The Bucklette!

Just a quickie... I am so in love with the bucklette!  I just found it, and it is so "Jane" Bond-ish, I mean I love purses and am a borderline addict, however this little guy is so cute.  The bucklette is to the fanny pack like Jeggings are to spandex...  a much cooler version to its predecessors.  Those predecessors really need to remain locked up in fashion vaults never to be revived.  But for those who think they were on to something with that but didn't quite make it the first time around.  I really think they got something here.  Not so crazy about the name, I really think it needs a bit more pizzaz, but really who cares right!

This is something that I could really use, and not look like a complete fashion victim.  Especially when I am working, I like to have my id, debit card, and a few little items without bulging pockets, because my butt does enough bulging all by itself.

http://bucklette.com/ 

one of those days,...

So... yes I know, I have a ton of stuff to do today.  But since my (early to rise) kiddo spent the night at my sisters, I figured that I would have a little sleep in time.  Not so much....  first the alarm went off at its normal going to school time... ugh!  After laying there for a bit and nearly giving up on ever falling asleep.  I did.  However 20 minutes later I get a call... oi!  Universe please, I want to sleep in!

So I gave in, and made the coffee, nothing like those commercials for folgers I tell you.  By the way where are those commercials anyway, me stumbling around the kitchen, wondering if the pile of dishes will disappear if I scowl hard enough.  Furrowed brow, my husbands sweatpants on, my ugly green shirt, hair all screwed up.  Sitting at my Mac cursing about the slowness of the coffee maker.  Then only motivated by my favorite coffee mug that is buried somewhere in that fearless pile of dishes.  Now that's a coffee commercial I can relate too.


Well now to stop avoiding the inevitable, and get to work!

I love being a 'DaveRamsian'

Enjoying Christmas so much more than usual...  being debt free really does take the pressure off, and makes shopping so much easier.   Gifts are much more personalized too!  Maybe nothing has changed other than the lack of stress, and how much easier its getting to shed bad habits and remain on a budget.  Granted we still fall of the wagon so to speak.  But not in such a way that is so financially devastating, as well as, not as often as we used too.

I think that the best part of it all is a renewed Christmas spirit and understanding what Christmas is really all about, loving each other.  

Thanks Dave!  I love being a "DaveRamsian"

Wrapping paper deals!

I popped into the local thrift store to take a peak at their vessels (I am making my first bonsai tree).  So while there I noticed they had a huge christmas section.  So while perusing I saw they had brand new rolls of wrapping paper for a dollar!  Now these are pretty darn good, some were small but others were pretty huge like 60 sqft.  

My store was Rescued Treasures, which has pretty good prices and great looking stuff, perfect for budget-minded, artist looking for sculpture materials, or people who like to wonder treasure hunt.  And they are a store for a cause, The Rescue Mission.

Found another fibro!

Being sick with an "invisible" illness really is frustrating, because generally people don't know.  There is no wheelchair or cast or heck even a patch.  Now  I am not saying that those who use those aids are lucky by far.  I just feel lonely for the most part.  I looked around for a support group, but haven't found one in this area.

However, I did meet someone today, who also has this condition.  We both were a little too excited to meet each other, not quite ROFL... more of a LOL kind of moment.  But she voiced the same thing as I, that lack of understanding for some people.  It will be nice to get together and have coffee!

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

and I ask.... what's not to love?  Everything is glittery and sparkly, there are lights everywhere, people buy presents for each other,  almost everyone says Merry Christmas or at least Happy Holidays (depending on company protocol).  Now whether you love Jesus or love Santa or like me Love Both, is a debate for another day.  For me, I told my daughter that Santa is a nice guy who loves kids, and in honor of the day we celebrate Jesus' Birthday gives out presents to everybody... its my compromise.

So, I found this great tutorial on making a picture, that any Santa Paparazzi would agree is fant-abulous!  Here is the link:  http://designdazzle.blogspot.com/2010/12/thrill-your-kids-capture-photo-of-santa.html

Now I use an online photo editor called Sumo Paint.  Its pretty good and free!  I think everyone should check it out, and give it a try!

a recipe from a client...

Today, one of my clients shared with me a recipe she made this thanksgiving... twice baked MASHED potatoes!  It sounded so good, I had to make it tonight.


5 lbs of red potatoes
1 container of sour cream
1 stick of butter
1 bottle of Hormel real bacon bits 
1 (2 cup) bag of shredded cheese I used sharp
1 bunch green onions minced


Mash some red potatoes, then add: sour cream, butter, bacon bits, green onions, and half of cheese.  Mix together, put in a casserole dish, top with remaining cheese and bake at 350 degrees till cheese is melty.

Pepsi Refresh Grant

I applied for and am now in the running for a pepsi refresh grant.  I will use this grant to expand the current free art classes in domestic violence and recovery shelters, and the mobile art studio bringing art to outlying cities, and provide free art classes.  

It is now relying in the hands of the voters.  Take a moment a vote.  There are many ways to vote...  The easiest is to vote by texting  Text this number 103712 to Pepsi (73774) or here is my pepsi refresh link:  http://www.refresheverything.com/mobileandfreeartclasses.

Vote everyday.. share with everyone. I get the grant if people vote! Soon I will be putting together the text number to vote too!

WE MUST VOTE ONE TIME EVERYDAY  I will post reminders and texts

SHARE WITH EVERYONE!  

THANK YOU!

Art Class

Yesterday's art class was fun!  It was our second Art Fundamentals class, and the lesson was one that focused on how every artist is different and how they view the same subject-matter.  The project was trees. We viewed Tulips and Trees by Wolford, Mulberry Tree by Vincen Van Gogh, Tree of Life by John David Dillard, the tree series by Piet Mondrian, Cave Paintings, and tree drawings by Tim Knowles where he attached drawing to branches of trees and put canvas near it, and let the tree 'draw' on it when the wind blew.
Although all of these artists painted a tree, each painting is completely different.  Every artist is unique in their styles, medium, and how they interpret subject matter; and that we all see the world differently.  Even though each piece is different, that does not make the end result wrong.

Homemade Costume Ideas... with a unique twist!

Okay so this is a list of websites that have the cutest ideas for really cool homemade costumes.  I am really into the illusion costumes this year.  There are links all through this post of where I found the costumes, so be sure to check them out.  These costumes are a different take on what I remember as 'homemade costumes' and they are fabulous ideas. When I was little homemade costumes consisted of fake giant boobs made from random material and wildly hairsprayed and glittered hair which I am convinced is responsible for the styles of the 80's...

http://www.coolest-homemade-costumes.com

Now, this first one is pretty cool it is a stroller costume, of a cabbage patch kid,which pretty much consists of a box painted and some online printed logos modge podged to the box.  It is cheap, cute, fast to make, and fun with no actual costume for the baby to wear and can be found at this link.
This fire truck is also easy and very cute, and looks like it sits just nicely on a stroller.  This is one last stroller costume I found at the same website as the cabbage patch kid (which really deserves some quality time searching through) is R2D2  a little more time consuming to make but very cool follow this link for pictures.

Another favorite category is the illusion costumes.  Some of these are very elaborate but some are not and still very cool.  The first one is one that looks fairly easy to make, and very well might end up being my costume this year, there is a lot at this link.  I am not a fan of the bloody ones, but that's just me.  This next website has a lot of them with instructions but my favorite is near the bottom called 'witch with frog in cauldron'.   Here is another creative one that is extra, super cool; the link for this video also has the instructions and the there another video of the same costume as well that shows more of it here.  These girls made a version that seems to be easier to walk around in, as long as you secure the foot better, this is also a video link.   When searching for illusion costumes I find it best to select the images option and also the video option, to get a better idea of what you are looking at.  

This website has a few great ideas, check out the lego costume at this link.  If you change the red sweat suit to blue you'll have Mike from Monsters Inc at this link.  Familycrafts.about.com has alot of cute ideas including more stuff to do with cardboard boxes.  There is a really cute aquarium at Costume Idea Zone which also has a skill crane costume as well.  Family Fun is pretty great site I like their "last minute costumes" with their clever renditions of a quarter back and smartie pants,  but don't forget to check out all of their categories I especially love their jellyfish costume.

Budget101.com has tons of ideas for costumes, parties, decorations, makeup/special effects and more.  I would plan on spending some time here.  And last but not least, dog costumes; there's no reason why fido can't join the fun.  Check out family.go.com or animal.discovery.com for some cute ideas.

So go out, exercise your creative muscle and make a costume.

You can also comment at: http://thirtyzone.blogspot.com/

The new Supermarket in town!

Wow!  I was in the center shopping and decided I needed to check this out.  It has been open since late September, but I don't like crowds and thought I would wait for a few weeks.  I had received a few ads in the mail, and though they are in spanish they had english "subtitles" so to speak.  I wasn't expecting much I had guessed that it was another larger supermarket... was I in for a surprise!

When I walked in, I had to stop for a moment.  It's super decorated with palm trees and bright colors, with festive music going on, this is not your regular store!  I loved it.  The bakery was filled with great looking pastries, and they have this deli counter with all my favorite mexican foods, and a few I haven't had yet... fantastic.  Which means I don't have to struggle to make these things, which I am not so great at by the way.

I rounded my way around to the SALSA COUNTER!!!  yup a salsa counter filled to the brim with many varieties also guacamole, and a few other things.  My senses were on overdrive,  next was the meat counter which was also fabulous, in addition to the standard meats you see they also have marinated favorites that were far to many for me to remember!  Oh and did I mention a tortilla machine, popping out fresh tortillas  mmmm!

Now as with any grocery store, not all of the prices were that great, but I am still excited to make some real changes to our "mexican food night" from tacos and burritos to some really great stuff!  I think this is a welcome change to my shopping choices, and also that I might enjoy grocery shopping more if I felt that I was at this party!

This blog post title is a link to their website, check it out!

The whole store is like this... piled high with food!

Recycled planter

One of my favorite finds recently is a giant asparagus fern at target on clearance for $3..  it was root bound really bad and I needed a giant pot.  And as it turns out, giant pots are expensive.  I started poking around the garage and the side yard, and found a perfect solution.

Last year we took out the diving board because it was cracked, and since we didn't really care about having one or not my husband took it out,  that is where my other free find, my "bistro set"  is now living.

which is good place because it also covers the small bolt holes and prevents the kids from running full circles around the pool.   


We hadn't gotten around to throwing it out yet so when I saw the base sitting there I knew it was perfect.  The holes were already in the bottom, so drainage wouldn't be a problem.  


I just filled it with potting soil and inserted plant.  So the total cost is $3 plant, $5 potting soil, and $0 for the planter box...  it is dark so I will finish up in tomorrow sometime.  I was just so excited that I had to share now.

My Nut Job Cat!

okay so I think someone is giving my cat drugs...   I was sitting on the couch and behind me I hear the cat making crazy noises.  I thought she was having a seizure or something.  When I turned around to look at her, she just looks up at me.  Now this goes on a couple of times, but finally I catch her and she is chasing her tail and then biting it and her leg so hard she hisses and meows,  Then looks up at me like... what!

Now I have friends who say how cats are superior and smart... but really I'm not seeing it!

Giant Zuchini recipe

Okay so I found this gi-normous zucchini in under some leaves in the garden.  Since there were only three of us I thought about just making a few portions and freezing it, until I was invited to my nephews birthday.

Then I thought, I will just stuff the damn thing at take it over there... gotta love family potlucks!  I had never really stuffed a zucchini before and so I looked on the internet, and there are a lot of great recipes, but I really wanted something quick.  So I went to Winco and brainstormed with a lady who was scanning things and went this way:  ground turkey, chicken rice-a-roni, various seasonings from home.

I cut it in half long ways and steamed it in the oven.  While that was going I cooked the turkey with some minced garlic, oregano, and rosemary.  Then I cooked the rice-a-roni and mixed them in a bowl.  Took out the zucchini when it was just a little harder than a regular squash.  I scraped the seeds, and scooped out the pulp and added the pulp to the bowl.

Then I mixed everything up and added some shredded parmesan cheese, and began filling up the zucchini, kind of packing it a little.  Then I put it back in the roasting pan to finish the shell and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.   Now if you don't like turkey, you can of course, use any ground meat you would like and adjust the rice mix to whatever.  There are just so many to choose from.... like spanish rice, teriyaki, chicken and broccoli, beef.  This is a very versatile recipe, and it took me less than an hour!

Homemade Costume Ideas

My new favorite kids halloween costume is in Womans Day magazine... its sushi made with white pillow, black garbage bag, packing peanuts, and orange balloons. It is fun and easy looking, go get a copy today!  

My sister and I made halloween costumes a few years back.  One of those moments when I wished we took pictures.  Her oldest daughter we made in to a bunch of grapes by using purple balloons and safety pining them to I think green sweats.  Her son was a box of popcorn; I punched holes in the side of a box,

painted it white with thin red lines and the words "popcorn", then popped a bag of microwave popcorn and glued it to the top.  My daughter and her, then youngest daughter, was jelly bellys; we bought water balloons and filled them with air, got small office garbage bags, cut leg holes in them and tied the large opening over their shoulders, but first filled the bag with balloons and a piece of paper in the front that said Jelly belly's on them. 

All of these items we got at the dollar store.  It was alot of fun.  With the internet, homemade costumes are a snap really.  Find out what they want to be and search it on the net.   This year my daughter wants to be Princess Tiana from the Princess and the frog.  So I think I will get the dress from  a thrift store, and tint parts of it green, and buy a little frog for it.  At least under $10 for sure, I will update later.

Facebook Hiatus

So, I am one of those annoying facebook people ʘ‿ʘ !  I  post all sorts of things.  But I just can't help it, I really enjoy being able to communicate with friends all over the place.  I did however notice that it became the first thing I checked when I got on the computer to work or play.  So I decided to take a bit of a break , this past weekend I did not check facebook (and posted my decision of course). And I have spent a few random moments actually panicking a little bit... though they were very minor episodes... still I did, and that was sad.

It was kindof hard but when we went to my sisters house this weekend, my brother-in-law asked about my endeavor and said if I made it he will be rooting for the Buffalo Bills this season.  So sadly for that Cowboys fan... he merely sweetened the pot, and I made it!  

I will be ordering him a Bills sticker or a shirt or something just for kicks!

I CLEANED THE GARAGE!

I feel so accomplished, I managed clean out the garage.   Now typically my style of cleaning the garage is creatively moving junk from one side of the garage to the other while stepping on and scooting piles in between.  Now this happened over the course of 2 moves.  The one before this one we threw so much away  it was sad to think we had been paying rent on stuff we never ever used, and we managed to get one car in the garage, with piles all around it!

Since we bought this house the garage was packed with stuff, and "crap" boxes.   Almost 30 of them!  So we re-arranged shelves and created more, and went through everything.  I saved tools, china, holiday decorations, pictured that need to be hung, car stuff, and art stuff.   Everything else went.   My motto for the cleansing was "if I can't hang it, display it, or use immediately (including family heirlooms) then it went away.  Especially if it was broken, because I had tons of stuff from the last time that I said "I was going to refinish, or glue, find that long lost piece on ebay and fix it".   Those were really gone.

I figure what good is it if I can't use it.   Sitting in a box buried on shelves, never to be seen again is not doing anyone any good.  I have functional piles: stuff going to auction, stuff/heirlooms going to people who want it within this week, and trash that went to the dump.

I was sad while doing it, I'll admit that.  But now I just keep walking out to the garage marveling at it.  In fact I set up a small area for my art, and the bicycle now fit right in the center for easy access.  I have one    area where I have to organize tools and household items like screw, hangars and such.  But I am saving that for my next energy spurt.

I have learned that good days are far and few between, so when I have those good days I take advantage.  And now when I have a night where I can't sleep I just go out and paint or make a sculpture!

On Vacation

I have been on vacation/hiatus for a bit...  but wanted to start off with:  I didn't get nearly as much done as I wanted and feel like I have wasted my opportunity!    *sigh*   I feel better now!  Well my point was to strip down some of my stuff to clear up more time for some sculptures but didn't, I did manage to make a painting that I am mostly happy with.

But the semi-good new is I am finally getting settled into this new medication, which was another reason for the strip down.  I had been recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia...  I know right what the heck is that?  Well I looked it up at good ole' webmd, and it seems that it is a nervous system thing (I won't bore you with details).  Anyway it makes way better sense than arthritis all over my body.  The medication is working and I do feel more functional, still super tired, but functional, still forgetful if I don't write everything down... but some things never change.

I feel like I am on the beginning of a new path, I am a little scared though because it fits into what I have been trying to do for many years.  But we will see how this goes, I will be sure to fill you in on these details as I begin this new journey!

Some Translations of lol from Wiktionary that are hilarious

• mdr: French version, from the initials of "mort de rire" which roughly translated means "dying of laughter", although many French people now use LOLinstead as it is the most widely used on the internet.
• חחח/ההה: Hebrew version of LOL. The letter ח is pronounced 'kh' and ה is pronounced 'h'. Putting them together (usually three or more in a row) makes the word khakhakha or hahaha (since vowels in Hebrew are generally not written), which is in many languages regarded as the sound of laughter. The word LOL is sometimes transliterated (לול), but its usage is not very common.
• 555: The Thai variation of LOL. "5" in Thai is pronounced "ha", three of them being "hahaha".
• asg: Swedish abbreviation of the term Asgarv, meaning intense laughter.
• g: Danish abbreviation of the word griner, which means "laughing" in Danish.
• rs: in Brazil "rs" (being an abbreviation of "risos", the plural of "laugh") is often used in text based communications in situations where in English lol would be used, repeating it ("rsrsrsrsrs") is often done to express longer laughter or laughing harder. Also popular is "kkk" (which can also be repeated indefinitely), due to the pronunciation of the letter k in Portuguese sounding similar to the ca in card, and therefore representing the laugh "cacacacaca" (also similar to the Hebrew version above).
• mkm: in Afghanistan "mkm" (being an abbreviation of the phrase "ma khanda mikonom"). This is a Dari phrase that means "I am laughing".
• In Chinese, although 大笑 (da xiao; "big laugh") is used, a more widespread usage is "哈哈哈" (ha ha ha) on internet forums.
• هاها: The Arabic هـــا makes the sound "ha," and is strung together to create the sound "haha".
• In some languages with a non-Latin script, the abbreviation "LOL" itself is also often transliterated. See for example Arabic لــول and Russian лол.
• In Japanese, traditionally the kanji for laugh in parenthesis was used in the same way as lol; （笑）. It can be read as wara and so just w has taken over as the abbreviation.

The dog ate the wedding cake!

and lived to tell about it!!!

I made a wedding cake for my niece.  Her colors were red, black, and white. So I decided to do just a white cake with black decorations on it.  I walked away from it long enough for the dog to find it,  I think I fell asleep maybe, but still... just long enough.  I thought it was safe pushed way back on the counter, but though her legs are short and stout her body is long giving her just the height she needs on her back legs to reach it.

She ate enough of it to annoy me so much, that with encouragement from my supportive husband, I went on a hunt for a plain cake.  I started out at save mart and nearly bought 3 round white cakes (one larger than the others), which I would have had to get  these 3 random sized black scrolled boxes to display them on, and transfer the decorations to the cake.  However those 3 cakes would not have been enough for everyone, and they are a bit pricey.  I was surprised that they didn't have any plain white ones, she would make me one plain but it would have been to close to the wire, and almost $35 for plain sheet cake!

So I went to Winco, they had one and it was frozen, which was exactly what I was looking for, since it was very hot that day, and only $20 for it.   I went back home gathered all my decoration from the other cake, and *poof* instant emergency wedding cake.

Perfect for all shot gun style fast weddings!

Book Update

Well I have gotten as far as 3 chapters on this book I am writing.  But I needed to take a break, because I kind of opened a can and found worms, big ugly ones, buried deep in my brain...  So I stopped for a while.  But now I am back on track and last week began writing again.  Since then I have gotten 2 more in, and discovered a writing group that meets twice a month.  

You bring in several copies of a few pages, and everyone reads each others work.  I didn't make it last week because my hubby had to work very early the next morning, and we are just not comfortable with kiddos being awake while he is sleeping... Yes maybe i am paranoid, but that is who I am, and my therapist is A-OK with it!

So I am excited to get started again, and hope to work through those worms.   I think I will toss them in the garden and grow something beautiful!

Thanks for listening!

Re-0rganizing life

I have, for too long, overworked, over-volunteered, and over-scheduled my life.  The reasons that I am not entirely too sure of.  Was I hiding from something, I'm not sure.  However, since I have been dealing with some pain issues I have been thinking about all the things I could have done better, things I may have missed.

I understand these things are unchangeable at this point, but I have decided that I will be doing things better now.  If I discovered anything it is this; if I can't learn from my past or mistakes I have made, then somehow I think they are worse. 

Thanks for listening!

We Finally Own Our Stuff!

Many people has asked me about Dave Ramsey since our big announcement of being Debt Free!!!! Well this is how we did it.

He is on KMJ 105.9 (go to his web to find your local channel) every day he takes callers questions, and his website, has tons of free information. Eventually we signed up for FPU online (Financial Peace University online) which is his seminar and workbooks but online. FPU was very helpful, and helped us get organized a little. 


When we first started out, we used all the info on his website which is all free. Starting with the 7 baby steps, used the free online forms, etc. At first I thought this was for people with money and stuff, but IT WORKS. Some of the callers have amazing stories, and problems. And I kept thinking some of the steps are crazy, like the cash only system. But we did it step by step and it really works.  


We haven't used a credit card for over a year now, and never will again, and look forward to a zero credit score from none use. Its funny now because when a house/car repair or some other mini crisis occurs, we don't panic about which card has enough room on it. We just use our emergency fund, or other savings and pay cash for it.... we have never done this before. 


Instead of living credit-to-credit or check-to-check, we actually have cash leftover at the end of the month. It is very surreal to live this way, and I love it! We are never going back to the other way!

Crabby Patties!

Well getting my daughter to eat fish is not easy, she'll do it but not 2x a week like they suggest!  However I was at the 99¢ store, and found canned Chicken of the Sea crab.  Now I know its not fresh but for this purpose and things like won tons and such, I think it was perfect.  


So I kind of threw some stuff together and fried them up and they were delicious!  Here is the recipe:

the amounts are approximate, I don't really use measurements


2 (6-oz.) drained cans Chicken of the Sea® Crabmeat Pink
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
a couple shakes salt
a couple shakes of pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs


I mixed them all together in order one at a time.  Draining the crabmeat is apparently very important!  Packed them into my hand them formed a tight patty.   I fried them in oil, very hot and not a lot of oil either.  


That's it... nothing major!  Took a total of 15 minutes, and she loved them.  I dabbed one of them with some Thai Red Curry mmmmm!  Thank goodness for spongebob and mr crabs!

Standing Applause for the Standing chicken!

I once made beer can chicken, and it was good.  But though I sprayed it, it was difficult to remove the can. Plus it got me strange looks for my husband, and he put another check-mark on my crazy lady checklist.  

I had a stoneware dish that did the same, but it has disappeared.  I hadn't made a roasted chicken in a very long time, probably years.  I don't like the way it gets mushy on one side so I improvised.  I have this angel food cake pan that has a removable center.  

I popped the center out put it in a big baking dish, and the chicken fit perfectly.  Seasoned it with garlic salt, paprika, and rosemary. cooked it for the first 30 minutes on 500 and then finished it off at 350 for another 35 minutes. 

It is easy to make, and it is really good.  very crispy but the inside is juicy.  Now the downside is no stuffing but still it is pretty good.  I made garlic parmesan mashed potatoes, and green beans to go with it.

Mmmmm doesn't it look yummy, and she sits pretty like a good girl!

University Preparatory High School student art to be featured at Visalia Convention Center April 16 – June 1, 2010 • Artists’ reception May 21, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Visalia Convention Center

University Preparatory High School student art to be featured at Visalia Convention Center April 16 – June 1, 2010 • Artists’ reception May 21, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Visalia Convention Center 

 

Visalia – Select artworks from University Preparatory High School's Art Exploratory class will be featured at the Visalia Convention Center April 16 through June 1, 2010. The class, taught by arts instructor Michelle Bussey, will feature student works inspired by artists such as Paul Cezanne, Georgia O'Keefe, Alberto Giacometti, Judy Chicago, Vincent Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo.  

  

An artists’ reception will be held Friday, May 21 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Visalia Convention Center to honor the University Preparatory High School (UPHS) students featured in the exhibition. Students in the UPHS guitar and folkloric dance program will also attend to provide entertainment. The Visalia Convention Center has generously donated the refreshments. The public is welcome to attend.  

 

This year, the Art Exploratory class received a $500 grant from the California Table Grape Commission. The grant has been used to purchase supplies for studies on woodblock printing later  this semester. Ms. Bussey hopes to organize a fall exhibition of the woodblock prints created by the students. Students have also had the opportunity to study ceramics with College of the Sequoias 

(COS) professor Richard Flores. The ceramic studies with Mr. Flores and the artists’ reception on May 21 have been sponsored by the Arts Council of Tulare County. Studies in the Art Exploration class are aligned with the California state standards for visual arts. Students explore basic elements of art, principals of design, imagination, historical connections to the arts and research in art history.  

 

UPHS was created by the Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE) – in partnership with the College of the Sequoias – as a high-performance, free, public high school. UPHS welcomes all highly-motivated students looking for an accelerated and rigorous academic program, including students who may be the first in their family to attend college.  

 

UPHS students experience their high school years on the COS campus, participate in college classes and earn college credits. This approach, known as an “early college high school,” is a time-tested method proven to increase academic success and college readiness. In addition to college courses, students may also select from a growing number of fine arts classes, including beginning guitar, 

folkloric dance and art exploration.   For more information on University Preparatory High School, contact Principal John Kelly at (559) 

730-2529.  

And now a word from our "weird files"

Ok so, I like Barbie.  Always have, Always will.  I thought it was a travesty when they gave her a reduction, and changed her face.  But no worries I will be fine.  Now whenever you go to any toy store or department store, you see tons of options of Barbie and Barbie tribute dolls, Hannah, High School Musical,  I Love Lucy (one of my favs), holiday Barbie, beach Barbie, wheel chair Barbie, Veterinarian Barbie, and many many more.

Recently on a trip to Walmart I found the funniest one to date, probably ever...  Barbie Birds, you know from Alfred Hitchcock movie, where everyone was mauled by birds!  It was a movie anniversary tribute doll.  I went into laughing histerics right there in the store.  There was Barbie stuck in a box with a bunch of crows pecking at her.  You have to wonder a little bit what were they thinking!  I bet it is slightly concerning for kids, I mean if birds can attack Barbie, who has everything, and can do anything, then what chance does the rest of us have.

My other thought is how exactly is she keep that calm face, and carry that great purse; and why isn't she running, and why is her hair still in-tack!  Not only does she have a great stylist but, she almost looks as if she is strolling to her corvette, on her way to Barbie Macy's to go shopping, and flicking at them as if they were harmless flies.

The only thought that comes to mind is... Barbie is one tough broad!  I mean think about it, she is being held captive in a box, being attacked by killer birds, and she doesn't look fazed one bit.  Another reason why I want to be Barbie!

David Corstange Smith Art Show at Cort Gallery for Three Rivers 1st Saturday Art Tour

This Saturday May 1st is art tour time!  Check out local artists, musicians, great food, and Three Rivers a beautiful atmosphere.    Check out their website for updates and specials.  www.1stsaturdaytr.com/

One of the Artist, is David Corstange Smith, has painted for 50 years, and sculpted for 20. He has studied art restoration, illustration and fine art in London, but is mostly self-taught. He paints under the name Corstange Smith, proudly carrying the name of his father and grandfather before him.  

A STORYTELLER by heart, David's work consists of prospectors, mermaids, Native Americans, women, patriotic scenes, and love stories.
"I AM a hopeless romantic," says David. "When I share my paintings, I share my love, my life."

Showing at the Cort Gallery for 1st Saturday.

His work has shown in Carson City, Fallen, Las Vegas, Kalamazoo, Santa Monica, Venice, Visalia, and internationally in London England.  He has also restored the John Barrymore collection in the mid 60's.  He has studied art restoration, illustration,  and fine art in London privately, but is mostly self taught.  Upon  he has shown at COS, Main Street Gallery, and most recently at Easelheads.  

Fix the Roof Bake Sale!

I love this... what ingenuity.   Have a problem?  Use your talents to solve it!

I think its great that she is doing it, more importantly she did it in style with a giant banner!  It is on the corner of Chinowth and Whitendale this Saturday, and I encourage everyone to go.  Go and support a member of our community who is taking control of her problem.  I am excited to buy a a sugary treat and meet her.  As it turns out one of my friends know her, and says she is a neat lady.

So this Saturday go check it out!

First Time Home buyers credit... JOKE! and Nightmare!

RANT TIME!!!  sorry guys I have to or go crazy-er!

We filed a 1040x for the home buyers credit in October of last year.  So you would think that surely by now we would have it.  But no, not yet.  With no apparent sign of it coming in the future.  Always I am told, its right around the corner, 6 weeks from this date, then 6 weeks from this new date.  It almost seems like everytime they send a letter it adds 6 weeks.

Well I say... STOP SENDING ME LETTERS!  By following directions giving everything plus extra of what they want, enough to have my identity stolen 12 times, I still have to wait.  The problem is to many scammers in the system, which doesn't surprise me cause one of the mortgage companies we looked at didn't want to do a VA loan, and suggested that many of her clients find a house, make an offer, apply for the credit, and then use it for the down payment so they can buy it.

I am just tired of the hoopla... let me tell you this.  If I could go back in time, I would seriously reconsider this credit.  At the very least I think the IRS should be honest about this whole thing and tell us it will take nearly a year so don't call us, because it is not going to happen before then.

*sigh*

Food: Tongue Scraping Bad!

Have you ever ate something so bad that you wanted to scrape your tongue and scour your mouth with bleach.  Well, I did.  Now I love to try new places, so when I had to go to Fresno for lab work, and didn't eat all morning I was starving.  Now my standards are lower when I haven't eaten for a while, so I am afraid.

We were driving down blackstone when dad and I  saw this very old looking restaurant called BJ's Country Kitchen, their sign highlighted biscuits and gravy so we pulled in to try it.  The parking lot was empty, and though that should have been a warning sign, I ignored it.  My new phone has internet, so I looked it up, and all the reviews gave great ratings, 30 people and more gave it 4-5 stars out of 5.  So I figured it was a diamond in the rough.

When I walked in I was immediately met with this weird smell, kinda like dead skin meets must.... (no fluff here folks this was the real smell)  Now you would have thought that I would have run away, but no, I was sucked into this vortex, because hunger takes over and depletes my brain cells.  The place matched the outside very old and weirdly decorated, with ugly green vinyl seats.  Oddly there were people there, but I soon realized they were employees and family members hanging out... not eating!  (I should have been really scared)   *note the falling down tile, another sign from God, that I ignored.

The waitress, who was super nice, seated us.  We got coffee, which was good!  Fast forward too food.  After all the forces of good trying to prevent me from certain death, I decided to... no, not leave, but order something "safe" like an ortega burger, surely thank can't screw up meat and cheese!  Instead of fries I thought I would try their potato salad, the waitress told me it was homemade (are we sensing the pattern of my inadvertent suicide)

When I got my food, which was not slow, but I expected that since their were no customers but us.  It looked all right, so I dug in.  I opened the burger and notice there was no mayo or mustard like the menu said, when I asked she walked off presumedly to get me a little bowl of mayo, instead she brought back packets..... PACKETS, because they only use packets!  The potato salad had an odd flavor and smell to it, I told myself they used too much vinegar and that it was not spoiled from sitting out too long, after all it was already in my body.

I started eating the hamburger and well you guessed it, yuck!  It is meat and cheese and they managed to ruin it.... I mean I eat liver for pete's sake and I still thought this was gross!  I also discovered a little gift with my burger, which for me was particularly awesome...

Now through this all the waitress, was very nice, so for that reason I did leave a tip, not a great one though, I think she should have warned me or something.  At this point I wanted to get out, which meant if I had to pay for this that was okay, I did not want to take any extra time.  The back of the check there was a comment section and so I filled it out, cause obviously they had no idea.

I wasn't going to say anything but the cashier did ask me, so I quickly let her know about my experience there... ironically she only seemed upset about the bread bag tie that came with my burger, and not anything else.

So this was my experience at BJ's, my only thought is that there must be another one in Fresno that everyone is talking about because I did not share their views on the place.

So good luck and good eating!

Easter Cakes I made!

Okay so I wanted to make something clever for easter... We were going over to my sisters house for easter... kindof easter hoping yesterday.   I decided to make a cake, but I jumped on the internet to find a clever easter cake to make.   I found a betty crocker recipe that was, I think, was better looking than the other flat bunny cakes out there.

I did make a couple of tiny design changes but for the most part used there design for my first time around with this recipe.  When I made the cakes I did not level them.  After they cooled and I cut them in half I made sure that I cut it in such a way that the back end was wider when I put the two pieces together.  This made it look more dimensional.   I did use icing to stick it all together, I almost used strawberry filling... but when I talked with my husband I realized that visually I didn't want to have a bunny massacre for easter

I cut the nose jelly bean in half length wise and shaped into a triangle... the jelly bean I had were too big for the eyes, and I am told my bunnies looked evil.  I wasn't sure if everyone liked coconut so instead I used the flat side of a table knife and patted the bunny after it was frosted, pulling the knife straight up.  This made great looking fur.   Also I thought the tail was too gi-normous so I ate one layer and centered the other.


This was a fun recipe, very easy to make.  I would recommend it for everyone.

Domains and other such nonsense...

Well tonite I was renewing my domains, and working on another web project for a friend.  When I realized that I never really learned alot about the stuff I get with my domain purchase, and for that matter I haven't taken advantage of them.  I mean they come with it, maybe I can use it to bring more traffic or something like that, who knows.

So I decided that I really need to read fine print, because it can not only keep you from agreeing to something you don't want, but you might be missing something really great.  So that will be my tomorrow project, right after appointments, mopping the floor, and finally cleaning this office... YUK!

This is my short and sweet don't miss out on the good stuff, and maximize your purchases!

g'nite all!

MMMM good Salsa Chicken

I have this small crock-pot its about 2 quarts or so, I usually use it for sides that I take to potlucks.  But it is also good for testing recipes without committing to a lot of leftover...  really bad recipes or mistakes.

Now for this one use chicken or cut up pieces of pork.  drop 1-2 inch chunks in the crock and cover with Chachies Mango & Peach salsa, and some water not a lot maybe a cup at first!   That's it, the sweetness of this salsa is perfect.  Now do not cook this in a hurry because the sweetness of the fruit will blacken the edges, remember low and slow for this one.  You may have to add water if it starts to dry up, don't be afraid to add water!

*update*
Calorie count
Chicken, standard serving size (deck of cards) 202 calories
Chachies Mango & Peach salsa  22 calories per serving size, which is 2 tbls.  I used 1 cup which makes it a total of 88 calories per serving
The total calories is somewhere around 290 per serving assuming the information I received is correct.  Of course this does not count the pasta or rice that you may serve with it

Easy, fast preparation & delicious!

http://thirtyzone.blogspot.com/

5 Alarm Chicken Salad ?!?

Okay so last night my sister and her family came over, and I threw some chicken leg quarters on the grill. When suddenly I remembered that I had to get the at the groomers, and they are closing in 15 minutes!  So I asked someone to keep an eye out, I figured it was okay since it was on low... famous last words.  On our way back I get the call that the chicken is charcoal and something about flames and having to move the bbq!  I wasn't to sure if it was a joke at first, but then I realized that it wasn't.  Hence the picture, to the right, funny how this chicken is not as bad as the rest.

I wasn't mad, in hindsight I usually am when things like this happen but this time not so much.  I stopped at the store and got a big pack of chicken thighs.  When I came home I discovered my sweet husband had popped them in the oven, which I was glad, cause I wasn't sure what I was going to do but I couldn't have 10 pounds of chicken go to waste.

Fast forward to today.  So this afternoon when I remembered that we had a potluck birthday party to go to, I was oddly inspired by my chicken.  I immediately chopped up some veggies in my fridge, tomatoes, olives, onions, cucumber and dill relish.  De-boned and sorted threw the chicken.  Tossed with mayo and made a salad.  Which to my surprise was super delicious!





Here is the end result, I call it five alarm because the chicken was rescued from the flames!

Optimism

I was cutting potatoes for my potato salad, well actually its my Aunt Cyndy's recipe.  But the funniest thing happened, I was peeling them and I saw a face in my potato.  You know those little cracks and such, well this one had one like a smile and then I noticed to little spots my little peeler didn't get...

Its one of those once in a life time things, and all I had was a camera phone so its a little fuzzy, but I couldn't resist making a poster of it.  so here it is...

Now if you love it and copy it you must link it to my web page www.shelleyhuff.com  and the blog  http://thirtyzone.blogspot.com/  you can't sell it, or claim it as yours, or anything like that,

Random

I know I have been on a random, themeless track with this blog, but I figure I am not a theme kind of person.  This is who I am, blame it on meds 8), blame it on my crazy upbringing, or chalk it up to personality it doesn't matter.  I am who I am,  now of course I am aware that my randomness can be problematic for some, and so I try to really focus being better for really important things, or being an example for my daughter.  Which that last sentence is causing me to switch gears mid-blog...

My daughter has definitely caused me to be a better person.  In my quest to be a good example for her, I have improved on a lot in the last decade or so.

• I cross the street at crosswalks, even when she is not around
• I eat cooked carrots, even though it makes me want to gag
• I have a bowl of fruit and a drawer of veggies to snack on, and they don't go bad near as often
• I say thank you and please a lot
• I don't yell as much, and I am not as demanding even if I do want it RIGHT NOW
• I am firm but not abusive to people might possibly deserve it... you know who you are
• I don't curse nearly as much as I used to, though I still drop the F bomb on occasion  "What the FRENCH.... TOAST!  (well maybe I should thank orbit gum for that one) 

I'd like to think there are more, but for now this is all you get!  I don't want to seem like I am bragging,  which in its self should get listed too.  But we all no parenting is hard, mostly because you have to be an example.  If you toss out all these rules, you can't be a hypocrite, I know that was my big argument growing up.  

Funeral of the "I can'ts"

Recently I did a class called "the Funeral of the I can'ts" The purpose of the project is to help each woman realize how much strength it took to leave her abuser and come into the shelter. To affirm that she took the power with her when she left. To say “goodbye” to her “I Cant’s” — the fears she faces as she thinks about building a new life (I can’t drive, I can’t get a job, I can’t find a place to live, etc.) We start in a circle, all holding hands, and ask the question... "What have you accomplished or done in your life, that at the time you didn't think you could do" Opening Circle: As we went around the room, there was stories of women who "stopped doing drugs", "quit drinking", "I left the person who beat me up", ... there was tears and there was laughter. Art Time: We all sat down, we talked about the fears of leaving the shelter, and "anything you felt you could not accomplish before entering the shelter" We journalized this question "Is there anything you felt afraid of or felt that you couldn’t do?", "Can anyone think of any “I Cant’s” you felt when you arrived here?" We talked about how to use our experiences of the past for the future. It was a quiet moment as everyone began writing down on a piece of paper her list of the “I Cant’s.”) Each woman had an opportunity to read her list if she wanted to everyone, some took part others didn't. Each woman began to shred her “I Cant’s” in the shredder, and saves the shredded paper. Then took that paper and creates an art piece from it. What I loved about the projects was how they used those pieces of paper. Some used them as roots on a tree saying "those things made them stronger" or "my can'ts are the leaves falling off of me, so I can continue to be strong" There was a boat that was made of the I can't shreds in a tumultuous sea scene that one woman said "I will use these things to arrive to my new place, where I am confident and successful"

Conversation with the Fireplace guy

Conversion with the guy at Buck Stove....  
me: I am looking for a blower motor for my fireplace insert... how much do they run.

guy: It depends (long pause)

me: okay... so if I tell you about the motor will that help.

guy: I need the make and model is there a gas line

me: Its a Dove, I don't see the model # and there is no gas line

guy:  is it wood?

me: I guess, there is no gas line

guy: I need the model #

me: I don't see it...How do I find it, where are they usually at


guy: it depends (long pause)




me: click!