"best walk-up...

"best walk-up...
Originally uploaded by cookievf

in all of baseball" describes one ESPN announcer... and don't we know it!

This blog WOULD NOT be an accurate portrayal of what makes me tick, without a post about my love affaif with this team of WORLD CHAAMPIONS!!

All I am I owe to my mother

Cradling her babies in a soft embrace

Rocking them to sleep

The epitome of serenity and grace

She is my mother

Fairytales & princesses

Elves and toads and gnomes

Lullabys and kisses

That was my childhood

A loving wife for 60 years

Positive, loving and strong

Raised her children to have no fears

She is my hero

Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

I'm sure you must be familiar with the expression, "you're never too old to learn." Funny thing, one of my personal "Aha! moments" was... you're never too old! Let me explain.

For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to work with TEENS. Truthfully, my desire to get involved began when ->I<- was a teenager myself and it took

20+ years to bear fruit!

I began my current involvement with mentoring in 1997 at the "ripe old age" of 42!

I've worn many hats within a local Big Brother/Big Sister-type organization, in addition to the 5 years spent in one-on-one relationships with children. Fund raising, chaperone, planning activities, recruiting, speaking and the best part? Two of the three children are actively in my life, today!

This post and the 2 pics above (2002 & 2008) are in celebration of a very special relationship between two friends and a reunion that just took place two weeks ago. I can already sense the reforming of this precious bond on a foundation that was so carefully formed 6 years ago.

I AM BLESSED!

Jolene L. Roehlkepartain, wrote "“Everyone in a community can make a difference in the lives of children and youth. Even if you don't think you can tackle tough problems such as a violence, alcohol and other drug use, or school problems, you can make a difference by being a caring, responsible friend for young people.” Need some ideas for what you can do today? Here are 150 of them.

150 Ways To Show Kids You Care

Notice them.
Smile a lot.
Acknowledge them.
Learn their names.
Seek them out.
Remember their birthday.
Ask them about themselves
Look in their eyes when you talk to them.
Listen to them.
Play with them.
Read aloud together.
Giggle together.
Be nice.
Say yes a lot.
Tell them their feelings are okay.
Set boundaries that keep them safe.
Be honest.
Be yourself.
Listen to their stories.
Hug them.
Forget your worries sometimes and concentrate only on them.
Notice when they're acting differently.
Present options when they seek your counsel.
Play outside together.
Surprise them.
Stay with them when they're afraid.
Invite them over for juice.
Suggest better behaviors when they act out.
Feed them when they're hungry.
Delight in their discoveries.
Share their excitement.
Send them a letter or postcard.
Follow them when they lead.
Notice when they're absent.
Call them to say hello.
Hide surprises for them to find.
Give them space when they need it.
Contribute to their collections.
Discuss their dreams and nightmares.
Laugh at their jokes.
Be relaxed.
Kneel, squat, or sit so you're at their eye level.
Answer their questions.
Tell them how terrific they are.
Create a tradition with them and keep it.
Learn what they have to teach.
Use your ears more than your mouth.
Make yourself available.
Show up at their concerts, games, and events.
Find a common interest.
Hold hands during a walk.
Apologize when you've done something wrong.
Listen to their favorite music with them.
Keep the promises you make.
Wave and smile when you part.
Display their artwork in your home.
Thank them.
Point out what you like about them.
Clip magazine pictures or articles that interest them.
Give them lots of compliments.
Catch them doing something right.
Encourage win-win solutions.
Give them your undivided attention.
Ask for their opinion.
Have fun together.
Be curious with them.
Introduce them to your friends and family.
Tell them how much you like being with them.
Let them solve most of their own problems.
Meet their friends.
Meet their parents.
Let them tell you how they feel.
Help them become an expert at something.
Be excited when you see them.
Tell them about yourself.
Let them act their age.
Praise more; criticize less.
Be consistent.
Admit when you make a mistake.
Enjoy your time together.
Give them a special nickname.
Marvel at what they can do.
Tell them how proud you are of them.
Pamper them.
Unwind together.
Be happy.
Ask them to help you.
Support them.
Applaud their successes.
Deal with problems and conflicts while they're still small.
Chaperone a dance.
Tell them stories in which they are the hero.
Believe in them.
Nurture them with good food.
Be flexible.
Delight in their uniqueness.
Let them make mistakes.
Notice when they grow.
Wave and honk when you drive by them.
Give them immediate feedback.
Include them in conversations.
Respect them.
Join in their adventures.
Visit their schools.
Help them learn something new.
Be understanding when they have a difficult day.
Give them good choices.
Respect the choices they make.
Be silly together.
Hang out together.
Make time.
Inspire their creativity.
Accept them as they are.
Become their advocate.
Appreciate their personality.
Talk openly with them.
Tolerate their interruptions.
Trust them.
Share a secret.
Write a chalk message on their sidewalk.
Create a safe, open environment.
Be available.
Cheer their accomplishments.
Encourage them to help others.
Tackle new tasks together.
Believe what they say.
Help them take a stand and stand with them.
Daydream with them.
Do what they like to do.
Make decisions together.
Magnify their magnificence.
Build something together.
Encourage them to think big.
Celebrate their firsts and lasts, such as the first day of school.
Go places together.
Welcome their suggestions.
Visit them when they're sick.
Tape record a message for them.
Help them learn from mistakes.
Be sincere.
Introduce them to people of excellence.
Tell them what you expect of them.
Give them your phone number.
Introduce them to new experiences.
Share a meal together.
Talk directly together.
Be spontaneous.
Expect their best; don't expect perfection.
Empower them to help and be themselves.
Love them, no matter what.

Celebrate Earth Day! Do Your Part!

In 1962 Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" was published. She said "Who has decided - who has the right to decide - for the countless regions of people who were not consulted that the supreme value is a world without insects, even though it be also a world ungraced by the curving wing of a bird in flight?" "Over increasingly large areas of the United States, spring now comes unheralded by the return of the birds, and the early mornings are strangely silent where once they were filled with the beauty of bird song." The book stimulated the environmental movement.

Earth Day is a time to celebrate the gains we've made toward environmental progress. It's also a chance to re-focus on OUR part of the equation both at the local level and in our own backyard. Make a commitment today to volunteer and support your community wherever there is a need.

Another great idea is to have your backyard certified as a wildlife habitat! Part of which, is the importance of including native plants in your yard.

(and on a personal note) I have such happy news ~ and just in time for the nesting season!! On top of my honey-do list (actually this was the ONLY thing on the list) DH finally took the bluebird box down a few weeks ago expecting to see 14 nests CRAMMED inside. To our amazement, after many, many successful nestings, there was only ONE. I can't tell you what a relief it was for both of us.





And the best news? Yesterday morning I saw a female Eastern Bluebird sitting on top of the box with a twig in her beak! This is how I spell S.U.C.C.E.S.S!! Truly, there are no words to describe how it feels to know you are part of the continuation of a species!

"I wish you bluebirds in the spring,

To give your heart a song to sing,

And then a kiss,

But more than this, I wish you love!"

excerpt from "I Wish You Love"

sung by Frank Sinatra, written by A. A. Beach & C. Trenet.

American Gothic

Here is a small sampling from my road trip on Sunday. About 20 miles from home, this trip really begins just beyond the Ten Mile River Amtrack RR station (near Kent, CT), heading north on Route 22 along the CT/NY state border to extreme southwestern VT.

ONE OF THE BEST TRIPS FOR PHOTO OPS!!!

Putting my "TWIST"

...on an Altered Postcard.

"Save This Dance"

Inspiration:
I'm not saying who the recipient is, (it goes postal tomorrow) but she inspired me to make my very first attempt!

Dimensions:
5.5" x 3.5"

The process:
I first layered two pieces of heavy cardstock, placing a print of a vintage postcard on the back and layering the front with torn pages from a phone book that were covered with distrss ink. I made the label here. Added images of a dance ticket, my favorite actress, Olive Thomas as well as the vintage keyboard diagram. Lastly, I added 2 Prima flowers with a brad, touches of goldleaf and a high gloss glaze.... with more to come!

Frozen Grand Central

Thanks to Sadie, for sharing this ULTRA cool video in her 3/26 post on Artsy, Etc.


For more about the latest mission.

EARTH HOUR TONIGHT!

click here

to learn why we should ALL turn our lights off for one hour from 8-9PM, no matter what time zone you are in, on Saturday 29th!

I thank you and our precious MOTHER EARTH thanks you!

Irish Heritage

A very special

Saint Patrick's Day Tribute

to my dear, sweet Irish ancestors!

laura adella murphy 1859-1911

(And a very early ATC made in Sept 2006 for a swap about Ireland! )

(Husband below) Laura's father, Samuel T. Murphy was the Mayor of Gloucester City, NJ in 1872, when she was 13 years old. There's no doubt that she's Irish... I am still tracing her origins!


joseph edward farquhar 1856-1926

(my maiden name) This branch of my father's family tree, has been traced 6 generations (I am the 7th) to 1777 in Ballinahinch, County Down, Northern Ireland. Joseph's father, Thomas, was born in Ireland in 1811 and along with his wife, Elizabeth, three daughters and two sons, sailed to this country from Glasgow on the ship "Ticonderoga, of the Cape." They eventually had 17 children, sadly, many of them did not survive. His first residence was in Philadelphia where he established a distillery and a shawl weaving mill. He later had a bakery across the street from his home. Next he moved his family to Gloucester, NJ as the Civil War began, purchasing a double lot & frame house where he conducted a bakery & carpet weaving mill.

My lovely aunt Laura, our family historian and matriarch, has just turned a robust 91 years old this month! Happy Birthday, dear aunt and fellow Piscean! She is her grandmother, Laura Adella Murphy Farquhar's namesake and I mention her here for two reasons. Through tireless research, she has provided our family with all of the historical data for these two individuals AND because she recently presented me with a Farquhar-family heirloom: a 71" x 68

wool paisley shawl beige, red, black & grey)

that belonged to Thomas. It may have been made in his weaving mill or it may have accompanied him on his voyage to America approximately 140 years ago! Not knowing it's age or origin, it could be from his parents in Ireland or more distant ancestors from Scotland, where this family of Farquhars are documented weavers. I will soon begin the search for a textile historian to help me uncover the truth!

EDIT: great-grandfather had a rebellious streak!

An excerpt from a booklet commemorating the 125th anniversary of the First Methodist Church, Gloucester City, NJ (1839-1964)

"From old records: Leaders in 1854 - Samuel T. Murphy. Admitted to Membership: Susanna Murphy in 1854 (joseph's future mother & father-in-law, laura's parents). JOSEPH FARQUHAR in 1859 (age 3)."

And the best part: "At Leaders and Stewards meeting December 28th, 1873, JOSEPH FARQUHAR (at age 17) was allowed to withdraw from the church, he being determined to attend a dancing school."

My rebellious streak has been traced!!

rebecca brown 1866-1941

From my mother's branch of the family tree, Rebecca was born in Coleraine, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. I have inherited a gorgeous, handmade

white linen tablecloth

that Rebecca brought with her to America. It's covered with shamrocks and celtic harps!

An Irish Blessing

"May the rains sweep gentle across your fields,

May the sun warm the land,

May every good seed you have planted bear fruit,

And late summer find you standing in fields of plenty."

little old cardmaker..

...that's me! It's hard to believe that 12 years have passed since I discovered the wonderful world of Rubber Stamping & Cardmaking! Paper Art was, and still is, my very first love.

In 1996, one of my co-workers was fairly excited to tell me about a new hobby she'd discovered after attending a Creative Memories party. I have to admit, I became curious when she said her dad had to build a special set of shelves to house her growing stamp collection!

A few days later, she arrived at the office with two HUGE plastic tubs that were filled to the brim with markers, ink, scissors, paper and stamps galore! It was truly love-at-first-sight and marked the beginning of a very special journey!

Since then I have discovered more art than I've ever dreamed of including but not limited to: fat books, skinny books, round robins, swaps, trades, journals, altered playing cards, tins, matchboxes, books, CDs and cabinet cards, bookbinding, assemblage, mail art, ATCs, and mixed media collage. But, more important than all of this combined ~ I discovered YOU! The warm, generous people who have filled my life and my heart to o.v.e.r.f.l.o.w.i.n.g! I am richer for it. I am blessed. Thank you! - xo

"one fine morning" 02/08

print made from an original ATC, glazed, matted and 3-D mounted over mesh,

silk ribbon, vellum and cardstock, edged in gold-leaf

Inspire me Thursday

I'm happy to learn that this wonderful resource is back. This week's challenge at IMT is FACES! I realize our entry should me Mixed Media... it's just that photography is my second love - so please forgive this out-of-the-box entry! Here are some favorite pics of our boys, Satch and Sam.

"Thou art the Great Cat, the avenger of the Gods,

and the judge of words,

and the president of the sovereign chiefs

and the governor of the holy circle;

thou art indeed... the Great Cat"

- inscription on the Royal Tombs at Thebes

"Idling has always been my strong point.

I take no credit to myself - it is a gift!"

- Jerome K. Jerome

"Cats are intended to teach us

that not EVERYTHING in nature has a function!"
- Anonymous

Juliet is the Sun

My love affair with the works of Shakespeare began four decades ago, at just 12 years old. That was the year I studied "The Merchant of Venice" in Mrs. Van Ryper's 7th grade English class.. lucky me!

~ this is for you ~

"moon envy"

"But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?

It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.

Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,

Who is already sick and pale with grief

That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she."

- Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, first published in 1597
- The Balcony Scene - Act 2, Scene 2

Incredibly, this timeless story of "star-crossed lovers" was written over 400 years ago! Imagine how empty our lives would be without our rich history of art and literature?

baby boomer beginnings

Since I'm in a sentimental mood, having just uncovered a collection of old photos, I will reminisce a little about my formative years! Read on.....

This pic was taken in our shared driveway in Lafayette Hill just outside the city limits of Philadelphia, PA. I spent the first 19 years of my life in a subdivision of 30+ homes built during the post war boom about 1950. My folks moved around during the first 5 years of marriage, before starting a family. Mom said to me once, "I wanted to be secure in my relationship as a WIFE first, before becoming a mother." She was and still is very practical. I love that about her! Back to the story... as newlyweds, they lived with relatives for a while (the horror!) and eventually found their first home about a year before my older brother was born.

Since my father was a WWII veteran, he qualified for a Veteran's Administration mortgage ($9,999.00) and borrowed the $200 down payment from his father-in-law! What an exciting time that must've been, sharing much in common with all of the other young familes in the neighborhood. I remember mom sewed slipcovers for their new furniture and explained that they spent alot of money on their wool rug "since it had to last for 15 years!" Practicality was the order of the day. For Christmas dad only wanted film for his camera so the rest could go for the kids. (and, thank goodness for that film!)

The family car is behind us (a ford?) and our colonial-style 3 BR house is to the left, hidden except for a section of fence. On a small hill out back, you can see the beginning of a hedge that separated our yard from the houses behind us. It eventually obscured that view. Adding to our backyard privacy, dad planted many lovely shrubs and trees. I clearly recall the red maple, double flowering Korean cherry tree, 3 flowering crabapples, another maple, a beech tree (used for nighttime escapes as a teenager!) and their beloved Peach tree. My father and his father loved planting flowers and being in the dirt! They both grew roses and many other lovlies! Two MASSIVE willow trees grew behind the house. They supported our tire swing and shaded our home-made playhouse that dad painted to match or pink & brown house.

Playhouse memories: Barbies, Old Maid, Crazy Eights and Rummy, drawing for HOURS on the long built-in table, fun houses (blindfolding the neighborhood kids, making them feel a bowl of peeled grapes & telling them they were eyeballs! I think we charged 5 cents admission), hide & seek, jumping off of the roof! (my poor mother), and smoking my parent's cigarettes!

I hope you enjoyed taking this Trip Down Memory Lane with me. I encourage you to comment with a few of your own or include a link to your own blog of precious childhood memories !

what brings YOU joy?

These are just a few of my favorite things!

• architectural detail & macro photography
• exploring New York City with my best friend/husband
• volunteering with at-risk children & making memories together
• light refelction & depression glass
• lazy days with my cat-kids

I would love to know what brings you joy!

Please feel free to leave a comment or a link to your OWN list!

Bon Annee~Gutes Neues Jahr~Feliz Año Nuevo~Gelukkig Nieuwjaar~Happy New Year!!

Tripping, slipping, skipping,

Like a child in its wooing grace,

With never a tear and never a fear,

And a light in its laughing face;

With hands held out to greet us,

With gay little steps to meet us,

With sweet eyes that entreat us,

The new year comes to its place.

Coming, coming, coming!

Promising lovely things -

The gold and the gray of a summer day,

The winter with fleecy wings;

Promising swift birds glancing,

And the patter of raindrops dancing,

And the sunbeam's arrowy lancing,

Dear gifts the new year brings.

an excerpt from "A Happy New Year" by Margaret Sangster

note: Margaret Sangster was a nineteenth century author and editor born February 22, 1838 in New Rochelle, New York. She is probably most noted for her work as editor of Harper's Bazaar.

A Very Vintage Vicki

This treasured photo is from my Family Album, Christmas 1965! At 10 years old I was attending 5th grade at Whitemarsh Elementary School in Pennsylvania and my best friend's name was Carrie Lukeman. (don't you just love the stretch pants?) Although I've strained to see what was under the tree that year... the memory of what I cherished most this time of year is crystal clear:

• Having my mom's mother and step-father, Alice and Walter King (affectionally, "Gaga and Pop Pop"), spend the night with us on Christmas Eve
• Singing along to our favorite christmas carols that dad compiled from his LP collection and taped on his Wollensak reel-to-reel. Here's a link to one of our favorites!
• Putting out cookies & milk for santa and carrots for his reindeer.
  
• Mom & Dad sleeping downstairs on the pull-out couch so they could take care of all the finishing touches before christmas morning! Assembling toys, putting up the HO train table with the plaster-of-paris tunnel & lighted village, stuffing stockings, nibbling on cookies & carrots and arranging gifts under the tree.
• One of the grown-ups reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and the Christmas Story from the bible.
• PRAYING for a white christmas.
• Driving around with the family to look at christmas lights.
• Picking out a cut-tree together a few blocks from home at Miles Park.
• Dad & I fiddling with several strings of large, multi-colored lights, replacing bulbs and laughing together! Then hanging them on the bushes outside & inside on our tree.
• The whole family decorating the tree together - pop-pop untangling the hooks and gaga telling us exactly where to place the satin balls, tinsel, plastic ornaments & treasured keepsakes.
• My brother & I begging our grandparents to wake-up, then sitting at the top of the stairs on the hope chest, squirming impatiently, waiting for our parent's "OKAY!"
• Finally, a very special memory - One christmas eve, the two of us took a ride in the old Ford Victoria with Dad in the midst of a blinding snowstorm. Our destimation was our humble Messiah Methodist Church which my parents helped to found. Dad wasn't about to let the storm deter him because we were on an important mission! He was in charge of setting up his tape recorder to play a continuous loop of special christmas music for the silent midnight prayer service. Having arrived before one of the parishoners could plow the steep driveway, we each carried a box filled with wires, speakers, and tapes then hiked together through the deepening snow drifts up to the church. Then, with the set-up complete and snow softly falling outside, I can remember the feeling of PEACE and AWE that welled up inside me as those cherished songs began to play! "Oh, holy night! The stars are brightly shining. This is the night of our dear Savior's birth!"

EDITED 12.31.07: When I mentioned this blog to my mom (84), she reminded me that she "baked a birthday cake for Jesus" when we were young. It was important to my parents that we celebrated the true meaning of Christmas in our home. I hope that plays a part in your celebrations as well! It's our ACTIONS that speak louder than words. xo

a holiday wish

"oh the weather outside is frightful, and the fire is so delightful!"

I can't imagine a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon ~ than creating some new holiday memories INSIDE while it's snowing OUTSIDE, can you? Wherever you live, may the holiday spirit be shining brightly for you and for those that you hold dear.

Blessings from my heart to yours! XO

Empress Theodora

WARNING!! Photo Shop is highly addictive and I have proof!! I burned the midnight oil on this and a few others (see my flickr site) and went to bed last night around 4 am!

I know the character name (see title) but do not know the actress. Any information is appreciated!!

Details:
Theodora was the wife of Justinian I who was crowned Emperor of the Byzantine Empire in 527 AD. As his wife, she ruled by his side, as his partner, and her intelligence helped to advance the Empire.

The exact place of her birth has not been agreed upon. While some historians say she was born on the island of Crete off the coast of Greece, others speculate that she might have been born in Syria. Whichever the case, she was brought up as the daughter of a bear trainer who worked at the Hippodrome (a huge stadium-like circus), in Constantinople. She worked there as a mime, and later as a full time actress. At the time, acting was not a highly esteemed occupation especially for women, so the term 'actress' was considered synonymous with the term 'prostitute'. While on stage she was remembered for her daring entertainment skills, off stage however, she lived a normal youthful life and was most remembered for her wild parties.

Room in Your Heart

A Place To Bark - a no-kill foster and adoption rescue. It is also a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization so donations are tax deductible. All monies and items go directly to the care of the animals!

Bernie Berlin is an accomplished Mixed Media Artist who runs a full-time dog rescue, taking in dogs that have been abandoned, abused or police confiscated. She fosters, retrains, transports with the goal of ADOPTION! Cats are also welcome at her rescue. She is drawn to the unwanted, unloved and misunderstood. Bernie hopes to educate and effect change for the animals that do not have a voice of their own. Please visit this fabulous site! Or her secure link to PayPal with a detailed list of items needed.

** Every little bit helps! **

Another great option ~ donations can be made directly, to help with medical costs for "A Place to Bark!"

• The Critter Clinic, 522 W. main Street, Gallatin, TN 37066 (615) 452-1477
• Saukville Veterinary Clinic, 303 W. Dekora, Saukville, WI 53080 (262) 284-7000
• any U.S. bank location. Just tell the teller that you would like to make a donation to "A Place to Bark, Inc." Checks or credit card donations are accepted.

ITEMS THEY'RE IN NEED OF:

Towels, blankets, toys, collars, leashes, crates, food, treats, very small baby bottles, milk replacement, bleach, 1 microscope, 1 baby scale, 1 stethoscope, muzzles, pet beds.

SHIP ITEMS TO:

Bernie Berlin"A Place To Bark"PO BOX 649 Portland, TN 37148 615-681-2631

If you have questions, are considering adoption or interested in learning more: aplace2bark@aol.com

more fun with PS!

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person."

This is the result of my second session of exploration and experimentation. My hope is that I can inspire anyone that might be sitting on the fence about committing to a purchase.

After some early frustrations... and about 12 hours of playtime, I'm getting the hang of the Elements 6.0 version WITHOUT further confusion of either the manual or a book! There is a WEALTH of information on the web such as free tutorials, free fonts, free brushes (wait until you see what you can do with THESE) as well as Adobe Photoshop online Support. So I say "go for it!" :p

And without question, it IS addicting - like any fabulous new toy!

Maiden Voyage into PS!

DH surprised me the other day. While upgrading my PC, he had to make a Staples* run for a new scanner and came back with with Photoshop Elements 6.0. !!!

I decided to post it for those of you that have not yet explored the digital world of collage and photo/image editing. I spent 5 hours last night on my VERY first attempt and then lost it! Now I am careful to SAVE! After another 3-4 hours tonight, voila!

Here is my very first collage using custom brushes (chinese chop used for both borders & "shadow-like" bumble bee).

*Staples is an office supply store in the US & elsewhere

What Can I Do To Help?

Read how HIV can be prevented HERE!

Social networks are a powerful and effective way to show your support for World AIDS Day and help raise awareness of HIV among your friends and acquaintances. Whether you have 5 or 500 friends in your network, your words can have an impact on others -- and make a difference in the fight to stop the spread of HIV.

Here are some ways to join us and get talking in social networks:

• Join the World AIDS Day MySpace page or Facebook group


• Add the virtual red ribbon to your profile


• Blog about World AIDS Day and how HIV can be prevented


• Start your own World AIDS Day group


• Send a MySpace bulletin or write on your Facebook wall asking your friends to support our campaigns and share their thoughts and experiences


• Change your Facebook status or your MySpace quote to read "Today I'm talking about World AIDS Day" on 1 December

For more info and where you can get your OWN red ribbon go to World Aids Day