I'm Being Random

Don't worry 'bout me
I'll get along
Forget about me
Be happy my love

Let's say that our little show is over
And so the story ends
Why not call it a day, the sensible way
And still be friends

Look out for yourself
Should always be the rule
Give your heart and your love, to whomever you love
Don't you be a fool

Darling why stop to cling, to some fading thing
That used to be
If you can't forget
Don't you worry 'bout me

I ran across this poem at www.girlontheright.blogspot.com. I don't know whether she wrote it or not. Whatever, it's good.


Ok, now that it's been a year since **Katrina** can we move on? How long do the leeches and whiners think someone should pay their light bills for them. I don't care if their meat IS defrosting in the freezer! BTW, I don't have a freezer full of meat. I had to pay my light bill instead of buying meat!!

And......where was Jesse Jackson when Nagin was popping of on 60 minutes the other night about New Yorkers and the 'big hole in the ground'? Hmmm???

And......I'll be glad when the weather gets cool, so I can plant some pansies, and a few crape myrtles.

Poor H-town weathermen, Ernesto kinda fizzled...but I'm glad he didn't come this way. I think I'll go to Galveston this weekend after all.

Ok, I'm done, ya'll!

Your Aura is Blue

Your Personality: Your natural warmth and intuition nurtures those around you. You are accepting and always follow your heart. You in Love: Relationships are your top priority, and this includes love. You are most happy when you are serious with someone. Your Career: You need to help others in your job to feel satistifed. You would be a great nurse, psychologist, or counselor.

What Color Is Your aura?

I don't have a degree in psychology, but I I use a lot of it in my profession. And yes, I do a lot of counseling. Helping others look their best gives me a lot of satisfaction.

Meet Princeton

This is the newest member of the family. He is a rescue kitty from a vet's office in the area.

I have been so busy since my niece has been here, getting her all settled in and working has been taking up most of my time. I must say it's nice to have a girl in the house again. We went shopping last Saturday after work. It was the tax free weekend and the mall was packed! We literally shopped til we dropped! She likes Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe, of course. We went to another store called Buckle. Found Sophie a cute pair of sunglasses with rhinestones on them.

We had a good time, but I was exhausted when we got home at 9:00 pm!

Between Sophie, Elvis and Princeton I have my hands full, so I may not be writing as much. After I come home from work, someone wants/needs my
attention. Sophie, just like all teens these days, communicates with her friends on the computer and MySpace, so we have to take turns with the computer, too.

Guess I'd better go see about Elvis. He and Princeton are still getting acquainted and he's a little too rough with the little guy.

Night, ya'll!

My New 'Roomie'

This lovely young lady is my niece. She recently moved in with me. She is also my assistant (slave) at the salon, sweeping hair, washing and folding towels, cleaning color bowls, 'ripping' foils, ( doesn't that sound like fun?) and anything else we need her to do. She has been a great help to me and the other stylists. We enjoy having her there and she loves hanging out with us.

My clients have also enjoyed getting to know her. She's quiet and a little shy, but we're working on her. Before long she'll be just like the rest of us goofy, air head hairdressers. Who knows....she may just decide to become a full fledged twister of hair one of these days. I became a hair dresser like my aunt before me. Wouldn't it be neat if my niece carried on the tradition? Of course, I want her to be what ever she chooses.... but ya never know!

And how about that hot haircolor she's sporting? It's a dark, rich red brown with copper highlights. Very tres chic!

She's been keeping me busy, showing me the ropes over at MySpace and teaching me the names and songs of all the current music artists, who is Gnarls Barkley??? But then, she has to listen to me nag her about school, going to bed at a decent hour so she can get up and go to work. Remember? She's my slave! Ya gotta love her! She's a keeper!!

Girls just wanna have fun, ya'll!

More Florida Pictures

Bathing Beauties!
This pair of Sandhill Cranes wandered through the yard one day. When they saw me taking their picture, they curiously came closer, as if they were posing for me. Very beautiful, majestic birds.

Fun in Florida

This was fun. T and I went to a place called DinnerDone. http://www.dinnerdone.com. Check it out. I want to find a place like this in the Houston area.
My girls in their formals. I made the pink satin and lace one for T when she was in the eighth grade. She is wearing her purple prom dress, which still fits, albeit a little snug. C-B is wearing my gold lame cocktail dress. I wore it one time at a hair show.
The big thing in Florida is Vera Bradley purses http://www.verabradley.com. Here are the girls modeling theirs. Cutie patooties!

This is me and my 'gurlfriend', Barbara (she's the blonde). Her daughter and my daughter are friends and we hit it off, too. We had a multi-generational slumber party at her apartment with our daughters and grand daughters. We stayed up late and watched the Disney Channel...'Hannah Montana' and 'Read it and Weep', ate junk food, danced and caught up on all the happenings in our lives.

More later, ya'll... Elvis wants to play

A Few Words Before I Go

What a week this has been. I must have cut, colored and highlighted a ton of hair this week. It never ceases to amaze me how busy I get right before vacation. I mean, most of my 'regulars' pre-book so they can get in before I go. So, I'm already busy, but then I get calls from people I haven't seen in ages, new referrals plus all the procrastinators who always call at the last minute ( mainly men!) They wake up one morning and suddenly realize they need a haircut, or their wife tells them they have a wedding or some social event to attend, which of course requires them to get the hairs trimmed out of their ears. (I don't do nose hairs!) I even have to wax a few uni-brows occasionally. It is soo funny the first time I rip that wax off from between their eyes! I know it hurts like the dickens, but heaven forbid that they let me see them wince in pain. I really do love my male type clients, though! Hey Mike, ( you know who you are) ever had anything waxed? How about you, Jason?

Well, friends, I must finish packing. I bought some of those Space Bags that you put your clothes in and suck all the air out with the Hoover. They are so neat! I'm taking my daughters' prom dress to her, she's getting all nostalgic, I guess. It's been a few years since she wore it, but I ain't sayin' how many. Anyway, I wanted to to be able to get away with just a carry-on bag, so I sucked that frock down flatter than a pancake! I figured I had room for her pink satin and lace formal, so I sucked it flat, too. What fun, ya'll! I can't wait to suck the life out of some pillows...oooh, do I sound sadistic?

But that will have to wait until I return, for I must go find my sparkly flip flops and beach wrap. Florida is beckoning me. My girls await my arrival, 'cause
Mema Texas made lots of moolah this week and we gonna shop 'til we drop!
And do lunch, and do hair, and go to the movies, the beach, have a slumber party, etc. etc. etc!

Back in a week or so!

Ciao for now, ya'll

Vacation's All I Ever Wanted!

Just six more days ya'll! I'm going to Florida to play in the sun and sand with my girls.

As always, before I go away, I get extremely busy at work. Everyone wants to come in and get their cuts and color done before I get out of town. It's the same way when I return. I'm already booked solid the week I come home. That's ok, because I will be completely broke by then!

I haven't been posting very much lately because I have been pre-occupied with a family crisis concerning my 18 yr old niece. She has been staying with my son since Father's day when I took her, her mother (my sister) and her two younger sisters with me for a visit. Now, she doesn't want to go home. I won't go into the details, but we have all seen this coming for several years, so I wasn't surprised when things came to a head. To make a long story short, she is coming to stay with me. I will go get her when I come back from Florida. She's not rebellious, just misguided and confused. She has wanted to live with me for quite some time, but because of all my marriage issues, it hasn't been possible. Now that all my drama is about to be resolved, the time is right to reach out to her. It's a little scary, but at the same time, I know that it is the right thing to do. I hope that I can be the positive influence that she needs at this precarious time in her young life. Pray for me... It's been a while since I've had a teenager in the house!

Meanwhile, I'm ready for a Florida tan, ya'll

Friendship Garden

As I was rummaging through some files, I ran across this poem I wrote a few years ago. Thought I'd share with ya'll.

Friendship Garden

As I tend my friendship garden
And go about its care,
I so lovingly appreciate
The pretty flowers there.

I till the soil so carefully,
I plant the seeds with love.
As my friendships grow, I see,
They're blessings from above.

My lovely friendship garden,
I watch it as it grows.
I don't expect a marigold
To smell just like a rose.

I give each friend lots of room
To grow in her own way.
With tears of empathy and prayer
I water every day.

I fertilize so generously
With laughter and with cheer.
As each and every friendship grows,
I hold them all so dear.

My pretty friendship garden,
In it I persevere.
When I spend my time there,
I know that God is near.

I have been blessed with so many wonderful friends over the years. However, I also know that friendships need to be developed and nurtured in order to flourish. Friends come in many 'varieties'. Just like flowers in a garden, each one is unique in it's own way. I even have a few cacti in my garden...prickly on the outside, but all mushy on the inside.

In recent months I have added another dimension to my friendships, through blogging. I have enjoyed getting acquainted with people from other parts of the country and even this city... even people whom I may not have associated otherwise, because we are from such different backgrounds, ages or social circles. It has been a learning experience, for sure!

That's a good thing, ya'll

What Happens When I'm Bored

Since I have decided to stay in the house, I thought it was time to get back to decorating. I've been wanting to paint the guest bath, so I stopped by Lowe's after my nail appointment this morning and picked up this beautiful shade of garnet paint for one wall and a neutral taupe for the remaining walls. The towel bar was originally on the red wall where the picture now hangs. It was a cheapo, so I want to replace it with a new polished pewter one I saw at Lowe's. I'll hang it above the toilet.

I get nervous when I first start painting because it always looks so dark. This red really scared me but I got a semi gloss finish so it would have a little shine. Once it dried completely it looked perfect. The taupe looked dark also, but once again, it dried to a perfect shade. When I put all the pewter accessories back in, everything came together beautifully. I added a small lamp with a beaded fringe shade in the corner of the vanity to give an extra punch of illumination.

I love it, ya'll!

Go Eagles! Number One!

Birthday Girl

Like my hair cut?


Make a wish! Big brothers Jacob, 8 and Jared, 4 watch while Payton blows out the candles.

On The Road Again

Elvis and I are going to northeast Texas this weekend. I invited my sis and her girls, so it should be a fun trip. We will be celebrating Payton's 2nd birthday. I bought her two tops, a pair of lime green shorts and a darling pair of Stride Right sandals. Isn't she a doll?

Be back Monday, ya'll

"Medical" Road Rage?

www.Chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/nation/3940309.html


There is now a medical definition for 'road rage'. It's called intermittent explosive disorder.
This disorder involves angry outbursts that are way out of proportion to the situation. Threats, property damage and aggressive actions are involved in these angry outbursts.

I'll bet the pharmaceutical companies are happy with this news...They can sell even more pills.
Lawyers will be getting in on the money making action, too...They now have one more defense strategy to pull out of their hats when some IMD (intermittent explosive disorder) 'victim' winds up in court.

I find it interesting that most people 'suffering' from this malady have other emotional disorders or drug or alcohol problems. Consequently, could this type of behavior be the result of making poor choices? Even if a person truly has a mental illness or chemical imbalance, they make a personal choice to use illegal drugs and alcohol. What happens when anti-depressants are mixed with drugs and alcohol?

Not everyone who does these things is afflicted, so, what about taking responsibility for one's actions? Do we really need one more 'disease' to blame for bad behavior? Being stuck in traffic is stressful, but there are more positive ways to deal with it than to re-act like a two year old!

Remember the Golden Rule?

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"

Be nice, ya'll!

Happy Birthday, Andy

I found this picture of Andy, whom I spoke of in my previous post. This was taken on Thanksgiving, 2005, his 92nd birthday. I made him this little cake. He couldn't wait to blow the candles out and dig in!

Where's Feathers?

I have been blogging for several months now and have come to 'know' and read some interesting and entertaining blogs. It really does feel sort of like a neighborhood or community as one becomes familiar with other bloggers. We all have our favorites, our buddies that we visit regularly. We look forward to hearing what is going on with them, or just keeping in touch. Occasionally, someone will take a break from blogging for a while, maybe a week or a month, but they will let their buddies know that they will be "off" for a while. Even if someone decides to quit completely, they usually let others know. It's kind of like moving, you tell your neighbors, etc that you're leaving. Unless, heaven forbid, you have had to enter the witness protection program! So, imagine my concern when I check in with Tickle Feathers at http://featherstickle.blogspot.com/. After several visits to her blog the last week of April, and after reading comments to her last post, it seems that she has vanished into thin air. There's not a clue as to where she is or what might have happened to cause her to so abruptly abandon her site. In fact, her site is still up, with her last post on Monday, April 24. I just hope and pray that "Feathers" is safe and well. I certainly hope that she hasn't met with some sort of catastrophe or tragedy in her life. Even though I have never met her in person, I know that she is a woman of faith...I will continue to pray for her.

Miss Litzi at http://misslitzi.blogspot.com/ is on sabbatical from her blog, but she let everyone know that she wouldn't be posting for a while. I miss her and hope she returns soon. I trust that she is getting all the things done that she has on her agenda.

As for me, I'm staying busy, busy, busy in the world of hair, as always. Saturday afternoon I went to the funeral of a dear, sweet man, my sister's father-in-law. He was 92 years old and had a wonderful life. It was truly a celebration of great family man. His legacy is an inspiration to his children and all who had the privelege to know him.
He is now dancing with the angels...Rest in peace, Andy.

Have a blessed week, Ya'll

Riding the Merry-Go-Round

That's what I've been doing the last week or so...riding the merry-go-round of life. The hair show in Dallas was fun and interesting. Hair styles are still about the same...lots of straight, fringy hair. Lots of bold hair color and accent colors in jewel tones. It seems like the primary purpose of these shows is to sell and introduce new products rather than showing anything useful as far as hair cutting and styling. The 'platform artists' are interesting to watch, but there are only so many ways to cut hair, and I think I've seen them all. However, I still like to see the 'show' and hopefully pick up some new techniques. I think my clients like to know that I am interested in keeping up with the currents trends. It does motivate me to try new things and be more progressive and creative 'behind the chair'.

The show was held at the Gaylord Texan Hotel http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordtexan/. Check it out...it is awesome! I want to go back, just to stay at the resort and spa.

I had an extremely busy week in The World of Hair, but I had to race home Tuesday night to see the final showdown between Taylor and Kat on American Idol. I voted for Taylor! Then, I got home on Wednesday night at 8:45, just in time to see the results. When Ryan announced that Taylor won, I jumped up and let out the 'Taylor Howl' Woooooo! Scared poor little Elvis to death! He jumped back and looked at me like I had lost my mind. Now, we'll have to wait and see if Taylor can live up to the title. I think he has a good shot at it. He's cute, has personality and a unique voice. I'll buy his first CD. Go Taylor!

I got off work early on Friday so I could get on the road to College Station. One of my clients was getting married in Aggieland. Both she and her fiance just graduated from A&M and wanted to be married at their church in Bryan, Tx. I stayed at the Hilton Hotel, along with the other out of town guests. The room was very nice and elegant. I loved the cushy down comforters, fluffy pillows and thick, plush towels. After checking into my room, I went to the local mall and did a little shopping, then got a pedicure. I then stopped at a deli and had a Greek chicken salad before returning to my room and nestling into my comfy, soft bed. I had to get up early Saturday morning and go to the bride's home and do her and her attendants hair. After the girls were all done, I went back to my room and got myself ready to go to the two o'clock ceremony. The reception was held at 'The Kyle House', an old Victorian home turned 'event venue'. The wedding ceremony itself was beautiful and inspiring. These are two young people who are dedicated to each other and to the Lord. May God bless them abundantly and keep them in His care as they begin their life together. Her mom is also a dear, sweet friend whom I treasure greatly, as is her sweet little sister.
It was an honor to be able to share in their special day.

So, here it is Memorial Day week-end...a time to remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation and for those veterans who survived and came home to enjoy this great land we call America

Thanks Veterans!

Enjoy your time off, ya'll!

Random Acts of Living

I had a busy few days in The World of Hair after the Spring Tea last week, so I just came home and crashed every night after work. I did watch American Idol last Wednesday when Chris got the boot. Talk about a shock!

I had the most fun Mother's Day weekend. Since both of my kids live out of town, my sister's daughter had to work and our Mom is in heaven we decided to hang out together, doing what we love to do, which is shop and eat. After working a few hours Saturday morning I went to sis's house and we headed to the mall. We had lunch at Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant, then shopped till we dropped. I found a tiered print skirt and top at Foley's. Sis found an orange tailored jacket. As we made our way through the cosmetics department, it was crawling with prom girls having their make-up done. There were perfume reps all over the place giving out samples, gift baskets were lined up on the counters, all ready to be purchased and presented to some lucky mother. We were just passing through, so we made a bee-line for the exit into the mall. Dillard's was our next stop. We found Liz Claiborne earrings on sale and each bought a pair. It was time for a break, so went stopped at Starbuck's and had coffee and chocolate pound cake. From our table by the window, we had a perfect vantage point for people watching. After a stop into Kirkland's where I found a mirror and sis found a metal 'thingy' for the wall, we decided we had had enough retail therapy for one day and went back to her house where we both crashed and snoozed for a while.

Guess what we did Sunday? The same thing, only we went to Pappa's Seafood and had fried shrimp and oysters. They gave all the mom's a Pappa's coffee mug. We then went to the Woodland's to check out the Market Place, a new outdoor shopping venue. It was OK, but very 'high dollar'. The weather was getting stormy, so we decided to try and make it to Stein Mart before the bottom fell out. The sky to the north was black and lightening was flashing like crazy. I raced down the feeder road and into the parking lot, just barely parking the car before the first raindrops began to fall. With umbrellas in hand, we ran for the door. Outside the sky turned black and the wind began to blow as torrents of rain came down. The lights flashed a few times, but we never lost power, so we just kept on shopping. I found a white shirt with silver buttons and a pair of denim crop pants and sis bought an 'undergarment'. By the time we finished, the storm had blown over. Neither rain, nor wind nor flashing lightening could keep us from our appointed rounds to our favorite retail therapy places. What an adventure and a most memorable Mother's day my Sis and I had!

Monday I had my regular eye check-up and decided to try contacts again. I got the bi-focal progressive disposable lenses. At first they felt weird in my eyes, but I'm getting used to them. It is so nice not to have to bother with glasses. I mainly need them for working and close up, so I was constantly taking them on and off. Now, I'm free!

Ok, I watched Americal Idol last night. I'm afraid Elliot is going to be the next to go, but I hope it's Kat. Taylor was pretty hot, so he will be safe. The phone lines were overloaded, but I kept on until trying I got through. We'll see, later this evening what the results are.

I have a long 12 hour day tomorrow and a busy day Friday because I'm taking off Saturday to go to a Hair Show in Dallas with a friend of mine. We will be back late Monday, so I won't be posting for a few days. I'm sure I'll have a few good stories to tell when I return. When a bunch of hairdressers converge upon a city, there is bound to be something exciting happening. Of course, we do go to learn new things and see new products, but there is definately a 'party' atmosphere wherever we go. Woo Hoo!

My nails are done, my hair is colored and highlighted, I have some new duds, I have new contacts......

I'm ready to go to the Hair Show, ya'll

My Table

I made chair back covers to match the tablecloth. The ornament was made from gold metal medallions from an old belt. I glued two medallions together for the base then added beaded fringe along the bottom, glued a small mosaic medallion in the center and added a small jewel. I glued on a bar pin back to attach it to the fabric. I love it when I come up with a clever idea like this!
My friend and I designed and created this 'desert oasis' for the Spring Tea. We used a metal canopy frame and covered it with fabric. The striped tent front and other props were borrowed from the music department. The stage was covered with yards of gauze to get the illusion of sand.
Here is my table. This picture doesn't show all the fine details. There were smaller jewel boxes filled with jewelry and brightly colored glass stones placed between the red votive candles. The large hammered metal tray was filled with more jewelry and stones, along with a glass mosaic candle holder. Airy asparagus fern was nestled underneath the tray. The shimmering gold and green organza table squares were scattered with more glass stones and faux jewels, adding an extra sparkle. Copper gold glass chargers were enhanced by red and copper beaded napkin rings holding creamy sateen napkins. Candle light danced off the stones and jewelry, creating a casually elegant ambiance. We dined on a delectable array of salads, consisting of pasta with grilled chicken, tossed garden and fresh fruit. For dessert, we had our choice of chocolate or carrot cake. Yours truly chose the chocolate, of course!

These events take a lot of planning and work, but it is so rewarding to see the ladies come and enjoy an inspiring evening in a beautiful setting. It brings me joy to share my talents in this way, surrounded with friends, who delight in joining me at my table for an evening of fun, food and fellowship.

A good time was had by all, ya'll!

Tea Time

I am hosting a table at the annual Spring Tea at church is next Tuesday evening and I have been in decorating mode for the last several weeks. Being a table hostess is nothing new to me. I enjoy coming up with a theme, color scheme and then co-ordinating all the various elements that make a beautiful tablescape. In fact, I have ladies clamoring to sit at my table because of my unique, elegant settings. The theme for my table this year is 'Precious Jewels', done in jewel tones, of course. For the centerpiece I am using a metal tray on a pedestal, on which I have placed a gold box filled with jewelry, colorful glass stones and loose faux jewels. Greenery will be incorporated under the tray, along with red glass votive cups and a collection of smaller jewel boxes filled with more glass stones and jewels. I found some beautiful beaded napkin rings in shades of red and copper at Target. They will look stunning with my copper glass chargers and beige sateen napkins. I have been busy sewing moss green table cloths and chair back covers. The over-all look will be sort of 'Old World', but elegant. It is customary to give each lady a small gift. I bought tiny gold drawstring bags and filled each one with a red heart shaped stone and some colorful faux jewels. I'll make a place card to co-ordinate with the bag of jewels.
Doesn't it sound lovely?

Work is picking back up since every one has recovered from income tax time. I'm booked solid for the next three days. I have two prom up-do's this Saturday.
What fun!!

My work and decorating projects keep me sane, in spite of the 'domestic issues'. I am determined to 'have a life', no matter what 'the man' does. I am still keeping my distance.....I ain't going near that fire any more!

It is what it is, ya'll