Saturday, January 31, 2009

BFF!

You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I'll come running, to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you've got to do is call
And I'll be there...
You've got a friend.

Friday, January 30, 2009

personal motto, in pink.

This week has been very busy for me. I'd liken my social calendar to Paris Hilton's. The only difference is, I wear "undergarments." OK people, I'll give you a moment to violently retch...are you better? My very dear friend Kathy, presented me with this lucious pink mug and I just had to share it with you. It's very appropriate, 'cause in my life I've worked...but I was never meant to.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

piece of sugar.

I have arrived! I am now the proud owner of a pretty, sleek, awesome iPod nano. MacGyver suspiciously arrived home a tad late last night from work, to surprise me with this SWEET little confection! Oh boy! Hot diggity-dog! I love it! Thanks, MacGyver! You're SWEET! Now if someone could only tell me how to get a podcast on this candy, I'd be eternally grateful.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

"pot" addiction.

**Warning...content not suitable for those with addictive natures...turn back now before it's too late!


I am totally absorbed with these delicious pot holders my dear sister-in-law made for me. They are soooooo stinkin' cute! These are magnificent little beauties! You stick your thumb in one pocket and the rest of your fingers in the other, just like you would a puppet. And they fold over. I am so happy with these little suckers! Thanks Tom, for marrying my clever sister-in-law, Melany. Woo-hoo!

P.S. My sisters-in-law Laurie and Linda are clever too, in their own unique way. I'm just sharin' the love!

Monday, January 26, 2009

public service announcement, Part II.


This is just unconscienable. I've just been notified that the tried and true, all-American Girl Scout cookies are smaller than they were last year! Let me ask you this; if serving sizes and portions are decreasing in size, why then, isn't my posterior decreasing? WHY?!!!!
Thank you for listening.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Saturday morning.

What's this? It wasn't here when we went to bed. Hmmm....
B.B.! She must have gone hunting in the middle of the night. Is that for me, girl? Eeeeew!

Look at her trying to keep a straight face. Hey, B.B.! You're getting grey! That's OK, so am I.

*This is what one does on a Saturday morning when everyone else is asleep and you want to try out the new camera your husband bought for you the night before. Yaaaaaaay!

Friday, January 23, 2009

mysterious contraption.


This is a familiar looking object, but I can't seem to remember what it's used for. Hmmmm...no wheels. No pedals. No engine. No steering wheel. Do you hang your damp clothes over it? Use it to hang clothes on? Stack boxes on it? What did you say? You walk on it?! At a high speed? C'mon, stop it! Why would I do that? WHAT?! Did you just say, "because you could use the exercise"???!!!!! You have some nerve, Reader-you! Humph!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

and the award goes to:

Imagine my surprise and absolute humbled delight in having received this award from my dear friend/evil seperated-at-birth twin sister, Mindy. Excuse me. Her Royal Highness, Mindy. She is so real and down-to-earth...I don't know how she ever found me, but I am eternally grateful that she did, amidst all the blogs out "there." Divine intervention? I believe so.

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

And so it is, that I give this award to the following eight, some know of me, some don't know I exist. But do know this: I find inspiration in their words, works and spirit.

Marching On! Eloquent and inspiring, his words never cease to amaze me. Love of family, God & country are evident. Loyal and gentle, he's my dear brother.

I Have To Say...that Randi has a gentle heart. Generous and refreshingly honest, I get my dose of goodness from this sweet and dear, friend.

Gator World. My, my, my, the sarcasm, the wit! Her mother, Mindy, is royalty, which makes her an heir-apparent. It's apparent that she has a lovely, wicked streak of humor!

Donna Randall's Blog is sooooo Donna Randall. She makes me laugh...it's as if I'm sitting in her living room carrying on a conversation with a 20-something year-old young woman. Not a worry in the world, just kickin' back and lovin' life!

Soule Mama. So relaxing and ethereal. When you visit, it's as if she's pulled a chair alongside her favorite rocker in front of the fireplace, rocking and watching the children. Lovely.

The Pioneer Woman. This blog has won numerous awards for her writing and wit. She's awesome! A wonderful site and she has the BEST giveaways, ever! But don't enter the giveaways, you have better things to do with your time!

A Giveaway A Day. How does she do it? And keep everything straight? I don't know! I am amazed...and she even took the time and sent me some links on how to do some bloggy pimpin'. Isn't that nice?!

Kitchen Scrapbook. This lovely lady is a Mennonite and she blogs! How cute is that? And her latest recipe is Shoo-Fly Pie. I've always wondered what exactly that is... her photo is darling! I'm totally fascinated with her.

Keep up the wonderful writing, dear friends. You continue to inspire me, to push me. I started all this craziness alone, but now have a great network of friends. Thank you!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

birds of a feather.

I'm in a purse-making frenzy. I spotted this fabric at my local fabric store, and knew I had to have it! This is Florida, after all and all things flamingo are fair game. The colors in the fabric are just amazing. Tropical blue, with some lovely oranges, greeens and of course, pink. I added some green pom-poms, part of pom-pom love. It's a happy purse, don't you agree? I haven't decided what to name it yet...it will be making its debut in my store within the next few days.

Up next...a lovely fabric from Heather Bailey. It reminds me of fresh linens on the clothesline, snapping in the breeze. Can't wait to show you!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

personal prayer.

May God bless and preserve the United States of America & all life within Her borders. Amen.

Monday, January 19, 2009

stack of fat.

Have I ever mentioned to you that I have an uncontrollable fabric addiction? I have?! OH. Well sister, it's not going to end here! Because Jane is giving away this beautiful stack of fat quarters, of the Andalucia line. And I want them! All I had to do to enter this lucious giveaway was to mention her giveaway on my blog. Which means that you too, can enter. Darn. That's the only downswing to this post. That's OK, I'll be happy for you if you win. I'll be even happier if I win. Just tell Jane that I sent you. Good luck!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

winning punk!


I used the Random Generator and it chose the lucky number 7. Congratulations, Ali! You are the winner of this eclectic bag. Please email me with your information, so that I can get it to you. You didn't leave me an email address, you naughty girl! I'll give you a week to claim your purse...otherwise, I'll have to enlist the help of my Random friend and choose another number/winner. Please email me at girubia@yahoo.com to claim your prize!

What are you punks doing this weekend? I'm going to sew and take pictures of my sewing. Woo-hoo, lots of excitement around here. We'll do another giveaway very soon...have a great weekend, my friends!

Friday, January 16, 2009

signs of spring.

The other day, I received an email from a dear customer asking when the rubia's spring and summer collection was going to be available. So I asked myself, "When are they going to be available?" And I got busy. This is one of the wristlets that will be going into my store...it's a very lovely fabric. It has a sister in cornflower blue...she's pretty, too.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

giveaway reminder.

We have only one more day in the purse giveaway. So if you haven't entered, just click here.
I hope you win, I really do! Good luck!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

what you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask.

Gator World "tagged" me at her blog. Tagging is a blogging phenomena and once you've been tagged, you must spill your guts for the rest of the world to read. The topic: 16 random things, facts, habits, or goals regarding moi. Then I must tag some other bloggers. Because I want to find out more about them...kind of like People magazine. Only in the blogging world, it's Bleople magazine.

1. Motherhood is the most fulfilling and fun experience I can ever hope to have. That being said, marriage is hard work and it is second to motherhood.

2. I don't believe in Global Warming. It is my theory that Al Gore needed to invent an issue, after his claim of inventing the Internet blew up in his face. He needed to restore his own credibility and sense of importance in the world...doesn't it feel colder this winter than last?

3. I believe in the mercy of God, the love of Christ. I simply cannot miss mass.

4. I'm stepping up on my soapbox...let your little ones fail, from time to time. It builds character, they don't need to be perfect. Little failures promote coping, something they need to learn to live life. A little rejection never hurt anybody.

5. I love my parents and my brothers...their wives and children. xxx000xxx000

6. What's with the picture of the Good Witch of the North? Upon introduction, a future friend of mine began calling me "Glinda" because apparently, I resemble her. Hmmmmmm....

5. I am a political warrior. Don't get me started.

6. Gardening = boring. Sewing = fun.

7. Favorite television show? The Office. Such bent humor, I love it!

8. My brothers and I grew up on an island in New York, between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. My dad, his brothers and mother grew up there, too.

9. On that island, was an amusement park. My first job was at the park, on the maintenance crew. My partner and I cleaned the numerous public restrooms. Best job in the whole park...between walking the park and talking to friends and boys, we managed to clean the bathrooms every so often!

10. Yeah, who invented bras? It was probably a husband, trying to get even with his wife for something that was his fault. It's always about restricting the woman, keeping her under (or in), wraps!

11. Favorite movies? Fried Green Tomatoes, Sophie's Choice.

12. I love nuns. Especially Mother Theresa & Mother Angelica. The latter is a hoot! And my girlfriends...I'd be lost without the girls.

13. Did you know that if you catch one of those little lizards that run around in Florida, flip them over and rub their bellies, they'll fall asleep? Yup. They do.

14. Zits. Jeremy. Totally parallels our life. With a hungry teenage son.

15. Speaking of teenage sons, ours plays the electric guitar. But you know what's really cool? He plays "our" music of the '70's & '80's. The lessons have been worth every penny.

16. Did I mention my goal? That would be to kiss Christ every day, by being kind to others, by showing love and affection, gratitude and appreciation for the tiniest of blessings that pass through my day. And that our son, in his old age, will remember his parents with fondness and tenderness. My mantra? Humor, kindness, love.

**OK, Tom of Marching On and Donna of Donna's Pampered...consider yourselves officially tagged.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Pom-pom love.

I didn't realize how popular pom-poms were until Randi posted a picture on her blog of the apron she won here at It's A Wonderful. I was reading the comments and was amazed at how much everyone loved the little red pom-poms that I trimmed the apron in. So ladies of i have to say..., these little luscious lovelies are for you. Pink and green pom-poms...doesn't get much cuter than this.

***WIN A PURSE...click here to enter. Just leave a comment, that's it! Please leave your email address, so that I can contact you when you win!***

Saturday, January 10, 2009

you feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?


Yes, it's GIVEAWAY time! I want you to have this newly finished bag. It's bright and it's roomy! The pattern is from Anna Maria Horner's book, Seams To Me. I'm not sure about the ribbons in the corner...how do you feel about them? So, let's get this shindig started. I'll run the contest through Friday, January 16th. The winner will be announced on Saturday, after I've had my coffee and prepared breakfast for my teenager. I should be done with that by about 3 PM. OK, here's what I need you to do: in the comments section following this post, tell me why you must have this bag. One entry per person, please. If you win and live in the Continental United States, I'll pay for the shipping. If you live elsewhere, we'll discuss the shipping and come up with an agreeable arrangement. Sound good? And please, leave your email address...

OK punks, go ahead, make my day...

***I'll use the Random Generator thingamabob to choose the winner. So if you see more than one post from the same person, I'll eliminate their subsequent comments, using only their original comment. Boy Scout's Honor!***

Thursday, January 8, 2009

GO GATORS!


Gators rule this swamp known as "Florida." Honestly. Here a Gator, there a Gator, everywhere a Gator-Gator...football is serious business down here.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Tortilla Soup!

Meet my new friends, the Neelys. They're a husband/wife team...wife/husband team. I sometimes watch them on Food Network, usually on the weekend when I'm cooking. I don't normally watch the telly during the day... don't ask me why, I'm just weird that way.

The Neelys' were making some Tortilla Soup this weekend, mmmm, it looked delicious. And so easy! I downloaded their recipe and picked up the items needed to make this soup. It really was so easy! And fast. Have I mentioned that it's delicious? So delicious that I had it for breakfast this morning. I took a picture of it, but my photo wasn't too appealing and I didn't want you to turn your nose up at the soup. Now the next time I make this, which will probably be tomorrow 'cause I can't keep my spoon out of the bowl, I'll spice it up a little more. I think I'll add another jalapeno pepper (please be careful when working with these, as the juices left on your hands will burn your eye out) and although I did add some Tabasco to my soup, it needs a little more kick. I added some chili powder too, but I think I'll add more next time. Can you tell we like hot, spicy food around here? Whatever you do, please put some cilantro on top of your soup once you've dished it into your serving bowls (if you like cilantro). It adds so much flavor! I scrunched up three tortilla chips in my bowl and used just a small dollop of light sour cream. Mmmmmmm. Where's my spoon?

They also made a yummy-looking side salad that looked appealing, which I think I'll try next week. And Gina made a Neely-tini, but I'm not going to make that. That's just asking for trouble!

OK, friends, this should do it for my recipe week in review. What has gotten into me? If I didn't know better, I'd think I was nesting...ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

low-fat clucky-salad recipe.

I've decided that I really am going to make an effort to prepare healthier meals this year. Not to mention the fact that on the weekends, I love to watch Food Network while doing my ironing and saw some fabulous-looking meals. Mmmmm. Chicken salad. The twist is this, there's only 1-tablespoon of mayonaise in this dish. I don't like a lot of mayonaise. That's why I don't eat potato salad or macaroni salad. Ever. Never. Ever. In my bid to begin my year of healthier cooking, off to the grocery store I went and bought the ingredients for this salad. And I must say, it is very delicious. Since tomatoes are still rather expensive, I'm planning on serving this on a romaine salad and/or in pita stuffed with romaine. Pitas are low in fat. So is Weight Watcher's bread. So is a stalk of celery, but I'm not going hard-core! If you'd like the recipe, click here. Oh, and this will make a great summer dish for you snow-birds who need to eat more in the winter, to stay toasty.

Tomorrow, I'll be reviewing the Neely's Tortilla Soup recipe. It's finished, but I'm waiting for the flavors to meld. Yes, I said "meld." Go ahead, make fun of me. But I'll tell you this...Giada says it too, so there!

Monday, January 5, 2009

public service announcement.

While cleaning the kitchen after dinner last night, MacGyver came in and pointed out something very interesting to me. I'll tell you in a minute. Honestly, I'm so red-faced regarding this oversight. If you're anything like me (sorry if you are), you might find yourself fighting with your handy roll of foil, Saran Wrap, parchment paper, etc. every single stinkin' time you go to use it. And if you're like me, those rolls win every stinkin' time. Wrestle no more! MacGyver pointed out that at both ends of every roll, there's a little perforated circle of which you are supposed to poke in. In fact, those little tabs say, "Press Here." Both ends. Those little tabs lock that blasted roll in place. ALL THESE YEARS! Did you know about this? Is this some sort of national secret that only certain people were worthy of knowing? I ask you, who knew?!

You can thank me next time you use your roll of anything, hassle-free...you're welcome!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Feast of the Epiphany.


O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Friday, January 2, 2009

New Year's Intentions.

I know, I'm a day late! *Note to self: make an effort to be more blogopunctual! There, that should do it...where was I? Yes. My New Year's Intentions. Notice that I'm not using the word "resolutions" and there's a very good reason for that. Gimme a minute, I'm thinking. OK, here's the difference between the two, at least according to my way of thinking: intent is what I have in mind to accomplish. Resolution is a more definitive intention, the act of having to obtain said goal. My intentions allows me more leeway, less stress. Less stress is good, right? And I won't have to beat up on myself when I step off the chosen path.

These are just a few of my New Year's Intentions (in no particular order of importance):

~to stay in contact with my people
~stay focused!
~walk
~stay focused!
~nurture my relationship with God
~more giveaways
~clean more
~go to more movies with my mom
~clean the closet
~stay focused!
~take more photos
~learn new things
~stay focused!

Those are just a few of my good intentions. Whew! Glad I got those posted, now you can all brow-beat me if, I mean when, I step off my 2009 path. And oh, by the way...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

huh? What?! You're kidding me!

There's been something that's been bothering me, lately. It is this: the political machine in this country has gone stark-raving mad! What is going on? In a recent conversation with my brother, we decided that it might be interesting to each write on this topic from our own perspective. We're linking our posts, in a world-wide exclusive presentation, much like Oprah, to bring you information from two similar views. Only his view will be very informative, mine will be very senseless and emotional. Ready?

Kennedy. If we were to buy into what the New York political and media machines are trying to sell us, that the name association itself uniquely qualifies Kennedy to fill the vacant NY Senate seat, then we must also assume the opposite to be true. That the Kennedy name also qualifies Ms. Kennedy to be an alcoholic, a less than faithful spouse, a rapist, a nepotist, etc...silly, true? Of course, it is! So also, is the fact that she is qualified to be plunked into a vacant Senate seat, based upon her name alone! Here's another illustration: my maiden name is "Fleming." Does this mean that I am eligible to be placed on the Winter Olympic's Figure Skating team? Or that I will have my first book published and it will be a mega-sensation, to be turned into a motion-picture epic? No, of course not! Why, then, is Ms Kennedy being touted as the next New York political phenom? She herself has recently stated that she would not be interested in running for office in 2010. What?! C'mon, if you feel that strongly about public service, run like the wind, as all other prospective candidates must. Just remember to vote, Ms. Kennedy, that's the benchmark of our political system. "What's that? It's been ten years since you've last voted and you're not quite sure how?" That's OK, I'm sure Governor Paterson will show you the ropes, for a price.

I know that Ms. Kennedy has participated in many worthy and wonderful causes. I realize that she has done great things with her wealth, believe me, I love wealthy people. Without them, where would this country be? The wealthy are the movers and shakers, catalysts in keeping the economy strong and providing jobs for the average citizenry. No, I'm not wealthy, but thanks for asking. By the way, Ms. Kennedy has been less than forthcoming in making public her personal finances, just a little document that all candidates are to make public prior to running for public office. Or is that only if your name is not Kennedy? Oh, I forgot, she's not running for office...she's positioning.

I grew up in the great Empire State. Loved it. Miss it. I always thought that the state was nicknamed for it's wealth and vast resources. In recent weeks, however, I've come to understand that it's named for the Kennedy Empire, HRH Caroline Kennedy. Duh!

Let me say that I do not hate Ms. Kennedy. I admire her work and diligence in the causes she has espoused. I do, however, despise what is happening in both Illinois and New York in regards to these two vacant Senate seats. C'mon, Governors! Get the $$$$$ off your eyeballs and do what is right and dictated by common sense. And decency. Ooops, sorry about using the word "decent." This is, afterall, politics.

Is there an evolution afoot in our political system, changing the course of the democracy we have known since the inception of the U.S. Constitution? It seems there is a new political concept upon us: Divine power and right, only not in the religious sense. Democracy is being retooled, my friends. All that we have known and hold dear is to be pried from our grips, much as the school bully pries lunch money from the fist of a smaller kid.

And there it is. The workings of my mind. Sorry. It's not pretty. For a calmer, clearer and concise viewpoint on this topic, please visit Tom, by clicking Tom. He's a lawyer/editor and so much smarter than I. I do feel better now, thanks for listening. I promise not to post my political ramblings too often, if ever again. But I did use a nice photo of Ms. Kennedy, didn't I?
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