Be Nice to the Zombies (and The Cubs)

We made a few new shirts today and I wanted to add a sneak peek.I can't decide which one I like best, the Zombies or the Be Nice? The Baseball one...well that is a different story all togehter. It is a special order for my father-in-law who is a HUGE Cardinals fan...and apparently they hate the Cubs...hmmm who knew? I can't ever claim to know anything about sports. So I am neutral!  I will be crazy busy over the next two weeks and I won't be able to fulfill any orders until the 29th, so I am not yet putting them on my checkout pages. If you would like to order one of them in the meantime please feel free, just specify in the drop down menu the name and color, but I please remember that I will not be able to make them until after the 29th. So for now... Be Nice to the Zombies (and I guess to the Cubs too). Peace!

Rain Barrels!

I have wanted rain barrels forever. They are pretty pricey. I had found that the County I live in offers a mini course for around $40 and at the end you get a rain barrel...sounded great...until I found that every one of them is scheduled for a Monday morning. Really?? When will Florida ever figure out that everyone here is NOT retired. Anyway...I think I have mentioned it a million times at work, how badly I wanted rain barrels...last week my boss came in from one of her community runs (I work for a retirement community) and told me a resident had their rain barrels out at the end of their driveway with a "free" sign! I got in the golf cart (ok yes cliche retirement community transportation) and knocked on his door. He agreed to hold them for me!! While we were talking 2 other people came by interested in them...I felt like a mother bear protective over her cubs and thought I might go all ROWR on them..but never fear they were mine!! I took them home and painted them , one a psychedelic with PEACE signs and PAISLEYS cause I'm kind of a hippie at heart, and the other with a tree. As I was painting I thought of my grandmother, who was a truly gifted artist, and all the times I watched her paint. I am a crafter I  do not pretend to be an artist like she was. I did; however, feel her with me as I was painting. I knew she would be proud of me, and I could here her compliments. I added some black-eyed-susans because they were one of her favorite flowers, and then dragonflies for my grandfather because I truly believe that he sends them for me. I also decided to add a ladybug in remembrance of my cousin Frannie, because she also sends ladybugs to my Aunt. I felt their spirits all around me that day as I was painting, for some reason they let me know they were there. I am pretty proud of the way the rain barrels turned out! Now I have beautiful, fun, and functional art in my yard that pays tribute to three beautiful lives! PEACE  <3

Out til sun up...slept all day!

When I was younger I used to go out every night, and more times than I can remember, was still up as the sun was rising.....Last night I got to re-live my youth (sort of). Last night I had the pleasure of chaperoning NPHS (GO Bobcats!) Project Graduation! This is an annual event immediately following graduation. The kids are bussed to the YMCA where food, music, games, bounce houses, a comedian, swimming, fun, and prizes are flowing. Prizes range from gift cards, scholarships, computers, tvs, and the grand prize a gently used car! Everything is donated by local businesses, and everyone in attendance wins something. The event runs all night long (we quit at 5AM) and gives the kids a safe place to party after graduation. Great for the kids and great for the parents. As a parent of  teens, and a worrier this piece of mind is priceless!
This year I was talked into being on the committee by my friend Peaches (who happens to be my daughter's ex-boyfriend's mother and I still love them all even though it is weird to my daughter). Peaches has been volunteering with Project Graduation for a couple of years now, she is learning the ropes and now "running the show." There is so much that goes into this event, and it is a year-long process. Getting donations of food, prizes, coordinating volunteers, fundraising, securing the location and entertainment etc...although a lot of work, it was fun and rewarding. I have to say that getting together washing cars, having basketball games, and just brainstorming ideas for Project Graduation were events in and of themselves.
Last night one of my duties was to help with the prizes, guard the table, hand them out etc...In this position I got to observe these new "adults" interacting with each other, dancing, and just being themselves. It was quite an experience. I have to say that dancing has changed soooo much since I was their age! They were all so well choreographed and actually spoke to each other through their dance. I am a firm believer that music moves you, and you feel it in your soul...and although not all of the music was "my music" (and yes some of it I knew) I could feel their energy. It was also great to see them appreciating some music from my day and cranking to some Salt n Peppa and Michael Jackson. =)
Yes I was involved with giving out the prizes, but I also donated a few Tees for the event. For the most part every kid was grateful for their prizes, even if it was just a $10 gift card. I heard lots of thank yous, but seriously there are a few in every crowd that weren't appreciative, one in particular that I was trying not to take personally. Today was a day of reflection for me ( in between naps) where I did a lot of self talk telling myself that the majority were respectful, and thankful, and not to dwell on the extremely  small amount that weren't. We did a great thing, and you will never please everyone. Napping all day after being up for more than 24 hours puts many things in perspective.
So with that I will say that there a lot of ideas for next year, and we will start over for the class of 2013, my son's graduating class! Congratulations to the class of 2012 as you go out into the real world, I wish you health, success, and the love of good people around you. The future of our world, and I am proud. Peace!