Monday, January 23, 2017

An open letter to Ashley Judd and Madonna...

Well, ain't you somethin?!  Something my daddy always said to me when I was really proud of myself, or had on a new dress...it always made me feel special.  And, I'm sure both of you are feeling pretty darned proud of yourselves for your tirades and hate speeches over the weekend --- "bravo" --- some of your best performances, I hear.  No, I haven't watched, or listened...I don't need or want to.  The reason being, neither of you represent me...or, any other woman I know.  Neither of you have ever lived in government subsidized housing.  Neither of you have had children wanting something you couldn't afford to buy them [I'm talking a $10 item].  Neither of you have written checks, knowing you didn't have the money in the bank [lucky for my, I had a friend that owned a convenience store and he would hold my checks, if I asked him to].  Neither of you have to worry about bills or going to the doctor because you can't afford to pay.  And all of these things I "lacked" wasn't because I didn't have a job!  I actually had four jobs...one of which I started my junior year of High School, at an Insurance Company and ended up working there for over 20 years!  I got off work at 4:30 and would then do data entry for a dentist office until 5:30, when I had to pick up my child from day care.  He and I would then go home to our little apartment that we were so very proud of!!  Even though it was a government subsidized apartment [our rent was based on my income], it was our "home".  We had plastic bookcases full of records we would play at night, after dinner [we never had a tv].  We would listen to Journey and Aerosmith on a portable record player and play "match game" for hours [one of my Son's favorite games].  I bought a beautiful bamboo coffee table and a new couch from an actual furniture store...it costs me a total of $250 and I financed it for two years!  I still have that coffee table!  It's the very first thing I ever bought on credit!  Thank goodness, I didn't have any credit cards...I knew they would get me in trouble!  After my Son and I would have dinner [usually something boxed or canned...I would let him have the Ravioli and I had the Ramen Noodles] we would do homework, play a few games and then it was bath and bedtime.  While he slept, I would paint base-coat on wood cut-outs for a lady that owned a painting store and sold folk art.  She would drop off a box full of raw wooden figures...like ducks, geese, cows, etc., and I would stay up to midnight, or sometimes later, getting them sanded and painted for her.  I would leave them outside our apartment door the next morning and she would pick them up and drop off more.  I can't remember what she was paying me, but it wasn't very much.  And then, on the weekends my Son was with his dad, I would work at the local flea market.  I worked for a lady that sold fake jewelry for awhile, then I worked for some people that made porcelain collectibles, then I worked for a man that sold plants, and then for the owners that sold furniture and oriental rugs.  I also sold Avon during this time, so I really had 5 jobs!  And still, even with all of that, couldn't afford hardly anything!

A friend of mine at work would get these catalogs all the time and we would look through them during our lunch break and wish and want for things in them.  One time there was this beautiful blanket and I just had to have it!  It was blue and white and had little sheep all over it!  At the time, I needed a blanket for my bed, so my friend offered to purchase it for me on her credit card and I paid her $10 a pay day until I had it paid off...I think it took me 2 or 3 months to pay it in full, with shipping!  And, to this day, I still have that blanket and use it just about every night!  I bet neither of you have a story like this, or ever had to worry about having enough money to buy a blanket!

When I was a senior in High School, I was all set to go to college, but I ended up having a baby, instead.  I've never once regretted having my Son, but I have regretted never attending college.  I was 18 years old and thought I knew everything!  And even the words to your song "Papa Don't Preach" ring true with me, Madonna!  My daddy handed me my car payment booklet and told me I needed to make an appointment with the insurance company to get my own insurance and that I couldn't live at home, once I had the baby.  I think back on that conversation now and I know it had to be the hardest thing my daddy ever had to say.  I went from a kid to an adult in a matter of hours.  I married my Son's father, at the insistence of his family, but we were both kids, so that didn't last any time and I moved into that little apartment, where we lived for several years.  My grandmother also lived in the same complex and she taught me a lot about forgiveness, letting go, tolerance and not worrying about things that may never come to be.  It's because of her that I finally realized life is way bigger than little ole me and that worrying just sucks out all of life's goodness and energy.  So no, Ashley and Madonna, you are NOT like me...you do NOT represent women on average...you don't know what it's like to be sexually harassed by men in power, or date raped by some guy that thought you owed him because he bought you a pizza and a couple of beers!  You don't know because you have body guards and attorneys following you around and protecting you from the general public!  No, you don't know what it's like to be a REAL woman!  You do NOT represent me!  

I honestly don't know why either of you felt compelled to jump around yelling and screaming and threatening to burn down the White House...sounds to me like you were both just seeking out media facetime and attention.  Who knows, you may both get awards for your performances!  Because THAT is exactly what they were!  Neither of you represent real WOMEN!  Give me a break!  REAL women represent ME --- women that have walked the walk.  Go back to your mansions, your servants and your glamour and stay out of the lives of us women that are struggling for equal rights!  You are not EQUAL to us!  Honestly, you both disgust and embarrass me, because now we have people like you representing women!  Give me your addresses and I will send you each a box of bonbons that you can enjoy, while wearing your silk pajamas, or floating around in your pool and watching the REAL world unfold on your giant television sets!

Okay, I'm done --- notice I didn't say anything mean or threatening, or personal about either of you...that's because my mother always taught me if I didn't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!  I feel sorry for both of you!  You have no idea what it's like to live in the REAL world!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"New Year's Resolution:  To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time." ~ James Agate

Friday, January 20, 2017

United we stand, divided we fall...

Sitting on the porch with my coffee this morning and thinking about how divided our world has become...then I noticed three little birds sitting in the same tree, just branches apart. At first I thought they were probably the same kind of birds, or at least a few of the ones that typically hang out together. But, upon further examination, I realized that these birds never hang out together and that they were three different types of birds entirely. It made me smile to think...maybe things will change for the better and we really will become "one" --- I'm being optimistic! Life is way to short and I'm starting today off positive! At the top is a Robin, the middle bird is a Brown Thrasher and the third one is a Hairy Woodpecker!
And the whole time I'm reminded of this beautiful song by Corinne Bailey Rae!  Enjoy!

Life is short...love your neighbor!  

Happy Friday!

"Fearful as reality is, it is less fearful than evasions of reality." ~ Caitlin Thomas

Saturday, January 14, 2017

I'm a sewing fool!!

I've been addicted [as of lately] to making these awesome journal covers!  I finally got my pattern down [that took almost a week] and now I can't decide which one is my most favorite!  These fit a standard 9.75 x 7.5 Composition Notebook perfectly!  And, I've also sewn in a strip of leather, so you can easily mark your page.  The outside cover features a nice zippered pocket, 
which can be used to store your pencils, markers, favorite pens, etc. 
 The inside flap also includes a smaller pocket that is perfect for keeping your favorite pens and pencils, a small notepad, or business cards.  I love them!  They would make great gifts, too!  Check em out in my Etsy shop!

And now I've gone and bought a heavy duty sewing machine, so I can start sewing on leather!  I can't wait to get started with that!!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

love and peace ~ Kathy

"If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it." ~ Ruthie Lindsey

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Sneaux Days!

It started snowing Friday afternoon and snowed all night...we ended up with about 8 inches, total.  When we moved to Pisgah Forest, North Carolina [wow, 10 years ago already!!], I was so excited about witnessing my first ever SNEAUX!  Being from Louisiana, snow doesn't happen that often and, when it does, it never sticks around for very long!  I fell in love with that initial snow fall and longed for more...that was, until day #2 and I couldn't leave the house, the mail wasn't coming, all the stores were closed anyway and I started to feel a little bit like "Jack" in "The Shining".  Even though I love days of creating and not having to go anywhere, the mere thought of NOT being able to is what bothered me the most.  I can see the Blue Ridge Mountains from right here, while I type this, and they are covered in snow...a beautiful sight, but I like enjoying it from my window.
The good thing about "sneaux days", is that it makes me very creative.  Yesterday, I made several of these gorgeous "personal crystal" necklaces.  Have you ever wanted to wear a crystal, but always thought they looked too "new age" --- these are perfect for just that!  They are gorgeous and, very unique and feminine!  Check em out!
And I have noticed that snow does add a little "magic" to everything!  I even thought about it last night when I was drawing in my journal and, it dawned on me, what if birds built nests on backs of bears!  They sure would stay warmer in the Winter!  Think about it!  
So, if you're like me, and really don't care much for snow, or Winter, you should join our drawing group on facebook!  It's so much fun!  Here's the link:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/youcandrawit
It looks like the "sneaux" is starting to melt, but today I'll be sewing!  Hope you are warm and cozy where you are!  Happy Winter!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

I'll leave you with this...a wonderful quote our yoga instructor read at the end of our practice last week --- I find it very fitting for Ozzy and I!  Enjoy!

Friday, January 6, 2017

New Year, New Beginnings, New Life Goals!

Happy 2017 ya'll!  Can you even believe it!  Another whole year just flew by like a bird!  And I started it off a little mad at myself.  One of the main things I wanted to accomplish for 2016 was to minimize my life and get outside more often with my camera and just start enjoying life more!  But, what did I do?  I got a sewing machine and started a whole new journey of making more stuff!  I know, I'm a "stuff maker" and THAT will never change!  But, even though I truly love sewing and making jewelry, it's kept me inside even more than ever!  
It seems as though, after my little Ozzy died, I have been in a "funk" of sorts.  I know it's something that had to be, but I can't help feeling guilty, just the same.  As I sit here this morning, waiting for the first snow of 2017, I can't help but think about how excited he would be.  Even though he was totally blind, he LOVED the snow.  He could feel it on his eyes and, I think, he could imagine exactly what it looked like.  And now, he's my brightest star in the sky...I can see him up there, shining his light down on me and my heart and telling me, it's okay.
So, as I wait for the snow and think about what I learned in my Yoga class yesterday, it's time to "let go" of everything that is not serving me.  And, that would be two websites I'm paying for that, basically, have no traffic.  I've decided to just have this one blog and "let go" of the two websites, including my photography website.  In an effort to minimize and de-clutter my life, it just makes the most sense!  Now, if only I can find somewhere to host the song that plays here...I got lots of feedback when I stopped it one time!  lol
Here's to a brand new year and I am determined to simplify my life this year!  Happy 2017!  Hope it's your best year, too!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." ~ Carl Sagan