Auntie B's Wax

Cool Change

2011-10-10T06:20:00.000-05:00

The time has come to move on, hopefully to brighter horizons. My musings, contributions and tributes will continue on a new site. Please join me in the odyssey ~ because it's time for a cool change.

Click Here to Find My New CyberHome

The Fortune Teller

2011-10-07T06:01:00.000-05:00

I see a candle burning in the night. Or two. No, three.
I see nostalgia taking the spotlight. Travel back to the middle of your memories and live them all over again.

I see sweet. I see sultry. I see adorable. I see adulterous. I see heartfelt. I see hilarious.
There are parties in store with ice-breakers galore.
I see it all, and then some more.
Big changes are coming soon.

Dive Night ~ Welsch's Big Ten Tavern, Part 2

2011-10-06T06:09:00.001-05:00

I'll cut right to the chase. The reason I'll never go back to the Big Ten is because of...the staff.

When we arrived at the Big Ten a waitress came to take our drink order. We waited for about ten minutes and another completely different waitress came to us to take our drink order. We told her someone else had taken our order and she apologized. Our drinks arrived momentarily.

After we had some time to look at the menu the first waitress came along again to take our food order. She had a little notebook and appeared to be taking the order in paragraph form. Husby asked politely that we get two separate checks, and she replied "okay, I can do that later." So we put in our order of appetizers and entrees with extras like a cup of soup, a side of waffle fries, onion rings, etc. Once all was said and done the waitress was off to submit our order to the cook.

So there we are, me and Husby, Ruthie and Ray, sitting around trying to talk over the screaming happy-hour patrons directly behind us in the bar, when BAM! ~ a thud so sickening it gave me a little shot of adrenaline. There on the floor right in front of our table lay an 85-year-old woman who took a tumble on the slanted floor of the dining room. We noticed her earlier having dinner with whom appeared to be her son, although when she hit the floor the son was nowhere to be found.

Enter, my hero. Husby rushed down to the elderly woman's side and put into action his training in first aide. The woman's son is still MIA, but a crowd of waitresses gathers around the moaning lady on the floor. She's unable to move and Husby continues to question her and comfort her. The 20-something-aged waitresses stood gawking, and I kid you not, one of them had a finger in her mouth. Finally I got up from the table and went to the group of airheads and said "could someone please call 911?!" They stared at me as though I was asking them to perform brain surgery. I went to find a manager when I saw a very petite girl on a cell phone (woman, actually, but none of these staff people was over twenty-five, which is a girl in my book). She was clearly part of the staff. I asked if she was calling 911 and she nodded. A few seconds later, Mrs. I've-Fallen-And-I-Can't-Get-Up and Husby still on the floor, the cell phone girl asks me "should they bring an ambulance?" Um, YES!!

I sat back down at the table and look! Here come our appetizers! The person delivering them had to practically step over the poor woman laying on the floor writhing in pain, but got our food to us, pronto. I asked that she hold the rest of our food until the matter on the floor was taken care of. Just as I made my request, the music started playing. Nothing like loud bar music to put a fallen woman at ease.

By now the son made his reappearance. Interestingly he remained one of the gawkers, on his feet, staring down on his old mother who was practically paralyzed on the floor. And Husby remained her comfort until help arrived.

Help finally did arrive after Husby spent time with the old gal, making sure she was conscious, chatting with her to distract her from the pain, putting her purse under her head for a little comfort on the cold floor. The EMTs strapped her on the board, hoisted her up onto the gurney, and as they started to wheel her away she uttered a meek "thank you" to Husby who had made her fall a little less terrifying. The son was also grateful to Husby, but despite his politeness we assessed him to be a complete loser.

*Sigh* Now to dig into the appetizers. Oh look! Here come three waitresses with the remainder of our order, all of the entrees. Well, I'll give it to them that they did actually wait until the broken lady was removed from the floor in front of our table. But there it all is, all the food, all at once. Not only that, there was plenty wrong with the order. Husby and I were missing our cole slaw, they forgot my sour cream, an order of waffle fries was delivered instead of an order of onion rings (or vice-versa, I can't remember), etc. And none of these three waitresses was our original waitress.

There were the four of us, trying to regain our appetites after watching an old lady crash to the floor, coming to her aid (Husby, that is), and witnessing the complete and utter stupidity and ineptitude of the restaurant staff with a table full of food staring at us. Then walked in a guy who also looked as though he was part of the staff. (They all wore black shirts, which doesn't seem like it would be considered a uniform, but it was.)

Recounting it now is kind of a blur. The guy was talking to someone else, but I don't remember who it was. It was obvious this other person was cluing him in on what happened with the old woman. They were standing right in front of our table, in the area where the woman fell. I remember shouting at him over the drunken rowdies behind us, "are you the manager?!" He gave me a look at me that suggested I had no business butting into their conversation. "What?" he asked. "Are you the manager?" I asked again. "Yeah," he said, "why?" I said "where where you when all of this happened?!" "Where were you?!" And then I'll never forget what he said. "Why are you giving me the third degree?"

The third degree. Well it was very clear right then and there that Ruthie, Ray, Husby and I were the only people in that place with an ounce of common sense, a smidgen of compassion, and a skosh of responsibility. Apparently the manager was out making a delivery when the incident occurred. It didn't really matter because even if he had been on the premises the situation wouldn't have played out any differently, I'm sure of that. But still I wondered why one of his bubble-headed underlings couldn't run a delivery while he, big man on campus, ran the establishment he is paid to run. He averted our questions like a pro.

Then came the bill for our food. While we were assured the bill would be separated for each couple when we placed our orders, it was, surprise surprise, not separated at all. Husby went through the bill and circled our food and off she went once again to separate the two bills. It still wasn't right and I owe Ruthie $8. The waitress thinks we owe her a tip too. She thinks wrongly. And we think Welsch's owes little old lady a new hip.

Welsch's with the side-ways slanty floors, dopey waitresses, loud and obnoxious patrons, and defensive manager will never see the likes of us again. It's too bad too, that pizza roll appetizer was pretty darn good.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T06:08:00.001-05:00

Dive Night ~ Welsch's Big Ten Tavern, Part 1

2011-10-04T06:41:00.000-05:00

What's better than "Steak Steak?"

Ray couldn't resist grabbing the uber udder on the cow in front of the Big Ten

Welsch's is right on Highway 10, a sore spot for me but a busy location nonetheless. Apparently they've been in business since 1904 and I'm guessing back then they probably served very fine food. Like so many places the Big Ten has been reduced to a sports bar filled with blue collars who love their happy hour. But hey, we're doing dives, so nothing wrong with any of that.

I think they're going for the Bellagio look, but are falling very short

Today I'm just going to talk about the food we ordered. The Big Ten has a varied menu but I think they pride themselves on their beef. Remember, this is a sports bar.

We started out with drinks, wine for the ladies and beer for the guys. I don't know what Ruthie thinks, but I have a sneaking suspicion the wine was watered down.

For appetizers we ordered walleye cakes and a pizza roll. The walleye cakes were served with what seemed to be plain tartar sauce. They were a little dry and not very flavorful, but I'm spoiled by the walleye cakes that Giggles makes. The pizza roll, on the other hand, was absolutely wonderful. It was like they took an entire pizza, rolled it up, and cut it into slices. It was spicy, meaty (pepperoni) and cheesy and very delicious.

I had a little cup of clam chowder, which was very good too.

The waffle fries shown behind the soup were pretty tasty, and you can get seasoned sour cream to dip them in if you ask for it.

Entrees were of the sandwich variety all around. I can't remember the burger Ruthie had and of course the picture will tell you nothing. Ray ordered the prime rib melt. I actually considered ordering the prime rib melt too, until I saw it came with American cheese. American cheese on prime rib is like eating steamed Maine lobster with ketchup. When I saw it was served on toast? Plain old toast? Well, it was just wrong and bad. Ray said it was tasty though, so maybe I have warped preconceived notions of how prime rib should be served.

Husby had a walleye sandwich and said it was quite good. It was huge, as a walleye sandwich should be.

I thought I'd try something completely different, something I'd never had before. The bacon bleu cheese burger. The burger was good, but I found I don't really care for that much bleu cheese on something that isn't a salad. If you love that kind of thing, this burger would be right up your alley.

As I mentioned before, the waffle fries were pretty dang good, and it was reported that the onion rings were hot and crispy and plenty of them ~ made from real onions and not onion bits. A positive report on the rings from those who had them.

Here's something interesting: I just checked out the menu on Welsch's Big Ten Tavern website and it bears a resemblance to the one we read at the tavern but there are differences.

For the most part the food was good at the Big Ten. So why is it I'll never go back there again? Stay tuned. Part two of this most exciting Dive Night will be posted on Thursday. Be sure to join me!

Renewed, For The Most Part

2011-10-03T06:27:00.001-05:00

Today is a new beginning. Last week was lost in the noisy halls of a hospital and my brain was knotted with concern and worry. All seems to be back on track now, and probably more on track than ever. Spending so much time away from my typical life has seemed to put things into better perspective. I have regained my vision on where my responsibilities lie and that they should not be ignored. One of those responsibilities is the upkeep and and TLC of my own home. It's interesting how taking care of many household duties I have pushed aside has cleared the cobwebs not only from the corners of the rooms, but also from my head.

It felt good to take time to pick up the clutter and clear away the dust. Chunks of lint are nowhere to be seen on the rugs and carpets and the laundry basket is empty. The rhythm of ironing is amazingly grounding and the smell of sheets dried on the outside clothesline fills up the bedroom. Best of all (especially for Husby) I have rediscovered my motivation for cooking.

From the sounds of this you probably think I live in a dump most of the time. Of course that isn't true no matter how bad I make it all sound. But I'm happy to say that the need for me to be present at a hospital along with a priority placed on homekeeping really made for a lovely weekend.

I've also been hard at work setting up the new blog, which may eventually turn into an actual website if I do things right. I'm looking forward to a fresh start with that, and it should be less than a couple of weeks before you can see it for yourselves. I hope when the time comes you'll join me over there.

For now I bid you a Happy Monday and hope the week goes without a hitch.

Sun, Grass, Wind - by Dandelion Studio 1

The Hospital

2011-09-29T06:26:00.000-05:00

When you're feeling as bad as you ever have in your life, there is the hospital. When you're ready to bring new life into the world, there is the hospital. Sometimes, when you're on your way to the great beyond, there is the hospital. The hospital serves as the transition place in so many situations.

Most hospitals try to make a nice environment for their transients. But really, it's all just so sterile...or not. It's all just so technical...or touchy-feely condescending blather. It's all so...not home.

Tubes and beepers, needles and swabs, machines of all kinds to take pictures of your insides and listen to the noises your insides make. It's all there to make you better, to give you care, but it's just...not home.

Equipment you'd only associate with the feeble, latex glove dispensers, needle depositories, and utterly beige walls. Who can be uplifted in an atmosphere like that? And yet most thrive to a better level of health in that atmosphere. Still it's just...not home.

Nothing is cozy and nothing is colorful. The food is fine but they won't give you real butter with your bread unless you remember to ask for it specifically. And who can remember to ask for a luxury like butter when you're attached to a monitor or intravenous medication. Who remembers what home is when all you can think about is getting better, especially when getting better means life itself.

And those who watch and wait on stained chairs, counting hours, listening to moans, wishing and hoping with all of their might ~ today the fever will break, today the numbers go back to normal, today he'll get the comfort of home. No, not today. Not tomorrow. Not even the next day.

How could anyone bear it all without going insane? It's the surgeon with the steady hands, the nurse who reminds you of your home town, the aide who doesn't care how wet she gets while giving you a hair wash in the shower, the doctor with the gentle manner and kind smile. They all make it bearable because you know they have one objective in mind ~ get you as comfortable as you can be in such a foreign setting and get you well so you can have the butter on your bread, some colorful sheets on your bed, and no tubes or needles.

The gray dissipates and the discharge papers are signed. You're well enough. You're wheeled out into the fresh air and colors of autumn. You're on your way once again.

Welcome Home.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-28T06:11:00.002-05:00

The Shawl

2011-09-26T06:15:00.003-05:00

It began last fall, my admiration of The Shawl. Miss M. was wearing it. She looked so classy, funky, and glamorous all at once. I asked her if a mutual friend, Miss L., made it for her. She said yes.

I got on Facebook and told that mutual friend, Miss L. how much I loved the shawl I saw, and how much I would love to have one for my own. I never heard from Miss L. I was sad.

Springtime came and I saw Miss L. I asked if she had seen my request on her Facebook Wall. "Wall?" she asked. "I never look at that thing. I'm too busy milking the cows to play around on the computer much." So I told her about Miss M. looking so fashionable and cozy in the shawl she made and how I longed for one of my own. Miss L. was happy that I liked her work. She asked what colors I would like. I said reds and browns. She said those colors would look good on me. Then she said she'd begin the project.

A couple of weeks ago I saw Miss L. again. I didn't know if she had finished The Shawl as she is very busy milking the cows and has many personal things to which she attends. I was eager to receive The Shawl, but decided to wait for her to tell me if she had finished it. Not only did she finish it, she actually presented it to me. She draped it over my shoulders and proceeded to take the ends and wrap them around the front of my waist and tying them in the back. "That's how a real shawl works," she said. Miss L. would know.

The photo does not do The Shawl justice; alas it was Husby's first time using my camera. Truly, The Shawl is just so wonderful.

I haven't told you the best part. Miss L. doesn't take a trip to Michael's or The Yarn Barn to pick out some skeins in this color and that and knit up a shawl. Oh no. Miss L. raises the sheep and llamas. She shears the animals. She spins the wool into yarn. She dyes the yarn. And then she knits the yarn into whatever creation she wishes ~ in this case The Shawl.

This particular shawl was made with 40% wool, 40% llama, and 20% mohair. It is so warm and beautiful and I will treasure it forever. And by treasure I mean use it like it was meant to be used. And I'll think of Miss L. every time it keeps the chill off on those cold winter nights just as she said she thought of me while she made it.

The Shawl. What a fabulous piece of art. What a cozy way to walk into a Minnesota winter. Thank you for sharing your talents with me Miss L.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T06:06:00.002-05:00

This Week

2011-09-20T06:18:00.001-05:00

A stroll around the neighborhood, stopping once to pet the curious dog, stopping again to chat with the neighbors. A nice meal, BLTs with tomatoes from the garden, juicy apples, and some weird cookies that taste pretty good. The drone of some laundry spinning, folding warm, soft towels.

As much as I like my crafty biz there are definitely times when I need to step away. Sometimes I have to turn off the melting pot, shoo the statistics and numbers from my mind and distract my business self with my domestic self. And my slothy self. This week I focus on the home. This week I'll get the rest I need. Ahh, I love this week.

The Chateau

2011-09-19T06:49:00.003-05:00

Husby and I spent another spectacular weekend at the Chateau St. Croix Fall Festival. Today I offer some photographic highlights.

Despite the cool, windy, and misty/rainy weather, there were good crowds...and a few characters.

One of the things I love most about doing art shows and festivals is watching people look at what I have to offer. I couldn't resist capturing this woman enjoying my magnet board...

In other festival news Auntie B may become a YouTube star. Sir Todd was busy shooting footage of me modeling my new fashion and also Husby and me doing the Hand Jive while the band played the song. Sir Todd needs to keep his camera to himself, but if it is to be my destiny to end up on YouTube I just hope Tosh.O doesn't get a hold of the footage.

A very successful, social, and enjoyable weekend was had by all at the Chateau St. Croix. If you missed it there will be another event at the Chateau in June. I'll be there, will you?

The Audience

2011-09-16T07:39:00.000-05:00

Busy, busy. Today I prepare for the ever-spectacular Chateau St. Croix Winery Fall Festival. I've been doing this show for a number of years now and have come to know my audience. Interesting how that happens, gaining an audience.

There were particular people of my audience in my mind as I prepared for this show. One reguarly returning customer begs for a chocolate-scented candle every time he visits. He bought one from me once a couple of years back. I don't carry chocolate-scented candles as a practice; they typically don't sell well and only receive comments like "it smells really good but it would make me want to eat a candy bar every time I lit it." But Robert is different. He wants the chocolate aroma around him and will actuall burn the candles. So, for Robert I made two Fudge Brownie candles. They won't be on the table. They're special just for him.

Then there're those goofballs (Miss Maaren, Miss Loretta, and Mr. Todd) who always check out my magnet board to see what's new. I'm driven to come up with at least one fresh design just for their enjoyment, whether they buy one or not. I'm relieved to be able to offer something new for them.

Of course the sentiment on this magnet is no reflection of how I feel about Miss Maaren, Miss Loretta, and Mr. Todd. But I'm pretty sure they'll get a chuckle out of it.

Of course there's Miss Kathy and her lovely family. All I have to provide for them is a table full of free sniffs. Her girls love to smell the candles and even have a candle collection! I've become "The Candle Lady" to them and my booth is one of the highlights of their visit to the Chateau St. Croix Winery Fall Festival.

The audience. As a business entity I must respect their preferences and give them what they want so I can earn a living. As a real, live girl I have come to enjoy their presence in my life and appreciate the social spin they give my business. Thank you, my fair audience, for keeping me on my toes and making my world a little brighter.

It's Showtime

2011-09-15T06:08:00.002-05:00

Things are busy at the Auntie B's Wax World Headquarters. This weekend is the Chateau St. Croix Fall Festival, which is one of the most fun festivals in the Midwest. Of course Husby and I will be there with bells on.

However, there are things to do to get ready. If you're fairly new to doing shows or have never done a show and are interested in getting started this might give you some ideas. Let's go through the checklist...

1) Plenty of product. I always feel like I never bring enough; however I always bring as much as our little vehicle (SUV) will carry. Chances are pretty good I won't sell out, and it's very nice to have plenty of items for customers to peruse even if I have to bring things home with me.

2) Canopy. This is really important and I would recommend, if you're doing outdoor shows more than once or twice a year, that you get a good-quality canopy. They range from $30 on sale to $800 for a super, ultra, extravagant model (or so they say). Mid-range canopies are sufficient. If your budget can handle it something between $200 and $400 will last many years of outdoor festivals.

3) Product/booth props. I'm so lucky to have a handy Husby around to make shelving and other displays for me. Depending on what you sell you can easily devise creative props to display your products on a budget. Also included in props are table(s) and chair(s), any hardware needed, canopy weights and stakes, and table coverings.

4) Miscellaneous necessities. This is the most important list to keep around. Things included in this category are business cards, extra price stickers, pens, receipt book, scissors, tape, table cloth weights (or something you can clip to the clothes to keep them from flying around during windy days), snacks and drinks, bandana to wipe your brow on those hot days or a little battery-operated, hand-held fan, calculator, any necessary signage, sunscreen, a camera to get a snap of your booth to submit to juried shows or just to capture the activities of the day, a cell phone and most important, cash for change and plenty of it. If you take credit cards make sure you have all the equipment needed for that. When putting together the miscellaneous necessities it's a good practice to go through possible scenarios you might encounter and write down everything you'll need to accommodate the numerous situations.

5) Manners and a smile. At live shows most of the people are in a good mood and are there to enjoy all of the handmade items displayed by the crafters and artists. However, once in a while an unsavory customer might wander into the booth. Remember, their attitude is not about you or your products. Treat them courteously and with a smile despite their biting remarks or rudeness. Believe me, they're outnumbered by the people who will think you and your wares are fabulous.

After all the work you put into making your offerings and taking the time to make sure everything is packed, your day at the show will be like a little mini vacation. Sit back, relax, and take in all the feedback you can from the public ~ and get paid for doing it!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-14T06:01:00.000-05:00

The Best Pet Ever

2011-09-13T06:49:00.000-05:00

Husby and I frequently fantasize about living the dream. "The dream" is different for everyone, but it's not uncommon for it to include a slower lifestyle. Relaxed and carefree is plenty dreamy for me.

There are animals included in our dream. Goats and sheep because they're so cute. Maybe a dog. The thing is, I don't like the general smell of animals and I don't like to shovel poop. Animals are also expensive and many times require one to wake up early in the morning; both of those factors are definitely not part of my dream. However, we found something that we could both agree on...an alpaca.

Get this ~ alpacas aren't really that expensive if you aren't planning to breed them. They aren't very big, so we could keep one in the back yard if we could convince city officials it is a large French poodle. Another plus for alpacas is they don't eat very much. Just a little grass and hay with a treat that looks like gerbil food once in a while. Because they don't eat much they don't poop much. Big plus! And they'll pay for themselves after the first shearing.

I would totally get an alpaca before I'd get a goat or sheep or even a dog. They've got the most happy little faces and they make a very cute mooing noise.

Of course if I have a farm animal under my care I'll probably have to learn how to do things like can fruits and vegetables, homeschool my children, and refrain from shaving my legs. I'd be another Pioneer Woman*, sans book deals and TV shows. And I'm sans kids, so I guess I don't have to worry about being smart enough to homeschool. And seriously, how often do I shave my legs anyway? I'm halfway there! I even know someone who could teach me how to spin the alpaca roving into yarn!

Who can resist the big dark eyes and darling hairdos of an alpaca? They're so dang cute I might as well get two.

* I'm not implying that Ree Drummond doesn't shave her legs. Well, I guess I sort of did imply it, but I have no intention of slandering the shapely legs of The Pioneer Woman by saying she doesn't shave them. I'm sure they're lovely, shaved or not. Make me stop talking now.

Abbreviated

2011-09-12T06:17:00.001-05:00

The blogging business has been on my mind a lot recently. I find myself competing, wishing I were more popular, wishing I had things to say that more people were interested in, and then wondering why I feel that way. Some say "write to your target audience." Others say "write like you were talking to your sister." Still others say "just be yourself."

Someone I know pretty well was telling me about some ideas he had. The more he talked, the more I was convinced he should write. I've told him before I thought he should write, but he has never to my knowledge given it a chance. He kept telling me about all of these ideas, expanding on this one and creating that one in the course of the conversation. Then he stopped and said "maybe I should write this stuff on a blog."

I could only respond with "duh!"

In this world of technology we have reduced our expressions to 140 characters or less. Texting and tweeting are the communication mode of choice it seems. Lots of people say they resist blogging because they can't think of enough to say to fill the space. Lots of bloggers say they resist writing books because they can't think of enough to fill the pages. Are tweeters, Facebookers, and bloggers merely abbreviated novelists?

I wonder what would happen if more people tried their hand at writing more than a text, tweet, or Facebook status update. And more thought-provoking, what would happen if people wrote simply for themselves without an audience present?

A blog can be a powerful tool in the exploration of expression. And it doesn't have to be public; it can simply be online storage for a journal ~ a private journal that no one can see. That just begs the question, does being online force us to express ourselves differently than if we were to do so privately?

It's hard to write without thinking of who might read it someday. It's hard to write without wondering if someone expects more than what you have to offer, and that's why I think people avoid writing to any great extent. One-liners and links can get you lots of fans and followers, but what if we all wrote more than that, online or offline?

Having said all of this I will probably have to take the NaNoWriMo challenge this year just to put my money where my mouth is. Hmm, I have an idea for a story about a dead guy...

Quick And Easy

2011-09-09T07:19:00.001-05:00

The days are still warm outside, but the mornings and evenings are quite cool by now. Autumn is on its way. YAY! I love this time of year. One of the best things about cooler temperatures (and the downright cold ones of winter) is that I can start making hot and savory foods like hearty soups and stews. The oven can be on for hours and my hot flashes won't even mind.

However, spring and autumn fall in a gray area. Daytime can bring on temperatures in the 80s, so I don't really want to be working in a hot kitchen. One of my favorite things to make this time of year is the tried and true Sloppy Joe.

Sloppy Joes come in many varieties. I've never gone so convenient as to buy the stuff in a can (Manwich et al) but there's a recipe I use when I'm craving a warm meal but don't want to spend the time chopping onions, peppers and celery. Lucky for you I'm going to share it today. And guess what? You probably won't even need to write it down because its so easy to remember. Here we go:

1 pound hamburger (as fat or lean as you like)
1 can chicken gumbo soup
3 Tbsp ketchup
3 Tbsp yellow mustard

Ta Da! Yep, that's it. Brown the hamburger, drain the fat, add the soup, ketchup and mustard and simmer for a little bit. Quick and easy, perfect for this time of year. Easy to make into bigger batches too.

The sides for a meal like this are easy too. Some chips (I prefer Fritos with this meal), carrot and celery sticks, and pickles.

For this meal I got really fancy and put out some Top The Tater, a great dip for chips and veggies. Although I'm a little embarrassed that I didn't put it in a dish instead of having the container out there on the table.

So when you're in a hurry or are just feeling lazy, this is a great autumn meal. The Sloppy Joe ~ a Minnesota favorite.

Dive Night ~ The Peg

2011-09-08T06:57:00.003-05:00

Dive Night is a once monthly adventure undertaken by me and Husby, along with our friends Ruthie and Ray. Each couple alternates choosing a restaurant, one which must come under the category of "dive." Our definition of dive: a neighborhood gathering spot hiding under the radar with a laid-back atmosphere and good food. We'll find the most interesting hang-outs in the Minneapolis/St Paul area. Casual attire required. A sip of beer or wine doesn't hurt either.

It so happens that our Dive Night once again occurred during fair time. Husby and I were in charge of choosing a place. After a lot of thought we came to the conclusion that it's really difficult to choose a place at the fair simply for the fact that there is just so much good food contained in the 300 acres that make up the fairgrounds. Most of the "restaurants" serve home cooking or your standard hamburger/hot dog fare, which is really good, but not quite what we wanted for our Dive Night adventure at the fair. There is one place, though, that has been a fair tradition for many, especially those who work at the fair ~ vendors, ticket takers, garbage collectors, and carnies. It has also been a tradition for my dad, who has held various positions at the State Fair for over forty-five years. The best part about this restaurant is that it serves breakfast all day long. Perfect!

The Peg has been around as long as I've been going to the fair, and many years before that. It has booths and tables on the inside and "patio seating" outside for your people-watching pleasure.

Of course we got a table outside. It was my choice to order breakfast just for something a little different at the fair. Surprisingly the rest of the gang did the same! I got the stack of three pancakes, a side of sausage, and chocolate milk. The pancakes were fluffy and delicious and the sausage was plentiful.

Husby got the #3. Eggs (over easy for him), hashbrowns, and toast. The eggs were done perfectly according to Husby, and the hasbrowns were crispy outside and tender inside.

Ray was extremely fancy ordering the #5: steak, eggs (scrambled for him), hashbrowns and toast. Interestingly he ordered a Mountain Dew with his "breakfast."

Ruthie ordered a side of steak (where else could you order a "side" of steak?) and hashbrowns. It was the most dinner-like of our breakfasts.

Most delicious! The one thing that didn't quite work was cutting the steaks with plastic utensils. I kept telling Ruthie to just pick it up and eat it with her fingers, but she is too lady-like.

An item of note, these steaks were No-Names, and very generously sized. And guess what? Each couple paid less than $20 for two meals, even those including steak! It's one of the best deals on the fairgrounds.

If you go to the fair early in the morning you can lay a good base with a breakfast at The Peg. Food done by cooks who really know what they're doing at a very reasonable price. What more could you ask for?

The Peg is located on the outside of the Agriculture/Horticulture Building on the east side. Too late to try it this year, but be sure to include it on your things-to-do-at-the-fair list for next year. Highly recommended!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-07T06:30:00.001-05:00

Goodbye, Again

2011-09-06T05:57:00.003-05:00

The light is changing and the wind is shifting. Days of stifling heat are nearly over. I don't need a weather report, calendar, or almanac to tell me all of that. The end of the fair brings on autumn as sure as rain and sunshine bring on a rainbow.

Goodbye to all of you I only see once a year. It was good to see you again.

Goodbye to thrills that tickle your tummy and to food that fills it up like no other food on earth.

Goodbye to the characters city people like me rarely see up close.

There's a chill in the air left by the ghosts who blew in and out over a span of twelve days ~ a chill that will turn the leaves golden and send the birds south.

Goodbye again, Minnesota State Fair. You charmed me as you always do and left me wanting more. I'll meet up with you again next year.

There She Goes Again

2011-09-01T06:27:00.005-05:00

In the midst of the flurry of State Fair week I'm taking a short break to tell you a secret.

I'm moving this blog.

It was a hard decision to make and the transition has proven to be even harder. I'll be here for a little while yet and will let you know when the switch is complete.

The new venue is going to allow me to do things I could never dream of doing here. Or could it be I've become so comfortable here I don't even venture into learning how to improve what I have here? Doesn't matter. I've made the decision and that's that.

I have some format changes in mind ~ I'll continue to write about my everyday life (perhaps ho-hum for you, but necessary for my sanity) and will feature other artists and Etsy shops as I have. In addition to that I'll create posts featuring some of my specific products, the stories behind them, the processes taken to create them, and get this, the opportunity for you to buy them right then and there.

What?!

Yep, that's right. If you love it you can buy it.

I won't bring it up again until the switchover is final. Just thought I'd give you a heads up ~ it's coming.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T06:22:00.007-05:00

Things To See

2011-08-30T06:10:00.001-05:00

It bums me out when people say they don't like the fair. Don't like the fair? What's not to like? Nine out of ten times the hater will say they don't like the crowds. Well, yes, every day at the fair there are thousands of people.

The thing is, they're all there for the same reason, which makes them a very friendly crowd. We're all just walking around, laughing at each others' funny t-shirts and admiring what that stranger is eating over there or wondering where that other person got that pheasant hat. And you know what? You can even walk right up to them and ask, "what's that you're eating, " or "where did you get that pheasant hat?" They'll tell you proudly and willingly. Really, they're all very nice.

Some things at the fair just tell it like it is.

There are some things that make you laugh like a little 4th grader because it sounds like a naughty word.

There are giant slides

and mini donuts.

You might see something that reminds you of your grandpa

or your ex-sister-in-law.

And there are thrills for all ages.

The State Fair just gives me goosebumps. See you there tonight!

Mr. Bubble

2011-08-29T06:00:00.004-05:00

When I was a kid there was a product on the market called Mr. Bubble. The commercials on TV were so merry and entertaining I thought Mr. Bubble was the be all end all to bathtime fun. Of course at my house a bubble bath involved a squirt of dish soap because Mr. Bubble, well that was just too extravagant for the likes of us. I had no idea, but Mr. Bubble was born a half century ago just like me.

To celebrate, Mr. Bubble is sharing his glory at the Minnesota State Fair with a giant bubble machine where kids can wallow in the clean goodness of Mr. Bubble. We're not talking Lawrence Welk bubbles, we're talking gobs and gobs of sudsy bubbles. The kids love it!

I was tempted to jump in on the fun just to experience the ultimate in bubble goodness I had missed out on as a kid. Watching the kids at the fair frolic around in the suds was just as entertaining and saved my hairdo to boot.

Mr. Bubble. Makes getting clean almost as much fun as getting dirty.

Dashing Off

2011-08-26T07:29:00.000-05:00

I can't talk now, I'm going to the fair. See you next week!

It's A Grand Night

2011-08-25T06:26:00.004-05:00

The Minnesota State Fair is here!

For generations my family has been freakishly fanatical about fairs and carnivals. Diggy even worked for a carnival for a short stint ~ a giant lumbering above the small children he would tell them "you cry, you don't ride." And there's my dad has worked at the Minnesota State Fair for over 45 years.

I've been going to the State Fair for as long as I can remember. One year when I was quite young I wasn't feeling very well. It broke my heart because I couldn't go on any spinny fun rides for fear I would hurl up the meager bites of Peters Wieners we had for lunch. My grampa took me for a ride on the Sky Ride so I wouldn't have to leave the fair ride-free.

One thing I used to dream about when I became a budding young lady was going to the fair with a boy. We could go on the rides and he could try to win a stuffed animal for me to take home. Best of all we could walk around holding hands. Tres romantique! Those dreams did eventually come true and they were as marvelous as I imagined.

Now when Husby and I go to the fair we don't go on too many rides nor does he try to impress me with his hank-a-pank prowess. But we do walk around holding hands, and now and then we take a little ride through Ye Olde Mill...the tunnel of love.

There's romance in the air at the fair. After a long day of walking around, eating too much, and experiencing general sensory overload the sun goes down and the lights go up. The glow of the carnival is as flattering to a girl as candlight. And when you're walking around hand-in-hand with that guy you dreamed about the thousands of people surrounding you seem to be mere props in a scene made especially for you two.

I'll never stop seeing the fair through the eyes of a young girl, and my heart will always beat a little faster when I'm holding hands in the midst of it all.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T06:36:00.002-05:00

The Rut

2011-08-23T06:24:00.051-05:00

Guess what? I'm in a rut. Hey, that rhymes! Perhaps poetry is the answer to getting out of my rut. Or not.

A long series of bad practices has put me in a place I really don't like. It resembles hell. The day job has really taken a toll on me, my crafty business is at a plateau, and my social life is practically nonexistent. I am the poster child of the phrase "life is what happens when you're making other plans." I'm missing out on it physically, mentally, and emotionally.

So what is one to do? I have a few ideas of how to break free of the mundane tedium of my life. Feel free to try any of these yourself if you've been feeling trapped in a rut too.

1) Turn off the TV. OK, this isn't something I have a big problem with; I'm just saying that a lot of things happen while we're glued to the TV.

2) Get more exercise. Endorphins are all the rage and you'd do well to get yourself some. I'm going to.

3) Revisit an activity you once enjoyed but no longer perform. For me it will be cooking and other homekeeping tasks. My inner June Cleaver is taking a nap and I'm determined to wake her up.

4) Have date day/night. You can do this if you're single, coupled, or an entire family. Get out of your shell and see the world. By that I mean perusing antique stores, going to the zoo, spending the day at the beach. Dates should be a regular thing and not a fluke in your schedule. For now I'm going to have a date twice a month. Dates should also be done outside the home. The point is to shake things up a little and to take a break from your regular scenery.

Being in a rut is pretty bad, but once you've discovered you're in one it's actually quite exciting to think of ways to climb out. I'm looking forward to participating in some new activities and to hone some rusty skills back into shape.

If you're in a rut, what are you going to do to make your life less rutty? Hopefully that hell-like feeling will dissipate in no time at all.

Featured Shop ~ Laura Prentice

2011-08-22T06:47:00.007-05:00

I've always wished I could draw. Of course I've never given it much practice so there isn't much chance of my learning to do it much less having a talent for it. That's why I admire those who can. Laura Wennstrom is one of those people. Her artwork thought-provoking; I like to look at the details. See all of the intricacies in this drawing...

A Small Purple Drawing

And Laura not only draws, she paints too. I especially liked this one.

Silent Tree

I'm completely enamored with the linocut prints Laura makes, especially the birds on old maps. There's just something really endearing about these pieces.

City Map Bird 2

Also found in Laura's shop are journals, collages, and cards. If you can't pick up an ink pen or pencil and draw things yourself, I suggest going to Laura's shop and picking up a little something there. Fun, beautiful, and sometimes a little off-center ~ what more could you ask for from an artist?

This article will soon be published on the HandmadeMN blog, a blog I'm sure you will enjoy. Not only do they publish my Featured Shops, but have lots of giveaways and interesting articles presented by many Minnesota artisans like me.

A Little Vignette

2011-08-19T06:43:00.008-05:00

What is a home if it is not a series of little vignettes? Vignettes are the little "scenes" that represent who we are and what we love.

I knew a lady who decorated her home straight out of a magazine. It was lovely; the colors coordinated and the furniture matched. It was very...beige. Safe and beige. There wasn't a speck of personality in her home. The only thing I could have told you about her from the inside of her house was that she had a way with house plants. But maybe I'm being too judgemental. Perhaps her personality was as beige as the interior of her home.

My home is a mishmash of styles, which is a total reflection of the mishmash going on inside my head. But every once in a while you'll come across the vignettes. My latest was created in a most unusual place, inside my bedroom closet.

I'm lucky that my closet is big enough to house my dresser (once shared by Charlotte and me when we were little girls). Atop the chest of drawers I put a little lamp, two photographs of one of my favorite places, my jewelry box, pretty bottles of sweet smelling potions, and a grouping of little things I've collected in my travels or have received as gifts. Hanging from the rod are some chain and bead necklaces, overflow from the jewelry box. The little heart-shaped box keeps my childhood rosary and the larger stone keeper in front contains buttons that need to be sewn back into place on the garments from which they escaped.

Some people may think it's pointless to display little knick-knacks and photos in a closet. After all, who's going to see them? I am. They're there just for me. And isn't that what the little vignettes are all about? Nothing beige about that.

Addendum: Since taking these photo I added some doilies my grandma crocheted, which make my dressertop even more pretty. Do you have hidden vignettes in your house?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-17T06:13:00.001-05:00

The Party

2011-08-15T06:01:00.001-05:00

We were there. Where were you?

We gathered from far and wide to greet you, to inspire you, to tantilize you with our talents. One of us embellishes with the hair of a horse.

Another makes homemaking cozy and fresh.

One gets her inspiration from the brightest star...

Another cuts through stone as though it was butter.

There was even one there who could hear people speaking from the great beyond.

And I was humbly there, among those greats, to create ambiance and ignite memories through the powerful sense of smell.

We gathered and waited for you, the life of the party.

We were there. Where were you?

Photo Credits and/or Artists:

1) Horsehair Pottery by Mark Caselius

2) Embroidered Towels by Connie Caselius

3) A Day In the Sun by Cheri Meyer

4) Joey Hiben Designs

5) Graveyards

6) Coconut Lime Verbena Candle by Auntie B's Wax

Girl Stuff

2011-08-11T06:37:00.002-05:00

It doesn't really matter what the question is, the answer can be found with two simple things...

Charlotte and I spent the evening together last night and indulged in the answer all night long ~ sweet snow crab legs and a bottle of pinot grigio helped to celebrate both of our birthdays in a way we could both enjoy. No boys allowed as we didn't want to be seen with drawn butter dripping off our chins. And there was plenty of that happening.

Afterwards we took a little drive down Summit Avenue. It was dark enough outside for the glorious mansions to have their indoor lights on so we could peek inside as we drove by slowly.

What better way to spend an evening than to have some girl talk over crab and wine and admire the magnificent homes along the way home? Thanks, Charlotte, for a lovely evening.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-10T06:40:00.005-05:00

Dive Night ~ Elsie's

2011-08-09T05:09:00.004-05:00

Dive Night is a once monthly adventure undertaken by me and Husby, along with our friends Ruthie and Ray. Each couple alternates choosing a restaurant, one which must come under the category of "dive." Our definition of dive: a neighborhood gathering spot hiding under the radar with a laid-back atmosphere and good food. We'll find the most interesting hang-outs in the Minneapolis/St Paul area. Casual attire required. A sip of beer or wine doesn't hurt either.

This month's Dive Night was a real adventure. Ruthie and Ray, the couple with the secret dining destination, picked us up at our house at the usual Dive Night time. Husby and I piled into the van and off we went. Off we went...*chug, chug, chug*... We got about three miles away from our house and the vehicle decided to kick the bucket. I was sure we were all going to die as the van seemed to pick the most inappropriate place to konk out, right over the crest of a hill on a 70-mph freeway. Luckily we could roll down the hill and halfway up the first exit ramp thanks to Ray's superior vehicle-manuvering skills. We didn't die, but the van certainly did.

Husby looks especially happy to be stranded on the side of the road waving like that.

Yep, there it is. The engine. Luckily Ruthie and Ray have one last offspring living in their house, so Ruthie called him up to come rescue us.

Once the loyal offspring dropped Ruthie and me off at our house we waited for the men to call us with news that the tow truck had arrived. Then we hopped into our fully-functioning vehicle and continued on with the Dive Night adventure.

You just can't go wrong in Nordeast. Ray directed us to Elsie's: Restaurant, Bar, & Bowling Center. What fun!

"Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition presented to Elsie's Restaurant in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community." Signed October 13, 2008 by Jim Ramstad (US Congressman). Really?

This is the perfect dive, endorsed by Congress! Our waitress had a contageous enthusiasm and added greatly to our experience. We started out with a much-needed libation (after the trying time we spent with the belly-up van) and perused the appetizer menu. We really wanted to try the Reuben Bombers, but because we arrived late they had already sold out. (A perfect excuse to return to Elsie's!) So we decided to try the "homemade" deep fried cheese curds and the handbreaded portabellas. OMG.

Yeah, the cheese curds were good, but those portabellas? To die for! And the appetizer basket was full of these magnificent treats. They're served with a ranch-type sauce. Really, really good.

As for our entrees, we had the Pot Roast Melt (with onion rings), the Hot Old Fashioned (with turkey), the Hot Cali Turkey Club, and The Works Burger

Pot Roast Melt (Ruthie)

Hot Old Fashioned (Ray)

Hot Cali Turkey Club (Husby)

The Works Burger (me)

If you'd like to see what each of these sandwiches consists of, check out Elsie's menu. We were all thrilled with our food. Everything was delicious and hot. Sandwiches come with homemade potato chips, but can be substituted with fries, onion rings, etc., at an additional cost. This food was so darn good I can't even put it into words. And Elsie's is a family-friendly restaurant.

But wait, there's more.

BOWLING!! Not to worry, the restaurant and bowling alley are sufficiently separated to allow for a meal uncluttered with strikes and gutter balls and the accompanying hoots and hollers of success or defeat. But both food and bowling are under the same roof making for an entire evening of fun for everyone.

Blacklights and glow-in-the-dark bowling balls makes for an exciting evening of bowling. It's been so long that I've been in a bowling alley I didn't know there is now automatic scoring. I never knew how to do all of those slashes and exes, so this technology is a huge plus for someone like me. Sadly, we were unable to bowl a line. Ruthie and I were wearing our summer shoes with no socks, and there was no way on earth I was going to put my bare feet into rented shoes. But we had a cocktail in the bowling alley and had a lot of fun watching other people bowl.

Despite our slow start, this month's Dive Night was a huge success and a lot of fun. We had an especially good time playing in the blacklights of the bowling alley. Husby did his Micheal Jackson impression with his blazing white socks, and Ruthie and Ray had an enormous amount of fun riding on the swingy chairs. I enjoyed watching my favorite bowler who would walk up to the line, stand there, and swing is arm back and forth before letting go of the ball. Next time I go to Elsie's I'll wear socks and work off the big meal with a line or two.

Happy Birthday To Me!

2011-08-08T06:08:00.011-05:00

Today I will celebrate. Please join me. Indulge in cake. Even a Twinkie will do.

It's Not Just A Number, It's An Accomplishment

2011-08-05T06:23:00.004-05:00

This is the last post I will write before turning into *dun dun duuuunnnn* a senior. That's right, the next time I post anything I will have turned fifty years old. Fifty. Half a century. Officially able to get an AARP discount at hotels across the country.

I'm happy to say my age doesn't depress me. President Obama just turned fifty. George Clooney is fifty. Chris in the Morning is fifty. Bonnie Hunt, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, and Meg Ryan are all turning fifty this year too. I'm in good company.

I guess I just want to say an official goodbye to the years of supple skin and digestive tolerance and hello to the era of hot flashes and noisy joints. I will embrace my newfound limitations and share the wisdom of my age. I vow to never have plastic surgery in the name of vanity, nor will I ever become a crazy cat lady. I'm going to try to have the enthusiasm of a child despite my years, and I will always try to improve myself no matter how old I get.

I'm turning fifty.

Send cake.

Compare And Contrast

2011-08-04T06:49:00.026-05:00

Compare and contrast the industrial revolution in England in the 1700s to the technological revolution that occurred in the Silicon Valley during the 1990s. Sounds like a good high school essay question to me. Husby and I refer back to the "compare and contrast" challenges of school often, mostly as a joke. Sadly, in real life, I always compare, but rarely contrast.

To often we compare ourselves to others, and if you're like me you find you just don't measure up ~ in your own mind, that is. I've been doing that a lot lately. It's not good for the self esteem. A really good thing I've stopped doing is comparing myself to Martha Stewart. (Did you notice that little reference, "good thing?") I mean really. Martha is a business wizard and all that, but you have to know she doesn't maintain fifteen houses, run a corporation, put on a show, and raise children and chickens all by herself. No one person can do that. Or can they? It doesn't even matter. The thing is I shouldn't even try to measure up to that kind of persona. It's just unrealistic. I gave up Martha Stewart a long time ago. Now her ideas may be inspirations, but to be Martha Stewart? It's just not going to happen and I'm fine with that.

We can compare ourselves to all sorts of things. How does my blog compare to others? My Etsy shop? Is my garden as beautiful and productive as my neighbor's? Am I as good a cook as The Pioneer Woman? OK, just stop it.

You have to add the "contrast" to the equation. When you only compare you might find some motivation to improve yourself, but it doesn't account for your differences. We all have different schedules, obligations, priorities, talents, and interests. The differences between you and those to which you compare yourself may just be to your advantage. You may not be blogging every day, but you have a meaningful dinner hour with your family every evening, complete with food that cooked in your very own oven. Or you may not do any cooking, but are working on fulfilling your dream as an independent artist. Are you comparing your art with others? Don't forget to contrast too. Is Monet better than Rembrandt? Not necessarily. They're different.

Apple and Orange by Steve Strode Paintings

It's all apples and oranges. Compare and contrast. They're both fruit. One is red, one is orange. They both grow on trees. One is firm, one is soft. No better, no worst. Just different.

Be kind to yourself. Aspire and inspire, but don't ever feel like you're less because you're not the same.

(If you're working on a handmade biz I found a great inspiration article on defining your own success. You can find it here.)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T06:33:00.003-05:00

Facing Your Fears

2011-07-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

So far this has been the year of taking chances for me, especially with my little business. I've undertaken brave new changes and stepped boldly out of my comfort zone. Despite possible bad, embarrassing, or financially-troublesome outcomes, taking chances also opens up outcomes that could bring on a world of new adventures. So far I've done pretty well in that none of my outcomes have been terrifically horrendous and some have been extremely productive.

Facing your fears is the only way a person can possibly achieve different results. After all, our biggest obstacle to success and progress is usually fear.

Take Pinky. He and Charlotte were tormented in their sleep by a rogue bat that had inadvertantly found its way into the cottage last weekend. While I don't know many people who like bats, I know Pinky really does not like bats. To make a long story short, Pinky took it upon himself to hunt down that bat. And when I say hunt, I mean hunt...with a gun. Once he finally found the hairy little rodent he took careful aim with his Red Rider and shot the little bugger down with one pull of the trigger.

Don't you just love Pinky's professional stance? I sort of made fun of him, but I couldn't deny his aim was impeccable.

The point is, Pinky also faced his fears, shot the creepy intruder, and slept better the next night knowing if he has to get close enough to a bat to shoot it with a BB gun he can. He faced his fear of bats with triumphant results. Yay Pinky!

What fears are holding you back? Are you ready to face and conquer them with the awesomeness that is you?

The Stonecutter's Shop

2011-07-28T06:43:00.001-05:00

When the stonecutter sells all of his wares and decides to pack away his tools I should like to move into his shop. Such a cozy little cottage; the perfect house for my beeswax candles. The weathered wood and toppling brick chimney are welcoming to those who care to visit.

I would spend my days chatting with shoppers. They're all in a good mood because most likely they're on vacation. They're all in a good mood because they think the little shop is charming.

Fragrant melting wax would be in the back room, enticing the passers by. I could tend to my candlemaking while Husby tends the till.

Yes, I think I should like to move into The Stonecutter's shop when he packs away his tools.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T06:22:00.009-05:00

You Know How It Is When You Want To Start All Over Again Or Else Skip Ahead Five Days?

2011-07-26T06:52:00.001-05:00

You know how it is when you come home from work with a thousand things to do but can only do one of those things because you have a headache that makes you feel like you're going to hurl? And then you have a serious discussion with someone that really needs to be discussed but you can't bear to go on anymore because your brains are going to pop out of your right eye socket? And you know how it is when you finally decide to take some drugs for your headache and lay down for a little bit just until the drugs kick in and you can begin that list of a thousand things you can do? And then fall asleep on the couch? And you know how it is when you wake up on the couch and you totally can't even tell how long you've been sleeping or what day it is? And then you realize it's nighttime, and for a split second you think you've made it through the hellish week but then realize tomorrow is only Tuesday?

Man, I hate when that happens.

Earthbound

2011-07-25T06:49:00.003-05:00

When the clouds are low, that's when it's the best. I cruise the open road alone. Then my mind wanders as far as it dares.

Dreams of what could be, of what is impossible, of reality. Tossing out reality I reach farther. What if? Why not?

Chained to the baggage I've accumulated for half a century I ache with the load, but slowly break free with every mile I cross. The visions in my head span the distance of all I can see and beyond.

To dream feels like flying.

Heatwave

2011-07-21T06:43:00.001-05:00

In honor of one of the hottest weeks in Minnesota history ~ an act by one of the hottest stars in Hollywood history. Burn 'em up, Marilyn!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T06:36:00.001-05:00

Wake Up!

2011-07-18T06:06:00.003-05:00

Here we are, bright and early on another lovely Monday morning. If I didn't have an image to uphold I'd be hurling expletives like shellfire. Because I don't want to be thrown off the interlinks due to my creative profanity I'll just say this...alarm clocks should be banished from the face of the earth.

Most of us work day jobs, and for some strange reason our employers expect us to be on the job at a very specific time. You might get to choose your start time, but it's their expectation that you're there at that specific time that makes things uncomfortable. I don't mind working eight hours a day, but let me start my eight hours when I arrive at work, whether that's 6:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m, whenever I'm ready to start the day.

This past weekend I had an entirely free weekend to do exactly as I chose. I had no committments, and it was the last whole weekend free of committments I'll have until September. Friday night I was dead tired and fell asleep in my chair at 7:10 p.m. Husby left me alone because he knew if he woke me there might be consequences. So there I slept until 1:00 a.m. Then, in the dead of night, I was wide awake after six hours of sleep. I knew if I went to bed I'd just lie awake, so I commenced to start my "day."

I went about my business quietly so as not to wake Husby. I got a ton of things done. By the time Husby got up it was 6:00 a.m. I already had five hours of work under my belt.

The weirdest thing about that day was the fact that I wasn't tired at all until around 8:00 p.m. By 8:30 I got my second wind and kept doing my thing until 11:00 p.m. I was pretty much full throttle for twenty-two hours straight. I went to bed and woke up on Sunday nine and a half hours later at 8:30.

I can't help but wonder what my days will be like when no one expects me to be to work at the day job. Will I sleep bizarre hours? Will that be healthy? Sleep is quite important if one wants to function at full capacity, but when you're loaded with hormones and have insomnia what are you supposed to do? Lay there and fake it? I have a hard time laying in bed pretending to sleep when I have so much to do outside of the bed.

So hello, and Happy Monday. My internal clock is all hosed up and my employer doesn't really care. I'm expected to show up, on time no less, and get the work done no matter what. I think that's a pretty heavy load to put on the likes of me.

Dive Night ~ Little Venetian

2011-07-14T06:06:00.004-05:00

This establishment has been serving the Twin Cities since the 1920s by a single family, the Vitales. Family pictures are proudly displayed in the restaurant.

The restaurant looks like a fast food place when you walk up to the counter to place your order.

Yes, you place an order with the cashier and the food is delivered to your table when it is ready. Why bother with menus when you can just post the menu on the wall like McDonald's does?

They have a small salad bar which is kind of cramped and hard to wrangle, but the salad was good, and I was especially impressed with the homemade french dressing. It was chunky! And delicious, I might add.

A bad photo, but you get the idea of the chunky french dressing

There is little better than authentic Italian food. Mama Vitale was also famous for her frozen entrees back in the day. Do you remember the jingle? "Let Mama Vitale come into your kitchen, she does the cooking, you get the praise..." Mama isn't doing the cooking at the restaurant anymore, but her kids have kept the tradition of mouth-watering cuisine in the downsized version of their parents' restaurant, no doubt using the same recipes as Mama did.

Our little group had lasagna, ravioli with red sauce and a giant side of sausage, chicken parmesan, and mushroom-stuffed ravioli. All were tremendously scrumptious.

Personally I favor Italian food with a white sauce, which usually contains wine and garlic and butter. Everyone had a marvelous time eating. Conversation was kept to a minimum so we could savor it all.

I'm going to remember Little Venetian for catering and take-out too. Everything on their menu is available for take-out and the entire time we were there people were lining up, ordering delicious food to go.

I think I speak for the entire group when I say Little Venetian is big on authentic Italian food. So very, very good. They also serve beer and wine.

As a little treat we went to another local dive for dessert ~ White Bear Lake's Cup And Cone. It's been around forever and it's simply the place to see and be seen. Okay, it's not really as uppity as all that, but truthfully, everyone in the area of White Bear Lake goes to Cup And Cone at least once during the summer.

One word of advice: when they say large, they mean large and don't predict the size of an ice cream cone on the size of the cone itself. See for yourself. Ruthie and Ray got a small- and medium-sized cones. They're gargantuan! (The cones, not Ruthie and Ray.)

I, unfortunately, got a large cone and felt downright piggish walking around with this mountain of ice cream in my hand. It was a pretty warm day too, so I had to eat it really fast. Delicious as it was, my eyes were much bigger than my stomach, especially after just having a rich Italian meal. The large size is for fanatics, that's for sure!

It was a really nice evening filled with delicious food; Little Venetian and Cup And Cone are a perfect pair.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T06:05:00.001-05:00

Some Things I've Learned

2011-07-11T06:25:00.001-05:00

I'm compelled to write about the nature of "business." In the big scheme of things I haven't been in business for very long. I still have a day job, but have been working to grow my little crafty business, strongly so in the last couple of years. Diving head first into the venture (as opposed to toe dipping as I'd previously done) I've learned a thing or two.

The hardest lesson to swallow is that not everyone will think your work rocks this world. However, you have your own style. Your life story will be behind everything you make, which makes it unique in a very special way. Because not everyone "gets" you, your work will not appeal to each person who looks at it. Finding the people who get you, more commonly known in the business world as your market, is sometimes a very tough quest.

Another thing I've learned is there is a huge difference between doing business online and doing business in person. If you're in the business of selling art or crafts, consider your venues. Coming from an era that existed before the internet I naturally started selling my wares in person at craft shows and festivals. A relatively short while ago I began also selling my wares on the internet. I'm not here to tell you if live selling is better or worse than online selling; I'm just saying it's different, and each method has pros and cons the other doesn't. I will say this though ~ there's a lot to be said for seeing a vendors wares in person. 3-D objects have a different appeal than a photograph of a 3-D object. (This says nothing for those of us who can't take a decent product photograph to save our lives.) I'll say this too ~ people are very likely to shop from the comfort of their own homes these days. Obviously I'm not going to suggest one way over the other. I will suggest you try each way of selling and find out what works best for you.

When it comes to doing wholesale and consignment business with retailers you will be faced with more decisions. Do you place a big inventory into a shop on consignment and hope for sales for which you pay the shop owner a commission (usually 25%-40%, but sometimes as high as 60%) or do you sell your wares outright to shop owners at a price that is typically 1/2 of the retail price? Or do you try both? Also, it took me a while to figure out these business ventures aren't between a buyer and seller, they are between a seller and seller. A shop owner will only consider items they think their customers will buy with no regard to their own personal opinion of those items. So when approaching shops with which to consign or wholesale, make sure they cater to your market or else you'll just be faced with a boatload of rejection.

If you're still reading this post you might be asking, "what in the blazes is she telling me?" The above points are things to think about. The artsy and crafty business is all the rage these days and it's tough to move ahead if you don't consider all of the avenues. This post is merely to map out the avenues to consider. I've found some things that work for my business that might not work for yours. However, the one thing I can vehamently say to all arts and craft sellers is to forge ahead whole-heartedly. Give it your best effort. Find resources to help you along the way, but mostly find your path through trial and error. Only you know what works best for you and the sale of your work.

And one of the most important things I've learned is that a business based on creating objects of art or gifty ephemera will take more time and effort than you can ever imagine. I work forty hours a week at my day job and at least that amount at my crafty biz, usually more. But guess what? It's really fun, and when you succeed at something you've worked so on, well there's just nothing like it.

Credits to the above artwork:
Child Reading A Story Book Quietly
Riding A Donkey Asleep In The Rain
Midnight, Bonaventure Cemetery, 1993
Little Black Spider Offers Lace

Recurring Themes

2011-07-08T06:28:00.002-05:00

Charlotte and I used to laugh at how guys are drawn to photographs and paintings of lonesome, rickety barns. You know the ones. They have peeling paint and abandoned, antiquated, rusty machinery nearby. I think it has something to do with a Jungian archetype ~ an innate sense of working the land or something.

Looking through my pictures recently I noticed that I, too, have an affinity for a particular scene. My attraction is to the lonely road. I have tons of pictures of roads. What does it mean?

This one appeals to my sense of adventure. The open road filled with so many possibilities of where it might lead. But more often than not my road pictures are more rustic and woodsy, like these...

Perhaps my road pictures represent unknowns for me, like the path not taken. Or maybe it's a path I'm taking but have no idea what lies beyond the bend. The interesting thing is, while a picture of a lonely road does bring on a sense of melancholy I'm not hesitant to want to travel on and see where it takes me.

What kind of pictures are you drawn to? Do they make you feel happy? Adventurous? Afraid?

More than likely I'll continue to find solitary roads that appeal to me and I'll snap the scene for posterity. Sometimes I might not even remember where the road is, but they'll all leave me with the same feelings and I'll continue to imagine what lies at the end.

Where is your road leading you?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T06:34:00.000-05:00

On Top Of The World

2011-07-05T06:04:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I was kind of a mass of nervous energy. I was spinning around in circles hoping to get everything done. I was an absolute twit. Sometimes when this happens another thing happens that just makes the twittiness just go away.

I spotted it. When it saw me it called, and I had to follow.

It's over one hundred years old and solid as a rock. It has weathered many storms and has guided others to a path of security. This is the kind of mentor I need. Show me the way, oh wise one...

Climbing over ninety steps the ghosts surrounded me, clearing my head more with each step. Suddenly then they vanished, leaving me to come to my own conclusions.

I was on top of the world.

Even though I eventually decended those iron steps my spirit remained high. Priorities were adjusted. Dreams and aspirations were set in motion.

And so I forge ahead.

My Home Sweet Home

2011-07-04T06:04:00.001-05:00

Some of you may be familiar with my annual presentation for the 4th of July. This year is no different. Cherish your freedom, give thanks to those who preserve it, and relish the beauty that is our country. God Bless America.

Have A Happy Holiday Weekend

2011-07-01T06:41:00.010-05:00

Celebrate with style and may the skyrockets be magnificent!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T06:14:00.004-05:00

Time

2011-06-27T06:44:00.002-05:00

Time is very amused by me. It laughs when I try to persist as much as it does. A concept given human measurement, time always was and always will be. I foolishly tried to keep up with time, always accounting for every moment, never wasting a one. I discovered it is best to let time win the race to eternity. I can't keep up, and I won't.

For now I'm going to sit and watch time trudge on while I sit on my derriere and drink a glass of wine. Instead of seeing how much I can get done in this many minutes I'm going to see how many minutes I can spend doing nothing. I'm going to let my mind run, or let it go blank, whatever it so chooses. I'm not going to be productive today. I'm going to savor the passage of time instead of account for it.

Photo by appleplusskeleton

I Sense Adventure

2011-06-24T06:23:00.001-05:00

Walking With Sticks by TummyMountain

There's something in the air telling me to go forth bravely. To play with abandon. New adventures are in store for all of us every day. Let's all dare to walk with sticks.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T06:00:00.002-05:00

One Track Mind

2011-06-21T06:18:00.002-05:00

The Path Before Me by Dragonflybynight

What can a person say when she has a one track mind? Nothing of too much interest. Anything she sees, thinks, hears, and says is the same. The same. The same.

When the time passes, and it won't be long now, perhaps the track will take a turn. Or split into two, leaving her to ponder. Should she stay on the same track? Or should she follow another?

It doesn't really matter what track she follows, as long as the scenery on either side is never ignored.

The Boys

2011-06-20T06:29:00.003-05:00

After a superb brunch hosted by Grammy, the boys and their grandpa stretch out their tummies on Father's Day.

The boys aren't boys any more. They're men.

But they'll always be "the boys" to me. Even though they aren't my boys.

And their grandpa will always be my dad.

The Boys and Kahuna. What a group of characters.

It's Not The Thing You Fling...

2011-06-17T06:27:00.002-05:00

Last weekend was a good weekend. It was a successful weekend. It was a weekend filled with seeing old friends, meeting new customers, replenishing returning customers, listening to great music, and drinking delicious wine. My weekend at the Chateau St. Croix Winery Fete Des Fleurs was wonderful and satisfying as ever.

Two days after returning to my normal life I got a heavy case of the blues. I was disappointed that the feelings created by such a fulfilling weekend couldn't at least last until the next weekend. As I am wont to do I delved into my psyche in search of the reason why ~ why did I feel so defeated after so much happiness and laugher, not to mention a highly successful business venture?

The answer came from one of my secret boyfriends, Chris In The Morning. Chris Stevens is a ex-con, philosopher, artist and disc jockey. That says nothing for his rugged good looks. Chris says things that make me think.

Always searching, Chris finds meaning in the simplest things, and reduces the complex to lessons with which we can all identify. I wish I could be so insightful and sometimes think it takes living in a small, remote, rustic town (Cicely, Alaska to be precise) to get to the bottom of life's big questions.

Back to my blues. I was feeling a little let down after the weekend. Everything went right, but after I came down from the high it all seemed so anticlimactic. It wasn't enough. Or was it too much? It was better than I'd hoped, but it left me wanting more. Enter Chris and his afinity for articulating what proved to be the truth I was looking for. It set me back on my path and allowed me to feel some sense of satisfaction. It explained what I was missing and reminded me of what's important.

Please take a few minutes to watch this piece from an episode of Northern Exposure. Perhaps it will speak to you as it did me. Perhaps not. Either way it's a fun bit of TV history.

One Step Closer To That Vampire Fantasy

2011-06-16T06:47:00.002-05:00

I gave blood yesterday for the first time in many years. My excuse for falling away from being a regular doner? Inconvenience. Well enough is enough. I decided doing the right thing isn't always the convenient thing, and donating blood is the right thing to do.

Don't give me all that about hating needles. No one likes needles stuck into their bodies, but dang it all, that's the only way they can get the blood out of you. Beats the heck out of leeches. Picture yourself laying in a hospital, dependent on the blood of a person who didn't donate because they were afraid of a needle. Not so nice on the other side, is it? Suck it up, baby, and stick out that arm.

I felt really good after donating. The actual collection took less than nine minutes. And what's really nice is they give you free cookies and juice afterwards! Free! I decided I'm going to become a regular doner again. It's the right thing to do and you will get lots of positive karma points for doing it. Plus, you'll save lives. Knowing that is even better than a free Lorna Doone cookie.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T05:26:00.003-05:00

The Professor

2011-06-09T09:14:00.002-05:00

You remember the Professor, don't you? He was smarter than Gilligan, more handsome than the Skipper, but not as rich as Mr. Howell. Two out of three ain't bad. He could make anything out of bamboo and coconuts but couldn't, for the life of him, figure out how to fix a two-foot hole in a boat. Ginger turned his head, but second only to his love for botany was his love for MaryAnn (this we all knew deep down).

Very similar to the Professor on Gilligan's Island is the other Professor, husband to my frequent commenter MaryAnn. He's the strong, silent type. He can make stuff out of nothing. He's smart. He's handsome. He's not at rich as Thurston Howell, III. He's crazy about MaryAnn and loves her coconut cream pie. And today, he's fifty years old.

Happy Birthday, Professor!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T05:53:00.001-05:00

What A Difference Six Months Makes

2011-06-07T17:34:00.001-05:00

I call this weather progression photography. Over a span of six months the mercury in this (my) thermometer went from -14 degrees F to 100 degrees F. Minnesota rocks!

January, 2010

June, 2011

In The Shade Of The New Canopy

2011-06-06T06:19:00.002-05:00

About six months ago I decided my mantra for this fiscal year would be you have to play big to win big. That meant forking out some money to improve not only my product, but my image.

Three months before that there was a canopy malfunction at one of my outdoor shows. I bought that canopy second hand from a woman who had done shows for a number of years but had to quit due to physical limitations. I'm not sure how long she owned it, but was nice to think of me and offer her entire setup for a very reasonable price when I decided to hit the road with my crafty biz.

When the malfunction occurred, six years after I bought the canopy, Husby and I looked at each other and decided we probably couldn't make it work for another year.

Back to my mantra, I decided to bite the bullet, do the research, and purchase a brand new canopy. Because of the very long winter and terribly wet and mucky spring we couldn't set it up until this past weekend. (And seriously, if you buy something like this be sure to set it up ahead of time to make sure all the parts are included and it isn't damaged. You don't want to find surprises when you're "on.")

How much do I love my new canopy?

The best part about this canopy is it comes in a really nice carrying case. The entire set-up weighs at least sixty pounds so it's nice to have a caddy with wheels. The carrying case also has arm straps so you can carry it on your back if necessary. Yeah, like I could wrangle that on my ever-so-delicate (haha) self. Of course Husby had to prove his mightiness and show how easy it is to lug this thing around backpack style...

Don't you just love his Sears catalog model pose?

Well, no matter if Husby carries the new canopy on his back or I wheel it to where it has to go, I'm ready for action this summer. See me at the Chateau St. Croix Winery for the Fete Des Fleurs event June 11th and 12th. I'll be the one under the brand new canopy.

Custom Made, Just For You

2011-06-03T06:23:00.002-05:00

When you're in the crafty business you get a lot of help. People of all kinds, friends and strangers alike, have all kinds of suggestions and ideas. Lots of times they're really good ideas, but I'm only one person and can execute only so many of these ideas in a year.

Over a year ago a woman saw my bottle cap drink charms and she got an idea. I created a set of custom charms for her with the characters of one of her favorite movies. She walked away a happy camper and I was very happy I could accommodate her request.

Recently that same woman contacted me via an Etsy convo. For those of you unfamiliar with Etsy, the convo is an internal e-mail system where Etsy members can converse with each other. I received this convo and lo and behold she had another idea. Another brilliant idea.

A friend of hers is graduating with a PhD. What a marvelous and admirable accomplishment. She thought it would be a fun idea to give as a gift a set of bottle cap drink charms depicting the theorists he used in his dissertation. While she confessed she thought the idea was "geeky," I thought it was a really fun and unique idea for a graduation gift.

We went to work together. She gathered pictures of the theorists and I worked them into the charms. I must say we make a great team.

So, at the risk of ruining a graduation surprise, may I present to you The Great Names In Christian Ethics...

Kudos to the gift giver who thought of this fantasic idea, and a million thanks to her for trusting me to turn her idea into a tangible gift.

A couple of years ago another person commissioned me to make charms for a Girl's Weekend involving all of the female members of the family; each "girl" got a charm with her picture on it. All weekend long they had their own personal charms identifying their wine glass.

If you have ideas for custom bottle cap drink charms or magnets, let me know and perhaps we can work together on a project. Ideas would be wedding favors, save-the-date magnets, family reunions, and class reunions. Contact me at auntiebswax4u@yahoo.com, or if you're a member at Etsy (buyer or seller) shoot me a convo with your proposition.

Auntie B would love to be at your service!

Cheep Cheep Cheep

2011-06-02T06:14:00.002-05:00

A little while ago Husby and I were so happy to see in the Christmas tree stashed in our back yard a perfectly constructed robin's nest. Within that nest were three perfectly constructed robin eggs.

Husby and I are often very enamored with bitty little animals and love and protect them like we would our own children. Little bird eggs are no exception. No, we're not weirdos who think animals are human and we don't interfere with the natural circle of life or the vicious food chain. We don't handle the tiny new creatures who happen to be born in our back yard, but I root for them and hope with all my might that they survive in their wee states.

I was thrilled to see that all three perfectly created robin eggs had hatched and all three bitty birds were keeping each other warm in the nest once they broke out into the big world.

How tiny and bare these little creations. I was tempted to stroke with a single finger that soft fluff, but resisted.

After the Memorial Day weekend I went out and checked out the inhabitants of our Christmas tree once again. Mrs. Robin flew quickly from the nest as I approached, and as I was positioning myself to click a photo she made a beeline for my head ~ grazing it lightly, but enough to startle me. I took the best picture I could and decided it would be the last time I wander back to take a peek...at least for a week or two until the little birds look more like birds than bugs.

But see, they're looking more like birds every day.

It's so much fun to see these little creatures grow. Pretty soon they'll be hopping across the lawn with open mouths behind their mama who will pick worms out of the ground and feed her babies with her findings. And then, at long last the little fluff balls will be full grown robins able to fend for themselves.

Oh, they grow up so quickly.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-01T06:30:00.001-05:00

How Being With My Family In The Woods Makes Me Think

2011-05-31T06:36:00.002-05:00

It's been a long time since I spent time at the lake cottage. This past weekend was the opener. For three days the air was chilled and on the brink of storm. There was little rain but lots of overcast. There were hoards of mosquitoes and wood ticks. But still, despite what I've just described as a positively dismal weekend it was quite how I would have it if given my preference, at least for this weekend.

I'll have to admit it was quite a twirly mess preparing for a weekend away from the workshop. How would I get everything done for my upcoming shows? There was also the nagging feeling that I would be leaving the house in too much disarray. What about the laundry? What about those chunks of dirt on the kitchen floor? But once I was packed and on my way, those things drifted away from the front of my mind just as quickly as my car rolled away from my driveway.

The wood ticks and mosquitoes kept us indoors for the evenings where we all talked about plain old stuff. Those kind of talks are great to have with other family members. It give you a chance to get to know what's going on, how they're getting along, what kind of dynamics are at play, and at the very basest level just who these people are and why we're all connected. There were no deep philosophical discussions, just ordinary stories. Amazing how well you can reacquaint yourself with people when you're in different surroundings. The ordinary stories are the most telling.

It kind of reconnected me to my psychology training and I got all analytical, but not in a critical and diagnosy way. The thing is, when I get all analytical about other people it eventually turns inward and I become extremely self-aware.

Stuff changed for me in my head this past weekend. I'm not sure where all of these insights are going to lead, but I think there have to be some changes. Emphases have to shift. And most of all I have dial it back and focus on content rather than quantity, especially when it comes to growing my little business.

Funny how this kicks just weeks before I go "on." Could be I'm just second-guessing myself. Could be I have something inside me just itching to get out. Could be I don't trust my instincts. Whatever it is, it's surfacing at a most inconvenient time.

I haven't given this thing a definition because, well, I can't. I'm just going to roll along with it. Maybe something else will occur to me. But now that I'm home, back in the cocoon of my little life and my little business, I wonder if my awareness will wane.

As I sit and reflect on the previous weekend I guess I can be grateful for my family who was just there to inspire my brain to explore new possibilities. Weird how that whole progression took place; a simple weekend with family triggered some pretty drastic turns in how I want to do things.

And now, I continue on with my new insights. I hope I can do them justice. All I need is a little confidence and a little courage. Here I go again...

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T06:56:00.001-05:00

A Poem: What I Did Over The Weekend

2011-05-23T06:19:00.002-05:00

Copying and pasting, learning the limits of the program.

Numbers and numbers, and then more numbers

hoping I get them all straight.

A look into the life of a soon-to-be graduate whom I've never met;

I was the maker of a gift that will make him laugh

and forever remind him of his days of study.

Making good on a promise made.

Cardboard, labels, stickers

bottle caps, glue, resin,

beads and monofilament.

Hot wax, cold wax, wicks of all sizes.

Scents that fill the entire house

on a stormy day.

Exhaustion.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T16:42:00.003-05:00

Signs Of Spring

2011-05-17T06:45:00.002-05:00

I know I have a lot of work in store for me when I come home and see this...

I've got a project just waiting to be reborn. It flopped in a previous venue but I'm sure with a little tweeking and a new audience it will fly. I've got another project underway with a product that has always done very well for me but I've never produced enough of this particular item to keep up with the demand. This year will be different. I know I'm being kind of teasy, being so vague and all. When these two products are ready for sale (and when I get a decent photo of them) I'll unveil the secrets. For now I'm just itching to tear into these boxes and get started! I know it's springtime because two of the supply boxes contain something that is risky to ship in cold weather. The boxes are here, so I can pretty much guarantee the warm weather will also be here for a while.

You wouldn't think a Christmas tree is a sign of spring. I still can't get over what a perfect creation of nature our Christmas tree was this past year. Husby kept it outside in the back yard through the winter with plans to cut it up in the spring for some firewood. Throughout the winter the tree turned a lovely rust color, but the needles are still holding strong and the overall shape of the tree is nearly as perfect as it was when we decorated it in our house five months ago.

Because of the unusually long winter we had Husby hasn't cut up the tree yet. And it's a good thing. Here's what he discovered nestled in the branches of our dead, but beautiful, Christmas tree...

Springtime is definitely here, and the baby birds will be soon. It's been a long time coming, but I think we can finally count on some warmer weather in the weeks to come. Happy Spring!

They're Cute And Smiley

2011-05-16T06:51:00.004-05:00

One thing that comes with having a degree in psychology is that I am constantly trying to define my feelings or analyze where those feelings came from. It's a gift...and a curse. Defining my feelings isn't the hard part, but analyzing their origins can take up a lot of time. Analysts spend decades with their patients figuring out the origins of their feelings, which is pretty stupid because feelings change as often as I change underwear. At least mine do. (Does that mean I have a mood disorder?)

So many times the answer is just so plain and simple, yet the process of analysis can weave in all sorts of forgotten memories, displaced blame, and other assorted psychobable into the emotion du jour.

Lots of our behavior and emotions can be traced to very unpleasant origins. Most times it's unnecessary to do that tracing. Why bother? For example, this is the desktop background of my computer. What deep psychological urge compelled me to choose this image?

One could guess I have delusious of grandeur as power is the theme behind the subjects of the ocean and a strong animal. Or it could be just the opposite ~ I may have a poor self-esteem and the representations of strength and power were subconsciously chosen by me to boost my self-image. One could also think I crave more balance in my life as depicted by the amazing balancing skill of the animal.

Guess what? I picked it because I like elephants.

I've been doing way too much analyzing lately. Analyzing myself, analyzing other people, analyzing data. I've analyzed myself into a mass of meaningless statistics, factoids, and whimsical theories.

This week I'm going to take everything at face value and just roll with it. Because conjuring up causes doesn't always fix the effects, and sometimes the effort and insight just makes things worse. This week, I'm just going to like the elephant.

Dang It!

2011-05-13T12:10:00.001-05:00

Blogger underwent some maintenance in the past couple of days and completely wiped out my blog post for today. I can tell you it was a doozy. Probably the best I've ever written. Probably the best writing ever created since the beginning of the English language. The post would no doubt have earned a Pulitzer Prize had it been preserved.

Ah, c'est la vie.

I'll be back next week, but I can't promise award-winning writing. Something that spectacular happens only once in a lifetime.

My Life Reduced To Bullet Points

2011-05-12T21:28:00.002-05:00

It seems like it's been a long time since I was here, recording the happenings of my life. It really hasn't been that long, but so much has happened. Today you get a bullet point presentation, which points I may elaborate upon in later posts. Or not. I'm very slow to commit to anything these days. Now, let's see what's been going on...

* Husby had a birthday. I feel kind of badly I didn't post a special greeting to him on the blog as I usually do. I have no excuse. We did, however, celebrate his birthday with a trip to Como Park where we haven't been in ages. It was a very cold day for the month of May, but our bodies warmed up quickly in the temperate conservatory where the tropical plants, trees, and flowers were in beautiful bloom. We also saw some animals, most of which were staying warm inside their buildings instead of roaming around outside. The seals and polar bear were having a marvelous time out in the cold, but believe it or not, even the penguins were cozied up inside. We had a little lunch too, at Dixie's on Grand. Boy has that place changed since I was there last. I almost felt under dressed, but the manager assured me it was still a casual place despite the uniformed staff and white tablecloths. The food was marvelous.

* A medical procedure was performed. No details are forthcoming. Suffice it to say there was a day of icky preparation and another day of recuperation. Also some very goofy talk.

* A funeral was attended. It had nothing to do with the medical procedure. My great uncle Gerald died. He was eight-nine. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of him is how he used to sing Popeye The Sailor Man in a weird Popeye voice. Something like that always makes kids laugh. He also had some very ugly dogs. Icky, bulgy-eyed pugs. I never liked his dogs. He owned a creamery where we would go to get free ice cream sundaes when we visited. Funerals like that, ones where I'm more of a spectator than one of the bereaved, cause me to examine the family tree. I observe my relatives, seeing their strengths and weaknesses. I realize I come by my faults honestly and have survived some strange things in the gene pool. I also realize how families, no matter how weird or dysfunctional, are a pretty good thing to have, and they bind us to a history that is usually very fascinating.

* Mother's Day. I hosted this event at my house as I'm the only one in my immediate family who is not a mother. I prepared a nice brunch with some contributions from my mom and Charlotte who both insisted on bringing something. It was a nice and relaxed afternoon. However, I fell apart after everyone left. The combination of an out-of-town funeral and having company at my house in the same weekend drained me of all my strength. My head throbbed from all of the stimulation. Thus, I ended the action-packed weekend with a Tyenol PM and passed out on the couch until 5:00 a.m. the next day when Husby woke me up to go to the day job. Husby claims to have tried to get me to go to bed, but I was unresponsive.

* A member of my extended family is undergoing some very delicate surgery this week. The results of this have thrown the family dynamics a little out of whack. The outcome of the surgery is yet to be disclosed. It is a time of great stress for some of us and a time of some adjustment for others.

I'm kind of back in my routine again. Kind of. These days there is nothing better than curling up in bed, which is no more than an indulgent dream. I wish I could linger beyond my usual 5:00 a.m. wake-up time, but that's another story for another post. For now I'm easing back into my groove as much as I can.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T06:25:00.004-05:00

Bundles Of Joy

2011-05-05T06:35:00.002-05:00

After a few years of hoping and dreaming, Husby and I are happy to announce the arrival of four little, bitty bunnies in our back yard.

We've had bunny families in our yard before, but not for some time. We're happy to see the little fluffs nibbling on our sad, brown lawn. The live underneath the wood pile, safe from the local hawks and foxes.

There will be a time, should they decide to make our yard their permanent home, when Husby gets irritated with their feasting on his garden. After all, we are already missing out on the blooming of our bridal wreath shrubs due to Mom and Dad Bunny chowing them down to nubs during our very snowy winter. But they're just so cute and fluffy now, we can't help but love them.

It's hard to get photos of the little buggers. They're still very skittish and just opening the back door causes them to scurry underneath the wood pile to safety. Like we would ever harm them! We normally just watch them from the window.

Little animals and birds are a sure sign of spring. The fuzzy little goslings will be waddling around our house very soon too. We might get lucky and have some robin and wren nests in our trees. Sometimes we'll even find a quarter-sized turtle in the grass.

For now we'll just stand by the window and watch the hijinx of our four little bunnies like a couple of proud parents.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T06:10:00.002-05:00

A Dream Of Rest

2011-05-03T06:27:00.005-05:00

I'm kind of tired of being cold. The in between we've been living through has taxed my last nerve. My frigid fingers are making me crabby and summertime activities in forty-degree weather wears me down.

I'm kind of tired of trying to be seen. It all seems so needy. And I'm tired of trying to think of different angles. My brain has malfunctioned.

I'm kind of tired of knowing how much I have to do and watching obligations pop up in my path. I'm not really startled by them, but I want to just stand really still and hope they don't see me. But I always see them and know they must be honored.

I'm kind of tired of listening to people who don't really know what they're talking about ~ to people who attempt things on a professional level when their competency ranks amateur. I want to enlighten them with things I know from my own experience, but I'm kind of tired of convincing anyone I know some things.

I'm kind of tired of feeling whiney and wimpy. Too tired to empower myself and disgusted with with my lack of motivation.

With this very sad and tired piece of writing I hope to grant myself what I really need. Some rest. A break from the demands I've placed on myself. A little time to become less tired. A little time to become more tolerant. A little time to become less selfish and more selfish all at once.

I'm just kind of tired.

Dive Night ~ Macaluso's Roadhouse

2011-05-02T06:57:00.004-05:00

Dive Night is a once monthly adventure undertaken by me and Husby, along with our friends Ruthie and Ray. Each couple alternates choosing a restaurant, one which must come under the category of "dive." Our definition of dive: a neighborhood gathering spot hiding under the radar. Casual atmosphere and good food. We're out to find the best food in the Minneapolis/St Paul area without having to pay a fortune or dress up. A sip of beer or wine doesn't hurt either.

A long time ago I went to a little bar with my motorcycle -driving boyfriend. We were young and foolish and very brave. This little bar had a reputation of serving the toughest bikers in the area, but like I said, we were young, foolish and very brave. We had a drink and left the bar unscathed. I never returned...until now.

The bar has probably changed hands since I visited over two decades ago, but it's still known to cater to the biker types. I'm not so young and foolish any more, but I can still be pretty brave. We entered Macaluso's Roadhouse like we owned the place.

The first thing we noticed after we seated ourselves at a booth was this...

Happy hour from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. You gotta love a place like that. Interestingly, when Ruthie asked our waitress what kind of wine they had she left and returned with a list. A very generic list. The waitress's "cheat sheet" to be precise. Pinot Grigio was actually a choice, so Ruthie and I had one. The guys both had a beer. True to a dive they also offered free popcorn, serve yourself of course.

It wasn't very good popcorn, but I didn't expect too much. I also ate plenty. I think I was hungry. There was also a nice meat raffle girl walking around selling numbers. I asked what kind of meat we would win and she hesitated. I asked "animal meat?" She concurred with a relieved smile.

The view from where I was sitting was less than optimal. Basically I was facing Ruthie and Ray, who were sitting in front of a wall. Seems that happened last time we went out too. I'm going to have to make sure that doesn't happen next time. I did turn around at one point to get a photo of the place. The disco ball was particularly endearing.

I was kind of amazed at the variety of food Macaluso's offered ~ everything from pasta to burgers. We began with appetizers, as usual. These included chicken nuggets with BBQ and ranch dipping sauces (we requested two and weren't charged extra) and fried ravioli served with marinara dipping sauce.

The ravioli was especially good, I thought. The appetizer plates were styrofoam.

Entrees came with either chips or baked french fries. Our waitress failed to ask us what we wanted so we got chips. When we said we wanted the french fries the cook said it would be another twenty-five minutes as they're baked, not fried. I would have liked to try those, but was too hungry to wait another half hour. The chips were fine with my meal.

My Italian Hoagie

Husby's Taco Basket

Ruthie's Meaball Sub

Ray's Hot Dago

All of us enjoyed our meals immensely. Really, I really wasn't expecting food that good. Just goes to show you, can't judge cuisine by its clientelle. Hot and delicious, really flavorful. Apparently their pizza is also very good, and I'm pretty sure Husby and I will try it sometime. They have take-out and delivery on their pizza.

There was one other thing I really loved about Macaluso's was the t-shirts worn by the waitresses. Check it out...

Sounds like something I'd say.

If you're feeling brave you should really try Macaluso's Roadhouse. Dress down. Wear leather if you've got it. You won't regret your visit. And really? Those bikers are actually very nice people. Don't let them scare you. However, you should know we arrived for our dining adventure around 5:45. I can't vouch for the atmosphere after 7:00. If you're feeling really brave, check it out and let me know how it goes.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T06:09:00.002-05:00

Springer Gets Nixed

2011-04-26T06:41:00.002-05:00

Plagued with a headache I stayed home from work. Back in the old days when I took a sick day I would lay around and watch daytime TV with all its commercials aimed toward unemployed and injured people. I hated being talked to like I didn't know what I was doing, as in calling the right ~~ambulance chaser~~ lawyer or furthering my education to procure a lucrative position in a ~~greasy spoon~~ successful business.

I stopped watching daytime TV with its screaming audiences, melodramatic plots, and overly enthusiastic contestants.

But I have a headache. What else am I supposed to do?

The TV did not come on at all, but the computer did. However, unlike my friend Mary Ann I was not glued to a screen of Spider Solitaire or even Bejeweled. I took care of my computer business and went on to more pressing chores like finishing up the laundry, cleaning the bathroom, and washing dishes. Holiday weekends cause me to fall behind in my duties as housekeeper and it was just proper that I ignore the throbbing pain in my head and the fuzzy blind spot in my eye to take care of the business at hand.

I'm glad I didn't turn on the TV. Didn't even turn on the stereo. I was as focused as I could be while in massive headache mode. Makes me think that when I have a stroke or heart attack I'll be able to clean the oven while waiting for the ambulance to come and take me to the hospital. Knowing that is so much more satisfying than watching Jerry Springer.

Prove To Me That You're No Fool ~ Walk Across My Swimming Pool

2011-04-25T06:53:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone had a happy Easter holiday. I spent some time in church, some time with family, and way too much time eating candy. Halloween and Easter ~ I think lots of us are like kids when it comes to these holidays and the indulgence in candy. Doesn't matter how old we get.

When I returned home from all the festivities I was surprised to see TCM was offering Jesus Christ Superstar as the evening's 7:00 movie. Well, maybe surprised isn't the right word. It made perfect sense that it was showing on Easter, but I've not seen it in the TV listings in, like, ever.

I remember the first time I saw JC Superstar. I was twelve years old and was allowed to walk down to the Cini Capri theater with Charlotte and her friend (who were fourteen) for the matinee showing. I guess my mom figured our seeing a movie about Jesus would be harmless enough.

The movie came out in 1973 and was about the coolest thing I could imagine. Except for, well, Jesus was really cute and they did those dastardly things to him. Charlotte, her friend and I walked home after the movie, bawling the whole way. Well, I know I was bawling. I can't remember for sure if they were, but I like to remember it that way. Three young girls walking home, crying over what they did to Jesus. I guess it made an impact.

Watching it on Easter evening brought back memories of spending a hot summer afternoon with the big kids in a dark, air conditioned theater. We were uber cool (what would Father Finn have said?!) taking in the hippie spin on the story of Jesus. And I'm sure I' m not the only one who thought Herod's song was about the most bizarre thing to happen to a Bible story ever. It's my favorite.

Jesus Christ Superstar is a classic worth watching if for nothing more than the whole early '70s interpretation of The Passion. It focuses on psychological conflict rather than blind faith. For a little twelve-year-old girl it told a story much better than a stuffy old man in a pulpit ever could.

Hipster Store Passes On Opportunity Of A Lifetime

2011-04-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

Remember when I was acting all brave and proud because I submitted an application to consign at a particular brick and mortar shop? It took me months to screw up the courage to just send the e-mail, but I faced my insecurities and fears and just did it. Yay for me! I said. Well, guess what?

REJECTED!

Yep. I've been having a rough time of it trying to get my business act together despite my courageous and brazen ways. There are several tweeks I've been trying to make without much luck. With the rejection letter I got from this particularly desirable store I thought about falling to pieces, packing up everything and going home, never to play with the big kids again. But then I thought again.

There's no reason to take this personally, I told myself. This is business, and someone made a business decision that didn't include me. That's all there is to it. I can live with that. So instead of packing up and going home I reopened my e-mail and saw I had made another sale in my Etsy shop. That sale did a lot more than soothe my hurt feelings. It inspired me to open up a whole new online shop.

You see, the sale I made was for the WWMPD magnet, which has been the bulk of my sales since I opened my new Etsy shop in February. For some reason, this particular sale made me think about opening a shop at Zazzle.

Zazzle can do things Etsy can't, and vice versa. So why not have two shops? I'm starting out with the WWMPD design, which is available at my Zazzle shop in t-shirts, aprons, and mugs.

I especially like this design on the burly guy wearing the t-shirt.

So what d'ya think of me now?! I'll be taking it slow on Zazzle for the time being, but WWMPD products are available immediately.

What could have turned out to be a dismal afternoon of dejection turned out to be one of navigating a new venue, redesigning my original image to suit new products, and generally feeling more empowered than ever. Thanks, hipster store, for rejecting me. It forced me to ask "What would Mary Poppins do?" I think she would approve of my positive reaction to a disappointing situation. A special thanks too, to the person who most recently bought the WWMPD magnet. You made a difference in a way you'll never know.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-20T06:40:00.001-05:00

Step Away From Your Attempts And Be Amazed

2011-04-19T06:34:00.002-05:00

Do you ever feel like you're just trying too hard? Sometimes that thought occurs to me and I have to just step away.

Trying too hard is different than simply trying. There's a desperation in trying too hard. Grasping, clawing, rationalizing your way to the goal you think you want. You make hurried, half-hearted attempts as the clock ticks away the minutes, days, and years you haven't reached your goal. The trying, the unsuccessful trying over and over again could be just the thing that prevents you from attaining that goal.

My nephews have a creativity in them that is astounding. One evening they were telling the story of a character they made up together. This character has been alive for them since they were very small boys. There are intricate details to the character's life that the boys know by heart, as though this character was an actual person in their lives. These boys I speak of, my nephews, are pretty much grown by now and still refer to this make-believe character and add aspects to his life still.

I told them how interesting it was to hear about this character, and how it seemed the "story" came to them so easily. I commented on their vivid imaginations and how much I admired their creative thinking. I envied them and said so. Why can't a story with that much imagination just flow from me like that? I asked. One of my nephews said immediately and simply, "you're trying too hard." Brilliant insight from someone thirty-five years younger than me.

Perhaps it is desperation that leaves me frustrated, like the artist who can't get the lighting just right in his painting or the author toiling over the perfect words. Maybe it's better to just walk away for a while, to gain a different perspective. Why isn't my plan working out exactly how I envisioned? I'm trying too hard.

This can all be summed up with the sentiment in a card Husby gave me once. Take the world lightly, and see how easy things become.

I'm going to experiment with this theory and broaden my field of vision. Instead of focusing so mightily on one aspect of my life and being disappointed, I'm going to give more attention to other parts of my life. I'm going to see if stepping away from the desperate trying will perhaps lighten my mood and my attitude. I'll keep trying, just not so hard.

So what do you think of that?

Ammonia, Vinegar, And Murphy's Oil Soap

2011-04-18T06:48:00.009-05:00

I've talked about spring cleaning a lot on this blog. Every year I fail to complete all the tasks on my list, but still partake in the ritual as much as I can and as much is absolutely necessary.

Slow and easy is my method this year. Just a little at a time so it doesn't seem so overwhelming. The rumpus room was my focus this past weekend. The furniture was vacuumed and the windows were washed. The baseboards were vacuumed and cleaned and the woodwork washed. Lampshades were and light bulbs were vacuumed. I feel like such a homemaker when I actually put those vacuum cleaner attachments to work.

I didn't tackle washing the walls, but they totally need it. It's a daunting task to be sure as I have a vaulted ceiling in the rumpus room. I procrastinate, sometimes for years, on any job that requires a ladder.

Despite a mid-April snow shower and very chilly temperatures my spring cleaning tasks are getting checked off slowly but surely. Maybe the snow is what motivated me ~ just like the snow that aroused Dorothy in a field of poppies.

What's The Story?

2011-04-15T06:51:00.001-05:00

The older I get the more I love the old movies. I'm not talking movies from the '80s or even '60s. I'm talking movies from the '30s and '40s. They were made long before I was born and embody a Hollywood glamor no longer found in the movie industry.

The old movie stars were my first inspiration for the bottle cap drink charms I sell. Currently I have four sets of these black-and-white drink charms. They were given as Christmas gifts to the board of directors of the Katharine Hepburn Center for the Arts in Connecticut by the chairman of the board, a sale I was so proud to make.

I could sit for hours watching the film noir gangster movies or the comedies of the Marx Brothers. Nick and Nora Charles are my absolute favorite ~ starring characters in The Thin Man movies. Give me a rainy day and a bowl of popcorn and you won't be able to tear me away from my old movies.

Maybe I'm a hopeless romantic when it comes to old Hollywood. If you're an old movie buff or know someone who is, you can get a set of these fun charms at my shop. They're my small way of paying tribute to Hollywood and its legends.

And Now For Something Completely Different

2011-04-14T06:38:00.001-05:00

I've decided to spend some of my down time (??what's that??) and play around with writing. I've always liked to write, but find my motivation has become more presentation than expression. To get back into expressing myself through writing, whether it's on this blog, a small thank-you note, or jumping into producing the Great American Novel I've turned to The Right To Write by Julia Cameron. This will be my second time through the book. The following is the result of the first "invitation" to write. It is three pages of hand-written free-form thinking. So if it isn't coherent don't fear you are having a stroke or something ~ it's just me and my scattered brain transcribed on paper.

I'm sitting out on my back deck as I write this. It's a little brisk compared to the last few days, but my long, bulky sweater is keeping me warm. I love this sweater. I bought it when I got married; I knew my new husband kept his house at cooler temperatures and I wanted something I could cozy up in. That was nearly fifteen years ago. I usually keep sweaters until the shreds fall off me.

The yard this evening is a dingy yellow color and is a nice contrast to the dark pine trees that line the back fence. Our Christmas tree is propped up against the wood pile and has retained its perfect shape, has lost no needs, and has turned a regal rust color. It was the best tree we've had in many Christmases.

Geese fly overhead. The other day I noticed a snow-white swan flying above me. The water foul are so much nicer to look at than the occasional turkeys walking around. What a clumsy, ugly bird, the turkey. But mighty tasty!

Lately I've been troubled with making decisions. Not so much troubled, I guess, as nervous. I know I have to decide things once and for all, but can't bring myself to announce these decisions to the people they affect. But tomorrow is the deadline I set for one of these announcements. Well, the proposal to make an appointment to make the announcement. The outcome of my decision will affect me either positively or negatively, but it will have to be made. And action, for better or worse, is better than standing stagnant in fear of an unknown outcome.

Besides these life-changing decisions I remain busy with my tasks of business and household. Spring cleaning has begun, although not at a sprinter's speed at the onset. But the goal is to get these things done, whether in the span of one month or six months. I guess my spring cleaning tasks should be renamed "annual" tasks.

And there's a bunny, chewing on a dead leaf. I bet he can hardly wait for those new tender shoots of grass to start sprouting. And there's a squirrel in the maple with a mouthful of something that looks like a potato chip, but I'm pretty sure it isn't. He scurries up to his nest to hide/eat whatever it is safely. And now bunny is joined by another and partakes in a little grooming activity.

Such activity in the back yard. So much I miss as I'm busy indoors doing this or that.

Summer is near, despite a forecast of snow this weekend. The summer weekends are booking up already. So many activities and events that must be crammed into the warm months so we can stay indoors cozy and warm during the winter. Good thing I still have my long, bulky sweater for those cold months, and for sitting on my deck on an early spring evening.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-13T06:53:00.002-05:00

The Case Of The Dripping Taper

2011-04-12T06:13:00.002-05:00

As you may know by now, I love candles. One of the things I hear a lot when I'm out on the road is "do your candles drip?" Well let me tell you...

It doesn't matter how good a pillar or taper is, there is a chance that it could drip. Part of this could be the fault of the chandler (the maker of the candle) and part could be how the candle is burned. My biggest advice to candle burners is to keep the wick trimmed to 1/4".

However, no matter how well a candle is made and no matter how well the burner tends to the candle there are still factors that could cause dripping. This is especially true with tapers. Drafts are usually the main culprit and a draft can be as subtle someone walking past the candle.

My favorite way to keep tapers from accidentally messing up the expensive tablecloth is to take a cup-like container, could be a votive cup, a teacup, or a small bowl and fill it about 3/4 full with sand. You could also use rice or beans. That way, if and when the candle decides to spill a little wax it is caught in a wide-mouthed container and spills on the sand (or other filling) instead of sticking to the glass and more importantly saves your table surface or cloth.

It works like a dream. When the candle is burned down all you have to do is pull the remains out of the sand and throw it in the garbage.*

This method can also be used with pillars, using a bigger cup/bowl or an interesting jar large enough to accomodate the diameter of your candle. The sand-filled container method is fun for outdoor parties in the summer, giving your indoor decor or outside party area a beachy feel.

With this easy clean-up candle burning technique I'll bet you'll be more inclined to use candles more often!

*Be sure the flame is extinguished, the wick is completely doused, and the wax has solidified before removing from the container.

Husby's Hosta Bed

2011-04-11T06:43:00.003-05:00

At no matter what point we are in our lives, things will always change. The seasons in Minnesota are a constant reminder to me how things will eventually turn into something else. The change might be one that makes me happy or one that makes me sad. I relish each change as it comes, good or bad, because I know it won't last forever.

Just a few weeks ago our backyard looked like this.

I love the landscaping Husby did with our backyard. There's a beautiful hosta bed underneath all of that snow. And any of you who know me also know I love the fresh look and feel of winter. Things are brisk and clean. Though I love wintertime I can't see the hosta bed.

And so the season turns to spring. Early spring makes me restless and crabby. It's dirty and brown and ugly. The temperature rises and the snow melts completely. When the air starts smelling like wet dirt I know the beautiful part of spring is nearly here. And Husby's hosta bed, though appearing dead, is visible.

With the coming of spring we feel a sense of renewal. The redwing blackbirds gather in the bare tree tops and instead of icy snow comes nurishing rain. I've noticed a sense of renewal in my business life too. I've been taking a hard look at how Auntie B's Wax is progressing and growing and have decided to throw a little fertilizer into the mix ~ a little boost of sorts. I've also decided to do some weeding, which is necessary for the new growth to thrive.

The changes of spring are exciting, but the calmness of winter is gone. It's hard not to reflect on what is missing, but the transformation can be exhilerating.

I can only hope the changes I make in my business produce glorious results similar to Husby's hosta bed in summertime.

Summer is a time of exaggerated activity in Minnesota. People are outdoors as much as they are allowed, the sunlight lingers well into the evening, and Husby's hosta bed is lush and full of activity both seen and unseen.

Summertime brings on a new season for Auntie B's Wax too, with craft shows and festivals and baring my wares for all to see. The fertilizing and weeding done in springtime was done in speculation, and summertime brings a slight feeling of anxiety as I can only hope the results of my previous care will be satisfying.

Then comes autumn. While the business is still in a very active state the colors change and things slow down a little. In the hosta bed there are less birds using the bird bath and the leaves of the flora turn golden. The temperatures in the air cool down a bit, bringing relief from the blazing sun and humid air of summer.

The hurried lifestyle of summertime is decreased and everything prepares to be put to sleep once again.

I've been doing a lot of reflecting these past few weeks. There are changes in my business that have to be made if I want to continue it without loathing. After all, the whole point of going into business for yourself is to do something you love. Things have to change when challenge is replaced with stress and request is replaced with demand.

The changes I face are uncomfortable, but necessary. I can only hope the choices I make will yield vibrance and healthiness for me and my work. My wish is that Auntie B's Wax will always be around with natural changes occuring here and there...just like Husby's hosta bed.

Dive Night ~ Lakeside Club

2011-04-08T06:55:00.003-05:00

Don't let the lack of patrons scare you away. We arrived quite early. By the time we left the place was packed. However, this next image might scare you a little. It was hanging on the wall right over Ruthie's head and I had to look at it all evening long.

Now, on with the show. Waitress #1 came to our table to take our drink orders. That went all fine and well as we're an easy bunch to please. Wine and beer is pretty much the extent of it. So she goes and gets our drinks and tells us about the nightly special ~ an all-you-can eat cod fish fry for $14.99. I asked what comes with the special. She answered "soup (clam chowder) and salad and a choice of baked potato or french fries." That sounded pretty good to me, but we had to order appetizers first. We chose onion rings (heavenly!) and fried cheese curds. They were delivered by Waitress #2.

When Waitress #2 delivered our appetizers she took our entree orders. Ruthie, Ray and I ordered the fish fry special and Husby ordered a ribeye steak. Because we were so eager to jump into the appetizers it didn't occur to us that she didn't ask us whether we wanted french fries or baked potato. We devoured the very delicious onion rings and cheese curds. Yum!

Waitress #3 came to our table with our entrees. Husby's steak came with a baked potato and a lovely salad with little goldfish.

I had a bite of the steak and it melted in my mouth. It was absolutely perfect. This is the fish fry special the rest of us ordered...

I asked Waitress #3 about the soup and salad that's supposed to come with our meal and she looked at me as though my hair was on fire. "That doesn't come with the meal." Oh, really? Well that's what we were told, and were also told we'd have a choice of baked potato or french fries. I didn't mind the fries as I love to dip them in tartar sauce and plus they were really good ~ crisp on the outside and soft on the inside and very hot. Waitress #3 pretty much blew us off, saying once again that we got what comes with the special and that's all we were going to get. The fish was very good and Ruthie, Ray, and I all had seconds. Might as well take advantage of the all-you-can-eat part of the special as the rest of it was a lie. Waitress #1 came back to our table to apologize about giving us misinformation, but offered nothing for our trouble. We were kind and said it was okay and the food we did get was delicious. And it was delicious. The Lakeside Club has excellent food, let me be very clear on that.

When we were nearly done with our meals Waitress #1 came back and said to us, "if you're going to pay your bill in cash I can offer you a free dessert." Now I don't know if that's a rule for the restaurant in general or if they were trying to make up for the fact that they basically pulled a bait-and-switch on us with the fish special. But I spoke up right away and said I'll take a free dessert. Why not? When I asked what they had to offer Waitress #1 rattled off several desserts they had, many of which there was only one piece available. I found that puzzling as we were ordering dessert around 6:30, not at some late hour of the evening when it would be more understandable if they were running out of options. No matter, Husby and I shared a piece of turtle cheesecake which was very good.

All in all it was a kind of weird experience. I'm not sure why there were three people waiting on us. I also hesitate to label Waitress #1 a bubblehead because of the misinformation she gave us regarding the special because I can't be sure the offerings aren't in constant flux in the kitchen. I think things are run pretty casually at the Lakeside Club. However, I will stand firm on saying the food was excellent and would definitely recommend their steak.

As for the waitress' t-shirt slogans "...where the customer is always wrong," I'll say Amen. While all of the people who waited on us were polite and efficient, I think the restaurant as a whole figures it can get away with a lot of shinanigans because they know they'll make up for it with their fabulous food. Try it out and see what your experience is. No matter what happens you'll be rewarded with an excellent meal.

Superior

2011-04-07T06:45:00.002-05:00

About four months ago we had plans to drive up to visit Paenney at school in Superior, Wisconsin but got snowed in with about seventeen inches of the stuff. I was so disappointed I could have cried. Four months later we finally we got our schedules aligned and Husby and I went up to see the college freshman in action.

On the way up we stopped at Tobies for some of their delicious and enormous doughnuts. It took all of my might not eat one before we arrived in Superior. When Paenney escorted us into his dorm and we got situated in his room had a little breakfast. I don't think I have to tell you what the dorm room of two college ~~boys~~ men looks like. I didn't want to take a picture much less post one for fear of divulging the contents of the secret lair. I will say this ~ they have a special chair for company. A pink wheelchair with a sticker that says "Boobies" on the back. It was a little something they picked up at the Goodwill store. Husby was very comfy in it.

The main highlight of our trip was a visit to the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, or Bong Museum for short. Paenney volunteers a lot of his time there, which is perfect for him because he is a World War II buff from way back. Along with his duties of washing windows and performing other maintenance tasks he helps set up some of the exhibits. Here are examples of what he's constructed...

Paenney creates these exhibits with meticulous detail. Husby and I were very impressed not only with what we learned at the museum, but also with how Paenney contributes in such a wonderful way. It's the perfect job for him!

After meeting Paenney's coworkers and touring the entire museum we went on to Canal Park in Duluth. It must have been the first really nice spring-like day because the park was packed with visitors...and seagulls! We weren't fortunate enough to see any ships pass under the lift bridge, but we did scope out the small maritime museum on the park. By the time we were done walking through that we had a little lunch at Grandma's. The way Paenney tore into his reuben sandwich I feared he isn't getting enough food at school. But then I realized he's a growing ~~boy~~ man. Not only did we all have a hefty lunch, we also indulged in dessert afterwards. It was just enough to keep Paenney going; Husby and I were stuffed to the gills.

To work off a bit of our lunch Paenney took us up to the tower on top of the mountain of Duluth. Okay, it probably isn't a mountain, per se, but the tower is way up above the town and you can see for miles. We didn't get all the way up to the tower as the path was forbidden due to maintenance. But we reached the uppermost point we could without breaking too many rules. The view was fabulous.

Of course being that high up can inspire a person. Paenney dreamt up a new reality show premise involving hang gliding, rifle shooting, and scuba diving. An Olympic event of sorts. I can see him now, soaring off this ridge in a hang glider with his rifle in hand and flippers on his feet over the town of Duluth.

Next on the agenda was a visit to The Rocking Horse, a lovely gift shop in Superior. The Rocking Horse holds the consignment venue Lu, which carries some of my drink charms, bottle cap magnets and pulp fiction magnets. I think this means I can write off the trip as a business expense! I was completely enamored with the shop and will visit again next time I'm in Superior.

Not-so-great photo of a really cute display of Auntie B's magnets

After that we strolled through the campus while Paenney pointed out which buildings he goes to for his various classes. We also walked through the Student Union which I thought was really nice. College cafeterias have come a long way since I was in school. We also got to hear about the union flies (like barflies only they hang out in the student union) Paenney has named Tuna, Thunder Thighs, and Puff Head. He is following the path of his mom and auntie in giving familiar strangers descriptive names. I especially liked the name Puff Head.

Then it was time for Husby and I to head back home. We spent the ride back talking about how Paenney has become a ~~boy~~ man of many interests and talents. He was the perfect host and we hope he'll have us back again some time. I think he's lucky to be on a campus like UWS and he's taking advantage of lots of new and exciting opportunities there, not to mention flourishing at the Bong Museum.

What a nice way to spend a Saturday.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T06:55:00.002-05:00