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| Jordan called me Barack O-Mama since I'm so tan! 😉 |
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| Oh Jordan is always good for a laugh! |
Life from a Diva's Point of View
Saturday, August 29, 2020
Saturday in the Park
Spent this Saturday with Jordan, Candy and their grandaughter Hailey. Met at Lake Sacajawea Park then over to their house. Talked Candy into trimming my hair - just a bit. Brought Stubbs along for the trip so he was a very happy boy.
Love Those Hollywood Legends!
Ran across a Ranker article on Weird News that had quite a bit of interesting Hollywood trivia, which always catches my eye.
Judy Garland was put on a diet while filming The Wizard of Oz. That diet consisted of chicken soup, coffee, and... 80 cigarettes a day. She was 16 years old.
Poor Judy was treated her whole life that way....sad.
Sessue Hayakawa was a Japanese-born actor who became a major Hollywood star in the early silent film period of the 1910s. He was noted for his status as a sex symbol, with "his most rabid fan base [being] white women."
I had never heard of this man and only knew him from his bad guy role on Bridge on the River Kwai. He was quite the stud.
As early as 1915, an African-American film industry ran parallel to the Hollywood mainstream, catering to the community's segregated filmgoers. "Race movies" had their own Black-owned studios, directors, and popular stars - though the majority of these early film reels are lost or damaged today.
Another sad postscript to the early era of cinema. I couldn't even find acceptable pictures to use for pioneering African American movie makers. Therefore, I will use this section to bid a fond farewell to Chadwick Boseman - terrific actor but gone at 43. Too soon.
On a side note, I stumbled across Robert Taylor in Camille with Greta Garbo. What a hottie! Last night watched him in A Yank at Oxford and he was even better looking. Will definitely be viewing more of his movies. And yes, as you can see he was married to Barbara Stanwyck for a number of years (if you've never seen her in Stella Dallas, watch it today!)
Judy Garland was put on a diet while filming The Wizard of Oz. That diet consisted of chicken soup, coffee, and... 80 cigarettes a day. She was 16 years old.
Poor Judy was treated her whole life that way....sad.
Sessue Hayakawa was a Japanese-born actor who became a major Hollywood star in the early silent film period of the 1910s. He was noted for his status as a sex symbol, with "his most rabid fan base [being] white women."
I had never heard of this man and only knew him from his bad guy role on Bridge on the River Kwai. He was quite the stud.
As early as 1915, an African-American film industry ran parallel to the Hollywood mainstream, catering to the community's segregated filmgoers. "Race movies" had their own Black-owned studios, directors, and popular stars - though the majority of these early film reels are lost or damaged today.
Another sad postscript to the early era of cinema. I couldn't even find acceptable pictures to use for pioneering African American movie makers. Therefore, I will use this section to bid a fond farewell to Chadwick Boseman - terrific actor but gone at 43. Too soon.
On a side note, I stumbled across Robert Taylor in Camille with Greta Garbo. What a hottie! Last night watched him in A Yank at Oxford and he was even better looking. Will definitely be viewing more of his movies. And yes, as you can see he was married to Barbara Stanwyck for a number of years (if you've never seen her in Stella Dallas, watch it today!)
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Beach Poems
Sunshine was calling me all day so booked it out to Willow Grove after work. No Stubbs as it was too warm for that little guy plus he would not be happy watching me swim.
As I've done before, after swimming sat my wet self down on the blanket and began writing poems, this time haikus. If they are good or if they are bad, something about writing creatively soothes my soul.
Here's a sampling of my beach poetry:
Was eighty at noon
Couldn't wait to hit river
Goodbye work at 4
Warm seat in the sand
Contemplating thoughts in sun
Waves provide soundtrack
Neglectful parent
Child with no life jacket
Could be angel soon
No morning better
Beach sunrise on sandy surf
Dog my companion
You reach an age when
Size and status don't matter
Happy to be you
As I've done before, after swimming sat my wet self down on the blanket and began writing poems, this time haikus. If they are good or if they are bad, something about writing creatively soothes my soul.
Here's a sampling of my beach poetry:
Was eighty at noon
Couldn't wait to hit river
Goodbye work at 4
Warm seat in the sand
Contemplating thoughts in sun
Waves provide soundtrack
Neglectful parent
Child with no life jacket
Could be angel soon
No morning better
Beach sunrise on sandy surf
Dog my companion
You reach an age when
Size and status don't matter
Happy to be you
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
A Move for My Morale
When I say this last week was a whirlwind, that's an understatement!
Not to go into the reasons behind it, I realized that I needed to move for my own well being. Thankfully, my good friends Stan and Susan let me rent a room from them. Made the decision Thursday night, started packing Friday, and all day Saturday Sam, with his big truck, helped me move.
Surprising how much one person can have loaded into a small room! It took one trip with my rig stuffed with bags of clothes and his with household items then a second with his filled halfway. My new room is upstairs so it was a workout moving up and downstairs. It was also in the high eighties so at the end of the day both Sam and I were soaked!
The room is perfect! Large with my own bathroom and even has soft pink carpet so I'm in my element. And they have A/C! Spent Saturday night putting away my things, organizing and decorating, finishing it off Sunday.
You don't realize how stressed you are until you leave an uptight environment and begin living in an atmosphere of calm relaxation. Just a more positive vibe that has soothed my soul.
Sunday celebrated Stan's birthday with a family brunch. Later, went to Jordan and Candy's for a barbecue.
Here's to a much more relaxed lifestyle!
Not to go into the reasons behind it, I realized that I needed to move for my own well being. Thankfully, my good friends Stan and Susan let me rent a room from them. Made the decision Thursday night, started packing Friday, and all day Saturday Sam, with his big truck, helped me move.
Surprising how much one person can have loaded into a small room! It took one trip with my rig stuffed with bags of clothes and his with household items then a second with his filled halfway. My new room is upstairs so it was a workout moving up and downstairs. It was also in the high eighties so at the end of the day both Sam and I were soaked!
The room is perfect! Large with my own bathroom and even has soft pink carpet so I'm in my element. And they have A/C! Spent Saturday night putting away my things, organizing and decorating, finishing it off Sunday.
You don't realize how stressed you are until you leave an uptight environment and begin living in an atmosphere of calm relaxation. Just a more positive vibe that has soothed my soul.
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| Friday happy face! |
Sunday celebrated Stan's birthday with a family brunch. Later, went to Jordan and Candy's for a barbecue.
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| Sunday Brunch |
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| Sunday BBQ |
Here's to a much more relaxed lifestyle!
Monday, August 17, 2020
Red Beer, Beach, Boys and Burgundy
Summer has continued on this past week and I'm in heaven!
Last Wednesday escaped to bestie's house for pizza and a nice cold red beer with Tabasco and pepper. Boy that hit the spot!!
Friday noon met my department team at Lake Sacajawea for a picnic. Aside from eating our Panera and KFC we were able to maintain our social distance. It was so nice seeing everyone in person rather than on my computer screen.
Sam finally found a new rig right under his nose! His boss's son was selling a Ford 250 that belonged to his grandfather. Low miles, clean, 4 wheel drive, with canopy and snow tires. All for an excellent price.
Spent Saturday beating the 100 degree heat at the Toutle River with the next door neighbor.
Was right back on the Columbia River on Sunday with Marie and met up with friend Lisa. What made it especially awesome was both my boys were with me!! Sam arrived then Jordan and Candy. I just love seeing my sons and especially love seeing them bantering back and forth and cracking me up so hard I'm hyperventilating!!
At the end of the day made it home, cooked burgers for us girls, took a few pictures of the amazing sky, and, with fan on high situated smack next to my bed, hit the hay.
All this time in the sun my tan is on overdrive and my hair has become bleached by the sun. Tonight after work I pulled out the foils and attempted to add some light brown and burgundy lowlights. Turned out acceptable although the before and immediately after pic appears as if I'm channeling the bitch from hell! Took another one after putting my hair up that is a bit more friendly.
Last Wednesday escaped to bestie's house for pizza and a nice cold red beer with Tabasco and pepper. Boy that hit the spot!!
Sam finally found a new rig right under his nose! His boss's son was selling a Ford 250 that belonged to his grandfather. Low miles, clean, 4 wheel drive, with canopy and snow tires. All for an excellent price.
Spent Saturday beating the 100 degree heat at the Toutle River with the next door neighbor.
Was right back on the Columbia River on Sunday with Marie and met up with friend Lisa. What made it especially awesome was both my boys were with me!! Sam arrived then Jordan and Candy. I just love seeing my sons and especially love seeing them bantering back and forth and cracking me up so hard I'm hyperventilating!!
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| Marie roped me into another braiding event at the river! |
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| Refreshing! |
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| My boys! |
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| Jordan & Candy |
At the end of the day made it home, cooked burgers for us girls, took a few pictures of the amazing sky, and, with fan on high situated smack next to my bed, hit the hay.
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| Miss Cranky Pants! |
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| Much better! |
Monday, August 10, 2020
Got a Good Deal on a Pinto For Ya Mister!
What's better than visiting car lots on a sunny day? How about pulling my toenails out with a pair of rusty scissors?
Yep, Sam and I headed to Vancouver on Saturday to browse for rigs. Trucks are scarce - well, acceptable trucks within his budget and requirements are scarce. You want a brand new Dodge Ram with all the bells and whistles for $50k? They got you covered. You want a 20-year old pickup with five owners and 253,000 miles for $5,000? Got that covered too. Unfortunately, they were all out of what Sam desired.
Oh, but we had a grand time laughing during our assorted car lot visits. We'd predict how quickly the salesman would approach, their style of spiel, and if they would listen to Sam's requirements. It was a long but fun day.
Sunday morning took the pup to Willow Grove. Found a cute pair of sandals in my size that were just left in the sand. Score! After arriving home, Sam invited me to join his buds at Mickey Mouse - a great swimming spot on the Toutle. Spent the afternoon on the river, listening to music blaring through his buddy's speaker, swimming across the water. Sam was brave enough to jump off a rock cliff into the river.
Last night, studied my commercial property material to be prepared for the class test today. Did the work thing today, studied at lunch and after work then took the test. Passed!! This finished up the requirements for the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) certification. Whoop whoop!
Discovered a new channel using my Roku device - TV Time - Romance. This channel is filled to the brim with 30's to 50's mainly black and white movies. And classics not just "C" movies. Hitchcock, Wyler, Huston. Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant, Bette Davis. Another Score!!!
Saturday, August 8, 2020
Lip Issues
That day in the sun last weekend was fabulous but now I'm paying the price - a big, ugly cold sore burst on my lip. Immediately started popping Lysine and smearing it with anti-viral ointment. Ugh.
Sam's truck had a breakdown so this week has been one of rising early to take him to work then picking him up. One night we sat and talked for a few hours about everything in life, which was an awesome time catching up. Yesterday he was off early so we stopped at one car lot then over to the bank to see if he could be approved for a loan. And he was, which is so great as he'll be able to buy a decent set of wheels.
Ended up going to several local lots but nothing that matched exactly what he had in mind so the search will continue this weekend.
When I arrived home last evening, decided to create a few more paintings. Two of them will be placed in a Goodwill frame so decided to use thinner posterboard instead of canvas. Galaxy on top and sunrise on the bottom of the frame will do the trick.
Have a great weekend my Diva friends! I'm off to apply more ointment to my lip!!
Sam's truck had a breakdown so this week has been one of rising early to take him to work then picking him up. One night we sat and talked for a few hours about everything in life, which was an awesome time catching up. Yesterday he was off early so we stopped at one car lot then over to the bank to see if he could be approved for a loan. And he was, which is so great as he'll be able to buy a decent set of wheels.
Ended up going to several local lots but nothing that matched exactly what he had in mind so the search will continue this weekend.
When I arrived home last evening, decided to create a few more paintings. Two of them will be placed in a Goodwill frame so decided to use thinner posterboard instead of canvas. Galaxy on top and sunrise on the bottom of the frame will do the trick.
Have a great weekend my Diva friends! I'm off to apply more ointment to my lip!!
Monday, August 3, 2020
Sunshine and Paint and Braiding Oh My!
Happy August!!!!
Besides work, have been enjoying the sunny days for which we've been blessed! Hit Willow Grove by my lonesome last Wednesday and it was lovely. Swimming is one of my favorite pastimes and every minute on the sand and in the water is thoroughly enjoyed. Only downside was had to leave my pup at home as it was just too hot outside for him.
Thursday Marie tagged along and we made our way back to the Kalama beach with the easily accessible sandbar. We were the only ones there. Enjoyed the water but it's not as nice there as it is on Willow Grove. Wore my water shoes but decided to leave them off on our return wade through the water. Was not a good idea. Stepped on a clamshell and it sliced open the bottom of my foot.
Made it home, washed my foot, splashed it with hydrogen peroxide, then slathered on Neosporin. Was sore the next day so applied more salve and a gauze pad. Saturday afternoon foot was rearing its painful head. No more gauze or medical tape so used a paper towel and duct tape. Whatever works!! The sand bar beach is now referred to as the clambed and we won't be back there anytime soon.
Painted this weekend. Yes, I'm obsessed but it's a good hobby! Picked up some 99 cent canvas and frames at Goodwill and repurposed them with my paintings. Painted a flower rock for the neighbor and a Minnie Mouse bow for the little girl across the street. Just finished painting an old birdhouse which has been restored to glory.
Sunday Marie, the neighbor and I headed back to the beach, this time to the Kalama Marina area south of the new McMenimins. I had been to that beach before but they hadn't. We found a spot, set up our space, then hit the water.
As the day progressed the activity increased. Several young guys parked themselves about 100 feet from us, keg in hand. They were having a grand time, offering us beer and pot to which we declined. I was enjoying a little BuzzBall (kind of a wine drink) I picked up at the mini mart and that was enough.
The crowd grew and it was fun to watch them and reflect back on our twenties when we partied hard. Well, probably not as hard as the kegger's ringleader as his modus operandi was to funnel a beer, barf, funnel a beer, barf, and so on. I did end up french braiding a 21-year old guy's hair because I seemed to be the only one that held that talent!
Made it home about 7pm and we were beat! I'm definitely working the sunglass tan today! Happy to report I took another certification test this morning and passed. Just have one more class tomorrow followed by one more test and I'll be done!
Besides work, have been enjoying the sunny days for which we've been blessed! Hit Willow Grove by my lonesome last Wednesday and it was lovely. Swimming is one of my favorite pastimes and every minute on the sand and in the water is thoroughly enjoyed. Only downside was had to leave my pup at home as it was just too hot outside for him.
Thursday Marie tagged along and we made our way back to the Kalama beach with the easily accessible sandbar. We were the only ones there. Enjoyed the water but it's not as nice there as it is on Willow Grove. Wore my water shoes but decided to leave them off on our return wade through the water. Was not a good idea. Stepped on a clamshell and it sliced open the bottom of my foot.
Made it home, washed my foot, splashed it with hydrogen peroxide, then slathered on Neosporin. Was sore the next day so applied more salve and a gauze pad. Saturday afternoon foot was rearing its painful head. No more gauze or medical tape so used a paper towel and duct tape. Whatever works!! The sand bar beach is now referred to as the clambed and we won't be back there anytime soon.
Painted this weekend. Yes, I'm obsessed but it's a good hobby! Picked up some 99 cent canvas and frames at Goodwill and repurposed them with my paintings. Painted a flower rock for the neighbor and a Minnie Mouse bow for the little girl across the street. Just finished painting an old birdhouse which has been restored to glory.
Sunday Marie, the neighbor and I headed back to the beach, this time to the Kalama Marina area south of the new McMenimins. I had been to that beach before but they hadn't. We found a spot, set up our space, then hit the water.
As the day progressed the activity increased. Several young guys parked themselves about 100 feet from us, keg in hand. They were having a grand time, offering us beer and pot to which we declined. I was enjoying a little BuzzBall (kind of a wine drink) I picked up at the mini mart and that was enough.
The crowd grew and it was fun to watch them and reflect back on our twenties when we partied hard. Well, probably not as hard as the kegger's ringleader as his modus operandi was to funnel a beer, barf, funnel a beer, barf, and so on. I did end up french braiding a 21-year old guy's hair because I seemed to be the only one that held that talent!
Made it home about 7pm and we were beat! I'm definitely working the sunglass tan today! Happy to report I took another certification test this morning and passed. Just have one more class tomorrow followed by one more test and I'll be done!
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