Bet's Crayons

I'VE MOVED!

2012-01-01T06:04:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I bought a home in Vero Beach, Florida! A lot has happened in the past 4 weeks! I arrived in Florida on Christmas Eve....MERRY CHRISTMAS, BET!

Pictures coming soon! And details of my move and NEW HOME. I LOVE IT!

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

2011-10-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

I just read the NEWS on my computer,

today Steve Jobs died at the age of 56.

I love this comment, spoken by President Obama, "There may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented."

Apple posted this statement on their website: "Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

(click on photo to enlarge)

The nation mourns the loss of one of the geniuses of our time. I can't imagine how different our lives would be without all of our iTOYS! I am so thankful I was able in my lifetime to enjoy the fruits of his labor; my Mac Book computer, my iPod, my iPhone, my iPad.

Across the globe other countries also mourned his passing...we felt like we knew him personally. He was my HERO. SO SAD.

This cartoon from the internet is so apropos. Steve would have loved the humor. Words we use daily thanks to him!

God Bless You.

R I P

~~~

MY GIRLIE

2011-08-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

"A bad hair day?"

" Hmmmppph!"

I love the curls, unruly or perfectly quaffed.

And

her freckles make me smile!

My Punkin' Noodle.

There is none cuter, sweeter, smarter, funnier than my Girlie.

This picture cracks me up!!!

A ray of sunshine, she brightens everyones day!

She is precious and can do no wrong in her Nana's eyes!

We ride Dumbo every year at Disneyland or Disneyworld,

depending on which coast we're on when we celebrate birthdays.

Great Grandma Decoteau and Girlie 9mo.

Who knew she would grow to become
such a "cutie patootie" at 4yrs!

~~~

Our Tribute to Mom

2011-07-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

In Loving Memory

Cecelia Marie Decoteau Tribute | 1919-2011

~

Breakfast on the Patio

2011-06-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

A little slice of Heaven!

~~~

Campus Art ...SOON!

2011-06-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

A day spent on the UCSD campus was so rewarding! Incredible art! Photos coming...off to editing!

My photography

2011-04-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is definitely my passion.

My favorite pastime and every-waking-moment-fun-thing to do! When my children were little I used my Brownie Hawkeye camera to capture funny moments like my son sleeping at the table while eating his peas!

Those good-old-days snapshots in black and white were all we had way back then! But I'm thrilled to have preserved so many memories because I was such a camera nut! My family made fun of me, always ready to take a picture of something, even food!!! But everyone loves to look back at all of those old photos, enjoying every captured moment.

Over the years our cameras with black and white film gave way to Kodak color film. Still taking great pictures for our photo albums we forged on. Unfortunately, we never knew what kind of pictures we would eventually end up with as we couldn't review the shot ahead of time and retake a bad shot. We had to wait for the film to be developed and pray the pictures would all turn out. Even my 35 mm camera couldn't always predict a good outcome.

Then came digital cameras and my first point and click was awesome. No more film to deal with, and the screen let us review what we had taken. Imagine that! Then came my Minolta camera, my Pentax, and many more great little toys including my iPhone 4! It takes great pictures and I use it often. You never know when you'll need a camera !

In December of last year I purchased my latest camera, a Canon Rebel T1i /EOS 500D and I love it! Especially my 250mm telephoto lens. I'm hoping to get a 300mm telephoto and a Macro lens soon.

I enjoy capturing the beauty of nature as well as just plain everyday life. I look forward to a day of photography and get lost in hours of enjoyment.

My Camera Bag!

~~~

SUNSHINE!

2011-01-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

Today is beautiful, sunny and warm! FINALLY! CA has had a long, wet, cold winter and it's so wonderful to see and FEEL the sun! It's 78 degrees in Kearny Mesa and we're enjoying a "sit" on the patio!

I think I'll read a book! Now where did I put it?

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!

2011-01-02T20:12:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve was especially nice this year. We were invited by the Edwards of Mt. Pleasant, SC to join them at their home for their annual party. The guests included Nana Corsaut of San Diego, CA, the Glaziers of Folly Beach, SC, the Edwards of Winston, NC (Jonathan's parents), several neighbors, and interns and their wives from MUSC hospital who work with Dr. Steve and Dr. Jonathan. What a lovely group of people.

The wine, drinks and food were awesome. Foie Gras, Lamb Chops, and scrumptious appetizers were served with the best bubbly to bring in the New Year!

We toasted to the New Year of health and happiness, Twenty-Eleven!

Appetizers included;

Proscuitto and Chevre Cheese wrapped Figs with Fresh Mint

Salmon with Dill, Capers and Lemon Wedges

"Melt in your Mouth" Foie Gras'

Chevre & Chive and Cream Cheese & Mint Stuffed Dates

"Romeo & Juliet" - Guava Paste topped Buffalo Mozarella

A Brazilian appetizer from Joel & Heather

Fruit Pound Cake with Black Cherry Compote

The next generation helped us bring in the New Year!

Nicholas Edwards, Nicholas Glazier, Girlie Glazier and Alex Edwards.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

Taiko Drums

2010-11-30T21:41:00.000-08:00

ABC News 4 came to school to interview the

class and played video on air of Deb and other

members in class playing their drums.

Deb in first chair getting ready to beat her drum.

Taiko group getting a lesson from the instructor.

Deb loves her Taiko Drums class. I went to one of her classes when I was in SC for Halloween. LOUD...LOUD...LOUD! My ears are still ringing! She loves to beat her drum!!!

~~~

TURKEY DAY

2010-11-25T22:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all! This has been a trying year for everyone, the economy crunch has been difficult. All in all, we still have a lot to be thankful for, good health especially. Mom and Dad are holding their own, both turned 91 years of age this year.

We are definitely thankful for a loving family; the Deb & Steve Glazier's in SC, the John & Katie Corsaut's in MD, Robert and I in CA, and my brothers and their families in CA and IL.

On Thanksgiving Eve, my son Robert was sick...just a minor sore throat and cold. By the next day he wasn't up to a family celebration so we stayed home and I made some homemade chicken vegetable soup. It was warm and yummy and comforting. We're so sorry we couldn't share the day with family, but Robert needed to get a lot of rest to get better. So on Friday I roasted a small turkey for the two of us and we celebrated together. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, corn bread muffins, whole cranberry sauce and fruit cocktail salad! It was delicious!

I hope everyone had a great day. We're thankful for the upcoming new year and new beginnings. We pray for health and prosperity and well-being. God bless us all.

Tis the SEASON!

2010-11-18T13:52:00.000-08:00

......to be Jolly! Fa La La La La, La La La La!

Time to kick off the holidays...I love Christmas and it's never too soon to begin the celebration!
I made a couple of Jib Jab holiday videos using my grandchildren for subjects! ENJOY!

"Jingle Bells Girlie" (link to watch video)

"Little St. Nick" (link to watch video)

Happy Ho, Ho, Ho....Santa Claus is Coming To Town!
~

Too scary for words!

2010-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

Nick, the Zombie Pirate, Glazier

Girlie, the Zombie Witch, Glazier

Who knew these darling children were your average. every day, common garden variety ZOMBIES?

and BY DAY...

Sweet and charming...

Quiet and unassuming...

Carving out a night for fun!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Trick or TREAT....TRICK!

2010-10-20T23:15:00.000-07:00

Hello, Jack!

My Tricked-Out Jack-O-Lantern!

I love my Photoshop and my iPhone Apps!

~~~

Halloween Sunsets are Coming!

2010-10-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

Is it me or are the sunsets starting to have an eerie glow?

Halloween is in the air!

~~~

Carlsbad Rainbows

2010-09-30T23:47:00.000-07:00

A visit to Orange County...on the return trip to San Diego,

it poured rain but it didn't dampen our spirits.

Then the most amazing thing happened! A beautiful rainbow appeared during

the rain and within moments, a double rainbow! It was breathtaking!

All of these photos were taken from the window while
we were traveling down the 5 Freeway near Carlsbad, CA.

And...all of them were taken with our iPhones!

What a show! Mother Nature in all her glory...

Robert loaded three end-to-end shots of the rainbow into
Photoshop and created a triptych collage.
I love it!

A rain storm, a double rainbow and an incredible sunset...what a beautiful day!

Thanks for sharing the memories, Robert!

~~~
Visit my Facebook Page, http://www.facebook.com/bet.corsaut
to view more photos from this day.

Visitors from the North

2010-09-18T23:16:00.000-07:00

My cousin, Anne, and her husband, Steve, came from Michigan to San Diego for a huge celebration! They were celebrating Anne's birthday, Steve's birthday and their anniversary. Their children's gift to them was a week at the Hotel Del Coronado!

I haven't seen my cousin in almost 35 years and it was so nice to spend the afternoon at the Del with Anne and Steve reliving our childhood days. We had lunch on the deck overlooking the ocean...it was a beautiful day with lots of conversation.

I hope it isn't another 35 years before we get together again!

HURRICANE SEASON

2010-08-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

It's "Hurricane Season" in Folly Beach, SC and the entire east coast! Danielle just left her present, choppy surf and heavy rip currents. Now Earl is threatening to hit NC by Friday, a category 4 right now! We're hoping he passes right on by or maybe burns himself out! Fiona is coming right behind him. Such is life on the east coast.

Daughter, Deborah, Photographer

On the lighter side, the water temperature is 86 degrees (dropped 2 degrees this week) and it's been HOT, HOT, HOT all summer long on Folly Beach near Charleston. We're enjoying the water and sunshine. We've had major lightning storms the past couple of weeks. Quite a light show!

ROAD TRIP

2010-07-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

Girlie, Mimi, Nana, Nick, Brad and Chris

(Front L to R)

On our road trip to Michigan for Deb's 30th class reunion in July we stopped in MD to visit the Corsaut's. What a great group, Nana and her 5 grandchildren. We had so much fun and John & Katies's and wish we could have stayed longer!

We also made side trips to Washington, D.C., VA...Hershey, PA...Cedar Pointe in Sandusky, OH...Mount Mitchell, NC and stayed in the 80 year old log cabins used in the movie Thunder Road! We had a great time for 2 1/2 weeks before returning home to Folly Beach, SC

As soon as I load all of my pictures, I'll add them to this post......

FOLLY BEACH, SC

2010-06-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

Folly Beach is the "Edge of America"! I fell off the edge and haven't kept up my blogs since the beginning of May!!!

Being across the street from the beach has it's drawbacks as far as my computer is concerned. If I didn't have to worry about the sand and could use it on the beach while enjoying the view, I'd have my blogs up-to-date!!!

More to follow from Folly....SOON!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM

2010-05-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Mother's Day today at the Soup Plantation. Because everyone had other obligations for Sunday, we decided to have our Mother's Day on Saturday!

Mom and dad, Ray, Chuck & Abbey, Dave & Ginny, and myself enjoyed a nice luncheon and celebration. Mom loved the flowers I gave her and the gifts from everyone else. We always love the food and enjoy a good family get together.

I took this picture in front of mom and dad's house. The cactus had bloomed and was so pretty. The end of a beautiful day.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. You're the best! I love you. xoxo

What Just Happened?

2010-05-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

.
The glare of the bright lights hurt my eyes. As I lie there my heart was racing, I couldn't focus. My head seemed detached from my body. It felt like I was in a dream.

On May 5th at 6 p.m. I checked myself into Sharp Memorial Hospital. Nurses started taking vials of blood, a chest x-ray, an EKG, a MRI and then the long wait for the doctor on duty in the ER to see me.

I watched Survivor and the Mentalist out in the waiting room earlier in the evening. Then in my room, I had plenty of entertainment from Jay while I waited some more!

They had air-flighted people in who had been in a bad automobile accident right after I was admitted and the rooms began to fill up with the normal cuts, scrapes, coughs, vomiting woman, sick baby crying, all waiting to be seen but put on the "back burner" (the nurses said) until the crash victims had been taken care of...I didn't mind waiting, they needed help more than we did at the time.

I was one of the people waiting to find out what was wrong with my me. I had lost my balance, couldn't focus, my neck hurt, my heart was in tachycardia, nausea came in waves. Blood pressure was 160! After 6 hours and a lot of tests and questions, I finally saw the doctor who then ordered a CAT Scan of my head. "Sly" wheeled me down the hall for a ride through this machine!!!

They still didn't know for sure what was wrong with me except I seemed to have Vertigo.

Around one a.m. I was watching info-mercials!
I've gotta get one of these!!!

Finally the radiologist read the scans, gray matter was all in tact and my brain looked fine. All blood work came back excellent....I'm very healthy was the doctors report. No heart attack or stroke, no high blood pressure...it had dropped down to 130 by now. And no diabetes. Thank God! That was such a relief.

I clearly didn't focus this picture! I wasn't seeing too well at the time! I had my iPhone with me so to keep myself entertained I took a few pictures! This is Jacquelyn, my RN, who spent the majority of the night with me, and told me to try a little trick when I was finally ready to be discharged around 2 a.m. I should lay my head on the edge of the bed and begin to go from side to front, to other side and back in a clockwise fashion to try and dislodge the particles in my inner ear that may have caused my problem. And, if it didn't work, try doing it counter-clockwise in the same fashion. I tried it and actually started to feel better.

This morning my head and neck still hurt but my vision is getting better and I feel so much better than I did last night. And the nausea is finally gone! Hallelujah!

What a way to spend an evening with so many nice people! Sharp was awesome. Thank you to Dr. Rinebolt, my doctor, the technicians and radiologists, nurses and the girl with the warm heated blankets!

~~~

And Now It's MAY again!

2010-05-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

The seasons come, the seasons go,

And now it's May again.

And so, 'tho winter was a bitter cup,

Now everything is greening up.

Trees and blooms have sprung again,

And all the earth seems young again.

There's a softness to our dreams,

For nothing's as good or bad as it seems,

I just want to say again,

I sure am glad it's May again!

~Charles Osgood

.

POKER FACE

2010-04-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

LADY GAGA has nothing on these guys!
Everyone needs a good typeface!

Thanks, EASTER BUNNY!...Bawk! Bawk!

2010-04-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

I love this commercial!

It's stuck in my head forever...

and almost every family members as well!!!!

HAPPY EASTER, everyone!

~~~

GIRLIE in CANDYLAND!

2010-03-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

I found the ice cream cone in a magazine and it was just begging to be used for Girlie (I had a snapshot of her at the beach digging in the sand)!

The exposure is a little light...taken in full sun.

A little Photoshop, masking and layers and she was on top of the world...er, cone! I sent my .psd file to son, Robert, to play with and he added the theme. I LOVE IT!

~~~

ALICE in WONDERLAND

2010-03-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

It was, "Curiouser and curiouser!"

Today was opening day for Tim Burton's movie "Alice In Wonderland" starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter (along with a few other stars!) I loved the movie...it was a strange land with strange characters, colorful and clever. And did I mention, Johnny Depp was in the movie? I love Johnny!

Helena Bonham Carter was great as the Red Witch (Queen of Hearts)...

she and Johnny are always a great combination in a movie!

Being with Alice in Wonderland reminds you of when you were a kid! Bringing the book to life was such a good time.

~~~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GIRLIE

2010-02-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to You!

My little sweetie pie!

You are definitely the apple

of your Nana's eye!

So cute and so smart

And adorable in every way

Today is your 3rd birthday

Enjoy your special day.

I hope you have a great birthday party and don't forget to save Nana a piece of cake! Lots of hugs and kisses from your Nana.

Hitting the Slopes at SNOWBIRD

2010-02-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

Vacation started today for the Glazier family at Snowbird in Utah! My daughter, Deb, son-in-law, Steve, and grandchildren, Nick and Girlie are spending the week on the slopes playing in the snow, snowboarding and skiing.

Girlie just got her new skiis and is ready to head out for her class.

This is her first day learning to ski and she is so excited. She is the only one in her age group so she will be having a private lesson! After some instruction, she headed down the hill with assistance from her instructor.

She kept telling the instructor to let go! "I can do it myself", she said! Sounds just like her.

And she did! She is amazing. She looks so small to be skiing! She keeps telling everyone that she's 3 years old. (Her birthday is in 25 days!)

Nick was moving so fast down the slopes, Deb couldn't get any pictures!!! I'm sure we'll have some tomorrow.

~~~

They had a good nights sleep and a great breakfast of bananas,

whipped cream and "frinkles". Ready for another good day!

Girlie took time to wax up her skiis.

After skiing the Black Diamond run Steve takes a rest!

Deb decided to join him!

And...

Nick's ready to go again!

~~~

A STAR IS BORN

2010-01-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

Move over Shirley Temple!

"Girlie" Elise Glazier, my granddaughter, was 2 1/2 years old

when I captured her on video playing her guitar
and singing! She wrote the words herself!

Then my daughter sent me this video from last week, captured with her iPhone, of Girlie dancing to the Juke Box in the kitchen and the song "At The Hop"!!!

.
Girlie is 2 3/4 yrs. old in this video. She will be 3 in
February and is singing and dancing, practicing EVERY DAY!!!

Practice makes perfect!
~~~

Postscript: A Star in the Making...stay tuned!

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY!

2010-01-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

~~~

This has been the week from HELL! It has rained, almost non-stop for 1 week in SUNNY CALIFORNIA! "Will it ever stop," was repeated over and over by everyone you met on the street.

(I clipped this cartoon from the Sunday Comics
on 4/26-I think we had a little shower!
It seemed to fit our recent weather just right!)

After a couple of days of getting soaked trying to run errands and do grocery shopping, I decided to just stay home the last 3 days and wait out the storm. It was a great opportunity to clean out file drawer and sort through tons of paper, old bills and receipts, etc. that needed to be organized and a lot that needed to be thrown out! Also, a little organizing of crafts in between and attending to my clipped recipe files.

These were my sentiments, EXACTLY! I complained as much as everyone else did, and said, "I'm going to do a SUN DANCE!"
And it worked! By today it had finally stopped and the sun was shinging once again! What a welcome sight.

POETRY indeed!
~~~

A Treasured Moment

2010-01-17T00:21:00.001-08:00

Girlie, Nana and Nick
Atlantic Ocean, Folly Beach, SC

This snapshot was taken the last week of my holidays in SC before coming back home to San Diego a week ago. I miss the beach and the people who shared it with me...so many treasured moments.

We had so much fun hunting for shells and sea creatures, and playing in the sand and sea. It is truly beautiful.

~~~

The MOVIES

2010-01-10T22:02:00.000-08:00

For 2009 my favorite movies, besides 'PUBLIC ENEMIES' with Johnny Depp, were 'THIS IS IT' and 'AVATAR'.

The beginning of December Michael Jackson's 'THIS IS IT' was released. My SC family; Nick, Girlie, Deb and I (Steve had to work) went to see it. It was truly awesome. We all love his music and it's hard to believe and so sad he is gone. He was truly a genius. We really enjoyed the music and the movie...it was very well done.

Girlie and Nick are wearing the lanyards with our passes to get into the theatre. They were so thrilled to have the keepsake to add to their journals that we made this month.

Then at the end of December, my MD family; John, Katie, Chris, Brad & Ali, Mimi & Jaimie, and I went to see AVATAR on the iMax screen in 3D. What a great movie with such fabulous special effects. I wasn't sure I wanted to see it, not being much of a Sci-Fi buff, but was so glad I went. It was a really great and the fastest 3 hours I've ever spent watching a movie!

Every year it's tradition to have a Christmas movie. With two different families on the east coast, I now get to see two special Christmas movies!

Here we are lounging around waiting for the movie to start.
We arrived an hour early and had our pick of the best seats in the house!
We took up the entire row! Nana, Katie, John...

...Chris, Brad, Ali, Mimi and Jaimie.

Nana and Katie were waiting for popcorn!

It was so nice being with all of my grandchildren this holiday season. We all had a great time and we're already talking about next Christmas!

~~~

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

2010-01-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from South Carolina to everyone!
The Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin from France was wonderful.

We brought in the New Year with a bottle of champagne and toasted to good health, wealth and happiness, and the best year ever in 2010.

A Southern New Year's Day food tradition, eating Hoppin' John Black Eyed Peas will not only bring good luck, you might also get rich if it's eaten with collard greens. Hoppin' John is a deliciously spicy bean dish made of black-eyed peas simmered with bacon, sausages or ham hocks, onions, spices and rice. I made Emeril Lagasse's recipe for Hoppin' John. And we're serving it with another family favorite, Melvin's Bar-B-Que, for lunch today.

The crock pot has been on since 8am this morning in preparation for dinner, another traditional New Year's Day dish, Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner with Carrots and Red Potatoes.

We're watching the Rose Parade and reminiscing about the years we all went as a family and sometimes we even drove to Pasadena to watch them judge the floast at 2am the morning of the parade. It's so spectacular to see the floats up close and watch as they put the finishing touches on them.

This has been a good day. We are blessed to have a great family and many good friends, and we're toasting to the best year ever for all of us. Happy New Year!

~~~

Disney World, "The Magic Kingdom"

2009-11-28T21:59:00.000-08:00

After a brief visit back home, I traveled from San Diego back to the east coast to spend the holidays with Deb, Steve, Nick and Girlie. One of my birthday gifts this year was a trip to DisneyWorld so we decided to go just before Thanksgiving. We departed Folly Beach, SC for Orlando, FL on Sunday morning, November 21st.

St. Augustine, FL was one of our stops along the way. The old fort was fun, the weather was beautiful, christmas lights were everywhere! We found a great little bistro for dinner. The scallops were delicious and all the while we were entertained by some of the best guitar music and song.

Our next stop...Orlando and the Westgate Village, our home for the next few days. We got a good nights sleep so we could get to the Magic Kingdom early in the morning the next day. Two full days at the park from opening to close at 11pm! It was the best ever!

Girlie and Nana rode the Carousel 8 times in a row! It's Girlie's favorite ride. Nick and Mommy, Deb, were riding Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain while Girlie and Nana rode the magic carpet! The biggest thrill was getting to see Johnny Depp in person...we love him! Because it was late at night and very dark and scary, no one wanted to go to the Haunted Mansion except Nana...it was fun. The second day we went to Huck Finn's Island and explored the caves and mines and had fun climbing around the rocks. We loved the People Mover, the Hall of Presidents and the Carousel of Progress, we laughed a lot at the Monster's Inc. Comedy show and at Big Al at the Country Bear Jamboree. We rode everything!!! Pirates of the Caribbean was a favorite.

We managed to eat a few turkey legs, cotton candy, pineapple shakes...and some assorted other goodies! Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bars were so creamy and tasty.

One of our other hightlights of the day, beside the parades, was meeting Minnie and Mickey Mouse. Girlie and Nick got to talk with them and get their autograph in their journals. Tigger and Winnie the Pooh also signed their books. We left the park on the Monorail and went back to the Westgate for some rest. We spent the better part of the next day at Downtown Disney at the Lego Store, lunching and have a chocolate sundae at Ghirardelli's, and buying a few Disney gifts for Christmas presents.

Nick and Nana celebrated their 7th and 70th birthdays. We were treated to special badges and all day long people said, "Happy Birthday!"

(pictures to follow)
~~~

HAPPY TURKEY DAY TO ALL!

2009-11-28T10:24:00.000-08:00

I piled up my plate and I ate and I ate.

But I wish I had known when to stop.

I'm so crammed with turkey, gravy, and yams

that my buttons are starting to pop!

I'm full of potatoes and French's Green Beans.

My stomach is swollen and sore,

but there's still the pumpkin pie

so I guess it won't hurt

if I eat just a little bit more!

Hope you all had a wonderful day. We missed the ones we couldn't be with this year.

It was a wonderful day in Folly Beach, SC.

Girlie, Nick, Deb and I drove back from Disney and arrived home about 2pm. As we walked in the door, the aroma of the bird...hit us in the face! We had a fabulous Turkey Dinner prepared by the Doctor himself...who knew he could cook, too!

It was so good we all sounded like Bill Murray in "What About Bob".....hmmm hmmm hmmm! Steve outdid himself....a dinner complete with turkey, relishes, chestnut stuffing, orange sweet potatoes, gravy, and brussel sprouts with chestnuts. He prepared it all! We want it to become a tradition!!! After dinner we all went for a walk on the beach....the sunset was beautiful. Such a great day.

~~~

The New House

2009-11-17T09:25:00.000-08:00

~~~

The renovation is complete...from the ashes the Phoenix arises!

The new stairs are awesome!

The JOURNEY: 8 weeks in the making. A lot of planning , a lot of bruises and cuts and splinters, a lot of trash, a lot of stress and construction, a whole lot of paint, a lot of money and a whole lot of sweat!!! But it was worth it.

Our first visit to the house with our wrecking bars uncovered a treasure from the 1940's. The original wood walls in near perfect condition in the two main rooms. That was the good part! Then came the surprises!

Surprises behind every wall we tore down. Termites, dry rot, black mold, marsh rats, leaking roof, ants, termite damage, water damage! Bad plumbing, old wiring, no insulation, no heat, no air. So much work to do!

The boss, Deb, in her office on her iPhone. She's a real slave-driver! Getting the job completed in just under 8 weeks!!! And they all said it couldn't be done. WOMEN POWER!

I could be seen daily carrying my wrecking bar and hammer! We completely gutted the house, removed all the walls to bare studs except the two main rooms, we saved the original wood beadboard. It left 1000's of nails to be pulled. Great workout!!!

The two most important tools on the job, our iPhones! What would we have done without them!
And we had a lot of help. I think they call it "Child Labor"! Girlie carried wood, pounded whatever she could find and did a lot of sweeping.

Nick hauled wood and bricks from the old chimney to the huge dumpster in the back yard. We actually filled 5 of them during the demolition!

Another dumpster load leaving and a new one coming in!

All new electrical and plumbing had to be installed.

Is it pretty yet? That question was asked a lot during construction by our little supervisor!

Hidden beneath the old drywall, uncovered with our trusty wrecking bars, the old 1946 bead board was in great shape and ready to be restored to a nice shiny lustre.

Black mold was found in a couple of the rooms and had to be treated before new insulation and drywall for all three bedrooms could be put in.

The old windows are ready to come out! They're scraping and cleaning the exterior in prep for paint.

The new windows have arrived. Note: You can still see the old porch railing which has not yet been demolished.

Dining room and living room walls and ceilings, painted and ready for new fans and light fixtures. The transom window is a signed original, etched glass pane of the Morris Island lighthouse from 1946.

The old kitchen had one cabinet with a sink and another small one at the other end of the kitchen. The middle door lead to the master bdrm. That door was removed and a solid wall was created. Everything in the kitchen was in poor shape and it was gutted.

The new kitchen cabinets and appliances. This view of of one end, the other end of the kitchen is the breakfast bar, refrigerator and other cabinets. We're still unpacking and the place is cluttered but still pretty. Yes, Girlie, the new house is pretty now!!!

Rebuilding the old porch with new beams and columns. Trying a new color of paint on the old yellow siding.

Girlie, watching construction, and not very happy with all the noise the electric saws are making!
Old steps are being replaced by White Oak, 3 inch thick boards. They haven't arrived yet.

The old porch railing. We actually saved some of the spindles and had them cut to make candle sticks to be used for our Christmas table decor in a couple of months.

The new porch and railing is awesome...they are working on the eyebrows at the top of the square columns.
The new beach house....Folly Beach, SC....minus new landscaping! That's next! Still unpacking and we need a vacation!!!

......INTERMISSION.....a trip back to San Diego for 12 days to repack for winter!!!
And now, a little time off to play! I'm on my way back to SC for the holidays.

We're going to spend Thanksgiving at DisneyWorld to celebrate my birthday. We didn't have time to do it until now...my birthday was in May! Some of the best gifts are belated. We're so excited and Girlie & Nick can't wait to see Minnie & Mickey. I'll be posting pictures soon...stay tuned!

And A HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all!

CHRISTMAS

2009-11-10T19:35:00.000-08:00

*How about this this year we do NOT ever be politically correct,
but correctly call this coming season CHRISTMAS?

*Twas the month before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
* December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.*
*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *
*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*
*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,
Not Happy Holiday!*

I say, all Christians join together and
Wish everyone you meet
"MERRY CHRISTMAS"
~~~

I'm BAAAAACK!!!

2009-11-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

Halloween is over...Deb, Steve & the kiddies have moved into their newly renovated house...and last night I flew back to California. Today I couldn't wait to get into something creative!!!

I've missed my art supplies...my toys! It's so nice to be home to visit with all of them!

Another demented toy was the order of the day. It didn't take long for me to start digging in my stash of treasures for just the right items to create her. I grabbed the glue and playtime was on!

The silver goblet is the image of 3 skeletons twisted together. I added one of my precious doll heads and embellished her neck with antique pearl trim. Her wings are made from a used coffee filter! I love her!!!

Goblet Angel
(Click on the image to see it up close and personal!)

I still have another doll to create but not sure if I'll have time before I go back to SC for the holidays. After the new brakes and oil change, visiting mom in the nursing home, some needed winter clothes shopping, unpacking and repacking, etc......it doesn't leave much time to play. I'm going to try and squeeze another one in, hopefully!

While I was in SC, Girlie, Nick and I each worked on a journal. We had such a good time and the journals are awesome, filled with lots of memories and artwork.

I just purchased 3 more journals for us to create for the holidays. We'll be journaling about our trip to DisneyWorld for the Thanksgiving holiday and I'm sure Santa Claus will take up several pages!!! I'm looking forward to more quality time with the grand kiddies.

I'll be heading back to SC next thursday. We're going to DisneyWorld to celebrate my birthday (we didn't have time to go before now because of the house renovation). Yay, a vacation finally!!!

Life is good.

~~~

Flying High in the Sky!

2009-11-07T21:16:00.000-08:00

I'm flying from coast to coast (as I'm posting to my blog, thanks to free WiFi from Delta Air!)

Folly Beach, SC

Sea Oats on the beach are protected by law.

Such a beautiful site!

Nick, Nana and Girlie being silly!

Girlie, Deborah and Nick.

Girlie having fun! She loves the beach

(just like her Nana!)

Nick clowning around!

I've spent the past 2 and a half months in SC with my daughter and her family, renovating a 1946 beach house. What an experience! It was fun and exhausting and now that it's finally finished and they've moved in, I'm on my way home for a short rest!

Deb's family live on the Atlantic Ocean and I live on the Pacific Ocean. Thanks to Delta, I have plenty to do on my laptop while en route to San Diego from Charleston. Right now I'm searching for my pictures of the house...it's so beautiful! Posting more when I get home...I think the pics are on my iPhone or still in my camera!...........
Here it is! So beautiful and the view of the ocean is awesome. You can see more pictures on my other blog "Picture This".

~~~

The Little Bag that Could

2009-09-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

We're traveling again! This time we made a stop in SC for and extended stay:

(My favorite bag: I made this tote in black and white cotton over a canvas bag.
I added lace and a bead trim around the top.)

Leaving San Diego for a "3 Hour Tour"!...actually a 3 week vacation to Charleston to see my grandchildren and the new house my daughter and son-in-law bought at Folly Beach. It's an old beach cottage, built in 1946, across the street from the Atlantic Ocean!

My ticket was extended for a "3 Month Tour"!!! My daughter asked if I could stay and help with the restoration. Lots of work to be done. We've gutted the house and are in the process of restoring the old bead board interior.

You can find me daily behind this mask and goggles, wielding a hammer and crowbar!

The house was just a cottage and not meant for year round living so heating and air had to be installed along with insulating the entire house. Insulation is tomorrow and on thursday the drywallers will be here to do the walls and ceilings in the bedrooms and in the carriage house (the children's playroom above the garage).

Then Deb and I will let the games begin!!! Lots of painting! Every day Girlie asks if the house is pretty yet? And we reply, "Not yet!" "But soon!!!"

And then of course, comes the move!!! Like we don't already have enough on our plate!!!

I'll post some pictures when I get a minute....we've barely had time to eat and sleep so I'm behind on my blogging and pictures.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

~~~
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"GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT"

2009-09-13T03:54:00.000-07:00

To Follow My Blog,

Join Google Friend Connect
so we can share our
creative blogs and websites!

(Click on "GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT" above to sign up
~OR~
Click on the "FOLLOW" box on the left.)

My Demented Toy "Sun Goddess"

2009-08-10T17:45:00.001-07:00

Remember, my friend, Jackie, and I have been trying to take a road trip ever since the beginning of June! We finally hit the road last Friday heading to La Maison's Barn Sale. It's about an hour and 15 minutes, 62 miles to the Barn in Temecula, CA.

Sometimes just going for the ride, browsing the great antiques and crafts, and visiting with the talented artists who run the sale is a days outing. You don't always get that treasure you're looking for and hoping to find. But today, was a GREAT DAY! I found just what I was looking for...doll heads for my demented toy project!

Some great doll heads!

This one in particular caught my eye!

Well, doll heads are like donuts...you can't buy just one! I had to have all three and came away with my bag of goodies, one happy camper! FB friends have been taking Michael DeMeng's "Demented Toys" class and the pictures taken by Kathy Engen Malkasian are great. I have been so inspired!

I found this body (minus the head!) in a trash can at the swap meet!!! (dumpster diving anyone?! LOL) I have been looking for a doll head for weeks! I added the gold cording and sunburst medallion around the neck with E 6000 found at Michael's Craft Store.

I added the head and an ivory cameo on her forehead to complete my art piece, she's my " Demented Sun Goddess". I just love her!

We're heading out to find some more thrift shops and flea markets very SOON...just think of the goodies we're missing! I'll be working on my other art project, my "Demented Dolly Machine" from the other parts I picked up on our road trip. And Jackie has plans for that wheel chair she found!!! LOL

~~~

STAY TUNED for more Demented Toys!

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8/11/09
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(Screen capture from Robert's iPhone!)
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8/13/09
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8/14/09
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9/1/09
10/10/09

Roadtrip...Demented Toy Parts!!!

2009-08-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

On the road again...singing that song!

We've been trying for two months to take a road trip and on Friday we finally made it! My friend, Jackie, loves thrift shops and flea markets and the Barn....so do I! So on August 7 we hit the road for Temecula, CA. We started at La Maison Rustique Barn Sale. I found doll heads. I'm so excited! Just what I've been trying to find. Jack found a tin tile to use for a journal cover. Great treasures.

After spending about an hour and a half shopping and visiting, and with our tresures in hand, we were off to Escondido. Our next stop was lunch and a quick burger.

Then we headed for the AmVet's Thrift Store. It was huge!!! If this is heaven....then we've arrived! Jack spotted a vintage crinoline, I found a childs doll stuffing toy, we looked at books, gadgets, and toys. Jack found a wheel chair (no not that kind!), a childs toy! I found another doll and some porcelain knobs (great for feet on box projects). We scored!!!

My stuffing machine!

Next stop was another smaller, thrift store and then a little antique junque shop. Winding down the day, we decided it was time to head for home. We had a great time and we'll try again another day for some more treasures. They're out there....just waiting for us!!!

~~~
NOTE: Stay tuned to see what we make with our parts!
~~~

Happy, Happy, Birthday to You!

2009-07-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

~~~

Today is July 14, Bastile Day,
and my beautiful, daughter's birthday!

You are special in so many ways:
Thoughtful, Giving, Caring, Loving, I think I could go on and on.
Need I say more? YES!

"Happy Birthday,
My Sweet Daughter, Deborah"
This poem is my gift to you:

You arrived on the scene
In a whirlwind of commotion
And from the very start
You were always in motion!

No holding you back
On stage at every chance
You entertained all of us
With singing and dance.

Born on July 14, 1962
A day of joy; in a wink
You entered our lives
a gift, beautiful and pink!

You are talented and funny
Always the life of the party,
merriment and joy in your heart
and a laugh, oh so hearty!

Those who call you a friend
Feel very special indeed
To know you is to love you
In all things you succeed.

My daughter, my friend
I couldn't ask for more
I'm so proud of you
It's you I adore!

Hugs and Kisses,
Have the Best Birthday Ever!
Mom

~~~

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A Great Recipe...Fry Bread!

2009-06-28T18:50:00.001-07:00

Well, it all started innocently enough with a suggestion from Dale Anne Potter! She was thinking of making some fry bread in her old iron skillet! (It was a SLOW NEWS day!)

Sugar and Cinnamon Dessert Fry Bread

We caught wind of her plan on Facebook! It didn't take long before we were all drooling and dreaming of hot fry bread....slathered with, well you name it!

So many ways to enjoy it! And it is called so many different things by different cultures and nations. I started seaching on google for Fry Bread. Lots of great recipes!

Navajo Taco

"Gran Mere's" French Fry Bread

Are you drooling yet?

To be Continued on another day when Dale Anne has more frozen bread
dough and gets the idea for some Fry Bread!!!!

~~~

So Sad...He's gone!

2009-06-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop

The news today was so sad. Michael Jackson has died of cardiac arrest. He was only 50 years old!

1958-2009

"Thriller" was one of my favorite albums. I remember it like it was yesterday, along with Billy Jean and the "Moon Walk". He left us with so much great music, and a sad life of troubles ever since he was a little boy.

Rest in Peace, Michael.

Paper Dollies

2009-06-09T00:10:00.000-07:00

Today we're playing with paper dolls!

Memories of years gone by.....as a young girl, I would spend hours dressing paper dolls and making up stories for each doll. When I tired of the clothes I had for them, I would design new dresses and accessories. I loved to draw and it was only natural that I would make their clothes with pencil, crayons and paper!

Today, when the girls get together, we'll make paper dolls and clothes for them out of some of the most unusual things!!! We no longer draw, we recycle! Old magazines, bits and pieces of ephemera, ticket stubs, tags, lace, rhinestones, whatever looks like it will make our doll special. My favorite thing to do is to use a picture of myself when I was young and make a doll to dress. Or to use a vintage photo of a child for the doll, then make a costume connected with a holiday.

I'm getting ready to teach the class, preparing a dolly to share with the girls before we begin.

Everyone will have a different idea while perusing the same pile of collected items and O magazines being used for the dolls. I can't wait to see what today will bring....what dolls the girls will create!

Stay tuned for pictures this afternoon............And here they are!!!

I used a copy of a Dolly Dingle Paper Doll (in her slip) for the body.
She is mounted on heavy chip board.

My little Cupcake Dolly

The cupcake used for her dress (found in a food magazine), is adorned with a
marshmallow flower and sprinkles, same as her flower hat! .

Her dress is trimmed with dingle ball fringe and
I gave her shiny, patent leather shoes with a glaze pen!

Everyone was cutting and pasting and busy scurrying around for a piece of this and a piece of that from the stash Jackie had collected. She always has just what you need!!! And is so nice to open up her studio for us to play. Check out her blog at Art Meet Up for more info on the classes which are held once a month...you're all invited to attend!
For my second doll I used a copy of my head from a 1973 photo!!! I wanted to make a retro doll and found this great leopard jacket. But I couldn't find any "hot pants"!!! Seems like I wore them a lot in the 70's!!!

I settled for these long, slim slacks. They make me look good!!!

Ya gotta love the 70's with all the gold chains (added some junk jewelery)!

Jackie's paper doll is the Cat's Meow complete with bird!

Kat's little Flower Girl!

Elena's Hello Dolly!

Maryam's cute little Vintage Angel Doll.

Sally is still running around trying to find fruits & vegetables for her doll!

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"SandCastle Sirens"

2009-06-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

Sandcastle Sirens Retreat

June 6th and 7th, 2009

and the

marché dans le jardin

"Market In The Garden"

On romantic Coronado Island, Ca.
Sunday June 7th '2009
This Big, Beautiful Event to benefit Jane Pollock's Charity "Art Takes A Village".
Shop for beautiful antiques and handmade artisan pieces.
This beautiful beach front home was the setting for a day filled with shopping,
friendship and delicious food.

Jackie and Bet enjoying the afternoon

The shells and the jewels, Haute Couture

Ladies powder room niceties and flowers

Vintage signage

Glamarella Junk

Beautiful hearts

Val's Art Studio and various other vendors;
Vintage Bliss, Breathing Beside Us, Mamma Bella Arte,
A Little of This That and the Other, to mention a few.

Sun hats, furniture and clothing

Antiques extraordinaire

Lovelies of every kind

Starfish and pewter charms

Beautiful, whimsical paintings and jewelery

The event was a huge success and the treasures everyone brought away from the day were "keepsakes and friendships". Jane and Melanie, kudos for such a great event for "Art Takes A Village". Bravo!

postscript: Wish I had taken my good camera...took these with my iPhone in bright light...not the best pics, but you can see all the goodies!

~~~

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to You!

2009-05-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

It's your birthday! What are you going to do next? I'm going to.......?

Remember that game and TV show called,
"Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?"

Well, today we're playing,
"Where in the World is Bet San Diego?"

Follow the Yellow Brick Road,
Remember the story about the Toad?
Can't tell you anymore right now,
You'll have to wait and see just how.
The day of events will unfold,
And then my story will be told!
~~~

I'm off on my wild adventure!

I started my day with the girls, crafting, laughing, singing, and having a great birthday party! Thanks to Jackie, who made it special by making my party hat, favors and a collaged birthday present that is awesome! So creative and clever....I love it! Then I set off to my favorite place on earth......

I WENT TO DISNEYLAND!

What could be more special than spending my birthday, compliments of Mickey Mouse, at Disneyland!! Along with hundreds of other people who were all celebrating their birthday on May 12th! So much FUN! I always go with family to celebrate, but this year they were all out of town so I decided to party with Mickey, all the while reminiscing about years past with my family. I had an awesome day and didn't feel alone, everyone I saw wished me a "Happy Birthday" (I was wearing my birthday badge!)....it was definitely the ending to a perfect day.

(Click on any picture to see it up close and personal)

Soooooo many people sent wishes and gifts, my mailbox was overflowing! Both at home and email, and on Facebook! I just love you all....thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my day so special. It was a milestone for me! "55 FOREVER!!!!

Hugs and Kisses

~~~
What actually happened on May 12th?
****THE FOLLOWING IS A TRUE STORY...NONE OF THE NAMES
HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT****

.
I took some time in the morning to smell the flowers!

It was beautiful weather, sunny and warm.

Definitely time for a celebration!

I was all dressed and excited to go.

They sent the Horseless Carriage for me and I enjoyed the ride.

After leaving the Mansion, we headed straight for the Yacht.

We cruised around the Island and docked in Pirates Cove.

They wanted to share their treasure with us!

The boys were all riled up and looking for the Keys.

A day in the Bayou lead us to the horses....

ready and waiting to take us off to the Castle.

Always the gentleman, Mickey served up the day in true Disney fashion.

We had dinner on the Terrace and then a lovely stroll

watching the flickering lights.

It was time to call it a day, we said our goodbyes

and promised to meet again next year on May 12th!

~~~

THE END

.

"You Say It's Your BIRTHDAY...."

2009-05-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

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(Remember to click on any post to see it up close and personal.)
~~~

Yea! Birthday Balloons for me! Whee!

~~~
Another MILESTONE...55 and holding!
(That's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

~~~

~~~

I've received Birthday Wishes from around the globe!
I wanted to share them with everyone and also,
I can re-read and enjoy them here, whenever I like!

I want everyone to know how special these greetings are and
how much they mean to me. Thank you so much!
~~~

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Hi, Sis...Surprise!
Thanks, sis, for the big surprise! xoxo

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"It's your birthday.
I hope you laugh so hard,
cake and ice cream come
out your nose!

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Facebook is such a great social network with some of the nicest
people I know. I've made some awesome friends!
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There are sooooo many more wishes waiting in my mailbox
and on Facebook that I can't read until I get back today...
I'm off to a craft party with the girls! Will write more soon!
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My 89 year old mother gave me the most beautiful card,
it almost made me cry it was so touching.
And she called me this morning to SING
"Happy Birthday to You"!
THANKS, MOM You're the Best!
XOXOXO

~~~

~~~

My birthday present from the Glazier's (Deb, Steve, Nick and Girlie)...
a trip to DisneyWorld in Florida in October with my grandchildren!!!!
I'm counting the days already until I can spend time with them again!

~~~
Thank you EVERYONE!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
~~~

.

Happy MOTHER'S DAY, Mom

2009-05-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

MAY 10th is Mother's Day! I made this card for my mom.
I love to collage and this card was for a very special occasion.

Mom is holding me in this winter photo...I was about 6 months old.
(Front of Card)

Isn't my mom beautiful!
Both on the inside and the outside!
This photo was her high school graduation picture.
(Inside of Card)
(Click on card to read the verse!)

The photo of me is from grade school, I was around 7 years of age.
Mom used to spend a long time putting my hair
in rag curls so it would look this good!

This card is for a very special lady. Giving and caring and full of love.
Hugs and Kisses, Mom. I love you.

~~~
~May 5, 2009
May 5

Thanks you so much for the compliment, Stephanie!May 6, 2009

~~~~
Cathy Coverley has sent you a link to a blog: May 9, 2009

I had a chance to look at your Crayons site and it's wonderful! I love
your work, so fun! The Mother's Day cards are lovely.

Blog: Bet's Crayons
Post: Happy MOTHER'S DAY, Mom
Link: http://betscrayons.blogspot.com/2009/05/happy-mothers-day-mom.html

"Uni" and PAPER TALES!

2009-05-04T13:10:00.000-07:00

~ What a fun and unusual combination of events of the day
in beautiful downtown San Diego! ~
I posted this story to my other blog, My Little Corner.
Be sure to stop by and browse awhile!

~~~

Handmade PAPER DOLLS

2009-03-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

I was involved in three different paper doll swaps last year.

One for Valentine's Day, one was called Springtime and
the other was the Halloween holiday.

They were so much fun! Part of the Valentine's Day Paper Doll Swap
collection adorn my desk in the pictures above.
The photos below are of the dolls I made for the various swaps.

My "Polka Dot Girl Paper Doll", from the Valentine's Day
Swap. Cute little vintage girl dressed in polka dots with tiny,
real buttons, lace collar, heart pin and a ribbon in her hair.

"Flower Girl Paper Doll" is from the Springtime Doll Swap.
She was taken from 4 different photos; the head, the birds nest,
the body was scanned fabric, and the legs were from a magazine
picture. The little butterflies on her shoes were hand made
from paper. Tammie Moore, the artist hosting the swap,
can be found on My Art Soul Wings Blog , along with
the photos from all three swaps.*

My flower girl doll won first place as her favorite
doll of the swap and I was awarded a packet of ephemera
and some of Tammie's handmade dolls. Thanks again, Tammie.
It was such a great swap and I was flattered to win your favor!

"The Twins Halloween Paper Dolls", from the Halloween Doll Swap.
I used vintage prints of a fisher woman and colored the twins,
the color of most witches, green! I made a necklace and attached a
vintage spider on one of them and lots of bats on the other, adding
handmade glittered pumpkins for Trick or Treating!

My Little Boy Clown Halloween Paper Doll has a glow-in-the-dark
pumpkin! This is a vintage little boy with a ruffled paper collar,
his hat was folded like the old boat hats we used to make as kids,
and dingle balls adorn his costume.

I'm looking forward to the next paper doll swap. Remember when you were a kid and your favorite things were playing with crayons, paste and scissors? Making paper dolls takes you back to that time......what a great way to spend the day having fun!

.*Postscript: The dates for the swaps on Tammie's blog are: Feb 12/08, June 2/08, and Oct 5/07.

Brenda Sue Seaholm-Wampler wrote
at 6:28pm

Oh, I checked out your blog! Love your work! Oh, and you are in San Diego....lucky you! Have been there once, was very cold, but we came over to see the whales come through on their way to Baja.It is a beautiful place!

April 6, 2009
May 6, 2009

Encaustic on Canvas

2009-03-12T18:55:00.001-07:00

The world of Encaustic Art is exciting to me! The layers of paint, fiber, paper, metal and wax, meld into a wonderful creative expression on canvas. These two canvasses were entered in a show 2 years ago and won honorable mention. I haven't entered anything since that time, but after visiting the website of a friend from Versailles, I have new found inspiration! Thanks, Gretchen.

Encaustic art is the most fun I've ever had of all the mixed media art I create. I really need to start a gallery on line of my projects...as soon as I find an eighth day in the week! I will one day, soon!

Trying to keep up with 3 blogs, Facebook and email doesn't leave much time! I'm taking Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign classes as well! It seems like you can never do it all. But I keep trying!
.
.

Visiting the Past

2009-03-11T13:38:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GIRLIE!

2009-02-26T21:07:00.000-08:00

"Today you're 2 years old! My sweet, girlie.....I love you!"

This is Girlie's birthday card that I made for her a couple of
months ago, just waiting for her special day!

And here is the barefoot, birthday princess!
My little twinkle toes!
Mommy asked Girlie what she would like to wear for her birthday party
and this is the outfit she picked all by herself! She actually wore
this dress (which was floor length!) to go
trick-or-treating when she was 8 months old!

And a special cake befitting a princess.
Save Nana a piece of birthday cake!

I hope you have a really fun day.
I can't wait to see you!"

xoxox NANA

Postscript: Girlie got a Tri-Bicycle for her birthday! That's what she calls her tricycle!

..

Sweets to my Sweeties...

2009-02-14T19:44:00.000-08:00

.
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

I won't stop crying until you say yes!

Shopping always makes me feel better!

Nothing like a new purse to make a girl feel good!

So sorry I've been away so long! I'm taking Photoshop, InDesign and Hands On Print classes and have been in school almost everyday for the past two weeks. I promise I'll be back soon to catch you up...........

I did take a little time this week to make Valentine's Day cards for my grandchildren, a get well card for a friend who had a stroke, and birthday cards for my daughter-in-law and granddaughter in MD, and my brother in CA. It's been a busy month!

XOXOXOX

Winter at Snowbird...

2009-01-26T23:12:00.001-08:00

The snow is snowing, the wind is blowing, but they can weather the storm....what a great view from the window at the condo in Utah.

Mommy's snowboard is ready to go!

Time to get out on the slopes.

All except Girlie....she has her goggles, has anyone seen her ski suit?

Nick's ready to go through the mountain to the other side, it's easier than waiting for the tram. You take the high speed quad up and then stand on the magic moving carpet to the other side. It's Nick's first time!

Top of the mountain! Nick got to ride some awesome black diamond runs today. He's doing sooooo well, and he's only 6 yrs old!

Meanwhile, back in the Kiddie Care Center, Girlie is riding her indoor snowmobile because it's snowing too hard and the wind is so strong, she can't go outside!

Time for a snow angel or two!

And it just keeps snowing.

The Glazier family is at Snowbird.
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Heeeeere's Boooooby!

2009-01-22T21:13:00.000-08:00

I want my mommy!

(This is an iPhone application called "iSteam".....your phone screen fogs up when you blow on it. You can use any photo, uncovering it by rubbing with your finger! It makes the noise of a squeaky shower door and the droplets run down the window! Just another fun toy compliments of iTunes!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-01T10:05:00.000-08:00

Yea! We made it!

A new year to look forward to.....

And to all our new years resolutions!

There is hope..... that this year we'll all be able to stick to our list and follow through!

That's what I asked for..... for Christmas!

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Goodbye, Farewell, 2008

2008-12-31T00:05:00.000-08:00

On this New Year's Eve,
We ponder as we look back,
Over the long bumpy road,
The country got off track.

It's been a rough year, but
Times are gonna get better,
Just wait, for next year, is
Going to be a "Red Letter"!

Now let's listen to Guy,
It's Lombardo, that is!
We love Auld Lang Syne,
To us, the song is his.

The song we do remember,
Tonight with such delight,
For each year we all sing it,
At twelve o'clock, midnight.

Ready for a brand new fate!
To a new and exciting time,
The end of the year 2008,
To the New Year of 2009!

So let's ring out the old,
And we'll usher in the new,
For a very "Happy New Year"
To each & every one of you!

.................................by/from Bet Corsaut

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"On The 12 Days BEFORE Christmas...."

2008-12-22T23:31:00.000-08:00

Instead of a Partridge in a Pear Tree. . . .

On the 12 days before Christmas, and thinking in a new green way,

A sign of the times....recycling.., with a "dash-of-humor-holiday"!

* * * * *

"On the twelfth day before Christmas,

Time for stamping, punching, glittered and pasted,

Handmade Christmas cards, no time to be wasted."

"On the eleventh day before Christmas,

The cards were stuffed, labeled and stamped,
Then off to the post office, I merrily tramped!"

"On the tenth day before Christmas,

The menu for dinner, was planned including rolls,

With cranberries, pie, and a green bean casserole."

"On the ninth day before Christmas,

Wow, oh yes the prize, the sale that was a winner,

Was the $4, 16 lb. turkey, for our holiday dinner!"

"On the eight day before Christmas,

So now for the presents, with a budget so meager,

Definitely a stash of treasures, for regifting I was eager."

"On the seventh day before Christmas,

The wrapping and sorting, a gift to each, just right,

For everyone on my list, not one is left out this night!"

"On the sixth day before Christmas,

To the recycle bin for, containers, boxes and a shoe,

Ornaments for the tree, crafted with some glitter & glue."

"On the fifth day before Christmas,

This was my secret day, helping Santa with a surprise,

Of gifts for the big kids, just waiting for him to arrive!"

"On the fourth day before Christmas,

The home store had a lot, of extra, trimmed boughs just right,

So I fashioned a tree, like Charlie Brown, complete with lights."

"On the third day before Christmas,

Lots of remnants of fabrics, were needed to make three,

I pieced them together, to make stockings for our chimney."

"On the second day before Christmas,

We made our Chex Mix, went to buy our apple pie locally,

Then we rushed back home, to decorate our green tree."

"On the first day before Christmas,

We baked, cooked, and roasted our Christmas beast,

Then we all sat down to, enjoy our great holiday feast!"

"On the day of Christmas,

What a special gift we received, we know it was all planned,

Santa's present to us, tickets to, you guessed it, Disneyland!"

* * * * *

This year, Christmas is being spent in Ladera Ranch, CA at my son, Robert's home with his puppy, Kobe. We will be thinking of everyone in our family from coast to coast, and as far away as the Czech Republic, who will be celebrating in different ways and knowing we will all be thinking about each other even though we are distanced by so many miles.

Santa filled our stockings to the brim....
he was very good to us!

Christmas has many different meanings for everyone.

For me, it means; to be kind to your fellow man; to cherish a loving, caring family; to enjoy every day and what it brings, and mostly.......

to be thankful for all the gifts god has given me. I am truly blessed.

"Our toast to you all, for a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!"

Postscript: Robert and I downloaded an app on our iPhone's that created some of the coolest sepia pictures. We had a lot of fun playing with our iphones and creating some really great videos with music on Animoto. Check it out!

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1948 Grandma's Recipes

2008-11-23T08:41:00.001-08:00

My latest venture, creating collage pages for an 8x12 book which is being published this week. The recipes, taken from my grandmother, were written down in a school composition book by my mother. I would add to the book, my own copied recipes and clipped recipes from magazines on any of the blank pages, whenever my mom would let me!

The cover is a picture of me at 9 years old and my grandmother's
house in Detroit, Michigan. I remember fondly, the house where
I learned to cook a lot of our family recipes.

The following is the forward in the book...I used an old typewriter
font which is indicative of the 40's.

Each page has a recipe and a picture, making it more personable. It's
so nice for people to be able to put a face with the recipe.

My grandmother Morneau and me, a day at Belle Isle Park in Michigan.

This was the day I had my picture taken for my 1st birthday.

My mother and me, a day in the park.

Four generations of cooks from Indiana to Michigan to California.

Grandma Descoteaux passed on when I was only 8 years old, but I remember her and how hard she worked cooking on that old wood burning stove.

My dad made this box sled for me so I could keep warm and I wouldn't fall out!

(Don't forget to click on any picture for an up close and personal look!)

Mom is wearing the latest faux fur
collar and I have on my new
snow suit for winter.

Grandma Morneau wore such a stylish winter coat and hat.

Mom and me on the swing at Great Grandma

Bouchie's house in Indiana.

Learning to walk, I loved my Kiddie Kar!

Mom loved those striped socks and I loved being held by her!

I'm only a few weeks old in this snapshot.

This is my rocking chair, made for me by my father in 1938 before I was born!

Peter Pan holds a special place in my heart (click on the picture and read the story behind it.)

My first Holy Communion picture and in the background is part of our huge garden next to the house.

(Don't forget to click on any photo to see it up close and personal.)

Recipes were written on old phone bills and
on tablets used to write a lumber list!
These are a few of the pages from the book. I hope you enjoyed them.

Postcript: Thanks to my son, Robert, for helping with the resolution of the pages so they could be printed 8x12 with a full bleed. He's my hero!
The book is being published by SNAPFISH .

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Happy Birthday, Robert

2008-10-23T01:36:00.000-07:00

It's long overdue, My poem to you...And this is a perfect day, your birthday, for this special gift!

As I sit here writing,
All the things I want to say,
It's very late at night,
But it can't wait another day.

The day you were born,
Arrived the best gift to me,
A sweet, little baby boy,
1964, October twenty-three.

As a boy, trying all sports,
And any dangerous activity,
Always the great daredevil,
A movie stuntman wannabe!

But as the young man, with
Talents too numerous to mention,
It's your artwork and graphics,
That bring so much attention.

And through all the years,
You have made me so proud,
With your honesty and feelings,
Always real, and spoken aloud.

Through life's ups and downs,
You always rise to the top,
My son, you are certainly,
The cream of the crop.

Happy Birthday today, now,
It's no longer overdue,
And I hope you enjoy,
My heartfelt poem to you!

Hugs and Kisses,
Mom

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"Just Married" Sixty Years Ago

2008-10-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

I wrote this poem for my Mother and Father on their 60th Wedding Anniversary. And now 10 years later, it was fun to read it again and publish it here, a memento for their 70th Wedding Anniversary!

"Just Married" Sixty Years Ago

Cecelia and Johnny became sweethearts,
They met at St. Benedict's dance,
Knew they were meant for each other,
Right from the very first glance!

They went for long walks and fishing,
Then at Palmer Park they skated,
They danced to the "Big Bands" music,
In the Model A Ford they dated.

Married in October on the Fiirst,
In the year of Nineteen and Thirty-Eight,
Hazel Park had its newlyweds,
On Mapledale, the new house was great!

A new addition to the family,
A darling little girl arrived first,
Then a boy, and another boy,
Their little house might burst!!!

Johnny was drafted by Uncle Sam,
To go and fight in the war;
Then came the rationing of food,
Tires, gas, clothing and more.

Cecelia worked in Hudson's Bakery,
An additional income to earn,
To help support the family,
Waiting for her sailor to return.

Then Johnny built another house,
Two more boys and the family grew!
So Roseville had a new family,
More Decoteau's coming, who knew?

Next, building another house,
The last one to arrive was a boy!
Cass Lake, MI was a paradise,
To raise six children with joy.

And the carpenter had to build,
One last house on Morris lakeshore,
For his sons and adorable daughter,
His wife said, "We'll move no more!"

And as the years fly swiftly by,
All too soon the children are grown,
Grandparents, more love to share,
For grandchildren now fill their home!

Leaving Michigan, a move west,
California was the place to go;
They finally settled for retirement,
To enjoy the SUN, no SNOW!

And now...a look back. Over the years to all,
the fun and the memories, the times, we had a ball!

.....the handmade rocking chair for baby, Betty Ann, and the box sled so she wouldn't fall out! The "Hammer Joint"--White Castle hamburgers! The horse drawn milk wagon. The Ice wagon (we loved to get the chips off the back) and the fruit man's wagon came down the street. The "Sheeny Man" collecting scrap in the alley. RAG Curls. REM cough medicine, Numotizin plasters, "Lemon & Honey" for a cold.

.....The Shrine Circus--balloons, cotton candy and elephants. Clothes put through a washing machine wringer, the smell of them drying on the clothesline. Black Walnuts on the tree and feeding the squirrels.
.....The Michigan State Fair--the baby pigs, cows and horses, Mackinac Island Fudge and hot dogs on a stick! Easter bonnets and baskets and new shoes. "Ring, Ring, Ring", The Good Humor Man! Campbell's Tomato Soup and Velveeta grilled cheese sandwiches. The carnivals and the Bearded Lady with no body, I just had to see!
.....J.L. Hudson's Holiday Parades and Santa Claus on the top floor in a Christmas Wonderland! Put a quarter in the giant machine and out comes a special present! Penny candy at the corner drug store--candy dots on paper, Mary Jane's, Tootsie Pops, Licorice Whips, Cherry Hats, Wax pop bottles and lips (!), Tutti Fruitti and Beeman's chewing gum.
.....Sam Douglas' farm--cow pies and flies(!), the cabin, the swimming hole and getting "Frog Legs" in the creek. Our garden and "window" pheasant hunting in the corn stalks! Our chrome bell--one long and two short dings brought us home for dinner! Deep fryer "Gram Mere's" with jelly filling. The sled run in Roseville and our own Ice Rink!
.....Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner, dressing and gravy, cranberries, candied sweet potatoes, fruit cocktail salad and pumpkin pies with whipped cream! Christmas cookies--Date Pinwheels, Pecan Balls, Butterhorns. The perfect Fresh Cut Spruce tree, icecles and Santa's sleigh bells! Hammers and saws, kegs of nails and the smell of Saw Dust! Macaroni & Cheese with tomatoes and a cracker crumb top! Fried Yellow Wax Beans and a homegrown tomato sandwich with Miracle Whip Salad Dressing. Water skiing and picnics at Wagoner's cottage.
.....Sander's Caramel Cake and box of chocolates. Radio programs--The Lone Ranger, Baby Snooks, The Green Hornet, Amos and Andy, Lights Out! Halloween--"Help the Poor" begging for candy. The Franklin Cider Mill for cider and hot spiced donuts. Cass Lake--swimming to the raft, tapping the Maple trees, fishing off the dock, Elderberries around the Lagoon picked for jelly, W.B.H.S. and Our Lady of Refuge school.
.....Twin Pines Cottage Cheese in colored aluminum glasses delivered right to the door. Our FIRST T.V. in black and white--Howdy Doody, "Uncle Miltie" Milton Berle, I Love Lucy, Perry Como, Groucho Marx. The Harbor Bar "Friday Night Fish Fry's". The "Moron's" Men's Club putting on skits!
.....Picking Blueberries. Bread Pudding. Rice Pudding. Blanc Mange (French-white food) pudding! Sparklers and fireworks. Mom baking birthday cakes full of coins! Dad playing his Harmonica. Samsonite Luggage and Evening in Paris perfume! "All the wonderful things a child can remember, thanks to loving parents who shared it all!"

....."A toast to the best parents" 5 sons and a daughter ever had, "A Happy 60th Anniversary to our wonderful Mom and Dad".

Love, Betty Ann

(Trying to see what year car is parked in the driveway?

Click on the photo of me in my box sled to see it up close and personal!)

Happy 70th Anniversary

2008-10-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

This is the invitation I made for mom and dad's 60th Anniversary, 10 years ago! It was stamp, cut and paste, with rhinestones glued on the marquee.

Johnny and Cecelia met in 1937 at a dance at St. Benedict's High School in Highland Park, Michigan and the rest as they say is history!

And what a history they have had......70 years of marriage, 6 children, 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

The dating years....1937
(Don't forget to click on any photo to enlarge it.)

I'm sharing a photo of them taken while they were dating in 1938. Good looking couple if I do say so myself and you have to love that car, a 1930 Model A Ford! My father purchased the car for $90, making $10 payments per month. It even had a heater and a radio! They were styling!

October 1, 1938, was the wedding day of my parents, John Laurier Decoteau & Cecelia Marie Morneau at St. James Church in Ferndale, Michigan. In attendance were dad's brother and best man, Charlie Decoteau and mom's best friend and brides maid, Betty VanSteele. A small reception was held for the couple and their immediate family at the home of Mr. & Mrs. William J. Morneau, 1322 Colton Avenue, Detroit, Michigan.

Dad wore a blue suit and mom wore a blue velvet dress.

Dad served in the United States Navy during the war years, and the happy couple posed for this picture taken, circa 1944. The dress mom is wearing is the same dress she wore for her wedding! I remember seeing the broach she wore on her dress in her jewelry box as a child!

I used this photo to create their anniversary card. I enlarged the picture and printed it on photo paper, mounted it under this old paper frame, embellished it with strips of gold border. On the back I added a sticker that read: It happened in 1938 (see below). The snapshot I took of the card has exactly the same coloring as the smaller photo at the left, but poor lighting made it impossible to get a good picture of the finished product. ( I will retake the photograph soon!)

Today they are celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary! A feat not achieved by very many couples in today's society. This recent photo of them was taken last month. My parents, born in 1919, are both 89 years old.

"Happy 70th Anniversary, Mom and Dad"

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**Postscript: Ten years ago, the Decoteau children and grandchildren gave a huge party for the anniversary couple in San Diego, CA. For their 60th Anniversary Party (where 100 of their closest family, friends and acquaintances from as far away as Japan gathered to celebrate) I created the black and white invitation, the theme for the party.

I made it the old fashioned way....cut and paste, as my computer skills then did not include Photoshop layering which I've learned in subsequent years! I wanted to use this copy of the invitation to start off this years Congratulatory Wishes!

(Click on "It happened in...1938" below to see it up close and personal!)

"Trick-Or-Treat Bag" Cards

2008-09-27T01:16:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat,
Smell my feet,
Give me something
good to eat!

And if you don't,

I don't care,
I'll pull down
your underwear!

This year I made my Halloween cards for my grandchildren out of plain white kraft bags, the ones with handles on them. They're folded in half, and with a little glue stick, adorned with scrapbook papers, die cuts, google eyes, ribbon, spiders and various "spooky" goodies! THEY ARE SOOOOO CUTE!

This project was so much fun. There are so many really cute Halloween papers and embellishments; there is no limit to what you can create. I used lots of knock-knock jokes printed from my computer to add to the pages...children think they're so funny.

"Knock, knock, who's there? Goblin. Goblin who? Goblin your candy too fast will give you a tummy ache!" And there's the ever popular, "Why didn't the skeleton cross the road? He didn't have any guts!" Or, "Why didn't the ghost go to the party? He didn't have any-body to go with!"

When the children are ready to go out Trick-or-Treating, they can open the card into a bag and use it for all of those candy treats!

This is a great project to make with your own children or grandchildren. The kiddies love putting lots of google eyes and spiders on the bags........ENJOY!

....

The Halloween Tradition continues...

2008-09-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

The Fall Season has arrived, you can feel it, Autumn is in the air! Even though it is just September 22nd, my thoughts are already on Halloween! The planning, preparing, decorating, crafting....it's my favorite holiday.

Growing up in Michigan, this time of the year was always very picturesque...colors of gold, orange, red, and brown covered trees and grounds. Blustery winds, chilling frosts, crisp apples being harvested, donuts & cider at the Franklin Cider Mill and pumpkin patches everywhere.

Nick Glazier 2006

As a child, my father loved Halloween and told us stories about himself and his friends going out on Devil's Night, pulling pranks.....oh, the stories he did tell! And being very artistic, he always created the best pumpkins for our house. We didn't "Trick or Treat" in those days, we went "begging". We would call out "Help the Poor"! It's so funny how the times have changed. We still beg for candy, but we call it Trick-or-Treating.

The tradition of loving this holiday started with my grandmother, Lillian Gertrude Bouchie-Morneau, who was born on Halloween, October 31, 1898. She loved black cats. It was in her blood! She would also read tea leaves in your teacup and would tell your fortune. We loved having tea with her and couldn't wait to sit around the table, reviewing our cups with their patterns of tea leaves, imagining what they resembled...then waiting to hear our fortune.

This holiday, fun filled with costumes and treats and spooky, scary ghosts and goblins, was easily passed down to my own children, John, Deborah and Robert (all three still kids at heart!). We reminisce every year about the time we did this or that...the year the school buses would stop in front of our house so all the children could see our fantastic decorations...and how much fun we all had sharing it together.

With a pot of homemade chili brewing on the stove to make our holiday complete, it was and is one of our biggest traditions. It just wouldn't be Halloween without it. To this day, it's what we have for our dinner in MD, SC and CA...who would want to break with tradition? We call each other on Halloween night to talk about "the chili" !

Skeleton Nick 2006

It all started because it was cold in Michigan, the chili was warming; and as the children dressed for the evenings festivities, there was no time to sit down and eat before running out the door at dusk to beg for candy. So a bowl of chili could be eaten in scattered bites while donning costumes replete with makeup for the night of frolicking on the streets with all the other children.

Grandchildren, Chris, Mimi and Brad (son John & Katie's children), have all grown up and I miss all the fun we had together when they were little but we have great memories! And this year, Nana gets to celebrate with yet another generation of little ones, grandchildren Nick 6 and Girlie 1 1/2 (daughter Deb & Steve's children), in South Carolina. We are already planning by phone how much fun we're going to have and the fun things we're going to make...decorations, yummy cookies and costumes.

You just have to love this holiday...
Family Fun at its best!

(Stay tuned for pictures of Halloween past and present!)

Just to get you warmed up, these pictures are of my son and daughter-in-law last year in MD...I told you we go all out for this holiday!

John & Katie Corsaut 2007

I love the flowers!

Every attention to detail...aren't these homemade costumes the greatest!

Happy Birthday, MOM!

2008-09-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

This is a very special day for a very special person. My Mother, the sweetest, kindest lady I know, was born on September 1, 1919. (Photo circa 1938)

Cecelia Marie Morneau-Decoteau

Mom, words can't express how blessed I feel to have a mother like you. Your warm heart is a true treasure and you share it with everyone. Most people do not possess that kind of beauty, but you do!

Cecelia Marie, September 1, 2008

Thanks for all you've done for me, all the love you have showered on me, and for being my mom. My wish for you today, and every day, is all the hapiness and joy you can hold! Happy 89th Birthday, Mom!

The card I made to celebrate mom.

I cut four chipboard panels 4x6", and painted them with black acrylic on both sides, joined them with black gaffers tape, then painted the remaining exposed edegs. On an excursion to Temecula, I purchased a large sheet of vintage ladies from TheStampin Post. I had them tucked away to use for this project. Cutting out each image, 3 1/4x5", I used Golden Gel Medium from Dick Blick's Art Store to affix them, a different lady was used on the front and back of two of the panels. On the other two panels I stamped birthday greetings and "I Love You" in gold, embossed them, then sprayed all of the pages with gold webbing. (This close-up shows the webbing and trim.)The panels with the ladies were decorated with gold strips of Magenta Style Stickers (also from The Stampin Post). Thin decor lines around the pictures took a bit of time but the end result was well worth it. I used another package of the stickers, gold floral squares, to further decorate the corners.

Outside panels

Inside panels

This was not a quickie project, it took some time for all the details, but it was so rewarding.....the card turned out great. I loved the antique effect given by the webbing.

And the main thing....mom loved it!

A Traci Bautista Day!

2008-08-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

Bet and Sally, so inspired by the work of mixed media artist, Traci Bautista, and her hand made paper and journals, planned a day to make beautiful papers to be used later for our own journals.

We watched Traci's video, purchased supplies, gathered equipment...... and started drawing and creating designs on foam (the kind from a kneeling garden pad purchased from WalMart or Target worked best).

We used a wood burning tool to carve our designs (the smell wasn't too great so we worked outside for that part of the project). It took a little practice to get the hang of carving, but after a short time we were pros at it, whipping out piles of stamps!

Paper towels and newsprint are what we used to make our colorful papers. Using liquid water colors (purchased on line from Discount School Supply ) we dipped the corners of folded or crumpled paper towels into cups of watercolors. Continuing to turn the paper and dipping again and again created a tie-dyed effect.

Then laying the unfolded wet paper over another dry paper towel or newsprint and using a brayer, we made impressions using any objects that could be pressed into the wet papers. We especially liked the thick textured, dimensional wall paper (found at Frazee Paint Stores). We also used the stamps we carved to press down on the wet papers, creating beautiful designs on the dry papers beneath the wet ones.

Several impressions can be made from one wet towel and each print is different. "Skrinching" the towels into different shapes and brayering over each one resulted in totally different, interesting patterns.

While the paper towels were still wet, we gently pulled apart the sheets. Then layered the wet towels on newspaper to dry. It was so exciting watching the different designs emerge and not knowing what the folded and dipped papers would look like until we opened them up! We created beautiful papers! Awesome papers!

Next we plan on sewing our papers together with other ephemera, making them into unique journals. We hope to have another "Traci Day" soon to finish making our books so be sure to come back to see them!

Isn't FUN the Best Thing to Have!!

2008-08-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

HAS MOVED TO: NanasPictureThis.blogspot.com

P.J. Party at Silly Sally's!

2008-08-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

.Does everyone have a crazy friend that entertains them while doing tedious chores?

One of the preparations for the P. J. Party at Sally's house on Monday was to make laser copies at Kinko's of any picture of ourselves. It took us over an hour of measuring, and re-measuring, and cutting and enlarging our pics so we would have 4 equal size sections of our photo to fit a 16x20 inch canvas. We were to paint self portraits of ourselves over the course of two days at the party.

While waiting for each other to make our copies, my silly friend, Sally, entertained me by holding up a book she found on a rack in the store!

I laughed so hard, the soda I was drinking came out my nose!!!

Visit Sally's blog, Silly Sally Says, to view photos from the two day event. What a great party! The 5 of us... Sally, Bet, Georgia, Debi and Kathie... had so much fun.

This is my self portrait. I actually came home with a finished project that I liked! It was quite a challenge, but after a few Margarita's, it got easier! Everyone did something a little different, crazy, wild, wacky, truly works of art!

Thanks again, Sally, for such a great party. Great memories. You sure do make a wicked breakfast crepe! Yum-my. We played a lot, laughed a lot and ate a lot! All the food was delicious... Can't wait to do it again!

A good time was had by all...and to all a good night!

A very unique bird's nest

2008-08-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

This beautiful nest was given up by a very artistic bird! I just love all the pieces of lint, branches, leaves and grass that compose the intricate weaving of the nest.

I found it on the ground near a very large tree and just couldn't leave it there, I had to bring it home, then I filled it with egg-shells of my own! I just love it and often wonder how many little birds lived here before moving on to bigger and better places.

Babysitting my grand-puppy!

2008-07-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

Last week my son Robert's puppy, Kobe, spent the week with Nana while his daddy was in Michigan for Blanche & Stan's 50th Wedding Anniversary party!

Kobe's dinner! Oh, how he wishes it was all his!

Kobe is sporting his summer hairdo. He is a Shih Tzu and his hair is usually much longer but it's summertime and he loves his new "buzz cut"!
He is such a good boy. He followed me around everywhere I went and during dinner, I had his undivided attention!

Robert is President/Creative Director of Ikonstudio in Ladera Ranch, CA. Ikonstudio.com

Family portrait of Robert, Kobe and Satchi .

Satchi , on the right, was Kobe's brother. He went to heaven a couple of months ago after a long illness. He was such a friendly and lovable puppy. He was a great friend. We miss him.