Wednesday GUEST Blog

11-30-11 vacant brain
Ann filling in again, for me, as I am holding a training session this week at work~Judy

Fall Road Trippin’ – Des Moines to NashVegas

My friends ask me “Ann do you work, you always seem to be on the road?” Yes I work and Yes I always seem to be going somewhere and when it’s to visit family, that’s’ doubly sweet. For my 39 + 12 birthday, I gifted myself two road trips, Fort Campbell and Las Vegas.

My niece Sunita and her Army husband moved to Fort Campbell in October (from Maryland n’ her first military move) and when I heard they were moving, I immediately planned this trip. The last time I saw her was on her wedding day in 2008. Here’s a pic of Dad, Sunita and husband, Sebastian.

 
The drive to Fort Campbell was beautiful and not really that long, 600 miles in 10 hours. I took the diagonal from Des Moines, to Hannibal, to St Louis, to Paducah, to Fort Campbell with one minor pit stop to see the Arch and Busch Stadium in the shadows of Game 6 of the World Series.

         
Fort Campbell is home of 101^st Airborne and longstory short, when I went to Tech School in Rantoul, IL, I met an Army dude and we became very good running buddies. I’ve lost track of him and I hope to one day locate him, Daniel P. Matthews from South Amboy, NJ.  Okay, sorry for the digression. I arrived in time for Sebastian’s office Halloween party for the kiddies. Oh, did I mention in three years, Sunita and Sebastian are proud parents of Gabriel. He’s just about two and as cute as a bug on a rug. He’s dressed up as Oscar, which I got confused with cookie monster, bert/ernie … haha.

My five day trip went by fast and we got a lot of partying/eating accomplished. First up, Flamingo Friday (neighborhood party) in which I asked her “I think you live on Lysteria Lane”. The house party was fun and the food was yummy. Next up was a Halloween bash at cousin Michelle’s house, fried fish, chicken wings, collards greens and jerk chicken, along with a lot of sweets. Sebastian dressed as a Farrow, Sunita as Queen of the Nile, son Alex as a Creeper and me, well my first official costume, drum roll ….Smurf Girl. Yep that’s me in Judy’s blonde wig. Oh did I say, I made the outfit myself.

          

My only request while I was in TN was to drop by the Antique Archeology (aka American Pickers) store in Nashville. While we were there, ran into a Zombie run. Yes, I know a little about Zombies. Back to Pickers, I’m a groupie and I should write about why I love this show. The store was amazingly cute, noting like the LeClaire, IA store. Too bad I missed Mike Wolfe by two days. On my way out, I noticed a meet-up of scooters (Vespa and others). Mike Wolfe is a big Vespa fan. I dared myself to ask to get on one of the scooters, and yep I did. Come to find out, this was their first meet-up. When I have some discretionary cash, I’d like to get a little scooter.

          

I got a lot accomplished in my short visit and it was nice to be around the Chee You family. On my way home, made one pit stop, Eldon, Iowa to get my pic taken at the American Gothic House. The blue wig was a bonus. Go big or Go home!

Chat Later

That Girl, Ann Marie

Ann's Birthday

11-29-11 over-scheduled brain
Much to write about, but not much time today. I will have to play catch-up later in the week with news from Thanksgiving weekend.
Monday night my "Peace Sisters" took Ann out for her birthday.

I gave Ann a PEACE HUG and bought her dinner.
See HUG here for 11-29-11: http://www.onesmalldailypeaceofart.blogspot.com/


Ann ordered the "Benny Burger", not knowing it was a 20 oz. stuffed burger. The waitress added the candle for us. She ate half.

11-28-11 thinking brain
Worth the 2 minutes of your time!
"WE THE PEOPLE"....... what are "we" going to do?

New blog reading!

11-25-11 absent brain
While I am taking a blog break..... and IF you really need something new to look at- Please note I added two new Blogs to my List on the right side panel. You can "click" on them and go visit.

52 Sweets is great for those of you "foodie" people out there.

AND

Flower Patch Farmgirl was recommended by Kelley. I've started following for a few weeks and this blogger is on some type of faith journey..... which sounds like it was due to the same book I read last year. "Radical" by David Platt.

Enjoy!

Thankful for.....

11-24-11 impatient brain
This morning I am waiting for Greg to drive to DM, then we are off the "Grandmother's House" for Thanksgiving. Who really cares about the food....... I am most thankful that I still have a warm, loving, childhood home to go visit and thankful to share this day with my parents, Greg, and friends I will see there!

I'll post pictures next week.

PEACE OUT!

Wednesday GUEST Blog

11-23-11 vacant brain
Ann has Thanksgiving reflections she wanted to share today. I'll be on a blogging break for a few days. Happy Thanksgiving ~Judy

Thanksgiving 1968 ~ Thank You PanAm

Wow, what a title! While everyone is thankful for family, health and a job, I will always be thankful for PanAmerican Airlines (PanAM). Some backstory on PanAm, began in 1927 as mail carrier (Key West to Havana), they quickly began flying passengers all over the world. Despite major advances in air flight, PanAm declared bankruptcy in 1991. Will there be a comeback? Perhaps the TV drama PanAm, is laying the groundwork. Here’s a pic of their route back in the day.

 

PanAm popped in my head as I was listening to NPR today, which reminded  of my flight to the United States. My, that was a long time ago and what an adventure. Dad moved to Washington DC around June and our big move was on November 28, 1968. It was Thanksgiving Day (new holiday to us) and one day before my eight birthday (my birthday is never on Thanksgiving). I wish I had a photograph of that day. Here’s the closest, a picture of me at age nine.

           

Picture this, my mom shepherding six kids ranging from 5 to 15 (the oldest was mom’s sister) on our first ever plane ride. I vividly remember the airline attendants in their blue suits and cute hats, pinning “wings” on us. We left Trinidad in summer-like weather and landed in New York in winter-like weather. Of the many rules mom gave us, one was to eat everything on our plate and that’s where my love-hate relationship with blueberries began. We arrived in NYC and Dad greeted us (he came up from DC) with coats. I was given a blue coat with shimmery lining. We all flew to DC and on the flight given a meal that included peas and blueberry pie, both new to us. Remembering the rule, I barely swallowed down the peas. However, the texture of the blueberry pie just would not go down. So I carefully covered the pie in napkins and stuffed it under my coat sleeves. Two hours later, after arriving in DC, the pie was smeared all up my sleeves. Let me say, I’ve never eaten a blueberry pie since and that thing about texture, it goes for yogurt/cottage cheese and in general, all smelly cheese. However, I do love blueberry cakes/muffins and jam. I found this treat in the breakroom today. 

There’s a new show on ABC about PanAm which I always forget to watch. The plot of the show moves rather fast, so I’ll make it a point to give it another try. But when I see it, it puts a smile on my face and I immediately go back to Thanksgiving Day, 1968. 

So on this Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2011, while I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, cook my butt off, I am thankful for the sacrifices my parents gave to bring us to the land of opportunity, the many friends and family who have supported me with their love and friendship this year and to my sister Charmaine and brothers Glen and Tony who are watching after me as my Dad would of. And of course, Rick and Robert!

          

Chat Later, Gobble Gobble

That Girl, Ann Marie

11-22-11 busy brain
Last night was a gathering at my house for viewing the Dancing of the Stars final dance challenge between the last three couples standing. I don't care who wins, I've just enjoyed watching and laughing with some girlfriends each week. Often,  we also had dinner together Monday nights. Last night I made some squash soup in the crock pot.

Other news, I have been busy updating my Peace Blog, at the encouragement of my fellow blogger friends Lori and Renee. I'm gearing up for 2012, and I have decided to continue the "one small daily Peace of art" another year, and adding a new twist.

It you haven't visited that blog lately, check it out:
http://onesmalldailypeaceofart.blogspot.com/

I've posted the Back-story of this Peace Blog, and my plans for "spreading Peace in 2012".

Here is the story for my Mom and Dad who don't have access to the website.
Back Story                                                                                            I created my first Peace Art in the early fall of 2009, almost by accident. I had finished creating a project for the Westminster Fine Arts Series late summer, which was an experimental piece, an abstract- of splattering and pouring paint which centered on a large heart. I like it, so I wanted to experiment more. “Peace Head” was born using similar free silliness with no paint brush involved.

In 2010, I continued making a few small abstract Peace Art, on 4 x 4 pieces of foam core- when framed; I thought they look pretty cute.

Then in November/December of 2010, I read a book by Pastor David Platt, called “Radical”, which challenges Christians to do something different- bold, radical…....... and by “taking a leap of faith”…. this would give God the opportunity to show up in amazing ways with small and large miracles for the world to experience.

Since I wasn’t yet ready to get “too radical”….. I had the idea of pursuing a daily period of reflection and meditation, which in turn might lead me to greater discipleship. This is when the idea to combine my love of creating art and my desire to change my busy chaotic life into a more peaceful existence, came together in the creation of this blog “one small daily Peace of Art”.  I was committing to show up everyday and let God do something radical with me.

Small miracles did happen! My life did take on a more positive vibe, and a new lightness/joyfulness surrounds me now, even in my chaotic busy of life. I learned that Peace doesn’t just happen- one needs to focus on creating this peaceful environment in small ways each day; for example- smile more, take time to hug someone, slow down the pace of your life, do one “good deed” for another person each day.

When I started to share my Peace Art with others, I also witnessed a few small miracles happening which had me smiling. Once, when I was hanging up some Peace Art at the Iowa Acupuncture Clinic waiting room, a woman saw the back side which was dated, this happened to be her birth date, and when I turned if over to show her the art, she burst into excitement seeing the pink Peace Art- her favorite color. She bought this Peace right then and there. In a similar story, a person really liked a specific Peace of Art I had on display and needing a small gift for a friend, she bought it and afterwards, when she turned it over, she realized the date was the birthday of her friend who would be receiving this as a gift.

These two “miracles” pushed me towards the decision of what to do with my Peace Art in 2012. Read about this under the next TAB “Spreading Peace”!

Another miracle to me is the fact that in December 2011, I will have my Peace Art displayed in three places in Des Moines.  

Good FuD

11-21-11 food brain
Each year, I let myself have one  BIG MAC Hamburger, Sunday was the day I chose to eat one. I was on my way back to Des Moines from spending the weekend in KC with Greg. We had a fun weekend in which I was able to relax and get away from work, and get away from framing any more art.

Friday night Greg took me on a real date night- we went to the Chris Isaak concert at the Uptown Theater. After 20 years, Chris still looked good and sounded great!

Saturday evening we were invited to eat dinner with some Mini Cooper friends John and Johnna. Johnna is a total "foodie"- hard cord creating and learning about food, and she writes a blog.
Go here:
http://52sweets.blogspot.com/

So we met up at a new restaurant (FuD) Greg and I had not been to before - it was vegan, locally grown, organic and gluten-free upon request.... AND it was really good food! I can't wait to go back.

I have been meaning to share Johnna's link to Chai Spice Sugar Cookies, which sound so good to me. Can someone make me some? Molly or Ann?
http://52sweets.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html

This week will be the usual Thanksgiving week to splurge on food. I am looking forward to Mom's stuffing, and sweet corn; along with Bunny's pies!

Fashion Do or Don't

11-18-11 busy brain
I wasn't going to post today, instead I was busy last night creating my parents Christmas photo letter.... Greg agreed to work on ours- so that was one less thing on my "to do list". It's been a busy week at work, but Tuesday night I agreed to get out of the house.

I attended a benefit for an organization (GEEZ LOUISE) which helps girls and women deal with life, supports the idea of sisterhood. Women should be lifting up each other rather than acting like most of the roles you see on TV these day. I know I am sure blessed by a group of women who do our best to support each other. My life wouldn't be to same without them.

My "sisters" will even accept me when I am in my "artzy fartzy" mood. Tuesday evening as I was dressing I was reaching for a familial scarf to wear, but instead I went into Greg's old tie area and came out wearing this. My sisterhood group won't be afraid to tell me the truth. Was this look a fashion "DO" or "DON'T"... for the crowd I was hanging with that night, it felt OK to me.

Unexpected Art Exhibit

11-17-11 surprised brain 

I have a story to tell about how my Peace Art was started back 11 months ago, but I don't have the time or energy to write it down at this point, But I'll work on that. For today, here are pictures of my Peace Art hanging in the local coffee shop (Grounds of Celebration) in my neighborhood of Beaverdale. Thanks Ann for helping me. It really isn't about selling the art..... for me it is just joyful to know that my Peace Art is being shared out into the world!

 PS: I am struggling to get use to the new blogger update. I was resisting and Renee told me to use it.
I suppose I'll love it after a bit, but right now I can't figure out how to do the things which were just a habit for me. So bare with me...... later.

Wednesday GUEST Blog

11-16-11 vacant brain
It is fun to get Ann's tales of all the action on the GOP side of things. So glad she dressed properly for this venue. No cleavage shown here, thank goodness! A quick reminder to Kelley and Molly that they are working on upcoming GUEST Blogs too!  (?) ~Judy

Heatin’ Up – Road to the White House 2012
Iowans get ready for two months of heavy politicking as the Iowa Caucus is less than 60 days away, January 3rd. Democrats can relax and watch the propaganda geared towards independents and Republicans. The TV ad’s are up and running and my mailbox will soon be flooded with fliers. While I do watch the TV ad’s (remember this is revenue) do people read the mailers? Frankly, I pitch them without reading them. Which begs the question, what motivates a person to vote for one candidate versus another – print ad, TV ad, debates, TV/radio sound bites, in-person forums or friendly debating with your friends?

Judy and I do our share of debating. Here’s a pic of us holding our respective party's mug, a gift given (to us Friday evening) by Molly. Will the day every come that we exchange mugs?

I prefer to get my opinions right from the candidates and boy, I got a great opportunity last month at the Iowa Faith and Freedom Collation Dinner in Des Moines (October 22). Yes yes, a conservative and evangelical organization, right wing bible thumping group. And no, no bibles needed for this dinner.

My connection was a friend of the Perry campaign and I was very honored to be the guest of Gabe and Carolyn Haugland. Longstory short, not only does Gabe work for Perry for President, he’s a Drake Law graduate, US Army Guard, infantry and now a JAG Officer. His wife is not only a Drake graduate, she is Miss Iowa 2004 and her sister Emily is Miss Iowa 2006, hailing from Clear Lake. I felt special sitting at a VIP table. The Nicholas sisters were singing the national anthem. They were very good and as they told me, they perform as a duo all over Iowa.

The dinner was very good (fried chicken, potatoes, beans) then the candidates spoke for 10 minutes then answered four questions from a two-person panel, total of 20-25 minutes. It was great to hear the candidates “unfiltered”. Herman Cain went first, Gov. Perry in the middle and Rick Santorum was last (felt bad for him).

Here’s my take of the evening:
Cain- gave a good speech and all I can say, he can hold a room (pre-scandal speech).

Paul- just when he sounds sensible, he says something really odd. However, all can agree “time to get the troops home.”

Bachman- her story is old, born in Iowa, foster parent, tax lawyer. I’ll give her credit for winning the Iowa Straw Poll but that’s all.

Gingrich- smart man, maybe too smart to be President. His baggage will hold him back.

Rick Santorum- very informed but not enough traction in Iowa. Credit him for his personal pro-life position.

Gov. Perry- yes he’s my candidate, yes he does not come across “bright/smart” on TV but in person, he comes across very clear.

I was able to see all the candidates, shook Gingrich’s hand and got my picture taken with Governor Perry, sweet for me!

Now move to the debates, two in the last two weeks and one scheduled in Iowa next week. Yes Yes, even Perry admits he’s no debater and about the “oops” moment, I really felt badly for him. Yes it can happen to anyone, but not when you’re trying to dig yourself out of a ditch when on “live TV.” Well after a day of “mea culpas”, he was back on track at the GOP debate in South Carolina.


So get ready Iowans, for two months of political theater. The world will be “watching”.


Chat Later
That Girl, Ann Marie

Freak out into outer space and back

11-15-11 freaked out brain
So Saturday evening Molly and I met up with Kelley down town at a great french restaurant, Django, which is located in the Fort Des Moines Hotel. Yes, it was a little more upscale than my usual favorite restaurants in Beaverdale, but we were celebrating after all.... a successful day of Peace Art.

When Molly and I got back to the house, we decided to try to stay up and watch part of Saturday Night Live, although Molly was falling asleep on the couch. I was tired too, so I was hoping for a wonderful night sleep and planned to sleep in. Well...... instead- my brain started to freak out..... thinking about all the tasks I have to get done between now and Christmas. It was all swirling in my head and I felt like I was floating helpless into outerspace.....and I started praying hard for some peace.

Finally, I fell asleep about 1:30 AM or so...... in the morning I got up and starting making lists and writing down a schedule of when certain things needed to get done. I felt better since my mind now didn't have to keep juggling the information in my head- and worrying that I would forget something. After a good breakfast over at Chefs restaurant (we skipped church).... Molly helped me get more organized with my art and she did some Christmas shopping at my "peace art store". I got in the mood to get some things checked off my November list. Molly helped me get a few outside lights put on the house, and after she left I decided to decorate the living room mantle. WOW- now I starting feeling "a head of schedule" for once! That does not happen very often.

Molly had given me this Peace wall decal for my birthday! I've added a few more starts since this picture was taken. It's from a line called "Wall La La"

I think you can find some here:  http://www.wallstickershop.com/oh-la-la-wall-stickers.html

Then Sunday mid-day, I went to visit a lady I use to work with at the VA Hospital Cancer Registry. Rita was one of the gals who helped set up an introduction between Greg and I. It was so wonderful to see Rita again. We had lost tract of each other last year since her health took a bad turn and she was forced to move from her great retirement apartment. Now it was so good to learn that she has improved so much she has found a new assistant living home in the Drake neighborhood.... so not too far from me..... and I can visit more now!

PS: Even Rita is buying some of my Peace Art for her door. She will be the most hip 75 year old in the place! Rita still has and is using a computer, which I always admired her fearless transition into computers back in the 90's. I might have to introduce Ann to Rita, since Rita is also a political news junkie.... and leans towards my beliefs.... I'll have some back-up in my political discussions with Ann and maybe even Teresa. 

Peace and Mixed Emotions

11-14-11 confused and tired brain
WOW.... a fun and busy weekend. Greg was out in Ohio for a football game- the timing was perfect on this.... since I was busy with a Church Holiday Bazaar of sorts.... OK- a craft sale. This was the first time I have attempted to actively sell my Peace Art.

I'm happy so many of my girls friends turned out to support and help me.... which of course meant we also had fun eating out, drinking a little, shopping....etc.... everything girlfriends do together.

Long Story Short......
I actually sold quite a bit.... not necessary at the show itself, but friends and friends of friends heard about it on Facebook and I had a lot of pre- and post- orders. Two Peaces are going to California and one of those is a gift for someone in Australia (Molly says that makes me an International Artist now!)

Of course I had some separation anxiety with my favorite Peace Art.... but it is nice for me to think much of my art is now at home with many of my friends at this point. I had mixed emotions about selling.... it was work preparing..... it went OK, but I'd much rather spend my time just creating art than selling. This experience does have me thinking about another venue I may try next year. I think I am now ready for a real Art Show.... rather than a craft show with mostly old ladies... whom my Pastel Flower Notecards where the biggest hit with this crowd.

Here are the pictures:

Molly, Carolyn and Ann helped with set up and take down.

I'm so grateful for all that support!

Friend Kelley came to pick up her pre-order of Peace Art and she brought along my God-Son....... wow Ben is getting so tall and is only in 8th grade! OK he might be going through that awkward puberty phase- but still SO CUTE to me! I love those curls which came out of no where!

It happened to me too at age 13, but I recovered by aged 16.

I was also so happy my co-worker friends Renee and Lori drove into town and came to support me!

Wow- I am truly blessed. Thanks everyone!

PS: It looks like PEACE will be spreading across Des Moines in December. I will be having a small show in the Westminster gallery area (Greg you have to help me hang this Sunday afternoon Nov 27th).

Also the owner of the local Beaverdale coffee shop has interest to hang some Peace Art there. I'll be showing her some of my stuff this week.... and my art is still hanging at the Iowa Acupuncture Clinic and I am selling a few there from time to time.

PEACE OUT!

Service and Honor

11-11-11 gratitude brain
It's Veteran's Day, and it is nice to see all the comments posted on Facebook thanking veterans for their service. Seems like there is more awareness of Veteran's Day now, or is it just that my friends and I are at an age we can really appreciate what service and sacrifice is all about?

I sure became more aware back in the mid-80's when my job took me to regular visits at the VA Hospital here in Des Moines. And as it turned out- that is the place where I met Greg. (He was a building manager there)

Of course today, the ONE Vet that means the most to me is my Dad....."the Marine Dude", as Ann likes to call him. Dad experienced unimaginable challenges when he was in WWII, from age 17 to 20(?). He was over in the Pacific swimming to islands to do recon-missions which help plan attacks. Once he was the only man to survive an attack while in a rubber boat. He rolled off the side and swam in the ocean until he was picked up next the day by a submarine.

Growing up, we didn't know any of Dad's stories, it wasn't until 1995, the 50th Anniversary or so that Dad began to talk at the urging and curiosity of my high school classmate friend- Steve. And of course I can't remember all the details like I should... but I got the feeling of the great endurance he and the other men when through. Thus I am in AWE of not only what Dad did in WWII, but what he has done as a Husband, Father, Teacher, Coach, Civic Leader.... those challenges of daily living also show me that he is a true HERO.

Sometimes I wonder what made the "Greatest Generation" great? I believe it was their challenges which strengthen them and made them tougher. They learned about how to sacrifice and give service to others both on the battle field and at home.  I think us Baby-boomers just had it pretty darn easy growing up..... our time of challenges and sacrifice - - now - might be upon us. Hope we can rise to the challenge and change our paradigm.... cause our country can't continue the status-quo.

Here is Dad with some of his fellow serviceman at a Marine Reunion a few years back.

More Peace

11-10-11 busy brain
The last few weeks, after work in the evenings, I have felt like I've got myself a second part-time job. I've been working hard on getting ready for this Holiday Craft Bizzare over at Church on Saturday. There has been framing, creating notecards, organizing, getting the display layout set up, deciding on pricing.... and other odds and ends.

Here is one of my newer favorite PEACE created this week, not yet framed

Saturday should be a fun day, despite the work, since Molly is coming to town to help me at my booth, and Ann has volunterred to help and I am looking forward to other friends who said they are coming to shop. However, I'll admit, I'm looking forward to next week, after this show- to be able to kick back a little more in the evenings. (except to work on my large pixel artwork for January deadline)

All this busyness had me thinking about a poem I wrote back in 2002 and the feelings of peace I am now  longing for- especially this time of year as the days get shorter.... I need more sleep and I'd rather be curled up in front of the fireplace reading a good book.

Time to Be Happy



To be happy-
I need time on my hands,
Thick, sticky time that doesn’t slip through my fingers,
Solid time that won’t evaporate into haste.


Time to look beyond the busyness-
Time to study the birds gathering at the feeder,
Time to gaze at the lingering sunset,
Time to lie back in the grass staring up at the stars,


Not time to think, or even the time to dream-
But time just to let my mind wander closer to heaven.
Time like now, listening to these quiet words in my head,
And the silent peacefulness in my heart.


God is here-
Trying to come though,
If only I take the time-
Time to be happy


Judy Sebern Beachy
Thanksgiving 2002

Wednesday GUEST Blog

11-9-11 vacant brain
Here is more interesting facts from Ann this week ~Judy


Veterans Day ~ 11.11.11


Of the many federal holidays, Veterans Day is near and dear to my heart. I am one of four Chee You’s who served proudly: brother Tony (Navy), Glen (Army), Larry and me (Air Force) and husband Rick (Air Force), not to mention lots of friends and the newest family member, Sebastian (Army). So on this special day, amongst the hustle and bustle of shopping, working, remembering, thank a veteran for their service. Here’s how the day was formed, from the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”Sweet to say, I’ve been to the Versailles.

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

Yes, if you remembered Veterans Day was on a Monday. Government work at it’s best, read on.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. (Source: Veterans Administration)

Happy Veterans Day to all veterans, to me and to marine dude John. And if you can remember, take a picture of what you are doing at 11:11 am on 11.11.11.

Chat Later

That Girl, Ann Marie

Juggling Act

11-8-11 busy busy brain
Monday night I was all alone as I watched Dancing with the Stars.... everyone else was BUSY.... as was I.

I am happy to say it was raining while I watched TV, and  I was busy framing. This week much to still get done to be ready for my first day of trying to sell my Peace Art this Saturday. I was also making Peace Note Cards.

Since I'm too busy to blog, here is a copy of what is posted over at my Peace Art Blog.... called

"One Small Daily Peace of Art"

Found at:

 http://www.onesmalldailypeaceofart.blogspot.com/

Peaceful Decorating Idea

11-7-11
My neighbor Deb purchased three of my large Peace Art. At first she just was going to hang them on the wall without a frame, but later changed her mind and found inexpensive black frames at the craft store and just tacked them to the outside of the glass.

I really liked the look without the fancy matting which I had been using to frame the larger Peace Art.

A reminder for those of you in the Des Moines area- This Saturday will be my first attempt at selling my Peace Art!

The annual Westminster Holiday Treasures Craft Fair is happening on Saturday, November 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Shop for hand-crafted items, original art, Christmas ornaments, fair-trade gifts, baked goods, gluten-free products, and more!
Free admission! All are welcome -- so bring a friend or two!

Westminster Church is at the corner of Beaver and Franklin in the Beaverdale!

PS: I am not set up to take Credit Cards yet; so cash or check please. If sales go well, I will be getting set up for Credit Cards for my future Art Shows in 2012!






Weekend Report

11-7-11 slow Monday brain
A week of November gone already and today I just remembered to turn my wall calendar over to November. I still have a few clocks to turn back also..... Gee.... I'm struggling to keep up.... and November does look to be a challenge with several big commitments to occupy my after work hours.

So today, just a few pictures from the weekend. I was in KC, just a weekend trip, but fun. Friday night Greg took me out to one of my favorite KC restaurants at the Plaza, the Grand Street Cafe. Our KC neighbors Kim and Terry came along which made the evening extra special.

Saturday early afternoon I got to hang out with Molly for a few hours, then Greg and I went to a potluck bonfire with the Miata Car Club. We only lasted  less than 2 hours, cause the smoke was hurting our eyes.

I didn't feel the Oklahoma earthquake Saturday night, since I was pretty much dozing from the very beginning of Saturday Night Live. I was already for my extra hour of sleep, in fact I took at least two extra hours of sleep that night. Molly, however, did post on Facebook that she felt the earthquake which was a little before 11:00 PM, but she is 30 minutes south of us.

Sunday, I arrived back in DM about 2:30 in the afternoon to give me enough sunlight to tackle the leaves and lawn. It was a nice day for November, sunny and 60, so I worked until 4:00 PM and looked forward to a hot soak in the tub to sooth my aching muscles.

The trees are still pretty in KC, glad I don't have to rake much there.

Here was view in my backyard in DM as I was finishing up I noticed how pretty the yellow mums still look out back. There is talk of rain on Tuesday.... slight chance of snow.

Abundance

11-4-11 blessed brain

The other day, when I was looking for a pair of white sports socks to wear, I became frustrated..... and at the same time acutely aware that I have been blessed (and cursed) by ABUNDANCE.

Finding a pair of white shocks was impossible. Everyone I pulled out did not match any of the others. This was crazy! My sock drawer really reflects my life right now.... FULL and ABUNDANT, but very chaotic.
Not much I can do about it for the moment, so I just decided to find a colored pair that was matched up.

My Birthday reminded me how blessed I am by an abundance of friends. I have a variety of friends in all shapes and sizes.... some I drink wine with, some I am able to unwind with, and others I can just "whine" with. Kelley took me to lunch for my Birthday this week and we had fun doing the later..... we know we are blessed, but we both were experiencing small frustrations in life, but by sharing them with each other- we were able to laugh, and they seemed to become less important.

Saturday Report

11-3-11 motoring brain
Saturday, as part of my birthday and Halloween weekend to celebrate..... Greg and I took part in the Annual Iowa Mini Cooper Fall Drive. This was the 9th year. My car, a 2002, was the oldest Mini out of 27 who attended.... and got to be in the lead, since Greg had organized the route this year and decided to drive my car instead of his. As for my part, I came dressed for the occasion: "mini" mouse.

Look close in the side mirror and you can see the line of Minis.

Here Greg is making announcements as I do some sign language.

(Well, not really, but this picture made it look like I was)

We started in Pella, a wonderful Dutch Village, and we had lunch there.

Then we wound around some hilly and curvy roads over to Winterset with a stop in St. Charles at one of the famous covered bridges of Madison County.

Here in Winterset- is the birth place of John Wayne. We took the short tour of the house.

Gift Shop

Our last stop was at the Des Moines Mini dealer (Willis) who provided us with dinner and drinks, and we all hung out for awhile there.

 On some related CAR News; peace sister Carolyn got a new car this week. We tried to talk her into a Mini Cooper, but she wanted a Beetle, since she had one in her youth. I must admit her new car is sweet!