How To #3: Make a Statement/Brooch Necklace

Inspiration
Check out First Lady Obama's statement necklace.

InstructionsStep-by-step instructions from Sal at Already Pretty.

Michael Jackson in VOCA and Best Dance Moves

A friend sent this to me a couple of weeks ago. Thanks Barbara!


I found this on the blog because im addicted.

The Lynching of Jesse Washington and the Rise of the NAACP

More recommended reading: Patricia Bernstein's The First Waco Horror: The Lynching of Jesse Washington and the Rise of the NAACP
Yesterday, I attended a booktalk and then had lunch with the author. Eventhough the book is a page turner, I never finished it; it was a borrowed copy which needed to be returned. From listening to Bernstein's presentation, conversation, and an NPR interview, I feel that I can recommend the book and add it to my reading list. I cannot wait to get my eyes on another copy.

Wisteria is Coming! Summer Solstice Missed

I missed Wisteria Summer Solstice , however, the Cornstalk Festival is coming soon.

My Personal Tribute to Michael Jackson; "Your Butt is Mine"

Day 1 of not using profanity. Since Michael did not cuss; I have decided to try the same. How long can I go? This is Day 1. Check out Bad.

How Dry and OCD I Am

I did not post yesterday because I was ill. Houston is under a heat alert. We have had record breaking (1980)high temperatures all week. This just happens to be the same week when my office was celebrating "Soaring Through the Decades". This work week consisted of attire and activities to match each era; daily wearing of wigs, pantyhose, scarves, leather collars, leg warmers, tight disco pants, tulle lined skirts, and other extra clothing and accessories. Since we were also in another work location and activities were different;I was not in my office staring at my table top water filter which I drink from hourly. I "forgot" to rehydrate myself. For the past few days, I have been taking in only less than 35oz of water a day. By the time I came home from work yesterday, I was severely dehydrated. It was difficult to keep liquids down. I was too weak to get up and get freshened up to go to minor emergency. No, I was not leaving the house without brushing the pearly whites. I know the drill, I have done it twice before. I get to a point where I get dizzy, nauseated, headache, etc... and I when I arrive at emergency I am given intravenously, liquids which contain vitamins and minerals until I can drink water or juice without vomiting.


Yesterday's post is coming up. It is about my personal tribute to Michael Jackson. It shall not appear in this post; I just did not want to post my tribute to Michael in the same one that mentions "vomiting". How OCD is that?

Disclaimer: I am not joking about OCD or persons living with OCD. I am more OCD than the average person and at this point in my life, trying to come to terms and recognize instances in my daily behavior.

Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson, R.I.P.

Ed, you and Johnny helped me embrace my years living with insomnia. Mr. McMahon, thank you for providing comfort when I was alone.

Farrah Fawcett, you were the inspiration for my first "grown-up" hair style and the ONLY school photograph that made this camera shy girl, proud. Thank you for providing a model for me to enjoy being a girl.

Michael, you, the King of Pop have inspired me in so many ways. My VERY FIRST pop record was one of the Jackson 5. Now, I am a lover of music with a rather large collection. You played a major role in my life culture and my global view. Michael, thank you for your part in my becoming a world citizen.

Black or White

Today, we had an 80's theme at work. Last night, I pulled out some of my old LPs and chose to take the Thriller album to work today. When I received the news that Michael Jackson had died, I had not yet arrived home. I still had the "Thriller" album in the car with me. Although I felt an unfillable void; I sensed immediate closeness to Michael's spirit. At this time, I cannot identify the event; it was something other than a coincidence.

On a much happier note; I visited with my neighbors and their newborn. Even though both, Mom and Dad are Aggies, they and their children are the most adorable family.

Soapbox: Political Views Aside

Who cares if a politician has an affair? That should be a private matter dealt with by family. Phone conversations, emails, letters are not the public's business. Enough from me!

How To #2: Making Sushi: Check Out Real Wasabi

This is not just another "How To" post, but a first in a few recession challenge posts. Today I had a power failure, so I had to clean out the refrigerator. Since uncooked rice and seaweed were two of the few items that could be saved, I decided to use them for dinner. So Sushi it was. Even though, I have a favorite sushi bar, I decided to make my own dinner with what I had on hand.
I used canned salmon.

My first fiance taught me to make sushi. I used to make it with the kids. It was quite a challenge making it with canned tuna and cold cuts.

The recession challenge idea comes from Kasmira.

What I Am Reading

Fat Kid Rules the World
The kids are reading this for their book club.


The Women
I have enjoyed the 1939 and the 2007 films. I like the 2002 PBS production best!

Cross by James Patterson
I am reading this online. I have the DVD of Along Came a Spider. I prefer to read the book before I view the film.

Military Protocol?

I think military protocol would dictate using the official title. In this case, it would be "Senator". I sent a call out to three of my military friends who are officers to see what they think. Here are replies that I received:

"Either is appropriate depending upon the use."
"'Senator' and Last Name".

FYI: These are two of the most conservative friends I have. I almost second guessed them.

Even though I do not always agree with field negro,I do follow his blog.

Summer Solstice

Happy Summer Solstice! If you missed the June 21 celebration, do not worry. You can still celebrate with other throughout the month or even the summer. Check out Wisteria.

Happy Father's Day

Last Week NPR featured book review tribute to fathers. I thought that I would share some media dads with you. Like NPR's feature these dads are good, bad, and somewhere in between.


My Dad by Donna Garrett

Atticus Finch

Ellen Foster's father

Pap, Huckleberry Finn's dad

Prospero

Darth Vader

Andy Taylor

Juneteenth Awakening

Yesterday a friend who a high school social studies teacher, informed me that some of the high school students did not know the history of June 19. A few years ago, I was surprised that a few of my friends did not know the origin of this holiday. In my friends' defense, they are not from Texas. (They are also not African-American, however, some, but not I, see this as a reason for not knowing about an American holiday.) What defense does these African American high school students have? Were they not taught? Were they taught and did not retain the information? At the time they were taught, did they not value the significance? I am at a loss for an answer, but can add two cents to help. To anyone who needs it here is a link to some background information on Juneteenth. This is funny, not because Barney does not know about the Emacipation Proclamation, but funny because it is just another instance where he attempts to cover for his lack of knowledge.

HowTo #1: Twitter

Periodically, I will post "how tos".

Do It Again Sam!

This is my third pair of Sam Edleman's. I'm jonzing for just one more pair.

Lincoln Center is 50!

Lincoln Center

What Is So Wrong About Susan?

I have been ruminating on this for some time now. Such a big deal was made over Susan Boyle's so called "unattractive" and "homely" appearance. What is so extraordinary about such an angelic voice coming from a being who does not resemble the Western standard of beauty? What can such sensationalism do for her self-image? I wonder if the thought, "Wow. If I were attractive, folks would not have been so surprised when I opened my mouth" ever crossed her mind or was she haunted by it every second of her days. I bet the latter. The name Susan Boyle should be synonymous with voice, not physical appearance.

Elsa Freund

A couple of days ago an artist friend shared this with me. I just adore Elsa's work!

My Cousin's Site

Arthurfields Photography