Trip to Adams State Universiy

Monday, October 13, 2008

Friday afternoon we farmed Austin out to a neighbor, dropped Tyler at his buddy's house, loaded up Ryan's girlfriend and headed to Adams State College in Alamosa for Ryan's first college concert (well, there were some other kids in it too!). It's really kind of silly as the college is only 2.5 hours from here, but for me and my back it was an epic journey!
I packed everything but the kitchen sink, checked at least a dozen times to make sure I had everything, especially my pills - can't forget those!!
As we pulled into the meeting place, the corner "Loaf n Jug", Kylie was on the phone trying to get Ryan to hurry faster... After all, we hadn't seen him in almost a week!! She and I were both out of the car the moment his weirdly angled driving lamps came into view and as he stepped from his car my gut turned again as I watched him desparately embrace his own true love and leave me standing there, looking stupid, as usual! lol I don't think I'll ever get used to sharing him with this interloper, ummm, well it's not really sharing - she's got him and I don't... that's motherhood! It's a good thing that I really like her!! =D
When we arrived at his hotel room, I mean, dorm room, we started to unpack and take inventory of what we would wear to this monumentous occassion - for all of my thourough packing and careful checks and re-checks, Roger ended up without his shirt, and me without my trousers!! ugh! Everyone ended up being in extremely casual attire, so we fit in just fine - again proving that I worry too much and pack way too much!
It was a great concert, even if I did only capture the top of my darling's bobbing and weaving crown of dark tresses! He sounds so much more polished now than when they ruled the small high school of Cotopaxi, Colorado, so I guess the college courses are working :)
It's really pretty sad though that I can never get good footage - for years other parents nodd warmly at me as I arrive at concerts and events with massive electronics in tow, knowing that the most precious moments of their children's school lives are being safely preserved by the lady that always has the best of the best in HSN home video recording equipment!
I know they wonder why I've not complied with their many requests for copies of the events, but I am sure that I would be totally exiled from future school functions if they only knew! Not to mention, when your oldest son is one of the best bass players in the State of Colorado and his best friend the best drummer of the Western U.S., get to 'jammin', the camera is not going to be steady!! I'm deathly afraid to even look at those, but the sound came out good! ;->
After the concert we went back to the dorm and made ready for a good night's sleep - Ryan had managed to scrounge up a mattress from David's room and took the 'drapes' off of the windows for our covers. We would assuredly have the best rest ever! Roger and I haven't slept "side by side" in over 9 years as we have a massive California King bed that assures we will never bump into each other, but this night we would sleep on the smallest twinmattress I'd ever seen and quite possibly get reacquainted in the most inhumane manner! I wisely commandeered the inside of the mattress that was against the foot of Ryan's humongous bed. I guess throughout the night Roger found out how cold the floor in a dorm room can be and finally ended up at 1am, resting comfortably on a nice hard cafe' chair. I didn't notice, I wasunconscious! At 5:30am I was roused by my loving man holding a luke -warm cup of Micky D's exotic brew and, what I'm sure was, 1200 tiny packs of sugar. He knows me well! I haven't slept in my clothes in some time and remember now that it was a wise thing to grow out of when I was quite small! It was an experience and I dare say that the next time(?!?!) I will sell something and get a room!!
So I'm back home now, safe in my sweats and medic scrubs. I've been beyond sore today, but am still victorious in knowing that we 'did good' and my empty bank account made a young man look good, once more, in front of his friends.
Spare me monthly concerts ASU, please! Now, back to work! =D

Just WHAT are we trying to say here??

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

I guess today's going to be one of those days where I just don't "get it"!lol Like this belt buckle that was advertised in the Etsy Finds today...


hummm, now, just what are we trying to say with this one?


"This whale belt buckle would make any outfit an instant showstopper. Guys, go out with this one on and just wait for the ladies to start commenting on it! buncombebuckles's shop $54." May 12, 2008 Today's Find was curated for you by Marymary.

I just found it comical, especially with MaryMary pointing out that the "ladies" would start commenting on it to the wearer...

"Back in the day" I remember my poor little grandma's words about the horribly indecent things she was being subject to -

Most prominent in my memory was her comment about a billboard that read, "A buck well-spent on a Springmade Sheet"! It pictured an Native American male sitting, with his head hanging down, on the edge of a bed that I guess was made using the company "Springmade"'s sheets... she thought the implication was intolerable! I really think she would just die if she saw all the commercials on t.v. now!

There is nothing that can't be said, or done, on these commercials now. Even the animated movies are full of innuendos and profanity.... {sigh} I often wonder if, for the sake of "free speech", that we've lost all dignity, modesty, and self-respect? It still stops me in my tracks to hear these things on t.v. Even "The Bee Movie" was inundated with sexual comments and drug use references!? I think they've decided that kids don't understand the meanings of what they're saying, so it's okay - but I guarantee you that my 8 year old boy understands! Of course, he has an usually high I.Q., but it's not a reach for the average intelligent child to "get it"....
I wish we could go back to the way it was - I just feel like we've lost our commonsense and especially, our morals.

On a more, directly related to me, note - there's a fire up here on the mountain, just a few miles away, so I will probably have to stop work for a bit to pack up some of my more important things. A guy up here decided to not tell anyone, and just go ahead and burn some brush - we have a very strict fire ban on right now, but he didn't care! =< Now my little home is being threatened again, by the carelessness and selfishness of some guy that wanted to clean his stupid yard! Makes me angry to say the least!! Our season is already started to be a bad one - it's going to be precarious living unless we get some moisture soon. The clouds are thick today and a storm is predicted, but the clouds aren't letting loose yet! Maybe I'll have to get some of the deer antler into a necklace and get to makin' a rain dance! lol
Anyway, would appreciate some good thoughts sent our way today =D

Freida

KW Eagle - Progress Pics

Monday, March 24, 2008

It's finally showing signs of Spring and my work load is steadily increasing => I thought I would post a progress picture of the eagle I'm working on. Can't wait to get him done and sent to his new home. I thought I was making a huge mistake in using my finest walnut burl on this piece, but I think now that it's going to be a good thing. It's just a reminder though, to "keep it simple" - it really wasn't necessary in the end to use such figured wood - the piece will stand for itself after the shaping and final finish is applied! Still, all-in-all, it's a pretty project. Kathy Wise always makes me look good! lol These aren't the best pictures though, taken at 5am, having to rely on indoor lighting. I'm going to be taking better ones later to add to my Flicker page. The eye is the only part that remains to be finished, although I think a little more shaping on the upper body will help tremendously...
The Easter egg hunt at the fire station was loaded with kids this year. We got there a few minutes late and Austin had to run to get in the racing crowd! A few were later than us though, and some of the kids only ended up with a few eggs =< home ="">
I was so surprised to see Vivian there! She had a new little girl in her arms? I told her that I didn't even know she was pregnant and she said, "no one did!" lol She's so cute; 5 weeks old and decked out in pink => I managed to snap a quick photo of a hungry Madison! It was a sad note though to hear that Denita was back in the hospital. She's getting an i.v. in place for antibiotics - I guess she's lost a lot of weight; Vivian said she's down to 110!? I really need to see her - I would feel terrible if something happened and I hadn't gotten to see her!! I wish I were a better friend....
Well, it's back to bed for now - Roger was leaving this morning for Trinidad again - another 3-4 days. It's good for our bills but it's Spring Break for the boys and I won't be able to get much work done =< The sun's starting to come up and I promised myself I would have a lazy morning and stay in bed a little while later this morning - as long as my back doesn't act up anyway ;{
Freida

New Creations

Friday, February 22, 2008

Finally, resolved the thing with my DeWalt - the new one is on it's way!! I love warranties! =>
Posted my puzzles finally! I hope they do well, they do locally, so I'm hoping :D Why would someone NOT want a custom portrait puzzle!? lol
Seems that when I got the saw issue under control it boosted my creativity! I even got one portrait listing done => Now if I can just get the rest of my life in order!!
That's it for now, just wanted to share that I'm back in my creative mode and am doing the "happy dance"!!
ttyl, F

Playing Catch-up

Friday, February 15, 2008

Well, I sure need to get better about entries! I am always thinking about writing, but to put cursor to screen seems so daunting a task. There's so much to write, that it's overwhelming!

Today was a pretty good day. I didn't get a real piece of work going but I did work a little. I told Roger today that even if my saw were in working order I wouldn't be out there sawing, so I don't know why I'm letting that slow me down?

I need to work on my patterns but I usually work at night, into the morning hours, and lately I've just been so tired. I'm trying to get my portraits online but I need to take a couple of more pictures before I can list the bigger ones. I'm not sure how they'll do, but I know that the people I sell them to regularly love them so hopefully they will go over well.

As I mentioned my saw is broken. I love my big yellow Dewalt, but it's never cared for me much. I'm glad that I did call and get the claim going before the warranty ran out! How odd for me to handle that kind of business on time! lol They said they'd send me a new one as soon as I get the receipt to them so I'm pretty excited about that. I realized that it's been hampering my progress for quite a long time, as I've not wanted to get out there and cut when I know that each stroke is causing more damage and that it could, and probably would, quit in mid-project... What a relief it will be!

As far as the new birds go, it's been an experience. I can't get close to Petey really, as he's not anything like Roo was and the female that is Roger's is just plain hateful at this point. They're both very young but having them both here causes them to want each other rather than us... it's hard but I'm working on it.

I've been working on my digital art more and more, and am finding that I love making things look chaotic and grungy. It's been fun, but I'm not sure there will be a place for it on Etsy. Ryan's opened a shop there for his but hasn't posted anything yet. When he does I will enclose a link. Pretty talented of course! lol

I went to College Day with him last Saturday and wow! was that a trip!! Adams State is going to be great for him. Everyone already knows who he is and the financial head handed him a $1000 scholarship just like that. He also did an on-the-fly addition for the music heads with their stand up bass, which he's only played briefly once before, and blew them away. He doesn't know what he'll receive from them for a scholarship yet, but they were truly impressed. I can't count my reaction, cuz' I'm always impressed with his playing! lol

Well, Austin's calling - wants to go to bed. I will try to write a little more later, but I'm not promising anything! lol I need to post some pics also and work on my poor portfolio! ttys, F

Losing Roo, Winning Freedom

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

It was a stupid, painful week. Saturday night at 6:18 pm my little bird, Roo Roo, died in my arms - I was so shocked! I knew after the day's events that I would lose her, but when it happened I realized that I'd lived the day in disbelief. I cried for her not to leave me, but she was already gone. Maybe to some, she was 'just a bird' and sometimes during the nearly three years of her being with me, I thought she was 'just a bird' too. But she was so much more. I couldn't write about her here until now. I made myself sick that night crying over her loss, and ended up practically immobilized for almost three entire days. I think today was the first 'real' day I've had since her passing. And the reason for my being able to function again is the stupid part. I told my family that I would never have another bird, but Roger went out and bought the little male cockatiel that I'd coveted the day before Roo died. I didn't know whether to kill him or kiss him. I know he is trying to help, and I guess it did. But I feel like I've betrayed the one who was so totally devoted to me. Yeah, he's gorgeous, and sweet - but will he ever bond to me like Roo did? I haven't even buried Roo yet, I just can't get my heart to part with her. She sits on a fluffy satin 'pillow' in a box in my work room; I wanted to put her in something beautiful that I'd made with my own hands, decorate it especially for her. Maybe tomorrow, maybe I'll find the strength to let her go.... I knew she was an integral part of my life, but I didn't realize how much I had depended on her for the warmth she gave my loneliness I've always felt. I also have been unable to sleep very well for the fact that I feel "haunted" - sometimes I'll hear her little chirp that she made when I was moving around in the night doing my late night duties. Every time I walk into my room I look for her in habit, and miss her all the more.
So maybe this new little 'tiel will help ease some of the pain and loneliness? Will let you know I guess how it goes from here - there's lots to do to start over with a new little soul. Things I try to remember that I did with Roo to help her love and bond with me escape my memory.
I did a lot of reading today on cockatiels and wish I'd done so while I had Roo. I realized that I hadn't treated her as well as she deserved and I vowed that I would do better with "Petey". I am glad that i made sure to request somewhere in my devastated ramblings over the weekend that I would prefer a male, so that I would never have to go through the possibilities of an 'egg bound' bird again. That was so painful, and my first instinct is to protect myself... time will tell if I'm able to let another port to my heart be opened.
The "winning freedom" part of the title has to do with Roger, and after reliving the pain of the week I find that I'm tired and not in the right frame of mind to write anymore, especially about anything else... so I will try to finish this tomorrow - it's a good story so I hope that the interruption in writing about it won't be a burden to anyone, as if anyone reads my dribble! lol But just in case, I'll make sure I finish up tomorrow...
Good night for now, F

Where's Waldo? - ummm, Roger?

Saturday, January 5, 2008

I am trying to not to giggle while I type - and it's hard to hit the keys right... I have a very stoic family - my sisters are teachers and one is a doctor - my brother an engineer/spy? for some mysterious company that sends him all over the world. So you can see that my life is rather boring to them and I thought after hearing about their most recent travels that I'd send them a photo of *ours*... lol If you don't know me, just suffice it to say, we live hand-to-mouth here in the Colorado Mountains and aren't the most cultured bunch! lol I used to be, but, hence why my sisters weren't expecting such a guffaw! lol
Anyway, I am getting pretty handy at Photoshop finally and use it extensively in my work for pattern designing. In the off hours of midnite to 3am I decided to make up a little story for my hillbilly husband's brothers - who all live too far away to visit with but by email(how they learned that I'll never know!?lol) that showed Roger (my DH) in different places/scenes of the world every month. This new year he started off in the South East African desert "romping with an Oryx buck".
Now, I know I do a pretty good job of "shoppin'" things but this one took the cake apparently! lol My oldest dr. sis just wrote me and asked about the circumstances of "the photo" and "how long ago was the picture taken"! LMAO!
Yes, I'm going to share the joke with her, but gosh that was a "humdinger"!!
I was thinking, maybe that would be an interesting "service" to provide for a fee - doing this kind of 'family fun' stuff to people that can't do it themselves - my boys are always telling me that I never do anything without thinking of how it could be turned into money! lol
Anyway, just thought I'd share a warm funny on such a dreary day =D
F