Good deeds

So the "Ten on Tuesday" for this week is to list off ten good deeds that I have done this past week.  Let's see what I've got ~

1. Took Hobbit on a surprise trip to the library.
2. Took Hobbit to the pool after supper, twice.
3. Mailed off my Hufflepuff hexagon boot slippers (more on that tomorrow).
4. Defended my friends against bullies, aggressive and passive aggressive alike.
5. Held my tongue - trust me, that is a very good deed indeed.
6. Selflessly prayed for someone, even though they have hurt me dearly.
7. Dropped wishes on the floor for others to find.
8. Held a lot of virtual hands during these last few days of T5R2.
9. Gathering clothes to donate to the local homeless shelters.
10. Charity knitting... always doing some charity knitting.

I know that #7 might be confusing some so I'll explain real quickly - when I get change from a store, I will go out to the sidewalk and drop the pennies randomly so that other people may find them.  Hobbit finally caught on to me doing this lately and asked if she could "drop wishes on the floor" too - and so that is what we now call it.  We love to do it in the mall, by the fountain and then go sit at the Starbucks and watch people find them - if you're ever having a rotten day, do this... I promise it will cheer you up immediately.

So that is my list for this week... and this is my song, always -

Ten on Tuesday - Happiness edition

I admit that sometimes, I let life beat me up and I forget to take a minute to count my blessings, reflect on the good things and take a moment to enjoy the things that bring me joy and make me happy. Carole's theme for today's Ten on Tuesday is all about the things that make you happy... perfectly timed with the recent events of my little world. I need to take a minute and just find some joy, care to join me?

1. Listening to Hobbit mindlessly singing while playing with her toys.
2. Hearing Pokey and Hobbit laugh and play.
3. Having all the laundry washed, dried, folded AND AWAY!
4. My mama's Zucchini Bread
5. Weaving in the last tail of a big project.
6. Surprise letters in the mail from people I love and miss.
7. Bathroom love notes in my Sudoku book.
8. Unexpected visits from the Starbucks fairy.
9. Finding the perfect pattern and the perfect yarn at the same time.
10. Buddy wagging his tail just because I looked at him.

Those are just the first ten things that popped into my head and already, I feel better.  I am going to make a reminder for myself - whenever things get to be too Eeyore in fashion, I'm going to take a moment and pop off at least ten things that make me happy... that will bust the drearies in no time!

All about the magic...

I finished this...

Complete with pocketed lining...

Currently I'm here with a dear friend - I have the "day off"!

Oh, and I can totally participate in the Ten on Tuesday thing with Carole because there are lots of things that I wish I liked ~

1. Exotic poncy food.
2. The general populous of my neighborhood.
3. Vegetables
4. Non-fruity alcoholic drinks
5. Wider range of spices.
6. Today's fashion.
7. Purling
8. Scrapbooking
9. Wearing make-up.
10. "Doing" my hair.

Then there is always my Tuesday Tune to add to this magical mix.  This one goes out to my amazing husband who always knows when I need a day off to go play with my friend in the park.

Ten on - Tuesday - Tunes

I get to mash them up again.  I like it when I can do that because there was such a dry spell where I had nothing to contribute to Carole's fun little meme - which prompted me to come up with ~

So now that we've had a bit of an impromptu history lesson, let's get to it... today's prompt was for songs that get you in a good mood.  This is going to be awesome.  Grab your coffee and get settled, I've got some doozies for you:





You can't be in an ill mood at all when you hear this because even if you aren't a "Weird Al" fan, I know you enjoy the original song and can respect the awesomeness of this tune.





The Beatles. Enough said.





Not only is the message of this song fabulous - there is no way you can possibly sit still when it's one.





This is a favorite family memory for me. My family will randomly bust out and sing this one!





I know what you're thinking -that's not a song... perhaps not but it does make me very happy every time I see it.





The positive energy that this man exudes is just mind-blowing. So full of joy, always. I love him.




The message in this song just lifts me up and fills me with peace and joy.




She always gives me goosebumps and I'll end up in tears by the end. So motivational and inspiring.




I have loved this show since it first came out - some may be offended by the colorful lyrics, be warned.




So many of my life's memories are tied to here - and it always makes me happy.

There you have it - I was able to bottle up all my happiest songs in to ten neat little videos.  I hope that you are just busting with joy now - for more songs, wander over and see who else is playing along with Carole's game... because you can never have too much of a good thing.

Ten on Tuesday/Tunes

Carole gave us the prompt of "ten things in your purse" so here we go ~

I honestly just dumped it out and photographed it... well, I tidied the arrangement first

1. My books: A) Nerd Wars notes/ideas/timelines, B) Inspiration/Idea Journal, C) Calendar, D) Reading book (currently re-re-reading the Harry Potter series).  My pen and pencil are on there too but I figure that they go with the books, like a set.
2. My 'cheat sheet' because you never know when you'll find a great deal on some yummy yarn.
3. My hairbrush because I can't stand messy hair.
4. My camera (which was used to take this photo)
5. My 'essentials' bag which contains my inhaler, random medicine like Tylenol/Lactaid/Benadryl and girlie things.
6. My wallet which is also a wristlet so I don't have to carry my big bag in for little grocery pop-ins.
7. My hand lotion.

That's what is honestly currently in my pocketbook right now.  Yes, mine is a messenger bag with a most amazing print that I received for Christmas but it works great because normally, I have a small knitting project bag in there as well but I'm not working on anything small at the moment - all my projects require their own tote but I'm seeing a lot of smaller knits in my future because I like having a project in my bag.

For those who truly know me, you will understand this song and for those who might be wondering why I chose it, I will simply pray that you find the beauty in it for yourself.

I completely forgot...

What... it's how we have to do
snow angels in Florida.

I was going to participate in this week's Ten on Tuesday because it sounded interesting to me - what to do when it's too cold outside.  Living in Florida, we rarely have this issue but lately, it's been chillier than normal.  I love it this way because my asthma takes a break and I don't melt but Pokey... well... he's a horse of a different color.  He shivers like we're under subzero temperatures once it dips below 75.  It's funny to watch, at least to me.  I bet if you ask him the answer would be completely different though.  So grab a warm drink, a snugly blanket and settle in ~ here is my list of things to do when it's "cold" outside...

1. Actually go outside and enjoy it since it won't last long.
2. Grab knitting and coffee to sit on porch and enjoy it, since it won't last long.
3. Take Hobbit to the park for a picnic to enjoy the weather, since it won't last long.
4. Go on a photo walk, since this fabulous weather won't last long.
5. Wonder why you don't live in such a climate year round.
6. Make homemade soup because it's perfect for this weather that won't last long.
7. Wear my favorite sweatpants because the opportunity won't last long.
8. Drive with my sunroof open since I won't melt.
9. Take Buddy for longer play outings since he won't overheat.
10. Grab a blanket, a book and my coffee and enjoy the rare opportunity to be outside and not die of heat.

I'm willing to bet that my list is going to be vastly different from the large majority of participants today... what do you think?

Ten on Tuesday ~ The List

Carole asked that we write out the ten things that we still have left to do before Christmas.  I can totally participate in this one because goodness knows, I have a lot left to do and I love to make to lists.  Let's have at it, shall we?

1. Wrap Hobbit's presents.  I managed to wrap the presents for everyone else but for some reason, I have not done Hobbit's yet.  It's odd but true.  I'll do it tomorrow probably because that is her last day of school and goodness knows, she can't be trusted alone while I hole up and get it done.
2. Thaw the turkey and take stock for Christmas supper.  I think I have everything but I never know until it's time to start.
3. Bake more cookies.  We've only had one batch of Christmas cookies this year and they lasted a good while.  We are currently working on the fudge and Peppermint Bark I made last week.
4. I'm toying with making some cupcakes too.  I didn't have a birthday cake this year because we were at Walt Disney World so I have a hole in me that can only be filled with cake.  I tried filling it with ice cream, fudge, peppermint candies, cookies and coffee - apparently, cake is the only true fix.
5. Work on Pokey's sweater.  Y'all know I have a torn shoulder muscle and should honestly not be knitting for a few weeks but I have to say - it's going to hurt anyway so I might as well be doing something I enjoy to get my mind off the pain, right?  Just sitting around with a heating pad on my back is boring... I think I'll write up a schedule so I can get it done AND rest my shoulder.
6. Arts and crafts with Hobbit.  She found our construction paper that I bought back around Halloween.  We can now make paper chains and snowflakes to decorate our front window.  I used to love doing that as a kid - I even found a great wreath pattern last year from JoAnn Fabric.
7. Christmas Eve 2 Days Early.  That's what we're calling it this year.  We have a tradition where we all get in our pjs and go out on Christmas Eve to look at the lights around town.  Then we come home and have cocoa, watch a Christmas movie and go to bed.  This year, Pokey has to work on Christmas Eve so we're doing it on Thursday when he's off instead.  It will still be fun and as an added bonus, we'll be drinking Starbucks on the journey!
8. Doctor Who marathon.  Oh yeah, it's all set for Hobbit.  Since we're doing our Christmas Eve tradition a few days early, on Christmas Eve night she and I will be snuggled in with Cheddar popcorn, some soda and a bit of the good Doctor to keep us entertained.
9. Clean out Hobbit's closet.  We recently set in place a 20-25 toy rule... and that if a new toy comes into the house, an older toy must find a new home.  I'm ashamed to say that Hobbit has more than she needs and is not very good at giving things away.  Plus, since we've moved her downstairs, the upstairs room still has a truck load of toys in it.  It's simply time to pare down and simplify.  I truly believe that having less will make her (and us) happier.  It will be easier to keep picked up, find what she is looking for and play with what she has... this will be a great thing once we get through the act of doing it.
10. Enjoy my family.  I've been in a funk for a few months - nothing commercial worthy or that requires some type of intervention, just not feeling like I usually do when this time of year roles around.  I know the reason is because Peanut is not here... my family isn't complete this year.  Hobbit has no clue I feel this way and I make sure that we still 'whoop it up' around her but in all honesty, I'm just not feeling the holiday cheer this year - at all.  Hopefully, when Peanut comes home this summer, we will be able to get her license and a reliable used vehicle so that she isn't at the mercy of others while she's away at school.  If she had a car, she'd be home sometime today...

So there is my list of last minute things that I need to get working on.  I bet it's not much different than anyone else around this time of year - but I don't normally have anything left over by now.  At least I'm ahead of the game when it comes to Pokey - he still has shopping to do on Wednesday and Thursday!

I'll leave you with this Christmas song and I wish every one of you a joyous Christmas with those you love.

Ten on - Tuesday - Tunes

That's right, I get to do a "mash up" today because Carole sent out the prompt last night regarding today's "Ten on Tuesday" and it ties in so well with my normal "Tuesday Tunes" that I just couldn't resist.  Now please keep in mind that these are in no particular order and I am doing all I can to limit myself to just ten entries - I should honestly be given a prize for doing this as this is my favorite type of movie ever... are you ready?  Okay, here we go ~ Favorite Musicals...





















Man, that was fun! Now I need to go and watch these... Just curious - did anyone see the 'father/son' connection I put in?  I've got a daddy and a son in these videos - it's an obscure fact that my nerdy heart would love for someone else to know... come on, did you see it?

Tuesday Tunes ~ Giggle Edition

What can I say, Rascal Flatts always makes me smile. Have a great day!

Oh yeah, and since we're working on getting up to 100 for a super huge giveaway, I'll give a little boost today.  If we can get 5 more friends, I'll have a mini drawing for 5 patterns from my personal collection.  That means we hit 65 on Facebook or 70 here - I know you can do it!!

Tuesday Tunes ~ Peanut inspired edition

I spent a good portion of last night on Skype with Peanut. We talked, listened to music, watched videos and just had a good time for about three hours. She loves "The Phantom of the Opera" and is a fellow fan of Michael Ball... so I know she's going to love this rendition (that is Claire Moore, if you're curious).

Tuesday Tunes ~ 12 weeks left

Did you know that there are only 12 weeks until Christmas? Yeah, I know - it kind of snuck up on me too. I chose this song because of the meaning and I'm dedicating it to Peanut... because having her home is all I want for Christmas.

Ten on Tuesday ~ circa 1972

Yep, that's our goal for today - to reveal the headlines from the year we were born, so says Carole.  I'm okay with that since I was born just 17 days before the year ended... and that year would be 1972.  Yep, I'm not quite an Old Fart but I'm no Spring Chicken either... there is no description for me and my age bracket.  Shoot, they couldn't even come up with a good tag for my generation - just "X".  Oh well, ce la vie.  So here are things that happened in the year I was born... ready... steady... GO!

• 3 February ~ The 1972 Winter Olympics open in Sapparo, Japan.
• 24 March ~ "The Godfather" is released in the United States.
• 15 May ~ Okinawa is returned to Japan after 27 years of US military occupation.
• 17 June ~ Watergate Scandal beings with 5 White House operatives were arrested for burglarizing the offices of the Democratic National Committee.
• 31 July ~ Bloody Sunday:  British troops move into the ‘no-go’ areas of Belfast and Derry in Northern Ireland, ending Free Derry.
• 12 August ~ Last of the US ground troops are removed from Vietnam.
• 5-6 September ~ Munich Massacre:  Eleven Israeli athletes are murdered at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich after eight members of the Arab terrorist group ‘Black September’ invade the Olympic Village; five guerrillas and one policeman are also killed in a failed hostage rescue.
• 25 October ~ First female FBI agents were hired.
• 29 November ~ Atari releases Pong.
• 15 December ~ In honor of the birth of fabulous little girl, the United Nations established a specialized agency in a 112-0 vote,  The United Nations Environment Programme.

And there you have it - the *true facts of the year 1972.  I never knew my birth year was full of such interesting historical data.  To see what else happened around the world, check out Carole's blog for more fun-filled facts.

*Perhaps this wasn't done to honor me on my birthday but it is cool that it happened on the same day... mere coincidence?  One may never know.

Ten on Tuesday ~ wooly goodness edition

I got my weekly email from Carole about what our topic was and I was prepared to have nothing to say about it... yet again.  Imagine my surprise when she delighted me with the subject of things you want to knit for Fall/Winter!  Oh my goodness, a topic that I will have difficulty sticking to the limited number of entries.  This was just fabulous!!  Without further ado, here are some of the delicious knits that I have queued up over on my Ravelry page...

1. Union Jack Dress by Grace Melville
2. Anise by Sarah Hatton
3. Springtime in Philadelphia by Kate Gagnon Osborn
4. Oaklet Shawl by Megan Goodacre
5. TARDIS socks by Keladry Bonnett
6. Litchfield by Elizabeth Doherty
7. Smitten (a Holiday Garland) by Emily Ivey
8. Little Lamb Sock Critter by Lion Brand Yarn
9. Old Fashioned Sheep Toy by Sara E. Kellner
10. Lucca by Berroco Design Team

These are in no particular order - just a sampling of the 82 items I have saved to date.

All photos used were from Ravelry pattern pages ~ all rights remain with the owners of the photographs.

Ten on Tuesday ~ lovefest edition

Romantic Comedy.  My favorite genre of film - well, it's tied with musicals but generally those are just romantic comedies with fabulous singing bits.  Carole has decided that today's Ten on Tuesday is going to deal with our favorite RomComs and I'm all for it.  Shall we?  Oh, and let's have fun - let's do it backwards!!

10.  "When Harry Met Sally" ~ I love the chemistry between these two.  Everything about this movie is perfect and timeless.  The cinematography is gorgeous, the costumes are fabulous and the story is sweet.

9.  "Kid Galahad" ~ All the elements are perfect.  Boy comes home from military duty.  Boy follows dream with stars in his eyes.  Boy falls for girl.  Girl falls for boy.  Boy saves girl's brother from his demons.  Boy proposes to girl.  All the while, boy sings like nobody's business and has the cutest, most mischievous smile ever.

8.  "The Mirror Has Two Faces" ~ Smart, sassy and a whole lot of fun.  This is a movie that not a lot of people have seen but everyone should because of how brilliant it is... love at it's more elemental of levels and purest of desires.

The Cat's Meow - aka John Wayne

7.  "The Quiet Man" ~ John Wayne was an understated comic genius.  One glance says so much.  The simplest of phrases with just the right emphasis could knock you over.  Maureen O'Hara, well she is just a legend... to the point that Hobbit was almost named "Mary Kate" and with her attitude, she is referred to her quiet often.

6.  "One Fine Day" ~ This is one of my 'go to' classics when I just want a feel good movie.  Who can't relate to either character in this gigglefest?  Once upon a time, I daydreamed about finding my own Jack and having fabulous days gallivanting around one of the most amazing cities in the universe.

5.  "White Christmas" ~ Before you get all "that's a holiday film" on me, it is still a romantic comedy.  The comedy timing between Vera Ellen and Danny Kaye is impeccable.  The romance between Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney is one that has stood the test of time.  All of the singing and dancing is just the best bonus a girl like me could ever ask for, really.

4.  "Leap Year" ~ This is a newer movie but I love it.  The storyline is cute and I think that Amy Adams is just one of the greatest young actresses in Hollywood today.  I have no idea who the fabulous Irish bloke is but he's easy on the eyes and has the best laid back air about him.

3.  "Definitely, Maybe" ~ The premise of this movie is perfect.  What parent hasn't been asked to tell their love story by their children?  The twist that Ryan Reynolds throws in is what makes it fabulous.

2.  "That Touch of Mink" ~ Doris Day.  Cary Grant.  What more do you need to have a perfect romantic comedy?

1.  "You've Got Mail" ~ I love this movie.  The chemistry between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan is just so sweet.  It keeps true to the essence of the original ("Shop Around the Corner" with Jimmy Stewart) but the storyline is just wonderfully modern... and she agrees with me that daisies are the happiest flower.

So that is my list for today.  Now please note that if you ask me this question again tomorrow, my answers would all be completely different.  This suits my mood today and as a movie buff, I think it's a pretty good representation of the genre.  Now, if you haven't seen all of these, I suggest you hit your local movie spot and pick them up because they are all worth having in your collection!  Go ahead, I'll pop the popcorn and be here waiting when you get back.

Don't forget to cast your vote in the great header debate.  Poll is found on the right, post is found here.

Ten on Tuesday ~ Bumper Sticker Edition

Carole has deemed today as Bumper Sticker Day for her Ten on Tuesday gig.  This was fun because, while I don't participate in ruining my car with them, I do enjoy a good bumper sticker.  I generally put them on binders or use them as some other type of decoration.  Here are a few of my favorites...

Tuesday Tunes & 10 on Tuesday Mash Up ~ Harry Potter Edition

Yep, you read that correctly.  Today I am able to mash the two together because Carole sent out a message regarding this week's Ten on Tuesday was to be about the awesomeness that is Harry Potter... and one of the most awesome things about the HP movie series is the music ~ so here we go!

1. The relationships.  I'm not just talking about the top 3 players here.  I mean factoring in the entire Weasley clan, Dumbledore and the rest of the Hogwarts staff.  Even Kreacher and Dobby get woven in with such detail that the story would be lacking without them.
2. "Hedwig's Theme" is so well know that most people can guess it within the first few notes.  Many don't know the name or that musical genius John Williams is responsible but that's okay... you're now humming it so it's all good.  Click the link and be amazed at what all he has contributed to the cinematic world.
3. Hope.  That is a great message from every story.  One of my most favorite lines, uttered by Dumbledore himself, says to "Remember Cedric. Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Cedric Diggory."  Make a choice between what is right and what is easy... wow.
4. "Potter Waltz" because you can't help but smile when you hear it.  You're envisioning yourself dancing in the great hall, aren't you... yeah, me too.



I love this book!

5. Knitting.  I know if you only watched the movies then you must think I'm off my trolley but I promise, I'm not.  Hermione started leaving hats and socks that she has knit for the house elves all over the Gryffindor common room, a kindhearted attempt to 'free' the them in The Order of the Phoenix.  That led me to wonder if the wonderful knits she wears in the film are from her own hand as well.  I know that I have a book full of patterns created by Hermione and my most adored character of them all, Molly Weasley.
6. "When Ginny Kisses Harry" is a beautiful piece played at exactly the right moment.  It is soft, sweet and tender.  It isn't overly dramatic but has just enough to pull you in and get a touch misty.
7. Devotion.  The way that Snape is devoted to Dumbledore is perhaps one of the most moving storylines to me.  To respect someone so much that they would do that which would tear them up simply for the betterment of all amazes me.  He didn't want to do what he did but he did it simply because Dumbledore asked him to do it - to save a lost child from a lifetime of anguish.
8. "Farewell to Dobby" is the most poignant piece of music.  It is solemn, regal and yet there is the swelling of hope.  That same hope and good fortune that embodied the most precious of house elves.  He was a true friend that understood the power of love.
9. Imagery.  Either from J.K. Rowling's written word or by the beautiful cinematography.  Take whichever one you like because they are both equally breathtaking.
10. Be Strong.  This is my most favorite song.  The beauty of it always amazes me.  It's not flashy or well known but it is beautiful.  Enjoy.

Oooohhhh, my very own mash-up!

Y'all know that I was having a hard time coming up with stuff to join in on Carole's Ten on Tuesdays so I created my own Tuesday Tunes... guess what I get to do today - join them!  Yep, that's right.  Carole sent out her email with the subject for her Ten on Tuesday and it was Favorite Love Songs.  How awesome is that?  So let's go to this because it's going to be ah-maze-ing!

1. "I Can Love You Like That" by John Michael Montgomery.  That is our song so of course it had to be number one on the list.
2. "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman" by Bryan Adams
3. "Tonight" from West Side Story
4. "Just Haven't Met You Yet" by Michael Buble
5. "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars
6. "Always A Woman" by Billy Joel
7. "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait
8. "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith
9. "Hopelessly Devoted To You" by Olivia Newton-John
10. "All I Want To Do" by Sugarland

And here a bonus video for you from one of my favorite bands, Mumford & Sons ~ Enjoy!

Speaking of Concentration

I totally forgot that today was the whole Ten on Tuesday thing... it's okay though because it was on "Catalog Shopping"... something I do not do.  I'm too tactile to catalog shop.  I don't like to order something in a standard size that should fit and after waiting for it to arrive, learn that it doesn't for whatever reason.  I prefer to wander around, aimlessly really, and touch all the items.  When one grabs me, I'll try it on.  If it looks good, I'll fall in love... and then I usually look at the price tag, faint dead away and either photograph it to mentally deconstruct and recreate or start figuring out a way to noodle my budget.  Oh yeah, my purse always has a camera, tape measure, pen and paper to write down all the necessary information.  So to recap:

1. Always carry camera in your purse.
2. Always have pen and paper handy.
3. Know your measurements.
4. Deconstruct the item mentally.
5. Tissue paper makes great pattern pieces.
6. The sewing machine is your friend.
7. Knitting a sweater is a million times better than buying one from a catalog.
8. Teach someone else how to sew or knit - or learn from someone else if you don't know.
9. Impulsing shopping is awful.
10. Save a tree - don't catalog shop... my uber liberal friends will be clapping now... hehehe.

So there you have my version of catalog shopping - don't do it... don't even shop at the store.  The store is for inspiration really.  Simply make it yourself and find joy the entire process... that's what I do now and I love it.

Ten on Tuesday - Boogie Shoes Edition

My goodness, this is two weeks in a row that Carole has asked for something that I know nothing about... this time, it's Big Parties.  I don't throw big parties.  I don't go to big parties.  I am the antithesis of a party animal or socialite... so how am I supposed to write a top ten list on this subject?  Well, you know me - unconventional or not... I'll give it a go ~

1. Know people.  Sounds simple right, it is... but I don't know anyone around here so big parties consist of the kids and us throwing down a mad night of Wii bowling with a buffet of snacks... oh yeah, we bad.
2. Enjoy people.  Another thing that you would think would be simple to remedy but it actually isn't... you see, Pokey and I don't generally like "people".  We like individuals but people, not so much.
3. Something to celebrate.  Now we do celebrate... lots of things actually.  From the regular birthdays and graduations all the way to the fact that it's simply Tuesday.  It doesn't have to be a good reason, just a reason.
4. Theme.  I don't know why I believe that parties should have a theme, they just do so go with it.
5. Good food.  If you're going to celebrate then you better eat, and eat well... I'm just saying.
6. Games galore.  I think everyone who shows up should be forced to wear ridiculous hats at the very least and play immature games so others can laugh at them.. I mean with them.  It's all in good fun.
7. Presents.  It's a party, presents should always be involved whenever possible.
8. Goodie bags.  Everyone loves a good goodie bag, no matter how old they are, so be sure to have them with every gathering.
9. Back up plan.  As you can see, my party throwing skills are severely lacking so it's always good to have a back up plan, just in case it turns out as horribly as you predict.
10. Clean up crew.  If I have gone to all the trouble to throw the big party, I don't want to have to clean up after it.. I'm probably tired at this point and less then sociable.  It's best to have someone else clean it up or else there will be grumbling and mumbling which could turn very ugly, very quickly.

Yeah, I know nothing about throwing big parties.  I don't throw them and I don't attend them.  I have no knowledge of the subject and don't plan on acquiring any, any time soon.  I sure hope that next week Carole gives me something that I have a clue about... or at least it's easier to poke a bit of fun at instead.

Ten on Tuesday - Aviary Edition

Perhaps Ben was right?

This week, Carole has asked us to go on about our top ten favorite birds.  This one is difficult for me because I am ignorant on the subject of birds.  There are a few of the typical types that remind me of people, such as cardinals will always remind me of my Nana, but other than that, I am at a loss.  I don't know names and I'm not a big bird watcher.  I may photograph them but I have no clue who they are or anything else... and really, I have no desire to know.  So here is my take on today's aviary edition of the Ten on Tuesday...

1. Free Bird - what can I say.  You can take the girl out of Alabama but you can't take the Bama out of the girl.
2. Big Bird - Who doesn't love a super huge 8 ft. tall yellow feathered toddler?
3. Blackbird - again, what can I say.
4. Birdman of Alcatraz - if you haven't seen it, remedy it... it's awesome.
5. "Flipping the Bird" - now generally, I wouldn't list this but you have to see my mama do it.. it's funny.  She makes a little face to go with it and she barely lifts her finger... truly classic.
6. Turkey - okay, so I was able to think of an actual bird.  I love turkeys - and I love the fact that they were almost our national bird.. we should have something so delicious as a state symbol.
7. Cuckoo - but not in the traditional sense... more like the clock really.  I love a good cuckoo clock.
8. The Partridge Family birds - I used to love to watch those multi-colored beauties wander around the screen in all the technicolor glory.
9. Hedwig - because who wouldn't want a beautiful snow white owl.
10. Surfin' Bird - this song changed the face of music back in 1963, and I apologize in advance because I know it's going to get stuck in your head too.  I've been humming it the whole time I wrote this list!

So there is my version of the Top Ten Birds... probably not what Carole expected at all but then again, this is me we are talking about so who is really surprised.