Twitter Talent...

Those of you who are on Twitter will understand how addicting it can get. I personally find it fun and easy, a great way to check in on friends to see what's cookin'.

Recently I posed a question, or shall I say a challenge, for my Twitter friends. I asked them to write a Twitter story. For those of you who aren't familiar with Twitter, each entry you make must be in 140 characters or less. You are forced to make it short and sweet, which for me, can be quite difficult at times.

In essence, I asked for a story in 140 characters or less. For example, here are two tales that I wrote...it's harder than you think to write a story in 140 or less...

He burst into the room, raw, shaken. “I think I just shot her. She was chasing me; I turned, shot, then silence. Please go see."

And story #2 (which you may recognize from a previous blog post)...

The fine young son asked his mom, "Guess what?” Mom said, "What, honey?” Son says "I like pie". A daily act of torture.

So far, I have had three lovely and talented responses to this challenge. I am going to post them here. I hope you all will be inspired to write one and send it to me via Etsy. The only rule is it must be written with 140 characters or less. I would love to have many posts just like this, with a treasure trove of mini tales.

~Tale by Phydeaux;
“Apocalypse is upon us.” His voice steady, eyes calm. She swallowed a sob, clutching the pilfered thin mints to her chest.

~Tale by Fray;
It was a love like no other; warm, twisted. "Damn you! I surrender!" Into the woolen madness she fell, defeated, yet so very...happy.

~Tale by Paperhill;
"Do you ever feel alone, even when you're not?" she asked him, a stranger. He replied, "I did, until I stood here, with you". She smiled.

Aren't all three stories fabulous? I'm so impressed and completely delighted that these three authors participated in my little game. I hope you will join in the fun!

Ardith and Frank ~ A Love Story...

Today is my beloved paternal grandmother’s birthday. She would have been 89. As many of you already know, she passed away last October.

As a way of remembering Ardith on this day, I am beginning my series of tiny stories about her. I would like you to know a bit about her. I think you’ll find that she was a very special person.

She married her true love, Frank, when she was a young woman. Their first born was my father. During this time, Frank’s five brothers went to war, but Frank stayed behind because they found a problem with his heart. A condition that could be fixed today, but not in the 40’s. Frank's health deteriorated rapidly. My dad was just 2 years old when Frank died. It was at night, and he died in bed in Ardith’s arms. He was 27. She was 24, and pregnant with their second child.

Ardith and Frank on their wedding day.

"I like pie"

It’s my son’s favorite phrase. He says it once, twice, thrice or more every day. He torments me with it. Our daily exchanges usually go something like this.

“Hey mom, guess what?”
“What?”
“I like pie.”
Groan from mom.

“Mom, I almost forgot to tell you!”
“What, honey?”
“I like pie.”
Grrr from mom.

“What did you learn in school today?” ask I.
“I learned that…I like pie”
Sigh from me.

You get the picture. This happens in one variation or another every single day. Has been for months and months. So I decided to give him a fun gift that I knew he’d get a big kick out of. I figure (I’ve always been an optimist) that some day he’ll stop saying “I like pie” and I’ll actually miss it. This bunny will keep the memory alive for him and me. The “I like pie” bunny was custom made with loving care by Jessica of spidercamp. Thanks, Jessica! My boy is absolutely smitten with piebunny.

Out the door...

The line at In-N-Out Burger last Sunday. No matter which one I go to or what time of day it is, In & Out is always packed. This is undoubtedly due to their exceptional burgers, fries and shakes, but never have I seen the line out the door before.

♣ This Week's Classic Movie Pick ♣...

This week's classic movie pick is one of my all-time favorites, The Quiet Man. Since today is St. Patrick's Day, I thought it would be appropriate to feature this particular film. It's a delight from start to finish. The plot is simple, but there are all kinds of entertaining twists and turns. John Wayne plays an ex-boxer who retires to his roots in Ireland and searches for a proper wife. Maureen O'Hara plays the spunky lass who catches his eye.

There is an entire cast of lovable characters. John Wayne is handsome and bigger than life and Maureen O'Hara has never looked more beautiful and full of spirit. Directed by John Ford and also starring a favorite of mine, Barry Fitzgerald, this tribute to the Irish is a must-see for anyone who wants to escape for a time to a world of magical romance and enchantment.

♣ Happy St. Patrick's Day! ♣

Wickedly Delicious...

For those of you who have access to a Trader Joe's, I would like to share some of my latest, favorite goodies. For those of you who don't, I'm sorry if these temptations haunt you. They're addicting, so beware. It's really not wise to have these lying around all the time. You'll find yourself mindlessly munching, constantly. Still, these three items are worth trying, in my opinion. They are all new-to-me purchases and I love all three of them.

Sparkling Pomegranate Juice. Refreshing and I have a feeling it would make a wicked cocktail additive.

Sesame Honey Cashews. Evilly delicious, super crunchy, and yes, filled with calories.

Very Chocolate Mini Meringues. Heaven in a puff. Crunchy, chocolaty, sweet and light. You'll be hooked at first bite.

Thai Treat...

Today my husband treated me to lunch. We are quite predictable when it comes to favorite local lunch spots. At the top of our list is Lotus Thai, a quant little cafe that is always busy, yet has super fast service and the most delicious Thai dishes. My favorite, Sweet Basil Chicken level 6 (spicy goes from 1-10, 10 being the hottest). I always like to stop and peek at the Koi fish in their peaceful pond by the entrance. It was a lovely way to spend an hour in the middle of my work day.

Makes Me Smile...

My son gave me a stuffed tiger for Valentine's Day. I'm pleased to introduce you to the King of Hearts. He's so delightful and always makes me smile. I put him next to my computer in my office so that I see him while I'm working (or goofing off on the computer). He reminds me of the Tigger Song. He doesn't really look like Tigger, but still...

The wonderful thing about Tiggers
Are Tiggers are wonderful things
Their tops are made out of rubber
Their bottoms are made out of springs
They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy
Fun, fun, fun, fun, FUN!
But the most wonderful thing about Tiggers
Is I'm the only one.
Yes, I'm the only one
(GRRrrrrrr...) ooOOoooOOooooOOOO!!!

Tigger's Song
From Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too
Written by: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

Ode to Spring...

I Meant To Do My Work Today
by Richard Le Gallienne

I meant to do my work today,
But a brown bird sang in the apple tree,
And a butterfly flitted across the field,
And all the leaves were calling me.

And the wind went sighing over the land,
Tossing the grasses to and fro,
And a rainbow held out its shining hand--
So what could I do but laugh and go?

~These are some photos I took this week...

Urban Chic Decor

I'm starting a series of features about elegant and affordable decor for the home. All items will be chosen from Etsy artists, and I will feature one room at a time. The focus of this series will be urban chic. You can live an urban chic lifestyle whether you're in the heart of the city or on a mountain top. It's a state of mind. Surround yourself with gorgeous and stylish designs such as the items I feature and you will achieve urban chic.

This week's featured room is the kitchen. The following items are some of my favorites. I would love to own each and every item here. I know exactly where they would fit into my decor. One could build a room around these desirable and delicious finds.

~This stunning abstract painting is by Aisyah Ang, a truly talented painter. One of these days I will treat myself to one of her amazing pieces.

~These cappa cups w/saucers by Circa Ceramics made me giddy with delight when I first saw them. They would make my mornings very happy. They are indeed another must-have.

~I don't believe an explanation is necessary for these mouthwatering caramel marshmallows from Whimsy and Spice. They come in lots of different flavors to choose from. Yum.

~This urban decay style MARCY light by resurface is exquisitely made. It would be magnificent in a kitchen, hanging over the table or centered in the room. The finish is perfect for an urban chic home.

~Every urban chic kitchen needs a big chop block by EVG Design, and this one stands out in a crowd. Beautifully made and delightfully chunky. Best of all, it's made from rescued bamboo. You'll use this block everyday.

~Last, but not least, these nostalgic ceramic milk bottle vases by the creative Alyssa Ettinger would look perfect in a grouping of two or three or more. Completely neutral in white, you can add a splash of color to them with beautiful posies.

From the One-and-Only Dorothy Parker...

"That would be a good thing for them to cut on my tombstone: Wherever she went, including here, it was against her better judgment."

From "But the One on the Right", in New Yorker (1929)