* Black & White Memories *

This is one of my favorite photos among all the boxes of old prints!

It's my brother Mike and me, standing on our front porch steps. 

I think it might have been after he got home from his first day at school. 

Whether the first day or not, he's holding his red barn lunch bucket

 and his satchel and I'm hugging him. Awww...
(this photo was included in my memoir, too)

I thought I'd post it tonight because I've been searching for the actual print, 

which I haven't been able to find...but was able to print

 one from a digital one on my laptop. 

Thank goodness I took a photo of a photo!

I also decided to post it because Mike's birthday was September 29th. 

He was "X" years old, which is only 15 months older than me!

How time flies. I find myself thinking of old, happy memories more and more. 

I'm sure glad it's the happy ones I remember the most. And when sad ones pop 

into my head, I immediately "change the subject" of my mind!

&

Lastly, a new favorite poem that suits me well. 

Have a fabulous rest of the week!

* TODAY IS VERN'S BIRTHDAY! *

Today is Vern's 13th Birthday!

We got him from a shelter in March of 2011. I took this picture of him the day we brought him home! He immediately felt at home....and got up on the love seat next to me! We wouldn't believe he is so "old" if we didn't have all the papers that came with him: Date of birth, vet records, etc. We hope he lives to be 20! He's definitely our much beloved pooch! 

Vern - March 2011

~~~~~

 

Source: Pinterest



 Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

 



Vern hasn't had his "party" yet, so I'll post more photos either later or tomorrow!

Blogger is giving me trouble this morning, so if I even get this posted, it will surprise me.

Only a couple of things today >>>

Today, August 6, 2014 would have been my mother's 99th birthday! It feels odd to think of her that old, especially since she died relatively young. She was only 74 years old when she died.

My dad's birthday is also this month, on August 11th. He would have been 90. Yes, he was nine years younger than she was, and he died at age 78.

Mother, dad, Mike, and me.

Approx. 1958

Notice the Mother-Daughter dresses

my mother made!

 

 

 



The other thing I wanted to mention >>>

I've been replying to your comments and realized I haven't been doing a very good job at it! I'm still on Tea Cup Tuesday, from July 22nd, which I began this morning and that's when Blogger started s-l-o-w-i-n-g d-o-w-n. I'll keep getting caught up as soon as I can....and begin visiting your blogs and leaving comments for YOU! I apologize for being so s-l-o-w myself!


Okay, I'm now going to attempt to post this...for the fourth time! Acckkkkk!!!!

Oh My Gosh!! It worked!! Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!

 

 

* It's My Birthday *

¯Today is my birthday.....it's your birthday, too, yeah! ¯

I happen to know that my blog friend, Rachel Cotterill's birthday is also today! Happy birthday, Rachel!

And, my writer/voice talent/stage director/and more..., friend: Heather Elizabeth Lynn Farrar's birthday is also today! Happy birthday, Heather!

(And for a bit of fun, here are some celebrities who also share my birthday: Loretta Young, Danny Thomas, Carl Sandburg, Khalil Gibran, Capucine, Howie Long, Bonnie Franklin, AND Pepe Le Pew!)

"Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened." -- Jennifer Yane

* Another Trip Around the Sun *

It's finally here.... A Really BIG Birthday. 

image: www.kauffmanpost.com

I didn't have to buy my own birthday cake. The Ronald bought one for me! Plus helium balloons! 

Happy Birthday, also to my blog friend Rachel Cotterill.

"Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened." -- Jennifer Yane

"In childhood we yearn to be grown-ups. In old age we yearn to be kids. It just seems that all would be wonderful if we didn't have to celebrate our birthdays in chronological order." -- Robert Brault

"I'm 60 years of age. That's 16 Celsius." -- George Carlin

Yep, those quotes just about say it all!

Correspondence, a Campaign, and a Cake

Yes, I "owe" but it's not credit card bills because of Christmas shopping. 

Nope, what I owe: E-mails and Christmas cards!

source: Cafe Press

Please don't think I've forgotten you, but I just didn't send Christmas cards. If you did receive one, it's either because your last name is in the first part of the alphabet, or you're just lucky, because I did send out about ten of them!

So, to catch up on my correspondence, I intend to send something after January 6th, which is my birthday!

If you're a regular visitor to my blog, you'll know that particular date is very significant and for TWO BIG reasons this year. That's the date my Kickstarter Project ends. Please help me reach my goal. And it will be the best gift I've ever received and it will be for.....

source: bookriot.com 

  my 60th Birthday. Yikes!!  

source: onesweettreat.com/2011

"Authorities say brain cells may shrink, but they don't necessarily die. Frankly, I am cheered by the fact that something is shrinking. I'd be even more thrilled if what was shrinking affected by dress size, but you can't have everything." -- Erma Bombeck

* Bump Thud Bang Ding! *

I've decided I am now disciplined enough to keep writing and blog a little. I've really missed my blog friends and I'm happy to be back. I'll also try to read some blogs, and leave a comment when time allows. And if others don't have time to stop here, or leave comments, I certainly understand.

Blogs should be a joy, not an obligation!

From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More is coming along really well. I am so thrilled and relieved that something finally clicked within this old brain of mine, and the writing began to flow. No, it's not easy every day, but it's fun and challenging and I'm a happy writer. I couldn't ask for anything more.


Now...the reason for my blog title. I've mentioned a few times what a klutz I am. Weird things happen to me...often. I began a chapter on my klutziness quite some time ago, and something happened last night that will definitely make it into the book. I can't give any other details yet, though.....except to say it really hurt...and.... Bump Thud Bang Ding!

And the reason for these two pictures??

Because I think they're hilarious!

That's me on the left, acting goofy like my usual, dignified self. I'm playing a video game with my then teenage son, Mark, at Chucky Cheese. This was at one of my grandsons' birthday parties quite a few years ago. Man, how I wish I was that young and thin now! 

I took the picture on the right, straight from our TV screen. This is a young guy doing a local pizza place commercial. I paused it, then snapped the photo. And why? Because he looks so goofy! He looks like he could be related to me, doesn't he?? But I guarantee he isn't! He was saying here, "Mom! More pizza!" ☺

Ron and I have always loved to make each other laugh. He has more of a dry wit, and I tend to act silly. I love “breaking into song”, usually when he least expects it, and doing crazy dances around the house. Just the other evening, after another one of our goofy dialogues, Ron turned to me and said, “Do you think Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie act like this?”  We both responded with the exact same words: “I doubt it!” -- Becky Povich (from Chicken Soup for the Soul; Love Stories 2007 My entry: Through the Years)

* Nostalgic Sundays *

Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday

Last year on November 30th, I wrote about Doris Day. It had to do with coming across a blogger's profile which said she loves Doris' movies. I have to admit I've probably watched every single movie of hers, numerous times. When I was growing up, I wished I looked like her, could sing like her, and be in movies like her. Well, we all know that didn't happen!

(Doris in the 1950s - courtesy Google)

BUT, as I also wrote in that November post, she did save my life!

(Doris in the 1960s - courtesy Google)

I actually wrote to Miss Day many years ago, telling her that reading her biography gave me the courage to get out of a bad marriage. A chapter in my memoir, Doris Day, A.E. Hotchner, and Me explains it all.

Would you believe I received a reply?? I sure did! She thanked me for writing. (I imagine she had a secretary who answered all her correspondence, but there was her signature.....as far as I know!) And can you also believe I have misplaced that note?? Yep. But, I know it is here, somewhere. I've looked in all the places I would keep something as important as that. I actually kept it in the same file for years. Why and how it got moved, I have no idea. Finding it is high on my List of Things to Do.

I'm writing about Doris again today because her 88th birthday is April 3rd. I have other blog posts already planned for the week, and where better to depict her than Nostalgic Sunday?

* Welcome to my newest follower, Gwen Buchanan. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you! * (A funny side note: I reached 300 Followers with Jessie, on Wednesday the 28th, and right away lovely Gwen became 301....until today, that is. Somewhere along the line, I lost somebody, so now I'm at 300 again. And that is perfectly OKAY. I understand those kinds of things. So, Gwen, if you'd like to receive a tiny gift for being my 2nd 300th Follower, please let me know!!

Que sera sera
Whatever will be will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera sera



* This is Only a Test *

Which of the following statements are true?

• Today is The Ronald's birthday.
• The Ronald has spent the last two days in bed with a terrible cold.
• When my beloved dog Vern and I were on our walk yesterday afternoon, a dog came out of nowhere and attacked Vern.
• Today's high temperature was something like 65° Fahrenheit. Tomorrow's high is expected to be 46° and a low of 27°, with possible snow flurries. That's St. Louis weather for ya!
•  I'll be taking a Week-Long-Blog-a-Vacation, beginning Monday February 27th, and my e-mail correspondence will be minimal, too. See you again around March 5th.
• (Answers: They're all true. When I return, I'll explain about the dog attack. Thankfully, neither Vern or I or the other dog were hurt. But it sure scared the you-know-what out of me.)

Welcome to my newest followers, Peaches Ledwidge and Protector of Vintage. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see. Thank you!

“Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.”
― Mark Twain

* Nostalgic Sundays *

It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday....Already??

Today I had a difficult time coming up with something for Nostalgic Sunday. Actually, that's not quite true. I had an idea, but after rummaging around four or five boxes of photos, and still not finding THE ONE photo I was looking for, it was time for Plan B.

This is what The Ronald gave me for my birthday this year. He's been down and out with some kind of cold or flu, but still managed to go to a store and bought the lovely basket of fresh flowers. (Carnations are one of my favorites because they last so long.) 

And then, his sense of humor shines brightly with the cake mix box (He didn't feel well enough to  make it...don't know why he didn't just buy one while he was out!) And of course, the numbered candles on top really made me laugh, because that's not how old I am this year, which he knew...but he said we didn't have a "9" in the cabinets! (another thought of why not buy one?!)  ☺But, I was thrilled with his thoughtfulness!

Flash Back quite a few birthdays. This was during my contact lenses and perms phase. That is my baby boy, Mark, and myself on my 35th Birthday! Awwww... Very happy times!

Back to the year 2012 and reality! Oh, how I used to love to tease my mom about her flabby under-arms. Shame on me, but how was I to know I would have the same affliction someday?!

Welcome to my newest follower, Denise Covey. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see. Thank you!

"Life is a handful of short stories, pretending to be a novel." -- Anonymous

* I WONDER *

♫♪ They say it's your birthday. It's my birthday too, yeah. They say it's your birthday. We're gonna have a good time. I'm glad it's your birthday. Happy birthday to you! ♪♫
by Lennon/McCartney

I wonder....how did I get this old??

Yes, today is my birthday. I'll be meeting my friend "K" for lunch again this year. She and I were both born on the 6th of January, but in different years. It's the only time we get together all year, so we really look forward to it.

(Here's some celebrities born on January 6th, too. Loretta Young, Danny Thomas, Carl Sandburg, Khalil Gibran, Capucine, Howie Long, Bonnie Franklin, Pepe Le Pew, AND, she may not be a celebrity...yet...but blog friend, Rachel Cotterill. Stop by and wish her a Happy Birthday, too.

I would LOVE to have a cake like this! How about you?!

(Google: www.piece-a-cake.com)

Actually, I've had a couple of scrumptious looking and tasting cupcakes recently from Jilly's Cupcake Bar and Cafe in St. Louis, Mo.

Welcome to my newest follower, James Deagle. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see. Thank you!

"A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip." -- Author Unknown

A Special Day

Twenty four years ago today I received a special gift.....my youngest son, Mark, was born! I could go on and on about what a wonderful boy he was and what a great guy he is now. But since we moms all feel that way, I don't feel the need to write about it.

I receive Mari McCarthy's e-newsletter and always get something really great from it. I was also fortunate to win one of her "Peace of Mind and Body" journaling book a few months ago. (Sorry to say I don't remember where I won it! Somewhere in Blog Land....and I still haven't begun to use it. Mari said to be sure and start it when I know I'll have the time and desire to keep at it every day....I hope I begin soon!) Be sure and check out Mari's website. She's an amazing woman.

The following was included in today's newsletter. It really grabbed me and made me say WOW. It perfectly fits my current self and that third sentence is the one I really need to remember...and achieve.

"Be vigilant with your mission. Be exuberant with your passion. Be gentle with yourself." -- Michelle James 

* Mutual Birthdays! *

♫♪ They say it's your birthday. It's my birthday too, yeah. They say it's your birthday. We're gonna have a good time. I'm glad it's your birthday. Happy birthday to you! ♪♫
by Lennon/McCartney

 Yes, today is my birthday and it's been a great one. Why? Did I receive lots of expensive gifts? No. Did I receive at least ONE expensive gift? Nope. But I did receive thoughtful, perfect gifts, loving hugs, birthday cards in the mail, tons of birthday wishes on facebook, e-mails and texts. Oh, and a phone call or two. What could be better? Thanks to all my family and friends!

This is my friend "K" and I at a tea room where we had our birthday lunch today. We've met for lunch on or near our birthday just about every year for many years!

I have other friends who share my birthday, too. There is "C" who used to be a neighbor of mine in our old neighborhood. There's "W" who's an (old!) high school pal. He and I went on one date in high school. It was a Girl-Ask-Boy Dance. And, I just realized this evening that a blog friend, Rachel Cotterill, is also celebrating her birthday today! Happy Birthday!

(Here's some celebrities born on January 6th, too. Loretta Young, Danny Thomas, Carl Sandburg and Bonnie Franklin. That's just a few of many, but they are my favorites.)

(google image)

"A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip."  ~Author Unknown

** Happy Birthday To Our Beloved Dog! **

A few years ago, we got our beloved dog, Tiger, at a local animal shelter. It had only been about a month since we had said good bye to our first and only dog, Rocky. He had lived to be fourteen, I missed him terribly, and said I did not want another dog for at least six months. Well, that all changed when my husband told me about a dog he'd seen at the shelter and that I should come see her, too. You've guessed the outcome: We fell in love with the puppy and took her home. We let our youngest son, Mark, name her, and he chose Tiger. His reasoning was because of the movie: Rocky and something about the name of a song in the movie was "Eye of the Tiger". (although "Tigress" would've been more appropriate!)

Since Tiger's exact age was unknown, the vet estimated her age to be six months. It was summertime and so we chose her birthday to be January 1st. Over the years, none of us have really thought about her birthday or having any kind of celebration for her. I had even lost track of her age, but knew she was getting pretty old, so I looked on one of the past vet bills.....we have plenty of them!....and saw that she was born in 1997!!....And so, Happy 13th Birthday, Tiger!!

I will continue to spoil her, enjoy her, and love her every single day, as I have for the past 12 years.

(P.S. I finally got my photo program to work correctly, and this picture is brand new and current....taken during the evening of Tiger's 13th birthday)

"Happiness is a warm puppy." -- Charles M. Schulz

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND, RON!!
YOU'RE NOT GETTIN' OLDER......YOU'VE JUST BEGUN YOUR BENJAMIN BUTTON METAMORPHOSIS!!

A FABULOUS VISIT

I arrived home last night after a wonderful visit with my sister and other family members in the Atlanta, Georgia area. We managed to pull off a big surprise, for a milestone birthday of hers! It was great fun and can't wait to go back soon.