SueAnn's Journey

Silent Saturday ~ Ninety-Three!!!

2012-01-28T02:27:00.000-07:00

Let us play in the early morning light....

Let us dance in the time after night...

Twirl and spin....

Dawn's early light takes you in....

Stretch out your arms and touch the sky....

....celebrate as you hear Him sigh !

Have a magical and blessed day!!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Work in Progress ~ Week One!!!

2012-01-26T02:50:00.001-07:00

Well, piece is finished!! Woot!! I decided to enter two pieces into the art show...here are some pics!!

Here are some details....

In the last three details you can see how I used 11mm seed beads as grout for the tiles. I also used 8mm seed beads; those are in yellow!

Hope you enjoyed this piece. Now to play with some filters...Ha!!

What fun!! I used filters from a site called www.befunky.com . I was using Picnik but they are closing so I was led to the BeFunky site. Fun place to go and play with photos!!

Have a magical and blessed day!'
Hugging you
SueAnn

Random Tuesday.....Is it spring yet???

2012-01-24T04:16:00.000-07:00

I know it is only January 24th, but I am ready for spring!! Sigh! Just saying.....! Snow is slowly melting and sun has been shining most days...so I am hopeful!!

Saturday night was the annual Holiday Party for John's company. We dressed to the nines and off we went. My son, Lee and his wife were attending as well. And they brought our third oldest granddaughter,Emma! It was so great to be able to spend some time with them. John sang Karaoke and Emma danced!! It was a fun evening! Here are some pics....oh...you must forgive me...got to the party and pulled out my camera. Took the first pic and camera spoke to me. Battery exhausted!! Ack!! You have got to be kidding!! Dam!! So had to use my phone and therefore, pics aren't that great! Sorry.....

Remember, a few weeks back...I got the idea to create a shoe hanging storage area in my bedroom!? Well, we finished it up and I have some photos of the new area....

moulding installed

hanging hooks

coat hooks installed

shoe storage bag installed on hooks

shoe storage

storage disappears behind door

Ta Da!!!!!!

Simple but effective shoe storage! I definitely love me my shoes!!! Now I can see some of them and they are not all over the floor!!

This week I am doing Valentine decor...will keep you posted!! I have some garland I purchased from ETSY and it is adorable. So I can't wait to get started!!

I have a terrible head cold this week!! Feeling yucky for sure. Stuffy, runny nose...scratchy throat....fever...the typical stuff. Went to the party and a couple of martinis were the best medicine ever!! Ha!! Still, we came home early and I went to bed. So much for being a party queen! Feeling somewhat better today...sigh! I hate colds!! It ranks right up there with snow and high winds!! Yuck!!

Got the nails and toes done this week and they looked party ready!!!

Don, the nail tech did a wonderful job!! My normal tech, Jessica, is out on maternity leave. She had a 6lb. 8oz. baby girl!!! Woot!! Mother and baby are doing great!! Jessica's mother is here for six months from Vietnam. So she has plenty of help!! But I miss her that is for sure!!

Oh! By the way! Dr. John brought this head cold home from the office. Thank you Dr. John!!! NOT!!!

Well, I am going back to bed. This cold is dragging me down. Work in progress photos will be posted on Thursday. It is looking good if I do say so myself! Ha!!

And now for the advertisement... go and visit Stacy at Stacy Uncorked to see what the other Randomizers are up too!! One just never knows where any of us will go!! Ha!! Also, go and nudge Keely of The UnMom...it is high time she return to Random Tuesday...I mean she was the Queen!!!

So good of you all to visit!!! Have a magical and blessed day!!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Silent Saturday ~ Ninety-Two!!!

2012-01-21T03:12:00.000-07:00

Spectacular sunrises....

We begin....

And we enjoy the day....

Have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

No! This is not ending!

2012-01-20T04:09:00.000-07:00

This blog will continue with art and photography!! Just saying.

I guess I created much confusion when I asked you to visit the new blog. Sorry about that!! The new blog is all about writing and imagery. I wanted to stretch myself this year so I will be doing two blogs! Just so you know. I would love for you to visit me at Suddenly Speaking and follow me there as well.

As always, I treasure your comments and feedback!!

Have a magical and blessed day
Hugging you
SueAnn

Follow me on my new blog!!

2012-01-19T04:18:00.000-07:00

Random Tuesday....And other such things!!

2012-01-17T03:20:00.000-07:00

January 17th??? OooooMmmmmGeeeee!! It wasn't but yesterday we were preparing a Thanksgiving dinner...turkey and the works!!?? And then we were decorating our trees; knowing Santa was preparing his reindeer and loading the sleigh!! 2011 faded away and 2012 is now looking us dead in the eyes! Resolutions; words of determination; and here we are....January 17th!!

Now my tree sits, barren...waiting for Valentine's day decorations!! Ha!! And a new year has begun. We have already talked of what we want for motivation...now what!! Guess it is time to get to work?? So I started in my studio and we got about 1/2 of it organized! Whew! Took many things to storage...Christmas decor and such! Will finish up today and start working on that painting. Do you remember the painting?

So as you can see...it is almost done! I started applying reeds and grasses to the middle section to create a new layer!!

As I said last week...this I will enter in the El Paso art show...due Feb. 1st! I better get cracking!! Ha!!

This coming Saturday night is John's company's Holiday Party!! It will be held at a Country Club on the west side of Albuquerque. Our son and his wife will be going as well. Our son also works for the company. His office is in Gallup...which is about 2.5 miles west of Albuquerque. Dinner, dancing and karaoke; fun night!! I will take plenty of pics. Dr. John always sings...Ha!! My granddaughter, Emma will be going too! Soooooooooo......more next week.

The snow is slowly melting and I just got a glimpse of my rock garden...my pride and joy!! And, oh boy...it looks sad. Forlorn even!! Going to have a lot of clean up and trimming to do. But I look forward to that! The snow has been hanging around forever...time for it to go. I am yearning for spring!!!! Here's a reminder....SNOW!

We did our errands last Saturday and picked up the dry cleaning. When we got home...Dr. John took the cleaning back to our bedroom while I put groceries away. I heard him call me. So I went back to see whst he wanted. He was standing in the middle of our bedroom and said, "Look at this?" He was standing ontop of a large wet area on our carpet!!!!!!! WTH??? On further investigation, it was soaking wet from our bedroom into the hallway!! We were now experiencing our worst fears! Our home is on a slab...so all the plumbing runs under the slab!!! Do we have a busted pipe?? Crap!! So, Dr. John turned the water off and I called a plumber...Roto Rooter!! They couldn't come until the following day!! Crap again!!

We pulled back the carpeting and pad and found no cracking of the concrete?? Where is the water coming from. I called our son, Lee, and told him what was going on. He said he was packing his bag and he would be here in three hours.!! Awwwww!! My son!!!!!!!!! Love!!!

Meanwhile, Dr. John is thinking...maybe not coming in from the floor. So he goes up on the roof. We have a flat roof. There he discovered a ice dam!! And it was located all around the plumbing stacks. There was cracking in the caulk at the base of the stacks!! Ah ha!!! Dr. John comes down and says, "The water is coming down the wall!" Huh!!!!???? We figure it was coming down the wall...the melting snow that is, and running across the floor and soaking the carpet!! Whew!!

Meanwhile, Lee is on his way here. He is bringing a coring machine to do a hole in the concrete!! Sigh!! Our bedroom and hallway is a disaster...carpet all pulled back and it is so wet!! And our water is off....!!!! And I have to pee!!!! Ha!!

To end this saga...Lee arrived!! Coring machine and suitcase in hand. Dr. John and he has a confab and decided Dr. John was right. Lee checked, also, the north side of the house. The snow had been pretty high against that wall...and now the the whole north side was saturated. So he dug a trench to get the water to drain away and get it away from the wall. Up on the roof, the snow had pretty much melted away from the stacks and they removed what was left. So both water sources dealt with! Sigh!!! Color me happy! Water back on...I got to pee!!! And carpet is drying out!!! We are now dry...everything is all back together and instead of costing us over $3000.00, it cost us $110.00. Carpet re-stretched and caulking!!!! Woot!!

Who has more fun?? Ha!!!

Cheri and I went shopping at Victoria's Secret!! Woot!! They had undies on sale!! A must for sure...!! Ha!! Then we met up with Ramona and went to see the movie, "A Joyful Noise"!! What a fun movie! We thoroughly enjoyed it. Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah!! What a combination...and it worked.

Then we had a wonderful lunch/dinner at the Plum Cafe!! Yum! I had honey chicken with fried rice and fresh veggies!! So tasty and fresh!! Loved it!

Whew!! Quite the lengthy post!! Time to close...but don't forget to visit Stacy at Stacy UnCorked and see what other Randomizers are doing!! And as we continue marching on, go and encourage Keely at The UnMom to pick up the banner and run ahead of us all!!

To all, be well! And have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Silent Saturday ~ Part Ninety-one!!

2012-01-14T01:46:00.000-07:00

Pocket Dreams

I walk through this world with a pen in my hand,

and a paint brush in my pocket;

looking for colors

and words that refresh

I walked through a sunset,

tawny and gold;

savage, yet scorching

searing my soul,

melting ideas; my dreams.

I walked through a forest; tall pine trees,

cool and mysterious, shadowing my mind;

halting my step with a sound.

I walked on the oceans; beaches of sand,

softly textured and bronze -

Suffocating my thoughts;

grasping my music and songs.

I waked through a garden,

flowers bending with dew;

dazzling colors, crushed and forgotten;

faded like days long gone.

I walked through this world,

with a pen in my hand;

and a paintbrush in my pocket.

The pen was forsaken,

the brush dried and worn;

all I have left is my pocket.

Have a magical and blessed day

Hugging you

SueAnn

Written by SueAnn...images by SueAnn...hope you enjoy both!

Random Tuesday....And boy am I feeling it today!!!!

2012-01-10T04:06:00.000-07:00

Random that is....feeling real random for sure!! Snow is still on the ground and wow is it cold!!! Feels like 10 below!! But the early morning sky has been so dramatic...full moon and thick clouds.

See...frosty and awesome!!!

Saw the movie..."Contagion". It was okay...and I mean "just" okay!! Starred (for a very brief time) Gwyneth Paltrow and Matt Damon.

The books written by Robin Cook...ie. Coma...are far more exciting. Contagion is about a super virus...kind of like the Swine Flu...that spreads like wild fire around the world! Scary because it could happen!! But for a movie...not so scary!! Ha!!

I have so many shoes!! It is so obscene!! Probably over 45 pairs!! Anywho...I have an over the door shoe rack that I use in my bedroom. It hangs over the main door and it prevents the door from closing all the way! Tis okay until we have company stay the night...then not so much!! So I am designing a rack that I can put on the blank wall behind the door to hang this rack. I will take pics when I finish. And I better quit buying shoes!!! Ha!

Silent Saturday hit ninety this past Saturday!!! Wowzers!!! When it hits 100...it will be giveaway time!! Any reason to celebrate I say. Giveaway and martini's all around!! Woot!!

As you can see...I have cleaned house here on the blog and had it re-designed!! I love it and hope you do too!! It was done by Heather Albrecht of Adora Bell Blog Design. The Original Belle !! Stop by her blog and see her work. She is super to work with and oh so reasonable. Thanks Heather!!

The snow is slowly melting! Yay!!! But boy has it been cold!! Brrrrrrr!! We (Cheri and I) were going to the movies on Sunday but it started snowing again! So we decided to stay home and do steaks and martini's!! After two of those...martinis that is...we didn't care how much it snowed! Ha!! Glad I only live two doors down from her!!

I started taking down my Christmas decorations. So far I have cleared the dining room and both bathrooms and the kitchen. Today will be the tree decor and the mantel!! Whew! Then we begin Valentine's day decorations. Woot!! Next stop...SPRING!!!!

I cleaned out a closet and found my old poetry and short stories. Now I can start my second blog. All about the art of words!! I will be working on it over the next few weeks. When it is ready for it's maiden voyage, I will let you know. It will also motivate me to get back to writing again too. I even have a children's book I wrote!!??!! Should get serious about getting it published! So much to do..so little time!!

Been feeling so lazy these last few weeks. I have my painting to finish and a commercial sign to repair and they both sit in my studio wondering when they will get some attention!! Sigh! Wondering the same thing myself! Ha!! Next week...I will get back to work!!

My New Year's word is COMPLETE! So I better get on with it!!

Hey! How about that Tebow!!?? Some good football this past weekend!! Dr. John and I sucked on our beers and cheered away!! Onward Giants and Broncos!! Go and kick some A##!!

They started printing Dr. John's book!! Woot!! It is already available for pre-order on Amazon!! OoooMmmmGeeee!!!

Well, it is time to get your Random on!! Take a gander at Stacy at Stacy Uncorked and see all the Randomizing that is going on over there!! Then go and knock on Keely's door at The UnMom and tell her quit dragging her feet and get back to Randomizing with the rest of us!! I mean...seriously!!

Have a terrific, magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Silent Saturday ~ Part Ninety!

2012-01-07T03:26:00.001-07:00

Fire and Ice

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate
To know that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

by Robert Frost

Have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Random Tuesday....Sated; Sexy and just a wee bit Tipsy!!

2012-01-03T01:15:00.000-07:00

Christmas has come and gone and I hope you all had a wonderful celebration. I sure did!! It was so nice being literally surrounded by family and friends!! Small house filled with 10 people...9 of whom spent three days here!! Ack!! It was fun though!! Here's a sample...

The weather outside was frightful....

But inside was filled with excitement and lots of coffee and sweet rolls!!

Then came the feast!!!

Plenty of food and we even had a Turducken!! A turkey, stuffed with a chicken, stuffed with a duck!! It was tasty but not enough duck!! And the stuffing they (Cajun Kitchen) made was nasty!! Ha! Glad I made regular stuffing!!

Finally sated....the kids did the clean up with minimal of arguing! Ha!! Then was all sat down and digested!! Here are some pics of the grandkids...

Cassie

Georgia

Emma

Georgia and Lee Jr.

My son Lee and Cassie

Lee, Lisa and Cassie

Fun times! Then we all went to the Cinema! We saw Mission Impossible!!! What an action packed film. Tom Cruise hasn't lost his touch!!

Tom Cruise climbing outside the tallest building in the world was something else!!

The next day, they all braved the snow drifts and went home! We collapsed!! Ha!!

Then we come to New Year's Eve!! Got dressed to the nines and went to dinner with friends!!

Buck and Cheri

Dr. John and myself

Kathy and Mike

We went to a wonderful Steakhouse...Paul's Monterey Inn in Albuquerque! Steak and shrimp...yummy! Oh and a couple of Martini's!! Ha!! Woot! Happy New Year!!

2012??? OOOOOMMMMMGGGGGGG!! How did that happen!!?? So it is that time! Time to organize the paperwork and make resolutions!! I am from the "One Word Resolution" camp!! Ha! Last year my word was "Achieve"!! And boy did I! Had a great year...sold some large paintings and many many baby dolls!! But I also started some projects and I still want to continue to lose weight. 50 lbs to be exact! Soooooooooo....my word this year is "Complete"!! I want to complete those things that I have started!! And so it begins..,.2012...I am here...ready to rumble!!

I am changing some things up on my blog as well. A new look is coming! And a giveaway! So stay tuned!!

Well, it is Random Tuesday and it is time to get it on!! Your Random that is! Visit Stacy of Stacy Uncorked and see what other Randomizations are occurring!! I just realized that I do a lot of "!" and "?". Just saying....
Also pay a visit to Keely of The UnMom as we patiently wait her return to Random Tuesday!!

Have a blessed and magical day.
Hugging you
SueAnn

Silent Saturday ~ Part Eighty-Nine

2011-12-31T02:40:00.001-07:00

Tick Tock I’m writing this in a state of shock,
Watching the clock—tick tock, tick tock,
Advancing, approaching, relentlessly,
A brand new year; Oh, can it be? The calendar says the same thing, too;
Time races, vanishes for me; Boo hoo!
No, wait! If time flies, I’m having fun!
A year of fun! It’s gone! It’s done! I now embrace the blur of time,
Because it simply means that I’m
Too busy with pleasure, joy, delight
To mourn the passing days’ swift flight. So I’m wishing you fast, happy days,
Pleasuring you in myriad ways,
Filled with happiness and cheer,
Oh Happy, Happy Bright New Year! By Joanna Fuchs

We've Holidays and happy days, and memory days galore
And when we've toasted every one, I offer just one more
So let us lift our glasses high, and drink a silent toast
To the day, deep buried in each heart
that each one loves the most

Auld Lang Syne
by Robert Burns

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Wishing you and yours the Happiest of New Years!!

Have a magical and blessed day!

Hugging you

SueAnn

Random Tuesday....Rolling along and still enjoying!!

2011-12-27T03:57:00.000-07:00

I sure had a fabulous celebration and my house is still filled with Christmas guests!! What fun! They decided they could stay longer. Woot!!'

So food supplies are running out and laundry room is filled to the brim. I hear the sounds of sleep and the dryer going! Ha!!

Hope you all had a great Christmas celebration as well! We had a fabulous feast (pics next week) and we even got out to the cinema!! What fun!!

Will see you on Saturday!!

Have a blessed and magical day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Random Tuesday.....Buried in snow; Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-20T04:16:00.000-07:00

Blizzard has hit! We have ten to twelve inches and it is freezing cold!! So much for last minute shopping!
Ha! But the good news ids house is all decorated and presents are wrapped and under the tree! Stockings are hung by the chimney with care!! Hope this clears up by tomorrow??!!

I just wanted to share some of our snow! I know you love it!!

Merry Christmas everyone! What with this blizzard and company coming...I am overwhelmed right now! Ha!! So I will be away from my blog until after the holidays. Have food to prepare and I have last minute shopping to do to prepare the feast! Did I tell you I found the Turducken? At the Cajun Kitchen!! Ha! My grandson will be so excited!!

In the mail, I received a wonderful surprise/gift from my Blog friend, Charlotte Smothers of Seahorse Ranch. She made a beautiful Christmas tag for me....

Beautiful isn't it?

Have a safe and fabulous Christmas. Laugh, sing and dance!! Hugs and kiss your family and friends! Enjoy yourself!!

May you be filled with peace and blessings and most of all, joy!

Hugging you
SueAnn

Silent Saturday ~ Part Eighty-Eight!!

2011-12-17T02:29:00.001-07:00

At Christmas A man is at his finest towards the finish of the year; 

He is almost what he should be when the Christmas season's here; 

Then he's thinking more of others than he's thought the months before, 

And the laughter of his children is a joy worth toiling for.

 
He is less a selfish creature than at any other time; 

When the Christmas spirit rules him he comes close to the sublime. 

Edgar Guest 

May you have a magical and blessed day! 

Hugging you,

SueAnn

PS.  This post won Post of the Week...!!!   Woot!!  Thank you Hilary of The Smitten Image!

A Christmas Gift for you!

2011-12-14T03:29:00.000-07:00

Just had to share. This was posted on "be yourself, everyone else is taken". What a beautiful gift !!
Merry Christmas!

Have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Random Tuesday....It's beginning to look....!!!!

2011-12-13T03:27:00.000-07:00

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!! Don't you think? I've got the snow! And the cold!! And the decorations and the baking supplies! Even smells like Christmas! So cool! I love this time of year! But I could do without the snow! Sigh! But it is pretty!

Thought I would share some of my decorations!!....

The mantle..

I decided to go COLOR this season... !! Now the tree!!...

The stockings....

I found these stockings for $1.00 a piece at Dollar Tree! Aren't they pretty? I just added the glitter names and wa la!! We have Christmas!!

Tablescape in living room...

I had a girls' day out with myself! Ha! I got my nails and toes done!! They are so Christmassy!!

My hands have ink and glue all over them...sorry about that! But the nails are the coolest!! 3D poinsettias!!

It was cold...it was snowy..but the sunrise was awesome...

I still have the dining room to decorate! This will happen today I hope! Surgery tomorrow!!! Yikes! I am now getting nervous! Ha!! Think of me around 9:30 A.M. MST!!

All my Christmas present shopping is done and 3/4 of the food shopping! I have last minute stuff to purchase; but that has to wait until next week. I sure hope I can get out and do it? But I know Cheri or Dr. John will give me a hand!! Good thing!! I need eggnog and orange juice! Oh! And some brandy!!

Don't you just love this time of year? People are smiling and helping each other! I love it!! And all the lights and decorations! Oh boy!!

Well, it's that time again boys and girls!! Random Tuesday...and all those wonderful bloggers who share their randomness with all of us!! You must go and visit Stacy at Stacy Uncorked! Then go and visit Keely at the UnMom and tell her we miss her and that we are waiting patiently for her return from the Zombie Wars!!

Have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Silent Saturday ~ Part Eighty-Six!!

2011-12-10T03:17:00.000-07:00

The day starts like any ordinary day! Sun rises...coffee brewing....then you open the front door....

Have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Random Tuesday...Coming to you from the frozen West!!!!

2011-12-06T03:19:00.000-07:00

You heard me!! Frozen I am...frozen!!! -3 degrees and counting!! Yep and 16 inches of snow!!!!!!

And you thought I was joking?? Ha!! Freeways closed...schools closed!! And boy is it cold!!! The driveway hasn't been plowed yet....so we can't get out!! Kind of nice actually...Dr. John home...snuggled by the fire!!!! Never mind....!!!!!

Was getting my nails done yesterday...sigh!!

Dr. John got the Christmas cards addressed and ready to go! Woot!! He also finished the Index for his book! So all is truly done book wise! Scheduled to be published in March, 2012!! Amazon is one book store that is offering it for pre-sale!! Double Woot!!!

I had gotten most of my Christmas shopping done!!!! For Dr. John, I got a -------- and a ------!! And for the g'daughters a ---------- and a --------- and --------------!! For g'son I got clothes and a very cool trick battery powered car! He will love it! What? I can't tell you what I got for them...they read this blog! Ha!!

Everyone is coming here for Christmas...so that is nine people and two miniature dogs!! So two blow up beds, one guest room bed and one couch. (plus the master bedroom bed) Done and done!! Oh and I ordered a Turduckin!! My g'son will be so excited! He has been wanting to try on of these for two years! It is a turkey, stuffed with a chicken, stuffed with a duck!!!!!! So we will see! If it tastes funky...I guess it is hotdogs!! Ha!!

Rest of the menu....sweet potato casserole, scalloped pineapple, cranberry relish, mashed taters, dressing ( corn bread and regular), deviled eggs, relish plate, pumpkin pie, lemon meringue pie, cherry pie, apple pie, rolls, and of course gravy!! Shucks...now I am hungry!! And full!! But this should be enough to feed nine people...right??

I have told you all that I hate the snow!! Just saying!!!

My BFF Cheri's mom turned 98 years old two weeks ago!! Woot! And she is one beautiful lady...sharp as a tack! No walker for her...she is strutin' her stuff for sure!! Happy Birthday Louise!!

Have I told you I hate snow!!?? This is a look at my driveway...see the front gate?? The UPS guy drove up this driveway and brought me a package!! Ha! He made it in and out! Woot! It was our gift for our son, Lee!! He will love the ------- and the -------!!

There is an area on my upper abdomen that I wasn't happy with....so doc is going to fix it!! No charge! So I am slated for surgery on Dec. 14th!! So I guess I am going to be a little sore for Christmas! But it needs to be done. Sooooooo!!!! Just telling ya!!!

In 1989, we left Ohio on a cold and wet day in December and drove three days to New Mexico with our Toyota van loaded with clothes (mine) and art supplies!! Oh! And my drawing table! My asthma had gotten so bad that I had been in the hospital for two and a half weeks and was not getting any better. So we decided it was time for a climate change!! Prayer was the order of the day! Asking for guidance and wisdom! We held an auction and sold just about everything we owned so that I would have enough money to survive on my own in New Mexico!!

So when we came into NM on I-40...we were shocked to see snow and freezing temps!! I thought it was supposed to be sunny New Mexico??? Sigh!! Coming from Ohio...I was totally fed up with snow and wanted no more of it! Came here and felt I was escaping it! Wrong! Then we bought a house up in the East Mountains where they get lots of snow!! Duh! No one told us!! Anywho...I hate snow...did I tell you all this? It is pretty but........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We found an apartment locator and they found a one bedroom apartment for me to live in. Nice place and the rent was very reasonable. I opened a checking account and transferred the auction proceeds into it. That was all the money we had for me to live here!

When I left Ohio, it was with a grocery bag filled with drugs to keep my asthma in check and keep me breathing!!!!! I was weak and scared! I wasn't ready to die!! And suffocating was not my idea of a good way to live or die!!!

More on this next week...getting a little long here!! Ha!!

Did I mention that I hate snow???? Sigh!!!

In March, Dr. John and I are going to San Fransisco for a GeoTech Conference!! Woot!! Sun and water...my kind of place!! And in February, Cheri and I are going to Tuscon, Az. for a jewelry conference! Fun times!!

Working on decorating for Christmas this week...so next Tuesday, will have some pics to share for sure! I need some holiday spirit right now.....how about you? Singing Jingle Bells yet?

Dr. John's truck needs four new tires....ouch!! Not a good time of year to need them money wise or weather wise!! Hope he can hang in there for a few more weeks??!!

This is the time of year when giving is the subject of the day...let us not forget the food kitchens! Local food banks are in desperate need of food, clothing and gifts for Christmas. Call them and see what you can do! And remember....this need is twelve months a year! I set up my checking account to automatically send a certain amount of dollars to two local food banks every month. That way I don't forget!! Not meaning to blow my own horn here...just offering a suggestion! Personally, it breaks my heart to know that the ranks of poverty have grown so! This economy is destroying our families!! Taking away homes and weekly paychecks! In the land of plenty...this is almost unbelievable!! Sorry...off my soap box now!!

Well, by now you know the drill....it's Random Tuesday and there are many Randomizers floating around blogland sharing their stories with all of us!! Time to visit them and you can start by stopping by Stacy's at Stacy Uncorked! And then visit those randomizers who are linked up there. And don't stop there! Go and encourage Keely, of The UnMom to take up the reigns of Random Tuesday again. We miss her randomizing for sure!!

Well, enough of my excitement...what about you? What is blowing your skirts (or shirt) up these days??

Have a magical and blessed day!!
Hugging you,
SueAnn

PS...Oops! I almost forgot! Eggnog!! Gotta have eggnog on Christmas day!! The good stuff...with brandy and a touch of nutmeg!! Ahhhhhh! Perfect!!

Silent Saturday ~ Part Eighty-Six!!!

2011-12-03T03:02:00.000-07:00

This day I would love to be sharing pictures like this...

But, alas...I am sharing these...

And these...

Brrrrrrr......

Yes, the first of the snows has arrived! Beautiful? Yes, it is! Cold? It is that too!! Skiers delight!!! But to me causes such a fright!! I hate driving in this and I have to go out early this morning! Sigh!!

Enjoy!

Have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Random Tuesday....Pampered and Stuffed!!!

2011-11-29T03:54:00.000-07:00

Missed you all last Tuesday...I was thinking of you though! As I lay on a massage table, wrapped in blankets and totally covered in warm mud!! Ahhhhhh!!! Well, I was thinking of you for a minute or so! Ha! I took Cheri to Buffalo Mountain Thunder for her spa experience. And I got to share in it!! Woot!!

Here is Cheri after her mud wrap and massage...

Totally relaxed! We ate this night in the casino! Neither of us gamble but the food was delish!!!

Great prime rib dinner!! Our room was so beautiful...

And the lobby was too!! Lots of etched and molded glass panels throughout!!

On the way home...yes! Sadly we had to leave! Sniff!! We stopped at Costco and purchased fixings for Thanksgiving dinner!!

For Thanksgiving, Dr. John and I spent a couple of days with our son, Lee Sr. and his wife, Ginger and the five kids! We had a wonderful time and the food was amazing!! Best ever!!

Georgia, 16 yrs. old

My son Lee Sr., and myself

Dr. John and myself

Lee Jr.

Cassie, 19 yrs.

Emma, 18 yrs.

Lisa, 22 years

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!? I sure did! And now on to Christmas!!!! Yikes! We did do some Black Friday shopping...but we got things for ourselves! Ha!! A brand new comforter set for guest bedroom...queen size...including throw pillows...$40.00!!! Slacks for Dr. John....at 50% off!!! And I picked up some sweaters at reduced costs! It was crowded but not crazy!! Whew! No pepper spray here! Fun times!

I cleared all the Halloween decorations from the house and took them to the storage unit. Now I have a blank slate for Christmas! I will start this week and take pics along the way!!

A few babies are left and I am putting them on sale prices!! I will be listing them on my ETSY store by the end of the week. If any of you are interested, just let me know and I will do free shipping. Just make a mention of this blog on the ETSY check out page!!

Yep! It is that time again!! We are patiently waiting for Keely at The UnMom to pick up the banner for Random Tuesday. See, she used to be our fearless leader...sigh! She has been missed and we want her back! But she has taken to fighting Zombies full time...so Stacy of Stacy Uncorked saw the banner laying on the ground and picked it up. She has been hosting Random Tuesday ever since. But she too wants Keely to return!! Sooooo!!! Get your Random on! And visit Keely and Stacy and see what Randomizers are doing world wide!!

Been great catching up with you! I will be around to visit over the next couple of days. Been so busy getting pampered and eating...well...you know how it can be??!! Ha!!

Have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Silent Saturday ~ Part Eighty-five!!!

2011-11-26T04:39:00.000-07:00

My wish for you is a very joyful Thanksgiving...surrounded with the people you love and adore...a table laden with favorite foods; rich in smells and textures!!

The sun streaming through the sumptuous leaves of the quaking Aspen...turning everything it touched into the palest of golden yellows!!

These tiny, colorful ferns may look delicate...yet, when this picture was taken, it was 26 degrees Fahrenheit and nary a leaf was curled!! Colorful and bold....this is my prayers for you!!

The stone is bold; yet, pleasing...nestled close to the delicate and colorful ferns!!

The baby Chamiso basks in the sunlight. Eager to start it's new life!!

From my heart to yours...Happy Thanksgiving!!

May you have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Silent Saturday ~ Part Eighty-Four

2011-11-19T03:27:00.000-07:00

A simple sunrise can take your breath away! Enjoy!

Have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Random Tuesday....Sante Fe and Beyond!!

2011-11-15T02:39:00.000-07:00

It's Randomizing Time!!!! Cha Cha Cha!!! Tuesday, November 15th!! You have got to be kidding me??!! Sheesh!! Time is zipping by...and before we know it...Christmas!!! Sorry..got carried away! Ha!

We drove to Santa Fe on the Turquoise Trail ( Route 14). We were driving to Buffalo Thunder Casino and Hotel!! They have a health spa here and I am taking Cheri to is for her birthday...Happy Birthday, Cheri!!!
I needed to know how to get there!! Fun trip!!

The birthday girl

Buffalo Thunder

on the road

to SantaFe

It was a fun trip and while we were at the Casino, we ate lunch. Fabulous buffet!! But all I could eat was the salad..filled me up!! Ha!!

I will be taking more pics of the inside of the Casino and Hotel when Cheri and I are there!! I can't wait!!

Well my healing has progressed nicely and I am beginning to feel more like myself! This took longer than I thought it would!! Patience is not one of my virtues. Ha! And I still have some abdominal touch up surgery in mid December. A spot I am not too happy about needs to be fixed! So...yeah!! NOT!!

Thanksgiving! One of my favorite holidays! Yummy food and family gatherings! What more could one ask for!! We are going to Gallup, NM to be with our son and his family. Gallup is about 3 hours west of us. It is a nice drive. We will be picking up our granddaughter, Cassie from college (UNM) and taking her home with us. We will also be celebrating three birthdays! My son and my granddaughters, Georgia (16 now) and Emma (18). Amazing!!

My contribution to Thanksgiving dinner is pumpkin pies and I am also going to make pumpkin cheesecake! Yum! Going to get a birthday cake as well!! We are going to have a blast!!

The doll show went well! It was a little on the slow side but I had many visitors. Many people are freaked out by the babies! Due to the fact they look so real! Ha!! I received one order and made one sale. So I was happy. Here are some of the babies!!

I made my prices very low to clear out my inventory! I will be taking the babies left to Cheri's Hair Salon and see if we can sell them there. A couple of her customers have expressed interest in obtaining a baby for themselves! Cheri purchased one and has it in her salon....rave reviews to far!!

The sunrise took my breath away the other day! Like flames in the sky....

Amazing, huh?

Had my nails and toes done yesterday and this day was a real treat!! She did sculptures on my nails of flowers. 3D!!!! So beautiful! Here are some pics....

My nail tech went to Vietnam to visit her parents and while there she took a class in this form of nail design. I love it! So unique and so beautiful! Took a little more time to get the design done but I think worth it!

Well, you know the drill! Time to visit Stacy at Stacy Uncorked and see what Random madness is going on over there!!! And then pop over to Keely's at The UnMom and encourage her to pick up the banner and begin Randomizing with us again. We miss her for sure!! By the way!! Isn't it time that YOU joined in the random celebration!!??!! I think so.....!!!!

Have a magical and blessed day!!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Silent Saturday ~ Part Eighty-Three

2011-11-12T03:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, the early morning sun transforms even the most ordinary into something magical!

This is our room divider screen! Magic!!

Our neighbors house!

Just wanted to share this bit of magic with you!

Have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Random Tuesday....Boringly recovering still and craft/doll show

2011-11-08T04:02:00.000-07:00

Something pretty this way comes...

Beautiful fall colors and these are so tiny. About one inch!!!!! So gorgeous...just had to share!!

Yep...fall/winter is here and I can't say I am thrilled! Just saying!!! I mean one day it is 70 degrees and the very next day it is snowing! Then the next day, high winds and pouring rain/sleet!! Sheesh!!! The saying is spring comes in like a lion. So now it is fall comes in like Godzilla!!!!

I just wanted to announce that Breaking Dawn is coming to theaters in a few days and I am so excited!! I get to see Edward and Bella finally get married. Of course, it won't be as easy as it sounds!!! Thrilling to say the least. A movies full of werewolves and vampires...oh my!!!! Woot!!

Speaking of weird weather...Saturday was the Craft/art show where I was setting up my tables with reborn babies and some crafts. We left about 6:45 AM and arrived at 7AM and it was windy and cold but no rain in sight. But they forecasted snow!! Dr. John and I unloaded the car and got everything inside. As I was setting up; sheets of rain and sleet hit!! It was awful and amazing all at the same time. I felt so sorry for those who arrived around 8AM to set up! They all came in like drowned rats!! I was dry and done with my booth! Woot!

I ended up selling three babies! Woot! And with the weather staying so awful until around 3 PM, I was thrilled and shocked. Because there weren't many customers at the show! Go figure!!!!????

Setting up next to me was my BFF, Cheri and she did well too! She had hats and jewelry. The hats were very popular!!

I purchased some beautiful fall mums for my rock garden! Planted them and was going to take some pics. Oh! I should correct that...Dr. John planted them. I sat and watched!! Ha! Anyway...the temperature dropped to 18 degrees over night and killed them! Sniff!!! No mums!! No pics!! Damn weather!!! Grrrrrrrr!!!

Mother nature is definitely messing with us...seriously!!

Recovery is still ongoing! This is taking longer than I expected! At least most of the pain has diminished! So that is good! No more pain pills!!!!! The swelling is going down and the incisions are healing nicely...slowly...but nicely! This has been tough...but oh so worth it!! Pictures coming soon!

This Saturday, will be my annual doll show! So let us hope that my winning ways continue. I have a question though...??? Should I pray for rain and sleet?? Ha!!

Well, this is Random Tuesday and lots of Randomizing is occurring throughout the blog world!! You should go and discover this for yourself. Make sure and pop by Stacy at Stacy Uncorked and see what is going on!! And then go and visit Keely at The UnMom and tell her that the Zombies now have their own show so she should just give up, and deal with it. Come back girl...we miss you!!

Have a magical and blessed day
Hugs
SueAnn

Random Tuesday...It's Party Time!!

2011-11-01T05:00:00.003-06:00

Betty Boop was visiting and took me to a fabulous party...let me share it with you!!!!!

Customize a digital scrapbooking design

What fun we had!!! I even saved all of your some spider cake and black widow poison punch!!! Yum!! Ha! I dressed as the Bride of Frankenstein and Dr. John was the Mad Hatter!! Everyone outdid themselves in their costume choices. Good times!!

Still recovering! Sheesh! Just saying....!

Busy preparing baby dolls for the art show on November 5th and the doll show November 12th! What was I thinking! When I get the babies all dressed and set up on the table, I will take pics so you can see their adorableness!! Also at the art show I hope to have some small collages and other decorative/craft items. But we will see what this week brings! I had many things done beforehand so.......

Dr. John had his company Halloween party yesterday and he went as the Mad Hatter! He looked good! He makes a great Mad Hatter!! I know...not a Jhonny Depp but adorable all the same!!


Dr. John and Moi!!

I don't know about you all but this upcoming election scares me and I am fearless!! I mean is one to vote for? The candidates are ..well.....ummmm....huh? Just my opinion now! Seriously....!!

Crossword puzzles! Can't get enough of them! That is what I have been doing while I recover! Ha! Keeps the old mind going and takes little effort! They have been quite enjoyable! Ha!

Well, my life is boring! This is all I have for this week! And you all know what that means. Stop by and visit Stacy at Stacy Uncorked and see what randomness is going on over there!! And then there is Keely of The UnMom!! This holiday is right up her alley! Zombies and the creepy crawlies...oh my!! Come back and Randomize dear Keely, our former fearless leader! See! She has been taking a break! So drop by and encourage her to COME BACK!!!!!!

Have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Silent Saturday ~ Part Eight-two!!

2011-10-29T01:28:00.000-06:00

Happy Saturday! Today is going to be a beautiful day! Mid 60's, mild winds and blue skies!! Wow! Don't ya just love fall?

But it wasn't this way on Friday morning...

Sorry!! I just had to share! Can you believe it? Snow!!!!! Yuk!!!

Back to our regularly scheduled program...

Have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Random Tuesday....Still Recovering - Sigh!!!!

2011-10-25T02:22:00.000-06:00

I thought by now I would be walking about 1.5 miles and feeling lots better!! Wrong!! Still having pain issues and retaining tons of fluid. My feet look like sausages!!!! Yuck! Doc put me on water pills and that has helped somewhat! But still...recovering!!

I was supposed to join in some Halloween parties and I just haven't been able too! Can't sit at computer long enough to get anything significant done. Sorry party goers!! Picture sad face here!!!

Would you believe they are forecasting snow for Wednesday night and Thursday here??? Sheesh!!! It is only October for golly sake!!!!!! If we have a bad snow year, I will be thoroughly bummed for sure!

Can't wait until Saturday night!! Halloween party and I sure hope I am up to it! Just have to make up some sandwiches to take..don my costume...take my Mojito mix...and show up!! Woot!!

Been talking to my mom a lot more lately. Her boyfriend died from stroke complications and she is feeling a little lost and sad! Wish I lived closer!! Poor mom!! Let's all send her some love and hugs!!


Mom and I outside Hartville Chocolate Factory

Got my nails and toes done yesterday...they had a heck of time with my swollen feet...can we say...SORE!! Anyhow...had them painted black!! All in the spirit of the season ya know!! With little ghosts on the big toe and my ring finger!! So cute! Will take pics when I am all decked out in my Halloween costume Saturday night. Plan on taking pics at party too! Woot!! Woot!!

Joey came and helped me out again by mulching my new trees!! Thank you Joey! Now I have another helper, Nick, and he is repairing the stucco around the wall of the hot tub room! Lots of cracks and abrasions!! So needed! Thank you Nick! Will take pics and post next week!!

Here's some Halloween goodies for your viewing pleasure....

Sunrise...

Ordering some firewood for the fireplace this week! I think we are going to need it!! Sigh!! One cord of split cedar coming up!!

Hey! The Cleveland Browns won their football game this past Sunday!! Woot! But it had to be one of the sloppiest and boring games I have ever seen. They played the Seahawks and I swear...it was like watching a high school game!! Sigh! Yes they won; but seriously!! They need a lot of practice! Sheesh! And they get paid how much per year?????

Thinking of getting a new car soon! The truck has well over 300,000 miles on it! Boy! You can't beat a Toyota!! It's a 1994 Toyota T-100. Still runs like a champ! But I think it is time to have a back up plan. So we are looking! I am leaning towards a Toyota Yaris! Price is right and gas mileage is fabulous!! Will let you know!!

I just can't sit here any longer! So you know the plan. Go and pay a visit to Stacy at Stacy Uncorked!! See what other Randomness is going on!! Also, don't forget sweet Keely of The UnMom...even though she is busy reading herself again future Zombie attacks...maybe your visit will help her come back and join us on a regular basis!!???

Thanks for stopping by!! Have a magical and blessed day!!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Silent Saturday ~ Part Eighty-one!!!!

2011-10-22T03:13:00.000-06:00

Some pics to soothe your soul and delight your eyes! Have a magical and blessed day!!

Hugging you,
SueAnn

Random Tuesday......Celebrating Fall and Loving it!!

2011-10-18T02:16:00.000-06:00

October 18th?? You have got to be kidding me!! It truly is fall and the skies are so blue and the air is so clean. I love it!! The weather has been perfect....mild during the days and cold at night! Great for sleeping.
Though I must say my sleep still isn't back to normal. All the corsets and stitches make it impossible for me to really get any rest yet. But I am one happy girl for sure!!

Let's enjoy some fall skies!! Shall we???

Aren't they beautiful?

Dr. John planted a tomato plant back in June hoping for some real tomatoes for a change. Usually the plants die off by September producing no fruit! Not so this year!! He is so proud. Covering the plants every night with heavy clear plastic and putting a light inside has made all the difference. The plant is now huge!! And has fruit like we have never seen!! Way to go Dr. John!!! Woot!! Woot!!

Gorgeous huh????

My Yarrow plant and Mint has also gone wild!! What's up with that?

Front door and porch have been decorated for fall...thanks to my fav helper, Joey!!

Still a little rough....hard to do tweeking when you can't bend down or over yet! Ha!! Will take more pics when finished!!

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your sweet well wishes for my speedy recovery. I am doing well and starting to get around pretty good!! Pain is manageable and drains have been removed. That I am so happy about! My belly is nice and flat and my breasts (sorry guys) are fabulous! Ha!! I am very pleased!! So thank you all and thank you Jesus!! This has been a long journey!!! Now the next phase...SHOPPING!!!!!!

Hello Lisa!! I miss you and I am so glad you got a phone!!! So cool!!

Time for me to lay down!! I can only sit up for so long and then it starts burning! Ouch!! But you know the drill! Go and visit Stacy at Stacy UnCorked and see what other Randomness is going on. Lots and lots I am sure! And I always wonder if ~~and when~~ the Zombies will snatch Keely at The UnMom and take her away!!!! Keely is still on hiatus and we miss her terribly.....come back to Randomness dear girl. Only we can protect you for the upcoming Zombie attack!! Time to Randomize!!!

Have a magical and blesses day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Random Tuesday....I survived!!!

2011-10-11T04:36:00.000-06:00

I survived!!! I am well and so thankful for all your prayers and well wishes!!

Surgery took about 6 hours and he carved away 7 pounds!! Woot!! Right now I am trussed up like a turkey!! Ha!! And definitely in some pain. But all doable!!

Hope you all are well and I hope to be back on schedule next week!! Now don't forget and do that Random Shuffle!! Go and visit Stacey, at Stacey Uncorked and see what she and the other randomizers are up too!! Also, go and say hi to Keely of The UnMom!! She is on hiatus and we missed her terribly!!

Behave and see you next Tuesday with some interesting items I am sure!!

Have a blessed and magical day!!
Hugging you

SueAnn

RandomTuesday....T'was the night before......!!!

2011-10-04T05:23:00.000-06:00

Well the time has finally come!! Surgery is tomorrow morning at 7A.M. MST!!! OMG!! I can hardly believe it!!??!! Prayers and positive thoughts would be much appreciated. Surgery will last about 6 hours!

Whew!! Dr. John is nervous...I am both nervous and excited! Woot! Woot! It goes without saying that there will be no posts from me until next Tuesday...at least that is my hope. See you on the other side!!!

Ha!!

I have had such an allergy head...the pollen count is out of the roof!! Here is one of the culprits! My Juniper tree.....

Those ends are the culprit,.....the pollen generator!!! Yuk!! Nice to have trees but ugh...the head isn't happy. Migraines and sore throat and head congestion! Miserable!! I know. I am whining!! Sorry! Guess I am so miserable because I can't take anything....because of the upcoming surgery. I can only take Tylenol!! Doesn't help with congestion at all! Sigh!!

Hey! It's October...the first week!! That means the annual Balloon Festival is in full swing!!!

This is from my TV! Ha! All those little things under the balloons are people! Talk about crowds! Wowzers! We were going to go...but the first days are the most crowded. So by the time the crowds diminish somewhat, well I will be unable to go!! (crowds swell from 600,000 to 300,000!!!) Or something like that!! Anyway, our local news channel has live pics so I thought I would share at least those! If you have never seen this festival..,.you must come!!! It is amazing! Several evenings during the 10 day event, they have what they call The Balloon Glow. The balloons stay tethered to the ground and fire up their burners...the balloon just glows! It is so beautiful! I do have a very nice guest room by the way...just saying!!

I am gonna be there next year for sure!! Come!!!

Sunset...

In case you missed it...here are a couple of pics of my Halloween decorations...well some of them...

mantel

tablescape

More to come....

My friend, Cheri is throwing a Halloween party on October 29th!!! 6 to 9 P.M.!! B.Y.O.B. and potluck!! Costumes required for sure!! She has been decorating for over two weeks now and she has the coolest creatures!! I will be doing lots of photos very soon! SPOOKY !!!

Ray, the owner of a landscape company (sorry the name escapes me right now), is coming to replace my old, ancient peach tree with a new one. He is also going to see up the irrigation system to incorporate the new trees! Whew!! Watering them takes two hours!! Yikes! Dr. John does most of it and he is looking forward to the conversion from man power to electric power for sure!! Ha!!!

Speaking of Dr. John...they gave him a publishing date! March, 2012!! Woot!! Woot!!! We are so excited!! Picturing me jumping up and down and clapping loudly!!

I AM SO EXCITED!!! Just saying!!

Took my granddaughter, Cassie, to California Pizza!! Cost....$92.00!!! Yikes! Can you say...DELICIOUS!! But oh so expensive!! Didn't realize! I had an Asian Plum Martini and wow!!! It is sooooooo good.

Can you say......YUMMY!!! As you can see...they have several specialties in martinis!!

Well I am going to take this excitement and get some last minute things done....so...go and visit Stacy at Stacy Uncorked!! She has some random things to share with you! I just know it! Also, other Randomizers are hanging out with her today...so check them out too!! Remember to go and say hi to Keely and tell her the hiatus should be over by now....Keely is The UnMom! Tell her I said hello!!!!!

So good to see all of you!!!

Have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Silent Saturday ~ Part Eighty!!

2011-10-01T03:18:00.000-06:00

Sunset

Something a little different for this Silent Saturday...a little holiday fare!!!!

mantle

And a tablescape....

A little traveling music.....as we check out the sunset over the Sandia Mountains!!!

Have a magical and blessed day!
I am off to the Balloon Festival of 2011 in Albuquerque!!
Hugging you
SueAnn

Work in Progress ~ Week 8!!

2011-09-29T03:30:00.000-06:00

Last time it looked like this

Thought I would share the latest pics of my WIP! Here is where I am at now....

And some close up pics...

before detail (close up)

now

I still have to add more reeds and then I plan on doing some stitching! So there you have it!

I am also working on some items for my art/craft show which is coming up in November! The 5th!
So...more pics coming!

Thanks for peeking!

Have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn