Station Break

Posting will be discontinued until further notice.

Peace to you.

Just Sayin'

A man who trims himself to suit everybody
will soon whittle himself away.
-Charles Schwab

Education...in a Word

Let it be said my blog is educational, even informative. I have heard a certain word used more frequently in the last month or so. The reason is very clear, but let's start with the word. The word is "anti-venom".

Copperheads in our area are abundant. You hear of usual sightings this time of year, but there seems to be a greater amount this year. I have lived in my house for at least 16 years & this is the first summer I've had a run in with a copperhead. For those of you who aren't familiar, a copperhead is a pit viper. Oklahoma has 3 types of poisonous snakes & this fellow is one of them.

OK Snakes

I know of 2 people, different instances, that were bitten by copperheads this last week. Of course, these stories spread like wildfire & you automatically hear people talking about needed treatment for such a bite. They are worried the hospital they go to might not have the proper "anti-venom".

So, back to the word. I want everyone who reads my blog to know this. The antitoxin that is used to counteract the effects of venom from a snake, spider, or other venomous animal or insect is NOT "anti-venom". The actual name of this antitoxin is "antivenin". Yes, I know, you may need to look it up. Don't take my word for it. By all means, investigate.

Antivenin! That is my contribution to your education today. If you already knew this, tell some people you know.

We are SO connected!

"Was I adopted?" Did you ever ask your Mom or Dad that? Is your personality so varied from your other family members that it makes you wonder? Do you sometimes think, "I couldn't possibly share genes with these people."

I do, but then I look in the mirror. Yep, that's definitely a replica of my Dad's nose. I've got those family trademark big gums. All my older relatives keep telling me how much I look my Mom. I couldn't deny these folks if I wanted to.

But, then, there are these basic differences. For example, I love to read. I truly enjoy libraries. I can't name a single family member (excluding Colt & Rye, of course) that I could hog tie & take to the library with me.

I love movies, especially old ones. This mystifies my family. When I ask, "Did you ever see...?" The answer is always "No" with a hint of "and I never will." They don't begrudge my love of movies. They just don't get it. My brother buys any old movie he comes across, to give to me. He would never, ever watch it himself.


It makes it hard to discuss any movie stuff with them. I would love to share with them, but I will give an example of our conversations. This was just last night...

Becoming Jane

Me: Last night, Colt & I watched a movie about Jane Austen. It was about her life before she really started writing.

Aunt: Was it about the apes killing her?

Me: (Pausing, perplexed...) You're thinking about Jane Goodall. Jane Austen was an author. She wrote...Never mind.

Both: (laughing...)

The Jane Goodall Institute

Do the 'do

Let's talk about the word 'do, not do, due, doo, or dew, but 'do as in hairdo. Hairdos are as different as personalities. Some people are defined by their hair (good or bad)...Sampson, Tina Turner (maybe she belongs in "people defined by their legs"), Jennifer Aniston, Don King, Buckwheat, Rapunzel, etc. Some people are like chameleons continually donning new & different 'dos, keeping up with current fads. There are people who are completely indifferent to their 'do, "the perpetual bedhead look". Of course, you have traditionalists, those that follow good, old-fashioned convention. They sport the "my hair is part of a strict, daily hygiene routine". This is not the same as those with 'dos that are trapped in a time warp. They have a look they enjoyed in a former era & by golly they will keep it...forever.

Our hairdos coincide with seasons of our life. When you were little, your Mom probably braided your hair or gave you a great "chili-bowl" cut. In middle school, most want styles just like their friends. Through the teen years, you were probably more current, following trends. This is a time when some rebel, even with their hairdos. Maybe as a young adult you strived to be a trendsetter. Maturity sometimes brings conformity in hairstyles. You soon begin to see a completely, natural highlighting process. Many years may bring a complete color change. I really like gray hair & those that choose to embrace this season.

I have sported many different styles through my life. I have stressed my tresses with color, perms, & heat styling. I began coloring my hair when I was 16. I have been many variations of blond until a few years ago. I finally decided to return to my natural color. It was a lengthy process & not at all easy. My hair is darker than I remembered, but I love it.

I cut my own hair during this time. It was pretty long, but I decided to bring it up to my shoulders. I eventually took a step further to more of a chin length bob. Last year, I took a leap & went to a hairdresser for a SHORT cut. I am so absolutely glad that I did. I really like my current 'do.

I am not fussy about my hair. I have my usual "everyday & work" 'do. It's my "wash & go" look, very low maintenance. Then, there is my "goin' places" 'do. I use a straightening iron on it & a great amount of product for texture. Colt calls it my "manga" hair. He is dead-on with this description. I love "manga" hair, piece-y & textured. Some great examples:

Well, yesterday I was sporting my "wash & go" look at work. After work, I was going places, church, to be exact. So, I fixed my usual "manga" style. Now, you must realize it takes a lot of different products to achieve this style. The result is great texture, but not much give.

Now, the great part of this story. We arrived at church & did the usual "Hello, good to see you". We seated ourselves. At the beginning of church are announcements. Right as announcements were starting I felt something crawl into my hair. It felt like something big. I immediately thought "cockroach", so you can imagine the "ick" factor involved. I whispered to Colt, "Something just crawled in my hair." He said, "What?". Ok, this isn't going anywhere. What am I going to have him do, dig in my hair like a monkey? I'm also entertaining the idea that this bug is never getting out of this mess of hair. He's trapped like a rat.

I calmly, but with quietly, distressed feelings, wait for announcements to finish. As the music begins praise & worship, I excuse myself to the bathroom...quickly. By the time I arrive at the ladies' room, the feeling is gone. I can't "feel" the creepy crawly anymore. I still try to locate him. There are so many "textured" places to hide! With great difficulty, I search my scalp. No luck, but since I can't feel it, I'm relieved.

I returned to my seat. Five minutes into the service, the little devil critter is back on the move. I really wanted to scream, to stop everybody's singing & ask for help...a search & rescue of sorts. Thankfully, it stops again. I casually try to make sure he's not still there. I don't have anymore issues during church. As soon as I got home, I picked every inch of my hair with a fine-tooth comb. This has me rethinking my favorite "manga" style...

Memoir Title Meme

I was tagged by The Friendly Neighborhood Piper for this meme.

The meme has the following rules:

1 – Write the title to your own memoir using exactly six words.

2 – Post it on your blog.

3 – Link to the person who tagged you.

4 – Tag five other bloggers.

What a kick! I have a couple of pages of possible titles. This was loads of fun. I'm sharing a few of my choices.

Life Lessons Learned from 80s Music

Death & Demons, Redemption & Glory

But What Would Jane Austen Do?

Clearly, I Wasn't My Mother's Favorite

I Think That Girl Talks Funny

Come On, You Really Believed That?

The Single Girl's Guide to Eternity

Finally, my top three choices:

#3 Why is She Laughing So Loud?

#2 Complicated Journey to the Simple Life

And the winning title of my memoir is:

#1 I'm Just Here for the Food

Thanks, Jay, that was a gas! So, now, I'm spreadin' the love. I tag:

Dawn

Colten

Ashley

Sue

Sherry

Vintage Vagary

They say "Diamonds are a girl's best friend." I have no friends. I don't plan on owning any diamonds. I can appreciate fine jewels, but the cost considered over probability of misplacing is too great. I have owned diamonds & I have to say, they are not anymore precious to me than the cheap. (My apologies to Marilyn & all you other diamond buffs.) I am more of a costume-jewelry type. I can buy loads of the fake stuff for the cost of the real deal. My husband will no doubt (with bewilderment) appreciate my thriftiness. Now, this is not to say that I don't like jewelry. I most definitely do, especially the vintage stuff. I checked out "Hollywood Jewels" from the library. WOW! I may have to purchase it. This book showcases the most stunning, vintage jewelry. If you love the old stuff, check it out!




I do love vintage things, especially the stuff from the 1950s. This includes movies, fashion, advertising, books, cars, home decor, architecture, music, etc. I found a 50s wiggle dress that I would absolutely love to wear. Sadly, my measurements don't coincide with that of the dress. I think the 1950s ladies didn't eat because most of the waistlines from that era are teeny! So, I'll pass this find onto you. Since I can't wear it, I would love to see you in it! (This, of course, is excluding Jay) Buy it here! The dress sizzles & sings, & no doubt you will too!

Picture Charades #17

More charades!

Category: Celebrity

2 Words

Picture Charades #16

Another easy charade for you.

Category: Movie

1 Word

Let's Get Poppin'

May you all have a great

Independence Day.

May you enjoy your

fireworks displays.

May your cookouts

be even more spectacular.

May your ears truly

hear freedom ringing.

She's up there-Old Glory-where lightnings are sped,
She dazzles the nations with ripples of red,
And she'll wave for us living, or droop o'er us dead-
The Flag of our country forever.
-F.L. Stanton

If you see truth, you shall see glory.
Julinda

New Car Smell

This is my new car.

We went car shopping today.

I was under the impression

that shopping for a new car

would be loads of fun.

NOT!

Also...

Rye wouldn't ride home

in the new car.

I asked him why.

He said,

"It smells funny."

Picture Charades #15

I have been on a charade vacation. So, back to it...

I'll make it easy. You better be fast!

Category: Movie

1 Word