Wednesday's Attic

Go Ask Alice

2012-01-29T18:09:00.000-08:00

NOT

OBSESSED

WITH

ALICE

In WONDERLAND. So there!

The 'Real' Mother Goose- Accept no imitations!

2012-01-29T18:01:00.000-08:00

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I can't recall how many time I read through this book of stories as a kid.

Besoms

2012-01-29T17:56:00.000-08:00

Besoms!

Gashleycrumb Tinies

2012-01-29T12:21:00.000-08:00

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Love this! I have had the book for years, but enjoy the movie too!

Stuck on Jesus

2012-01-28T21:15:00.000-08:00

This came with a tiny free toy Jesus inside to make your boo boo's feel better faster! Makes me feel like singing " I am stuck on Jesus, cuz Jesus' stuck on me!"

Moonrise

2012-01-28T20:38:00.000-08:00

Yes, I often played in the yard with pets when I was a girl.

Let's shake on it

2012-01-28T20:36:00.000-08:00

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Best door knob ever!

Dark Garden

2012-01-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

Black Calla Lilies

VooDoo or Dragon Lily

Columbine

Bat flower

These are some of the flowers I am going to attempt to grow this year in my dark garden.

Always more dolls

2012-01-28T20:20:00.000-08:00

Of course I have acquired a doll or two since I last posted. Here are a couple!

Attempted Murder Sauce

2012-01-28T20:18:00.000-08:00

We had Pho for dinner tonight and I was reminded of this.

A few years ago I had jury duty. The trail I was on was for attempted murder. One of the 'hostile witnesses' was a nutty guy who was the eye witness to the crime, which had occurred inside his mothers car.

When the District Attorney asked him about all the 'red stains' that were all over the inside of his moms car, he told the D.A. that he was pretty sure it was from Siracha sauce. The D. A. said 'Siracha sauce. . really?' 'Yes' he said and went on to explain what Siracha sauce is and how the color looked just like what was in his moms car, and so that is what it was.

So as a result I always refer to this as 'Attempted Murder Sauce'.

Black Cat Auditions

2012-01-28T18:42:00.000-08:00

Black Cat audition in Hollywood, 1961. Hey! I see a black and white cat there!

After a bit of a hiatus, this blog, which is my personal blog is back!

I have a new look as you can see! A huge Thank You to my daughter Angelina for the awesome new banner and wallpaper for my little attic!

I will be posting several more blogs shortly to sort of catch up, and then will post on a regular basis at least weekly if not more.

Spooky Rabbit

2011-09-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

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This is Mrs. Norris, she is companion to The White Rabbit of Alice fame. Her eyes follow you around the room.

The Queen of Cheese

2011-08-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

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Anyone who knows me , knows I LOVE cheese. So going to Wisconsin earlier this year was exciting! Look what we found on our travels! A tribute to me! A Castle devoted to cheese! They even had a crown waiting for me (with no football team logo)

I AM the Queen!

Cirque du Soleil- IRIS

2011-08-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

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Went to Cirque du Soleil's IRIS last evening. A wonderful show with the theme of Cinema- perfect for Hollywood!

Adorable

2011-08-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

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I know. She is adorable! Yes, once again it is new doll time! This one is a doll by Macabre Noir.

Doll Time, once again

2011-07-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

Her name is Molly

Fun with my girls

2011-07-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

My Wedding- 11/2/2007

2011-07-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

Wedding Shower invitations

Day of the Dead Wedding cake

Moi

2011-07-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

Wednesday's Attic

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So True

2011-07-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

New Doll for 4th of July

2011-07-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

Wednesdays Attic

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New Dolls

2011-06-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

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She also has a removable hat

This one says her name is Miko. Sometimes they tell me their names right away, sometimes it takes a while.

Disneyland Shopping

2011-06-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

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I am ever on the look out for Alice things whenever I visit Disneyland. Today I found several, plus a cool Haunted Mansion item.

Rare White Kiwi Chick

2011-05-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

Awww look at this sweet baby. He was just hatched on Monday May 22nd

Doll Time

2011-05-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

This little girl has just joined the doll family here.

She is called Thumbelina

Love Dexter!

2011-05-06T06:08:00.000-07:00

New Doll for Spring!

2011-05-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

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even though she has only one eye, she can stare you down with ease. Pretty isn't she?

Pretty Gothic Parasol

2011-05-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Can't wait for this pretty parasol to arrive, Hopefully in time for Bats Day.

Island of the Blue Dolphins

2011-04-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

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This is why I love California. You can stand on the beach in the sun and take a picture of snow at the same time.

Look the other way and there are the Channel Islands

If you ever read the book Island of the Blue Dolphins as a child, the Island in question is one of the channel Islands. San Nicholas Island.

Freeway Santa

2011-04-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

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This Santa was originally found at Santa Clause, California which is sort of on the way to Santa Barbara up the 101. He is now in Oxnard CA. and is visible from the freeway. Santa was built in 1948 as part of a strip mall named Santa Claus Lane in Santa Claus, CA. (famous for its Date Shakes, which were like drinking a Fig Newton). He was moved to a vacant lot next to a mobile home park in Oxnard in 2003.

Pictorial of the workday that was my 50th birthday!

2011-04-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

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This post may not be very exciting. I decided in honor of my 50th Birthday, which fell on a weekday so of course I was working, to document my average workday. As you will see I have a very long commute, so most of it is Southern California freeway driving. So without further ado- here it is!

I awoke to these lovely red roses from my sweet husband

I started taking pics on the 210 while heading to work. I drive 4 freeways every day. The first part of the 210 is the pretty part of my drive.

The 210 where it turns up to go through Pasadena. I call this part 'the first 210' and the part after the tunnel 'the second 210'

Yes, its bumper to bumper on the other side. Glad I am not headed that way! And yes, you get to see all this through my dirty windshield just like I do.

The Miller Brewery. I pass this stinky place everyday.

This is the 57 freeway heading south toward the dreaded 10 freeway.

Ahhh the interchange. Be on your toes here! Will it be the 57, the 10 or the 71?

You have chosen! It's the 10 and the scary ramp that swoops down to the lowest level.

A view of downtown Pomona

Best Mexican food EVER! El Merenderos!

Parking is a block away

Normally there is not a gift on my desk. But it was my Birthday!

It was a lovely Carnival Mask from Italy!

I sort of skipped through the work day because there isn't much I can take photos of. So here we are back at the car, ready to head for home.

On the way home I am in less of a hurry and I took more photos. This is a lovely old building I pass each day. It is a YMCA.

This burned down house is one of 2 on the same lot. Looks like it was a beautiful old painted lady before the fire.

Once again, the dreaded 10!

Yeah. . only if there is no traffic. This is L.A. When is there ever no traffic?

The interchange going home. It is always a free for all here as there are 3 different ways to go and everyone is scrambling to be first.

I go to the 57 North. This hillside has slid twice in the last year and closed this transition ramp adding 20 minutes to my drive. So everyday I tell it to stay put as I whiz by.

The 57 toward the 210. In Winter those hills are covered in snow.

Traffic is always worse the other way

This is one of the only places in L.A. where a train runs down the middle of the freeway. Great Idea and I think we are going to get more of these.

Pasadena, Home of the World famous Tournament of Roses Parade

Also home of the Rose Bowl- And the game every College wants to win!

I am not amused!

NASA and JPL

This is the Top of a landmark called Rocky Peak that I pass daily also. Just to the left of its base is where the tragic Metrolink Train crash occurred a few years ago. And to the right of this point is an area that was once known as the Spahn Movie Ranch. Home to the notorious Manson Family for a time in the 1960's.

Pricilla gazing out the window

Yep- all this driving is expensive!

When I arrived home, some Tarts were in the oven!

A quick freshen up in the privy

Dinner! Made by my daughters and husband.

Followed by a few episodes of Dexter

And fruit tarts for dessert!

Time for bed. . 5am will be here before you know it

Stitches - Birthday Dolly!

2011-04-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

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This is Stitches. She is my birthday dolly for this year from my husband Jeff. He loves me and does not mind my doll collecting.

New Dolly!

2011-04-05T18:16:00.000-07:00

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Her name is Madeline

Baby Muerta

2011-03-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

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I found this excellent statue at Hidden Treasures- a wonderous little shop located deep in Topanga Canyon. You can see more of Hidden Treasures HERE on my other blog

New Doll- Zombie!

2011-03-25T05:31:00.000-07:00

My dolly from the Zombie Farm was finally rescued from the post office! She is adorable!

The Rainbow Bar & Grill- Sunset Strip, Hollywood, CA.

2011-03-14T22:08:00.000-07:00

I had my very first legal drink ever here in April of 1982. I am pretty sure it was a Pina Colada. That was before 'West' Hollywood was a city.

The Rainbow Bar and Grill is a bar and restaurant on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California, United States adjacent to the border of Beverly Hills, California. Its address is 9015 Sunset Boulevard.

The bottom level of the Rainbow is the restaurant, The Rainbow Bar and Grill. Upstairs is an exclusive club called "Over the Rainbow". The Over the Rainbow consists of a full bar, dance floor, and a DJ booth. The restaurant is next to The Roxy Theatre and The Key Club.

The restaurant was founded in early 1972 by Elmer Valentine, Lou Adler, Mario Maglieri and others, opening on April 16, 1972 with a party for Elton John. At the time, the word "rainbow" signified peace and freedom. It quickly became known as a hangout for celebrities of all types. John Belushi ate his last meal(lentil soup) at table #16. For many years, the owner was Mario Maglieri.

Before becoming the Rainbow, the restaurant was the Villa Nova restaurant, which was originally owned by film director Vincente Minnelli, at the time married to Judy Garland. Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe met at the restaurant on a blind date in 1952.

The Rainbow became known as a hangout for rock musicians and their groupies. Notable regulars at the Rainbow in this period include Lemmy, John Lennon, Keith Moon, Grace Slick, Ringo Starr, Neil Diamond, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper, Lizzy Valentine and many others. Elvis Presley was known to have occasionally visited the Rainbow. Los Angeles songwriter Warren Zevon referenced the scene at the Rainbow in the last verse of his 1976 song "Poor Poor Pitiful Me." The musical group Rainbow was named after this club.

Producer Kim Fowley used to hangout at the Rainbow, especially in 1975, when he formed the all-girl group The Runaways.

As musical trends on the Strip changed towards heavy metal in the 1980s, the Rainbow followed suit. Members of Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Guns N' Roses frequented the bar. It was mentioned in a number of songs, such as "Sunset and Babylon" by W.A.S.P. and "Peach Kelli Pop" by Redd Kross, and featured in the videos of "November Rain", "Estranged" and "Don't Cry" by Guns N' Roses.

Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers noted in his book Scar Tissue that he often sat with his father, Blackie Dammett, at the club along with various members of bands such as Led Zeppelin. Often the waitresses and bartenders were groupies as well as those who frequented the establishment. In Pamela Des Barres' book, Let's Spend the Night Together, Patti Johnson commented that as an employee in the early 1980s she met a number of celebrities including Billy Idol.

Daylight Savings TIme 2011

2011-03-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

Every year at this time, you are sure to hear someone ask- What does 'Daylight Savings time' save? It is a good question. It loses you an hour at least it feels that way the first day or so.

As someone who leaves for work very early, it means that I may have to start my drive in the dark again like I do in December.

WIKI Says:

Although not punctual in the modern sense, ancient civilizations adjusted daily schedules to the sun more flexibly than modern DST does, often dividing daylight into twelve hours regardless of day length, so that each daylight hour was longer during summer. For example, Roman water clocks had different scales for different months of the year: at Rome's latitude the third hour from sunrise, hora tertia, started by modern standards at 09:02 solar time and lasted 44 minutes at the winter solstice, but at the summer solstice it started at 06:58 and lasted 75 minutes.

After ancient times, equal-length civil hours eventually supplanted unequal, socivil time no longer varies by season. Unequal hours are still used in a few traditional settings, such as some Mount Athos monasteries and all Jewish ceremonies.

Benjamin Franklinsatirically suggested firing cannons at sunrise to wake Parisians

During his time as an American envoy to France, Benjamin Franklin, author of the proverb, "Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise," anonymously published a letter suggesting that Parisians economize on candles by rising earlier to use morning sunlight. This 1784 satire proposed taxing shutters, rationing candles, and waking the public by ringing church bells and firing cannons at sunrise. Franklin did not propose DST; like ancient Rome, 18th-century Europe did not keep precise schedules. However, this soon changed as rail and communication networks came to require a standardization of time unknown in Franklin's day.

Starting on 30 April 1916, Germany and its World War I allies were the first to use DST (ger.: Sommerzeit) as a way to conserve coal during wartime. Britain, most of its allies, and many European neutrals soon followed suit. Russia and a few other countries waited until the next year and the United States adopted it in 1918. Since then, the world has seen many enactments, adjustments, and repeals. Modern DST was first proposed by the New Zealand entomologist George Vernon Hudson, whose shift-work job gave him leisure time to collect insects, and led him to value after-hours daylight.

In 1895 he presented a paper to the Wellington Philosophical Society proposing a two-hour daylight-saving shift, and after considerable interest was expressed inChristchurch, New Zealand he followed up in an 1898 paper. Many publications incorrectly credit DST's invention to the prominent English builder and outdoorsman William Willett,who independently conceived DST in 1905 during a pre-breakfast ride, when he observed with dismay how many Londoners slept through a large part of a summer's day.

An avid golfer, he also disliked cutting short his round at dusk. His solution was to advance the clock during the summer months, a proposal he published two years later. The proposal was taken up by the Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) Robert Pearce, who introduced the first Daylight Saving Bill to the House of Commons on 12 February 1908. A select committee was set up to examine the issue, but Pearce's bill did not become law, and several other bills failed in the following years. Willett lobbied for the proposal in the UK until his death in 1915.

Does anybody Really know what time it is?

New Doll- Lady in White

2011-03-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

This is my latest Doll.

And 2 of my dolls went to the doll hospital, so Dr. Christy Creepy- Dolls could work on them. One has lost an eye into her head, and one is getting a dress refresh.

The Doll Chronicles

2011-03-07T21:10:00.000-08:00

I found a cute little metal rack to put dolls on, which means I have room for a few more dolls! YAY! I placed Sedona at the top. She is the Queen of all my dolls and this way she can survey her kingdom and greet any visitors since she is looking right at the front door.

I could not resist these huge happy daisies. Here are some of the dolls getting ready for Spring!

Door Skeletons

2011-03-07T21:03:00.000-08:00

This is my bathroom skeleton Fred. He has been hanging on the inside of our downstairs bathroom for about 3 years now.

This is Theodore, he moved in October of 2010. He is on the garage door.

This Blackbird tree is on the outside of Fred's door.

Madame Talbot Art- My personal gallery

2011-03-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

I finally completed framing and hanging my latest Madame Talbot art. My stairwell is basically a gallery of her posters. I was especially excited about these new posters, because 3 of them were inspired by photographs from my November Obscura Blog. To think that we helped inspire this beautiful artwork is very flattering.

Those 3 are the Corpse Flower, The Black Moriah and Boothill Graveyard. You can see ( and buy) these posters and many more at www.madametalbot.com and you can see my photos of these things on my other blog at http://novemberobscura.blogspot.com/

Forlorn Hearts

2011-03-07T20:46:00.000-08:00

These are the first two hearts in a series I have started. I call them Forlorn hearts because they look a little sad and worried.

Red Haired Witch

2011-02-13T19:47:00.000-08:00

This is one of the latest pretties that I found and snatched up. It was painted by Christie, the one who makes many of my dolls. But the great thing is it looks like me, even though I don't think I was the inspiration at all. My friends all call her Wendy.

Skeleton Foot Shoes

2011-01-29T09:05:00.000-08:00

I like these!

Oddities on the Science Channel

2011-01-16T22:02:00.000-08:00

Since I don't get much opportunity to watch television, had not yet seen this show though I had heard of it. I had a chance to watch a mini marathon today and am hooked! I am now having the series recorded and plan to make time to watch each week.

I enjoy the customers and collectors as much as the oddities. These are my kind of people!

Ice Castle

2010-12-17T05:55:00.000-08:00

This is cool! The ice-covered Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse near Cleveland, Ohio

Proud Mom Moment

2010-12-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

Most kids give their Moms their best artwork to display on the Refrigerator. My daughter brought me her first target practice to hang in the place of honor.

2010 Holiday Decor

2010-12-04T18:21:00.000-08:00

I am going to have to add to this blog since I only managed a few pictures.

The first tree is our 'Nightmare' tree

This tree has purple and white lights, skeleton and skull garlands and a skull topper!

And you can see my spider curtains in the background!

Happy Skull topper!

The upside down tree. This tree is in the kitchen

Santa and Dr. Morose VooDoo- A perfect blend

We wish you a Scary Christmas!

Victorian Yule Tree with Sun Topper

Pio in her Disney Santa hat with ears

Theodore, the Garage door skeleton with his holiday on

Haunted Mansion Holiday

2010-12-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

From the start of October until just after the New Year, The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland is turned into a Nightmare before Christmas Mansion. I always enjoy the Mansion and love the fun of the brief change.

People are not allowed to take flash pictures inside, and most cameras are not fast enough to capture clear photos inside due to the low light and ride movement. Jeff tried anyway, and the result was quite interesting I think.

I decided to post these, even though many of the inside photos are double exposed and have a blur, if you are familiar with the Mansion you will still know what the picture is of. And if not, you still might find an odd beauty in them.

This is inside the elevator- where the portraits stretch

The giant Jack head that appears at the top of the elevator where the hanging body normally is.

Another view of Jack

The 'nightmare' portraits in the hallway as you leave the elevator and walk to the black christmas sleighs!

Two close ups of the changing portraits in the hallway

Skull trim! Excellent!

One of 2 statues at the end of the hall that turn and follow you as you walk by. And look! a friendly spider has sent us a holiday message in it's web!

and now it's time to get into your black christmas sleigh!

This is where you get into the Doombuggies, which are called black christmas sleighs during the holiday time. In the background is a mountain of scarily wrapped presents and characters and a banner that says Merry Christmas, but then changes to Scary Christmas

Here is a closer view- sort of. See the Mayor, Sally and the Witch?

This is a view of the hallway - where during 'normal' time, there is a floating candelabra. At Holiday time, its where Jack's doggie Zero floats toward this large pile of bones with a bow and tag that says 'To: Zero'

This is a hallway with lots of doors, whose door knockers and handles move constantly. There is a sign hung up that says Tomb Sweet Tomb, among the portraits on the walls. You can't see it here, but this is where the famous Haunted Mansion wallpaper is.

This is the seance room where Madam Leona normally sits - or her head does- inside a crystal ball. At holiday time they put her in a big floating ornament!

This is the Birthday Party table in the ballroom. For the holiday time, there is a big gingerbread Jack in the middle. You can see him popping up!

Another look at the table with purple bat lights!

In the attic, where the killer bride normally is, are lots of evily wrapped gifts and this scary Jack in the Box

Also there is a huge snake up there!

This is the one clear picture we were able to get. The ride had stopped while we were in the snowy graveyard.

Jack stands with his christmas sack at the bottom of the attic stairs in the graveyard (where the frightened sexton and dog usually are) Jack asks you if you have been naughty or nice. I yelled out to him that Jeff has been Naughty and I have been nice. Just so he knows.

These are the singing pumpkins in the snowy graveyard

Under the giant snow angel with the pumpkin face

This is actually the end where Oggie Boogie spins the wheel for your fate. You cant see it but I loved the swirl of colors!

This is not part of the Mansion, but it has Jack and Sally as well as Maleficent.

Holidays at Disneyland

2010-12-04T16:31:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went on a family trip to Disneyland as a sort of holiday kick off. The decorations are so over the top and beautiful!

Here are Angelina and I reflected in a big silver ornament

I am the silly one

Christmas mouse wreaths over Main street USA!

Even the masks and skulls at the Adventureland entrance seem in a holiday mood

We went to find hats and while we were in the Main Street 'Mad Hatter' shoppe, the parade came!

Anniversary Get Away

2010-11-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

For our annual anniversary get away, we went up to the Pismo Beach area to a Hot Springs resort.

Above is the cove at Avilla Beach

Pismo Beach was once famous for its clams. Here is the Pismo version of a pumpkin- a Halloween Clam!

Pismo is also Famous for being able to drive on the beach. But you have to use caution, because not everyone follows the right path, and if you follow them you could find yourself in trouble. . . like we did.

Scion + Beach = Fail!

Priscilla had a great time at the beach, she had a big smile on her face even while we were wondering how we would get the car out of the sand. Thankfully some kind strangers helped us!

Once we were unstuck and driving on the right part of the sand, this fellow came to see if we had any food which we did not.

View of the beach when your car is not stuck in the sand.

Aarrgghh!

Not sure what these posts were for, but they were interesting.

We took a walk around the area- very pretty.

We also found our way to a Labyrinth. More photos of the Labyrinth are HERE on our November Obscura blog.

Filling the tub with Hot Springs mineral water. Smells quite a bit - high Sulphur content. And don't wear your silver jewelry in this water! We must have had 10 long soaks in the 2 days we were there.

A lovely place and we do plan to return. But I was amazed at the horrid lamps in our room. So much so that I had to share.

This was the view we had at dinner one night. The food was good, the view lovely, but the waiter, not so much.

I do not even like Calamari, but it just can not be a plus to list "tubes and tentacles" on your menu- thats just gross.

Beachfront Tables at sunset

With our dinner came a show. It seems that the local Firemen come to the beachfront to jog and do push ups. Note the surfboard on the Fire Truck. Only in California!

Closed for the season. .

Row of Pelicans in flight

Sunset

Before leaving the next day, we popped back to the beach for some coffee at this place in Avilla Beach.

Great Coffee!

Day of the Dead Altar

2010-11-07T20:10:00.000-08:00

This year for Samhain I made a small personal, portable altar. Here it is with sweets for the ancestors. On the right is my black scrying mirror reflecting the candles lit for all the ancestors.

This friendly guy sits atop the curio cabinet that holds most of my Day of the Dead collection. We keep him up there and he wears a santa hat at Yule.

Halloween Sweets

2010-11-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

These are the great Halloween cupcakes that my daughter made. They were a wonderful addition to our holiday fun this year.

Halloween Outing 2010

2010-11-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite places to go. My husband and I fell in love in this garden. We stopped by for a Coffee and a sit in the shade on the way home from our family Halloween outing of Cemetery photography.

This garden is a no Poop zone so it is extra nice!

Mine, Mine The Treasure is mine!

2010-10-28T05:48:00.000-07:00

When we were at Disneyland the other day aboard the Mark Twain Paddlewheel steamboat, I happened to see this guy over on Pirates Lair. I had never seen him before. He is fabulous! SO after lunch we went and took his picture.

Can't wait!

2010-10-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

EEEeeeeee! This excellent clock will be here soon! My sweet husband got it for me! Do you think I can fit it in my purse? I can't wait!

Cooking- Yes, I do that from time to time

2010-10-17T21:58:00.000-07:00

I enjoy making Julia Childs recipe for French Onion Soup. It takes hours to make it properly, but is sooo worth it.

Look my cooking is even in a blog about cooking! You can see it HERE

Surf's Up!

2010-10-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

Chumash beach ceremony

This could only happen in California- Cowabunga!!

Malibu's Surfrider Beach declared first-ever World Surfing Reserve

The designation is largely ceremonial, but supporters hope that enshrining the world's best surf breaks will lead to legal protections against development and pollution.

By Tony Barboza, Los Angeles Times

October 10, 2010

After scouring the globe in search of the perfect wave, a nonprofit organization Saturday declared the waves off Malibu's Surfrider Beach the first-ever World Surfing Reserve — a distinction meant to celebrate surf breaks not only for their size and shape, but also for their cultural significance.

Famous as the epicenter of California surf culture in the 1950s and '60s, Malibu topped a list of more than 125 nominees under the new program by the Save the Waves Coalition.

The designation is largely ceremonial and does not grant greater protection for the surf. But surfers and conservationists hope that enshrining the world's best breaks, an idea based loosely on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites and a similar surfing reserve program in Australia, will one day lead to legally binding protections against development and pollution.

"These special surf spots are the Yosemites of the coast," said Dean LaTourrette, founding partner of World Surfing Reserves. "People need to understand how valuable and fragile they are."

Supporters, including the International Surfing Assn., the California Coastal Commission and the Surfrider Foundation (named after the famed beach), say formally recognizing world-class surf breaks could also help them avoid the fate of spots like Corona del Mar and Dana Point's legendary Killer Dana, where once-premier waves were diminished by construction.

Malibu was chosen from a list of hundreds submitted by surfing federations worldwide. The nominees went through two rounds of evaluations by a panel of surfers, scientists and activists who scored each on quality and consistency of the waves, environmental characteristics, the local attitude toward surfing and the site's place in surf culture and history.

Surfrider Beach prevailed because of its renown as a surfing destination, its legendary waves and the ongoing threat of water pollution from Malibu Creek and Malibu Lagoon.

"A place like Malibu is perfect because it's the birthplace of modern surfing, it's an amazing natural setting and yet there are serious environmental issues threatening it," said Josh Berry, environmental director for the Save the Waves Coalition.

Saturday's inauguration — which took place at Surfrider — featured events from dusk until dawn, including a Chumash Indian ceremony at sunrise, an early-morning paddle-out and appearances by prominent surfers such as Dorian "Doc" Paskowitz, Allen Sarlo and Malibu Mayor Jefferson "Zuma Jay" Wagner.

The nominees included six famous California surf breaks, among them Mavericks in Half Moon Bay and Trestles in San Onofre. Others spanned the globe from South Africa and Peru to Portugal and Indonesia.

Organizers intend to add one or two locations to the list every year. Next up for consideration could be Manly Beach in Sydney, Australia, and Waikiki in Honolulu.

Another reason that Johnny Depp is Excellent

2010-10-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

This is another reason why ya gotta love this guy!

LONDON (Reuters) – Hollywood star Johnny Depp took "show and tell" to a new level at a London school when he turned up in full pirate regalia after a fan wrote to him seeking help stage a "mutiny," according to media reports.

Beatrice Delap, 9, wrote to Captain Jack Sparrow, Depp's character in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, asking for help with an uprising against teachers at Meridian Primary School in Greenwich, south-east London.

"We are a bunch of budding young pirates and we were having a bit of trouble mutiny-ing against the teachers, and we'd love if you could come and help," Delap wrote to Depp.

Depp, who is in south-east London filming the fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie "On Stranger Tides," gave the school 10 minutes notice on Wednesday that he was on his way.

The school quickly called an assembly and Depp walked in to gasps from the students, according to People magazine.

Depp, holding the letter, called Delap up to the front and hugged her but he dashed any thoughts of a rebellion.

"Maybe we shouldn't mutiny today because there are police outside monitoring me," Depp, a father of two, was quoted as saying.

I caught a cold

2010-10-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, somebody even wrote music for it! I am fortunate in that I rarely am ill. I must have caught something however because I have had it since Sunday evening. I seem to have taken a turn towards better and just must return to work Monday. I hate being sick, I am far too busy for that.

By the way- Get your flu shot early, they made lots this year!

New photo posts on the Queen Mary

2010-08-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, we took a long planned trip to the Queen Mary specifically to photograph her and some of her more interesting details.

I am now in the process of posting that blog over on our November Obscura blog. Alas I did not seem to have captured any ghosts though I was alone for at least 10 minutes b the infamous Hatch 13!

Looking ahead to my Vacation at the end of October so I can get some new pics. We have our destination planned and a few additional photo ideas for the spare days as well.

New Doll, not much else

2010-08-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

I have not posted in quite a while I realized. Mostly because I have been so busy and with the overtime hours plus commute I am on line for maybe 10 minutes after work and then I am asleep. It is really true that saying about all work and no play.

This is my newest doll. I thought I deserve her since I have been doin nothing but workin.

So lets see what is new. Well 5 people retiring from my office, I am fairly sure the building I am in is haunted, My new car had to be in the shop and get a brand new transmission, cost Toyota almost $4000. I took a rock to my windshield on Monday, we have a kit on it now, so hopefully I can make use of this slightly used windshield a while longer. I have some Queen Mary photos to process and post on the November Obscura blog. And I am still behind on most of the things I NEED to do, let alone want to do.

I will be reopening the Etsy shops for the season soon. I really need to be able to stay up late to get stuff done.

Cemetery Wrought Iron

2010-07-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

I adore cemetery wrought iron. Recently when I visited Virginia City, Nevada I was treated to several cemeteries full of it! You can see the rest of my Virginia City cemetery photos HERE

Velvet Buddha

2010-07-17T22:08:00.000-07:00

A velvet Buddha! I saw some of these today, and so what could I do? I brought home a purple velvet one. He is in a spot where his tummy can be rubbed while walking out the door!

I need this accessory for my Mac

2010-07-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

Found this little accessory while browsing the interwebz. I want this now.

Too much OT

2010-07-16T05:57:00.000-07:00

My office has been on super over time mode for the past 3 weeks. Looks like next week is going to be the same. Please don't tell me how much extra $ I am making or that so many people are unemployed. I Know that. 11 1/2 hours a day at the office is a very loooong day. I also have an hour and a half commute on each side of that.

I am going to buy a new doll as a reward for myself- yes I am!!

Slot Machines

2010-06-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

I love slot machines! I could spend hours on end playing. The problem is they don't like me and I seem to have rotten luck with them. I saw one like this in the casino in our Tahoe hotel, so of course I had to play her. I Dream of Jeannie was one of my favorite shows growing up. This machine, She didn't like me much as expected but she was very nice to Jeff, so it worked out!

A Disaster

2010-06-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

This is such an awful thing. How is this ever going to be cleaned up? Why the hell can't we start using other forms of energy. Here in Los Angeles, we love our cars and can't do without them, but the 'cost' is so high, and it is not worth this.

Why no introduction?

2010-05-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

I continue to receive 'friend' requests on Facebook from people that I don't know. Sometimes we have 'Friends in common' which at least allows me to make a connection of sorts such as knowing they are an artist that works in a genre that I am interested in, and they have realized this based on our mutual friends. Or perhaps we obviously have a similar interest based on our blogs or other social media and I know of them at least. I am usually alright with that. But at least introduce yourself.

Still I don't understand why, if someone doesn't know me, they can't include a little note just saying Hi Wendy I am a friend of so and so He /She has mentioned you, or I follow one of your Blogs or something. If you can't bother to introduce yourself (which is rude anyway) and I see no connection and I don't know you, I am not going to add you. I don't make my FB public for this reason.

Rude

2010-05-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

No peeking! How Rude.

Black Pansies

2010-05-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

I have found a place that sells seeds for black flowers. These are among the choices! I am sending for these seeds as quickly as possible! Excellent!

Corpse Flower

2010-05-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

The very next time that one of these blooms at the Huntington or the Arboretum, I am going to make it a point to go see it. It is so photogenic, and I am gonna bring my special lenses and get as close as I can. I might have to hold my breath however. The seeds for one of these are available. Do you think there would be any issue with trying to grow one on my back patio?

I LOVE this!

2010-05-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

This is just so super, totally excellent!

Bats Day at Disneyland

2010-05-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

Me with my Japanese parasol, not takin any chances roasting in the sun and it was HOT on Sunday. Many more pictures on the GTS site of course!

Mad Tea Party for May Day

2010-05-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

Here is my table ready for Tea!

Skull Pocket Watch

2010-04-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

I MUST have this immediately, if not sooner!

Dis Tiny Pony!

2010-04-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

This tiny stallion is named Einstein. He is 3 days old. Awww, soo cute!

Coffin Cabinet

2010-04-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

Who couldn't use one of these?

Ganesha

2010-04-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

Last week we had an evening of Synchronicity. One of the things that came out of it was the thought to pick up a Ganesha the Hindu God of removing Obstacles. We were not sure where to obtain one, but then I thought of the India Sweets & Spices in town. They had them - yay! We have placed him in a comfy spot of prestige in hopes that he can assist getting a few things moving for us!

The most awesome chair EVER!

2010-04-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

If you did not yet get me a birthday gift you are in luck! I LOVE this and NEED it!

Funerary Customs- The Jewish funeral

2010-04-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

We went to a funeral today, a co - worker of Jeff's, who was taken away tragically. It was a lovely and moving service, and even though I only knew of him- his name was Zen (yes, , Zen) through things Jeff would tell me, I learned more about him as people spoke at the service. He seems to have been by all accounts, a lovely person and best friend to many, with an outlook worthy of his unusual name.

This was also the first Jewish funeral I have attended. The cemetery provided a small booklet about the customs, along with the special prayers and such. Since funerary customs are a topic that always fascinates me, I found it an interesting read. Men should have their heads covered, so Yamakas were given out by the cemetery for men to wear- wether Jewish or not. The plain pine casket and the plain white shroud- whether you are a king or a pauper- you are the same in the eyes of G-d ( the word G-d isn't written either).

The service started in the chapel then moved to the graveside. It is vital that the casket go into the earth. But in todays world the casket can not go straight into the ground but has to go into a cement crypt first (to prevent ground sink), so once the casket was in the crypt ,the Rabbi put 3 big shovels full of dirt on top of the box, then the lid of the crypt went on. Thus the casket was directly in the dirt.

Then, starting with the immediate family, then each person at the service, each person takes the shovel and puts 3 shovels of dirt into the grave. And you put the shovel back in the dirt, you never hand it to the next person. In this act you are giving to the deceased with an act that they don't repay you. Its a pure gift. As soon as the casket is in the ground the period of mourning starts. It goes on for 7 days and includes visitation and prayers.

If you visit a Jewish cemetery , you may see stones placed on top of the grave marker as in the picture above. This is done as a sign to other visitors that the deceased is a person of great esteem, and to mark the occasion of the remembrance visit.

Anubis in New York

2010-04-13T05:58:00.000-07:00

Anubis is visiting New York for a while. He will be staying for the King Tut Exhibit. Hope the weather is warm there, that kilt of his is a bit short, though he pulls it off well.

49

2010-04-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Easter Earthquake 2010

2010-04-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

Yeah. . we felt it here. I was like a rocking boat, but went on for so long that even those of us gathered at my place for Easter that are veteran Earthquake survivors (which for me means San Fernando Feb 9 1971 as well as Northridge Jan 17 1994) Held our breath a minute hoping we would not feel the jerking sort of jolt that comes with quakes that really do damage. Thankfully for us it was a long rolling wave with no damage.

White Rabbit for Easter

2010-04-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to me! This wonderful White Rabbit is to be the companion piece to my Dark Alice. He is being delivered today by Christie the Creepy Doll maker!

Transformation

2010-03-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

Transformation. . . Yep It is time! I am So done with some things.

Bunny Dinner

2010-03-31T18:57:00.000-07:00

Deees Bunnahs iz Nommin!

Now you know. . .

2010-03-31T18:55:00.000-07:00

Ummm, ok.

Move over!!

2010-03-31T18:53:00.000-07:00

Look, I am just sayin. . . I don't care how old you or your car is, please DO NOT drive 50 in the fast lanes! You are causing a problem! And you need to get out of the fricken way. I drive a helluva long way and want to get home TODAY!!!

Happy Friends

2010-03-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

Please Remember that

2010-03-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government -- lest it come to dominate our lives and interests. " --- Patrick Henry

How not to make friends at School

2010-03-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

Skeleton Chair

2010-03-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

I'll take a whole set!

Strike Vote Authorized

2010-03-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

So here it is:

CWA Members Vote Strike Authorization at Verizon California, Inc.
Santa Fe Springs, March 19 – Members of the Communications Workers of America working at Verizon California voted overwhelmingly to give CWA leaders authorization to call a strike if a fair contract cannot be reached. If a strike is called, about 5,500 Verizon workers, almost all of whom work in Southern California will walk off the job, affecting land line telephone operations throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
The existing union contract expired on March 13, and employees are now working under a contract extension. Negotiations are still underway on behalf of CWA-represented workers, with disagreement over health care premiums and a proposed mandatory sales commission program that the union believes would be bad for workers and consumers. Also at issue is Verizon’s transfer of work out of California. In the course of these negotiations, Verizon sent jobs performed by union members in Oxnard to Tijuana.
CWA reported that 90 percent of members voted in favor of strike authorization in balloting conducted by CWA local unions. Voter turnout was very high.
“The strike authorization vote demonstrates members’ solid support for their bargaining team and their strong determination to achieve a fair settlement with Verizon,” said District Vice President Jim Weitkamp. “Verizon can well afford to treat its workers fairly.”

First I come 2 people from being laid off, now this! The waiting game begins. Can't afford to be without pay, but also with the extra long drive I now do, it is costing me more money to get to work at all. Most people in Calif don't realize how Verizon is sending jobs out of state. Now they have sent a bunch of work to Mexico!! WTF!!

This is not looking good.

Spring in Alice's Garden

2010-03-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite haunts in Cambria. A little garden in back of a shop called Heart's Ease. These photos are from our trip there in 2008.

Sunday's Thoughts

2010-03-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

Beginnings, Endings, God & Time.

Tick, Tick, Tick

Is this not fabulous? Location: Highgate Cemetery

Gothic Penguin

2010-03-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

Look! A Goth penguin! The article is below:

King Penguins are notorious for their prim, tuxedoed appearance -- but a recently discovered all-black penguin seems unafraid to defy convention. In what has been described as a "one in a zillion kind of mutation," biologists say that the animal has lost control of its pigmentation, an occurrence that is extremely rare. Other than the penguin's monochromatic outfit, the animal appears to be perfectly healthy -- and then some. "Look at the size of those legs," said one scientist, "It's an absolute monster."

The under-dressed penguin was photographed by Andrew Evans of National Geographic on the island of South Georgia near Antarctica.

Full of Beans

2010-03-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite places to go. Full of Beans Coffee House in Ojai. It has had a few names over the years that I have been going there, but it has always been consistently wonderful! In back is a fabulous garden with lots of seating.

This afternoon my daughter Angelina and I stopped by after a day of thrift shop recon. If you are ever in Ojai, you must stop here for Coffee or Tea!

Steampunk Rabbit

2010-03-09T21:31:00.000-08:00

This fine Steampunk Rabbit is a ring! My birthday is coming up and a Steampunk Rabbit would be just the thing!

Moon Pies

2010-03-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

Remember these? They seemed the most heavenly thing when I was a kid (back in the days when Hi-C came in a big ol' can)