Proud as pie.

Is pie proud?  Is this an old saying or a figment of my feeble mind?

Anyway . . .

I’m proud as pie because we just did something very cool here at the Miller household.  We got a Groupon for a company called Picture it on Canvas.  You send them your picture (electronically) and they print it on canvas.  And you hang it on your wall . . .

So, we did.

Here is a picture I took two years ago in the Badlands . . .

“Isn’t it gorgeous?” she queried modestly.

I know it is — it’s okay.  With a scene like that, it would have been hard to shoot it poorly.  I mean, look at that.

Here’s the final result hanging on our dining room wall.  And, just a warning, I was in a hurry . . . why wait for gorgeous daylight when I can hang it in the yellowy glow of the chandelier against the yellow paint of the walls and . . .

Yea, I’m kind of chuffed about it . . . I think we’ll definitely be ordering another one — inspiration to take more amazing pictures, huh?  My architect is envisioning a triptych over the woodstove on the stone fireplace.

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My sister went to London and . . .

. . . all I got was this utterly amazing Cath Kidston cosmetic bag!  I love my sister!  She’s THE BEST!

Ch-ch-ch-changes

I am still processing last night’s news about Osama bin Laden’s death.  I have read varying responses on the internet this morning from friends. My feelings are starting to come together on this.

I celebrated last night, watching the crowds in Lafayette Park in Washington, DC on the news.  Hearing their chants of USA and their spontaneous bursts into “The Star Spangled Banner” was very moving.  I was moved as our president spoke about what happened on 9/11 and how he took the action he did.  But at the same time, I’m also repelled by the hateful talk I’ve seen as well.  I’m proud of the soldiers and intelligence officers who made this happen and I’m relieved that this evil man won’t have the opportunity to kill more innocent people.  But, I’m frightened by the thought of what will be done in his name.

May you live in interesting times is a blessing and a curse, isn’t it?

Overflowing emotions

My heart is bleeding for Japan.  We went to a celebration of life today.  My husband’s Aunt turned 90.  It was a lovely party filled with her friends and family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were there.  It was funny and touching.

I kept thinking about families that would not be able to celebrate such moments with their families anymore.

 

Spring is coming, right?

I’m starting to feel ready for Spring.
I’m starting to feel soggy with mushrooms growing around my edges.
I’m starting to think longingly of pink blossoms and yellow daffodils.
I’m starting to hope Spring is coming soon.

Back at it . . .

The day awaits me.  Vacation is over.

(And, yes, I survived the return to school with grace and style!)

Merry Christmas!

Hope your holidays are happy, healthy, and full of fun!

 

How many of me are there?

HowManyOfMe.com

There are people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Honestly, I’m surprised it’s that many.

If I go with my maiden name, the results are much lower . . .

HowManyOfMe.com

There are people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

What about you?  How many of you are there?

The beach and sand . . .

Paula Poundstone is a very funny woman and there are gems of truth in her funniness.  Like this . . . that she said on Twitter on Sunday: I love the beach. I just hate sand.

You know what, I agree.  Yup.  What she said.

Beaches are beautiful and relaxing and inspirational. Beaches soothe your soul and smooth your feet. Beaches are peaceful and contemplative. I love beaches.

Beaches are awe-inspiring and small. Beaches are full of life and empty of distractions. Beaches are exciting and calming.

But sand . . .

I hate sand. It’s gritty and sticky and itchy. It gets into and onto everything. It fills your shoes and blows in your eyes. Sand loves to find food. Sand finds its way into places its not meant to be. Sand is just plain annoying.  I hate sand.

This beach is on the Oregon Coast . . . home of some really spectacular beaches that I love . . . except for all the sand.

First week of school . . . done

We’re flying off into a new year. I think it’s going to be a good one!