EAGLE DANCE
INDIAN CITY, U.S.A.
ANADARKO, OKLAHOMA.
Published by Bob Taylor Photography, Cordell, Okla.

Distributed by Mahoney News Agency, Muskogee, Okla.
(There is a place for a one cent stamp)

"EDMON LOW LIBRARY. Completed in January 1953 and named for the Oklahoma State University librarian from 1940 to 1967, who helped design the building. It is one of the largest and most colorful library buildings in the Southwest and contains shelves for more than one million volumes."

"The Fig Tree Atrium Restaurant of the Midwestern Inn, Enid, Oklahoma. For Reservations (405) 234-1200"
(This is where I went for dinner before Senior Prom and where I worked for a summer in 1983)
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I found a few more "log" postcards for you. Next up? Oklahoma! The back of this card reads: "THE SHAFTS OF SUNLIGHT give a cathedral-like feeling to these redwood giants as though God stands before you in these grees. Ancient sentinels, the oldest of all living things, The Redwoods reach a height of more than 300 feet and diameter of 20 feet."
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"CROSS SECTION OF GIANT REDWOOD. The age of the California Redwood, from which this corss-section was cut, is figured by counting the annual rings of growth."
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On the back: "Low Down Payment: Henry and Felicia were shocked to discover how little house their combined income qualified them for."
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Here's a little excerpt from today's must-read from The QC Report:

"After finding the socks we needed, my tiny union negotiator attempted to talk me into purchasing a doll whose name I believe was L’il Skank. It came with a faux leather vest, knee-high boots and its own Chlamydia test kit. Daughter was unwavering in her belief that life would be shadows and ashes without this eleven inch-tall token to low self-esteem.

"That was it. My latent crankiness exploded. I did a solid three minute-long hissing list of all the things I do for her and how little I expect in return, except for when we are in the most depressing store in Los Angeles buying her soccer gear -- so I can stand around outside and mainline Benadryl and sunblock--I would like her to not fixate on the trashiest-looking doll I have ever seen in my life."

Michael Bates has requested that I resume posting my postcards, and I am happy to comply. Today's theme is logs, beginning with the Famous 'One-Log' House. The back reads, "Famouse "ONE LOG" HOUSE cut from Redwood tree over 2100 years old. Art Schmock and a helper needed 8 months of hard labor to hollow out the log into a room 7 ft. high and 32 ft. long, weighing about 42 tons." E.F. Clements, 85 Bluxome St., San Francisco, Calif. 94107
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Also on the Redwood Highway, you can see Chandelier Tree Drive-Thru Tree Park. Hieght 315 ft. Diam. 21 ft. Since 400 B.C. The first postcard reads: "CHANDELIER DRIVE-THRU TREE - The Chandelier Tree is a world renowned attraction near the junction of Redwood Hwy., U.S. 101 and Calif. State Route 1 at Leggett, Calif. Full size autos easily drive through the hand-hewn opening at the tree base. Drive-Thru Tree Park is the first large redwood grove on U.S. 101 north of San Francisco. The Chandelier Tree is only one of the Park's many attractions." The second card reads; "CHANDELIER DRIVE-THRU TREE. Towering to a height of 315 feet with a diameter of 21 feet at the base, this beautiful example of the famous California Redwoods shows the great size attained by these trees. This tree may be seen at Drive-Thru Tree Park on Drive-Thru Tree Road near the junction of U.S. 202 and California State Route 1 at Leggett, California." Does anyone know if this tree has survived this hand-hewn opening?
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And finally, we have the Limberlost Cabin, Home of Gene Stratton Porter, Geneva, Indiana. The bottom card represents the Northeast view of the cabin and shows the library window where she wrote 10 books.
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. . . as told by Sean Gleeson.

While sorting through papers on the couch today, I came across a little collection of drawings by Spencer (age 5). The first is a rocket ship from Thunderbirds Are Go! The others are from the U.S. Military.
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(You can click on these to see them larger).
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Saturday was James' big day! He completed the Half-IronMan Redman Triathlon in Oklahoma City!!! The race started at 7:00 a.m. at Lake Hefner. It was cold and windy and the lake was choppy. The lake was also very low on water because of this summer's drought. In fact, the swimmers had to walk in the water for a portion of the race because it was too shallow to stroke! We watched them run out into the lake and then it all became a sea of splashes and arms. James said the lake water was warmer than the air and that it was thrilling to be out there swimming with hundreds of other athletes.

After a 56-mile ride in very windy conditions and a 13.1-mile run, James was exhausted but still walking and talking. I found him at Louie's with friends eating a giant cheeseburger and cheering on those who were still running around the lake. He went back to the event tents for his after-race massage and then home for an early bed time.

James' plan was to retire after this race. I thought he might change his mind after the race, but he seems to be sticking to the plan. Preparing for triathlons like these takes a lot of time and he would rather spend that time riding bikes with Colin and Spencer for now. They are planning to become mountain bikers together!

Congratulations, James! Job well done!

Round-Up Follow-Up
I have to say I really enjoyed the Okie Blogger Round-up yesterday. Many thanks to Mike Hermes who saw the idea through to completion and did a great job of it! (Round of applause!) The classes were very informative - it will take me weeks to get through my notes and implement all I learned! Invaluable stuff! Thanks to Dan Lovejoy, Kurt Hochenauer, Kevin Latham, and Sean Gleeson for putting together a great program!

I was just amazed at the brains in the room. Some bloggers really REALLY know what they're doing. They are the kind of people who write the programs that allow the people like me to have fun typing and pressing send. These people are brainiacs!! And, you know, they are entertaining brainiacs. You just don't find that every day. I was honored to hang with them for a day.

Unfortunately for me, I did not get a chance to wear my tiara. Michael, Don and Bill offered to provide an escort to the stage if I won, and that would have been a whole lot of fun. . . but it was not to be. Frankly, I wasn't surprised and the winner of my category (Shannon) wholly deserved the prize. Congratulations, Shannon!

After chatting with friends, showing each other our favorite websites and watching Charles dance with all the chicks, we had the opportunity to watch the American premiere of the new documentary Mozartballs, starring two Oklahoma bloggers, Steph and Nettl. It was quirky and fun. . . a must-see for Mozart fans and anyone who is fascinated by the obsessed. I only planned to stay for the first ten minutes, but I just couldn't leave once it all got started.

Thanks to all who came - every last one of you. You all made it a day to remember. I hope to see you next year at Okie Blogger Round-Up 2007!

Colin's submission to Let's Say Thanks.

Only 3 more days!!! I'm getting excited! How about you?

Here's a little excerpt from today's reading:

"We cannot apply NRS 338.020 without the limitations of NRS 338.010 when the plain language of NRS 244A.763(5) demands that all provisions of NRS 338.010 through NRS 338.090 be applied."

I just love it when the court states the obvious.

Out and About

Today I had to drive north to see my doc and then make a trip back south to see my pharmacist. Although I spent most of the time in my car, it was an interesting trip.

The news' helicopter was flying over the capitol.

A van was pulled over on the expressway. A man was holding on to a lady who was clearly trying to escape. A thin gentleman in a suit jumped out of his car and went to her aid. I hope everyone is okay.

Twin teenage girls were walking down the street identically dressed in black t-shirts, blue jeans, ponytails and backpacks. Cute.

A lady came in to the pharmacy to fill a prescription for an elderly woman who fell while walking in the mall. The lady picked up the woman, who had broken her teeth, took her to the dentist, took her to the pharmacy, got her medicine, soup and ginger ale and left to take the lady home. Nice.

An older gentleman in his blue jumpsuit, white socks and sandals bent over to read the For Rent sign to the person on the other end of his cell phone.

My husband generously offered to drive carpool for me today.

The weather is perfect. Sunny, cool and breezy.

The woman in front of me at the stop light drove an old Chevrolet. The burgundy interior was faded to a dark pink. She wore a grey T-shirt and no makeup. Fuzzy dice hung from the rear view mirror. On the back of her car was a big pink sticker that said, "I'm Spoiled." Good for her.

The man in the shiny black oversized sedan had a sticker too: "Kerry/Fonda." You've got to be joking. I hope you're joking.

The prize for dumbest thing of the day has to go to the man I saw trying to fix a light on a building. He set up his ladder on the crooked sidewalk that ran between the building and a drive-through line. One of the ladder's legs was just barely on the sidewalk. The ladder was not parallel to the building, but about 20 degrees crooked. He put a cigarette in his mouth, climbed to the very last step and attempted to reach for and repair the lamp. I could do nothing but stare with my mouth hanging open waiting for him to fall, pondering the lawsuits to follow and whether I should register as a witness with the defendant's bar. I had to leave before he made it back down, but I did see him attempt to go down just one step and it wasn't looking good for the dude.

How's your day?

Tonight's Menu:

Steamed Cassava
Pinto Beans with Yellow Potatoes
Kachumbari
White Rice
Sweet Potatoes
French Fries
Fresh Pineapple

Tonight our small group from church hosted ten Rwandan students for dinner, singing and praying. We tried to cook some of their favorites from home. It wasn't until it was all assembled that we realized it was basically a starch buffet...but the students seemed to enjoy it. Mostly they were suprised that we found recipes, I think. I had never had Cassava, which is a starchy tuber much like a potato, but much more flavorful. I really liked it and plan to eat it again! The kachumbari was a lot like very chunky salsa, made with tomatoes, chilies, onion, lime and cilantro. Very tasty.

I always enjoy Sean Gleeson, but today is one of those laugh-out-loud days for me.

The Romance of the Historic Home
We live in an old house. I have always been enchanted by older homes. I love the high ceilings and the low ceilings, the abundance of woodwork, the glass door knobs, the paned windows. I love the giant trees and the way each house seems to be tucked into the landscape. I love how each room has a different temperature and its own sense of being, unrelated to the other rooms in the house.

The thing is, older homes have their quirks. Over time, they can shift and contort so that doors may not stay closed, marbles all roll to one side of the room and you may have to know just the right way to wiggle a door handle to get the door open. And, sometimes, the garage door simply will not budge.

We have been struggling with our garage door for years. Our garage is a separate structure. It really is nice to look at, with a small apartment attached to the side complete with 4-over-4 pained windows sporting lace curtains. It has a full attic with cedar floors. The trouble is, the only door into the garage is the actual garage door, which weighs at least 500 lbs. If the electricity goes out, the door will not open.

We have had several people look at the door to make minor repairs, and nobody has the equipment to fix it anymore. One company found an old remote for us (to supplement the one we already had), but we were warned it was unlikely we would ever find another. That one has since given up the ghost, so we are back to our lonely one, and hoping it never dies. The cost to replace the door? At least $20,000 for one that won't even look pretty! (You may think that sounds excessive, but we have unusual dimensions going on!)

Recently, the door has decided it will do as it pleases. We try to open it and it may or may not open. Usually it just makes us wait five or ten minutes. We have adjusted our schedules accordingly and expect to wait. Today, the door tried a new tactic.

After 15 minutes of waiting, we finally took the drastic measure of calling friends to take our children to school. Then we waited some more. After 30 minutes, the door opened two feet then stopped. Ugh. James was conveniently dressed in his nicest suit, so he generously suggested that I might like to roll under the door and disconnect the electric. He's nice that way.

I said my goodbyes, knowing full well that if the door should decide to close during my roll, I would be squished beyond recognition. As I got to the floor, I pushed away all the thoughts of the creepy crawlies that inhabited the space hours before and I rolled as fast as I could.

And there I was, under the wheels of James' car, stuck between a door and a round place. Ever cognizant of the door's weight, I was in a panic scramble to get myself out from under the car without getting back under the door. My flips flopped as I scurried like a soldier (well, a screaming soldier) whilst James tried to hold his laughter. (He was unsuccessful.)

Obviously, I made it out alive. Not unscathed, mind you. The mental toll is there. Oh, yes, it is. But I saved the day and now I'm left to deal with the fact that we just can't close that door again. . . at least not with electricity. The pretty, pretty facade is shattered. The romance is dead.

WHAT HAVE I DONE?

Jennifer from Sob'ah My Soul would have tagged me for this if she knew me. It is a list of things people do. The bolded items are things I have done. Why don't you play along?

1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with wild dolphins (I swam in the ocean and that is where wild dolphins live. Where do domesticated dolphins live, by the way?)
3. Climbed a mountain (well, part of one)
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said "I love you" and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love (Is this possible?)
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers (not on purpose)
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an expert
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Eaten fugu (pufferfish)
89. Had a one-night stand
90. Gone to Thailand
91. Bought a house
92. Been in a combat zone
93. Buried one/both of your parents
94. Been on a cruise ship
95. Spoken more than one language fluently - not quite, but close
96. Performed in Rocky Horror Picture Show
97. Raised children (partially raised...well, reared, actually)
98. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one important author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life

WINTON-David H. 29, of Brooklyn Heights, NY, and Wethersfield, CT, died September 11, 2001 at The World Trade Center. David was the beloved son of Joan Wise Winton and the late Peter A. Winton, adored brother of Sara Elizabeth Winton and fiance of Amy Elizabeth Lane, of Manhattan. He was born in Hartford and grew up in Wethersfield. Dave graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1990, where he was an honor student, member of The Student Council, President of the Ski Club and Captain of the baseball and soccer teams. He graduated from Fordham University, College of Business Administration, Bronx, NY, in 1994. While at Fordham he was an honor student, member of The Globe Program, studied at University College, London, and was Chief Executive Officer of the student-run Fordham Federal Credit Union. At graduation he received the CBA Alumni Association Award. Dave was employed by Keefe, Bruyette and Woods, where he was Vice President and Equity Research Analyst. He was a Chartered Financial Analyst, and member of The New York Society of Security Analysts. Amy and Dave planned to be married on November 17, 2001. Dave leaves many relatives and a host of cherished friends across the country. He was a loyal friend with a quick wit and a helping hand whenever needed. A Memorial Mass to celebrate his life will be offered on Saturday, October 20, 2001, at noon in Corpus Christi Church, 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The David H. Winton Memorial Scholarship Fund, Fordham University Office of Development and University Relations, 113 West 60th Street, New York, NY 10023-7484.

And so went the paid obituary published October 18, 2001, more than one month after his death and just one month before his planned wedding. So sums up the life of a man who was loved...and innocent man who went to work one day and never returned. A man who others relied upon. A man of importance.

"Dave and I were in "Indian Guides" together, a sort of precursor to the Boy Scouts. I remember Dave as being a quiet person who always carried himself with a certain unassuming nobility. He was a person of principle and impeccable moral character. The world has lost a wonderful man. My heart goes out to his mother and sister." - Mark A. Boyle, childhood friend

The Staunch Provider:

For many people, investment banking is just a job where you can make good money. For David Winton, banking was a practically a calling.

As an undergraduate at Fordham University's business school, Mr. Winton was the chief executive of the student-run federal credit union. He recruited his roommate Gregory Moundas to be president, and, volunteering 30 hours a week, the two of them turned around a troubled institution and doubled its assets in two years, Mr. Moundas said. Even as Mr. Winton rose to vice president at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, where he was a research analyst, he made frequent trips back to Fordham to be on the student bank's supervisory committee.

Mr. Winton, 29, inherited some of his head for finance from his mother, a retired bank officer. But Mr. Moundas said a lot of his friend's ardor for banking grew out of a protective love for his family.

"His father died when he was in high school and he wanted to provide for his mom and his sister," Mr. Moundas said. "He never really talked about it, but that was one of the things that really motivated him."

On weekends, Mr. Winton frequently made the two-hour trip from Brooklyn Heights to his mother's house near Hartford, usually taking along his fiancée (they were to be married Nov. 17).

"After we lost his father, he said, 'I'll never leave you, Mom,' " Joan Winton said. "He never did.”

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on October 29, 2001:

On September 11, 2001, Fordham lost one of its most promising alumni. David H. Winton (CBA ’94) was a bank analyst for Keefe, Bruyette & Woods in the World Trade Center and died in the attacks. His mother, Joan Winton, immediately endowed the David H. Winton CBA ’94 Memorial Endowed Scholarship.

In January, Mrs. Winton added to her son’s legacy with a financial gift to create the David H. Winton Fellowship Program. Each Winton Fellow will work with a Fordham professor to prepare research for publication and to network with professionals in his or her field of study.

“Although he graduated in 1994, Dave never left Fordham,” said Mrs. Winton. “He was always available to serve the University in any way possible.”

At his graduation, Winton received the CBA Alumni Association Award as the senior “whose overall record … exemplifies the best in the college … a model of what students should strive to be.” He was a member of the Globe International Business program and chief executive officer of the student-run Fordham Federal Credit Union, which doubled its assets under his management.

“[Dave] took on major responsibilities at the credit union and led the team that restored it to a healthy financial condition, while still maintaining his academic obligations,” said Sharon P. Smith, Ph.D., dean of the Fordham

Schools of Business. “In everything Dave did, he brought enormous dedication, the highest standards of integrity and a wonderful sense of humor.”

Dave’s death left a void in this world, not only for his family and friends, but for all of us. He was a bright, shining star who contributed to the health of this country with his intelligence, his standards, his dedication and his love for others. We will not forget, Dave, we will not forget.

From the Wall of Americans:

"The plane was coming right at me," David Winton told his mother from his cell phone minutes after the second hijacked plane slammed into the World Trade Center tower where he worked. Winton, 33 [sic], who was to be married in November, was a bank analyst for the firm Keefe, Bruyette & Woods and had a window office on the 89th floor in the south tower, within the series of floors the plane plowed through. He had already called his mother several times earlier

Tuesday to tell her he was OK after the first plane hit the north tower and that he had witnessed the grisly scene of people falling from the building. "I asked him: `Is it foggy?' And he said, `No, it's clear as a bell. This is no accident,'" said his mother, Joan Winton of Rocky Hill, Conn. Winton, who lives in Brooklyn, also had called his fiance and then was on the phone with his sister when the second plane was seen headed for his building. About 10 minutes after the plane hit his tower--just missing his side of the building--he called his mother again. "He said, `Mom, I'm OK. I'm trying to find a way out,' " Joan Winton recalled. "It was 52 minutes until the building collapsed," she said. "We hoped that would be enough time for him to get down."

Compliments of Reuters, I give you my favorites from Fashion Week! You'll notice that some designers (well, at least one) has finally caught on to the fashion trend started by the Amish.
Others (particularly those zany Japanese)...not so Amish:


Some have decided to kick it up a notch! (ha ha ha! get it?? Kick it up...get it? ha ha ha)

Here is some more zany Japanese styling. I used to want to visit, but now I'm a little frightened.


Some designers aren't very cheerful. Perhaps an antidepressant is in order.

And, to close, I give you the one fashion idea I may be able to pull off if I can just find that teasing comb and, oh bother, where did I put those grillz?

Yesterday I took my boys to their first amusement park: Frontier City. Some friends had invited us to join them, but when I told the boys, they were less than excited. In fact, they told me they don't like amusement parks and they were not going. Knowing my boys as I do, I was quite certain they would love amusement parks, so I made them go. I dragged them there. It was a silent ride with two little boys sitting in the back, arms folded and scowling at their bad mommy.

We were there less than one minute before their dispositions did a 180. Nobody enters the park without a stroll through the souvenier shop, and that alone was worth the trip for them! We pushed them through and headed for the tea cups. One ride and they were hooked!

We started slow with canoe rides, a climbing feature and swirling tea cups, then moved on to the big rocking boat. Colin was reluctant to get on the boat, but Spencer and I talked him into it. Three minutes later, Spencer and I were green and Colin was wanting to go again!

The boys loved the swings that swirl around, so we did that a few times and then headed over to let the boys drive the Model A's around the track. Somewhere around there I found myself on the Silver Bullet with Spencer.

Big. Mistake.

The ride probably lasts about one minute, and in that time I thought of curse words I hadn't thought of since the 70s. That thing was a monster. We went upside down and sideways. And we went fast. I think the thing came off the tracks a couple of times. I can't believe I didn't puke.

I could barely walk away from the ride and I was sick for hours afterward. I was the mommy who watched the purses and took photos for the rest of the day. What was I thinking? I'm 42 now. As James said, "There's a reason old people don't ride those things."

The rest of the day was a jumble for me. The boys rode the wooden roller coaster and a bunch of other crazy rides. They were absolutely loving the amusement park! The boys had a chance to go around again for their favorite rides before we left. Colin chose the rocking boat and Spencer chose the "coffee cups." I think they're hooked.

I, however, am feeling a little queasy again today. My brain feels altered, too. Ugh.

Spencer specifically requested that I post this morning's artwork on my blog. Yeah, I remember asking my mom the same thing when I was five.

Violet tagged me for this meme, and who am I to deny her?

1.Are you craving anything and if so, what?
I just returned home from a wonderful party with friends and delicious food. I truly want for nothing, but I kind of wish the hostess had sent home some of that delicious seafood dip...I could live on just that for weeks!

2. What is the weather outside, and do you wish it would change?
It is warm, but not hot, and a little muggy...no breeze. Not too bad, but I'd bring the temp down about 10 degrees and get rid of the moisture in the air.

3. What two websites do you think you will go to next after you are finished here?
Probaby the Drudge Report to see if anything is happ'ning, and then Stampin' Up to see today's inspirations.

4. Do you wish you were somewhere else and if so, where?
Oh, sure. I wish I were in the mountains with my boys. I really can't wait to show them the Rockies. I'd like to show them Vail, Royal Gorge, Telluride and Pike's Peak. I would hope to run across a few rock shops and some Mexican restaurants...the kind you find in small towns and owned by locals.

5. Do you wish you were someone else, and if so, who?
I like being me most of the time, but I wish I were more disciplined, organized and enthusiastic. (Translation: I wish my house looked a little better). If I had to be someone else for a day, I'd be Colin or Spencer so I could see the world through their eyes.

I haven't posted any shoes for a while, but now that the seasons are changing, it is time! We'll start with these mules by Donald J. Pliner. They are simple in design, not too high, and a bit edgy. Nice.
Next we have some summer shoes by Taryn Rose. I really like the Taryn Rose style...the shoes just look comfortable and classic. I threw in these summery shoes because this is the best time of year to purchase summer shoes on sale!

These incredible pumps by Stuart Weisman are called "Sensual" and I can see why. Don't you just want to touch them? Wow.

Okay, in total contrast to the Stuart Weitzman's, I present to you honest-to-goodness women's shoes from Hannah Andersson. As goofy as they are, I bet it would be a lot of fun to wear them with a pair of jeans and a pretty, pretty pink shirt.

These boots by Donald J. Pliner are made with velvet and pewter. I'm not a boot girl, but now I'm thinking I could be.

I love these d'Orsay shoes by Taryn Rose. I just have a thing for bows wrapped around the foot, and I like that seam at the toe, too. Then there is the rich brown color and the soft nappa leather. These are my favorites of the lot.

These are my least favorites...in fact, I don't like them. Did we not learn from the 80s that this style is just not flattering? The flat feet, the toe cleavage and the hammer-toe toe boxes? Ugh. I noticed this style is prevalent on the sites that sell classic women's wear. What to do? What to do?

Wonder of Wonders, Miracle of Miracles!

I have been nominated - and made the finals - for the Best Family Blog in the 2006 Okie Blog Awards!

Many thanks to those who nominated me. I am truly astonished that I would make the list considering my lackluster performance of late! Of course, now that I'm on the list, I'll be hoping against hope to step on the stage and collect my 3-foot, gold-plated trophy at the Okie Blogger Roundup.

I better go clean that tiara!

Good Morning! As you can see, I'm making some changes around here....doing a little "painting" and changing the "wallpaper." Expect to see a few more details change in the coming days as I finally learn how to navigate the template. I've been playing around with the template for years, but have been mostly unsuccessful. I had a really super-cool font going on, but didn't realize that none of you could see it unless you had happened to download the same exact font onto your very own computer. (When I saw my blog on a friend's computer, I was amazed that it looked nothing like the one on my computer! I was simply amusing myself with my fancy fonts!)

So, anyway, I saw this fabulous blog header over at Don't Try This at Home and it was so similar to what I had always envisioned for my blog, I quickly contacted Larry Jones, who provided the new header you see up there. I still haven't discovered how to size it correctly, but at least it is there. My friend Dan tried to translate computerese to English for me so I could fix some things, but I never did quite understand. Poor Dan. His intellect is in the stratosphere, so far removed from most of us that he cannot comprehend our ignorance. I think I may have caused him to sprout some grey hairs. But he tried. . . he really tried.

Then there is the lovely Katrina of Notes on a Napkin, who kindly sent me her entire template, highlighted in all the right places so I really couldn't fail. I played around with her color chart and, viola, presto chango and all that. Thank you.

See, it really does take an e-village to raise an internet web log blogger. Which reminds me, many thanks to the democrats who have worked tirelessly to invent the internet and to bring people together into village communities to support the little people like me.