seriously?

This is what I'm eating right now at 1:00AM while writing this blog post. Yes, that's right, it's a Sprinkles cupcake. A Sprinkles carrot cake cupcake with cinnamon/cream cheese frosting. And I don't care if I puke, pass out from a sugar coma, have to take Exedrin during the night before my head explodes, wake up with a sugar hangover, or all of the above. My stress meter hit *BOING* this evening and you just gotta do whatcha gotta do. So after taking comfort in diet Coke and Ruffles while watching last week's "Office" - and pretending an extremely loud and obnoxious guy movie was not blaring from the other room - I remembered: Sprinkles! The gateway of Sprinkles frosted bliss was waiting for me! HURRY! BECAUSE MY BUTT IS NOWHERE NEAR BIG ENOUGH.  

This week was such a crazy week. Mostly good crazy. Here we're celebrating Daniel's 24th birthday.

These photos speak for themselves. Which is why my photos are rarely in focus when these 3 are together.

They are just ridiculous.

Please feel sorry for me.

Weirdsmobiles.

And the Mouse our poltergeist has finally fallen off his nut... gone a bit too far... lost his marbles... sat on his Pop Tart... you get the idea. I never know what type of upside-down-ness I'm going to wake up to - and have to clean up after. It's giving me major GRIEF!!! Perhaps he needs to be reminded I KNOW WHERE HE SLEEPS.

Really Mouse Mr. Poltergeist? Every end table and foot stool in the house?

Even the kitchen table? SERIOUSLY? Okay Mouse Mr. Poltergeist, that's it. I'm taking it to the mattresses.

Suffice it to say the above photo is how I am feeling - as well as why I excused myself from the dinner table and left. The house. This pink framed goodness is one of my favorite things. It is not popular with the rest of my family for obvious reasons. I made it a long time ago. Yes, those are real Exedrin. It resides in a sea of testosterone-filled frames on the Boy Wall. I *adore* the Boy Wall! But this is my little beacon that something female exists here. Not that I don't love my guys. I'm confident you all know how much I *LOVE* my guys!!! But sometimes - like tonight's mini meltdown - no truer words have ever been uttered.....

Ahhh... I feel much, much better now :D

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND EVERYONE!!! XOXOXO 

Idol Twain

Last night's Idol theme was honoring country mega-singer/songwriter Shania Twain (I dare you to say that like Elmer Fudd and not laugh). Not that I don't like Shania, because I think she's got a terrific voice - and any performer that writes their own material gains huge points of respect from me - I'm just not a big country fan. I think she did a great job as our 6 finalist's mentor however. My only chagrin was that since I only knew a few of her big hits, I was unable to judge how every performer put his or her own twist on each song. No biggie though. I actually ended up quite surprised with how all 6 did (more on that in a sec), and felt that overall, it was a mostly enjoyable evening... if not just a bit snoozy. Compared to last season's train wreck of a country night (excepting Adam Lambert's arguably genius version of "Ring of Fire"), I would call it most successful! So let's recap -

Idol Country Night featuring Shania Twain ~ Shania Twain as mentor

  

1) Lee - "Still the One" - A great song choice for Lee. But I hate to even see myself type this... He didn't do a very good job :( I'm not sure what happened - it was very unlike Lee to be, as Randy would say, so pitchy! Lee was downright off tune, especially in the beginning. Maybe his ear monitor wasn't working? It was really hard to watch. And then I was shocked the judges praised him! I thought they were going to rip him apart! Was it me? I still think Lee has the best male Idol's voice overall though - his version of "the Boxer" still gives me chills. 

2) Big Mike - "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing" - I thought this was a lovely song, and that Mike did a beautiful job singing it. He really does connect with the songs he seems to choose very carefully. And that connection is so evident, I think it draws the audience in to connect with him as well. "Wet"? "Girly"? Hardly. I much more agreed with Mike's performance being compared to the great Luther Vandross. 

3) Casey - "Don't" - Another very personal song, and Casey did awesome. I know he loves to play a screamin' guitar, but I think Casey is finding out he also has a nice niche to fill in the more raw, acoustic, emotional arena. It seems like when he lets himself be a tad vulnerable, he not only sounds better, but connects with his audience.

4) Crystal - "No One Needs to Know" - Oh Crystal. You all know what a fan I am of hers, but I'll say this: it's the first time I haven't sped to iTunes at 110mph and pre-ordered her song of the week. It was just so... so-so. I probably need to listen to it again. A cute song, and Crystal had a cute reason for singing it. But I don't consider Crystal cutesy. Maybe that's what threw me. It was just okay... and she usually delivers so much more. 

5) Aaron - "You Got a Way" - Every single week I wonder what saves this boy. I think he's an awesome kid, I think he's very talented, but I think Idol is way too big for him and can't believe he's made it this far. However. I will be the first to admit that this week he gave a very fine performance. I was very surprised and happy for him.

6) Siobhan - "Any Man of Mine" - Siobhan seems to be the one contestant Idol fans seem to really love or really dislike. Not a bad position to be in really. I happen to think she's got a lot of talent and potential and I think her quirkiness adds just that much more to her appeal. After several weeks of floundering and enduring harsh critiques by the judges, last night seemed to be the night she finally seemed back to herself again. I liked her song choice and I thought she gave a terrific, classic Siobhan performance. I just hope fans picked up the phone. 

Do you peeps have a CLUE who will be in the bottom three tonight???

Let alone who's going to have to be sent HOME???

I can hardly make my brain think that way - overall, it was a pretty smooth night for everyone.

Total guess for the bottom three: Aaron, Mike, Siobhan

Ditto for the one sent packing: Aaron

Okay, it's YOUR TURN NOW! Tell me what you think!

FAB

Saturday night at It's A Grind Coffee House was absolutely fabulous! And I do mean FABULOUS. Before I even parked my car, I could see that the place was packed. What performer doesn't love playing to a full house!? I've just got to say PEOPLE! You're the BEST! What an amazing show of support to come out like you did and stay to hear all 3 sets. I know from my own personal experience, that looking out into a sea of familiar and friendly faces does more for your confidence and overall performance than you could possibly imagine. Many thanks!

First up was Riley Lyon, and I am not exaggerating when I say she was absolutely amazing! At 15 years old, and her first "official" public performance, this singer/songwriter has confidence, poise, plays her guitar like a pro, and has a repertoire of original songs that are fun, catchy, melodic, and unique. She had previously had them professionally recorded and made into a CD - and good thing she did, because she sold a lot of them! Go Riley!   

*   *   *

The second performance was my son Davy's band. Henry Webster, Amelia Shelton, Davy Walker and Jimmy Melnarik. They still don't have a band name. I think that night they introduced themselves as "Bank of America". What can I say. Middle Child. I have a tremendous soft spot for them though. Even when they are practicing I insist on quiet everywhere so I can just sit there and soak them in. I'm always sad when they're done. I know they must think poor Davy's hippie mom really needs to get a life. But see, I've been around long enough to realize what's completely stupid about life, and what's simply amazing about it. And when something is simply amazing, you stop and you listen. Although I do admit, I pretend I'm listening to them in a pub in Scotland. 

*   *   *

*   *   *

Last but certainly not least - though I always give them such a hard time - was my husband John's band "Primrose Gardens". Playing all original music from John's CD of the same name - as well as some new songs he has written for a new CD he's working on - these two long time friends John and Darryl, and their sons Davy and Evan, have a great time rocking together and putting the fun in dysfunctional. Heheheh :) And seriously, John and Darryl are incredible musicians, especially when it comes to playing lean, mean, screaming guitars!

Thanks again to everyone - we'll have to do that again soon!

24

It's impossible for me to fathom, but 24 years ago today I gave birth to our first son Daniel. I was 24 myself, and John was 28. We didn't have a clue what we were getting into. The nurse had to show me how to diaper a baby before we brought him home because I didn't even know how to do that :/ Poor little innocent Daniel, fresh from heaven... mixed up with two new parents who are going, "how do we get it to stop crying?". Lord have mercy.

 But that sweet baby was the most beautiful baby on earth, and changed our lives forever. We are better people because of his birth, and continue to be better people because of the person he has become. I remember when he was younger and would lament about "the good old days" before his 2 younger brothers were born and ruined his life. How he felt so much pressure being the oldest and having to set an example. I would always tell him, "Daniel, you have to trust God. He knew exactly what he was doing when he sent you to us first. He knew what kind of older brother you would be. He knew what kind of example you would be. He knew what kind of person you would be. And you have never let him down." And it's true. Daniel is a great older brother, a wonderful son, and a fantastic person. It would be nice to see him a little more often when he's not working hard at BYU, in a 3rd world country, or keeping In-N-Out in business. But we treasure our time with him, and are so proud of him and how he's making the world a better place.

HAPPY 24th BIRTHDAY DANIEL ~ WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

boys pets toes rose

As suggested by my title, a virtual panoply of topics with accompanying photos season today's post! So much is happening this weekend! Let us waste no (more) time getting started, because I am literally shaking with excitement. Actually, I'm shaking from Exedrin and diet Coke, but I'm really excited too. I feel a little buzzed. Kind of like that time I passed out in Hot Topic. And luckily John caught me before my head hit the floor. And the Hot Topic employees were like "whoaaa". And my kids thought it was hysterical. But that's another story.

So first up, my firstborn son Daniel, the gorgeous boy in the photo above, is as I type, driving home from college! WAHOOOOO!!! Isn't that such a great photo? It is Daniel and his best, best, best friend & partner in crime Alissa, at their all time favorite place on earth, In-N-Out. They have a slight addiction. But we figure since Daniel will be spending all summer doing research in Uganda, and Alissa will be volunteering in Haiti, they will either come home broken of their addictions, or broken people - I guess we shall see. In the meantime, we are sooooo thrilled to have Daniel home for 3 weeks before he has to take off again! He needs to slap his brothers around big time.    

Speaking of which, I took this photo of Davy and Kitty a while back and forgot to post it. Kitty is the biggest, fattest, crankiest kitty on God's green earth, which is probably why Davy picked her out in the first place. Their crankiness compliments each other. Plus she's naughty. But you rarely see Kitty. In fact, most people don't even know we have a kitty at our house. She stays in Davy's room most of the time, unless he's playing his guitar or mandolin (she HATES that) or has a friend over. But she does like to lurk around the rest of the house occasionally, and announce her presence as though she were the queen and we are to treat her as such.

Here is cranky Kitty laying in the antique cradle on MY minky. She mostly likes to daydream about all the awful things she could do to make my dogs lives miserable. She thinks they are pathetic and will hit them in the nose. 

Which is why I must add this photo of Luna - the most perfect pet EVER - and say just LOOK at that sweet nose!

AND... I forgot to mention my friend Diana and I got another pedicure. Stressed? Me? Nah... :D

Now here's something I've been waiting for! If you've read my blog for a while you know I take a photo of my first rose bloom of the year. Well, here it is - and just look how GORGEOUS! I probably should have at least taken the time to adjust these pics a little, but I didn't - I was too excited to share them. HAPPY SPRING INDEED!!!

* to everything there is a season *

* bloom where you're planted *

AND HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

Idol Inspiration

INSPIRATION NIGHT ~ Alicia Keys as mentor

I'll make this as short and sweet as possible, because boy am I late at getting this post out today! 

1) Casey - "Don't Stop" - Meh. 

2) Lee - "the Boxer" - Genius of a song choice, executed with PER-FEC-TION.

3) Tim - "Better Days" - Meh.

4) Aaron - "I Believe I Can Fly" - Seriously? Seriously?

5) Siobhan - "When You Believe" - Loved it. The judges are pissing me off. Why must she be forced into a category? Siobhan's quirkiness is endearing. It's a singing competition and she's got an amazing voice. 

6) Big Mike - "Hero" - Loved it. The judges pissed me off again. I think they underrate Mike's voice also. I like the songs he chooses and I think his arrangements are always tasteful, even though they differ from each other. 

7) Crystal - "People Get Ready" - See opinion #2. And when she broke down it blew me away. LOVE this girl. 

So peeps, what was your opinion? And what are your predictions?

I think perhaps Casey, Tim, and Aaron in the bottom 3.....

I believe Aaron needs to fly home (but I've thought that before too)

Zagg you're it

I recently sent a bunch more photos over to Zagg.com to add to my artist's portfolio for gadget & laptop skins. 

Here is a handful of some of the photos just so you can see what I've been working on... fun, fun, fun :)

~ Cambria Candles ~

~ Mossy Bridge ~

~ Dana's Amazing Lampwork Gems ~

~ Sunny Hydrangea ~

~ Paint Fight ~

~ Purple Foxglove ~

~ Brushes & Stool ~

It's A Grind * This Saturday

See? It really IS a grind! A play on words - yes, yes - but a real brick and mortar establishment too. A cool coffee house (is that an oxymoron?) with even cooler live entertainment. Especially this next Saturday night, April 24th! Mark your calendars all you local friends! This is where you and your families are gonna wanna hang out for sure!

Our local It's A Grind Coffee House just north of Valencia in the town of Castaic, will be featuring TWO of our all time favorite bands EVER, and also a very talented young solo singer near and dear to us as well! The music fest goes from 8:00 to 10:00 and if you ask me, that's a lot of awesome entertainment. It's a serious three-fer people!

It's A Grind Coffee House

29641 The Old Road
Castaic, CA 91384-4570
(661) 702-9636

PRIMROSE GARDENS will be one of the bands performing. Consisting of founding member Johnny Walker and accompanied by Darryl Mardirossian on bass guitar and vocals. They are joined by their sons Evan Mardirossian on drums and percussion, and Davy Walker on guitar and vocals. All songs performed are original songs of John's from his CD entitled Primrose Gardens, as well as new songs he's currently been working on for an upcoming CD. Talented, rocking guys, all. Our house wouldn't be near as fun on Wednesday nights without them practicing.

(subliminal message: Johnny Walker is on Facebook as Primrose Gardens. The poor guy has no clue. Look him up and friend him) 

DAVY'S BAND (still no name) is the other band performing. I shouldn't pick favorites but it's my blog so I can do what I want. I love Davy's band. I adore Davy's band. Davy Walker on Guitar, Mandolin and vocals. Jimmy Melnarik on bass guitar. Amelia Shelton on violin and vocals. And Henry Webster on violin. All such talented and awesome young adults. All songs performed are Davy's original songs. He writes the best lyrics and melodies and arrangements on earth. Hey, I'm just tellin it like it is. I love the combination of all the instruments. And Amelia's and Henry's violins never fail to lift Davy's songs to a higher place, and take me right along with them. 

I've known RILEY LYON since the day she was born! This hip & cool guitar player has not only grown into a fun, smart, beautiful young lady, but she has the most natural talent of a young singer/songwriter I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. I don't say that lightly either. There are countless talented people in the world, but the majority of them have to learn it. With Riley, it just comes naturally. It's part of her DNA. She can take others' songs and make them into unique versions of her own, and she can write her own songs just as easily. I know that the future holds a lot in store for Riley and I am excited to see what's around each and every corner for her.

Don't miss such a fun-filled evening! Come support all these talented singers! :)
And be on time or you really WILL miss them! :0

a poltergeist & nosiness

Call it what you will, but suspicious activities have been going on here lately. I believe we have a mischievous poltergeist amongst us. Or perhaps a gremlin, or maybe an imp. Or a leftover leprechaun - I've heard they can be naughty. Whatever it is, I keep finding evidence here and there. Little tricks played by a little trickster.....

My recycled magazine balls attempt different acrobatic stunts each morning.

Our entryway coat hook is always turned upside down no matter how many times I spin it right side up.

My Italian paperweight is turned over, looking like a stranded turtle, waiting for someone to come rescue it. 

The tops to my glass jars are flipped over as well! This trickster has been very busy!

Even the magnets on our fridge were not safe from the evil creature that lurks within.

Really Mr. Poltergeist? Seriously? Even our sacred family photo from back in 2005? Have you no heart?

Well you may be surprised to know that I am smarter than you think. I happen to know what you really are.

That's right. I happen to know you're NOT a poltergeist - though some might argue otherwise. 

You're not a gremlin, an imp or a leprechaun either. I'm totally onto you and all your stinky, evil ways.

YOU ARE A MOUSE!!!  HAH!!! 

And you thought parents were old and out of touch.....

*   *   *

* Just being a little nosey *

I love my nose. But it sure has been troublesome lately. Well, this is the last you're going to hear about it for at least a few weeks - YAY! I'm sick of talking about it and I'm sure you're sick of hearing about it.

I did finally see an ENT specialist because my nose was not healing like it should, even though I was doing everything I was supposed to. And it still looked doggone scary inside too. The ENT was really patient and listened to the long dramatic tale of my wayward nose and, most specifically, the recent "cocaine episode" as it has unfortunately come to be known in the annuls of our family history. 

The best news of the day came in double form: I didn't have to have a biopsy AND I get to keep my nose after all. Boy, was I relieved! The biopsy may come at a later date depending on how my healing goes, but at least not yet. And this situation is not a cancerous type situation, or the type of staff infection that's going to eat my face off, so my nose will indeed stay intact. I love that kind of news.

The not so great news is that the scary white stuff I've been looking at up inside my nose is my own cartilage. Because my tissue is gone. In both nostrils. Pretty freaky. I needed a moment to wrap my head around that info. So the ENT is hoping new tissue will grow to cover the cartilage, even though that will probably take a long time. If not, that means my blood vessels may be ruined and there will have to be a Plan B.

That's the short version but I'm sure that's already TMI. And I'm the first one to admit that there is always a silver lining. Just think - this could have been so much worse! I'm just grateful to know what's going on. And it may feel strange, but it's not that painful. And it's spring, and everything else around here is going GREAT.

SO HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEKEND!!!