No Freakin' Way!

I can't believe Sweet Pea made it through to the next challenge on Project Runway with this outfit! She even admitted that the shirt was a mess.

Here's the disclaimer which is flashed on the screen at the end of the show:

"The judges considered both their scores and input from the Producers and Bravo in reaching their elimination decisions."

So, I'm assuming again that Sweet Pea is considered an interesting character and the producers wanted to keep her around.

On a lighter note, we were treated to a bevy of handsome male models this week! And Tiki Barber ain't so hard on the eyes, either:

He'll be wearing the winning design on the Today Show. If you're like me and never heard of the guy, he's a former running back for the New York Giants and is now a member of NBC's Today Show and Football Night in America/Sunday Night Football.

"My Sweet Lady"

Ingore the unattractive facial hair and just listen. Ahh...I heard this song today and had to post it here. "My Sweet Lady" is so beautiful that I almost can't listen to it. Here are the three reasons it hurts me:

1. It reminds me of the only guy who ever broke up with me. Now, that sounds pretty impressive until I reveal that I've only had four boyfriends my whole life (and I married one of them).

2. John Denver's clear, strong voice. Oh my. The voice alone could make me cry.

3. John Denver's untimely death. I'm still pissed at him for going up in that experimental aircraft. What a loss.

Taylor Tuesday

(I wish)

The List

I remember reading a quote from Ace when the American Idol tour wrapped up. He was asked about the craziest thing that happened on the road. Ace answered that a couple approached him after a show and the wife propositioned him. She said it was OK because her husband had given her his permission. Ace looked at the man who nodded in return. Ace declined the offer.

Do you and your mate have a list of people they'll give you a "pass" on? The List usually consists of five famous people you're attracted to. You have permission to sleep with them because your spouse knows how much it would mean to you. Aw, that's sweet. Ha! The truth is it's OK because everyone involved knows it will never happen.

I know what you're thinking. You think I brought this up because Taylor's on my list. Remember, your spouse has to give you PERMISSION. I ain't got that. My husband is seriously jealous of Taylor. I just look at the hubby, puzzled. I'm invisible to Taylor. Even when I'm standing in front of him.

I've seen the sweet young thangs gyrating at Taylor's feet during the shows. Believe me, I know my status in the booty hierarchy. I'm nowhere, man. My husband has nothing to worry about.

And, oh yea, I forgot. I would NEVER do such a thing even if Taylor were heavily medicated and carried to my room. I'm a married woman! That's right, I'd NEVER run my hands through that shimmering hair and ...um...what?

Oh, right! The List. Who's on yours?

Thanksgiving

Our pal, Gail, came through for us this Thanksgiving. If not for her, my husband and I would have found ourselves knocking around our big house, eating...I don't know..maybe a baked chicken this holiday.

Gail has a beautiful house on Lake LBJ, outside of Austin. She invited us up and cooked a big, traditional Thanksgiving meal. And since it was just the three of us, we were rebels and only made what we really liked.

Gail didn't want to be in the picture, so Greg jumped in so that everyone would think he cooked. (oops, I just blew his cover):

Now he's pretending to be getting us drinks:

We were planning to get out on the lake at some point, but the weather turned cold! It was in the 40's.

An added bonus of being at Gail's are her delightful dogs. Our house has been pet-free for about six months and I hate it. I may have spent more time with her two dogs than I did with the humans in the house, but I couldn't resist them.

This area of Texas is so beautiful, that we're putting it on our list of possible places to retire. And living near Gail would guarantee us a decent meal from time to time!

Comfort

Through a series of events, my husband and I unexpectedly found ourselves on our own for Thanksgiving. Our oldest son is at my Mom's, spending time with his cousins and our youngest son is in England with his soccer team. They'll both have a great time. But what about us?

My husband had the week off and to be perfectly honest, he can be annoying when given too much free time. I suggested we spend a night at a Bed and Breakfast I had found a couple of years ago. Despite the ribbing he took from his friends, he agreed. (Why do men think B&B's are gay?)

It's located in Comfort, TX. The B&B was a stage coach stop in the 1800's, located on a sanguine little creek. Charming shops are just a walk away and we ate in an unassuming little restaurant which served surprisingly good, authentic German food.

In the morning, as we packed, I smiled and told Greg our stay had been therapeutic. I enjoyed the peace and quiet, the lovely old buildings full of antiques and the gently swaying branches dipping down towards the slowly flowing water. Comfort indeed.

One Crafty Mother

I have a lot of creative energy which can make it difficult for those who live with me. I usually have about twenty projects going at once: curtains to sew, a chair to paint, some photo project, etc...I have more ideas than time to follow through on them. It drives my husband and kids bananas.

A few years ago I decided to put this insatiable need to create towards a practical goal. I started doing craft fairs.

I don't like to talk about it because craft fairs conjure up images of crocheted toilet paper covers and "country kitchen" decor. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!) What I make is jewelry and Christmas ornaments.

I pick beautiful, sparkly supplies and will only sell what I think is tasteful and happy. When you pick up something I made, I want it to make you smile just because it's pretty.

So far I've only done a couple of shows a year because most of them have huge entry fees. Who knew? Some of the bigger craft fairs charge hundreds of dollars to rent booth space.

Yesterday I did a show at my own church. Though I don't get any breaks on the fees, I like to do it because it's comfortable. I know everybody, I know the space, everyone is pulling for me. It's fun.

As usual, the night before the show I asked myself what I had gotten myself into, why did I think this was a good idea and the perennial favorite: who's gonna buy my crap, anyway? But then Saturday morning the show got under way and as people strolled by and complimented me on my work (and actually bought some!) I relaxed and enjoyed myself.

Earlier this week, I considered giving it up and having a going-out-of-business sale. But the shiny beads beckoned, the ideas started to swirl and...well, hell...I need to do more shows! I'll have to see if I can do a couple more before the holidays.

Worst Dress Ever

I curled up to watch the Season Premiere of Project Runway last night and was not disappointed. I must say, though, this crop of designers seems to have more impressive credentials than on previous seasons. I prefer to watch novice designers feel their way through the creative process. But, maybe the challenges will be more demanding, too. We'll just have to wait and see.

I can appreciate thinking outside of the box, but Elisa's dress (shown above) was just too far out there. Heidi Klum said it looked like the model was "pooing fabric" because the train was just a blob of unrelated colors and material. And she tripped over it walking down the runway!

Guess I've watched enough reality TV to know that even though Elisa deserved to be eliminated, she wouldn't be because she's an interesting character. She's very odd.

Did you know that you can bid on all of the designs from Project Runway? I think that's such a cool idea (and very tempting). Go take a look. Let me know if you win anything:

http://projectrunway.auction.seenon.com/index.php

Project Runway Season Four

Yeah!! Project Runway is my favorite show. You may have to endure commentary from me every Thursday morning now that the new season is beginning. Be there tonight on Bravo, 10/9c.

Taylor Tuesday

HAPPIER WITH HIM

Last Wednesday was the anniversary of my mother-in-law's death. I planned to write about it- about her, but when I sat down at my computer, the words wouldn't come. I didn't want to rehash the events leading to her death. I didn't feel like sharing stories about the good times. What I was feeling was rushing inward, I couldn't reverse the flow.

She was a good friend to me, more than my husband's mother. She called me her first daughter, not her daughter-in-law. And when she lay wasting away in a nursing home and told me, "I just want to go home and let nature take it's course", I seriously considered trying to make that happen for her.

I still feel guilty that she had to endure the extra months that doctors gave her as they tried to keep her alive. I know that sounds strange for a loving relation to say, but those last months were filled with frustration, confusion and humiliation for her. And in the end, she died in a hospital alone.

So what does this have to do with Taylor Hicks? After she died and we returned to our sad, quiet home, I saw that joyful character singing a Christmas song on TV and wondered if he had a CD out. I got online, typed in his name and was directed to graycharles.com.

I found a lifeboat in a sea of despair and have ridden that sucker all the way to this moment here with you. My mother-in-law would have liked the fact that I found such a life-affirming diversion and that through Taylor's music I'm able to make a joyful noise in everything I do. I don't know why-I don't CARE why, but that boy has given me hope and an excited anticipation for the future.

So last Wednesday when I sat staring at my computer intent on writing about my mother-in-law, a funny thought popped into my head involving a playful discussion at TFHZone about whether or not Taylor had a clone. An hour later, I had the following photo. It made me double over laughing and you can BET my mother-in-law was right there with me.

(I know, my hair looks kind of weird, but I don't care. Well, maybe I care a little. If only I knew how to photoshop bangs!)

I Got A Woody

allen movie on my tv

So I woke up today feeling pretty blah, tired of being strong, weary of pushing through. You don't know what I'm talking about. I can tell by that puzzled look on your face.

It really doesn't matter, but we all have those days when we don't feel like doing whatever task is ahead of us. It's Sunday and what's ahead for me are domestic chores and my teenage son's soccer game. I sat down with my coffee and asked myself, "So what would happen if I don't do any of it? Just this once?"

My family might get P.O.ed, but they'd get over it. So I granted myself this one day to be selfish, sad, lazy and whatever the opposite of proactive is. Nobody can count on me today. I'm not there for you.

I didn't exactly feel better, but I wasn't going to fight it. I got online to check my messages and matter-of-factly clicked on the TV. Sweet mother of all that is holy, what popped up on the screen was classic Woody Allen.

And just like that, my mood changed. I laughed out loud. During the commercial, I put in a load of laundry. I switched to the TV in my bedroom and stripped the bed. I made a grocery list. So before I dash off to the store, I wanted to share a clip from that movie with you.

This is my kind of mood-elevator. And don't you just love Diane Keaton? I think I may have a crush on her. (Ha! See the "I Loves Me Some Dave Foley" thread. I have a crush on everybody.)She's not in this clip, but I wanted to mention her anyway because she's brilliant.

I Loves Me Some Dave Foley

I've got a crush on this guy. Ever since "NewsRadio", I look forward to seeing him whenever he pops up TV. Lately, he's been spotted on "Late Night With Craig Ferguson" as a regular extra. (I've got a crush on Craig Ferguson, too, but we'll get into that another day.)

This clip makes me laugh out loud:



This clip involves TWO crushes, so it's extra-interesting to me:

I'm sorry, what?

Tuesday night my husband and I went out to dinner with some people from the company he works for. We dined with 2 men from England, a woman from Scotland and another man from Louisiana. Though we were all speaking English, the accents were flying and none of us understood the other.

One of the Englishmen told a long story about the people who work for him and the only thing I understood was, "Indian head MAssage." We all laughed at the conclusion of his story because (from what I gleaned from his facial expressions and hand gestures) his employees expected to receive these massages as a perk regularly. "Indian head MAssage" became the catch phrase of the evening.

Then the Scottish women asked my husband a question which he asked her to repeat. He still didn't understand her, so he blurted out, "I think she was a hooker!" We all laughed because it made no sense. My husband doesn't even know why he said that, but I'll be interrogating him on that for the next few days.

Great food and great company, even if we didn't speak one another's language.


VideoJug: How To Do An Indian Head Massage