Mary's bedtime

Mary and Daisy

When my daughter Mary was an infant, every day at around 6 p.m. she would start to cry for no reason at all. She didn’t need to be changed, she wasn’t hungry and she didn’t care if you held her, rocked her or lay her in her crib.  She just cried inconsolably.  Perhaps her tirade is better described as screaming like a banshee. Her face turned beet red, with her eyes tightly closed and her cherubic cheeks scrunched up.  We started calling it the 6 O’clock crazies.  The doctor seemed to think that it was just a normal build up of the days events that just had to be released somewhere. 

After the outburst was over, she slept.  Her face again took on that sweet, angelic appearance.  I grabbed a camera to capture this oh so serene moment.  When the photos were developed (those were the days of film and developing) I so loved the way she looked asleep that, much to her chagrin, I continued taking...and taking sleeping photos of her.

Throughout her life no matter how naughty she was during the day, when her eyes closed the halo was there.  So being the annoying mother (so I’m told) I am I grabbed my camera and snapped away.  When I wanted a smile, I pulled one of those photos out and I couldn’t control the involuntary “Awwwwwwww.”

Years passed and I snapped photo after photo.  I have dozens of sleeping Marys. I love and cherish them all, even the ones that show a gaping, drooling mouth. Of course she didn't appreciate them as much as I did, especially when I pulled the scrapbooks out for friends and relatives.  

From the archives of my old sketchbooks, is one of my very favorite sleepers…Mary and Daisy.  Yes she loved to sleep with kittens, hamsters, puppies, ducks, bunnies and whatever other cuddly critter she could sneak in.  "Awwwwwww!"

P.S.  This will be my last post for a few days because Wednesday I am on my way to Texas to witness the graduation of my son from basic training.  See you all on Sunday….with tales of my western adventures Yee ha!

I believe that this also qualifies for Mr. Toasts "Creative Tuesdays." Many thanks for getting me thinking about my old "Bedtime" memories.

goodteatoo.blogspot.com

Spring is near...

time to come out of hiberation, ya think?

Jumping off places week three

What follows is my third entry in atticreflections.blogspot.com "Jumping off" places hosted by Linda.  Please stop by and read everyone's story started from a choice of first lines.  Why not join in?

The texture of the fabric was intoxicating and I knew it was expensive.

I never went in this store.  The prices, well, the prices just floored me.  As I picked up the red scarf and rubbed it on my cheek I just knew it was perfect.  The softness, the touch, it was just beyond belief.

I have never bought such an extravagant thing.  It just was not feasible.  This scarf would take the majority of what I call my cookie jar cash. Cash meant for emergencies. Think!  I whispered to myself would this qualify as an emergency?

I reached deep in my pocket and felt around for my wallet.  In what seemed like seconds I was on my way out the door holding my bag tightly.  I walked briskly and reached my destination in no time. 

I got on the elevator and smiled a guilty smile at those who rode it with me.  The door to the elevator opened.  As I emerged I had a self-satisfying spring in my step as walked down the hall.  I opened the door and went inside.

The woman lay in the bed surrounded by IV’s and wires.  Something shabby and gray covered her head. I placed the scarf in her hands and I could see as she lifted it to her cheek, that yes, this qualified.

Easy Craft- Scrap cardboard 3 x 5 photo frame

This frame uses only some glue, corrugated cardboard and a piece of scrapbook paper.  How inexpensive can you get???  With a little help older kids can create these frames and give them as gifts to friends and family.  There are so many beautiful scrapbook papers available you won’t be able to stop at just one.  Get creative with the embellishments.  I used simple buttons but any number of things would be great. Cardboard boxes are available free at your local warehouse store or grocers.

You will need:

Corrugated cardboard

Lightweight cardboard (cereal boxes are perfect)

Scrapbook paper of choice

Buttons or rhinestones for embellishing the frame

Scissors

Craft knife (Optional for adults only)

Tacky Glue

Ruler and pencil

1.     Cut a piece of corrugated cardboard 6 ½” x 4 3/4.

2.     Measure one inch from the edges all around and cut out.  You may use an X-acto or craft knife but since the scrapbook paper covers the opening, it is not necessary to cut it perfectly. The opening should be about 2 ¾” x 4 ½.”

3.     Cut a piece of scrapbook paper 8” x 6.”

4.     On the non-colored side, place the cardboard on top and trace the center opening.  Measure ½ inch smaller from the marked line around and cut out. 

5.     Make slits in the paper around the opening of the scrapbook paper to the line that represents the cardboard openeing.  Add a bit of glue on the edges and fold up the scrapbook paper.

6.     On the outer edges fold in at the corners and glue the sides.  Do this all around to finish. Let dry.

7.     Cut another piece of cardboard the same size as the frame, 6 ½” x 4 ¾” and glue on to the back of the frame on three sides only, leaving the top edge unglued.  You may use lighter weight cardboard here.  (Cereal boxes are great sources of cardboard.)

8.     Make a stand and cut out. (See photo)  Fold 1/2” from the top and glue this section to the back.  Make sure it is in the correct position for standing.  Let dry.

9.     When completely dry glue some buttons or other baubles of choice to the corners as an embellishment and to hide any slight imperfections.  Slip a photo into the top and enjoy.

Another super idea...Why not dress up your fridge?  These are so easy and so lightweight that instead of attaching a stand try gluing a magnet on the back and use it for displaying recent photos.  

My big fat Greek soup

I know that Jewish mothers have a patent on culinary penicillin so I won’t step on any toes here.  Their chicken soup is safe with me.  I do want to mention, however, that Greek mothers have their own miracle-cure-all in chicken soup form and it’s name is Avgolemeno. 

The name Avgolemeno roughly translates as Egg-lemon.  Egg lemon!  Where is the chicken? It’s in there, now you know the answer to the age-old question of what came first the chicken or the egg!   Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

I learned how to make it from my mother like most Greek-American cooks.  My mother was a wonderful cook, but she didn’t own a cookbook.  Specifically marked spoons or cups were not necessary in her eyes.  She drank coffee out of a cup, and stirred it with something called a teaspoon, right?  I can see you cringing so stop it.  Everything that came out of that Greek inspired kitchen tasted, well, heavenly.  If it wasn’t exactly what she was looking for, then it was something new altogether, Opa! 

Now you may think that I am going to give you the recipe for this wonderful soup that makes a cold disappear overnight, but you are wrong.  My daughter tells me that my mother would probably haunt me for that infraction.  And besides I don’t have a recipe…I just toss in this, and stir in that, and heat up this.  Somehow by miraculous intervention, it comes out, well, heavenly!

If you happen to be intrigued and want a recipe there are hundreds of Greek cookbooks out there that contain recipes for Avgolemeno.  Just be aware that there are probably as many variations as there are Greek Islands.  Don’t let it scare you.  Just toss in this, stir in that, and heat up this….

Fortune Kooky

What is it with Fortune cookies and me?  Picture this, the meal is over and the waiter brings the check along with the fortune cookies. My dining partners crack theirs open one by one.  They read their fortunes aloud, don’t we all? 

“You are going to have a visit from a wonderful friend.”  “

“You are going to come into a bit of money.”

“ You are wise beyond your years.”

And then it’s my turn.  “Wow! A secret message from your teeth!”

Seriously?  What kind of cryptic fortune is that?  My teeth are fine.  I just visited the dentist last month and she tells me that they are great, no gum disease, no cavities and absolutely no vocal chords. So let me get this straight, a message is hidden in my teeth?  I go the restroom and check it out.  Nope, no message, no one has planted any sort of miniature device holding a secret formula.  So what’s the message?  I am thinking that a comedian must be working in the fortune cookie factory and he has his sights set on me. 

Oh yes, this is not the first time I have sat there with my jaw on the table as I read yet another ridiculous fortune to the amusement of my friends and family.  It’s getting to be a running gag, as they all sit waiting for Crystal’s newest fortune.  Silence looms as I read, and then the whole table bursts into fits of laughter. 

“You are ignorant beyond understanding.”  I practically choked on that one.  Would you really want to announce that fact in a crowded Chinese restaurant?  How’s that for a boost to the ego?

Another day, another meal and the check arrives along with the appropriate amount of cookies.  I slide down a bit further in my seat.  Maybe the conversation will steer this out of the cookie announcement phase.  No such luck, my sister appoints herself the great distributor and puts a cookie at each place setting.  If I was quick maybe I could try the old switcheroo, but no they’ve all seen their particular cookie.  The time has come.  I brace myself for the inevitable.  They all read their normal fortunes about life, love and the pursuit of happiness and then, its my turn.

I crack it open.  I pull that little piece of paper out and look at it.  It says…. nothing, it’s blank!  Silence to match the emptiness on my fortune.  And then the table erupts into the usual roaring laughter.  I aim to please.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Jumping off places- week two

What follows is my second entry in the Jumping off places writing prompt hosted by linda at atticreflections.blogspot.com  She says:


Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing). Our first week was very interesting, to see what each writer/blogger chose as their jumping off place! Today I'll provide a new list of first lines for you to write about next week. If you have written something for week two, please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL so we will all be able to read your creativeness! Visit atticreflections to get a list of the prompts for this week.
 A review of how it works:
1) First Lines provided.
2) Write a post on your blog using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story!
3) Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in!
4) On Friday's we'll read each other's work and Enjoy!
Mine goes like this...


She was sitting, all crouched down, in the corner of the room, staring at the side wall.  Her wild heart was not used to the confines of the place that she had stumbled upon. She had left the green tendrils of her true domain following a scent that enticed her.  A door carelessly left ajar had allowed entry.  The heat, oppressing and omnipresent wrapped around her like a cloak.

Fierce eyes blazed bright orange and matched her striped fur.  Her tail twitched restlessly as her ears pressed back against her head. She readied herself to leap at her target.  Hunting had never been her favorite thing.  Too often prey had slipped her grasp.  Still, she waited.  Watching.  The man entered.  He knew not what was waiting for him as he returned to his imagined safe haven.

She sprang.  He jumped. 

And then…she spiraled though his legs, rubbing her fur against him and purring loudly.

Got ya?

Robbie’s back

Robin ACEO

I am not looking forward to Robbie. 

Robbie is an American Robin, a red-breasted thrush.  I saw him and a couple of his friends today so I guess the season’s harbinger has returned from his winter home.

He’ s back and he’s ready to start dating.  Yes, Robbie is looking for a girlfriend.  He knows he’s a catch and I must admit he is rather dapper.  Any female Robin would be lucky indeed to become the new Mrs. Robbie.  The trouble is Robbie is a bit of a narcissist and extremely competitive.  Whenever he sees himself in a mirror, window or any other reflective surface he mistakes his own image for that of a very handsome Robin that must have moved in on his territory.  And Robbie will have none of that! 

 Soon, he will be dive-bombing the windows on my garage doors.  Or he will sit on car mirrors and continuously attack the reflection.  I assume he will keep this up till he finds Mrs. Right or he sustains so many concussions that the cat starts looking good to him.

The really down side for me is that when he sits on the side mirrors he insists on leaving the remains of his meals down the sides of the doors.  And boy he must eat a lot!

In an effort to deter this determined little warrior, I’ve printed photos of owls (natural enemies right?) and pasted them on the garage door windows.  I’ve even covered the windows completely with paper and wrapped the car’s side mirrors with bags.  Still he sits and waits for the moment these protective coverings come off.  In seconds he has left his mark, literally.  Having a two-car garage and three vehicles leaves one poor unsuspecting coupe at Robbie’s mercy. No one, and I mean no wants wants to visit me in the Spring unless they come on foot. Constantly washing the droppings off the sides of the car gets a little bit old.  I’d almost rather be shoveling snow…I said almost. 

He hasn’t started yet, but it’s only a matter of time.  I’m ready.  I have my bags to cover the mirrors and if all else fails, I guess there’s always the garden hose.  (To wash the car, of course!)

Craft project ideas

If you missed some recent  Craft instruction posts you can also see them reprinted on Favecrafts.com.

http://www.favecrafts.com/bracelets/recycled-paper-bag-bracelets

http://www.favecrafts.com/valentines-day/heart-felt-earrings

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Lucky Shamrock magnet, a recycled craft

I have amassed a large quantity of advertising magnets.  Pizza places, credit card companies and various others constantly send out little sheet magnets with their names and numbers.  Seriously how many magnets to a local pizza joint do you need on your fridge?  So I figured if they are going to keep sending them I am going to put them to a more “seasonal use.”  This is a great kids craft!

You will need:

A shamrock sticker or clip art printed off the computer

Black felt

Sheet advertising magnet (or if you don’t have any you can purchase sheet magnets at the craft store)

Tacky glue

Gold glitter dimensional fabric paint

Pen, scissors

1.     Spread some tacky glue on the back of the sticker.  This is to insure that it stays stuck.  Attach to the black felt.  If using clip-art, cut out and spread some glue onto the back.  Attach to the piece of black felt.  Let dry. 

2.     Cut around the motif leaving a quarter inch of black felt showing.  Place the prepared shamrock on the advertising magnet and trace around with a pen.  Cut out the shamrock shaped magnet.  Spread some glue on the back of the felt shamrock and attach to the magnet. Let dry.  Trim up any overhanging edges.

3.     Draw a line with Gold dimensional fabric paint all around the shamrock shape.  It can be a thin line or a thick one as desired.  Make sure you test the fabric paint on scrap paper first so that it comes out in an even line.  Let dry.  Stop throwing those advertising magnets away and make as many shamrocks as you want and deck out your fridge for St. Patty’s Day.  While you are at it why not try some Easter designs as well?