Tag: random

Show me the Love….

 Have you begun spreading a little love around your house yet?
The 14th is just around the corner.
Doesn’t matter if no one else gets to see it, you know.
You matter too.

This strawberry cake was just because.
Just because I longed for it.

 The manchild found this old ball jar in a rock wall way out back…
Makes a perfect tealight holder

Candycorn… it’s not just for Halloween anymore.

 So here’s the part where I want YOU to show me the LOVE.
Take a picture, or use one you’ve taken before, or
that someone has taken of you, or one from the family archives…
that in your mind represents LOVE in some form or fashion. 
Use your creativity, this doesn’t have to be hearts and flowers.
This has to be a picture of your own, no pinterest finds, ok?
I would LOVE to see what you come up with.
On Valentines Day, my post will be your depictions of Love.
Love,  Karen

Rainy Day Thoughts on Red and Random stuff

  Black and neutral, beige and white. These are the colors I have always been drawn to. But you know.. as I get older, I’m truly appreciating the full spectrum, even wearing some of it!  …Sometimes.  Red, in particular, has been pulling me in.

  After cleaning out all the holiday stuff, I started throwing out cluttery stuff too.  Which got me to changing up rooms a little, simplifying the look some.   Got me thinking… why am I holding on to all of this STUFF?  George Carlin had a good schtick on STUFF.   

 My kitchen island, which used to be home to the Fairy Garden complete with Betta bowls,  now looks like this….

I bought this heart for $4. at TJMaxx.
It’s heavy in your hand, a little bigger than your palm.
The tray is made from recycled wood and I love it for it’s imperfection.
I bought the heart to remind myself…
to be kind to ME too. To accept me and my own imperfections, finally…
because what I am isn’t so bad after all.
Bad habits die hard, you know.
 

The master bedroom was beginning to collect clutter, so I simplified there too.
And the look has changed some.
With splashes of red.
This print, from Pier 1,  is part of the deal…
as is this mini chandelier and plantation shutters in the bathroom.
Husband said “Chandelier in the BATHROOM??”
Why ever not.  When did we create such silly, binding rules..
Besides, it’s small and it was cheap.
It reminds me of the bigger one my grandmother had in her dining room
It had dangling crystals like this one.
My eight year old self was sure the Hope Diamond lived among us
right there on Bard Avenue in Nanas little brick house.
 I’ll reveal the finished look when I’m done decluttering.
I’ve also being stewing over the news I’m reading….
, C*sey A*thony’s new look and viral videos, Coach Sandusky’s
disgusting state of “affairs” and J*ran Vand*ersl**t and his hideous non-face.

These are rants I’de like to dispurse,

but to talk about it here would probably attract nut cases.
PS… I tried that Cake in a Cup (see previous post)…
OH my LORD, the stuff is good. And easy.
I mean, who would think …
stir it all up, stick it in a cup and microwave for ONE MINUTE…
and it’s awesome cake goodness.
The myth is true!  Try it and tell me what you think.

My buddy Ben and Ipad App coolness.

  
Danes are just a different level of dog all together, I’m convinced.  They really do think they are exactly whatever we are… (that would be human)… and should live accordingly.  Ben will sit on the couch just as we do, he would just as soon eat at the table right next to us.  Maybe it’s because they are so big…. The expressions on a Dane’s face are remarkable.  You can tell when he’s worried.. when he’s afraid, when he’s curious, when he is SOOO happy to see you –  his whole forhead scrunches up and ears pin back and he SMILES, I tell ya.  And when you hurt his feelings?….oh, the wounded look.     He doesn’t like having his picture taken and if you are trying, he  will do his best to STAY, but he’s not really cooperating.

 This is the “I’m not looking at that camera”  look.
Nope, uh-uh.
  *sigh*
picture a doglike heavy sigh and eye roll, if he could.
And my no-makeup on a Sunday evening look,
because who am I trying to fool anyway 🙂

No drooling on the table, Ben!
This is the wounded look. Scolded for begging with face on table.
Because he can.

Since both chicks were in the nest last night…
we played with Ipad apps.  Heat Sensor camera. Pretty cool.

If you have apple products (ipad, iphone) have you discovered
Words with Friends yet?  it’s basically Scrabble, and you can
play it against anyone you are friends with on Facebook or Twitter .

I don’t do Twitter.  Am I the only one who thinks it’s a little narcissistic and silly?

No offense if YOU do Twitter, I’m just sayin.

So back to Words. You also don’t have to spend a lot of time doing it…

You can make your move..and your friend can take their turn a day later,
or whenever it’s convenient.
If the kids are gonna be on their “equipment”…
atleast they are learning something valuable, right?

I’m dreaming….

… of a white Christmas.  But so far, it ain’t happen’n.  

 Now that College girl has graduated, what do I call her here for you… grown up girl?  Sounds silly.  Hmmm…   anyway… Daughter is out for a walk with Ben this morning (HIGH PRAISE to the manufacturer of the Easy walker harness.  It’s a miracle item for those of us who have dogs who pull when you walk them.)     Back to the weather … It’s downright balmy out.  Weird weather for Christmas time.  How do you people do it in Florida??… it just isn’t the SAME,  I tell ya! ….

Today, the manchild will clear out the old ashes and restock the fireplaces for
the company we’ll have on Christmas day…
 but I fear it will be too warm outside to have the fires all aglow.  
I’m continuing the holiday baking with Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes…
Why I torture myself so, it’s beyond me.
I lost 20 lbs. this year, and that’s a wonderful thing.
This holiday baking could throw it all to hell, ya know.
*sigh*, what I do for my family.

Mike loved George’s picture, and I love the topiaries I found to help the mantle balance out.
We’re also amazed at how the filtering light through the woods in this print
is visible even in the dark.  Now that’s some talented painter.
And this is just a copy!  I hope to see the original some day.

I am LOVING all your entries for my Christmas Day post.  If you haven’t done so yet
and you’d like to join us, send me a photo that represents the season  in some way to you…
e-mail to karenthisoldhouse@hotmail.com
Write a caption for the pic, and send me your blog link as well.

Can someone give me a clue?

I’ve heard much about Pinterest in the past year, and so I ventured over.  I see lots of glorious images and even some recipes!… but I’m not quite sure what you’re supposed to do on Pinterest. I was asked if I wanted to request an invite (huh?)… and so I did.  I have not heard whether I am accepted or rejected yet.  So.. what are you supposed to do with Pinterest… IF your request is accepted?….and how long does that take?  What does it mean to RE-PIN?…  I found some awesome images as I was browsing.  They let you do that while you’re waiting for your request to be accepted or…. rejected?….

Can you imagine? ….

  I had a n early errand to run this morning and so I found myself at the shore at 6:30 am, just as the sun was about to rise over the water.  I stopped briefly because the scene was so beautiful… calm waters, mist on the fringes,  and the hint of the rising sun on the horizon…  peaceful.   Can you imagine living in this house, out on the edge there?  It’s not a fancy house, either.. perfect in size and simplicity. 

“At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun.” – anonymous