It's a Giveaway! It's a Giveaway!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...okay, so it's not really, but it will be sooner than you know! And, I, as the self-proclaimed Christmas Queen of Blogland (wow - now that's a tad bit pretentious, isn't it??), have decided to feature Christmas Ornaments for my first ever giveaway! And why the giveaway you ask? Uhhhhhh....in honor of my 148th post, of course! Yeah, pretty lame. Actually, there's several reasons why I wanted to do a giveaway. The first being that I think they're great. I, myself, have absolutely zero luck when it comes to winning contests, although it doesn't stop me from entering them. Another reason is to say thank you for all of you who still stop by my blog even though I've proven time and time again that I am a full-blown menopausal lunatic with little or no hope of recovery. And thirdly, because I love, love, love Christmas! I'm a Christmas ornament maniac, too. I used to have a rotating tree stand (until the movers broke it, clumsy *&@!# dipsticks! - ooooh, that sounded real Christmassy, didn't it?) and my mom used to say she was amazed that it would actually spin because of all the weight of the ornaments on our tree. I don't think it's in me to have a branch without an ornament. Just seems wrong.... So anywho, back to the giveaway...I have 25 ornaments here that are just begging to be hung on YOUR tree! Just leave a comment for your chance to win. And don't forget, I'll have to have a way to contact you so, if you don't have your e-mail enabled on your blog, I'll need you to leave an e-mail address in your comment. Failure to do so will result in your pretty baubles being sent to the second name drawn. Got it? Speaking of the drawing, it will be held Wednesday, September 12th. Below are some close-up pictures of the ornaments. Click on any picture to enlarge.
The little angel with the blonde hair is so sweet - the glaze on her is very pretty in person. She has what looks like "2002" written all along the bottom of her skirt. The 3 white crosses each have a word embossed in the middle of them. One says Joy, another says Peace, and the third says Love.
These ornaments shown above are what I like to call "The Seagull and/or Magpie Collection". That's because they're very shiny and I'm embarrassingly attracted to shiny objects...much like seagulls and magpies (Sophie knows what I'm talking about, don't you? lol). That copper disco ball looking thing just does it for me!
And here we have "The Silver Collection". Not real silver, of course. But they are all silver in color, except for that iridescent glass one...not sure why it's in this picture. Probably should have put it in with the Seagull ones, huh?
And these are the funnier ones. I love the little elf - he's so cute. And the Cowboy Santa is because I'm in Texas. The 3 gold ornaments will look so pretty nestled in amongst the pretty lights on your tree, as will the burgundy and gold one. The Santa face is just plain ol' fun to look at and the last ornament, which I believe is a snowman on a sled, is one of those ornaments that always remind me of candy.
Okay - so that's it. Now you have to ask yourselves...Can you ever have too many ornaments? Of course not! Even if you don't need them for your tree(s), surely you know someone who is still building their supply. So come on! Enter to win! And yes, I will be more than happy to ship these to the U.K. so - all my blogging buddies from across the pond, please don't hesitate to enter! And spread the word! (Please!)

It May Not Have Been My Birthday,

but it sure 'nuff felt like it was! First, I started getting all these "Birthday Wishes" from out of the blue...then I got a little package in the afternoon mail (more like evening mail where I live!) from my mom and her husband, Jack. I opened it up - after much wrestling, cussing and fussing (way to totally and completely wrap a padded envelope in clear tape, Mom! lol) and found this: Awesome, isn't it? Some of you are going..."what? Is it a poster? Is it a print? What the heck is it?". Well, I'll tell 'ya! It's an official sheet of the Star Wars stamps issued by the United States Post Office. I actually bought some when they came out, but I'm a bit of a goober (some of you never, ever suspected that, did you?). I used the stamps I'd bought. I couldn't help it! They're just so flippin' cool looking! And it was so satisfying to put a Darth Vader stamp on my mortgage payment. Don't ask why, it just felt good. And an Emperor Palpatine stamp on the power bill. Ahhhh, felt so appropriate, those thieving, over-priced b*st*rds. But I'm getting lost in the moment...let's get back to the subject at hand. My mom and Jack have saved me from certain regret sometime in the near future when I realized that I had used all of my stamps and had none to keep with my Star Wars Collection. (Never planning for the future, is this one). And really, I don't know who was more impressed with this gift...me or Jacob (my number 4 baby). He's always accusing me of not handling the collection properly...I don't complete sets of things (mainly because I just collect the stuff I like, not the stuff that only comes in sets). He hounded me when the stamps first came out to buy extras but I was quite too caught up in the whole "telling bill payment recipients what I thought of their companies" thing. lol Like I said...I'm a goober. Anywho - we won't dwell on that fact any longer. Let me just say THANK YOU, MOM AND JACK! Love the gift! :) And then...the "Lost UPS Delivery" from Aunt Sandi and Uncle Wally arrived. Would you look at all that was in it???? My gosh! I was unwrapping things forever! The box weighed a ton, according to Randey, who carried it upstairs for me. As luck would have it, I had a pan of cornbread in the oven when the package arrived. But that's okay. The family likes their cornbread crispy. And it was crispy, by the time I got around to remembering I was in the middle of baking it! Can you blame me, though? It's not everyday that you get a package like this! Actually, come to think of it, I don't know if I've ever gotten a package with this much stuff in it. Thank you , thank you, thank you so much Aunt Sandi and Uncle Wally. You guys are the greatest! I took a few close-up pictures of some of my "already" favorite things that were in the box. This little cat just stole my heart! Isn't she precious? She's already found a home in the girly room, of course. You'd think that room was made for her. She fits in so well, don't you think?
These ornaments are gorgeous, aren't they? According to the box, they are from the 2001 Avon collection. I love them! I can't wait to see them on the tree, reflecting the lights....ahhhhh, pretty, pretty, pretty. Boy, I love Christmas.
And how about this lovely little round box in a fall leaf motif? Beautiful, isn't it? Now I must find just the perfect thing to oh-so-casually place in it...it's going to look great in the living room!
Thanks again Mom, Jack, Aunt Sandi and Uncle Wally! I'll never be able to find the words to adequately tell you how much these gifts mean to me! (All these words I've just written don't even come close to expressing how happy I am!)

They Say It's My Birthday...

but, it isn't. Sorry guys. While I appreciate your birthday wishes oh so much, I have to tell you...today isn't the day! My Aunt Sandi is the one who started this rumor, I believe! But you can't blame her. By all accounts (except his!), my uncle wrote the date wrong in the book. To be honest, I can see where there could possibly be some confusion. My sister Sherri's birthday is September 4th. My cousin Sunshine's birthday is September 8th. My birthday is September 12th. We're all crammed in there together so I can see where one might get the date wrong. But what's in a date, right? The birthday wishes are still mighty appreciated!

Now here's the deal...I was going to announce a giveaway on my blog today. I took pictures, got everything all ready and then got distracted by other things...I had to tell you guys about Kat's mom and dad and their HRT patch, then I had to tell you about Tauna's , Julie's and Sue's Autumn postings and then I absolutely had to give a definition of Mojo because Marcia at Joy is My Goal and others had asked for it...well, before I knew it, I had already put 3 other posts up today! (Makes you wonder - how much can one person post in one day? Although, to be honest...3 or even 4 in one day isn't my "record" number...). It's either feast or famine with me, isn't it? So - in the interests of not being such a total Blog Pig today, I'll hold off on the giveaway post until tomorrow. And since my birthday is indeed September 12th, and I know for a fact that it's much better to give than to receive, that's when I'll draw the winner. So check back with me tomorrow to see what I'm giving away! Here's a hint: It has to do with the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...(oh act like you're surprised that I'd have a Christmas themed giveaway!).

P.S. Aunt Sandi - you're not going to believe this, but I just saw the UPS truck drive right past my house. I guess he couldn't see it (even though we live on the corner and we're the only two story house on the street and therefore, are pretty darn hard to miss!) I fear that the poor UPS VP's ear will never be the same if his driver doesn't open his eyes soon, will it?

The Definition of Mojo

I have received several requests to define "Mojo". Here goes:

This is the definition of Mojo, according to the American Heritage Dictionary (whom I normally have much respect for but let's face it, they really missed the boat on this one!).

mo·jo (mō'jō') n. pl. mo·jos or mo·joes
1. A magic charm or spell.

2. An amulet, often a small flannel bag containing one or more magic items, worn by adherents of hoodoo or voodoo.

3. Personal magnetism; charm.

This is the definition of Mojo, according to me:

mo·jo (mō'jō') n. pl. mo·jos or mo·joes

1. The ability to get through daily life with a smile on your face and happiness in your heart.

2. A feeling deep within the spirit that defines one as human, versus an even deeper feeling of being feral and insane (i.e., exhibiting symptoms of being a subhuman life-form previously only ever seen during the ravages of menopause and/or in movies featuring the infamous Doctor Hannibal Lechter).

3. That thing Austin Powers (and I) so desperately need to be cool (and what menopausal woman - whether she resembles Austin Powers or not - isn't looking to be COOL, I ask you?).

There ladies. Wonder no more. Mojo has now, officially, been defined for all eternity.

Autumn Blogs

There are a lot of us who are really getting into the Autumn mode of thinking. I've seen it on so many blogs and I love every, single bit of it! Autumn can't get here soon enough for me. I've read 2 blogs in particular that I would like to recommend for Autumnal Reading. (And yeah, "Autumnal" is a word. I just looked it up to be sure. Tell me you're proud of me Tauna - I know you're thinking it!lol)
Speaking of Tauna, her's is one of the blogs I am referring to. Read her post of yesterday (September 6th). It's breath-takingly beautiful. And there's not a picture in sight (not on that particular post anyway). You know it's amazing writing when a person can make you see and feel what she's saying. And while reading this post, I saw the leaves and the colors. I felt Autumn reaching out to me. I felt all those wonderful, warm, moments that I want to relive every Autumn of every year. I was able to retrieve some long ago memories that brought me to a peaceful place in my heart with just the thought of what it was like way back when, during my Autumns growing up in Oklahoma. Powerful writing, I'm telling you. Please go and read it. You'll start baking pumpkin pies before you can stop yourself!
Another blog I feel is worth mentioning is Julie's over at Equus Villa. If you're looking for some visuals of Autumn, this is the blog for you. I'm not kidding. I could stare at the pictures she posts for hours. But then Randey and the kids might start up talk of measuring me for a spiffy little straight jacket so I try to limit my gazing to a minute here, a minute there. You understand. Okay, so here's 2 Autumn blogs I'm recommending to all of you. Does anyone have any to recommend to me? I love seeing, hearing, reading about Autumn. Please share if you know of a blog that might make us all fall in love with the coming season. Get it? Come on! You got it. Fall in love? Oh you people. You're acting like my kids. Rolling your eyes at my lame little play on words. Shame on you. It's basically "picking on the insane". You should be embarrassed. I'm embarrassed for you and ashamed of you, even if you're not. I bet you were all school yard bullies, too, weren't you? Well. Go sit in a corner and just think of how bad you should feel about making fun of me, the Menopause Madness Meltdown Maven.

P.S. You guys didn't fall for that last little bit, did you? ha,ha,ha,ha,ha Okay. Sorry. I'm done.

Oops, guess I wasn't done, after all! Just one more thing...Sue at Rabbit Run Cottage also has put up a wonderful Autumn post yesterday! Be sure to check it out, too!

And the Award for Greatest Menopausal Moment of "Turn-About-is-Fair-Play" Goes To....

The following was a comment left on one of my posts. I hope Kat doesn't mind me sharing this with the world on the front page of my blog.

Kat-in-a-flap. said...
Oh,I forgot to say that when my mum was menopausal she had HRT patches and one of them got stuck to my dads back somehow when they were in bed(!!!***!!??@@**)he wore it all day at work and was as daft as a brush for days when we finally discovered it and took it off.My mum says it was the highlight of her menopause !!!

I seriously suspect that just the thought of this moment will sustain me through many a tough time in the future. This has to rank in the top 5 funniest things I've ever, ever heard. Heck, it may be number 1. Way. Too. Funny.
If you haven't visited Kat's blog yet, please do. She writes about her days in a most charming way. (Although I will admit that just thinking of doing all that she manages to do in one single day often leaves me drained and exhausted! lol) She's frightfully organized, ever so efficient and is raising perfectly adorable children. And I still like her! And Kat, if you're reading this, please except my apologies for posting this without your express permission, but I simply could not help myself. Thank your mom for sharing this story with you! I know your father passed over last year, but I love that he and your mom were able to laugh about this happening to them! It speaks volumes about what great personalities raised you!

Confusion Reigns Supreme at My House (or in my head, at least!)

Everyone familiar with the phrase "Can't see the forest for the trees"? That's kind of how I've been feeling. I'm experiencing some serious issues, for lack of a better word, and some moments it feels like I'm missing details because I'm so overwhelmed by anything and everything else. I don't know if there truly are some momentous problems in my life or if the menopause is just making me absolutely flippin' nutso. And, while I never thought I'd feel this way, I'm really voting for the menopause at this point. lol I used to rant and rave about things when I was unhappy, but I've come to realize over the years that people don't like that, do they? So now I tend to kind of keep things to myself because I don't want to be a pain in the butt or a downer or just a plain ol' whiner. I tend to avoid talking to people when I'm unhappy. But I don't know if that's the right way to do it. All I've managed to accomplish this week is to deprive myself of the friendship and companionship of all of you that I've been blessed with recently, plus I've upset my oldest son because I couldn't talk to him the other day and guess what? I'm still not feeling any better than I was. So. I'm still searching for answers, I'm still feeling somewhat lost and confused and I'm still wondering what I should do to make some positive changes in my life. But what I'm not doing is forgetting to thank all of you for your kindness and your comments and your thoughts. It helps more than you know to hear from you all. I owe each of you a response to your kindness and I will give it. But first, I'm afraid that my motherly duties call. I've got to go pick up one of my kids from school for his ortho appointment. I wanted to get this post and the ones showing what I've been doing these past few days on my blog before I left, though (mainly so my aunt won't call me with horrible threats of bodily injury if I don't post something soon!lol). Thank you all again for your warm thoughts. I appreciate them more than I can express.

What Does One Do Whilst Searching for One's MOJO?

So how did I spend my time during my self-imposed exile? Well, let's see. I cleaned house. Something that, as a housewife, you'd think I would have been pretty much caught up on anyway, but alas, my housekeeping abilities are...how can I say this? ummmm, rusty? nooo, how about rudimentary? nah....more like....ummmm finely honed, yet much procrastinated upon and happily ignored as a general rule. But I broke down and did some vacuuming, bathroom cleaning, dusting, blah, blah, blah. I also fixed the 5 pillows that needed sewing. Three pillows had tassel issues and 2 had had their tufting buttons removed. Not sure how these things happened, but I put on my Caroline Ingalls hat and got the repairs done. No joy there, I can tell you that for sure. Then I made a few more Christmas cards. I've gotten a whopping 9 done now. I know, I know. I'd better pace myself or I'll have all the cards done before the next millennium. And then, in an obvious cry for help, I resorted to baking. Sorry, Sophie. I did it. I baked the chocolate chip cookies I had been threatening to bake for a while now. But, rest assured, I did not enjoy the experience. Please forgive me, Sophie. I know it was wrong to attempt this. I was desperate for anything to help me get my mojo back. Of course, I've known for most of my adult life that my mojo has never been nor never will be located anywhere near a stove and/or oven, but like I said, desperate situations call for desperate measures. I have now eliminated the kitchen as a possible source for mojo retrieval. Thank goodness.
So then I turned to fall decorating. I put this wreath, pictured below, on the front door. I found a couple of the fall decorations that I had stashed under the staircase, but the rest of it is still up in the garage rafters. Still hoping Randey or the boys will get those things down soon. If not, I guess I'll go buy a giant can of spider killer, some elbow length gloves, a beekeeper's hat (complete with face netting, of course) and attempt to get the stuff down myself. Let's hope it doesn't come to that, okay?
This bottom pictures is of a cute little figure (way over on the left) I found at Hobby Lobby a couple of weeks ago. I don't know why I like it so much, but I do. The pumpkins in the bread dough bowl are made of chenille. I found them in Weatherford at one of those little stores around the courthouse area. I think I paid something like $2.50 for all of them. Cute, huh?

Fall Decorating

The above picture is of a mirror on the right as you enter our home. I love the color of the autumn leaves around it. In fact, I just love Autumn colors. Something about them speaks to me.
This is our dining room table. Note to self: next house we buy will have a decent size dining room. I didn't think it would matter to me, not having one, but as it turns out it, it does! A lot!
These are ceramic leaves hanging from ribbon. You gotta love the falling leaves. Get it? Falling leaves? Fall? As in, Autumn? Okay, it was a stretch. So sue me why don't you?
The living room is already done in fall colors (I had no idea that the fall colors had long ago taken over my decorating, but this is proof!). I did add a couple more things just so I could say, "yeah, I decorated for fall, sure I did".
I don't know why I've included this picture. I guess because I just love this old typewriter. It's one of three that I own and don't tell the other two, but I think this one is my favorite. It's Maddy Moose's (my granddaughter) favorite, too. She's played with it ever since she could reach it (which may be why the keys are jammed up so thoroughly!).

The Road Trip That Wasn't

I'm not sure how or why it happened, but the much anticipated visit to the Canton First Monday Trade Days (aka Big Honkin' Flea Market in Canton) fell thru. We were halfway there when things just sort of ...well, went to hell. I won't go into details because that would just ruin my whole reputation as a fun-loving, happy-go-lucky flibber-da-jibbit and there's no point in doing that, now is there? Besides, the details are simply not blog worthy.
I'm sure I'll be back to posting my usual nonsense in no time at all so don't forget me if I'm off line for a day or two, okay? Can't explain what my major malfunction is, but I'm hoping ya'll won't write me off as the moody, crazy wench I am! I'm going to see what I can do to get my mojo back (you gotta love that word "mojo" huh?). Hope to "talk" to ya'll soon!