Stuff is a Happening...

So much has happened this past week and weekend I had to share.  First of all was seeing my art actually hanging on Thursday at The Beauty Loft.  Oh my goodness it is does so much for my ego and confidence you can't imagine.  

Then on Friday after our usual Thai lunch buffet at Bangkok Buffet we grabbed our fortune cookies and this is what was on our fortunes.  The first one is mine and the second is The Hubby's.  I was taken by surprise by both of them said something about Friday and it was Friday.  So much is going on for us right now this doesn't surprise me but for me should have been Saturday... 

We went to the cabin for the weekend and Saturday while The Hubby went to the gun show I went we four other ladies to The Canebrake for lunch.  The Canebrake is a destination spa in northeastern Oklahoma and a wonderful place to visit.  Anyway, when we walked in the door we saw on the walls art, lots of art adorning the place.  Then they started talking about a friend of one of them that had a show for an entire month in March.  Then the encouragement started about my art.  They saw it on my phone and went on and on and talked to the owner who informed us that the only month left open this year was October if I was interested....YES....HELL YES!  So, in October I will have a month long show and hopefully a reception for my art!  I'm so very excited but I really NEED to get some more stuff painted ASAP!  So my Saturday was my fortune cookie come true!

Now on to the rest of the weekend.  The Hubby decided that it was time that the dead tree in front of our porch at the cabin had to go.  I was not happy because that dead was what my beautiful clematis climbed on but he would not be detered.  

He tried to pull it down with the truck but he was fooled to think it was totally rotten, it was not.  So a chain saw had to be used.

Now we have a lot of baby tree logs all over the place and he will have to rent a splitter and I will have to try and find something to fill the void and save my clematis. 

 

One fun thing is that while I was sitting on the porch I saw a bluebird fly into the box that has been up for a couple of years with nest making stuff in her beak!  YEAH..baby bluebirds.

I also filled the other feeders and have purple finches and gold finches flocking in. 

A quick ride around and I found all the rain has started the dam to really have some water flowing. 

Then a sweet picture of our little boy sunning...ohhhhh Clayton...we love you little guy. 

How Was Your Easter!

Good morning all.  Thought I would stop by and share a bit.  Life here has been pretty busy with work, babysitting and just life in general.  My world seems to be full of work and baby as I watch little Rio at work.    It reminds me of having our girls at the office when they were babies.  They were both raised in the office.  When B was born we had our business in the house and the business phone, so when it rang sometimes it was a challenge to not have a crying baby on hand.  When she was about 4 or 5 we built the shop and then began my travel to the office to do my work.  I didn't go in every day as we had an answering service and there just wasn't something for me to do everyday, much like today really.  I remember when I had A and was in the office on that Friday doing payroll (it was weekly back then) and was having labor pains.  I had her that next day and was back at the office that next Friday doing payroll.  Yes, life rolls on.  Now Rio is continuing the tradition.

Friday evening I also kept the little bugger for the first all-nighter.   

(the night before)

 I was definitely a bit scared but we weathered it and I can proudly say it was a rousing success.

(the next morning...see I didn't break her)

Our Easter was so wonderful.  I invited my family and The Hubby's side for a meal of ham and the sides, of which everyone contributed.  Everyone was able to come less one of the nephew's and his family and A.  The weather cooperated fully and we even had a small fire in the firepit.  

Fart Girl

Tuesday morning, a very cold Tuesday morning.  My goodness I think winter has decided it needed to stay around a bit longer.  The Hubby went out of town to hang with some buddies for a few days at a lodge somewhere in Arkansas to return today.  He texted me that it has been almost non-stop snow and COLD.  They are quite miserable but one of the guys is a fantastic cook so they've been eating like kings.  He so needed a get-away of some kind.  I needed a get-away too but mines just a stay-at-home kind.  It's been kind of nice to have a couple of days of just me and Clayton.  Of course I still had to work yesterday but that brings time with the little princess, Miss Rio.  

I got to spend some time Sunday with the drama queen as they went out to celebrate B2's birthday.  I may get to try the overnight thing again on Friday night as they celebrate 5 years of marriage.  I'm a little scared because she's still not sleeping all night.  We tried when she was very young and that did not work but now that she is almost 6 months old it might work.  

Funny thing about this little beauty is that I had not heard her laugh in person yet.  I just could not get her to giggle for me, then on Sunday while watching her I took her to the changing table to change her diaper.  Just as I took the wet one off and leaned over to toss in the trash she farted.  She farted a whistle kind of one that must have tickled because she belted out a belly laugh at herself.  Then she was on a roll and I was laughing so hard at her I had tears.  Oh, how I love to hear babies laugh.  My world is complete to hear sweet Rio laugh!  

Wednesday night I'm entertaining my old Jazzercise group of girls here.  They haven't seen the new bathroom addition or the outdoor kitchen addition so I'm pretty excited.  I have to clean up a bit to prepare then on Sunday I've extended the invite to family for dinner.  So that means more cleanup, buy a ham, deviled eggs and lots of fun time with people I love.  I love to entertain.  

Dreams and Nightmares

Sunday morning, early, EARLY and I'm awake.  Actually, I've been awake since 4 am.   I had a bad dream and can't even remember what it was but it jolted me awake and here I am still awake at 5:36.  Oh well, it gives me a chance to catch up on blog reading and commenting, of which I am very far behind and to actually BLOG!  I'm trying to get some stuff out there but the words have just not been there, and people are asking where I've been.  I've been playing with little Rio, working and trying to be creative with the painting.

We did manage to scurry off to the cabin on Friday evening, just for the night.  A nice bowl of tortilla soup and a warm fire with friends and I was happy.  This dreary weather is taking a toll on me and tonight they are predicting SNOW!   What in the world has happened to our wonderful spring.  I'm ready to plant some goodness!  I did get a few photos of the hint of spring.

The Carolina Jasmine is blooming ...

and tons of daffodils...

so spring has got to be here soon, the calendar says so.

Shoot The Groundhog

I heard someone say last night that the stupid groundhog should be shot!  How funny!  Then this morning there was actually a story on my news feed that a Ohio prosecutor seeks the death penalty for the groundhog.  Since spring has obviously NOT been early I can understand all of this.  I mean last Saturday I was sitting outside in my air chair, barefoot and in shorts, but by Sunday evening it was BRrrrrrrrr.  What in the world and by Sunday evening this weekend they are even saying a winter mix is possible.  I'm not a person of violence but I'm about to that point myself Mr. Groundhog.  Little Rio and I are so ready for spring.  My Burpee order is in route to be delivered any day now and I am ready to get my hands dirty.

Rio and her momma have been a bit sick with a cold but didn't stop her from enjoying a bit of sun pulling some weeds with her daddy!

Good Monday Morning

Good early Monday morning everyone.  It is 5:51 am right now and I've been up since 4:50 am!  Yes, that's right.  It is the usual early morning for me but I don't mind.  My body is so used to getting up that early that I just wake up, a lot like our little Clayton who wants his breakfast at 5 am.

Saturday I seemed to be on fire at the easel.  I'm not sure where this comes from because I'm not much of fan or admirer of modern or abstract art but I seem to get going and create some that people LOVE, including me.  I have got to figure out how I do this ad keep it up because the last one I did is sold and this one may not be far behind.

Paintings for "SALE"...maybe

Exciting news in a way.  I was asked last week by my pedicure lady if I would be interested in hanging some of my paintings in their salon.  What!  It's a very nice salon and has a great clientele.  I was so excited for sure.  So the past week I've gathered my flower paintings and a few others to put on display to SELL!  How exciting, don't you think!

I've been so blah that painting hasn't been something I've enjoyed or wanted to do lately...but today with the sun streaming through my window I'm off to paint. 

Have a great Saturday one and all today.  

Spring Is In The Air

Last night I went to Broken Arrow to Main Street Tavern to meet some of my fellow high school classmates to continue the planning stages of our 40th class reunion.  WHAT!  I can't believe it has been nearly 40 years.  The place was packed but they set up a table outside and the evening was just absolutely perfect, and quiet.  There was a light jazz band inside which made it a bit difficult to chat.  It was kind of surreal to be sitting on Main Street eating salad.  The last time I ate food on Main Street was at probably a Rooster Day and it was more than likely a corn dog as we walked, meandering through the crowds.  Anyway, we have a date, Sept 20, 2014, let the party planning begin!

The weather yesterday made it into the 70's and today will be pushing 80!!!!!!  Boy, I'm so very excited for the warmer temps and SUNSHINE!  Tomorrow I "plan" on tilling my small garden space in preparation for onions and potatoes...I have to go get onions!  WOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO  it's garden time!  I seem to be in better spirits, don't you agree!

A Bit of Catch-Up

I know I'm not posting as much lately but hopefully when I do it will be worth your while to read my words.  

Lots of things are happening this week, sad stuff for sure. 

B&B2 lost one of their furry friends, Pimmy.  She started going downhill a couple of months ago and early this week she took her last little breaths with them holding her.  She had a wonderful life after B adopted her several years ago.  I have to paint her hopefully!

My job as caregiver for sweet Rio also means that Grandpa gets a turn too.  Monday The Hubby had a meeting with an architect and builder in the office and I JUST HAD to visit the little girls room so Rio got to sit in on the proceedings at work.  She seemed to have an opinion about something here.  What a good little girl she is.  Yesterday she finally laughed at me.  I was thrilled!

Sadly, one of our long time employees and friend has been going through hell.  His wife, Jamie, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and went through two grueling surgeries on Tuesday.  The cancer had spread so then ended up taking part of her large intestine, colon, appendix and a complete hysterectomy.  While in recovery she had a bleed so they had to go back in to fix that and found another tumor.  The doctor told them that they got 95-98% of it out and the chemo will take care of the rest.  I hope they are so right.  They are such great people and I hate they have to deal with this. 

Last night I also spent time with some friends celebrating a birthday!  What a great group of friends.  Lots of laughter and bonding.  

On a good note, I got the Burpee catalogs out and ordered the seed for my garden this year.  I am so READY to play in the dirt.  I think a bit of sunshine and warmth to the air is helping my depression and do-nothing attitude.  I actually painted a bit and loved it and was was inspired again.   

Speaking of painting, yesterday while getting my pedicure I was thrilled when the place I go to asked if I would be interested in hanging my art to sell!!!!!! YES, YES, YES!!!!!  Now I have to get the paintings I want to hang ready.  I also sold a print this week!  Things are looking up.  

Life and Death

Yesterday was my relax day, or so I thought.  I had a fabulous massage and facial but all I could do was think and be tense.  Lots of stuff rolling around in my noggin that caused me to not enjoy as much.  B&B2 are having so much trouble with little Rio this past week.  Today she is 5 months old and all of a sudden the sleeping thing is a problem.  She naps just fine but when they go to put her in her crib she wakes shortly and starts SCREAMING!  They can't figure it out, except I suspect the little bugger has discovered that if she screams she gets picked up and taken to her parents bed to sleep very nice and snuggily.  I have always said they are smarter than we are and my best guess is just that.  I feel so bad for them but hey, we've all gone through this stuff with the little ones, haven't we.  They will get through.  I can't wait to call them this morning because they were going to try to employ a bit of tough love to break this cycle before it becomes a huge monster.  Good luck!

With all the baby goings on they are also dealing with one of their beloved kitty's Pimmy dying.  Pimmy has some kind of kidney disease or cancer and she is just on the edge of leaving her happy little home forever.  B&B2 have given her a wonderful life being as she was a rescue from Street Cats, where B has volunteered since she was out of college.  I think Pimmy is 12 or 13 years old and is a real sweetie.  So there they are dealing with a 5 month old that won't sleep and a dying cat.   The stress is making them a puddle of tears and stress lately.  Luckily, they know it will all be a temporary phase and Rio will sleep and Pimmy will be at peace soon.

On top of all of this we get the news yesterday that our right hand man, Ben, his wife Jamie has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  We knew that they had been going to tons of doctors visits and they had suspected this but the confirmation was yesterday and it is very bad.  She has it in both ovaries and it has moved to her stomach, so far.  Tuesday they will do surgery to remove the ovaries and to see where else it has moved to then she will start chemo.  This just breaks my heart because Jamie is the nicest person in the world and so is Ben.  They are real jewels and I can't make heads or tails out of them having to deal with this.  Yesterday when Ben leaned over the desk area to tell B and myself then walked outside, I turned to B to see tears just rolling.  She is on the edge with all of this and lack of sleep is taking a toll.  I remember when my little ones put me through this, B in particular, my momma was there to help, to let me sleep.  Thank goodness the other half, B2 has been a wonderful, a great partner to understand and be there.  I try to be there too.  They will survive and sleep will again be a part of their lives, someday!  At least Rio is not sick, she is just wanting her momma.

I'm not much of a prayer kind of person at all but I do pass all of this on to our old church prayer chain, just in case.  There are others much better at sending out the goodness to those in need than I am.  I also send out to my friends here to pray, meditate, just send out the goodness for Ben and Jamie in the horrible time of need in their lives.  My heart is breaking for them.  We have here the beginnings of a wonderful life in little Rio and the end of a sweet little furry life in Pimmy and then the unknown of a life future in sweet Jamie.

Life Is Good

Good Sunday morning to one and all.  I'm actually writing here this morning...shock!  It's 9:41 a.m. on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning and I feel like tapping some words on this keyboard.  When I started this blog nearly 7 years ago I blogged for my sanity, to try and get over the grief of losing my best friend Gail, my mother, our dog, becoming empty-nester's and turning 50 all within a six month span.  I think my lack of blogging is because I am content with my life.  I used to write in my journal, or here, to try and make sense of my life and to figure out what to do or feel.  I feel great now.  My life is good.  My marriage is fantastic, all 37 years of it so far.  Our girls are fantastic.  The oldest has given us our first grandchild and her life is rocking along.  We are so happy that her life is where it is now and that granddaughter is AWESOME!  The youngest is happy!  She has found a good love and her life is taking some turns for the good and I couldn't be happier for her.  Business is good and we can continue to employ our long time employees and give them stability, along with ourselves.

Me, yes me...I am feeling really good.  I have finally come to terms with the terrible grief that consumed me when Gail and my momma died.  I didn't think I could get over that and move on but I have.  I will never, ever forget them but my life has to move forward.  I have to enjoy my sun-filled days, my life and continue on.  Maybe it's the sun streaming through my window that is making me feel so good.  Maybe it's the recent visit from Afton and her guy that has me in good spirits.  Or it could be that precious little pumpkin Rio that lights up my life.  Whatever it is I am glad.  I have found my new love of painting and I've nurtured my friendships to fill my empty.  Life is good.  My life is good.  (I'm kind of drippy today.)

Auntie

Auntie Afton and niece Rio

Music Friday

Finally, here is one of the songs Afton and Nick did at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.  Enjoy listening to our daughter and her guy on the vibes.  

Social Call

The Music Plays On!

The concert is done and what a fantastic success!  Their little newly found temporary group was a great mesh of talent and the audience loved it.  Oh my, oh my, oh my!  It was exciting to hear our girl and her guy wow people who had never heard them.  

Tomorrow they head back to LA and to carry on with their lives.  Hopefully they will perform here again soon since the response was so good. 

Hopefully The Hubby will get the videos uploaded from his phone and I can share on YouTube! 

Family Time

Life here the past week has been CRAZY and great fun.  The youngest and her boyfriend flew in late, late, LATE Thursday evening from LA and it has been a whirlwind for sure.  If you are in the Tulsa area tonight, tonight is the place to be.  They will be performing at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame!  Yesterday they had a bass player and drummer and Nick's vibraphone set up in our front room practicing and Afton singing....WOW!  I pretty excited to hear them on stage, the full concert.  They have been rushing around doing all kinds of stuff and last night we, as a family all went to B&B's to play with little Rio and eat Indian food.  What a great evening introducing Afton to Rio and Nick.  Tonight after the concert we invited some cousins, inlaws, family and a few friends over to enjoy brisket and a few salads.  Impromptu gathering. The brisket is ready, salads are made, brownies are calling.  

We've found our feet...

and personality! 

I'm OKAY!

I am here, trust me.  Feeling so much better.  I've just been kind of quiet with the blogging lately and not sure why.  I don't know if I'm depressed or just content with everything around me.  Life is good!

Valentine's Day has come a couple of days early for me.  The Hubby decided he wanted to get me some roses before they were totally picked over and I am a happy girl.  He is the best for sure.  I love my partner in life.  He makes me so very content and HAPPY!

The little kiddo in our life now, Rio, is growing by leaps and bounds.  I can't believe how she is changing, daily.  What a cutie she is.  Her smile just makes my insides just jump for joy.  Kiddos are awesome and you would die for them, but those grandkiddo's....YEEHAW!!!!!

Melancholia

Melancholy...that is what I am feeling lately.  I'm not sure if it is spring fever or just flat out depression.  I just spent 30 minutes re-reading my blog posts from the beginning, 2006, after the death of my best friend and just before the death of my mother.  I feel in a rut in a way and I should be happy.  I'm having great fun babysitting with dear Rio and am excitedly awaiting the visit from the youngest daughter and her boyfriend next week.  Yet, I can't seem to read or paint or have a smile on my face.  What is up with that.  I'm just kind of blah!  I'm going to blame it on old man winter and they cold.  Yet today and the past couple of days have been nice and SUNNY!  I'm so ready for spring and summer and I'm ready to NOT WORK!  In fact, I'm playing hooky this morning when I know I should be at the office.  Here I sit at home typing away putting off the shower and packing up of art supplies for class today.  Even that doesn't make me happy.  I don't have anything inspiring me to paint and that is a real bummer.  I've got to get in my happy place.  I don't even want to get my camera out and take pictures so that I have something to paint.  I NEED FLOWERS!  I NEED SUN AND WARMTH!  Come on spring and summer.  I'm ready for a garden!

Busy Granny

The past couple of weeks have been quite busy for me and B.  She started teaching again and that means Granny babysitter has begun her new job of, well, babysitting sweet Rio.  Unfortunately the little booger has decided that sleep is overrated and takes a lot of very short naps, and sleeping for B&B is almost non-existent.  Fortunately, she is happy and not too cranky.   

We've set up the back office at work that is not used into a makeshift nursery.  Thank goodness my knee is fixed so I can get down on the floor and play with her a bit.  Today she is 4 months old.  They certainly grow fast and she changes everyday.  What a joy.  

Kiddo's Happenin's

If you happen to be in the Tulsa area on Feburary 17 between the hours of 5-7 and need something to do...then go see the youngest kiddo performing with her guy at the Jazz Hall of Fame downtown Tulsa.  It will be an early evening and hopefully the hall will be full of friends and family welcoming them home.  Her boyfriend, Nick has not been here and we look forward to meeting him.  (I don't know the cost.)

• • 

    Sunday, February 17, 2013
  • 

    5:00pm until 7:00pm

• Singer/songwriter Afton Hefley and jazz vibraphonist Nick Mancini each posses a deep passion for one another's musical leanings creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. The songbird, with her buttery smooth, timeless sound blends beautifully with Mancini's lush jazz sonorities as he uses the transparent, yet rich loom of her original songs through which to weave intricate harmonic tendrils. On February 17th, 2013 at 5pm, this celebrated duo will take the stage at The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame performing original music by both Hefley and Mancini as well as re-imaginings of classic pop tunes and jazz standards. They will be joined by two Tulsan musicians; World-class in their own right - Jordan Hehl on bass and Jared Johnson on drums.

Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

5 South Boston, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103

View Map · Get Directions

Once Upon A Time

Once Upon A Time

This sweet little girl dreamed of meeting a boy.  

She rode her bicycle, round and round the block, playing with friends and dreaming of marriage and babies.

 This precocious little boy wanted to play his with toy soldiers and friends and climb trees.  Life was an endless summer day.

Then one day some friends decided to play matchmaker and unite these wayward souls. 

It was as if their worlds were meant to collide, to unite.  

37 years ago today they began a life,together.  They built a stable foundation of love, laughter and unity.

They created a wonderful life and brought into it two beautiful girls. They raised them to be strong, intelligent, and independent young women, and sent them out into the world to take it by storm!   

Their girls have created great paths for their lives.  Bringing new life and loves to the fold. 

Once upon a time, 37 years ago today a young couple dedicated themselves to each other in marriage and created this great life.  

Today, 37 years ago, Robert and I were married and set out on our path, together!  

Happy Anniversary my sweet mister!  I love you!

Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey!  Do you watch it?  I do!  I'm in love with this show and it is has invaded my dreams.  Last night when I was ''trying'' to sleep, and I mean trying, the theme song was constantly running through my mind.  Parts of my dreams took place in Downton.  Why am I so obsessed with it?  Is anyone else?  

The Color of Glass

The past few weeks I have been listening to Ayn Rand's, "The Fountainhead" in my car.  That dang thing is 26 CD disc's long and I'm on disc number 11 right now.  I am really enjoying it, especially to listen to the dialog.  An interesting description in the story caught my attention and as an artist it made me question the phrase.  I even Googled it to see what would pop up.  Seems there are a lot of references to bands and lyrics in music.  

Rand describes a woman in a dress, "the color of glass''.  Being that artist it stopped me and I had to turn the CD off for a bit because I was not listening to the words, being stuck on this idea of  ''the color of glass''.  How can that be, because glass has no color.  Actually, glass has many colors because it picks up every color that comes through it, if it is clear.  What if it's frosted or smoked.  What was the color of her dress?  Oh gosh, I could go on about this but it just stopped me in my tracks, "the color of glass.''  

It's amazing what can stump me in life.

Remember When

Bri has been back at work with little Rio in tow for a couple of weeks now and in the meantime she has been a scanning!  Oh my I can't believe how my babies have grown into successful beautiful women moving on with their lives.

Four generations...Granny, Mom, ME, and little Bri, aka "The Kid" 

There she is with Momma and Daddy, aka "Granny and PaPa" 

A fishing they will go.