Collecting...

I wouldn't say that I'm a big collector because I only have 3-4 of these, but I love 14X36 size movie posters. They are pre 1980 so I guess that makes them a fun vintage find.. It's fun to have them from some of your favorite films.

The Millionaire Next Door...

This book is a classic in my opinion. I've read it 3-4 times. It's a really enjoyable book beyond the fact that I believe that it really proposes what are sound and safe financial practices during good times and those that are less certain. Read it and tell me what you think.

Support Your Local Sheriff...

Little c loved this fun old film. It's a great pick for family night.

Black White & Pink...

Earth's crammed with heaven... ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

in

THe Love BoXes SHoP

Baby Carriages...

It seems like I've been working on these baby carriages forever. I need them to turn out just right. The red one is a gift for my baby and so I wanted it to be perfect.
This one has been listed in THe SHoP

And I will be listing another later this afternoon. Lots of painting to do.. I hope you are having a great day.

Mary Kaye Huntsman First Lady of Utah...

Yesterday C and I went to hear Mrs. Huntsman speak. She was so interesting and personable. She spoke about her concerns for children in the state and some of the things that she is trying to do to help them. She told about adopting her two cute daughters, one from China and one from India. Her talk was so inspiring. I was grateful that I was able to attend the event.

If you are interested, you can learn about Mary Kaye Huntsman's initiatives for children and other programs on her web page HERE.

Seven Years in Tibet...

I found this to be a very fascinating read. Heinrich Harrer tells the story of his escape from an English prisoner of war camp in India during the Second World War into Tibet and the forbidden city of Lhasa where he eventually became the tutor to the current Dalia Lama.

The high adventure story of Harrer's escape mountaineering through the Himalayas is fairly interesting, but I was really interested to learn about the city of Lhasa before the Chinese invasion and the personality of the Dalai Lama as a young man. He was a brilliant and curious teenager who seemed to feel deeply his responsibility as a leader and was anxious to be a person of great wisdom and understanding.

I do not understand the Chinese government position toward Tibet and the Tibetan people and hope that some time in the future the Dalai Lama will be able to return to the city of Lhasa and live his religion in peace with his people.

Pink Peek-A-Boo Bunnies...

Back in the...

SHoP

An Ideal Husband...

Amazing acting. Perfect script. I love this film. The actor who plays the father makes so much of a small role. I just enjoy watching his perplexed face.

Cool Runnings...

Family entertainment with a can do attitude.

Night Crossing...

This film just goes to show that you can make a film very intense without having to show a lot of gore. I really think that Night Crossing conveys the feeling of being trapped by an oppressive government. This was the perfect introduction to this bit of history for little c. A little artistically awkward and a tiny bit outdated in parts, but overall a really great film. See it again if it's been awhile. Thanks Lora!

Big voices... and some thoughts on 9/11...

God created the rose and the rainbow, the summer sky and the snowflake. AND, he created the beautiful voice of Luciano Pavarotti. I have been a big fan since Jr. High. He is my favorite tenor of the favorite tenors, although I love them all. When he sings it is so beautiful that I feel inspired to be a better person. That's what great art should always do I think.
We were watching a documentary about his life last night on PBS (I love you PBS). It was so fun to watch him perform some of the pieces that became his signatures. How can you sing a song a million times and still sing it with tears in your eyes. Maybe he knew that his voice was touched by angels and that pure beauty sang out. I don't know, but I had a lump in my throat. There are people who leave a big hole in that atmosphere when they are gone.
We lost so many of those people 7 years ago today. From the very accomplished and intelligent Barbara Olsen to so many of the first generation Americans who were just on duty doing dishes in the World Trade Centers that day. Who knows what they might have done and become? I believe that the cost in dollars of what we really lost that day is incalcuable. People are always our biggest resource.
In honor of this day. I wanted to post some lyrics to a beautiful anthem made famous by another amazing tenor from East of Eden. Whenever I hear this beautiful song, it reminds me to be grateful for liberty, for the good people of this nation.. so many of whom do their best each day to make it ever greater.
An American Hymn
I have seen a summer day
that slowly opens like a rose
along a quiet road that wanders by
And I have smiled and wonder'd
Where it goes
I have stumbled through the night
Alone as any man can be
Then found a silent canyon full of stars
And in my heart I heard them telling me
I was home
The gentle winds, the rains that fall
The tallest trees, and I'm part of it all
I've seen the silver mountain tops
And golden prairies on my way
Now everywhere I go across the land
I stand so proudly in the sun and say
I am home
I've dreamed of eden all my life
I find it more and more each day
Now everywhere I go across the land
I stand so proudly in the sun and say
I am home...

Pink Chucks...

My sister bought these first in black for her 3 year old. Cute! I loved them and was thrilled to find this pink version on sale for little c.

Sweet Tooth...

Part of the Halloween Collection...

in the shop...

HERE :)

Short Cuts...

I'm not a cook, or I should say that cooking is not my favorite chore. I'd rather do the laundry. So, I'm always looking for shortcuts. I love these diced onions from Honeyville Grains a place I need to visit again soon. Although you don't need to visit. They will ship your entire order to your home for $4.95 UPS. I have been really impressed with the quality of the items that I have purchased there. And, if you are in the market for food storage supplies. They are a terrific resource.
I love these onions in any recipe with browned hamburger like the taco salad above. And, it's a no tears endeavor.
Are you enjoying garden tomatoes? I hope so!

More Halloween in the Shop...

See them here...

... and more Halloween here...

Say Cheese!

I think these are such a fun treat to put in little c's lunches. Not nearly as expensive at Costco.

Oranges...

Oranges are my favorite fruit. I don't enjoy OJ so much as just the fruit. Love them. They taste like Christmas Day. Oh that they were in season longer and really those lovely Harry and David quality oranges that you can get in the winter from Florida. Then someone somewhere has an epiphany! Have you been enjoying the most marvelous oranges from our friendly oranges growers in Australia?!?! They arrived in Utah to my notice at the end of July. They are a bit different.. in a fabulous way! What a treat!

Christmas Tree Boxes...

Finished and listed. :)

Here.

New Christmas Boxes for Boys...

I am often asked why I don't have more boxes in my shop designed for boys. Hmmm. I guess I'm kind of a girly girl and I love frills and flowers. However, I adore my nephews too and so I tried to make a simple design that I felt would be masculine enough for them (I also made some more pink frilly heart boxes because they had sold out so if you need multiples, let me know). Anyway, the tree box reads, "May the Christmas Star always lead you home..."

These boxes will be listed tomorrow in the:

LoVE BoXEs SHOP

Water Bottles...

One of the many things that I'm OCD about is a good water bottle. I don't like to purchase bottled water as a rule because the filtered tap water from my house tastes the best to me. But, I don't want a plastic that has any smell or harmful chemical. I had some of these water bottles, which I used for 8 years until I lost two of them.. the last one left is still in great shape and dishwasher safe. When I found this updated version of the same Rubbermaid 32 oz. water bottle at my local Albertson's I was thrilled. I love that it has a wide mouth for easy cleaning, in case I put milk or juice inside. It's dishwasher safe and the lid cleans easily. I don't like lids with straws and parts that are easily lost and not easily cleaned.

I know you're laughing, but just think how many years of happiness I may potentially get out of these bottles. Hooray!

Kung Fu Panda...

"There is no extra charge for awesomeness or attractiveness."

Pretty cute. And, for the most part stays away from the low humor that I abhor.

Snowflakes...

The bestselling red snowflakes are back in stock. I have about six more if anyone is interested.

This is a medium size box. Inside it reads, "...We shall find peace. We shall hear the angels, we shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds. ~Anton Chekov" I also have the same box available in the largest size.

THe Love BoXEs ShOP

We are so excited about this cute person!

Candy Corns...

A new box for New Years!
Fall in Utah is so pretty.. I always think of it as a new year... and a new school year. I love that all the holidays are right around the corner.
On another topic... Do you ever notice grocery packaging? I love it! Well.. I love some of it. For instance it doesn't thrill me when the fun and lovely M&M's package is taken over by The Incredible Hulk. No one finds him appetizing!
Once I gave a Halloween Party and used plastic grocery containers as the serving dishes, candy bowls and flower containers. I thought it turned out fun, but I don't know if anyone in my book club got that it was sort of a fun joke. It was recycling however!

Find the new Candy Corn Box in...

The LOve BoXeS SHoP

One of the most beautiful love letters ever written...

July the 14th, 1861
Washington DC
My very dear Sarah:
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days - perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.
Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure - and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine 0 God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing - perfectly willing - to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.
But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows - when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children - is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?
I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death -- and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.
I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles have often advocated before the people and "the name of honor that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed.
Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me - perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar -- that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.
Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.
But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night -- amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours - always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.
Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.
As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.
Sullivan
Read about Sullivan Ballou here...

Good Manners Thursday... Why We Hate Us..

When I don't have a good book on tape to entertain me during the hours I paint, I turn to NPR. Yesterday, I was listening when Dick Meyer was interviewed about this book. At first I thought, "What a terrible title. I'm not going to like this guy." However, he had a few really great points and I'm thinking of checking this out from the library.

The book is about the over-reach of the media... the very liberal (in the bad way) media if you ask me... the media of few and waining and almost no moral virtue. It's the media that idolizes the Paris Hiltons of the world and practically ignores the Mother Theresas. It's the angry and out of control tempers of political pundits on both sides of the debate. It's the cartoons like The Simpsons that get confused for children's fare and have our children acting and speaking like ignorant brats rather than kind and polite young people. It's the overly sexual and violent programing that we simply get used to instead of what we should do.. protest with feet, remote control and mouse. Dick Meyer made the case that too many of us are being controlled rather than controlling the media at our disposal. I couldn't agree more.

One of the things the media doesn't do that it should is to seek out and find the selfless, the kind, and the courageous in our society and put them forward to be admired. Let me tell you a story that went un-reported in the main stream media.

According the national media, our good soldiers are incredibly discouraged and military morale is at an all-time low. And yet, this photo taken on July 4, 2008 is a picture of the largest re-enlistment ceremony in U.S. Military History which took place at Al Faw Palace in Baghdad. A pizzeria in Chicago had 2,000 pizzas prepared by volunteers, frozen and flown over for what has to have been one of the largest pizza parties ever. Thank heavens for these brave men and women and for their commitment to liberty.

You know, if you look around just a little, you will find what the news does not report... the kindness, the generosity and even the greatness of everyday Americans. While I was waiting to pick up a pizza myself, the other day, a young man approached the counter asking for a job application. That's a tough thing to do, I think. I've done it many times and never felt very comfortable about it. Instead of tossing an application at the kid, the other young man behind the counter took a little time to tell him about the job, the manager and how to reach him. Then, he held out his hand to shake and told the applicant that he hoped he would be successful. I was so touched by this really small act of kindness. Who knew one could make pizza with such grace.

Lost and Found in Thought...

Little sister Jackie had her own blog. Go over just to see her beautiful banner.. a shot she took a few summers ago on a choir trip to China... beautiful. HERE.