Vintage Inspired Self Portraits

I found dusty old newspaper clippings in my Dutch great grandmother's cookbook. I thought that the ads were super cute, but they made me sneeze. They inspired me to give a couple of my photographs a retro look. I am wearing a vintage angora/knit pillbox hat and pearl earrings. I think that I look very republican.

Samhain Chant

Fire red, summer's dead,

Yet shall it return.

Clear and bright in the night,

Burn, fire, burn!
Dance the ring, luck to bring,

When the year's aturning.

Chant the rhyme at Hallowstime,

When the fire's burning.
Fire glow, vision show

Of the heart's desire,

When the spell's chanted well

Of the witching fire.
Dance the ring, luck to bring,

When the year's aturning.

Chant the rhyme at Hallowstime,

When the fire's burning.
Fire spark, when nights are dark,

Makes our winter's mirth.

Red leaves fall, earth takes all,

Brings them to rebirth.
Dance the ring, luck to bring,

When the year's aturning.

Chant the rhyme at Hallowstime,

When the fire's burning.
Fire fair, earth and air,

And the heaven's rain,

And blessed be, and so may we,

At Hallowstide again.
Dance the ring, luck to bring,

When the year's aturning.

Chant the rhyme at Hallowstime,

When the fire's burning.

• One need not be a chamber to be haunted;
  One need not be a house;
  The brain has corridors surpassing
  Material place.
  - Emily Dickinson
• Samhain by Elspeth Sapphire
• Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble. - Shakespeare "Macbeth"
• Quiz on Halloween

A Jazzy & Soulful Evening at the Keswick

I went to see Madeline Peyroux amongst an older crowd at the Keswick Theater last night. Her voice is reminiscent of Billie Holiday. I found myself wishing to spend an evening onstage, looking and sounding as sexy as Mademoiselle Peyroux, who happens to be the same age as me. My favorite songs were Don’t Wait Too Long, Careless Love and La Javanaise. The jazzy sound of the piano, bass, trumpet and drums were as mesmerizing as Madeline’s voice. Her new CD is called Half the Perfect World.

Phil Roy opened for her -- and he was adorable. His happily bobbing, handsome head reminded me of one of Jim Henson’s super cute Muppets. I had never heard his feel good music before, but was enamored with him after five minutes. His lyrics and voice were sweet and poetic. I felt myself smiling, while sitting in my little old seat in the small old theater, in my quaint old neighborhood. Phil’s new CD is called The Great Longing. The charming song Exceptionally Ordinary is my favorite track , although I have to get to know the rest of his songs.

I purchased both CDs, even though I had already pirated some of their music from LimeWire. I rarely buy CDs, but once in a while I fall in love with a fantastic artist or two, which was the case with Madeline and Phil.

Trust

Perhaps everything else that mattered in a relationship grew from trust – from a tranquil faith in the courage, integrity, and kindness of the other person.
-Dean Koontz

Can a relationship survive and/or flourish after trust has been broken down by a variety of untruths and betrayals?

Pleasant Birthday

I woke up yesterday and felt my pretty daughter’s silky little arms wrap around me. Her little pink lips whispered, “Happy Birthday, Mommy.”, and then the puckered into a small, damp kiss on my cheek.

A short while later, my adorable son woke up and came downstairs to wish me a happy birthday with a squeeze and a smooch. Next, my handsome husband opened his sleepy eyes and embraced me and repeated the same phrase.

After my husband ran out to pick up a few groceries, I was treated to a hot cup of coffee, a pink pastry and a vase of salmon roses, which was brought to me as my family sang, “Happy Birthday to you…”
About fifteen minutes later, my family served me homemade French toast and bacon with a glass of milk, which was followed by sweet birthday cards and gifts. (I finally have TiVo, but have no idea what to record since I don’t watch anything regularly. Anyone have a suggestion or two?)

After the kids left the room my husband and I shared “alone time”, which was sensational. (34 playful spankings and lots of kisses on my rear end and elsewhere...)

A little while later, I discovered that my husband had gotten me a carrot cake decorated with my favorite colors, pink and orange, which made me smile. We all had a piece for lunch, as my sister called to talk to me from work, and then my dad called to wish “his first born daughter a happy birthday.” He reminded me to check my email. (He sent some cute photos of me with my mom--and my first Cockapoo puppy when I was a little girl.)
In the evening, we all watched Monster House, which was somewhat disappointing, since it was reviewed well by critics.

My birthday dinner will be shared by my extended family tomorrow evening at my favorite local restaurant. (We are waiting for my sister who is a psych nurse. She worked over the weekend. She works three twelve hour shifts Friday-Sunday and has the rest of the week to herself.)

On Tuesday, I will be starting a new South Beach sort of eating plan, which was recommended by my sister. I have to get back into healthy eating after overindulging for days. We are also headed back to the gym this week, since it is getting too cold for our daily three mile walks in the park.

I had a very pleasant and relaxing birthday thanks to my loving family.

Cultural Warrior?

I am watching Bill O’Reilly on Oprah. I have never listened to his radio show before, so this is the first time that I’ve heard his opinions. He makes some good points, but his new book says that you are either a Traditionalist or a Secular-Progressive, leaving no room for people who have views that fit on both the Left and the Right. Bill: I don't like the words "middle ground." I just took his quiz and ironically it told me that I have not committed to either side.

Take his “Cultural Warrior” test.

Melodious Moments

If you wanted to share the most romantic music that you could possibly imagine with someone special, what 18 sincerely sensational tracks would you choose to make one sweet sounding CD? I am trying to put together some sexy music that will really make my whole body sing -- and make even mundane moments feel melodic. However, I’d prefer to share gorgeous music with my soul mate…

Romance in Red, Alfred Gockel

Bathtub Ambience Friday Random Ten

1. I Am In Love With You – Imogen Heap
2. Angelicus – Delerium
3. Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup – Arielle Dombasle
4. Colors/Dance – George Winston
5. The French Café – Mike Strickland
6. La Vie Est Belle – Andre Rieu
7. Satori – Rodrigo y Gabriela
8. Northern Lights – Enigma
9. Fantasy – Sting/John Dowland
10. Those Sweet Words – Norah Jones

Grattis på födelsedagen - Happy Birthday

Swedish Birthday Song

"Ja, må du leva"

A birthday celebration in Sweden often starts early in the morning. The family "surprises" the one with a birthday by bringing in a special breakfast tray with a hot beverage, sweet roll and lighted candle and singing "Ja, må du leva". (I hope that my family will do this for me tomorrow morning.)

This song is sung to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions. The Swedish version as well as an English translation are presented here.

Swedish Version
Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva, Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva,
Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva uti hundrade år.
Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva, Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva,
Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva uti hundrade år.

Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva, Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva,
Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva uti hundrade år.
Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva, Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva,
Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva uti hundrade år.

"Ett fyraldigt leve... leve du (han, hon, dom). HURRAH, HURRAH, HURRAH, HURRAH."

English Translation
Yes, may you (he, she, they) live, Yes, may you (he, she, they) live,
Yes, may you (he, she, they) live for a hundred years.
Yes, may you (he, she, they) live, Yes, may you (he, she, they) live,
Yes, may you (he, she, they) live for a hundred years.

Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live, Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live,
Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live for a hundred years.
Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live, Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live,
Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live for a hundred years.

"A four fold cheer ... cheer for you (him,her, them). HURRAH, HURRAH, HURRAH, HURRAH."

Lovely Cala Lilies

A pretty reminder of my little sister’s even lovelier wedding two weeks ago.

His Latest Project

My husband is a construction company owner. I am his secretary. I take dictation, type and fax/mail proposals and invoices and write a few checks. My dad took these photos last cloudy Monday at a site in Bucks County, PA.

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Spank Me

I'm Weird, 9 Ways...


1. I am annoyingly tidy. I compulsively throw things out and clean closets to donate clothes to charities. I steadfastly recycle. I even make my bed as soon as I wake up, and then spend the rest of my morning restoring order and doing laundry. I like my living space completely devoid of clutter before I begin the rest of my daily activities.

2. I often buy clothes that are one size too big because I tend to imagine that I have gained weight.

3. Every time that I change my hair color I tend to like the previous color instead, but I’ve learned that hair is not a crayon. Thankfully, I stopped the cycle before I made myself bald from abusing blonde, red and then brunette shades.

4. Showing off my pretty, full breasts makes me feel ripe, juicy and sexy and so does wearing lip liner all over my little mouth.

5. I like to be dominated in the bedroom. Light, playful spankings and taking orders to please make me really hot. Although sometimes I like to take control.

6. I like wearing 4” heels even though they make me 6’ tall.

7. I am extremely attracted to handsome, gigantic men and fantasize about f**king them only if they are 6’2” or taller and 200+ pounds. Lately, I find that my natural desire to procreate overwhelms me. I often feel a desperate desire to be fertilized by my 6’ 4” stud before or as I have an orgasm.

8. I shower and apply lotion to my legs before and after I exercise, so I smell clean and feel silky while I work out.

9. I delete all of the tracks from my MP3 player once a week because I get sick of hearing the same songs very quickly.

*Feel free to advertise your inner-weirdness on your blog. I copied this closing statement and this meme from my new blog pal, Matt-Man.

Three Playful Pets

Casual Candids

• Josie, our two-year-old apricot toy poodle
• Dahlia, our four-month-old stripped kitty
• Magnus, our three-month-old cream cockapoo
  

Air Your Dirty Laundry

I share things about myself as a way of feeling sparkling clean and fabulously free. I believe in the healing power of whole hearted honesty. It’s more refreshing than the scent of apple mango sheets tangoing in a sunny & cool autumn breeze.

His Angel

well he's hotter than hell
and he's cool as they come
and he smiled and he's wild
all rolled into one
ya you say I'm the girl that you wish you could be
it's not easy to see
that he's an angel to you
but he's a devil to me

How Many Of Me?

I am one of four in the US who have the same first and last (maiden name) as me...

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 4 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

There are a lot more Jessica's with my married name....

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 257 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Meet Magnus

There is a new fur face in our family. We fell in love with him as soon as we laid eyes on him yesterday--and adopted him immediately. He is a twelve-week-old, white & buff Cockapoo. His name is Magnus. Origin-Swedish. Meaning-Strong warrior.

Ten Why's

Although, I could probably list 10,000.

1. Why do friends, family members or strangers often seem jealous (make disparaging remarks) rather than happy for others when they accomplish or acquire something or look fabulous?

2. Why do people from different cultures often seem to dislike or even hate each other rather than trying to see the value and beauty of different customs?

3. Why is anyone homeless?

4. Why are some people starving when so many people are overfed?

5. Why are some people so greedy and selfish?

6. Why aren’t all children adored and well-cared for?

7. Why the hell would anyone invent and sell something knowing that it can be destructive? I.e., Weapons, drugs, diseases, nuclear power plants, bombs, etc.

8. Why do politicians waste so much time attacking those with differing views rather than focusing on making real improvements? Attack ads make me dislike our entire political process and the tacky politicians who “endorse this message.”

9. Why aren’t sick freaks like pedophiles, murderers, rapists, arsonists and violent abusers immediately extinguished so they cannot harm another human being?

10. Why are Hollywood actors or entertainers so ridiculously overpaid and admired for putting on costumes and reading lines or singing and dancing?

Getting to Know You, Getting to Know All About You

I've pilfered this meme from Aisby’s blog.

1. You can press a button that will make any one person explode. Who would you blow up? Anyone who flirts with my hot husband.

2. You can flip a switch that will wipe any band or musical artist out of existence. Which one will it be? I’d rather just change the radio station, since there are several singers that I don’t like. If I had to pick one, I agree with Aisby, Kelly Clarkson.

3. Who would you really like to just punch in the face? Everyone who is cruel, rude or obnoxious, but my punches don’t pack much force and I’d probably just hurt my hand, so it would be worthless anyway.

4. What is your favorite cheese? Mmm, cheese! Cheddar?

5. You can only have one kind of sandwich. Every sandwich ingredient known to humankind is at your disposal. What kind will you make? A taco with ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and hot sauce or a cheeseburger with the works.

6. You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie celebrity of your choice. We are talking no-strings-attached sex and it can only happen once. Who is the lucky celebrity of your choice? Chris Noth is my American choice. Magnus Samuelsson is my Swedish pick.

7. You have the opportunity to sleep with the music celebrity of your choice. Who will you pick? Tommy Lee, but my attraction to him has nothing whatsoever to do with his music. My husband is a more handsome combination of Tommy Lee and Chris Noth, which is why I probably find them both so attractive.

8. Now that you've slept with two different people in a row, you seem to be having an excellent day because you just came across a hundred dollar bill on the sidewalk. Holy shit, a hundred bucks! How are you going to spend it? Sexy shoes.

9. You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you going? Paris.

10. Upon arrival at the aforementioned location, you get off the plane and discover another hundred dollar bill. Now that you are in the new location, what are you going to do? Go to a cozy café et demandez un verre de vin. I’d like to relax and people watch before I go sight-seeing and shopping.

11. An angel appears out of heaven and offers you a lifetime supply of the alcoholic beverage of your choice. What are you going to choose? Good wine

12. Rufus appears out of nowhere with a time-traveling phone booth. You can go to any time in the past. What time are you traveling to and what will you do when you get there? I’d love to travel back to my childhood at the end of my life and do it all over again!

13. You discover a beautiful island upon which you may build your own society. You make the rules. What is the first rule you put into place? Pleasant and polite people are only allowed on island Pretty Paradise.

14. You have been given the opportunity to create the half-hour TV show of your own design. What is it called and what is the premise? It would be a reality show called Everyone Deserves Everything – and the whole world would be provided with plenty of healthy food and water and comfortable living conditions and lots of entertaining items for all ages.

15. What is your favorite curse word? Sugar! What? I have kids.

16. One night you wake up because you heard a noise. You turn on the light to find that you are surrounded by mummies. The mummies aren't really doing anything, they're just standing around your bed. What do you do? Assume that I’m either dreaming or that I’ve lost my mind – and scream!

17. Your house is on fire. You have just enough time to run in and grab one inanimate object. Don't worry, your loved ones and pets have already made it out safely. So, what's the item? My jewelry box.

18. The Angel of Death has descended upon you. Fortunately, the Angel of Death is pretty cool and in a good mood, and it offers you a half-hour to do whatever you want before you bite it. What are you going to do? Spend it wrapped in a tight hug with my adorable family.

19. You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what's even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice. What is it? Immortality.

20. You can re-live any point of time in your life. The time-span can only be half an hour, though. What half hour of your past would you like to relive again? I would spend it walking in the park with my mom before she got sick.

21. You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be? April 11, 2005, the day my mom died. I wish there had been a way to save her life.

23. You have been eternally banned from every single bar on earth except one. Which one is it? I am not attached to a bar.

24. Suddenly you've gained the ability to float. Whose house are you going to float to first and be like, "Dude, check it out....I can float!!"? My sister’s house.

25. The constant absorption of magic moonbeams mixed with the radioactive vegetables you consumed earlier has given you the ability to resurrect the dead famous-person of your choice. So which celebrity will you bring back to life? None

26. The Celestial Gates of Beyond have opened and Death appears. As it turns out, Death is pretty cool and happens to be in a great mood. Death offers to return the friend/family member/person, etc. of your choice to the living world. Who will you bring back to life? My mom!

27. What's your theme song? Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

I am tagging anyone who reads this meme. You can't catch me!