The Ribboned Crown

~ Who Would Have Thought? ~

Timing is everything. My last post was about my superficialness and now this one is self-absorbed. Great.

A few months ago I was shocked to see an email from Staci Dumoski, editor of Artful Blogging Magazine, saying she'd like to speak to me about featuring my blog in an upcoming issue. What? So I called Staci and the first thing out of my mouth was, "You've seen my blog, right?". She laughed and said, "Well, not today". I mean, you guys reading this know what I write about and what a wise a** I am. I really was thinking that there could be a mistake.

So anyway, months later here I am. My photographs, my words. In this issue. Crazy! But very cool. Thank you, Staci, for such a beautiful, artistic layout of the pictures and article. The issue is wonderful and features so many amazing blogs.

This is my favorite part of the article. The part about you and your funny, clever comments and the fun we have. Seriously. This shallow, self-absorbed blogger thanks you for making this just the best time.

Really, just the best time.

~ REALITY CHECK (LIST) ~

 

SU·PER·FI·CIAL -

[edit] Adjective

superficial (comparative more superficial, superlative most superficial)

Positive superficial

Comparative more superficial

Superlative most superficial

1. Shallow, lacking substance.
2. At face value.

I am SO in my element right now-it's coming down to the wire on....

*Survivor Finale

*Bachelor Finale

*Dancing With the Stars

*America's Next Top Model

*American Idol

*Hell's Kitchen (I almost didn't list this one-!)

*Top Chef

Etc, etc.....

I mean, it's not like there's a presidential race or something important going on, is there? Welcome to my 'reality'.

Now, if they'd only bring back Queen for a Day. I need a new washer and dryer.

~ Happy Mother's Day, Mom ~

I love this photograph of my mom. She was about seven years old. She gave it to me and my three sisters last Christmas. We had never seen it before. She said she can remember that outfit and especially the hat. She remembers thinking she looked pretty that day. I think she does, too.

Here's my mom this past January on her 85th birthday. We surprised her with a lunch with family and close friends.

She is an amazing woman. She drives all around town, plays the piano at her church, volunteers at a rest home, drinks Starbuck's Macchiatos, watches American Idol and Dancing With the Stars (and has an opinion on who should win!). And she does all of this with unbelievable energy, even after losing her best friend and the best man I will ever know, my dad three years ago. They were together and in love for 62 years.

She loves all of us so much and we feel the same about her. Her spirit is undeniable and just remarkable to see. Such a role model for all of us at any age...but 85?!

Happy Mother's Day, mom. You continue to amaze all of us everyday!! We're so proud to be your daughters and part of your life.

~ First Rose of the Season ~

Glad I'm a morning person.

(BTW- all of the Swashbuckler Artists' names are still listed on my sidebar. Just scroll down, they're to the left. When I have some free time (ha!) I will add all of their names and links to the actual post of the party).

~ A Swashbuckling Good Time ! ~

Hello, Ladies. I'm not certain if Donna is going to make it back by 5:00 so I thought I'd step in and help out. And, of course, a tuxedo was in order as I am standing in front of the most spectacular and creative group of women. Your art and humor kept the Bonnee Lass afloat throughout the night and into the the early morning. Donna thanks you from the bottom of her corseted heart.

And Donna is in such awe of all of you that whether she left with Captain Jack Sparrow or not is of no importance... she has decided to crown a new Queen of the Swashbuckler Soiree and give up her crown and scepter either way! And because the participation was so grand, she has asked me to draw 2 more names and she will send a little something to those ladies, as well.

Let's get started, shall we?

The names have been safely stowed away in a treasure chest (Captain Jack wouldn't give up his hat for the drawing!).

The two names I have pulled from the treasure chest who will receive a swashbuckler creation from Donna are...

Alice from Inspired Tokens! And....

Constance from Rochambeau!

Congratulations to you both! I'm sure Donna will get those  creations off to you shortly. And now...who will be crowned the Queen?

Our new Queen is.....

Bethany from Love From my Studio ! Congratulations!! I bow before you! (and your story was so very romantic). I will let Donna know and this crown and scepter will be sailing off to you.

So, I know many of you are wondering what did Donna decide? Did she sail away with Captain Jack Sparrow?? And live happily ever after?

No. No, she didn't.

But not to worry ladies.....

She's with me.

~ A Swashbuckler Soiree Sets Sail !! ~

The festivities are underway! We have left port and we're aboard our ship, The Bonnee Lass (christened by our poet laureate, Miss Maddie ). Good call on the extra-large ship as we have a full crew, all of who are listed directly to the left under the Swashbuckler Soiree Banner. Click on each artist to see how they are celebrating the party!

I have been starving myself all week to fit into this dress! I certainly want to look my best for that certain someone- (back off, Lisa!)

It's a good thing the laces can be loosened as I plan to enjoy and indulge myself all day. Speaking of....

Oh! I believe this is just what I need. Bowls and bowls of candy.

Saltwater Taffy...

Chocolate-filled coins.

And a little Pirate's Booty!

And of course, we need to toast each other as we take our Maiden Voyage. A bit of rum perhaps?

Or maybe a spot of ale instead.

There's plenty to go around. Or if you prefer....

we do have lemonade.

All served up by our special bartender, Jerry. Finally, he's comfortable in his shirt!

What's this? Someone is breaking into song! Oh, I love it!

From A Favorite Opera, Pirate boy.

And a selection of pirate songs. But who is that singing??

Adam Ant!!! (for sure,a pirate before his time). And now he's singing an extra special pirate song.

Oh, this is so, so, wonderful- good company, food, drink, entertainment. I'm so glad you all are here. I'm so enjoying mingling with you.

But what's the commotion over in the corner? I see Sylvia running over to me. "He's here, he's coming aboard!!"

OMG! Quick, tighten the laces. He's making his way over to me!!

He leans in and whispers that he is here only for a moment. That if I am to go with him, I must leave right away- abandon my crown and sail away. But wait, I beg. The Soiree, my friends, the candy- I can't leave this very minute.......can I?

 

Check back Sunday after 5:00 to see what I've decided to do ( like you need to ask!). If I go, I must forfeit my crown so a new Queen of the Swashbuckler Soiree will be crowned!

Until then, enjoy yourselves, visit with each other and accept a huge thank you for attending OUR Soiree!

~ PIRATE SIGHTINGS ~

   

Yes! Getting ready to set sail this Saturday. And I've heard and seen glimpses of the 'swashbuckling' in the making - Wonderful -and some hysterical, like this one from Lisa at Heart of the Nest!!

Feel free to post your creations as early as Friday night if you need to since there is a time difference between coasts. And I know some of you may be busy with your own little pirate's events (soccer games, baseball, etc.) on Saturday. No rules here! If we pop over to visit you on Saturday and you haven't had a chance to post your creation yet, we'll just come back later, okay? No worries. I plan to set sail early Saturday morning. I'll be looking for you throughout the day on Saturday.

Off for a bit more plundering!

~ Ahoy! This Saturday!!~

Ahoy! We set sail this Saturday on our Swashbuckler Soiree!

Will there be damsels and lasses fightin' o'er me favorite pirate?

As ye can see, I be ready to fight for 'im. Draw yer swords!

Arrrrrrgh!!!!!

Ye'r not too late to join- click here . I've listed all of the artists (to date) under the Swashbuckler Banner. Let me know if I missed ye or if a change is needed!!

~Celebrating May Day in April~

The Queen of the May donning her wreath......

Little treasure boxes.....

Crowns....

Fairy boxes with crowns tucked inside.

Just in time for May Day.....dolls, fairies, queens, and crowns now visiting American Harvest.

I know I'll be busy with the Soiree around the first of May so off these went a bit early. But I don't think these creations mind an early arrival. I think fairies and dolls have their own calendar don't you? For all I know it could be their Groundhog's Day. Yes, I thought I saw Bill Murray sporting tulle and wings in the fairy glenn.

On the Menu today? Clearing up some things!

Wow! First of all, thank you to all who have joined in for the Swashbuckler Soiree taking place here on Saturday, May 3rd. There are close to 60 of us so far! (click on the link above if you haven't joined) This will be a blast, for sure. But my apologies to some of you who didn't understand the invitation. Obviously, I was a bit vague, about the location, etc. in that some thought this was a real party. I went back and tweaked the wording so it's much more clear. Hope that helped! Sorry about that.

Since that happened (the lack of clarity) it got me thinking about what we all assume is real or the impression of something, especially when you see or read it in the cyber-blog-world.

Like all of these photos on this post, one sort of gets an impression when viewing them. Here you see some very cool French menus. I have them displayed with great old silverware, silver trays, antique napkin rings, etc. They look really wonderful grouped together. But, of course, they give someone looking at them a certain impression or idea.

But this is really not who I am. I just want to be clear.

Now this...this is much more my reality.

I actually use this cookbook. And directions.

Here's the extent of my French cooking. Seriously. I guess my point is, things aren't always what they seem. I just wanted to be clear. And speaking of.....

Many of you saw this photo of me that was on Ulla's blog when we had lunch together last week. I had a couple of  comments and a few emails that were complimentary. Thanks for that!  And yes, that is a good photo of me. Hair's pretty good, the lighting is flattering, etc.

But.....

Just so we're.....

 

......clear.

Talk about your altered art. Sheesh. And one more thing. I'm really not being that genuine here. If you try to click on the photos of me, they won't enlarge. I'm not that insane! So anyway, things aren't always what they seem. Are we clear? Now where's that damn eyebrow pencil, lipstick, lipliner, eyeliner, eyeshadow......? Yep, you get the picture - and it's probably airbrushed.