome." Ha ha ha. He also said, "I was thinking about a new invention. I thought maybe I could attach a clock or a watch to a belt, but then I thought that might be a waste (waist) of time." He's a regular comedian I'm telling you.

Oh Yeah, it is Winter After All

Well, we've been a little spoiled here in the city. Last week was 60+ degree weather. No jackets, sun shining and the carefree abandon of someone who doesn't fear winter driving. All of that is at an end I fear.

This morning I took Bumblebee out for her morning bathroom break and I had to wear a jacket. The sky is cloudy and the air is COLD. Maybe a little snow is on it's way today.

Now, before you think I am complaining let me remind you that I love me a good overcast day. I love when the sky is low and cloudy. So, I take this as an opportunity to go into my house like a bear cave. I will have tea to my heart's content (Evening in Missoula being my tea of choice) and I will work on art, talk with my husband and feel cozy and warm while winter gives us it's cold blast outside. Lovely.

I Heart the Weekend

I am so happy it's the weekend. I woke up in such a happy mood after a night of bizarre and vivid dreaming. I am ready to have a super weekend hanging out with my hubby. I hope you have a lovely weekend as well. What are your plans?

Art by Michael Copeland.

Interview With My Dog: Bumblebee Thundra Photon Wimmer

Well, considering the success of my interview with my husband (click here to read) I decided to conduct another compelling interview. Obviously Bumblebee doesn't speak English so I have translated her blank stares and whines into English for your reading pleasure. Enjoy

Maria: For the record please state your name

Bumblebee: Bumblebee Thundra Photon Wimmer

Maria: Do you like that you have such a very long name?

Bumblebee: Yes, I feel quite pleased with my name. I think it has a touch of whimsy.

Maria: Great, that is exactly what we were going for when we chose it.

Bumblebee: Job well done.

Maria: Why on Earth do you straddle the arm of the couch like that?

Bumblebee: I like the higher vantage point and the straddle position you mentioned helps me keep my balance.

Maria: I see. So, why do you rub your face into the carpet with your rear in the air and howl after you get a drink of water?

Bumblebee: Hmmm well I'd have to say that I find a cool drink of water quite invigorating.

Maria: Fair enough. So, who is your favorite human and why?

Bumblebee: Probably your mother.

Maria: Bumblebee, that just hurts my feelings.

Bumblebee: You shouldn't ask if you don't want the truth. Your Mom will pet me on demand for hours at a time. Really, it's like a little bit of heaven.

Maria: Oh please, you take advantage of her kindness.

Bumblebee: I'm a dog.

Maria: Why is it that you have started marking your territory like a boy dog? You go so far as to lift your leg.

Bumblebee: I was spayed when I was very young. I am a bit confused. Let's just leave it at that.

Maria: OK. So, tell me some of your hobbies?

Bumblebee: Well let's see. First there is sniffing stuff, begging for food, whining at the cats, eating things off the ground, staring at you and my Dad...

Maria: Yeah, what's with all of the staring?

Bumblebee: I just like to freak you guys out.

Maria: Hmmm, well mission accomplished.

Bumblebee: Good to know.

Maria: Well, I feel like this interview should end soon.

Bumblebee: Yeah, it's getting kind of weird.

Maria: OK then, this concludes our interview.

The Weird Rules I Follow

So, I have a ton of weird self-imposed rules that I follow. I am not sure why I do this, but I do. Poor Eric somehow got caught up in my weird rules and has helped to develop a few of them. So now we just are one of those weird couples with weird rules. Some call it kooky and endearing while others might consider it bizarre and borderline crazy. Either way it's how I live my life. Do you have weird rules that you follow?

Movies: I thought I'd start off with the craziest one, just to get it over with. If we happen to be watching a movie whilst eating I have a rule that I will not eat before the main character has spoken...and it can't be a voice over I have to see their lips moving. Oh, and the titles have to stop rolling too. After one movie where the main character didn't speak for 20 minutes and our food was cold and crusty we decided the rule was out the window after the seven minute mark. Why do I do this? I don't know.

Carbonated beverages: The rule was developed when Eric and I were camping in college. One morning we woke up at the crack of dawn and opened a cold pop and there was something so very wrong about it. This is back in the days when we were heavy pop drinkers. We were so disgusted that we decided pop before 10am was somehow wrong.

Netflix: No movies on our Netflix queue that have lower than 2.5 star rating. Eric and I love watching cheesy movies. We made the mistake of renting several 1 star rated films from Netflix. Let me tell you, they were so very bad that they weren't even funny. We agreed to never sink below the 2.5 star rating. It has served us well.

Whistling in the Car: The rule is no whistling in the car. On one road trip Eric and I were trading off who would zone out and start whistling. Trust me, you begin to annoy yourself if you can't stop the whistling in the car. It's addictive and it turns a lovely road trip into a journey to the brink of sanity. Seriously we have zoned out while tandem whistling for long periods of time. It can be funny, but when the whistling stops you feel as though you have seen the other side and it is DARK.

Another Car Whistling Rule: No apologizing for whistling in the car and then whistling some more. Sometimes we catch ourselves whistling in the car, apologize and then start whistling again. It becomes an involuntary reflex. Unless you have cool whistling skills like my Grandma Grace (she whistles like an actual bird, it's cool), you should really keep your whistling to a minimum.

Well there you have it. What a weird thing to blog about...

Oh and Eric took the photo. He wants photo credit where photo credit is due.

Details

Do you take a daily drive to work or have a specific daily routine? I do and I sometimes get so plugged into the routine that I need to take a moment and think about the details that become all too easy to overlook. It's all in the details as they say. So, I thought I would share a few details from my routine.

After I get home from work I have to take off my socks and shoes. Sometimes I take them off at work...as long as there are no meetings at the office. Anyway, when I get home off come the shoes, the socks and I change from work clothes into my comfortable clothes. My toes spend much of the day longing to be free and their liberation is a daily joy. I am one of those weird people who uses their feet like extra hands, so wearing shoes is akin to wearing boxes over my hands. Why oh why can't people just accept that I want to use my feet like a monkey? I wish it were socially acceptable.


Eric and I listen to records. We have the ipod and all of that, but we began to lament the loss of the experience of an album. We had our ipod on continual shuffle and never sat down with an album and really listened to it anymore. Well, at least until we got crazy with the records. We are always on the lookout for records at thrift stores and garage sales. Since we listen to music mainly from the 1970s and 1980s there are always records floating around.


My parents got us a wooden W for Christmas. I am not sure why they got it, or why I was so excited about it. I coated it in glitter and hung it by a black ribbon from our front door. Every time I close the door it bangs against it, but I don't really mind. I love the giant glittering W it kind of adds a disco appeal to the front door and what's not to like about that?

Mia's delicate feet. Her little velveted paws. Every night as I lay down to go to bed the cat comes over to my side of the bed and slaps me with her tiny paws, let's out a Marge Simpson-esque meow and demands a little attention. While her meow is less than ladylike her demands are clear and I happily oblige.

Kindness Bandit: Dog Tags

While walking Miss Bumblebee, my basset hound, I stumbled upon a dog ID tag. It seemed to have fallen off of a collar and it was laying in the grass. I picked it up and noticed that it had a complete out of state address. I put the tag in my pocket and completed my walk.

When I got home I put the tag in an envelope addressed with the information. I didn't leave my return address or even a note. I slapped on a stamp and tossed it in the mail. I have no idea how long the tag had been laying there, maybe 2 years, maybe 2 days. Either way I think the recipient of the tag was surprised and pleased to receive it in the mail.

I absolutely love doing the Kindness Bandit! I would be so happy to share that joy with my readers. I invite you to submit your Kindness Bandit deeds (with photos if at all possible) and I will feature them on an upcoming posting of the Kindness Bandit. Just remember to be creative and to be kind! Additionally, I will link to your blog or website.Please submit your Kindness Bandit activities to maria @ planetwimmer.com
In the mean time I will continue on with the Kindness Bandit as always!!!

Interview With My Husband, E.K. Wimmer

Last night I decided to interview my husband. Enjoy.

Maria: For the record please state your name

E.K.: Um, Eric…EK Wimmer.

Maria: Which is it? Eric or E.K.?

E.K. : Uh, let’s see. Well this is an official interview so I have to go by my professional name. Never mix business with pleasure (laughs at his own joke and slaps his knee….interviewer remains silent).

Maria: So E.K. How do you know Maria Rose?

E.K.:We’re high school sweethearts. I first met her when I was…gosh…what 15? And she was just as intriguing as she is now.

Maria: No, don’t say that.

E.K.: Hmm...She was the most interesting person I’d ever met.

Maria:That’s nice.

Maria: How was your weekend?

E.K.: My weekend was awesome.

Maria:Why?

E.K.: I got a new pair of glasses.

Maria: Tell me about your glasses.

E.K.: They look like they're from the 1950s. Also, my optometrist told me I have an incredibly rare astigmatism and that made me feel pretty good even though that means my eyes are wonky.

Maria: Anything else happen this weekend?

E.K.: What did I do this weekend? (Interviewee thinks whilst playing with facial hair) I worked a little on making some touch up’s on the design for my upcoming E.P.

Maria: That’s right you are a musician. When did you first consider yourself a musician?

E.K.: I guess (counts on his fingers, interviewer begins to worry that interviewee has forgotten about the interview) maybe 9 years old.

Maria: What was it that made you feel like a musician?

E.K.: (More finger counting) Wait, I was 11 when I felt like a musician, but I wanted to be one when I was 9. When I was 11 I joined the school band after my best friend pressured me to join... because he wanted a drummer for his band.

Maria: How many bands have you been in?

E.K.: Oh my, let’s see….Over 10. I know that.

Maria: And what was the worst band name for a band that you were in?

E.K.: My first. Imperie Acid. That was 7th grade going into 8th.

(Interview is dumbfounded by the awful band name and decides the best course of action is to change the subject.)

Maria:When did you first consider yourself an artist?

E.K.: Grade four.

Maria: Why?

E.K.: I won an illustration contest for the Hank the Cow Dog series. I got to meet the author and all of that.

Maria: What are you most proud of?

E.K.: Um, I’m most proud of maybe..oh this is going to be sappy… giving love a chance when I least wanted it.

Maria: So, I assume you’re talking about me.

E.K.:(Laughs) Yeah.

Maria: Why are you proud of that?

E.K.: When I first started dating you it was at a time in my life when I absolutely did not want to be dating anymore, but I wanted to see it through because you seemed different.

Maria: Do you mean different in a good way?

E.K.: Definitely. I mean when we seriously started to hang out not when we first met in Jr. High or whatever.

Maria: Hang out means dating right?

E.K.: Yeah, or as my mom would say, going steady.

Maria: How do you feel about living with only females?

E.K.: It’s pretty much all I’ve ever known. My Dad’s always been the main provider, so I have my Mom and two older sisters.

Maria: Now you have me and 3 girl animals.

Maria: What are your plans for the week?

E.K.: Well, I have to remix some music for my solo stuff and for Maps and Mapping. Working on some new collages. And….(Again interviewee trails off causing the interviewer to wonder if he has forgotten).

Maria: How do you feel about this interview?

E.K.: (Laughs) Um, it’s a very ideal setting because I have a dog cuddled up to me, a cat demanding attention and we’re listening to Material Girl by Madonna.

Maria: Do you want to eat dinner now?

E.K.: Sure

Wihtout Words: Little Bits of Saturday's Walk

Look at This!

Being an artist is great fun, but the dark side of the art world is self-promotion. So, I am completely thankful when other people do it for me.

This past week Eric and I have had some very kind words written about us.

First Megan Charland wrote the kindest words about us. Seriously, I was completely surprised when we found this blog entry! Click here to read.

Then yesterday Eric was featured on A Future in Noise. Click here to read that great article. He was given a wonderful write up and all of it was true...not that I am biased or anything.

Either way, you will discover two new bloggers today.

Oh and...you can now reach my blog two ways. The ususal address www.maria-rose.blogspot.com and www.littlethingsarebig.com

Weekend Ahoy

Phew, yesterday was a very busy day. I had a full day conference. However, that meant that I got out a little early and had the glorious opportunity to spend a bit more time with my husband.

Today I am so excited that it's almost the weekend. I always start off the morning by watching the news. On Friday mornings the news plays this ridiculous song and shows newscasting bloopers. It is really quite awkward to watch, but it gets me really pumped up for the weekend!

My plans for this weekend include:

• Sending off the prizes from my joke contest.
• Working on lesson 2 of my painting project.
• Going on a date with my husband to celebrate the fact that everything is wonderful.
• Starting an art project.
• Possibly working on a craft project with Eric. Although he may get into his latch hooking project (he is latch hooking a unicorn, just so you know) in which case I will do some crocheting.
• Cleaning, running errands, laundry, etc.
• Walking with Bumblebee.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Handmade

I am big fan of handmade objects. I think that maybe I am stating the obvious here. I am an artist for heaven's sake. However, I haven't always been that way. I remember a time in my life when I was desperate to own Nike shoes. Why? I don't know, maybe because I was desperate to fit in. I am not about to psychoanalyze that period of my life, but I will tell you that I have moved on from mass production and I LOVE handmade objects.


Take this teapot, for example. Eric and I purchased it from an artist friend for almost nothing; it pays to have friends who are artists. I love the teapot. To me it looks like something I dug up in the desert after a 3 day hike and a long talk with a spirit guide. OK, maybe not, but it is still lovely.


I find that there is so much more life in handmade objects. The tiny imperfections and variations enrich the object. It is not just an object, it is a connection between the artist and the collector.

Thoughts on Evening... and the Joke Winner(s)

Do you sometimes have those evenings that take you back in time? A smell in the air, riding in a car or just the music on the radio. Don't you love that?

I love for a minute feeling like I have time traveled and just resting in a moment that may have happened years before.

When Eric and I were first married we had a park near our house. Some evenings just after sunset we would cross the street and sit on a swing or in the grass and look up at the sky. I remember the smells, what we talked about and how much we laughed. I can't really explain how profoundly those evenings impacted me. I hope I still remember it as vividly when I am 111 (yes, I plan to live at least to 111 years...but probably more).

_______________________
On another note I have a winner to announce. I looked over all of the dumb jokes from Monday. Yes, they were all pretty dumb. I know because I laughed hysterically. So, you all win. Congratulations! Please email me your mailing address at maria @ planetwimmer.com and I will get your prize in the mail this weekend!

Elizabeth from Bits of Sunshine
EK Wimmer from How to Impress a Hipster
Emily from Bananas and Bees
Stacy from A Rosy Outlook
Sophie from Her Heart in My Hands
Bo Bee Sah
Karene from Perceptions

The Kindness Bandit: Welcome to the Neighborhood

Last week I met a new neighbor. She seemed nice and I thought maybe the Kindness Bandit could anonymously welcome her to the neighborhood.

First I made her a card welcoming her to the area.

Next I gave her a soup mix. My Mom and Dad actually introduced me to the Women's Bean Project. They gave me two of the Women's Bean Project soup mixes for my birthday a year or two ago, they just happened to be vegan (I am not sure if all of their soup mixes are vegan, be sure to check if you buy)! I thought the soups were delicious and they're for a good cause so they're the new "it" gift in my book.

Finally, I wrapped the soup, attached the card and left the gift on my neighbor's door. Hopefully she will enjoy the soup and feel welcomed into the neighborhood.

I absolutely love doing the Kindness Bandit! I would be so happy to share that joy with my readers. I invite you to submit your Kindness Bandit deeds (with photos if at all possible) and I will feature them on an upcoming posting of the Kindness Bandit. Just remember to be creative and to be kind! Additionally, I will link to your blog or website.Please submit your Kindness Bandit activities to maria @ planetwimmer.com
In the mean time I will continue on with the Kindness Bandit as always!!!

Random Monday

I thought today I'd go random with my blog. Sometimes I just have to be a bit random for my own sanity:

My husband Eric was almost named Dwayne. Sometimes, just for fun, I call him Dwayne.

Bumblebee and Mia have an awkward relationship (see photo) and I think it is hilarious. Bumblebee wants to be buddies and Mia thinks this is a ridiculous idea.


Also, my wonderful and kind friend blogger Court (click here) gave me the Lemons to Lemonade award! Hooray!

I am supposed to choose 10 people to pass it on to, but I can't choose. So, please consider yourself chosen.

I really love stupid jokes. Click here for my favorite stupid joke. Yesterday I heard another dumb joke that made me laugh (seriously be warned that this joke is actually not funny)...Two cannibals are eating a clown and one says to the other, "Does this taste funny to you?" See, it really is bad, yet I am laughing as I write it. My Dad looooves to tell me really bad jokes because I can always be counted on to laugh at the worst one. I laugh because they are so very bad. Do you have any bad jokes that you want to share? Please no dirty jokes, my Grandmothers read this blog! The dumbest joke, according to me, will win a prize.

Ice Blog Straight Ahead

Yesterday Eric and I took Bumblebee for her daily walk. The sun was out and the weather was pretty warm for January. We walked along a little stream (sort of a stream, but not really) and noticed some quiet little reminders that it is still indeed winter. There was ice in the stream and it was beautiful.


I had opted not to bring the camera on the walk. So, we dropped Bumblebee off after her walk, grabbed the camera and went back for a few pictures of this amazing ice.

I know, it's just ice.

But if I didn't tell you the photo below was ice, would you think you were looking at a microscopic image?

The one below here reminds me of Superman's ice cave.

Eric was happy to help me find more ice.

He also took the two photos below.

I was so happy to take a few moments and just really look at the ice.

Quilts

I have a set of quilts. Each quilt made by a grandmother. When I went off to college I became guilty of the college raid. Did you do this? I left for college with my cool new college stuff, but on my first trip home I took several items that did not belong to me. I think it was just trying to take a little bit of home with me as I went out into the world. Anyway, I have since offered to return the quilts, but my Mom said I could have them. Phew.

The quilt above was made by my Grandma Grace. It is a block quilt made with loads of funky polyester squares. I love me some funky polyester!

This quilt is a crazy quilt made by my Grandma Carol. Again, there is lots of funky polyester.

I love that the quilts remind me of my grandmothers and my parents. I hope someday I have a kid who wants to steal them from me. I hope I have the dignity to let them pass on.

Grandpa Whiscut

A little over a year ago I blogged about our van, Grandpa Whiscut. You can read that post here. In my original posting I neglected to show you the exterior of the van. So here he is.


We have our van up in WY. There is no way that it would be practical here in the city. Since we have no intention of making Denver our forever home, my parents have been kind enough to let Grandpa Whiscut rest his weary bones in their driveway.

Let me recap the highlights of Grandpa Whiscut:

• He has a couch that folds out into a queen size bed.
• He has a sink.
• He has a closet.
• He has a fold out table.
• He has a toilet...that we will never use.
• He has a purple skull on the dashboard.
• He has a hot pink interior.

Here is the back of the van (plates are expired). I am most proud of the sticker that reads, "Support Your Right to Arm Bears."

Every time we visit my parents Eric goes out and starts (or tries to start) Grandpa Whiscut. He will drive it forward or backwards a few inches to keep the tires in shape. I can't wait until the day that we can make our glorious return. We will swoop up our old man of a van and take him back to Montana where he can offend people with his bumper stickers.