Giant Sand Beach Art Sculptures
Monday's back!
Last Monday of July 2024.
Hope all had a great weekend. I sure did.
As many of you know, Friday was my birthday.
Stacy treated me to an extraordinary lunch at a very upscale Mexican restaurant + brought a bag of cool gifts! We're talking body spray, scarf to wrap on my bag, a super cool market bag that looks like an old school brown paper bag - but not, candles ...
We hung out and enjoyed each other's company and Cervezas for several hours and found laughter - lots of it.
And then Carol and Toby rolled up in their Rolls Royce bearing gifts - a beautiful bouquet of flowers - colors of lime green, lavender, peach and white in a keepsake tea cup + Carol's one-of-a-kind piece of watercolor art birthday card featuring a lineup of cowboy boots (I will be framing this card and find a perfect spot for it) + a fabulous, decorative recipe box that I will put the best of the best recipes in it.
My mom and sisters gifted me the cutest skirt EVER from Title Nine.
Pretty sure I'll be sporting that skirt for the rest of the summer and probably into fall.
AND!!
So many texts + calls from friends and family (songs) wishing me a happy birthday.
I love and adore you all.
I am so spoiled!
Feel like royalty.
Thank you Stacy, Carol and Toby, and Beautiful Friends and Family for your giant love remembering my day.
Bet Mick Jagger didn't have such a grand day as I!
Yep, it's warm (some whine - hot) around these parts.
Same as I'm guessing around your neck of the woods. Ha!
It's the end of July about to be August.
It's a given that the thermometer and outside the door temperatures let us know it's just that time of year.
Just like this time last year, and the year before, and the year before that, and ...
Zero chance it'll be sweatshirt weather next week - not so fast - but coming soon.
Collected these FASCINATINGS to share today!
TRUE FACTS ABOUT LESSER KNOWN SUPER POWERS OF PIGEONS SUPER POWER, HISTORY OF BARF BAGS, SMOKED SALSA RECIPE + PASTA PRIMAVERA RECIPE, HUMOROUS BURNT OUT SIGNS
Greetings friends -
Here's to a stellar start of the week!
How was your weekend?
All chill around my part of the world.
Well, it wasn't chill per se (as in the summer temps) but was quality and happy.
Collected soooo much fun and coolness to present today.
Hoping you enjoy as I enjoyed collecting!
BEGINNING WITH:
TRUE FACTS ABOUT PIGEONS' LESSER KNOWN SUPERPOWERS
I love this read/watch/listen.
I have always thought pigeons were pretty in their own way. But superpowers?
Turns out they do!
It also reminds me of a job a while back when working on a giant-production Texas Lottery commercial in downtown Dallas.
While camera and others were setting up for a big scene with hundreds of extras, scripted to run down the street in unison, in wild excitement -- I stood on the sidewalk visiting with Art Director, Bruce Curtis, who I consider a cool, zany, exceptionally talented friend.
Pigeons were all around and I had some trail mix from Craft Service that I tossed to the birds as we chatted. They flew down and eagerly pecked up my trail mix offering. They happily pecked and ate away.
Bruce laughed, "You know pigeons are just rats with wings, right, Cheryl?"
"And? " I smiled.
Bruce suddenly excused himself and quickly walked away -- he had an improv, light bulb moment.
He approached one of his department people and dispatched her to a local store.
A short while later, just before camera was ready to roll, the art department assistant (via Bruce's instructions) began tossing birdseed by the handfuls on the big downtown street and a hundred or more pigeons came flying in, landed and pecked at the seeds on the street.
"ROLL CAMERA!"
"ACTION!" the 1st AD yelled out on a bullhorn.
HOW TO KEEP SIDES COOL WHEN ATTENDING OUTDOOR GATHERINGS + RECIPES + HUMOR
Rise and shine!
It's a brand new week full of possibilities and opportunities!
How was your weekend?
Hopefully full of chill - as in relaxation - after tasks you may or may not have had on your to do list. I had a few tasks that I accomplished and I did find some chill and enjoyed it.
Super-duper cool collection I found to share today.
BEGINNING WITH:
100 LIFE SIZE ELEPHANT SCULPTURES
On tour across the United States. Incredible!
These magnificent sculptures totally brought back to my memory the amazing story of the Elephant Whisperer: Lawrence Anthony.
If you have the time - it won't be wasted watching this little YouTube piece about Lawrence Anthony. An amazing human being.
These "rogue" elephants Lawrence took in on his reserve eventually bonded with him and loved him. Most importantly, trusted him because of his kindness and care and patience. And when Lawrence passed away, the elephants somehow knew that he had died and they made the however long trek, single file, to the Anthony's home to pay respects - and stayed around the perimeter of the home for over a day before going back into the bush on the reserve that was now their home thanks to Lawrence Anthony.
It's goose bump stuff.
Here's the link -
((*Unforgettable Tale of the Elephant Whisperer **))
ART, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD
Hello and Howdy this beautiful Monday July 8.
First day of the week and so much opportunity comes with it.
It's all about recognizing, moving, shaking and finding what's possible in this week for each of us -- individually.
How 'bout that idea?
Presenting Top of the Morning and what I found and collected to share today!
BEGINNING WITH:
EAGLES AND WING SPAN!
Gosh, who knew the wing spans are/can be 6', 8' even 9'?
I didn't!
Next time I see an eagle way up in the air -- I'll recall reading/seeing this piece and my jaw will fall open in awe -- knowing the incredible size of the majestic birds' wing spans! And I will give an air kiss to the sky in total admiration/respect.
12 FASTEST CATS IN THE WORLD
Uhhhhh -- these cats are faster than fast.
35 m.p.h - 70 m.p.h. Don't even think about putting on your running shoes and trying to out run one! Awe-mazing.
Top Of The Morning July 1
Welcome JULY!
Plans for the 4th? My wonderful neighbors/friends have invited me over for their get-together celebration on the 4th. Pretty sure I'm going to take them up on it. Always outstanding tacos, salsa and sides, cool music, a little fireworks action and kids laughing! Count me in!
I'm thinking I will take over a big bowl of finger jello cubes (in the recipes today) to contribute to the festivities!
Excellent line-up of fabulous to share today!
BEGINNING WITH:
The surprising, Ingenious Ingredient to add to hot dogs!
I would have never guessed this little add on. Totally makes sense, though. I love hot dogs. Not every week - but every now and then and this is definitely hot dogs on the grill season!
Yellow Jackets DIY trap
Totally gonna make one - probably more like three. Yep, I've got them. And, yep, the ones that also live in the ground. Found out about that little fun fact mowing one year when I inadvertently disturbed an underground nest and they came out of the ground and were on fierce-big-time-attack mode. It was less than ideal. Thank goodness my instincts kicked in FAST and I ran FAST and jumped in the pool (however, not without a few little warriors stinging me first - like 9 times).
3-D Animated Size Comparison of Monsters
Fascinating. The VFX artists/specialists who create these images for television, big screen theater productions, video games are absolutely Awe-mazing. The skills and imagination is something I can't wrap my head around how they do it --- cool.
ZIPLOC BAGS ARE SO USEFUL BESIDES STORING LEFTOVERS + INEXPENSIVE CLEANING PRODUCTS +
Monday morning June 24th greetings!
Super fabulous line-up collection I found to share today!
BEGINNING WITH:
UNIQUE WAYS TO USE ZIPLOC BAGS
My favorite take-aways are:
* Sorting and labeling electronic cables WITH manuals. Hello! Wish I'd known this like 40 years ago!
* Sprouting seeds. Same!
* Cleaning gas stove burners. What in the world? Fantastic!
CHAIN LINK FENCE COVER UP IDEAS FOR A LITTLE BIT OF MONEY, A LOT MORE PRIVACY + CREATIVE COOLNESS
I don't have a chain link fence, but if I did I'd be considering one of these clever ideas.
BLUE RIBBON SUPER STAR DAYMAKER, FRANCISCO OLIVEIRA
Francisco blows me away with his excellence of artistry - and his love and heart to help these beautiful, young people who ...
Gotta watch to see. Guarantee it will not be one second waste of your time.
The deep-down-from-their-souls- smiles -- from both the young people and Francisco stole my heart and will forever be in my memory bank. Standing ovation applause and hat tip. Wishing many blessings to you, Francisco Oliveira. You're an amazing human being.
TOP OF THE MORNING | JUNE 3
June 3rd greetings! And hello Month of June!
My mom's birthday was June 1 and a grand get-together happened.
Unfortunately, it was in California and I was not in attendance. However, my sisters were and my youngest sister, Lisa, was the shaker-maker-and creator of all things called birthday lunch/food requested by Mom: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, creamed corn, green beans, rolls and rhubarb pie for dessert. Bravo Lisa! Jennie was the clean up crew - as in dishes. Clap-clap, Jen.
I received pics -- thanks to our modern day technology tucked in our pockets called cell phones with camera + able to zap over lickety-split!
Birthday girl had a grand time.
Another very cool line-up today!
Beginning with:
BEST TIPS FOR CLEANING OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Power washer/and or Dawn soap (blue) with a soft brush.
I'm totally on it!
HOW TO MAKE DIY CINDER BLOCK GARDEN
As in herbs and or succulents. Totally love this cool idea because I/we can create a super cool planting inside the pockets of the cinder blocks and arrange the blocks in groups -- here, there, everywhere! Super outdoor living space artsy idea.
BEAUTIFUL PORTRAITS OF MAJESTIC HORSES
TOP OF THE MORNING | MAY 27
Monday Memorial Day Greetings -
With reverence and eyes closed saying a silent prayer of gratitude for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and this beautiful country.
I am GRATEFUL.
Presenting today's Top of The Morning episode.
BEGINNING WITH:
TAKING CHANCE
I hope you have a few minutes to give it a watch and absorb the gravity of its message.
Same -
PRESIDENT REAGAN'S MEMORIAL DAY SPEECH
Both so powerful, moving and meaningful.
AND (!)
The other collected pieces of interestings today:
10 WAYS TO USE BAKING SODA + HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Amazing cleaning solutions to combat pesky little issues around our homes.
DAD OPENS CAR WASH
To give a job to his autistic son and ... well, read the story
Is so full of heart + successful purpose to/for so many! BEAUTY-FUL!
MOST IMPRESSIVE BRIDGES
How in the world did man come up with such ideas + plans + orchestrate the final finished unbelievable giants?
Genius + talented craftsmen!
Mind blowing.
RECIPES:
ORANGE JULIUS!
Yes, please! I totally remember the little shops in the mall and yes, I was - AM - a fan.
Gonna be making Orange Juilius' in the blender all summer long.
Hello, happy, yummy sip 'n skip down memory lane!
TUNA PATTIES
This recipe has my full attention! Appetizer get togethers with family/friends or just me for lunch or light dinner when the heat is full on.
SWEET POTATO CORNBREAD
What?!
I've shared the sweet potato biscuit recipe we made at Hippie Cowboy which customers were wild about.
Absolutely no reason why this sweet potato cornbread recipe won't be equally fabulous! Year 'round!
((Think for breakfast instead of a donut or muffin with a cold brew glass of coffee. A side-kick for a small butter lettuce salad. Side kick for a bowl of borracho beans. And come fall and winter - any and all soups and stews.))
GREEK OLIVE PASTA SALAD
Wow!
TOP OF THE MORNING | MAY 20
Monday greetings, Amazing Readers -
Super entertaining + tasty recipes collection to share today!
Beginning with:
10 SCENTS MOSQUITOS HATE
Yep, pretty sure none of us will disagree that mosquitos suck - literally. Great ideas for keeping the tiny, flying, biting things repelled!
SPEED COMPARISON OF AQUA LIFE
Is mesmerizing! An incredibly, artfully assembled mini-watch.
My favorite takeaways (although, hard decision) were Sea Turtles - WOW!
They're fast, fast, fast - unlike land turtles.
And Flying Fish!
And a Black Marlin travels 82 m.p.h! CRAZY!
PEOPLE HAVING THE BEST DAY EVER
Is super cool. As it's been said, "A picture can speak a 1,000 words." Proof is in these pics for sure.
WHAT "JUICY FRUIT"
Are you according to your Zodiac sign? Me, Mango. You?
STRIKING CABLE-STAY BRIDGE PROPOSAL TO REPLACE BALTIMORE'S BRIDGE
Is both beautiful and genius. I so hope it happens and the sooner the better to get construction happening. "A rising Phoenix."
RECIPES!
TOP OF THE MORNING | MAY 13
Monday Morning Greetings!
Brand new week full of peek-a-boo moments ready to pop out if we spot them. Be on the lookout.
How was your weekend?
Great weekend here.
Did a GIANT burn of branches, twigs, limbs and leaves that have been accumulating for months and months and thanks to help from my neighbor/friend, Trent, who came over and put eyes on it to make sure all was safe - lit it - and then I was good to go. Hose + pitch fork + shovel to continue feeding the fire until it was gone-baby-gone!
Another purge - but this time outside.
Thanks, Trent!
Presenting today's line-up of treasures I found to share!
Beginning with:
"Recipe" for Making Our Own Potting Soil
Not only cost efficient - the best of the best DIY.
I've heard of worm castings - never really understood exactly what that whole thing was all about - now I do - and to be able to purchase them in a bag? I'm in!
Prominent Internet Slang Words
Don't know about you - but I sure like to be "in the know" about everything words going on in what I read -- and now I'm more in the know. And you do, too!
Maze-Like Passageways
TOP OF THE MORNING | MAY 6
Hi!
Good Morning and Good Monday greetings -
I had a chill, relaxed weekend. Hung out with some friends and shared a lot of laughter. Always best times in the making! You?
Great line-up of collected fascinatings to present today.
BEGINNING WITH:
BUILDING A SHIP IN A BOTTLE
AWE-SOME short watch. I'm pretty sure, knowing me, I wouldn't have that kind of disciplined patience to do such a piece of art. And it is art. I would have the patience to write a little note and slide it inside a bottle, cork it, and toss it in to the ocean. Ha!
LIFE WAS GREAT GROWING UP IN THE 70's
Is a blast from the past fun read!
8-tracks -- check
School Lunches -- check
Private Phone calls depended on the length of the phone cord - check
JAWS the movie - check, check, check
Allowed outside without supervision - check
Saturday mornings and cartoons - check
Staying up late to watch Saturday Night Live - check
11 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT THE "PEANUTS" COMIC STRIP