Hyvää Uutta Vuotta....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! As we come down the home stretch to 2010, like everyone else, I can't help but take a look back over 2009 and think, "Wow, what an adventure!!!" Last year at this time we were getting ready for our trip to DFW to see King Tut, to celebrate New Year's Eve at a wonderful, romantic B&B and then attend a great Buddhist New Year's Day celebration, after which we picked up our Havanese puppy, Sebastian. We had no idea we'd fall so much in love with the little guy that we'd not make it through spring without adding his little brother Seamus to the family!! We've changed addresses and have had a wonderful time in our little home. We've done lots of working, lots of playing, managed to take another B&B vacation. We've had some sad times and some glad times. We celebrated 09/09/09 in a most unique and wonderful, life-changing way...It's been an exhausting, exhilarating, and completely amazing year.

About all that's left to do is gather some mistletoe and chill the champagne...

Life has been good, to say the least. May ours, and yours, only get better in 2010.

Shawn
****

(that's Happy New Year in Finnish, btw...)

Yes, Shawn, there is a Santa Claus....

No, I'm not entering my second childhood, lol. It's just that I've always chosen to reserve that special corner of my heart at the holiday time for Father Christmas. I grew up knowing full well that the gifts under the tree came from my family. Some of my fondest memories of childhood are of spending the night in the front bedroom at Grandma and Grandpa's house in Tacoma, getting up early at the crack of dawn to get ready to get on the bus to Seattle and shop the big department stores with Grandma. I could hardly wait to see how Frederick and Nelson had decorated their store- not just the display windows, which were amazing, but they'd change their carpeting colors and have enormous ornaments and snowflakes hanging from the ceilings and glass counters covered in snow, draped in ribbons and trees all lit up, with wonderful music playing. And the Dickensian carolers singing outside.... and the doorman all decked out in holiday splendor. Then on to the Bon Marche, Nordstrom, and back to Tacoma to go to Rhodes and Peoples....We'd first go to the bakery for biscuit, then the linen department for the latest sheets and towels by Vera, the book department for the new book Grandma had picked out from the NY Times Bestseller List, then lady's wear. We'd stop and have lunch in the restaurant and watch the fashion show. I'd have grilled cheese and dill pickles, a milkshake that I could barely see over. We'd linger awhile, then go to the toy department. It was a great day of riding the elevators and escalators up and down until I was exhausted. I helped Grandma carry the paper shopping bags (most of what we bought would be delivered to the house the next day). Then it was back on the bus. I'd doze in my seat, leaning on Grandma, as evening fell. We stopped off at the meat market in Tacoma and I'd pick out what we were to have for dinner (I just realized that somehow it always ended up being pork chops, no matter what I picked out) and we'd get "link weinies" on a string (I got to count out as many as I liked) for breakfast with toast in the morning and biscuit. Last, but not least, we'd go to the dime store, just for fun. We'd finally get on the city bus and ride up the hills. I got to pull the cord to ding the bell when we neared our street and we'd be dropped off in front of the house, just after dark. Grandpa would have put on the coffee and the house was nice and warm...It was a lot of fun.

So, actually, I guess it's the spirit of Old St. Nick/a.k.a. Grandma Mary that I've actually tucked away in my heart and I've never quite gotten over it...As an adult, I managed to acquire the most fabu Father Christmas collection. They're long gone now, hopefully having found their ways into the homes and hearts of other, like-minded realists ;+).

Happy Holidays!!!

Shawn, who loves her Santa Baby SGTex
****

photo courtesy of Vintage Postcards, a depiction by Raphael Tuck

We thought this was cute, in a holiday sorta way....

Thanks, Kim T! And may your days be merry and bright....

Shawn&SGTex
****

Here's that old family favorite holiday cookie....

BACARDI XMAS COOKIES:

1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup of brown sugar
lemon juice
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Bacardi Rum

Sample the Bacardi to check quality.
Take a large bowl, check the Barcardi again, to be sure it is of the highest
quality, pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer...Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.

Add one teaspoon of sugar...Beat again.
At this point it's best to make sure the Barcardi is still OK, try another cup, just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in
the cup of dried fruit. Pick the frigging fruit off floor. Mix on the
turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with
a drewscriver. Sample the Barcardi to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who giveshz a sheet. Check
the Barcardi. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one
table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find. Greash
the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't forget
to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Rarcardi Bum and make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher.

CHERRY MISTMAS

(and if we posted this last year, well, we said it's an old family favorite)

Shawn&SGTex
****
photo courtesy of kingarthurflour.com

Robert Frost had it down cold....

"Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired." -Robert Frost

It just doesn't seem possible that it's December already. I think it was on CNN in the early morning hours that someone said they were amazed that it was the first day of the last month in this decade...Wow. I would never have believed that life would have taken the turns that it has over the past few years. All I'm going to say about that is that I'm grateful.

Lately I've been thinking about love and what it means, the effect it has and how it is manifested. I've no time for much reading these days, but I'm aware of what's out there on the subject of love. Like "The 5 Love Languages" book that is quite popular. Or how about the Greeks? What they say about love 5 different ways: Epithumia (strong desire, longing, lust), Eros (romantic, passionate, sentimental-goes nicely with epithumia), Storge (comfortable, as in old shoe--not to be avoided, because it's the belonging-type love), Phileo (comradeship, friendship), and Agape (selfless, giving, without thought of self). Or how about Sir Richard Burton's translation of the Kama Sutra? Not for sissies...Then there's the letter to the Corinthians chapter 13, or Letter to the Brothers, two passages included in our wedding ceremony.

Actually,I tend to agree with Mr. Frost.

photo courtesy of mediastorehouse.com (a picture of a frosty leaf to go with the poem by Robert Frost--get it?!)

Come, ye thankful people, come....

Here it is, just a couple of days before Thanksgiving, and the holidays are upon us! Last year at this time I was figuring out how to work at my job, shop and have my menu set for what to put together for dinner. I was thinking then, "Well, by this time next year I'll be more organized and it will be easier putting Thanksgiving on the table..." Little did I know that we'd move across town and we'd still be unpacking, that rather than a turkey thawing in the kitchen there'd be a couple of wild Havanese things bouncing around and wreaking puppy havoc, lol...And those are just a couple of the changes we've experienced since Thanksgiving 2008.

But it's that way for so many people, I think. I'm hearing and reading a lot about how America is going through big changes. Some are good, some are bad. Maybe in spite of it all, or maybe because of it all, we can be grateful and enjoy our time together, because who knows what the tomorrows may bring....

Shawn
****

Don't nod and dream....

"Stay awake, don't rest your head
Don't lie down upon your bed
While the moon drifts in the sky
Stay awake, don't close your eyes

Though the world is fast asleep
Though your pillow's soft and deep
You're not sleepy as you seem
Stay awake, don't nod and dream
Stay awake, don't nod and dream"

The other day SGTex and I were discussing naps. For several reasons, I've developed the habit of not taking a nap if I can possibly avoid it. I've been told that as a small child I was known to stay awake as long as possible, as I was afraid I might miss something...Cousin C might remember how we used to take summertime naps upstairs in Grandma Mac's feather bed out at Aunt L and Uncle R's ranch. I could only take that so long, as it was warm and bright in that room, and feather beds can be pretty overwhelming, lol. I'd try the best that I could to relax and enjoy the experience, but before long I'd had all I could take, run down the stairs looking to be entertained by the elders. Funny thing, they were expecting me and always had something interesting and educational to do. I loved those times.

But that was a lifetime ago. Times have changed, and here I am thinking about how nice it is to go to sleep at night in peace. We can do that these days, because of those who were willing to sacrifice their security in order to preserve ours...Thanks to those who have made that possible.

Well, I'd better go hush the puppies. SGTex just laid down for a 20-minute nap...

Shawn
****

photo of sweet kitty courtesy of wings

Autumn mornings....

No, I don't particularly like spiders--well, except for this particular garden variety. I remember these pretty webs all heavy with dew, glistening in the mornings at this time of year up in the PNW. For some reason this kind of spider seemed friendly and not very menacing...

So, what's going on around here? Working as usual, if not more than usual...and lots of pecan harvesting. We're very lucky to have such a bumper crop--sacks full of nuts sitting in the corner, and pralines have been the topic of conversation...Oh, my.

Shawn
****

BOO !!!....

All right, lightening up, now.......(Shhhh. We've got candy here, but how come the porch light's out and nobody'll answer the door? LOL)

Shawn
****

Everybody else have a great Hallowe'en....

A friend shared this link about the church in Arizona with the so-called haunted house, called "Final Destination." in the news at: http://www.azfamily.com/video/featured-videos/Parents-outraged-at-churchs-haunted-house-67796337.html

Well, I had this to say about that on a message board:

"That's certainly disturbing---and worthy of picketers, IMO.

I have issues with the concept of that sort of thing, along with Superbowl Sunday at church, etc...and I really don't see the need for "haunted houses" at churches to begin with.

Basically, I'm not a fan of the ghosty-goblin-ghouly ***!!BOO!!*** stuff and have made a concerted effort to avoid watching it on TV, like the "Rosanne" Hallowe'en episodes, lol. Just too grizzly for me.

OTOH, SGTex and I spent awhile driving around town the other evening attempting to locate a residence that was featured in the local newspaper, the article written by a friend of SGTex. "Annie" is a presence who has made herself known over time, and there are some really interesting stories passed down over the years. I found it particularly interesting, as the incidences were very similar to experiences I'd heard about and witnessed in Astoria. I have a certain amount of respect for the Real Thing, you see ;+).

Anyway, this church has absolutely no business doing what they're doing. They're totally off base, committing acts of fundamentalist terrorism on the community and then excusing themselves, playing the "you know what you're getting into" card. I find that revolting, and if it weren't so utterly lame and trite, I might whip out the old "WWJD" myself. Rather than stoop to that, let me just say that I think THIS just might be the final nail in that coffin-- these ignoramuses (ignoramii?) have finally managed to polish off the last crumbs of respect I had for those who dare to call themselves Xians....

Hello God,

Save me from such morons."

Shawn
****

photo: Austin bats

Hail, Bo!!! (insert whistle) The First Pooch....

Did you read or hear all the chatter about the First Family official portrait? I read nice comments, bored comments, approving and disapproving comments...I was sitting here thinking, "What a lovely family, aren't they pretty!" But something was missing. Bo!! So I mentioned that on a message board and someone came along (Thanks, G) and posted a link to this picture. Well, he's just about the cutest dog going in DC (ours being the 2 cutest in this Texas town). Absolutely a classy dog, definitely owns his piece of the green, lol.

Just hadta put it here. Stop by often for a smile...

Shawn
****
photo borrowed from backseatcuddler.com

Spirit-lifting, lighthearted and downright bubbly...strawberries optional....

"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o’er-brimm’d their clammy cells."
John Keats

Well, it's been a less-than-festive mood around here today, what with the pouring rain and gray, gloomy clouds. I never expected to be so affected by weather, but since I've come to Texas from the Pacific Northwest, I've become rather spoiled by abundant sunshine and blue skies. Not to say I didn't appreciate the cloudless days up there in my old corner of the country, because I did. Bright sunshine-filled days are just something to which I've become accustomed. You know, I've developed that expectant attitude tinged with a sense of entitlement. More often than not, I actually do rise and shine thinking "Texas owes me a nice day, dammit--I came all this way, now let's have it!"

All right. So, I'm in a funky, weird mood, and I'm wishing for something spirit-lifting, lighthearted and downright bubbly.... thus the picture I've borrowed from the Armagan Champagne people. Alas, but there's not a drop of alcohol in the house, nor a strawberry to be found. SGTex did mention that we really should be having red wine with the (fabulous) steak, mushroom and pepper dinner he whipped up (Thank you, Dearling). OTOH, we've got sweet blackberries in the frig, movie popcorn in the cupboard and newly-harvested gorgeous pecans from our very own trees. Besides that, I've spied a dark chocolate something-or-other-type of candy bar on the breakfront in the kitchen.... and coffee we've got. Champagne will be great later on down the way, come wedding time.

I wonder what a girl hasta do around here to convince her man it's the perfect night for a cozy, romantic bedtime picnic?

Hmmm...Give me a minute. I'll think of something.........;+)

Shawn
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photo: armagan-champagne.com, armagan champagne cellars, Healdsburg,CA

"...and the desert shall rejoice...."

Another article from the desk of SGTex:

I considered it unfortunate enough that government and the people have been unable to arrive at a reasonable solution with regard to that cross on public land in the Mojave desert, and that meanwhile we have this butt-ugly plywood box up there, conveying equal disrespect to all creeds as well as the wildlife.

Then, looking into the matter via Internet, I discovered an intriguing angle on the story that CNN did not mention. In 1999, the National Park Service was approached about erecting a Buddhist shrine in the vicinity, and it was the Park Service’s refusal to permit this that actually precipitated the current round of litigation. Plaintiff Frank Buono, a Catholic who used to be an assistant superintendent at the preserve, personally had no problem with a cross being on government property --- but did object to its being there while symbols of other religions are not allowed.

Take note, please, everybody. This set of plain facts should clear up some several misconceptions. For one thing, y’all conservative Christians can give up blaming the Atheists for everything --- they are not involved in this one. And behold, a case in which the ACLU is on the Christian side (for yes, a Catholic is a Christian), and it’s hardly the first time.

To top it off, the plaintiff is not guilty of wanting anything taken away --- on the contrary, he just wanted to see religious liberty lifted up and enlarged! Get that bit straight, then, before taking sides against Mr. Buono or making him the subject of your fretful little prayer cells.

Once and for all, consider this: The issue is not that somebody was “offended” at
this cross out in the middle of Nowhere, California. To make it look like a given lawsuit is unreasonable, church ladies in your e-mail will complain that all the fuss is over some silly extremist who was “offended” at the mere sight of a cross, the Ten Commandments or Baby Jesus. They hope to dismiss religious equal protection issues as so much zany “political correctness.” They might still be able to reassure each other with that story, but an evolution of justice is leaving them behind.

As a non-Christian, I don’t need the government to protect me against hurt feelings or irritation --- goodness knows that could keep the National Guard busy --- but I will insist that it keep its foundational promise not to let the majority religion commandeer resources and venues for which we all pay taxes.

If the expression “separation of church and state” isn’t in the constitution, the words “no…establishment” certainly are. It is wrong and illegal to have a Christian-only National Day of Prayer on the steps of City Hall, and there is a problem with having a cross and only a cross displayed on government land. The cheap/easy answer would be to remove the thing, but there is another way, disappointing to no one who loves freedom.

If Solomon the Wise and Thomas Jefferson were here today, I know they would recommend we uncover and repaint that cross --- and then promptly enjoin the National Park Service to welcome and encourage the erection of other symbols of faith and philosophy, several and various. They ought to be 5 to 8 feet tall --- the Buddhist Lotus or Dharma Wheel; the venerable Star of David; the Star and Crescent, one supposes, representing Islam; a nice pentagram from the Wiccans, and hey perhaps the American Atheist Atom, out of respect for the belief that religions are all myth and fancy.

I cannot imagine that the war dead would object, nor the long-nosed leopard lizard.

****
SGTex

Let's give it some Morning Glory....

It's a quiet Sunday/almost Monday night. SGTex made a late run to HEB for milk (he's doing homemade biscuits) and I'm sitting here doing this. We were out and about today and passed through the tiny nearby village on our way out to see the cotton fields, and discovered a fence covered with these Heavenly Blue morning glories...which prompted SGTex to tell me a very interesting story about his A&M days as an Aggie...(but I digress). I love his reminiscences....Anyway, the flowers were so stunning and gorgeous I decided we must plant a million of them right away, even if we have to wait until next year to enjoy the blooms.

Actually, we're enjoying our days off. Last night was terrific-- Austin City Limits with the Dave Matthews Band, another very interesting "what's in the frig" bed picnic and the rain on the roof. Anybody else love it when the A/C goes down and the windows come up? We sure do. And it was a full moon above it all, which is good.

And it was absolutely SUPER getting in touch with my long-but-not-lost cousin Cheryl! Just as much fun and sweet as ever! Let's do that more often!

Here's hoping everyone has a great week doing what you all do.

Shawn
*****
Photo by bratsmom via Photobucket--Heavenly Blue

"The calla lilies are in bloom again... (sigh)..." Who was it that said that?

It was a black and white movie from long ago, and that was said by some sultry actress as she drooped across the room...I can barely remember.

Calla lilies...I love them, always have. These are the last of the florals to be ordered for our upcoming wedding celebration, and I've been waiting for them to "come in" so they could be crossed off that list. There are so many things to do, so many loose ends to pull together. On Monday we're going to meet the person we hope to preside over the ceremony (thanks for the recommendation, Brian), so we're really excited about that.

Anyway, that all being said, what's really important is putting the work into ourselves. Gathering the loose ends, weaving together what constitutes real happiness, ya know what I mean? That's what really matters. I'm going to be working on that....

PS. SGTex says that's from "Stage Door," and it was Kate Hepburn, of course... ;+)

Shawn (test driving her new PC- thanks, Honey)
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A Texas Sunday evening....

It's been good to be home. We had a wonderful vacation and actually drove past this Texas Grill sign on our way to the first B&B where we were staying. That was an absolutely wonderful time, by the way!! (Thanks, D&D, for being splendid hosts and for everything you did for us! We have plans on returning next year...) We had a great time out in the countryside for a bit, then went to another B&B, totally different- in town, artsy/crafty hippie funk. That was fun, too.

SGTex is out back fixing up our wonderful, sagging old fence, and the sky is turning golden pink colors- a combo sunset/threatening thunderstorm...We were thinking we might head out in a bit for the drive-in movie. Hmmm. Wonder if we'll be watching Julie & Julia through the windshield wipers, lol?! Hopefully not.

The puppies are totally intrigued- watching "Daddy" intently through the kitchen screen door and then having a total meltdown when he all-of-a-sudden appears at the front door! It's pretty hysterical, how they go from wagging tails to bared teeth and growls, until they realize who it is and then they're all embarrassed, haha!! That's only happened about 3 times in the last hour or so- you'd think they'd get over it ;+).

This morning the back yard was filled with bird song. I think we have a pair of mockingbirds who are back from vacation, too. It was quiet out there for a few weeks and this morning it sounded so nice. I spotted a big, brownish-colored squirrel in the pecan trees, too. He/she wasn't the usual grey variety, so that's kinda different.

Well, here he is. I'm going to go tell him what a great job he did, no doubt extending the life of that tired old fence. We'll be grateful for his carpentry skills when the roses and trumpet vines are all in bloom, come springtime. Thanks, Darling Man!

Shawn
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Déjà Vu....

We were sitting here talking a little bit ago and I experienced one of those moments like, woah...I remember this. It was a weird feeling, kinda spooky. SGTex would tell you I have those more than the average person, but every time it happens I'm surprised. And then I get to thinking...

Well, we're in the last days of summer. I've been enjoying blue skies and warm temps. Not too many complaints from this Pacific Northwesterner, really. Of course, I keep the A/C going all the time....last evening he turned it down and put on his shirt, saying it was "cold." I'm like, "it's 99 degrees outside and you're cold?" Well, okay...acclimatization is a work in progress, evidently. Maybe I'll get totally used to the heat at about the same time I get so I can drive across town without getting lost, haha. If we had a nickel for every time I've asked, "Where are we now?" ;+)

The other day I looked up at the horizon and we were in a particular spot where it seemed that Mt. Rainier should be sitting right over there on the skyline. And then I remembered that I'd had the same experience in Astoria, OR, getting out of the car and looking over at the hills and wondering what happened to the mountain?!! I've done the same thing with the Columbia River, though. I guess it'll always be like that for me. It's nice to keep those scenes tucked away in your heart- you can whip them out whenever you like. Right now I'm anticipating seeing the cotton fields in bloom. We've been out to check on them a couple of times when they were flowering. It probably won't be long now.

Our days are filled with the usual desk work, unpacking and arranging (speaking of a work in progress), attempting civilization of the savages/puppies (speaking of another work in progress) and getting ourselves ready for another road trip. We're loving our little house and big yard (tomatoes and peppers coming on, better late than never!), and we've actually found a gent to do our lawns and keep the yard in shape! (Thanks, T!!)

Summer has been very good to us...

Shawn
****

"If I had ever been here before I would pro'bly know just what to do
Hey, don't you?
If I had ever been here before on another time around the wheel I would pro'bly know just how to deal
With all of you

And I feel like I've been here before
Feel like I've been here before
And you know it does make me wonder
What's going on under the ground

Do you know?
Don't you wonder?
What's going on
Down under you

Na, na, na...


We have all been here before
We have all been here before
We have all been here before
We have all been here before"

David Crosby

A president who understands constitutional religious liberty....

"Given the increasing diversity of America's population, the dangers of sectarianism have never been greater. Whatever we once were, we are no longer just a Christian Nation; we are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers." --President Obama

Nicest thing any president has said since Jefferson.

Indeed, this Chief Executive expounds the true patriotism, rises up charged with its mystic fire just like the founders, a statesman. The Obama thing enables, empowers us to believe in America again. When this guy practices his right to deliver some free speech, it sounds like something set down on parchment with a pen calligraphic.

But freedom isn't always pretty. Forgive me if I smile, oh ye wildly indignant who try to shout down the new town meeting. Go ahead and have a big hissy fit, oh ye goaded and orchestrated via Internet or evening radio. Your primal scream therapy ought to be protected speech, helps persuade folks over to the liberal side, and entertains in any case.

Shawn and I have been talking about how a free society tends to get raucous, like the British House of Commons. She authorizes me to quote another eloquent American:

Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'.
For the loser now
Will be later to win
And the times they are a-changin'.

Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside
And it is ragin'.
It'll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin'.
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'.

The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin'.
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin'.

--Bob Dylan

SGTex
****

Someplace just outside of town....

Today we were sitting here in the office talking and SGTex said something about going "someplace just outside of town." Which got me to day-dreaming, which led me to thinking....

Someday, if we ever *do* get the Chance and the Time and the Money to actually *do* what we're probably *meant* to do (the B&B/Guesthouse bit), we should call it, "Someplace Just Outside Of Town." Granted, it might actually be located right smackdab in the heart of town, but I kinda doubt that.

See, he's this great writer and needs the time to finish his writing projects and be published. And I have this yen for getting to know people from all sorts of places and learning about them and their kids and their pets and their neighbors. We're both kinda artsy-crafty and have a knack for decorating, and we like everything from Victoriana to American Funk. Not to mention the fact that he makes a killer cup of coffee and bakes monkey bread, and one of my most fav things is to set a pretty table with all sorts of delicious things to eat and let company just have at it!

Really, we should see what we must do to make it all happen...

But meanwhile, we're settling into this cute little bungalow, which actually turned out to be a composite of my two most favorite houses in the Pacific Northwest. How it came to be in Texas, (well heavens, how did *I* turn up in Texas?!) I'll never know, but I can tell you, I'm delighted and will be forever grateful.

Meanwhile, until this particular dream comes true, we'll just take the easy route and make like guests in such fine establishments. And we're going to do just that, come September!

Shawn
****

The Epitomy of Femininity...(IMO)

I like this picture of Marilyn, so here it is. I'm not sure where I'm going with this post...but it's something about womanliness and femininity and oh yes, deliciousness. If I weren't a bit shy, I'd confess it's something to which I aspire.

I always liked her and admired her, even when I was little and didn't think much past "I wish my hair would do that." Later on, I was more like "Wouldn't it be something to have that kind of _____...."

Well, she sure had it, and she knew how to use it. Uh,huh. There was that wow, the special something that gave her an edge, lifted her more than a little bit above the rest of women and made so many love (and envy) her. I'd like to have tapped into that supply of whatever *it* was-- the secret ingredient in the potion that made her oh, so Marilyn, but gosh, she took the recipe with her, didn't she?!

If I'd had some, I'd have mixed some more and bottled it for sale, and I'd definitely have called it Mystique.

Shawn
****
(note: I told SGTex I forgot to sign my post and would have to come back and do it later. He said, "Oh, now they're going to think that *I* wrote that!" LOL. Oh yeah, and when he looked at this post and saw the picture of Marilyn, he said, "WOW!" See what I mean? ;+)