Rafaella Gabriela Sarsparilla

As y'all know the next great American novelist can't wear two hats at one time (or at least that is what She has heard Her say time and again), so She's sneaking in here and doing a post for Her. In case you don't recognize me...around the Casita de Trash, they call me She. You know...as in She always takes care of that or see if She has any money or how about She never listens to me and let's not forget...I thought She was going to the post office. Remember me now? Yeah...you've probably got your own version of a She living at y'alls homes too!

Anyway, as She was saying, since Ms. Harper Lee-Wannabee has a wee touch of ADD (or as Jenn likes to call it...SQUIRREL!), She thought She would give y'all a heads up on what She has found! Just don't tell Her that She told you...or She might get in trouble for using the computer thingy!

Would you just take a look at what Sissie's Shabby Cottage is giving away just by visiting and leaving a comment. AMAZING!!! What's Her favorite saying? Oh yeah...Fab U Lous! Go over and visit...Sissie's blog is just beautiful...time well spent for sure! Next up is this tote that GYPSIE On My Mind is giving away just as easy. Visit, comment and voila...you are entered. Again, easy to do and an easy on the eyes blog! She likes easy...in fact, She's heard Her say that She is easy, but She's also heard Cat Daddy say there isn't anything easy about Her! Boy oh boy, are Her feathers gonna get ruffled when She tells you about this giveaway. One of Her BFF's Pam at Frippery is having a 300th post (and every one of them is a pearl) giveaway! (She just loves this woman!) This is only part of what Pam has to offer. In addition to really great writing, Pam is giving away a 2die4 ankle bracelet, this ruffled flower bracelet made with Pam's own two little hands AND...wait for it...CHOCOLATE! Are you swooning? She knows She was when She heard Her telling Cat Daddy all about it! You might could score some extra points with Pam if you were to tell Her that you think She is pretty....just a suggestion! Heck...try it with all three! Now hurry over to all three of these ladies blogs 'cause the deadlines are just around the corner and you wouldn't want Her to win now would y'all? Be sure and tell 'em She sent you!

Well She figures She's probably made Her hopping mad by this point...so what the heck. Let's just see what Her boiling point is by divulging one other little tidbit. Jenn has already shouted it to the world, so it's not like She's trying to scoop Her or anything like that, right?

Guess who in no longer on an oxygen line? You guessed it...Baby Bella! Yippee! Bella still will be monitored at night to make sure the stats stay stable, but no more lugging that tank around. She is free to pick Bella up and walk outside or anywhere She wants to without extra cargo on the shoulder, but you know...She hardly thinks about the line anymore or even sees it. Still...it's one more step in God's plan for Bella. Bella's lungs are no longer considered micro-preemie, but the doctors will continue to treat her as if she has asthma as a precaution.

She thought She would include this photo of Bella at birth weighing 15 ounces and one photo from a day ago at fourteen pounds just to show how good our God is. She can't believe the little Trashette will be a year old in less than two months. She would want me to tell y'all thank you for all the prayers that went up for our Bella. She's pretty sure Her feelings are just like mine...it is a privilege to say thank you...over and over...again and again! Her tears of gratitude could fill an ocean.

Bella must be reading Her mind 'cause that is just what She needs to do...take a bath and think about going beddie bye before Her. She always uses all the hot water which puts Her in a pickle!

Let me know when you would like to hear more of what She has to say and She'll hurry back toot sweet! BTW, hasn't She heard Her say that's Texan for real quick?

Peekaboo...I See You

Just like Punxsutawney Phil will be doing next month...I thought I would stick my head out and see what all is going on in the Land Of Blog! Just call me Desultory Deb!

Whaddaya know...the sun is shining! I may have to bust out the shades everything is so bright and shiny including all of y'all's latest posts. That's right...I've been nosing around when I should be doing something else, but you know the old saying about all work and no play, right?

Cat Daddy and I had a busy weekend. We loaded up the Catmobile with Liz and Fran then drove down to the Red Barn. I would love to say I took tons of photos, but sadly I left my camera in the truck. I'll try and describe what I got to see and who I got to see as best as I can. Visualize white, white and more white...get the picture? Looking through the magic mirror ("Romper, bomper, stomper boo. Tell me, tell me, tell me do. Magic Mirror, tell me today, have all my friends had fun at play?"), I see French Vanilla and Judy...over there is Theresa, Seedbox, Carolyn Westbrook Home...Oh and I see Willow's Nest, Leftovers, TOT and over there, do you see Janet and Peg? Isn't it all wonderful? I thought you would love it. There was a ton of folks out shopping which is always a great harbinger of spring! We also stopped by Lizzie Lou's and visited with Elizabeth and Kim. Elizabeth had just returned from market and wait until you get an eyeful of the spring clothing she brought in. I was in high cotton (cotton linen that is) for sure! We bought several things that will be making the journey back for the Spring Show and you'll just have to trust me when I say...Fab U Lous!

On the way home, we stopped off in Waco and met up with Robelyn...just the perfect ending to a perfect day! Sunday, Jenn and I, along with some cute friends, set up shop on the dining room table. The girls are trying to teach this old dog some new tricks...'cause you know I have all this spare time! Actually, they are trying to help me learn how to create the kind of jewelry I want, but can't seem to find. I figure if I can't buy it, I might as well make it!

They obviously know what they are doing...me? Not so much! Vickie is the creator of the Cat Daddy coozies so you can imagine how her mind works!

I even broke out the good stuff. This was an excellent way for me to relieve my frustrations with writing and ramp it down a notch. Look out world...I got a Dremel and I don't know how to use it! For the record, I am equally as dangerous with the soldering gun.

This really why I agreed to the lesson...Jenn has to bring her traveling companion and I get to reap the benefits! She is such a good baby and didn't cry once. As a matter of fact, she hardly cries at all, but glory, when she does...you better get her happy in a hurry!

I wish I could share more of the book writing with y'all, but I don't want to reveal anything until I feel it's worthy. I will share one line I've wrote...I don't think I'd be giving anything away with just one little line...do y'all?

"There are certain little sayings that just drive me crazy. I don't understand what a pretty penny is. I mean really...Lincoln's not exactly my idea of a hottie. What does it mean when the sign says "Live Dancers"...are there dead ones dancing somewhere I didn't know about and would I really want to see them? And tell me my friend, what exactly is a good right arm? Is there a bad right arm or is that the left one... or the one that left?"

I'm gonna call this a wrap, but I just wanted to mention one other thing. I was in the doctor's office yesterday and while sitting there in the nice, clean quiet, I began thinking of what is happening in Haiti. Those poor people are just hoping for any kind of medical help...quiet or otherwise...even in a parking lot. I think it's important to remember this could happen anywhere...at any time.

Smile When You Say That, Pardner!

Have y'all missed me bunches? I sure have missed y'all! I just have to tell you how overwhelmed I was by the comments left by all of you. Y'all are just the best and I sure hope y'all know what I'm doing...'cause I don't have a clue! I have wrote a working outline and several pages, but the research is whupping this chubby lady. It's a little more involved than I could have ever dreamed, but I'm loving it...just like I love all of you for believing I can do it!

Speaking of love...I got this award from Trish at The Domestic Fringe several days ago and I wanted to post about it before time got away from me. For those of you who are familiar with my posts, you know I just love to read her blog. It's one of my musts for laughing and crying. She's my Erma Bombeck and her take on life and family just knocks me out. According to her, I'm supposed to list ten things that make me smile and then list ten other bloggers who I think deserve this award as well. So let's get started...what do you say?

First off, we can just go ahead and check off number one as being Tricia. Like I said...one of my favorite reads and I owe her one for saying I'm sweet. My family got a big kick out of that and Cat Daddy remarked how much he liked reading her fiction!

Second, my trashettes can always get a smile outta me quicker than a cat can lick his whiskers! 'Course y'all knew that, right? Graycie informed me over the holidays I have style! (High praise from a seven year old, I gotta tell you!) After much thought she added she must have got her sense of style from me! Oh law...I didn't know Hannah Montana and I had the same personal stylist!

Third...Cat Daddy! Need I say more? It's either laugh or go crazy in this house, so I choose laughter.

Fourth...clean sheets are a must. Not to go all Oprah on y'all, but I could change our sheets everyday (if I had enough)! I love the crisp feel of fresh sheets...sans wrinkles!

(~Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.~Mark Twain)

Fifth...a fifth...just kidding! Although y'all know I love a good dirty martini and if it's made with Belvedere with ice crystals floating on top AND a couple of almond stuffed olives...you're gonna see a big ol' smile on this face!

Sixth...early morning quiet. I love getting up when it's still dark outside and sitting in the silence. It's the only time my mind is my own. Once the sun is up...thoughts crowd in and then it's a race to stay focused, but for just a few brief hours each morning I am clear as a bell. (Note to self...try writing in the wee hours of the morning.)

Seventh...performances by children. There is nothing as entertaining as watching kids sing, dance, and act with no inhibitions. Seriously, if your kids are ever in a talent show and you have an extra ticket...I'll take it! They are fearless with their talents and don't care who is listening or watching. It's a shame adults can't be the same way (except for those poor delusional fools on American Idol!). Think how much we could accomplish if we weren't so worried about what others might think.

Eighth...Yellow Boxes! I am the walking poster child for these flip flops and if there is one thing I hate most about winter...it's that I can't wear my YB's. Psst!...Actually I can and do...but I sure get a lot of funny looks!

Ninth...matching underwear! I don't have any, but if I did, it sure would make me smile! There was a time long ago and far away, when all my lingerie matched...but time and gravity have separated me from my Victoria's Secret catalog. I shouldn't say I don't have any...it's just white cotton Hanes are not what dreams are made of...although they sure are comfy! Besides undies have changed over the last twenty years! I've spent a lifetime trying to keep my underwear outta there...now I'm expected to pay good money to put it there on purpose...you gotta be kidding me!

Tenth and last, but certainly not least...birthday/wedding cake. I love the taste and will go and buy one just because I can. Why should I have to wait for a special occasion? I'll even tell 'em to write a name on it...just for fun...anybody's name...I don't care...just as long as there is white cake and butter cream frosting under that name!

Now I am to list ten bloggers who make me smile. Heck, I can do better than that! I'm picking the 55 who made me smile and cry just by leaving a comment on my previous post. Right now...at this moment...y'all have made me happier than the law allows. Can you see my big ol' toothy grin? Thank you so much!

Well, as Cat Daddy likes to say...time to go to work! I'll be checking in again real soon! In the meantime, see if y'all can stay out of trouble 'til I get back!

Leap of Faith

"The time has come", the walrus said,

To talk of many things:

of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--

of cabbages--and kings--

and why the sea is boiling hot--

and whether pigs have wings."

~Through The Looking Glass~I just couldn't wait to show y'all what I got in the mail for Christmas. Karen at A*Musements made me the most Fab U Lous banner with the greatest quote of all time! Does this say moi or what..."When Pigs Fly"? I know, I know...my photo skills stink! (~"Don't say stinks dear...say smells!"~) Thank goodness Jodie is on a cruise or she would be so disappointed in me. As a matter of fact, I hope Karen isn't! I tried to capture all the beauty and detail of her work...truly I did, but failed miserably. It really is unique with all her attention to details and colors. I'm in love with it and Karen...darlin', you truly are a papier genius. Since we have now determined that yes...pigs do have wings, let's talk a bit of sealing wax. Do you remember when I wrote I was plowing my field to be ready when God revealed His plan for me? I never dreamed when typing those words He would answer so quickly, but I feel He did. Several of y'all have been so sweet and have encouraged me to try my hand at writing...really writing, but my argument to myself was I didn't know what to write. Kinda hard to write a book if there isn't a plot and well, I sorta figured pigs would fly before I came up with one. God gives wings to dreams because when I was in the bathtub last night, He not only gave me my storyline...He told me how to write it. Just...like...that!

I know I'm not alone in having a secret dream of writing...the only difference is I didn't begin to dream this until just recently. Imagine at my age...discovering I might have a little talent...and that it could give me so much joy and satisfaction. I love to read and words are magic to me. To be able to string them into sentences that others might want to read is amazing, but it's also scary. It's like standing in the middle of Macy's window naked during the Christmas parade. Imagine with me if you would all of time's imperfections bared for the world to see, but what if no one wants to look at what you're displaying or worse still...pities you for thinking you might have something worth taking a peek at!

It's a chance I'm willing to take. When God speaks I listen and obey. Talents and abilities are gifts from God and each of us must find our own. It isn't always tangible like Karen's, but it's there. You may have a way with children...I know I don't. You might be a whiz in the kitchen or have the whitest whites...again...not me. Maybe you are the best listener or cheerleader that ever walked the planet...if so...I give you a standing ovation. You're the one every one wants to sit by at an event. Those are gifts not everyone possesses and are unique to you. Whether or not my efforts produce a short story, novella or an honest to goodness book remains to be seen. I'll be writing as God directs me...just like I do this blog...no more, no less. I'm just the typist...He's the wordsmith. I do promise you one thing...whatever the outcome...y'all are one of the main reasons I'm trying. You have done so much to build up my self-esteem and I know if no one but my family reads it (after I make 'em) and the publishers turn me down, I still have y'all to thank for the words of encouragement and for being just like my mother and pushing me!

I'll try to post at least once a week...just because I love to and I will definitely be reading y'alls blogs. (Hey...I'm gonna be a lurker...I'll be in great company!)

If you don't mind, could you please keep me in your prayers that what I'm attempting will be in keeping with God's word? I won't thank you later...I'll say it now...THANK YOU!

Geronimo!!!

XOXO

Expecting A Blast...Arctic Blast!

---..-.....----.-.-

Breaking News!!!

We interrupt your regularly scheduled broadcast for this winter weather advisory!

The Polar Express is making its way down from Canada into the Texas Pole! Prices are falling faster than the temperature in downtown Athens as we speak!

Several flurries of sales receipts were spotted by this reporter today as shoppers hurried into Winnie & Tulula's/Sweet Pea's and out with their purchases before the Big Chill hit!

Dealers were plunging their prices with many last minute, deep discounts before heading out for a frosty mocha latte.

Some were seen huddled together for warmth due to the icy hot deals being made!

Every effort was made to insure all animals were safe from the threat of freezing prices.

Neither snow nor sleet nor anything else will stop this sale. Gloria, Headmistress of Sweet Pea's/Winnie & Tulula's, has informed this reporter the sale will be extended through next week for those not possessing skates and/or skis.

Stay tuned for updates as they become available.

We now return you to regularly scheduled programming.

Good night and shop responsibly!

SQUIRREL!!!

I do believe it's finally happened. The long hours have done her in and Gloria has gone nuts. There is a white sale starting this Wednesday with savings up to 50% off selected merchandise. If you have a little "mad" money, bring it on in to the shoppes...we're all mad as hatters...mad I say, and will be glad to help you dispose of it!

Three new vendors are joining us nutballs at W&T's that you just have to check out! Willow Nest will be on hand with white refreshments and everybody has hot deals for a cold day! Please make plans to attend and gather up your share of the bargains to be bought for peanuts! It's gonna be a long, cold winter and who knows when there will be a bumper crop like this again!

The sale starts Wednesday and runs through Saturday. You'll never know who you might see running around in our squirrel cage if you don't drop in! I expect to see all of y'all bright eyed and bushy tailed and......last one there is a goober!

Cleaning House And Cleansing Thoughts

Would y'all believe this is the first time in my adult life that I have not had my Christmas tree down before New Year's eve? Guess what? Who cares? Not me for dern tootin' Skippy! I've enjoyed looking at it and I'm not taking it down 'til tomorrow or the day after...whenever...doesn't matter. My New Year's resolution (if you want to call it that...I prefer not to make 'em...why set myself up for failure) is to not let the trivial set me back. Instead I am setting goals for myself...attainable goals like leaving my Christmas tree up longer than I should simply because it brings me joy to look at it. Martha may not approve, but until she is paying the bills around the Casita de Trash...I make the rules!I am also not just decluttering my home in the New Year, but I'm going to declutter my life. This means no more people who only take and never give. Be gone Hoovers who suck all my energy and leave me exhausted with the daily drama that never ends. Now don't get me wrong...if a friend truly has a crisis or is just having one of those days, I am on it most ricky tick. It's the ones who always see the glass has half empty...never half full that have exhausted me. They wouldn't be happy if they were hung with a gold rope. My goal is to search out people who, like so many of y'all, when life hands out lemons...they make lemoncellos! My main focus this year is to be ready...to continue plowing my field so when a new opportunity or idea comes along...I am ready. I am planning on reading Debra's posts daily and changing my direction to where ever God plans on leading me, but first I need to clear my home, head, and heart so that when He speaks I can hear Him. I truly believe when He feels I am ready, there won't be any static in my life to interfere with reception. I want to be able to hear Him loud and clear!

This will be the last year before I have to change which box I check for my age on those magazine survey cards...y'all know which ones I'm talking about. I don't want to waste one more minute thinking about shoulda, coulda, woulda, 'cause frankly, I just don't have as many as I used to. Simply put...time's a wastin'! I gotta shake my tail feathers and get this old girl ready for new adventures...just as soon as I get these Christmas decorations down!

On a lesser note...is anyone besides me having trouble leaving comments? I can't seem to click on and folks, it is driving me crazy! Y'all know me...I got lots to say!