Ecclesiastes Had No Clue about California

               “I’m so happy to have moved back here, because, you know, in California, they have no seasons,” said my new friend. She stated the fact as if “no seasons” were a dreadful disease for which there is no cure.
                Really!  I had not thought too much about California…ever.

                Those loose and nutty people have to contend with weirdo politics and earthquakes plus “no seasons.” Their climate changes result from “fire, mudslide, and Al Gore.”  What can I say?

                 Some might argue that continuously moderate temperatures and sunny skies would be preferable to life in Tornado Alley, Sinus Central, or the Pine Pollen Bowl.

                 I’d like to see California before it falls into the Pacific Ocean, and would schedule a motor trip on Route 66 to culminate in San Francisco.  Driving Hwy 1 in a Mustang Convertible – yep, I’d go for that. Tourist attractions throughout California I’d enjoy seeing: Rodeo Drive, The Golden Gate Bridge, and Hollywood, of course.
               Mother asked her daddy if the family could “drop by Hollywood” while they put-put-putted from Camden, AR, to visit relatives in Enid, Oklahoma. “Sure, Honey,” was all he said, with his smile.

 Life here remains my preference where my senses pray with awe to the colors of Autumn Days.

Letter to Mother....an exerpt

           "I recall the pastel hem stitch and crochet patterned trimmings on the small flannelette blankets you gifted babies.  The search for just the right softness and weight of the fabric will begin again, for I need 3 pieces of flannelette to continue this family tradition.  I have begun to finish the pink rosebud blanket that you began and then left in a wad of dismay. I note the stitches in disarray, as you tried to make your hands do what your mind suggested. I see the times you simply forgot what to do next. I treasure the mess, which is why I did not pull it all out. Now, I am trying to mimic the stitches you were using to create the designs I remember.  I have begun several experiments in stitchery with that blanket and another grand scheme with a “granny square.” Both trials are ragged, but I am learning, as always, from you."
                            
                        ...An exerpt from a piece I am submitting to The Foundation of Arts, Jonesboro, AR. The call for writers is focused as "Letter to Mother/Mom." 
                             You can read the entire submission in the side Pages section of this BLOG, called Journeys.

A Long Way From Our 1st Bottle

             Of Oil of Olay, that is.....The time has come. No longer can I ignore the fine lines that have arrived uninvited to the under eye area. That hint of darkness has not a thing to do with a long night of partying. Not Estee’ Lauder Sunlight product nor bronzer can restore the youthful glow and lightness to my complexion. Even my conscious attention to attaining more Vitamin D without Rx cannot add that sun-kissed healthy glow to a suddenly “dull” complexion. If I could stand the pain, I'd use a bag-clip on that extra skin around my smile and get rid of that sad-sack look. I must take more desperate measures. Time to take to another bottle…of moisture, the tube of cleanser, the buffer, a clay mask, and the twice daily intense clarifying lotion. Debby Boone is into Lifestyle Lift and it's "More Affordable than I might think." I'm skeptical.
          Gone are the simple days of Pure soap and water, Nutragena Complexion Bar only.  My Bunco group test-marketed a complexion under-makeup and night cream that I really liked, but the FDA has yet to approve it, I guess. The magic in a jar would probably cost a fortune and be distributed only at a Med-Spa or through a dermatologist. I’ve been very lucky to have inherited my Daddy’s coloring and skin type, so I did not suffer acne and have had very few flare-ups, even as an adolescent. So, what are these tiny under-the-skin bumps on my forehead?

          I refuse to take a “before”picture –there are enough of those circulating now. I have employed 2 beauty coaches: my dear friend Tricia who looks younger each time I see her, the one who is my age and who reminded me to return to my roots: Clinique.  The other consultant is my step-daughter, Renee’, who is all about the newest, latest, greatest products for skin and hair and has her own account at ULTA and several spa connections. She has offered product advice for those of us who are “aging.”
         Whoever brought up “roots”- yep, I have that “new growth” to rectify.  Today, Shelia would cringe.

             So, when I start to see a marked improvement in the radiance of my skin, I will share the product names, but until then, perhaps you, my young friends, will share your magic potions for looking so beautiful: you know who you are!!
               I should have started "yesterday."

Witch Hat Cookies - perfect culinary delight!

As seen on Pintrest!
So festive and so very easy.  This one is for you, Jana, Pam, and Tricia since I know you don't cook!  SMILE!  Brenda, I am taking a dozen of these delights to David and Colby tomorrow.  They will be in an air-tight container with a FABRIC BOW, of course.  I saved out 2 for Marvin and me, as we are watching sweets and cholesterol.  I toyed with dark chocolate cookies since the Elves make the striped cookies in full dark chocolate.  Add Hershey kisses with almonds, and I think they'd be good for you!   I can picture these cute cookies  on the lunch table at BHS.  Just pop the entire thing into your mouth and enjoy!  Don't even think of cutting the cookie in half to share.  Imagine.

Brenda, Beth, Linda James, and my niece Dawn  would probably make these from scratch, but I just buy the Keebler cookies and the Hershey's kisses, the orange icing, and think I'm Martha Stewart!  Kathy, I think Isabella could add these cookies to her recipe book!

Great Pumpkin Arrival

             For several days I entertained the notion of offering ACT Prep classes in November-December and again in March-April for the students at Rector HS.  Then, I decided I’d be the Rector Jane Ross!  I got excited about the preparation and such, considered getting an updated Baron’s and going online at ACT.org and getting together some lessons for the Reading, Science, and English.  Then, I’d hire a Math person.  Get back, evil thoughts!  Get down from that ledge!  Don’t even think about it!  OK, I came to my senses. I began to think about when I would study and when I would offer the classes and how quickly I’d have to get it together and publicize for the December test.  All of a sudden, I had a flash:  I don’t have to do this! Good Grief, Charlie Brown!  So, I won’t.  Take that!  And that!  I probably will sometime….but, I just don’t quite have the time right now.

            Tonight are the Auditions for Suspect Hollywood, our Dinner Theatre short drama to accompany Night of Chocolate.  I don’t plan to audition, but will attend because the Arts Council is the sponsor of the event.  Today was a Great Pumpkin October 1 since I got to get the wreath made for the front door (see photo) and put out my Fall garden flags.  We are closing the pool this week.  Isn’t everyone ready for Fall? 
           Another project:  I am teaching myself to crochet!  There are these absolutely cutest navy and white baby boy “sneakers” booties that I plan to make for Gina (shhh!) for Mitch’s baby.  She cross-stitched for me and mine, so I’m going to try to return the gift, somewhat.  I do hope it turns out.  Perhaps I should start today. Even if she reads this, it’ll still be a surprise if they turn out gift-worthy!  I did knit a pair of slipper sox for Aubrey and a set of booties for Renee’s friend Hillary who is having a girl in January.  (see photos)
         Has anyone read any really good books, lately?  I have downloaded a few onto my KindleFire from the Library, but returned them within about 2 chapters.  Dull, dull, dull.  Maybe I am ruined after Gone Girl and “the Trilogy.” Grisham is supposed to have a new one coming out, and I am thinking of reading Light Between Oceans…has anyone tried that?  How about Beautiful Disaster?
         
For those who have been to Rector and have seen the Corner Bookstore and have found it Closed,  well, Mrs. Timerean has opened it again.  I went in today and it is an overwhelming collection of used paperback books.  BookStop Plus and several other “SWAP” book stores remind me of this store. I remember one summer when I read every romance novel I could and swapped in a bookstore on Mendenhall.  She has hardback collections and paperbacks – just about everything written by Nora Roberts, Mary Higgins Clark, Danielle Steele, Lee Child….etc…etc.  She’s such a sweet lady, but she needs HELP in getting her collections weeded – if this were a garden, it would be overtaken with random wildflowers.  Pretty, but so much, it’s difficult to decide what to do next, which way to turn.  Very interesting place!

Life with Gracie!

                    We are welcoming “Gracie” to our family this week.  Gracie is quite young, really pretty, and she’s “loaded.”  Breaking the tradition from a Chevrolet or a Ford, Gracie slipped upon us in the form of a Toyota Highlander.  Renee’ had done the research on safety and accessories, options and price, and they traded her car for a Highlander about a month ago.  After Marvin drove it and discovered the head room, leg room, shoulder room in the driver’s seat, he was “smitten.”  We looked all around this area, but traded my Taurus and bought it Saturday in Memphis.  She has lots of bells and whistles, but so far, luckily, I have yet to find a vehicle that can make a killer banana pudding!  Her color name is Seafoam blue, and that’s rather a steel blue, or blue gray.  Really pretty!  She’s going on several road trips this week, only one which requires Navigation, though.

                    Speaking of road trips, the one Friday is to Charlene’s outside Halls, TN.  Their Open House is this week and I invited several ladies to go with me.  I’m checking it out for our Fall Break Outing, if anyone is still interested.  Meet at Charlene’s and then have a bunking party here.  We’ll have to coordinate our dates, money, and baby sitting, but that is a standing invitation to anyone who feels game. You’ll have to let me know the exact dates and who’s really interested.  Check out Charlene’s web site.  You’ll just be overwhelmed.  Save up!

                    Other interesting tidbits around here:  The Clay County Arts Council is meeting regularly now and we have a Dinner and Holiday Fashion Show with various businesses decorating tables and holding pre-sales and a Silent Auction.  That event is coming up November 1 at 6:30 PM.  It’s at Sugar Creek Country Club (at Piggott) and should be really great.  That’s a Thursday night.  December 1 (Saturday night) is the Night of Chocolate, but this year a dinner theatre event will be included.  It’s entitled “Suspect Hollywood” and promises celebrity visits.  Wonder if Robert Redford will show up?

                    I got into the pool for what may be the last time today.  The water was so very brisk that it almost “burned.”  I think another afternoon this week is supposed to be warmer.  It’s just hard to let go of that pretty sight!  So, we’ll be closing it down next week and I’ll start decorating for Fall.  How fast the days go by.

                   Next week, also, I do plan to go to Memphis and have breakfast with David and then go shopping with Renee and Aubrey.  Rich called from SC last week and talked for almost an hour.  For those of you who know Rich, you know that was a major event, because he never calls, and seldom talks any more than just to conduct business. It was a great conversation.  It is lonesome there, but they (he and Maureen and the dog Lincoln) are beginning to make some friends.

                Happy Birthday, Tricia!  Remember, we will never be older than Cher!!!

Your Honor, May I Approach the Bench?

"How do you plead?" asked the judge, who was not the same as the cop who gave me the ticket.
"Very unintentionally guilty, Sir," I replied.
"It's always that way," he remarked.
"I'd like to request that the ticket not go on my record."
"Already done, Ma'm"
"And might I have the amount reduced?..."since I'm on a fixed income...retired," I wondered.
"No.  I don't do it for anyone. And you don't look like you are doing too badly, retired on that fixed income."
Best to leave well enough alone.
"Thank you, Sir."
"Pay when they call your name.  Until then, have a seat."
And such was my adventure at the Lepanto City Hall, along with 50 other culprits whose crimes ranged from disobeying the burn ban, driving without brake lights, speeding, and disorderly conduct, 2nd degree battery, shoplifting.  A whole group of locals were admonished not to be within 100 feet of the other.  Trial set for October 30.  Tell your story to the Judge then, not today.
I did not realize how relieved I'd be to have that ticket out of the way...even at the tune of a gazillion bucks. 
"Christmas won't be Christmas without presents," mumbled Jane as she counted out her cash to the clerk in Lepanto, AR.

BTW, I am taking Romeo (my moisture stricken laptop computer) to the Funeral Home in Piggott.  Not for a casket, I hope, but there is a guy who comes highly recommended by my friend Lucy at the Rector Post Office.  She says he can fix my computer.  I called him and he said he'd take a look at Romeo and order the keyboard and fix him right up.  I got so tickled telling Pam that I was taking my computer to a repairman who works out of the Piggott Funeral Home.  How small town is that?