Peace on Earth... Can it Be?

Merry Christmas to All...

So Many Little Things...

So little time left! I know I have been a bit neglectful lately. I have three little ones, and we have just been hit hard this season with back to back illnesses... Just when one starts to feel better, another one will have a fever... UGH! I hate being sick myself, and it's just miserable to watch your kids struggle through a fever or stomach virus. Yikes!

Anyway, not to be a little ray of sunshine, but I thought I was actually going to be ORGANIZED this holiday season, well, one big HA_HA on me. We decided to give homemade preserves for Christmas this year to some of our lucky friends and family, this was done by my hubby back at summer's end, so I thought- wow- I can actually coast now... AND here's how the trouble always begins right? You know you have one less thing to do, you take it for granted now that you have that extra bit of time now and you get lackadaisical about everything, then BOOM- you suddenly realize that there are only 9 shopping days left until Christmas... and the panic sets in! Did I mail a card to cousin Eddie, why didn't I buy that scarf for Granny when it was on sale, will my brother really appreciate that gift certificate to the "man spa"... and it goes on like this until the tree is trimmed, all the presents are wrapped, stockings stuffed, and Christmas dinner is on the table...

I have found that now more than ever this year, I am really trying to shop local for gifts, or buy homemade crafty gift items online. I have been surfing Etsy like crazy for unique treasures and awe-inspiring baubles at an amazingly affordable price. I am even going to *Gasp* crochet a hat for my sister (at her request!) I think that this year, in light of the economic situation we are facing, it is so important that instead of just arbitrarily buying gifts just to be giving something to a person, that we really take a moment to think about the person that will be receiving this gift. I have found that just by going to Etsy and browsing all of the wonderful and creative items up for sale, that inevitably I see something that reminds me of someone, or that inspires my direction somehow. This is really an incredible site that you should visit when you have the time to sit down and really browse. Another great blog for crafts and ideas is Jessica Jones' How About Orange.

Another feeling that I have, which I mentioned before, is that I wanted to try to support local artisans and the community by buying things made locally here in Tennessee or even just made the USA... Do you know how hard this concept is becoming?! Commercially, you can forget it with the big stores, I read that four out of five toys sold here in the US are made in China. I know that kids are always going to want that fabulous toy they've seen on tv. However, for the adults in your life, there are a few local shops that will pride themselves on supporting local arts and crafts. In Oak Ridge, you can start by perusing the shops at Jackson Square, where you can always stop for a yummy snack and well-earned hot cuppa coffee at Moondollars Cafe (where I actually bought one of my Christmas gifts - a print by the artist & mathematician Stacey Kite,) and then perhaps make your over to the Corner Gallery at Grove Center. Believe me- compared to battling the mob in Wal-Mart, it's a much nicer way to spend an afternoon of shopping.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving.... A Love Letter

I know I have been delinquent in my posts as of late. There has been a whirlwind of activity on this end, and I have been negligent, so for that I am deeply sorry.

As of late, with leaves turning color and winter setting snugly in, I have been in a bit of a romantic, yet somber mood. So, instead of reading any thoughtless banter I might come up with for this Thanksgiving, I thought you might consider reflecting on the last words of love of Major Sullivan Ballou (March 28, 1829 – July 28, 1861) of the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, written to his adoring wife Sarah just before he lost his life in the Battle of Bull Run. I can remember the first time I heard this beautiful letter, some years ago, I was driving in the car listening to a radio program about the Civil War.

His letter, his words, still stand so relevant to this country today. I guess being the wife of a former Marine, these words really struck a chord. I am dedicating this post to all of you, my friends and family - any of you who are missing a loved one's dearest presence this Thanksgiving. Let us all reflect on the many forms of love in our lives. Especially that love of your beloved spouse, and family, of country, and of our own duties in this life as Americans...



July the 14th, 1861

Washington D.C.

My very dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days -- perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure -- and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine 0 God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing -- perfectly willing -- to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows -- when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children -- is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?

I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death -- and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.

I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles have often advocated before the people and "the name of honor that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me -- perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar -- that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night -- amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours -- always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

Sullivan

Spend All Hallows Eve at Moondollars Cafe

Hey fellow Oak Ridgers- at the Moondollar Cafe tonight they are featuring tarot readings by Victoria and you can settle in and watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show! I stopped by today, and got a sneak peek of tonight's menu and it looks fabulous! My stomach is growling just thinking of pumpkin sweet potato soup... it sounds so good! All hail all things pumpkin!

Speaking of pumpkins, my husband's carving skills will be on display outside in the form of a carved beauty he donated to Moondollars today. It's our favorite one that he's done this year. It's a scene he did from the animated Hayao Miyazaki movie "Our Neighbor Totoro." Go on down and see it in the flesh- or check out his new blog The Psycho Carver for more wicked pumpkin carving masterpieces!

In the Beginning, There Was A Pumpkin...

Did my husband out-do himself this year or what? I told you we take Halloween seriously in this household! In this line up you can see a dragon, Pinhead from Hellraiser, and Jack Skellington! He usually does one pumpkin for each member of the family... the kids really like picking out the pictures they want him to do. I believe the dragon came from one of those pumpkin carving kits you can buy at Target that comes with all the little tools. The patterns for Pinhead and Jack Skellington were found on The Pumpkin Wizard although my husband adapted them to suit his own pumpkin carving strategy.

This one is really this year's masterpiece... For all of you Hayao Miyazaki fans, this one's for you! It's from My Neighbor Totoro and this is our all-time favorite so far! My husband actually drew this by hand looking at a scene from the movie and adapting it to create his own pattern. Isn't it adorable! If you haven't seen a Miyazaki movie, you should really be bonked on the head. No, really, all of his movies are absolutely wonderful, stunning illustrations, great story lines, your kids will LOVE these movies! Although I recommend his movies, be aware that not all of his movies are appropriate for all age groups. Even though these are animated features, some of the movies have content that is not appropriate for young viewers. This is especially true for one called Graveyard of the Fireflies... it deals with really sad subject matter, and after watching this my hubby and I were glum for days. Make sure to screen it, or ask someone before you show it to the kiddies! I recommend Totoro and Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service would be a fun one for Halloween, but Howl's Moving Castle is my favorite.

Here's A Little Reminder- PumpkinFest 2008 is going on this Saturday at Grove Center from 11am-5pm. Here is info. from their Facebook page.

Have a Tiki... or Two

I told you folks I that I am absolutely crazy MAD about Halloween! I hope you enjoy my little Halloween tikis design I've been working on... and yes, the flowers are supposed to be made of candy corn! In case you don't already know, I also like Hawaiiana. My 3 year old is a big fan of the surprised one. She was totally hovering over my shoulder while I was draw-ring them. I am still tinkering around with them, I can't stop myself! I have a whole page of this design that I am considering posting as Halloween wallpaper... wha-da-ya-think- trick or treat?!

"You didn't tell me you were going to KILL it!"

Well, Folks, I have been up to no good this week- learning new stuff, doing school stuff, just all kinds of stuff involving parental and kid things... So my post will be short and sweet- forget the presidential debates- ARE YOU READY FOR HALLOWEEN? The nostalgic in me needs to get in tune with my childhood and dig up my copy of "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown," so that I can force my kids to watch it as some sort of parent-child bonding ritual. Here's a little treat for all you Linuses out there!



Speaking of killing the pumpkin- here is a pic of last year's Great Pumpkin courtesy of my husband's mad carving skills... We'll see if he can out-do himself this year!

Getting in the Mood...

If you aren't already in the Halloween spirit- check out these cute... er cool, skeletal coffee mugs from skeletaldropkick. When I got too old for trick or treating, my mum actually used to 'surprise' us with our own little candy stash in a decorative mug... Too bad these little beauties weren't around at the time! For your own skeletal coffee mug, or perhaps a festive set of ceramic horns, I really recommend checking out the stuff for sale in her etsy shop. I really dig the squid teapot myself and the wee mummy bowl. If you really want a mind-blowing moment, watch her create one of her wild scuptures on this video, my 3 year old got a really big kick out of this one.

Oak Ridge in October...

Oct. 4th – Secret City Head Race - www.ORRA.org

Oct. 4-5 - The Velveteen Rabbit @ Oak Ridge Playhouse- www.orplayhouse.com

Oct. 9-11 – St. Mary's Fall Festival - 457-3552

Oct 9-12 - Secret City Film Festival tickets - www.SecretCityFilmFestival.com

Oct. 9-12- 29th Annual Tennessee Fall Homecoming @ Museum of Appalacchia - www.museumofappalachia.org

Oct. 11th – Anderson County Toy Run - www.andersoncountytoyrun.org

Oct. 18 - 19 - Street Painting Festival - RSCC Campus - http://rotaryor.org/streetpaintingfestival

Oct. 23rd – 26th Annual Children's Halloween Party at the Civic Center @ 5:30 p.m. - www.orrecparks.org

Oct. 25 - Pumpkin Fest from 11am to 5pm, Grove Center

Senior Moments at American Museum of Science & Energy Events - http://www.amse.org

Catch the Secret City Excursion Train for first glimpse of the beautiful East Tennessee countryside during the most scenic time of year. Sit back and relax while viewing some of the most spectacular Fall colors in the region. Every Sat & Sun 11am, 1pm and 3pm in October. http://www.techscribes.com/sarm/srm_scs.htm
Call 865-241-2140 for tickets.

A Word About the VP Hopefuls...

Hey Folks-

I don't usually like to post about political jibber jabber in my blogging life, but I found this article on MSN Money regarding the VP candidates' finances, actually it's pretty interesting. In light of tonight's much anticipated debates, I thought I'd give you some brain food to get you in the mood... How many of you Oak Ridgers are planning to watch the Palin-Biden debate tonight? If I can get the kiddies settled, I think I am definitely going to tune in to the excitement.

I have to admit, this is really the first time that I am amazingly stoked about the presidential elections. It is so amazing to be living in a moment in time where minorities are actually being seriously considered and may have a real chance at achieving the greatest and most respected positions in public office!

I know that I might get a lot of guff from my friends and relatives on saying so, but I really admire Governor Palin. I am coming from the perspective of being blessed to be a mother of three beautiful little girls, my youngest having some special needs, and even though I may not agree with everything Palin has to say politically, I can point to this woman and tell my daughters the following:

1. Hey, look- you can have your cake and eat it too!
2. You can be beautiful, have a large family, and still have a successful career
3. Everybody has family issues [who among us doesn't], deal with them as best you can as a family and everything will work itself out.
4. All children, including those with special needs are precious gifts, and present us with challenges that not only make us better parents, but also better human beings.
5. You don't have to be a follower, you don't have to be a crowd pleaser, please just be your own person.
6. There are no prescribed paths to leading a successful life, just the basics- know your values and stick to your goals... and your guns!

Whichever candidates are privileged to have your vote- always remember what a wonderful and exciting time it is to be a voter!

Every Girl Needs A Little Bling...

Or so say the invites I sent out for the jewelry party that I recently hosted through Premier Designs and the Jewelry Lady-the lovely Margo Davis. My orders from the show came in last week and I am SO excited! This is one of the necklaces I got FREE as an incentive for hosting the show and meeting some of the hostess bonus awards. Actually, much to my surprise, hosting a show was incredibly EASY! Margo did all of the real work, I just did a little house cleaning beforehand, and the day of the show I prepared light brunch snacks- a simple quiche, assorted cheese and crackers, some wonderful preserves made by my husband [cherry-plum, peach... you get the idea] and fresh fruit. Really people, no kidding, it was truly mind-bogglingly SIMPLE!

My greatest fear really was that no one would show up, because in order to take advantage of the August special, I really only had about a week and a half to hand out invites and pass around catalogs, and to give people notice. With some mild coaxing and small threats, I had a nice cozy little group show up. Margo is SO great! She showed up about a half an hour beforehand and in no time at all she had a very professional set up using nothing more than my kitchen table! It was like- VOILA Jewelry- and it was all there. We did the show out on my patio [thanks again, dad & eva for the new furniture, yes- we use it A LOT!] and the weather was perfect! Margo had a lot of inventive ways to get folks involved as she discussed the jewelry, the incentives, and the company- Premier Designs. I had no idea that there were so many ways to wear jewelry! It was really a blast and there were some really neat things, like a lot of the pieces have cool features like magnetic clasps, so gone are the days of your husband fumbling around with his big ol' hands and busting the clasp on your favorite bracelet! Also, many of the pieces are interchangeable, so you might have a necklace with a pendant that can be removed and worn on a belt strand or with another necklace for a completely different look. We had a great time trying on different sets, and ogling this and that.

If you are thinking about doing a home show, but are intimidated like I initially was, doing the jewelry show is really great for first timers. Many of the items in the catalog are extremely affordable, and I soon realized that it wasn't going to be too hard to find ladies that are interested in pretty sparkly, shiny jewelry! It was really so much fun! If you are seriously considering doing a home show of your own, here are some tips that I found to be very useful:

1. In addition to the paper invites, I also set up an invitation on evite.com. This was great because this site has a feature that allows your guests to rsvp online.
2. If you have little ones like me, you might want to bribe the significant other [I had my hubby take them to the movies] into taking them out for an hour or so, a trip to the park or the movies would give you a good amount of time, and will keep little hands from sneaking off with some of the smaller pieces to play 'princess'!
3. Just keep it simple! Don't try to overwhelm yourself with little details and drive yourself [and others] crazy. I have a hard time with this one... but really simple works better in the end!

If you are interested in learning more about Premier Designs Jewelry, or would like to request a catalog, or possibly book a show, contact:




Margo Davis
"The Jewelry Lady"
(865) 803-8662

Color Career Counselor

Hey- just for fun I did the Color Career Counselor from CareerPath.com, which uses your color preference to determine successful career paths... It uses something called the Dewey Color System® that boasts to be "the world's first and only validated, color-based personality career testing instrument." It was pretty interesting... Here are my results:

Best Occupational Category
You're a CREATOR
Key Words: Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional
These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.

CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.
Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.

2nd Best Occupational Category
You're a SOCIAL MANAGER Key Words:Tactful, Cooperative, Generous, Understanding, Insightful, Friendly, and Cheerful This very social type enjoys working in groups, sharing responsibilities, and being the center of attention. Fields of interest are instructing, helping, nurturing, care giving and instructing-especially young people. They discuss and consider feelings in order to solve problems, lead, direct, persuade, guide, organize and enlighten others.

Jeez, lucky I decided to get into graphic design... Let me know what your color preference says about your chosen career path!

Scented Lap-tops?!

Really, what can they possibly think up next?! Honestly, feel this one out, mull it over in your brain-A SCENTED LAPTOP... I am a design junkie, so the colors and cool design of the new ASUSTek F60 Notebook series are already just wonderful eye candy... and then adding individual scents... wow, that's going a step beyond. Pictured here is 'Floral Blossom' just one of the four styles that are available. They actually have one that is called "Musky Black," um... what else can I say? Except that you should note that "the lifespan of [the]fragrance depends actual usage..." Go figure. For more info., check it out on their site: asus.com [photo credit: ASUS]

Atomic City Mom Does Big Ed's Pizza!

Well, after about 4 years living in this area, I finally got to try out Big Ed's Pizza. Located near historic Jackson Square right across from the Farmer's Market, Big Ed's has been a neighborhood pizza joint for generations of Oak Ridgers. I really was excited to see what all the fuss was about. I mean, we had driven by the place countless times always seeing that giant caricature of 'Big Ed' stenciled proudly on the front window... Finally, on a hot summer afternoon out with my sis-in-law, curiosity, heat, and hunger pangs pushed us to take the plunge. With two toddlers and a baby in tow, my sis-in-law and I braved the hot August mid-afternoon to do pizza at Big Ed's. We pulled up right in front and were able to find a parking spot really close to the front door. This is always great for a mother of three small kiddies!

Everything was going swimmingly, I unpacked the kids, myself, grabbed the stroller, and then I noticed a sign on the front door that brought our little foray to a screeching halt... Big Ed's does not accept CREDIT-CASH or CHECK ONLY! How stone age! Who carries cash anymore, really? I certainly can't bother with it nowadays with the three kids. Everything is swipe-swipe. Well, although this was a bit daunting, we are a determined folk... I called my hubby and had him join us for lunch... An extra set of hands to help with the kids, and ahem- a side trip for him to the ATM for cash. Lovely!

WOW-I was surprised to find the cozy facade of the building to be deceptive, the actual dining room is HUGE... dark, but really large, and actually buzzing with people! It happened to be a weekday afternoon, and there were really a lot of folks there chowing down. We sat at a table near the window, and even though there were other people eating nearby, it still felt like an intimate setting. I was immediately transported back to reminisce about a neighborhood pizza joint where I used to go to hang out as a kid back in Baltimore. The pizza is greasy, but somehow mixed with the atmosphere it is all so comforting and friendly. The kids loved it, even the little one seemed to be soaking it all in... Admittedly, you could probably get a better deal ordering from your favorite franchise pizza place, but there is something about sitting there with family and friends joking and laughing over a pitcher of cherry coke [sorry no free refills, ordering a pitcher is your best bet.] It feels like you are making a memory... We ordered a large 'polka dot' pizza [that's translated into pepperoni for you folks without kids] with extra cheese to feed three adults and two and a half kids... the adults had 2 slices each and the kids had 1 a piece, while the baby happily gnawed on crust [she's teething.] We actually got a big kick checking out some of the memorabilia around the room. My hubby is an ex-Marine, and there was a cool bottle of what I initially thought to be a beer called Jarhead Red... It actually turns out, as was pointed out to me by my esteemed and knowledgeable friend, that Jarhead Red is a wine made "by Marines, for Marines, on California's Central Coast..." You can purchase this wine on the Jarhead Red website, and the sale of this wine benefits the Marine Corps Scholarship Fund. Very Interesting... On my way to the bathroom, I spied what appeared to be marble countertops at the bar! Yes, there is a bar where you can order alcohalic beverages...



Overall, if you are looking for a cool place to hang out, Big Ed's Pizza seems like a good place. The food was okay, the service was great [our server was so pregnant she was about to POP,] and the atmosphere was really fun. A good time had by all... and a few tummy aches had later from all that grease.













Big Ed's Pizza
101 Broadway Ave
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
(865) 482-4885

Oooooh- It's Happy Flea Market Day!

We went to to the flea market today and found some really cool stuff- as you can see by my daughter's lovely new mask! It was loads of fun-although it was really HOT. Next time it would be better to try to get there earlier to really enjoy the meandering.

It tends to get going pretty early in the AM, and starts winding down when the heat kicks in around noonish. We got there at around 11 am today, which is really late in the game, most of the vendors had already started packing up their wares.

We wandered around for about 15 minutes or so, and actually found some cute things. My younger daughter made out like a bandit with two handmade Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls. Ann is a blonde with blue button eyes and Andy is a brunette. They are so adorable and only $1.00 for the pair! The mask was a mere 25 cents!

There are always a lot of folks selling toys, Barbies, and all kinds of baby items...

I got this cute coffee cup and a cool necklace for pocket change.

Oh, and since I collect banks, I couldn't turn down a little ceramic jukebox bank. When you drop in a coin the music plays!

Don't worry guys, there are plenty of things for you to look over- my husband found an antique reel for a really good price! Of course, there are lots of tools, watches, and other stuff you might like as well!

The Flea Market

Location: Oak Ridge High School

Times: Sun-up to Noonish

Greetings from the Secret City, USA

Oak Ridge, TN... My new found hometown... I am so happy to be here!
Since I am new to Oak Ridge, I am in a state of constant discovery. We have lived in Eastern Tennessee for years, but I didn't realize that Oak Ridge had so many cool little places and events going on. Basically, as I journey about town and discover cool new things (places, people, shops, events, and of course plenty of kid-friendly stuff) then I will happily share what I can. I am always interested in finding new things going on, so please all of you long-time Oak Ridgers- feel free to let me in on the fun!