Saturday Centus - Resolution! Schmezolution! - 31- December 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE
         I'm happy you stopped by






             My years end, Saturday Centus!    Jenny from "Off on my tangent" has been so kind to finish the year with such a cool picture (and we can offer more too) and just say what ever.......... in 102 words!  How X-Cool is that!  Very cool!

Here is my offering

Resolution! Schmezolution! Not for me!

It’s been yet another dog year, and again the cats have ruled more than people at my house. This year, I promise to recover my dignity more often, and explain my actions even when I can’t always explain myself.


I’ll try new things, forget who may step on me, ask for attention (without whining) and recognize the joy in everything.  Oh and most importantly, I’ll obey my instincts, understand silences, and always be a good listener when someone speaks!  No begging either!


Pretty much, I’ll just be me and try to stay out of ……

                             "The dog pound!  Not a good place to be, ever!" the dog.


If you want to view more Saturday Centus, I promise you'll enjoy yourself, bunches
                                                                     just go here

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2011/12/saturday-centus-resolution.html

May happiness and good fortune follow you all through the new year and beyond, and remember no matter what - don't step on the little creatures you meet along the way....especially Daddy Long Legs!

Six Word Saturday - 31 December 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE DAY EVERYONE,
AND WELCOME TO ANOTHER SIX WORD SATURDAY POST

It won't be long, and these shadows
will fade away as evening falls,
and our new year unfolds
and we begin
 new
   again.
  

Happy 2012

Best Year's Resolution
Just be Yourself



He who breaks a resolution is a weakling; He who makes one is a fool. - F. M. Knowles, from A Cheerful Yearbook!

So Create your own Cheerful Yearbook!

George MacDonald said, "It is when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today, that the weight is more than a man can bear."

so forget about tomorrow
 just deal with
today's
gifts.

LIFE IS ABOUT MOMENTS

Give yourself enchanted possibilities for your future!

I wish everyone a Happy New Year and may happiness follow you everywhere you go.


If you want to view more Six Word Saturday posts or post your own, just go here

http://www.showmyface.com/2011/12/six-word-saturday_31.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+showmyface+%28Show+My+Face%29

Sepia Saturday - 106 - Special .....31 December 2011

HAPPY  NEW  YEAR'S  EVE  DAY!    ...AND  WELCOME  AGAIN
TO  ANOTHER  SEPIA  SATURDAY  POST

New Year Celebration 1940 "Please do join our party and put on your hat and pass the champagne...."
Courtesy of Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Irish Toast - in the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, never in want.

Mummers on Broad St., New Year's Day, Philadelphia, PA.
Courtesy of Library of Congress,  Washington, D.C. part of the Bain Collection
A Mummer is a performer, one who goes merrymaking in disguise during festivals.

Philadelphia you really know how to put on a New Year's Day Parade!
this clip starts with quick photos from 1892 to current and then the real live parade! Quite entertaining, really.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEGhL0K6C0o

                                                 Celebration at New York's "Cafe" Happy New Year's Eve...let the funny hats fill the room, as well as laughter and good cheer to bring in the New Year...this year being about 1910. - Courtesy Library of Congress, Bain Collection - parts from George Grantham Bain.


Your Merry Christmas may depend on what others do for you.  But your Happy New Year depends on what you do for others.

                  Drinking to the New Year, New York, inside the "Cafe" about 1910.
- Courtesy of Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. - Bain Collection


Below is a video for the best ever 1950's New Year's Eve Party....complete with those silly hats....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybI34v-67MY


This is a special Christmas and New Year's special......edition.....if you want to view more or even care to share something of your own please do, and just go here



Here's the link
http://sepiasaturday.blogspot.com/2011/12/sepia-saturday-106-christmas-new-year.html
...and remember as we say good-bye to 2011 we are welcoming a merry tomorrow...I wish you all the happiest of times in our new year ahead....  H a p p y   N e w   Y e a r ..... to you all!

Thematic Photographic - 177 favorites

Thematic Photographic, on Carmi's Written Inc. blog is featuring "favorites" right through New Year's week...

Do you know what this is?

It's not a truck, or a plane or ............

It's a Train! This is a favorite of mine for a number of reasons.  My first ride on the Minnesota Zephyr was to treat my mother for her birthday.  Just the two of us.  Sadly, the many times I've been on it, or gave gift certificates, the company went out of business......

On a road trip to southeastern Minnesota and a walk down main street, I couldn't believe the display in the local photography shop......  I just had to snap this picture... how could I pass this up?

Not that my photo is so great, but do you notice what subjects are being displayed?  I'm sure they're marketing for new business..... Yes, it appears the high school prom girls are center stage...but in all the other photos.... no people....just cows!

Yes, the things that some people do to their automobiles....

"You never really know.  But when they know, you'll know.  You know?" from Finding Nemo!


Shall we meet for lunch at one of my favorite little sidewalk cafes....if you just happen to be in "Old Town, San Diego?"

                         Of course if you linger too long looking at all the lovely artwork along the way to where I'm having lunch......

Because the farther you stroll the more you can see.....

             Inside one of the many shops at "Old Town"...... and I shan't wait all day for you either..... so hurry....

Or, I may be forced to eat and be on my way too......

Starlight star bright, the first star I see....in Old Town will be you......!

If you want to see more favorites, or why not post your own go here

http://writteninc.blogspot.com/2011/12/thematic-photographic-177-your.html

Thematic Photographic 177 - Favorites

          Carmi, from Written Inc. is asking for our "favorite" shots of the year.  Ones which didn't reach a theme, but have a story to tell of their own.  Or, something else worthy of being a favorite.


My first offering - will be of stone and glass and woods and water and reflections as just a few of my most favorite things.

"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live" -
 Flora Whittemore


What favorite things do you put outside your window?

and strictly from nature.......

The leaves begin to fall, the wind blows, and the pond side still glows of summer's colors, a burst of brightness, before the foliage begins to lose its freshness, as autumn prepares for change, colors fade to gray on this day....


How many days did it take to get here?

http://writteninc.blogspot.com/2011/12/thematic-photographic-177-your.html

Thematic Photographic - Strangers Among Us -Yet

         A Random Stranger - Breezes past......snap!   He's caught.

Strangely enough, this painting has always found a place in my house, since a stranger gave it to me.
Strange as it may sound, a single mother of 5 children and I belonged to the same church and while she didn't join in the Ladies Group, she still presented it to me as a wedding gift.
Strange too that she soon moved away,
still to this day I don't recall her name.
Strange that I have kept this 
it's not a real painting
some may say
it's colors are beginning to fade.....
the two men and one dog pictured here are strangers too.
I guess it isn't strange to hold on to things that are dear to us
and her gift to me is still very dear.
Strange huh?  

......another strange thing, is fellow blogger Bob (Bob's Home For Writing)who joins in here too, used this very painting to a post recently!

http://writteninc.blogspot.com/2011/12/thematic-photographic-175-strangers.html

Thematic Photographic Strangers Among Us

http://writteninc.blogspot.com/2011/12/thematic-photographic-175-strangers.html

Just a random shot:   The large crowd is mesmerized at Folkstone Well.
          Except one stranger may have caught my shot - do you see her?

Everyone was focused on the "Washing Well Wenches, at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival-2011.

Saturday Centus 17 Dec 2011 I really don't believe my.....

THIS IS A SATURDAY CENTUS POST

        In the spirit of the holiday season and really delicious food, or (perhaps) a last minute gift suggestion, Jenny from "Off on my tangent" is serving up something yummy.  In just 50 words, any style of writing, only this photo please.... is Jenny's request of her faithful and devoted Centus followers!

Here is mine.....



Dec. 17, 2075.  Mrs. Stellar an art teacher, expected her foreign-exchange students to create things from around the house.

"Now you're responsible for designing our holiday tree. You have all day to create. Good luck."

So upon Mrs. Stellar's return this is what she saw.
                          



please scroll down......

Created by Celena Bader - exchange student from the Moon.

Well come on now, you did notice the year right?

Name info:  Celena - means The moon. Goddess - of the moon.
Her surname: Bader - means Full moon. This can mean a full moon at the most romantic hour.....

Photo served by Jenny for Saturday Centus

December 17, 2075

(does anyone believe this is really Jenny and Mr. Jenny's tree this year?) ha ha ha !!!

If you want to join in on this yummy fun please find Jenny's blog here

Six Word Saturday 17 December 2011

THIS IS A SIX WORD SATURDAY POST








      Explain our life in six words?  Hmm, it's not always that easy is it?

    
      OBEY YOUR INSTINCTS
          NO MATTER WHAT


Either way, as it happens,

            
The first thought that comes to you is usually pretty accurate and not to be ignored.  Ever.....

       But mostly, just be yourself....and if some days you feel like this photo below...

Ever have those days that you feel your life is upside down? Or backwards, or playing over top of another day gone by?


...and if there's trouble brewing, you can stare unabashedly right back into the face of any danger
at anytime
and don't forget, only you, can make yourself feel inferior....

and if you care to see some more Six Word Saturdays or just want to share you own
go here

http://www.showmyface.com/2011/12/six-word-saturday_17.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+showmyface+%28Show+My+Face%29

Sepia Saturday 105 : Saturday 17 December 2011

THIS IS A SEPIA SATURDAY POST

                           Are you hungry for pie?   Well we can all give thanks to Alan, from Sepia Saturday who has decided to sweeten our posts, or perhaps leave us nestled with a pigeon or other blackbird recipe or two...with Sepia Saturday this week..... just check out his blog if you really want to behold some stunning pie selections...you be the judge, okay?

Meet Jean Halmond, on July 6th 1939, she is just putting on the finishing touches to a 30 pound cherry pie made especially for President Roosevelt in Washington, D.C.  - courtesy of the Library of Congress, in Washington, D.C.

Jean Halmond won the "Queen of Michigan's National Cherry Festival" that was held in Traverse City, Michigan in 1939.

Nothing makes a woman happier than...a finger licking yummy pie!  What better place to find delicious tasting pies than at the New Mexico Fair, at Pie Town, New Mexico of course. - Courtesy of Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. in October 1940.
and yes, there really is a town named,  Pie Town.

Here's a fun little youtube video from Taos to Pie Town, these days, good music, great views, and a cool little pie shop, "Pie-O-Neer" home of some tasty pies.  Even the Pie-O-Neer" has a few videos of it's own!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KioAm0SCcIk&feature=related

       Are you a camper or even a backyard grill-chef, who is craving a yummy cake/pie treat?  ...and want it quick?  Try a Cherry Ooh-La-la, - it's easy to prepare, take a slice of angel-food cake with cream cheese thinned just slightly with milk. Top with a spoonful of cherry pie filling. Wrap in foil and toast over coals.  Ooh-La-la ...good!

Meet Mary Mutz, from Moreno Valley, Colfax County, New Mexico.  This was taken in February of 1943, on the Mutz Ranch and Mary has just prepared an "Apple pie" for her family.

            My next two photos are also from the Mutz Ranch, in New Mexico during 1943, and also courtesy of the Library of Congress in Washington, D. C.  It seems I'm not the only person who found much interest in the Mutz family and their ranch.  A visit to the Library of Congress photo collection shows a great many photos taken on their ranch. 

                         I first found Mary's photo exceptionally interesting with a pretty Mary busy at work in her kitchen, living somewhere in the great southwest, on a ranch even, and can you believe it, in 1943 she's wearing jeans in her photo! 

Here is Mary again, as she washes the dishes and other family members help dry and put them away.  The children seem to be busy playing some sort of game don't you think?

                   There were other photos from the ranch, even showing many of their farm animals, but this one photo explained as "Looking west" just seems to complete a day at the Mutz Ranch for me.  What do you think?

Oh yes, this is one of those lovely old time photos that I think if only it were in color....it does appear that there may be snow on the mountains....what a lovely spot to romp around and raise a family.

If you want a bit more color too, and want a real good look around what some call the Crown Jewel of New Mexico, then check out this youtube video...it's an amazing place.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHMCrSg0AEA
                       

So if you're still a bit hungry for more Sepia Saturday delicious posts then please go here

http://sepiasaturday.blogspot.com/2011/12/sepia-saturday-105-saturday-17-december.html

Alphabe-Thursday- Celebrating the Letter F

THIS IS AN
      ALPHABE-THURSDAY POST
 TODAY'S LESSON IS ALL ABOUT THE LETTER  "F"
                              as in "Fougasse"

    You may think Fougasse is a type of bread from French cuisine and sculpted or slashed into a pattern resembling an ear of wheat... or a type of pastry from Monaco topped with almonds and nuts, but there's something else, more interesting .......

             Today's Letter "F" celebrates Fougasse (cartoonist).  He was known throughout the world by using that pen name.  He was born on 17 December 1887 in London as, Cyril Kenneth Bird and he died on 11 June 1965.
                      Fougasse, was a British cartoonist best known for his editorship of Punch Magazine and his iconic World War II warning propaganda posters.  You can still see his work in various places.  For instance this was taken at Swindon, England at The Great Western Steam Museum.

This was one of  "Fougasse's" posters.


This poster was part of his series "Careless Talk Costs Lives" and was deliberately intended to be humorous....... During a time when Fougasse had many topics at hand to get thoughts out to the world through his illustrations.

By Fougasse, A Federal Art Project, between 1941 and 1943.


To better understand how "Fougasse" became his pen name..... He was injured seriously at the Battle of Gallipoli during World War I and invalided out of the British Army (hence his pen name Fougasse is a type of mine)

While he designed these effective propaganda posters including the famous "Careless Talk Costs Lives" series during World War II he also worked for free for the Ministry of Information, designing posters and for his work he was awarded the honour of Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1946.


You may recall his famous butler carrying a tray photo which since 2009 has been used to illustrate the front page of the British Airways' First Class Menus.


If you enjoyed this assignment or wish to see others please go here


http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2011/12/alphabe-thursdays-letter-f.html

Whimsical Wednesday 14 December 2011

THIS IS A WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY POST

                           

Oh no! Check you wristwatch out….



Time is slipping away 
Please don’t cry
Frosty might melt, it's no doubt
So we’ll bring ice cubes your way
Folks are gathering all around town
In hopes that you won’t soon be melting
Oh for heaven’s sake
We know you’ve been good
For goodness sake
What will we do?
To keep Frosty from melting…….


Do you have some whimsy you wish to share?
then just go here...

http://dthaase-lines.blogspot.com/p/whimsical-wednesday.html

Thematic Photographic # 175 The One

THIS IS A THEMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC POST

              Carmi selected "The One" for our theme and I can't get Three Dog Night's "One is the loneliest number....." out of my head!


    It seems, after a complete search.....I seldom take "the one" photos, except the ones we all would rather not share..... So Carmi's assignment had me almost at a loss, (oh camera) but then

In search of the perfect.... One - thing that interests me most...

Meet "Rex"....at least that's what I call him....oddly enough I'm not even sure if Rex shouldn't be called something more lady-like.  Carmi wanted some one thing that was dear/interests us....and ever since I laid my eyes on my Rex, I had to have him for myself. 

....another one thing that interests me........

A simple (ONE) message sign about King Arthur's Tomb.......

Keep your eyes open for all the little signs we often miss
 being in too big a hurry ......

they're everywhere.....

"The most important of life's battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul..." -David McKay


....and lastly, come on now it often interests you as well,  I give you an important one thing

Funny how such a simple (one item) thing in life can just pop out ...screaming....take my picture....especially when they are so different and so uncommonly cool....... a "Handwash at Wells Bathroom."

Do you want to see more Thematic Photographic Photos?
then please do go here

http://writteninc.blogspot.com/2011/12/thematic-photographic-175-one.html


"One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do, Two can be as bad as one, It's the loneliest number since the number one....."

Saturday Centus It Doesn't Have To Be That

WELCOME TO


                      SATURDAY CENTUS
                            

I believe you, I believe you, I really-really do....

Miss Jenny is being really sweet this morning, (probably because we now know, Jenny knows the true meaning of soup) you can check her blog for details on the soup.....

and today's centus is as usual, any style, 100 words plus our prompt, one picture is okay....but no more!

Our prompt is:

"It doesn't have to be that way..."

Here's mine.....

Please don't go.  I promise to laugh at all your attempts.

If only, you believed in miracles...

For as long as I keep laughing

You'll be safe.

If only you believed in miracles....

and that

there's not one Knight braver than you

If only you believe....

You'd always be safe.

But oh no, you're powerless

in the here and now

It doesn't have to be that way

What a pleasure it would be for you

If you'd only attempt 

to believe

just once more

laughs the spider to the fly....

If you would like to read some more Saturday Centus please go here, and don't forget you're always invited to attempt your own Saturday Centus as well

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2011/12/saturday-centus-it-doesnt-have-to.html

                              

Six Word Saturday 10 December 2011

THIS IS ANOTHER
    SIX WORD SATURDAY

                    Sponsored by Cate, at Show My Face, (and of course Me) where we share a bit of ourselves or something really outstanding.....but, in just six words!



LAUGHING SO HARD I CAN'T STOP

AT WHAT YOU ASK?
 
    Laughing at My Christmas Card List



Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, HA!

So if you see me laughing spontaneously don't be alarmed... it feels so good to have mailed the last bunch late (okay quite) late last night.......

This year I swore

I’d wrap myself in old traditions
Just to stay sane
It keeps sorrows
Of missing loved ones
Away
and sprinkles sunshine
Upon little faces


Sharing pleasures
and putting out shoes
For old St. Nicholas
And don’t be ridiculous
Of course no coal
And Sunday we shall light
Another Advent candle…


And myself, not in my stocking cap
Nevertheless,
My last Christmas cards sealed and off……
So don’t be ridiculous
It is a jolly good December little ones…..

If by chance you want to view more or
share your own six words for us, just go here

http://www.showmyface.com/2011/12/six-word-saturday.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+showmyface+%28Show+My+Face%29

Sepia Saturday 104 : 10 December 2011

THIS IS A SEPIA SATURDAY POST

I'm going off theme this week with a topic about.....

      "What you might find during December."

            I'll begin from a time long ago....


                   My first photo I'd title..... Gone to the Birds..... but that wouldn't even be close to what's happening here.....


     Oddly enough, this photo is even void of snow.  Is it really December?  Is this actually the Nation's Community Christmas Tree ready to be lighted in Washington, D.C. across the street from the White House? 

Apparently, yes.  The lady is Miss Mable White, and she appears to be more interested in feeding the pigeons; then seeing the Nation's Christmas Tree on December 22, 1938.
Courtesy of Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.


Just who is Miss Mable White anyway?

It's quite possible she was officially hired as the head Librarian for $10.00 a week, in December 1920 and held that position until January of 1922, at the Hamilton Public Library located in Hamilton, Missouri.  But there were a good number of women named Miss Mable or (Mabel) White, so it's hard to say for sure.

Moving along to another familiar scene along a lively avenue .....

                Peddlers were everywhere, as this photo from December 19, 1910 shows a rather (Dapper Dan) peddler discussing his wares with onlookers....in New York City.

Seems he has delighted a good many children looking on.  Surely he  hopes they'll spread the word to their parents....
Courtesy of Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

                               I wonder what he was trying to sell?



Another common sight all across the world about this time of year.....

  Yes Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus......didn't you know....

    Ah, yes this was a very long time ago.....when the Post Office did an amazing amount of business during the end of the year.  Not so much the case any more.  This decorated truck, equipped with Santa Claus too, was sent to the streets in hopes of urging folks to send their mail early......

The Post Office title this as "A la carte" and Santa was busy spreading the word to mail things early! - Courtesy of Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. - December 10, 1921.

Have you ever felt like this during, or after the month of December?  This was titled, Best on the Tree, painted for Puck Magazine, by Will Houghton, of London, December 12, 1914.  Courtesy of Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

The illustration shows a woman holding cymbals as an ornament hanging from a Christmas tree.

     Yes, December finds a good number of people quite busy.......


If you want to see other Sepia Saturday Posts, or care to share your own old photos just go here


http://sepiasaturday.blogspot.com/2011/12/sepia-saturday-104-10-december-2011.html

Alphabe-Thursday Celebrating the Letter E

THIS IS AN
        ALPHABE-THURSDAY POST

                                     today we are

                     CELEBRATING THE LETTER  "E"

                       " E " is for Elf  (plural elves)

An Elf does silly things....

but you'll never catch them when they do!

An elf - is a small and noble creature, dressed mostly in green, and are often mischievous and prone to be prankish.  They also have magical powers and move about secretly.

      Elves traditionally grow to 3 feet making them quite small, and they always carry a ladder.  But don't be fooled by their size; because they are enchanting little beings with great strength.  They have fat-round-little noses that tilt up at the ends, and their red hair is thick and they have smart-little-round brown eyes. 




Did you hear that?

You can call to them all day long, but you'll never see them!

...and although I'm sure you've heard this, Elves are not hired by Target

any elves there-are impostors!




They are, very clever and quite crafty!

One very good reason we can't ever see elves at work or play, is because they are very intelligent and humans just wouldn't understand some of the things they do. 

Like the photo above where an elf teaches a reindeer how to fly.


Mostly elves prefer to live below ground.  In underground caves, deep within hill mounds, inside trees, or barrows, and drains or cellars.  Of course elves are also busy working inside Santa's workshop.  Unless they are light elves (that you read about in storybooks) and they would rather live above ground in places like forests, woods, castle ruins and abandoned houses or people's barns, and they do meet mortals every now and then.

But if we were to peak inside of an Elf Village this is what we would find....

Lots of baking going on in an Elf Kitchen.


and then if we climb over a snow bank and dash into another woods

We'd see this sign outside the Elf School-House

Always remember.....

Elves cannot be sought out.

and

You can't ever marry an elf, unless you are an elf.

They learn how to be so smart in their classrooms.

and of course they learn the art of making toys.....


If only we could catch an elf hard at work this is what we'd see...

But, that will never happen don't you see...


Why?


Because Elves only come out at night and always keep to themselves.

If they are ever ready to appear, they will...but mostly they travel within their secret places that only appear on Elf  Maps...

google can't even find them.


I hope you enjoyed my tale about the noble and prankish Elf
which was originally told to me by another delightful creature

Mr. Mushroom-Gnome.....who is always willing to be seen.

Here he is hanging from our Christmas tree.....

and if you want to join in our classroom fun at Jenny's, Alphabe-Thursdays then please go here

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2011/12/alphabe-thursdays-letter-e.html