Today Curly and I went to rummage sales!!!! This is awesome in many regards but the biggest is because I got to spend time with Curly, just her and me, which I never get to do because my schedule is nuts!
We talked and laughed a lot. And we found some completely awesome bargains!
And a completely awesome strawberry/ chicken salad thingy from Wendy's!
I love Curly- it was a great day!!!
Mags
Showing posts with label Curley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Curley. Show all posts
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Girlfriend fun
This weekend was so nice because I had a chance to spend time with some girlfriends! Yay me! Beautiful weather, beautiful friends, relaxation--- it was wonderful!
Saturday Curley, Daddy-O, and I went hobby shopping. We just lounged around Hobby Lobby and Joann Fabrics for a few hours, looking at everything and finding about a million ways to spend money we don't have. We laughed and talked and just had a good old time. We even ate lunch at the biggest Asian Buffet style restaurant I've ever seen! I had 2 visits to Starbucks. It was a glorious and super relaxing day filled with lots of giggles and fun.
Today was a good day, too, XRayGirl and I hit Starbucks and then had pedicures. We got all caught up with each other and laughed a lot. We also hit the Bath and Body Works and smelled all the new scents (I just LOVE the new candle called Flower Shop- it's my very favorite!) and we bought some clothes for her little 5 year old niece. It was so much fun!
I'm blessed to be able to have so many good friends!
Mags
Saturday Curley, Daddy-O, and I went hobby shopping. We just lounged around Hobby Lobby and Joann Fabrics for a few hours, looking at everything and finding about a million ways to spend money we don't have. We laughed and talked and just had a good old time. We even ate lunch at the biggest Asian Buffet style restaurant I've ever seen! I had 2 visits to Starbucks. It was a glorious and super relaxing day filled with lots of giggles and fun.
Today was a good day, too, XRayGirl and I hit Starbucks and then had pedicures. We got all caught up with each other and laughed a lot. We also hit the Bath and Body Works and smelled all the new scents (I just LOVE the new candle called Flower Shop- it's my very favorite!) and we bought some clothes for her little 5 year old niece. It was so much fun!
I'm blessed to be able to have so many good friends!
Mags
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Knifty Knitting
Today was a good activity day at school. We had our first Art and Lecture series speaker of the 2011-2012 school year- Curley!!!
She talked to the kids about knitting, crocheting and other types of yarn work. She showed them examples and THEN she demonstrated how to knit on a loom. All of the kids in attendance had a chance to make a sock hat or a scarf. Here are looms:
We had 2 kids make scarves and 6 make hats; thanks to my cousin R, Daddy-O and Curley for all their extra yarn and spare looms so there was enough to go around! Of course they didn't have time to finish their projects today so they can come in and work after school every day until their all done. I'm going to take pictures and will show their work when everyone is finished, next week of course!
It was a really nice group of kids; I couldn't have hand picked a better bunch. AND we had 2 girls and all the rest were boys! For knitting! How cool is that?
Now they all want to make blankets. And two boys asked me if Curley would please come back and teach them how to crochet an afghan.
She was a huge hit (they all thought she was my mom!) and want her to help with art club!
I try and hold a luncheon each month and have a speaker come in and talk to the kids while they eat and then the speaker lets the kids do something "artsy". Last school year we had jewelry making, cake decorating and card making. I plan on expanding this year- we have a potter coming in, and a professional artist who will teach something with watercolor (I have a visual image of something like this happening:)
Should be a fun year! I like it when a plan comes together! Who knows what next month will bring!?
Maggie
She talked to the kids about knitting, crocheting and other types of yarn work. She showed them examples and THEN she demonstrated how to knit on a loom. All of the kids in attendance had a chance to make a sock hat or a scarf. Here are looms:
We had 2 kids make scarves and 6 make hats; thanks to my cousin R, Daddy-O and Curley for all their extra yarn and spare looms so there was enough to go around! Of course they didn't have time to finish their projects today so they can come in and work after school every day until their all done. I'm going to take pictures and will show their work when everyone is finished, next week of course!
It was a really nice group of kids; I couldn't have hand picked a better bunch. AND we had 2 girls and all the rest were boys! For knitting! How cool is that?
Now they all want to make blankets. And two boys asked me if Curley would please come back and teach them how to crochet an afghan.
She was a huge hit (they all thought she was my mom!) and want her to help with art club!
I try and hold a luncheon each month and have a speaker come in and talk to the kids while they eat and then the speaker lets the kids do something "artsy". Last school year we had jewelry making, cake decorating and card making. I plan on expanding this year- we have a potter coming in, and a professional artist who will teach something with watercolor (I have a visual image of something like this happening:)
Should be a fun year! I like it when a plan comes together! Who knows what next month will bring!?
Maggie
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Big Weekend...
Big Mac:
Friday night was senior athlete night at Mac's school. All of the seniors, male or female, who participated in any sort of sporting event, were recognized. All parents of these kids were escorted onto the field with them, in front of the crowd. It was pretty cool and I was really proud of Mac. One more step of reality that he's a senior and will be graduating. *gulp*
Big Crafts:
Annually, a craft show is held here in town and XRay Girl, Curley, Curley's Sister, Daddy-O, Princess and I all went. It was lots of fun but there were HUGE amounts of people every where and tons and tons of things for your home, jewelry, clothes, candles... everything people make themselves. There were over 100 booths. If you like to decorate in "Country" or "Rustic American" is certainly a place for you. But there's other stuff, like soap even and art work and just something to appeal to everyone. It was a good time had by all. I think I bought a candle for me because the smell reminds me of the non evil Grandmother's bathroom- like a flower garden.
Big Chili:
Daddy-O and XRay Girl bailed on the chili- XRay Girl because she had to work- but the rest of us forged ahead and with about 10,000 other people, we tasted chili for charity. After about 5 types I was done. I don't like chili all that well to begin with but since it's for charity I didn't mind at all. The booths are decorated and people dress up so the name of the chili and the booths all have themes. One school had "No chili left behind" which had a yummy, non spicy, thick, white chili that was almost like a stew. It was my favorite. Part of the process is paying a fee to get into the event. After paying, you get 10 tickets and you can vote on your favorite chili, booth, theme, whatever. You walk around with a spoon and sample over 75 kinds, choosing what you want to eat or not.
As I said, I gave up after 5 kinds, but Princess was a champ and tasted about 3/4's of the kinds there. It was so crowded that the four of us split up and we met back at the end; great that is was crowded so there was more money raised for the 7 charities. People also have toppings for the chili and lots of places were giving candy, ice cream, Popsicles, etc. to help cool and cleanse the palette. There were also a couple of drink concessions stands, a place selling kettle korn and elephant ears, and a beer tent, of which I didn't partake.
Princess had never done this before and she thought it was awesome. She also discovered she hated white chili. We laughed and ate our way around. It was cool.
The weather was great, too. Cool with a little breeze. Just a perfect fall day, with the leaves changing. We were all in long sleeve t-shirts and jeans, which was comfortable. It was a very good day.
Big Dress:
So Alcatraz has a winter ball in November and Princess gets to go. Over the years, apparently, people in the community have donated dresses for the girls to wear. The dresses be ball gown length- yes, to the floor, which I think is a good idea so the girls can't have mini dress/ cocktail dresses. the problem: these donated dresses get stored in a big closet and used over and over each year. The dresses look like something I wore to prom. Or dresses from the 70s. Not good. Princess found one that wasn't too "hideous" and didn't look like as much like "curtains with glitter" as some of the others. BUT, I know someone who wore a pink princess, Cinderella style dress to her prom and they are the same height and almost the same size. And this girl is going to loan Princess her dress, which is her dream dress. I had one VERY happy kid on my hands, jumping around, going happy crazy!
Big Lazy:
After yesterday, I plan on being a big lazy slug today. I'm going to do laundry and laze around the house. I have a novel to finish reading. I'm just going to chill.
Mags
Friday night was senior athlete night at Mac's school. All of the seniors, male or female, who participated in any sort of sporting event, were recognized. All parents of these kids were escorted onto the field with them, in front of the crowd. It was pretty cool and I was really proud of Mac. One more step of reality that he's a senior and will be graduating. *gulp*
Big Crafts:
Annually, a craft show is held here in town and XRay Girl, Curley, Curley's Sister, Daddy-O, Princess and I all went. It was lots of fun but there were HUGE amounts of people every where and tons and tons of things for your home, jewelry, clothes, candles... everything people make themselves. There were over 100 booths. If you like to decorate in "Country" or "Rustic American" is certainly a place for you. But there's other stuff, like soap even and art work and just something to appeal to everyone. It was a good time had by all. I think I bought a candle for me because the smell reminds me of the non evil Grandmother's bathroom- like a flower garden.
Big Chili:
Daddy-O and XRay Girl bailed on the chili- XRay Girl because she had to work- but the rest of us forged ahead and with about 10,000 other people, we tasted chili for charity. After about 5 types I was done. I don't like chili all that well to begin with but since it's for charity I didn't mind at all. The booths are decorated and people dress up so the name of the chili and the booths all have themes. One school had "No chili left behind" which had a yummy, non spicy, thick, white chili that was almost like a stew. It was my favorite. Part of the process is paying a fee to get into the event. After paying, you get 10 tickets and you can vote on your favorite chili, booth, theme, whatever. You walk around with a spoon and sample over 75 kinds, choosing what you want to eat or not.
As I said, I gave up after 5 kinds, but Princess was a champ and tasted about 3/4's of the kinds there. It was so crowded that the four of us split up and we met back at the end; great that is was crowded so there was more money raised for the 7 charities. People also have toppings for the chili and lots of places were giving candy, ice cream, Popsicles, etc. to help cool and cleanse the palette. There were also a couple of drink concessions stands, a place selling kettle korn and elephant ears, and a beer tent, of which I didn't partake.
Princess had never done this before and she thought it was awesome. She also discovered she hated white chili. We laughed and ate our way around. It was cool.
The weather was great, too. Cool with a little breeze. Just a perfect fall day, with the leaves changing. We were all in long sleeve t-shirts and jeans, which was comfortable. It was a very good day.
Big Dress:
So Alcatraz has a winter ball in November and Princess gets to go. Over the years, apparently, people in the community have donated dresses for the girls to wear. The dresses be ball gown length- yes, to the floor, which I think is a good idea so the girls can't have mini dress/ cocktail dresses. the problem: these donated dresses get stored in a big closet and used over and over each year. The dresses look like something I wore to prom. Or dresses from the 70s. Not good. Princess found one that wasn't too "hideous" and didn't look like as much like "curtains with glitter" as some of the others. BUT, I know someone who wore a pink princess, Cinderella style dress to her prom and they are the same height and almost the same size. And this girl is going to loan Princess her dress, which is her dream dress. I had one VERY happy kid on my hands, jumping around, going happy crazy!
Big Lazy:
After yesterday, I plan on being a big lazy slug today. I'm going to do laundry and laze around the house. I have a novel to finish reading. I'm just going to chill.
Mags
Sunday, October 10, 2010
A battle, some Indians, a big crowd, and the re-enactment
OMG it was so hot yesterday. And it was the day of the historical re-enactment that I love to go to. I've never been when it's 85 degrees. It's pretty miserable in that weather. It was dusty and dry and just plain awful. And everyone in the state must've decided to go because it was packed with people, wall-to-wall everywhere. There wasn't time to stop and chat with the re-enactors or browse or just mill about. There were lines everywhere. It wasn't as laid back as usual.
Now all the whining and complaining aside, the company was great! Curley, Princess and I had a good time. We ate out way from one end to the other (root beer, lemonade, buttered ears of corn cooks in husks, pork chops, Indian fry bread, sugar corn). We also "window" shopped at every merchant tent, and got some cute earrings. We stopped and stared at the Indians who were elaborately painted and skimpily clothed. One wrong move and private body parts were going to be exposed.
The battle was exciting as always, with canon fire, horses galloping, Indians screaming their war cries, and the bagpipes playing through it all.
Other than being hot, it was a great day. Princess had never been to anything like this before so it was so much fun to watch her ooh and ahh over everything- even though she's 17 years old, she gets excited over stuff like this- uh, no wonder we get along since I'm 39 and get excited over stuff like this! And Curley is wonderful as always and she and I went last year so we continued our tradition again.
Though next year we're not sitting near the canons.
Maggie
Now all the whining and complaining aside, the company was great! Curley, Princess and I had a good time. We ate out way from one end to the other (root beer, lemonade, buttered ears of corn cooks in husks, pork chops, Indian fry bread, sugar corn). We also "window" shopped at every merchant tent, and got some cute earrings. We stopped and stared at the Indians who were elaborately painted and skimpily clothed. One wrong move and private body parts were going to be exposed.
The battle was exciting as always, with canon fire, horses galloping, Indians screaming their war cries, and the bagpipes playing through it all.
Other than being hot, it was a great day. Princess had never been to anything like this before so it was so much fun to watch her ooh and ahh over everything- even though she's 17 years old, she gets excited over stuff like this- uh, no wonder we get along since I'm 39 and get excited over stuff like this! And Curley is wonderful as always and she and I went last year so we continued our tradition again.
Though next year we're not sitting near the canons.
Maggie
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Age
Curley was downright mean to me last night. She said, "You're almost 40." I couldn't believe she had the nerve to point that out. I told her i was taking my toys and going home. I told her she might as well tell me I have ugly shoes and my butt looks big in these pants! Almost 40 years old! That cheeky girl. I'm only 38!
Okay, no I'm not really mad at her, I swear. And I guess, I know, that 38 is closer to 40 than what I would like to admit. Ewww!
I've been thinking a lot about age lately, maybe because Mac is going to be 17 in nine days or because there's a man I have an interest in (more about him later!) who's a bit older than I am. Or because I'm almost 40 and this isn't where I wanted to be in my life. It could be any of these things, I suppose, that makes me think of age of late.
Age is interesting, with the limits it sets. For example, Mac wanted to go to Vegas for this 18th birthday because he thought he was going to be old enough to gamble. The legal gambling age in Vegas is 21. He can buy a lottery ticket in the state where were live at age 18 but no gambling in Vegas. He kept banging on about how he would be old enough at age 18 to vote and to be drafted but he couldn't drink or gamble, none of the fun stuff. I reminded him he had a whole year to wait before doing any of those milestone things.
I also think adding to the age thinking thoughts is because Mac is looking at colleges. My baby is looking at universities! How did that happen!?!
I have to keep reminding myself that age is a state of mind- how old do you want me to be? How old do I feel? Sometimes I feel like I'm 17, other times 25 and other times... 101.
One of my favorite movies of all time, When Harry Met Sally, has Sally in tears talking about getting married and kids and time running out. She says to Harry, "And I'm going to be 40." He says, "When?" Sally: "Someday!" He then goes on to point out she'll be 40 in eight years. I used to think that scene was hilarious! I also used to remember when I was 32 and could say that! For some reason, now it doesn't seem nearly as hysterically funny as it used to...
One upside to my age is that asshat fucktard Sperm Donor turned 48 yesterday. He will always be older than me and if his health stays the way it is- poor- and mine the way it is- good, except for the teeth- he'll die before me.
But really! I have my best friend point out that I'm almost 40! I thought I should start counting backwards on my next birthday; I say that all the time, though and for some reason no one else ever seems to remember I'm taking younger birthdays, rather than older ones.
However, this is a week to feel young no matter what. It's spring break! I don't have to go to school. There is something about being on spring break, specifically, that makes me feel young. No trips are planned for me or anything that would involve Florida and beaches, but the idea that I, like most kids (and other teachers) in America, have a whole week off, is awesome. This is a week to feel young!
Even if Curley thinks I'm going to be 40... soon...
Maggie Mae
Okay, no I'm not really mad at her, I swear. And I guess, I know, that 38 is closer to 40 than what I would like to admit. Ewww!
I've been thinking a lot about age lately, maybe because Mac is going to be 17 in nine days or because there's a man I have an interest in (more about him later!) who's a bit older than I am. Or because I'm almost 40 and this isn't where I wanted to be in my life. It could be any of these things, I suppose, that makes me think of age of late.
Age is interesting, with the limits it sets. For example, Mac wanted to go to Vegas for this 18th birthday because he thought he was going to be old enough to gamble. The legal gambling age in Vegas is 21. He can buy a lottery ticket in the state where were live at age 18 but no gambling in Vegas. He kept banging on about how he would be old enough at age 18 to vote and to be drafted but he couldn't drink or gamble, none of the fun stuff. I reminded him he had a whole year to wait before doing any of those milestone things.
I also think adding to the age thinking thoughts is because Mac is looking at colleges. My baby is looking at universities! How did that happen!?!
I have to keep reminding myself that age is a state of mind- how old do you want me to be? How old do I feel? Sometimes I feel like I'm 17, other times 25 and other times... 101.
One of my favorite movies of all time, When Harry Met Sally, has Sally in tears talking about getting married and kids and time running out. She says to Harry, "And I'm going to be 40." He says, "When?" Sally: "Someday!" He then goes on to point out she'll be 40 in eight years. I used to think that scene was hilarious! I also used to remember when I was 32 and could say that! For some reason, now it doesn't seem nearly as hysterically funny as it used to...
One upside to my age is that asshat fucktard Sperm Donor turned 48 yesterday. He will always be older than me and if his health stays the way it is- poor- and mine the way it is- good, except for the teeth- he'll die before me.
But really! I have my best friend point out that I'm almost 40! I thought I should start counting backwards on my next birthday; I say that all the time, though and for some reason no one else ever seems to remember I'm taking younger birthdays, rather than older ones.
However, this is a week to feel young no matter what. It's spring break! I don't have to go to school. There is something about being on spring break, specifically, that makes me feel young. No trips are planned for me or anything that would involve Florida and beaches, but the idea that I, like most kids (and other teachers) in America, have a whole week off, is awesome. This is a week to feel young!
Even if Curley thinks I'm going to be 40... soon...
Maggie Mae
Monday, March 22, 2010
After all, tomorrow is another day
Tonight Curley was going to help me make a new dress. I got the material and pattern over the weekend. We bought two sorts of material and she was going to walk me through the pattern one time then I could do it by myself the second time.
We have all the pieces cut out for one dress, and then we sewed have of the neck and one sleeve. Then her sewing machine DIED. Her oldest son, the Brilliant King of Computers, even took the foot peddle apart and it still didn't help. (This isn't the first time son had to operate on the foot peddle of her sewing machine; it's about the third or forth time.) So the dress, which we thought we could have finished in less than three hours, is just a lonely pile of material. I offered to take her to Wally World so she could buy a new sewing machine to finish my dress but for some reason that didn't fly. I brought the pieces home with instructions on what to do so tomorrow night I'm going to try it myself.
Then while I was at her house, the Brilliant King of Computers thought he could make a new icon for my blog. When you look at the line where thew world wide address is and where the orange blogger logo is, he put a pink high heel shoe. Right now you're all looking up there and there's no pink shoe. Well, it worked at his house on their computer but here at home all I have is a big orange B and no pink shoe. I have no idea where it went. Or why it went.
I would say that tonight didn't turn out all that great, but it was similar to the rest of my day! I think I might have neglected to say that I had a balance of $11 according to the bank but in my book I had a $100- I forgot to write down I paid my cell phone. And four students were sick and hacked and coughed all over me. And I had an overdue library book. And an overdue movie. And my car wouldn't start this morning and Mac was late to school and I had to call his Sperm Donor to give him a ride. I think that was all for a Monday; it was enough.
Manic Monday,
Maggie
We have all the pieces cut out for one dress, and then we sewed have of the neck and one sleeve. Then her sewing machine DIED. Her oldest son, the Brilliant King of Computers, even took the foot peddle apart and it still didn't help. (This isn't the first time son had to operate on the foot peddle of her sewing machine; it's about the third or forth time.) So the dress, which we thought we could have finished in less than three hours, is just a lonely pile of material. I offered to take her to Wally World so she could buy a new sewing machine to finish my dress but for some reason that didn't fly. I brought the pieces home with instructions on what to do so tomorrow night I'm going to try it myself.
Then while I was at her house, the Brilliant King of Computers thought he could make a new icon for my blog. When you look at the line where thew world wide address is and where the orange blogger logo is, he put a pink high heel shoe. Right now you're all looking up there and there's no pink shoe. Well, it worked at his house on their computer but here at home all I have is a big orange B and no pink shoe. I have no idea where it went. Or why it went.
I would say that tonight didn't turn out all that great, but it was similar to the rest of my day! I think I might have neglected to say that I had a balance of $11 according to the bank but in my book I had a $100- I forgot to write down I paid my cell phone. And four students were sick and hacked and coughed all over me. And I had an overdue library book. And an overdue movie. And my car wouldn't start this morning and Mac was late to school and I had to call his Sperm Donor to give him a ride. I think that was all for a Monday; it was enough.
Manic Monday,
Maggie
Sunday, December 13, 2009
The sun will come out, tomorrow!
I said that earlier this week I saw a Broadway production of the wonderful musical Annie. This is one of my most favorite musicals of all time. This musical is probably what caused my undying devotion and love of "the theatre."
By the time I was 4 or 5 years old, I knew all the words to the musicals The Sound of Music and West Side Story. I hadn't seen either of these by this age but my dad would play the piano and teach me these songs as I sat with him on the piano bench. This is where I also learned to read music.
So by the time I was 8 or 9 years old, I was all ready to see my first musical. And my Grandma F made it happen. She held season tickets to a local semi-professional summer stock theater group. One of her friends always took a 2 week vacation and this year, I got her ticket. I saw Annie.
This was a metamorphosis. I had never seen live theatre before. And I was awestruck. I remember sitting in my seat and not moving for the entire show. And the girl who was Annie was my age. And I loved singing and music and I knew that could be me. ME, I tell you!
Now I'm not sure of the sequence of events after this, but I believe I drove my parents about insane until they finally bought me the record (yes, vinyl) of the soundtrack. And I learned all the words. Around this time, the movie Annie came out and I copied all the dance steps. And I learned all the lines for each character, not just that of Annie, and I thought Punjab was stupid since he wasn't in the original Broadway version (guess I was a theatre snob even at age 10!).
We started singing music from Annie in elementary school choir since it was pretty popular. Then the music teacher told us all that while we couldn't do the whole play, we were going to do a few songs from the show in a concert. And someone was going to get to be Annie. The music director even had us try out. And lo and behold, I was picked to be Annie. I donned the reg curly wig and the red dress and had a moment to belt out "Tomorrow." OMG- I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
And this point, I think my obsession with Annie peaked. Now remember I grew up in a small town in the Midwest. My parents never traveled with us and I knew other people who were like me. Keep that in mind: sheltered Midwest little kid who had never been anywhere.
I now began a campaign to move to New York City so I could be Annie on Broadway. I begged my parents to take me to NYC so I could be Annie. I cried and screamed and threw a fit and couldn't understand why they just WOULD NOT move. I even came up with the idea that my dad could move with me and mom could stay here with my brother. Never mind that I had not the first clue about the concept of the cost of living and moving. I didn't have the first clue what Broadway even was or how I couldn't walk in the the theater and be Annie. I took choir a few times a week at school, sang with my dad at home, and I got the part in the school show so why couldn't I be her on Broadway? Yeah, I guess I was little out of whack about it all. Needless to say, I was relentless but they still wouldn't move.
Then one night I was spending the night with the Shrews (when I was young and obviously stupid and still liked them) and they were watching the evening news before Johnny Carson. There, I heard the news. Annie, one of the longest running musicals on Broadway, was closing. OHMYGOD- I was now never going to get the chance to be Annie! I was so distraught and cried so much that I had to go home. And I pouted for days because they wouldn't take me to NYC.
Fast forward to now, and a touring Broadway show was coming to town. I had talked for weeks about wanting to go to the show but I didn't have enough money to get tickets. And they sold out so fast! Then Curley called with the news that she scored 2 free tickets and insisted I go. Okay, she didn't have to insist really hard. And when she told me there was a great deal of screaming, squealing, and jumping up and down.
The show was amazing. Breathtaking really. All the magic of the theater right there on a stage just 6 rows from I sat. The girl who was Annie was amazing, there was a real dog for Sandy, and Rooster was a cutie (he reminded me of a former Sam, actually!) I could barely contain myself from singing along. It was so wonderful. This was the best production of the show I've seen yet, and trust me, I've seen this show at least a dozen times! Just wonderful! And the little girl who was Annie has her own blog: click here to see it!
And this is why I love Annie. And this is why you should love Annie. If you have a chance to see the Broadway show, then do. The movie doesn't do it justice.
Annie trivia: Sarah Jessica Parker played Annie on Broadway.
Since I never got to be Annie and at age 38 I think I'm a little to old to play that part (Daddy Warbucks would... well, I was gonna make a sex joke but that seems in poor taste), I've now got new sights set on a new role from the same musical: Miss Hannigan!
Enjoy the following clip; I wish I had footage of me signing "Tomorrow" but alas, such doesn't exist, so I've got this for you instead! And I've hunted the 'net to see if I could find the girl from last night, just alas, no luck. This is just a cute version!
Maggie
By the time I was 4 or 5 years old, I knew all the words to the musicals The Sound of Music and West Side Story. I hadn't seen either of these by this age but my dad would play the piano and teach me these songs as I sat with him on the piano bench. This is where I also learned to read music.
So by the time I was 8 or 9 years old, I was all ready to see my first musical. And my Grandma F made it happen. She held season tickets to a local semi-professional summer stock theater group. One of her friends always took a 2 week vacation and this year, I got her ticket. I saw Annie.
This was a metamorphosis. I had never seen live theatre before. And I was awestruck. I remember sitting in my seat and not moving for the entire show. And the girl who was Annie was my age. And I loved singing and music and I knew that could be me. ME, I tell you!
Now I'm not sure of the sequence of events after this, but I believe I drove my parents about insane until they finally bought me the record (yes, vinyl) of the soundtrack. And I learned all the words. Around this time, the movie Annie came out and I copied all the dance steps. And I learned all the lines for each character, not just that of Annie, and I thought Punjab was stupid since he wasn't in the original Broadway version (guess I was a theatre snob even at age 10!).
We started singing music from Annie in elementary school choir since it was pretty popular. Then the music teacher told us all that while we couldn't do the whole play, we were going to do a few songs from the show in a concert. And someone was going to get to be Annie. The music director even had us try out. And lo and behold, I was picked to be Annie. I donned the reg curly wig and the red dress and had a moment to belt out "Tomorrow." OMG- I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
And this point, I think my obsession with Annie peaked. Now remember I grew up in a small town in the Midwest. My parents never traveled with us and I knew other people who were like me. Keep that in mind: sheltered Midwest little kid who had never been anywhere.
I now began a campaign to move to New York City so I could be Annie on Broadway. I begged my parents to take me to NYC so I could be Annie. I cried and screamed and threw a fit and couldn't understand why they just WOULD NOT move. I even came up with the idea that my dad could move with me and mom could stay here with my brother. Never mind that I had not the first clue about the concept of the cost of living and moving. I didn't have the first clue what Broadway even was or how I couldn't walk in the the theater and be Annie. I took choir a few times a week at school, sang with my dad at home, and I got the part in the school show so why couldn't I be her on Broadway? Yeah, I guess I was little out of whack about it all. Needless to say, I was relentless but they still wouldn't move.
Then one night I was spending the night with the Shrews (when I was young and obviously stupid and still liked them) and they were watching the evening news before Johnny Carson. There, I heard the news. Annie, one of the longest running musicals on Broadway, was closing. OHMYGOD- I was now never going to get the chance to be Annie! I was so distraught and cried so much that I had to go home. And I pouted for days because they wouldn't take me to NYC.
Fast forward to now, and a touring Broadway show was coming to town. I had talked for weeks about wanting to go to the show but I didn't have enough money to get tickets. And they sold out so fast! Then Curley called with the news that she scored 2 free tickets and insisted I go. Okay, she didn't have to insist really hard. And when she told me there was a great deal of screaming, squealing, and jumping up and down.
The show was amazing. Breathtaking really. All the magic of the theater right there on a stage just 6 rows from I sat. The girl who was Annie was amazing, there was a real dog for Sandy, and Rooster was a cutie (he reminded me of a former Sam, actually!) I could barely contain myself from singing along. It was so wonderful. This was the best production of the show I've seen yet, and trust me, I've seen this show at least a dozen times! Just wonderful! And the little girl who was Annie has her own blog: click here to see it!
And this is why I love Annie. And this is why you should love Annie. If you have a chance to see the Broadway show, then do. The movie doesn't do it justice.
Annie trivia: Sarah Jessica Parker played Annie on Broadway.
Since I never got to be Annie and at age 38 I think I'm a little to old to play that part (Daddy Warbucks would... well, I was gonna make a sex joke but that seems in poor taste), I've now got new sights set on a new role from the same musical: Miss Hannigan!
Enjoy the following clip; I wish I had footage of me signing "Tomorrow" but alas, such doesn't exist, so I've got this for you instead! And I've hunted the 'net to see if I could find the girl from last night, just alas, no luck. This is just a cute version!
Maggie
Thursday, November 5, 2009
STOMPin' at the Savoy!
Last night Curley and I went to see STOMP!!!!!! I'd never seen them perform live and I've only caught bits and pieces of their shows on PBS but I've been fascinated with the concept since I heard about it back in early 2000s.
I had to say- this was amazing! These performers made more than noise- they made music using everyday stuff: pots and pans, garbage cans, plastic bags, metal signs, 55 gallon drums, hoses, newspapers, wind chimes, bucks, paint cans, dowel rods, brooms. Using these objects and their bodies, they created music. It was amazing.
I was awed over the sounds, their energy, and the actual 'performance' of it all. There was also a time for audience participation. There was humor. And not one single spoken word among the troupe of players during the entire hour and 45 minute production. Absolutely fascinating. These folks are certainly talented in their ability to pound out rhythms with these unusual instruments, putting their bodies to the limit as they use themselves as musical instruments. and the choreography was perfection- the timing had to be perfect with the pounding, smacking, rolling, whacking, thumping, and all the STOMPING- in unison.
This high energy show left me sitting with my mouth hanging open, muttering "wow" over and over again. It is certainly tribal and modern dance at its finest. At one point, some of the cast members are suspended by chains, upside down, banging on metal street signs which are hanging on a metal fence as their chains rattle and clang- in unison. Amazing.
If you have a chance to see STOMP, do it! It's well worth your time and money!
Gawd, it's so great to be back here in Civilization where I can be exposed to culture again. I can't believe I gave that up for three years. It's nice to be back in a place where it's considered performance art to dance with trash cans tied to one's feet!
Class act,
Maggie
I had to say- this was amazing! These performers made more than noise- they made music using everyday stuff: pots and pans, garbage cans, plastic bags, metal signs, 55 gallon drums, hoses, newspapers, wind chimes, bucks, paint cans, dowel rods, brooms. Using these objects and their bodies, they created music. It was amazing.
I was awed over the sounds, their energy, and the actual 'performance' of it all. There was also a time for audience participation. There was humor. And not one single spoken word among the troupe of players during the entire hour and 45 minute production. Absolutely fascinating. These folks are certainly talented in their ability to pound out rhythms with these unusual instruments, putting their bodies to the limit as they use themselves as musical instruments. and the choreography was perfection- the timing had to be perfect with the pounding, smacking, rolling, whacking, thumping, and all the STOMPING- in unison.
This high energy show left me sitting with my mouth hanging open, muttering "wow" over and over again. It is certainly tribal and modern dance at its finest. At one point, some of the cast members are suspended by chains, upside down, banging on metal street signs which are hanging on a metal fence as their chains rattle and clang- in unison. Amazing.
If you have a chance to see STOMP, do it! It's well worth your time and money!
Gawd, it's so great to be back here in Civilization where I can be exposed to culture again. I can't believe I gave that up for three years. It's nice to be back in a place where it's considered performance art to dance with trash cans tied to one's feet!
Class act,
Maggie
Monday, November 2, 2009
A long weekend in review
Fall break for teachers and kiddies just ended and since I was a teacher and my job is really that of a substitute, I actually had a 4 day weekend with everyone else involved in the local school systems. And I had a jammed pack 4 days, let me tell ya...
For a door?
Thursday morning Daddy-O and I visited the hardware holy land also known as Lowe's. Daddy-O wanted to get one of those electric fire places thingys with a mantel and he wanted to price exterior front doors. So we made a mecca to all that is worshipful in the way of tools. He found the fireplace but decided he wanted a new door instead.
He found what I considered to be a plain wooden door with some glass. Nothing fancy at all. And the door, uninstalled and without a frame with $1275! For a freaking door! And that DID NOT INCLUDE a door knob or a lock. OMG! And it was just a plain old wood door! Shit! With that sort of money I could've gotten a nice pair of winter Jimmy Choos and a matching handbag, from their sales department, of course. Needless to say, Daddy-O didn't buy a door OR a fireplace. (Or Jimmy Choos for me, in case anyone was wondering.) he did splurge for Starbucks Peppermint Mochas, though- yummy!
I stood in a rainstorm for a free hotdog...
Curley, Mac, Daddy-O and I spent Friday together. It was pouring down rain (like it had been for the last 38 days. I AM not building an ark. I'll just tread water. Also, the word of the day was "humid.") so we headed to Northern Civilization for the day. We went to a place like nothing I'd ever been to before. There's a company that comes to town and opens a store in a warehouse from now until Christmas eve and everything in the building is $1.49. EVERYTHING!
We wondered around, me with my mouth agape at the sales and the hordes of people. HORDES of people! Mac finally took the keys and went to the car with his iPod to hide since he gets agitated in crowds (not agoraphobia; he just hates people, especially those who are shopping, in a small space, and pushing a cart holding a screaming toddler). There were people and stuff everywhere. I can't get into words this experience. The stock changes hourly, according to an employee, so if there was something I wanted, I had better buy it NOW because it wouldn't be there in an hour, or 10 minutes. It was like sale day in Filene's Basement- people ready to kill each other and run over each other for a $1.49 candle in the shape of the nativity, Jesus head being the wick. Really. After wondering around and checking out (standing in line for 30 minutes for stuff that cost $1.49 each) I think I was still in such a shock or a stupor that I stood in line, in pouring rain, for a free hotdog. And a free bottle of water.
After some other shopping we had dinner at the best Italian restaurant in the world. Baked spaghetti and Italian bread with oil and Parmesan cheese, and a salad.... ah bliss.
Eggs-ordinary behavior
Saturday morning was spent at the insurance office, then I went to the library, and grocery store- always a good time (not really). The highlight of the trip to the store- which was really the food section of Wally World- was my rude behavior. But she was rude to me first. She started it! I swear!
Some woman whacked into me with her cart and didn't even say "excuse me", that bitch. Then the second time, yes you read that right she ran into me not once, but twice!- she ran into me, she mutter 'sorry" under her breath and gave me a shitty look like it was my fault that 3009 other people HAD to go grocery shopping and I was sort of patiently waiting to go down a row.
I get all done shopping and am almost to the check out where I learn I forgot eggs. Which are all the way in the back of the store. The WAAAAAAY back. But then, who do I spy, holding up clothes from the "I wanna be a slut"line of clothing, but the rude woman who whacked me. And since she was so involved in trying to decide if she would look better in the pleather zebra print mini skirt or the hot pink vinyl vest (she would look like a sausage in a colorful casing in either, by the way) I snatched the eggs right out of her cart and kept going, into a check out lane, and out the doors to the car. Bitch. See if she ever runs into me again. They'll be the best scrambled eggs ever.
Happy Halloween!
On Saturday, after my bout of anger management through dairy products, I also cleaned the kitchen and cleaned out the fridge. I cooked. I got ready for tricker-or-treaters. The Divine Ms K and her mama came over for a visit before she turned into a bumblebee (the cutest costume in history! oh, and she was a pumpkin, too!) and buzzed off to do some trick-or-treating.
I didn't get all my movies watched because I was finishing up my 100th book of the year (15th book of the month) but XRayGirl came over and she and I did see Sweeney Todd, which she'd never seen before. And drank margaritas. And laughed lots. Not at Sweeney Todd, because it's not funny, but over other stuff.
Nothing wrong with a day of rest
Sunday found me doing laundry, reading, changing clocks, and Daddy-O and I went for a walk at a local walking park. There was finally no rain and no humidity- just blue sky, cool temps, crisp breezes.
All in all, a pretty darn good weekend. And I'm subbing today so it was nice to relax...
Now, how many days until Thanksgiving break?
Maggie
For a door?
Thursday morning Daddy-O and I visited the hardware holy land also known as Lowe's. Daddy-O wanted to get one of those electric fire places thingys with a mantel and he wanted to price exterior front doors. So we made a mecca to all that is worshipful in the way of tools. He found the fireplace but decided he wanted a new door instead.
He found what I considered to be a plain wooden door with some glass. Nothing fancy at all. And the door, uninstalled and without a frame with $1275! For a freaking door! And that DID NOT INCLUDE a door knob or a lock. OMG! And it was just a plain old wood door! Shit! With that sort of money I could've gotten a nice pair of winter Jimmy Choos and a matching handbag, from their sales department, of course. Needless to say, Daddy-O didn't buy a door OR a fireplace. (Or Jimmy Choos for me, in case anyone was wondering.) he did splurge for Starbucks Peppermint Mochas, though- yummy!
I stood in a rainstorm for a free hotdog...
Curley, Mac, Daddy-O and I spent Friday together. It was pouring down rain (like it had been for the last 38 days. I AM not building an ark. I'll just tread water. Also, the word of the day was "humid.") so we headed to Northern Civilization for the day. We went to a place like nothing I'd ever been to before. There's a company that comes to town and opens a store in a warehouse from now until Christmas eve and everything in the building is $1.49. EVERYTHING!
We wondered around, me with my mouth agape at the sales and the hordes of people. HORDES of people! Mac finally took the keys and went to the car with his iPod to hide since he gets agitated in crowds (not agoraphobia; he just hates people, especially those who are shopping, in a small space, and pushing a cart holding a screaming toddler). There were people and stuff everywhere. I can't get into words this experience. The stock changes hourly, according to an employee, so if there was something I wanted, I had better buy it NOW because it wouldn't be there in an hour, or 10 minutes. It was like sale day in Filene's Basement- people ready to kill each other and run over each other for a $1.49 candle in the shape of the nativity, Jesus head being the wick. Really. After wondering around and checking out (standing in line for 30 minutes for stuff that cost $1.49 each) I think I was still in such a shock or a stupor that I stood in line, in pouring rain, for a free hotdog. And a free bottle of water.
After some other shopping we had dinner at the best Italian restaurant in the world. Baked spaghetti and Italian bread with oil and Parmesan cheese, and a salad.... ah bliss.
Eggs-ordinary behavior
Saturday morning was spent at the insurance office, then I went to the library, and grocery store- always a good time (not really). The highlight of the trip to the store- which was really the food section of Wally World- was my rude behavior. But she was rude to me first. She started it! I swear!
Some woman whacked into me with her cart and didn't even say "excuse me", that bitch. Then the second time, yes you read that right she ran into me not once, but twice!- she ran into me, she mutter 'sorry" under her breath and gave me a shitty look like it was my fault that 3009 other people HAD to go grocery shopping and I was sort of patiently waiting to go down a row.
I get all done shopping and am almost to the check out where I learn I forgot eggs. Which are all the way in the back of the store. The WAAAAAAY back. But then, who do I spy, holding up clothes from the "I wanna be a slut"line of clothing, but the rude woman who whacked me. And since she was so involved in trying to decide if she would look better in the pleather zebra print mini skirt or the hot pink vinyl vest (she would look like a sausage in a colorful casing in either, by the way) I snatched the eggs right out of her cart and kept going, into a check out lane, and out the doors to the car. Bitch. See if she ever runs into me again. They'll be the best scrambled eggs ever.
Happy Halloween!
On Saturday, after my bout of anger management through dairy products, I also cleaned the kitchen and cleaned out the fridge. I cooked. I got ready for tricker-or-treaters. The Divine Ms K and her mama came over for a visit before she turned into a bumblebee (the cutest costume in history! oh, and she was a pumpkin, too!) and buzzed off to do some trick-or-treating.
I didn't get all my movies watched because I was finishing up my 100th book of the year (15th book of the month) but XRayGirl came over and she and I did see Sweeney Todd, which she'd never seen before. And drank margaritas. And laughed lots. Not at Sweeney Todd, because it's not funny, but over other stuff.
Nothing wrong with a day of rest
Sunday found me doing laundry, reading, changing clocks, and Daddy-O and I went for a walk at a local walking park. There was finally no rain and no humidity- just blue sky, cool temps, crisp breezes.
All in all, a pretty darn good weekend. And I'm subbing today so it was nice to relax...
Now, how many days until Thanksgiving break?
Maggie
Monday, October 19, 2009
I dont care if I ever eat chili again, but
On Saturday, Daddy-O, Curley, XRay Girl, and I went to a local craft show. It's the kind of fancy craft show, not macaroni glued on lampshades crafts, but the really nice stuff like quilts, jewelry, original art work, homemade candles and soaps, and gourmet chocolates. It was a nice event, and packed wall to wall with people. I would love to share some pictures with you but cameras weren't allowed because it's a great place for lots of crafters to go and get ideas to replicate so photo taking has been banned. I didn't buy anything except for some of the handmade gourmet chocolates because everything was pretty expensive, but like I said, it was a good time!
The weather was beautiful and agreeable finally after all the rain we had last week. It was still a little cool outside but the sun was shining, the leaves were turning colors, the sky was blue so what else were we to do after a few hours of craft shopping other than go to the local chili for charity cookoff.
Daddy-O bailed out on us girls, since he'd been home sick for a few days, claiming that after his illness (we think I food poisoned him, by accident of course) the last thing he wanted to eat was chili. Us girls were brave and figured if nothing else, we could taste chili, drink beer, look at the people, and just have a good time.
There were about 100 different teams who signed up for the cook-off contest and they cook and get judged in the morning, then the event is opened to the public in the afternoon. For $5 people can go in and taste every single chili available. We arrived about 10 minutes before the gate opened and had to park 3 blocks away. And then wait in line. It was wonderful to see such great turn out for something where 100% of the proceeds went to charities right here in my own community.
Once inside, we were given a spoon and some tickets. If we liked a particular group's chili we could give them tickets so there would be a judging a second time, based on what the people like. AND, according to the later reports, over 2000 people went through there Saturday, so there were lots of winners- people who came out, the charities, and the chili makers!
The chili makers don't just make chili but most of them decorate their booths with a theme and
dress in costume. They have a clever name, call to the public and have special extras in addition to the chili, like free ice cream, cookies, candy, corn bread, peanut butter sandwiches, veggies and dip, or Popsicles. Every chili booth had mini 4 ounce cups with about 3 spoonfuls of chili in them. We started walking around, with each of us getting a cup each at every booth. Some of it was SUPER spicy so we started getting one cup and each eating a bite then getting more if we liked it.
After about 3 visits to 3 booths, I was done. I'm not a huge fan of chili to begin with so I had enough. I got beer. I people watched. I tried to not get separated from XRay Girl and Curley since there were, what felt like a bazillion people. We laughed at the vendors and booths. We ate elephant ears. We bought kettle corn. We walked and wondered about and took pictures.
It was a super day- good times for all! I love it when I can hang with my bestest people and have fun. A perfect fall day- it reminds me why I wanted to move back to Civilization!
Maggie
The weather was beautiful and agreeable finally after all the rain we had last week. It was still a little cool outside but the sun was shining, the leaves were turning colors, the sky was blue so what else were we to do after a few hours of craft shopping other than go to the local chili for charity cookoff.
Daddy-O bailed out on us girls, since he'd been home sick for a few days, claiming that after his illness (we think I food poisoned him, by accident of course) the last thing he wanted to eat was chili. Us girls were brave and figured if nothing else, we could taste chili, drink beer, look at the people, and just have a good time.
There were about 100 different teams who signed up for the cook-off contest and they cook and get judged in the morning, then the event is opened to the public in the afternoon. For $5 people can go in and taste every single chili available. We arrived about 10 minutes before the gate opened and had to park 3 blocks away. And then wait in line. It was wonderful to see such great turn out for something where 100% of the proceeds went to charities right here in my own community.Once inside, we were given a spoon and some tickets. If we liked a particular group's chili we could give them tickets so there would be a judging a second time, based on what the people like. AND, according to the later reports, over 2000 people went through there Saturday, so there were lots of winners- people who came out, the charities, and the chili makers!
The chili makers don't just make chili but most of them decorate their booths with a theme and
dress in costume. They have a clever name, call to the public and have special extras in addition to the chili, like free ice cream, cookies, candy, corn bread, peanut butter sandwiches, veggies and dip, or Popsicles. Every chili booth had mini 4 ounce cups with about 3 spoonfuls of chili in them. We started walking around, with each of us getting a cup each at every booth. Some of it was SUPER spicy so we started getting one cup and each eating a bite then getting more if we liked it.After about 3 visits to 3 booths, I was done. I'm not a huge fan of chili to begin with so I had enough. I got beer. I people watched. I tried to not get separated from XRay Girl and Curley since there were, what felt like a bazillion people. We laughed at the vendors and booths. We ate elephant ears. We bought kettle corn. We walked and wondered about and took pictures.
It was a super day- good times for all! I love it when I can hang with my bestest people and have fun. A perfect fall day- it reminds me why I wanted to move back to Civilization!
Maggie
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Anything Goes
Last weekend Curley and I went to see our local community theater's production of the Cole Porter classic "Anything Goes" and it was awesome! Curley got me 2 tickets for my birthday and, of course, I took her with me!
After dinner at Applebees (I'm so shameless because I love to eat there. I know I know, but I do and I can't help it!) we went to the theater. We have a super nice facility here in Civilization, to the point where we get famous performers as well as traveling Broadway shows, philharmonics and other professional performers. This happened to just be a local community theater production.
"Anything Goes" is one of my favorite stage shows. It's pretty typical musical fare: guy and girl in love with each other but can't have each other so guy does some crazy things with a toss of mistaken identity to try and get the girl. Great music- I adore the sounds of Cole Porter, happy endings, fun show, lots of sexual innuendo, and just some hilarious slapstick make a wonderful musical.
And this show was amazing. I just couldn't believe it was done by locals. And the woman who was the lead was fantastic. She had a voice that could bring down the house. And this wasn't some ticky-tacky show slapped together with what could "make do." It screamed 'professional' all the way across the board from costumes to sets to the orchestra to everything. It was astounding and wonderful and I was so impressed. I loved every minute of it and was thrilled to see it. I'm also proud that mere mortals who live right here in my hometown could create such a professional looking show. Kudos to them.
It was a great night!
And many thanks to Curley for such a wonderful present and a great night!
It was de-lovely,
Maggie Mae
After dinner at Applebees (I'm so shameless because I love to eat there. I know I know, but I do and I can't help it!) we went to the theater. We have a super nice facility here in Civilization, to the point where we get famous performers as well as traveling Broadway shows, philharmonics and other professional performers. This happened to just be a local community theater production.
"Anything Goes" is one of my favorite stage shows. It's pretty typical musical fare: guy and girl in love with each other but can't have each other so guy does some crazy things with a toss of mistaken identity to try and get the girl. Great music- I adore the sounds of Cole Porter, happy endings, fun show, lots of sexual innuendo, and just some hilarious slapstick make a wonderful musical.
And this show was amazing. I just couldn't believe it was done by locals. And the woman who was the lead was fantastic. She had a voice that could bring down the house. And this wasn't some ticky-tacky show slapped together with what could "make do." It screamed 'professional' all the way across the board from costumes to sets to the orchestra to everything. It was astounding and wonderful and I was so impressed. I loved every minute of it and was thrilled to see it. I'm also proud that mere mortals who live right here in my hometown could create such a professional looking show. Kudos to them.
It was a great night!
And many thanks to Curley for such a wonderful present and a great night!
It was de-lovely,
Maggie Mae
Monday, October 5, 2009
I'm sorry, we're closed
Today I wasn't working ice cream and I wasn't called to substitute so I decided to do something I've been longing to do for several months now, before my schedule got to busy and I wouldn't have time. I wanted to visit all the cute little stores in downtown College Town. I went to a small liberal arts school in the Midwest (that's actually internationally known so if I named it here you would all recognize it since it make the US News and World Report magazine college issue each year in the top 5...) in a cute little, very liberal town that looks like a place out of a movie or book.
The downtown part of the town has some very unique shops and I've been dying to visit. There's a quilt shop, an artist studio, 2 used book shops, an antique shop, a boot/ leather's shop, an International Trade Fair Federation shop, an organic bakery, a tea room, a coffee house and a jewelry store that deals in second jewelry and originally created pieces. Guess what was open? The coffee shop, the jewelry store, the trade fair shop, and the boot shop. Everything else is closed. The town basically rolls up the sidewalks on Saturday afternoons and doesn't unroll them again until Tuesday morning. Just about everything in downtown College Town is closed on Mondays.
I ask you- who does this? Okay, well, obviously, they do! Curley and I went, and unbeknown to us, Monday is the day everyone closes. Are all these businesses closed because business is bad? Or are all these places closed because business is so good they can afford a day of rest? people complain that downtowns all over the USA are in poor shape- is it because of this closed on Monday mentality or is it closed on Monday because of the economy? Either way, we were sorely disappointed.
But Curley and I are known to make our own fun so she and I had a good time TOGETHER but we didn't get to see all the fun little shops. Guess we'll have to go another time- NOT a Monday!
Not such a manic Monday,
Maggie
The downtown part of the town has some very unique shops and I've been dying to visit. There's a quilt shop, an artist studio, 2 used book shops, an antique shop, a boot/ leather's shop, an International Trade Fair Federation shop, an organic bakery, a tea room, a coffee house and a jewelry store that deals in second jewelry and originally created pieces. Guess what was open? The coffee shop, the jewelry store, the trade fair shop, and the boot shop. Everything else is closed. The town basically rolls up the sidewalks on Saturday afternoons and doesn't unroll them again until Tuesday morning. Just about everything in downtown College Town is closed on Mondays.
I ask you- who does this? Okay, well, obviously, they do! Curley and I went, and unbeknown to us, Monday is the day everyone closes. Are all these businesses closed because business is bad? Or are all these places closed because business is so good they can afford a day of rest? people complain that downtowns all over the USA are in poor shape- is it because of this closed on Monday mentality or is it closed on Monday because of the economy? Either way, we were sorely disappointed.
But Curley and I are known to make our own fun so she and I had a good time TOGETHER but we didn't get to see all the fun little shops. Guess we'll have to go another time- NOT a Monday!
Not such a manic Monday,
Maggie
Monday, August 3, 2009
Hecate's Quilted Bag... a post in pictures
My friend Hecate decided she wanted to use a BUNCH of quilt squares she bought on eBay. Instead of starting with a quilt, she decided to make a purse. I had a purse pattern and I bought an extra one so she drove here to Civilization with her material and we decided to sew for an evening.
After looking at the patterns she picked a hipster bag style that would be a cloth bag- quilted- similar to a Vera Bradly type of bag when we got done.
We spent a better part of 2 hours arranging the fabric into a pattern. I had quilt patterns we could use but Hecate wanted something a little more freeing.
So we arranged the squares and then she actually pieced the material together using the sewing machine. She was not impressed at sewing together 36+ squares, but only sewing 4 inches at a time, stopping the machine, cutting the thread, and then sewing some more squares.
Then we needed a border and we didn't have enough black fabric so a trip to Wally World was needed. Upon the return from Wally World, Hecate decided she was done sewing. She was NOT enjoying this process.
So, I volunteered to finish the purse and I knew I would ask my friend Curley to help me out if I needed it. So I added the rest of the border. Then the piece of material was done. Then I attached the batting and did an "in the ditch" stitch on the quilt pieces. After all that was done, I was now ready to actually take the pattern out of the package and start following the pattern.
I called Curley and told her where I was in the process and I went out to her house and she and I went the rest of the way together.
Hecate quilted all her pieces together and added the border, which looked like this when she was done.
Here are the pieces of the fabric with the pattern paper still pinned to the fabric.
Here are the pieces of the quilt after we cut out the pattern and took it off.
Here's the outside of the bag- all put together!
The lining is sewn over the red and black fabric and has to be turned inside out- here it is prior to the "giving birth" (inside out tuning) process.
The lining and the purse are sewn together wrong side out so the inner lining needs to be pushed through- reverse sewing, you might say!
Now that the outer bag was shoved through a hole in the lining, it just needs to be tucked inside.
A peek inside the bag- see the inside pocket?- after the lining was stuffed down in!
Sewing on the shoulder strap!
Here's the finished product!
Now Hecate and I just need time to get together so I can give her her bag!
After looking at the patterns she picked a hipster bag style that would be a cloth bag- quilted- similar to a Vera Bradly type of bag when we got done.
We spent a better part of 2 hours arranging the fabric into a pattern. I had quilt patterns we could use but Hecate wanted something a little more freeing.
So we arranged the squares and then she actually pieced the material together using the sewing machine. She was not impressed at sewing together 36+ squares, but only sewing 4 inches at a time, stopping the machine, cutting the thread, and then sewing some more squares.
Then we needed a border and we didn't have enough black fabric so a trip to Wally World was needed. Upon the return from Wally World, Hecate decided she was done sewing. She was NOT enjoying this process.
So, I volunteered to finish the purse and I knew I would ask my friend Curley to help me out if I needed it. So I added the rest of the border. Then the piece of material was done. Then I attached the batting and did an "in the ditch" stitch on the quilt pieces. After all that was done, I was now ready to actually take the pattern out of the package and start following the pattern.
I called Curley and told her where I was in the process and I went out to her house and she and I went the rest of the way together.
Hecate quilted all her pieces together and added the border, which looked like this when she was done.
Here are the pieces of the fabric with the pattern paper still pinned to the fabric.
Here are the pieces of the quilt after we cut out the pattern and took it off.
Here's the outside of the bag- all put together!
The lining is sewn over the red and black fabric and has to be turned inside out- here it is prior to the "giving birth" (inside out tuning) process.
The lining and the purse are sewn together wrong side out so the inner lining needs to be pushed through- reverse sewing, you might say!
Now that the outer bag was shoved through a hole in the lining, it just needs to be tucked inside.
A peek inside the bag- see the inside pocket?- after the lining was stuffed down in!
Sewing on the shoulder strap!
Here's the finished product!Now Hecate and I just need time to get together so I can give her her bag!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Party Time Grill!
Last night I fixed dinner for Mac and me and I used the George foreman Party Time Grill. Does anyone else have one of these?
I loved cooking on it- I used it the first time. I marinaded boneless chicken breasts in a honey teiryaki marinade for 24 hours. Then I grilled them on the Party Time grill; the chicken was awesome! I also fried some potatoes in garlic, butter and olive oil. And we had cornbread. (I love cornbread with milk and honey!) Mac thought the food rocked and I was impressed with my bad self and my mad cooking skills. And there was no open flame so the danger of burning down Daddy-O's house was lower than if I actually learned to use the outside grill- and it was cooler in the house and bug free, so it was a win-win for all!
The George Foreman Party Time Grill is awesome and easy to use and I really like it but cleaning it up sucks. I read the directions and checked the web site and it never says I can't stick it in the dishwasher but all the cleaning directions say to wash it by hand. If anyone has one and sticks it in the dishwasher, could you let me know?
The other thing that makes me laugh is reading the directions. There are recipes in the booklet and they don't just read "place chicken pieces on the grill" but "place chicken pieces on The Party Time Grill!". They included the exclamation point. I was fraught with laughter and every time from that moment on, after explaining the funny to Mac, we would both be obnoxious with saying "Party Time Grill!" in loud excited voices, complete with verbally punctuated exclamation points!!
So special thanks for Curley for giving me the Party Time Grill! We loved it! It was yummy! Thank you!
Let's get cookin'!
Maggie
I loved cooking on it- I used it the first time. I marinaded boneless chicken breasts in a honey teiryaki marinade for 24 hours. Then I grilled them on the Party Time grill; the chicken was awesome! I also fried some potatoes in garlic, butter and olive oil. And we had cornbread. (I love cornbread with milk and honey!) Mac thought the food rocked and I was impressed with my bad self and my mad cooking skills. And there was no open flame so the danger of burning down Daddy-O's house was lower than if I actually learned to use the outside grill- and it was cooler in the house and bug free, so it was a win-win for all!
The George Foreman Party Time Grill is awesome and easy to use and I really like it but cleaning it up sucks. I read the directions and checked the web site and it never says I can't stick it in the dishwasher but all the cleaning directions say to wash it by hand. If anyone has one and sticks it in the dishwasher, could you let me know?
The other thing that makes me laugh is reading the directions. There are recipes in the booklet and they don't just read "place chicken pieces on the grill" but "place chicken pieces on The Party Time Grill!". They included the exclamation point. I was fraught with laughter and every time from that moment on, after explaining the funny to Mac, we would both be obnoxious with saying "Party Time Grill!" in loud excited voices, complete with verbally punctuated exclamation points!!
So special thanks for Curley for giving me the Party Time Grill! We loved it! It was yummy! Thank you!
Let's get cookin'!
Maggie
Saturday, June 13, 2009
World's Larget Rummage Sale 2009
Whew- it's over! It took weeks and weeks to get this thing together and in two days it's done... sort of like taking hours to prepare a fancy meal that everyone has consumed in 25 minutes or spending months Christmas shopping to have gifts torn open in 10 minutes.
But it's over and done with and I'm nearly $500 richer. Curley and her son's made some moola- as did Daddy-o so all and all it was worth it.
Even when we were done this afternoon, Curley's Hubby came into town and helped us pack all the left overs into boxes and then donated it to the local mission (think a local version of Goodwill). So I think it was a win-win situation for everyone!
Curley and I laughed lots and had lots of time to gab. She saw lots of people she knew and I just tried to hide when I saw people I might know!
We were sorry Daddy-O wasn't in town for the big event but we managed without him. Now I'll be spending the next week putting the garage back into some sort of order so he can at least park in there again!
I'm not usually a person who goes to rummage sales myself as a ritual, but I like to go and poke around. I might find a buy or two here or there. Curley is really good at rummaging and getting good prices and knowing what the good buy is so she was my "go to" woman this weekend, no pricing and negotiating. Thank you Curley for helping me and keeping me company and just hanging out with me and EVERYTHING! *Kisses and smooches*
I was surprised at some things that didn't sell, and we did run an ad in the local newspaper, which is like a rummage saler's weekend Bible and survival guide. My 6ft tall Christmas tree in it's original box didn't sell- no it's not pre-lite and I was only asking $20 OBO- and it's a beautiful tree. One person made me about pee my pants when she looked at it, which was in pieces in the box, and asked me, "Is it artificial?" Need I say more?
We also had a bunch of white unpainted ceramic Christmas village pieces- none of those sold. They're the kind that doesn't have to be fired in a kiln, just painted and sprayed. No one bought a danged piece of it.
We did keep the tree and the village pieces so if any of you...?
It's funny to be what does sell- Granny's who don't have DVD players loved all the Disney VHS video tapes. Little girls want old makeup and baby dolls. MY old Barbie furniture sold. This stuff is 30 years old and people just snapped it up. I sold a set of dishes. A piece of 4 ft long coax cable sold. The infamous Barry Manilow cassette tape, all my wicker baskets, jewelery, pots and pans, a pellet shotgun style gun-- all sorts of things sold.
I love watching people go to rummage sales. There are those who walk through quickly, obviously looking for something specific. There are the browsers. There are those people who are the rummage salers who are out for blood- they come early, have the newspaper Bible in hand, will negotiate on the first day, demand sacks and always have small bills and change. There are the women who come in a group and it's obviously just something to do while they socialize. There are those Indecisive rummage salers who pick it up and put it down and have to carry something around and touch it all, before making a bit purchase. (I would hate to see these people in a "real" store if trying to decide to spend a quarter for a picture fram still in it's store wrapping is a tough choice) There was a little old man who was trying to get me to lower prices on everything and then trying to shame me for no budging. Take the cool for example. it was an igloo cooler, on wheels, with a pull handle and a carry handle. It's in perfect condition- no dents, mildew, mold, no anything. We just have about 194 coolers so we sold this one. For $3. It looked practically new- hell it might've only been used once after an unplanned visit to Sam's Club and lots of cold things were bought and needed protection- that's how we seem to acquire lots of our coolers around here. Anyway, this guy wanted to know if I would take a buck. Hello, buddy, this is a rummage sale I realize, but you're already getting a$10 cooler for $3 and it looks like new so back off.
We did the rummage sale for 2 days and yesterday was furniture day. We sold it all and we sold it early. I could've sold my book case 10 times over and the wicker patio furniture at least that. Not one soul said a word about it today, thank the goddess since it was sold, but! All day yesterday people would show up, look around and ask "did you sell the wicker?" Well, do you see it anywhere? Duh- it's gone and then they would try and peer into the back yard or garage to see if there was more, like I would lie? At one point one woman was pointing at everything in Daddy-O's yard, wanting to know if it was for sale- hell, I could've sold her the whole house, I think.
So the sale is over. Whew. I'm glad I did it, though. And now I can clean the garage and call it a day. Well, maybe I'll call it a day tomorrow. Or Tuesday. Or sometimes next week. But I have to get it done by next Saturday since a small town a few miles over is having a town wide sale. I need to find room to put more, er, ah, my stuff...!
Rummaging around,
Maggie
But it's over and done with and I'm nearly $500 richer. Curley and her son's made some moola- as did Daddy-o so all and all it was worth it.
Even when we were done this afternoon, Curley's Hubby came into town and helped us pack all the left overs into boxes and then donated it to the local mission (think a local version of Goodwill). So I think it was a win-win situation for everyone!
Curley and I laughed lots and had lots of time to gab. She saw lots of people she knew and I just tried to hide when I saw people I might know!
We were sorry Daddy-O wasn't in town for the big event but we managed without him. Now I'll be spending the next week putting the garage back into some sort of order so he can at least park in there again!
I'm not usually a person who goes to rummage sales myself as a ritual, but I like to go and poke around. I might find a buy or two here or there. Curley is really good at rummaging and getting good prices and knowing what the good buy is so she was my "go to" woman this weekend, no pricing and negotiating. Thank you Curley for helping me and keeping me company and just hanging out with me and EVERYTHING! *Kisses and smooches*
I was surprised at some things that didn't sell, and we did run an ad in the local newspaper, which is like a rummage saler's weekend Bible and survival guide. My 6ft tall Christmas tree in it's original box didn't sell- no it's not pre-lite and I was only asking $20 OBO- and it's a beautiful tree. One person made me about pee my pants when she looked at it, which was in pieces in the box, and asked me, "Is it artificial?" Need I say more?
We also had a bunch of white unpainted ceramic Christmas village pieces- none of those sold. They're the kind that doesn't have to be fired in a kiln, just painted and sprayed. No one bought a danged piece of it.
We did keep the tree and the village pieces so if any of you...?
It's funny to be what does sell- Granny's who don't have DVD players loved all the Disney VHS video tapes. Little girls want old makeup and baby dolls. MY old Barbie furniture sold. This stuff is 30 years old and people just snapped it up. I sold a set of dishes. A piece of 4 ft long coax cable sold. The infamous Barry Manilow cassette tape, all my wicker baskets, jewelery, pots and pans, a pellet shotgun style gun-- all sorts of things sold.
I love watching people go to rummage sales. There are those who walk through quickly, obviously looking for something specific. There are the browsers. There are those people who are the rummage salers who are out for blood- they come early, have the newspaper Bible in hand, will negotiate on the first day, demand sacks and always have small bills and change. There are the women who come in a group and it's obviously just something to do while they socialize. There are those Indecisive rummage salers who pick it up and put it down and have to carry something around and touch it all, before making a bit purchase. (I would hate to see these people in a "real" store if trying to decide to spend a quarter for a picture fram still in it's store wrapping is a tough choice) There was a little old man who was trying to get me to lower prices on everything and then trying to shame me for no budging. Take the cool for example. it was an igloo cooler, on wheels, with a pull handle and a carry handle. It's in perfect condition- no dents, mildew, mold, no anything. We just have about 194 coolers so we sold this one. For $3. It looked practically new- hell it might've only been used once after an unplanned visit to Sam's Club and lots of cold things were bought and needed protection- that's how we seem to acquire lots of our coolers around here. Anyway, this guy wanted to know if I would take a buck. Hello, buddy, this is a rummage sale I realize, but you're already getting a$10 cooler for $3 and it looks like new so back off.
We did the rummage sale for 2 days and yesterday was furniture day. We sold it all and we sold it early. I could've sold my book case 10 times over and the wicker patio furniture at least that. Not one soul said a word about it today, thank the goddess since it was sold, but! All day yesterday people would show up, look around and ask "did you sell the wicker?" Well, do you see it anywhere? Duh- it's gone and then they would try and peer into the back yard or garage to see if there was more, like I would lie? At one point one woman was pointing at everything in Daddy-O's yard, wanting to know if it was for sale- hell, I could've sold her the whole house, I think.
So the sale is over. Whew. I'm glad I did it, though. And now I can clean the garage and call it a day. Well, maybe I'll call it a day tomorrow. Or Tuesday. Or sometimes next week. But I have to get it done by next Saturday since a small town a few miles over is having a town wide sale. I need to find room to put more, er, ah, my stuff...!
Rummaging around,
Maggie
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Hanging with friends, and a floral boardgame experience
I don't want this blog to turn into a "what I did today" agenda. Sometimes that happens, I realize, but I don't want it to be the overwhelming theme here. That being said, I've been doing some fun things of late, and spending time with family and friends are all part of my return. Almost like a healing...
Last weekend Mac, Daddy-O, Curley and I spent time hanging out. The guys went to a movie (Grand Torino and they said it was amazing. Mac told me that if I didn't like Clint Eastwood I was a Communist and should go live in Cuba... he's really good at being 15 years old!) and Curley and I went to a clothing shop that was going out of business- 40 to 90% off on all stuff and I got three much needed shirts. Living in the Wild West left my attire in my despair!
Yesterday was fun, too, because Hecate and I went to the Botanical Conservatory in Fort Wayne, IN. The theme of the winter garden display was "Clue"- you know, as in the board game? And this was one of my favorite all time games to play as a kid, and come to find out it was Hecate's favorite board game, too!!!
It was really cute. The main garden exhibit hall had "Clue rooms" set up and decorated: a Conservatory, a library, a dining room and the study. There were posters about each character (remember Col. Mustard, Prof. Plum, Mr. Green, Mrs. White, Miss Peacock, and Miss Scarlett?) scattered around and we had to read a little narrative to see if they characters had motives and alibis. The Conservatory provided little packets for use to write down clues, weapons, to make notes and sketch the major clue, a leaf found on Mr. Boddy. Of course, since Hecate and I both brilliant, we solved the case: Miss Peacock with the knife in the conservatory. We spent time enjoying all the floral displays. And we can't wait to go back in the spring and summer when the 2 outdoor gardens are open!
I wonder what she and I will get ourselves into next??????
Mysteriously yours,
Maggie
Or was it really Hecate in the dining room with a candlestick?
Or maybe it could it be Maggie in the study with a rope?
Last weekend Mac, Daddy-O, Curley and I spent time hanging out. The guys went to a movie (Grand Torino and they said it was amazing. Mac told me that if I didn't like Clint Eastwood I was a Communist and should go live in Cuba... he's really good at being 15 years old!) and Curley and I went to a clothing shop that was going out of business- 40 to 90% off on all stuff and I got three much needed shirts. Living in the Wild West left my attire in my despair!
Yesterday was fun, too, because Hecate and I went to the Botanical Conservatory in Fort Wayne, IN. The theme of the winter garden display was "Clue"- you know, as in the board game? And this was one of my favorite all time games to play as a kid, and come to find out it was Hecate's favorite board game, too!!!
It was really cute. The main garden exhibit hall had "Clue rooms" set up and decorated: a Conservatory, a library, a dining room and the study. There were posters about each character (remember Col. Mustard, Prof. Plum, Mr. Green, Mrs. White, Miss Peacock, and Miss Scarlett?) scattered around and we had to read a little narrative to see if they characters had motives and alibis. The Conservatory provided little packets for use to write down clues, weapons, to make notes and sketch the major clue, a leaf found on Mr. Boddy. Of course, since Hecate and I both brilliant, we solved the case: Miss Peacock with the knife in the conservatory. We spent time enjoying all the floral displays. And we can't wait to go back in the spring and summer when the 2 outdoor gardens are open!
I wonder what she and I will get ourselves into next??????
Mysteriously yours,
Maggie
Or was it really Hecate in the dining room with a candlestick?
Or maybe it could it be Maggie in the study with a rope?Tuesday, January 6, 2009
If I keep laughing like this I won't need an Ab Rocket
Daddy-O, Curley and I spent the day together yesterday and I haven't laughed this much in a loooooong time.
Curley likes to knit and crochet, my dad is an artist and card maker, and I like quilting and scrapbooking, so we had to go to Hobby Lobby and to a fabric store. We had a great time browsing and making fun of weird stuff, like a cannibal African Art sculpture riding a motorcycle- seriously, I mean really?
AND I got another PINK Christmas tree, like a Charlie Brown tree!!!!!!!!!!! It was 80% off so it was $5- and Daddy-O got it for me!!!!! I'm going to decorate it for Valentine's Day so I can leave it up longer! Did I mention it was pink?
Curley, Daddy-O and I laughed all day long, with one silly story or observation after another. They even indulged my need/ want/ desire for Starbucks! We ate at Fazolis. We laughed and laughed (even though I told an inappropriate story about penis pictures and said "shit" a few times in front of her!)
I also have a pattern for a skirt and Curley's gonna see if we can make one for me and maybe teach me how in the process and I could make several! It's a cute flippy skirt and will be perfect for the summer. With cute shoes, or even with flip flops!
To top it off, I even hung with Mac for a little bit. He and I grabbed a coffee and then made fun of people walking around the mall.
So, it was a great day. And I also want to say a special thanks to Curley and Daddy-O for spoiling me with the goodies- OMG, Curley got me shoe paper and sticky notes and a tiara headband!!!! With SE-quins!!!!!! (Pictures will be forthcoming!) and silly string- adore silly string, even though Daddy-O said I canNOT use it in the house or car!!!! And some other little goodies- thank you both! And thanks for such a fun day and being wonderful people
Kissies,
Maggie
Curley likes to knit and crochet, my dad is an artist and card maker, and I like quilting and scrapbooking, so we had to go to Hobby Lobby and to a fabric store. We had a great time browsing and making fun of weird stuff, like a cannibal African Art sculpture riding a motorcycle- seriously, I mean really?
AND I got another PINK Christmas tree, like a Charlie Brown tree!!!!!!!!!!! It was 80% off so it was $5- and Daddy-O got it for me!!!!! I'm going to decorate it for Valentine's Day so I can leave it up longer! Did I mention it was pink?
Curley, Daddy-O and I laughed all day long, with one silly story or observation after another. They even indulged my need/ want/ desire for Starbucks! We ate at Fazolis. We laughed and laughed (even though I told an inappropriate story about penis pictures and said "shit" a few times in front of her!)
I also have a pattern for a skirt and Curley's gonna see if we can make one for me and maybe teach me how in the process and I could make several! It's a cute flippy skirt and will be perfect for the summer. With cute shoes, or even with flip flops!
To top it off, I even hung with Mac for a little bit. He and I grabbed a coffee and then made fun of people walking around the mall.
So, it was a great day. And I also want to say a special thanks to Curley and Daddy-O for spoiling me with the goodies- OMG, Curley got me shoe paper and sticky notes and a tiara headband!!!! With SE-quins!!!!!! (Pictures will be forthcoming!) and silly string- adore silly string, even though Daddy-O said I canNOT use it in the house or car!!!! And some other little goodies- thank you both! And thanks for such a fun day and being wonderful people
Kissies,
Maggie
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