Friday, February 28, 2014

Brainius explosius over cheese torteous

"And then my brain exploded" is the final prompt of the 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing Challenge hosted by Nicky and Mike at weworkforcheese.  Give a looksee at the musings of the Others.

What does cause my brain to explode are dealing with the various and sundry bug stings and bites I routinely receive.  A few days ago, I was stung not just once, but twice, on my upper shoulder by either a bee or a wasp.  The flying reign of terror hitchhiked a ride onto my sweater and when I put my sweater on, the assault began.  I don't care what they say - bug toxin packs a punch.  I may have been hallucinating when I drafted the last few posts.  All the better.

As a wrap-up to this celebration of writing and cheese (a nod to the cheese-loving hosts of the past month's writing challenge), one last image from my 1950 Favorite Recipes book.

Icebox Cheese Torte - 100% nom nom nom.


Upcoming blog hops include:


I have already jumped on the preparation of my April A to Z Blogging Challenge posts so I won't be the one saying, "and then my brain exploded."  

Thursday, February 27, 2014

How did you find out mon bebe

"How did you find out?" Day 27 prompt of the 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge and weworkforcheese, the place where the hosts and the others reside.

You know those baby doll mugshots that I post?  The shopgoodwill.com dollies. The ones like these ~





You ask, "how did you find out about these baby dolls?"  Through a Czechoslovakian legend, retold by my grandmother, if a discarded doll is not incinerated, it can be host to a wandering soul.  Imagine entombment in a dusty attic, for years on end.  Or laying in one of many layers at the city dump.  Aware of your surroundings.  Unable to move.  Unable to speak.  Pleading with open arms and staring eyes take me home!

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Social media and Babs has gone rogue

"Social media" Day 25 topic of the 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing Challenge at weworkforcheese and my virtual friends.

Babs, Barbie, has gone rogue.  I discovered her Bad Girl Babs Facebook page and her #badgrlbabs Twitter.  Give a doll an inch and she'll take a mile.  She had cut off her classic blonde hair and replaced it with a bubble cut ala noir.  Last I heard, she was vacationing somewhere in Mexico.



Monday, February 24, 2014

And then she said, "I'll take everything you've got."

Day 24 prompt for the 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge is "And then she said."  Romp on over to weworkforcheese to enjoy the other's writings.

And then she said, "I'll take everything you've got."  I recently started consigning my clothes at Heaven & Earth Consignment (her Facebook page link heavenandearth.)


My first two pieces were a short black curly lamb coat and a 1970s leather and mink fur trimmed Frederick & Nelson's jacket with my mom's name embroidered on the inside lining.  I could fit into neither coat, no amount of wishing and hoping would make it happen.

My mom's coat sold a couple of months ago so I went to pick up my money on the consignment.  I toted down two jackets and three skirts to see if they were appropriate for her shop.  My next trip up to her shop will be with an armload of spring dresses.  Adorable, feminine and all too small for me to wear anymore.

She also said she has some accounts that bring in armloads of clothing.  They buy it by the bagful.  I am going to snap up the cute clothing that might be on trend now when I see those pieces.  I reject so many items of clothing because they don't fit ME.  Heck, I'm done with that.  If I can make some extra cash, then woot woot!


Sunday, February 23, 2014

There are things I won't go cheap on

"There are things" Day 23 of the 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing hosted by gang over at weworkforcheese.

There are things that I will not buy off brand.  Mr. VZ has done well in life and part of the reason is that he is very frugal and such a hard worker.  There are things I cannot go "cheap" on.  Mr. VZ and I go round and round about what I will and will not buy cheap.

Toilet paper.  Yes, it is my No. 1, will not buy cheap toilet paper.

Body moisturizer.  I have very dry skin and so enjoy scented lotions.

Facial moisturizer.  It is criminal what they charge women for facial moisturizer, cosmetics in general.

Lingerie.  Coats.  Shoes, especially shoes.  Purses.

A hairstylist.

Goosedown pillows.

And eyeglasses.


What are those things you won't go cheap on?

Friday, February 21, 2014

Yes, I made that and then I burned them

"Yes, I made that," is the Day 21 prompt of the 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing hosted by weworkforcheese and linked in by other creative participants.

Just a few short years ago, I fancied myself as a painter.  I took art classes and painted up a storm thinking my wonderful talent was soon to be recognized.

A failed attempt at abstract

A funny thing happened on the way to stardom, I realized I may have talent but not enough to be marketable. In artist's fit, I burned nearly all of my paintings - maybe 25 or more.  I didn't want the mediocre half-finished creations to survive.

I kept less than ten of the batch.  I want to be able to say, "yes, I made that" with pride.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Chaos and keeping the ball rolling

"Chaos" Day 20 prompt of the 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by the weworkforcheese and link to the group participating in this organized madness.

I'm going to finish out this challenge with a post each day.  I'm taking advantage of the no-rules parameter, heck, some even completely ignore the prompts ...

The only thing keeps coming to mind for chaos is this ~

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Tastes like chicken

"Tastes like chicken" is the Day 19 prompt of the 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by weworkforcheese.
Having spent the last 7 years with Mr. VZ avid sportsman, my finicky eating habits have fallen by the wayside.

These are the new tastes I have encountered  ~

Fresh caught tuna, salmon and ling cod
Venison
Pheasant
Abalone
Pig's feet
Oxtail
Squab

As long as we are on the topic of chicken, I will shamelessly share this recipe.


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Clothes and liars

"Liars" Day 18 prompt of the 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge hosted by weworkforcheese.

I've been incommunicado the past week because my ears were ringing from my recent abduction by aliens.  I tried to fend them off with one bite but instead resorted to Shakespearean English - that did the trick.  Sort of.  *one eye blinks uncontrollably*

And on to the challenge ...

Clothing retailers are liars.  Well, not outright liars, but when clothing is priced at a percent off, those original items have been marked up 600%!

It is no secret that I have long since abandoned clothing retailers.  Sure there are certain items I must buy retail, but the majority of my wardrobe is thrifted.

My latest thrift shop finds totaled around $12 with cashing in coupons and points I garnered on my frequent buyer card.  This antique toy chest isn't the prettiest but it is sturdy and well constructed.  I was looking for something to combine my children's keepsakes and this fit the bill.


The rest of my haul includes the pink cowboy princess hat (that will appear in an upcoming fashion post), a white sleeveless collared shirt, a Barbie nostalgic collection pink t-shirt, a fuschia short sleeved collared shirt and a ceramic tea set (for an Mad Tea Party specialty post).


As long as I'm playing show and tell - this was a Thrift Town purchase.  A $20 picture of painted canvas, cross-stitched with French knot center pansies.   Lurvs it!  It now resides in my work cubicle.


What will you show and tell in the comments?  or will you just lie to me?

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

The succubus and Chuck.

"Succubus" Day 11 prompt for the weworkforcheese 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge.  I'm sure we can all blame Nicky, host of this near-impossible challenge, for this prompt.  I had to look it up - the gist of it being a female supernatural entity that seduces human men while they sleep.

                                     *                                                   *                                              *

Lilith was a succubus in training.  She had completed Succubi 101 and How to Tempt the Human 300.  Her first "assignment" was Chuck from Long Island.

Chuck had just completed a long day of beer drinking and watching sports on TV.  As he scratched his belly, he was not bothered by his ever-expanding girth.  Besides, it ran in the family - being BIG and all.  He was on Day Three of wearing his favorite t-shirt replete with food bits and stains of TV marathon watching.  His baseball cap contained his unwashed uncombed hair.  He was not what one would consider a fine human specimen.

Lilith arrived at Chuck's house when he was deep in slumber.  STraining did not prepare her for what she encountered.  There was Chuck in all his glory.

No, this can't be right.  Humans were beautiful with long straight limbs and artfully crafted bodies. This human must be an aberration.  What woman would be attracted to this?  This ... Chuck.  

She pondered her situation for a moment.  Perhaps it wasn't in the cards for her to join the exalted ranks of the Succubi.  It may be time for a demotion back to woodland nymph.

She sighed.  Chuck snored.  Lilith quietly backed away.

Monday, February 10, 2014

The zombies moved in next door

"Zombies" Day 10 truly inspired prompt of 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing from the hallucinating hosts at weworkforcheese and the linkup to their zombified followers.

"Honey, the new neighbors are moving in next door."  Gertie said to Harold as she peeked out from behind the front window drapes.

Harold just grunted.

"Harold, I think there is something wrong with the people next door."

Harold tore his eyes away from the newspaper and grunted again.

"Harold!  The new neighbors are ZOMBIES!"  Gertie screamed at him this time.  "Their skin is grey and black and they walk funny."

Harold rolled his eyes.

"They have cases and cases of Twinkies and Ho Hos and Red Bull."

"So, they like to eat sugar and stay up late."  Harold replied. "We'll put them on the night shift for the neighborhood watch."

"But Harold, what if they decide to eat US?  I think humans are zombie food too."

"Don't be ridiculous, after the country passed the no-discrimination policies for zombies and their offspring, they didn't have to eat people any more.  Besides, they are good or better than having a cat, what with keeping down the rodent and snake populations."

"What?"  Gertie was wide-eyed, "They eat rats and mice?  And chase it down with Red Bull and a Twinkie?"

"That and I hear they like hot wings ...."


Sunday, February 9, 2014

My name is Dylan, don't call me Sue

"Dylan" Day 9 prompt of 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing at weworkforcheese.com.

Dylan, she wondered what her parents were thinking when they named her Dylan.  Nothing feminine about that name.  She was not what one would consider the epitome of femininity but she could hold her own against the best of them.

Having a first name of Dylan wasn't the worst of it.  Her full name, God bless her soul, was Dylan Daphinious Dorfelmyfler.  Yes, it was true.  There was no joking around it.  DDD.

DDD
Definitely Done Deal
Dudley Death Drop (pro wrestling, thank you very much)
Disease Drama Drug-free (internet dating acronym)
Delta Delta Delta (if only she had joined that sorority) DDD at DDD

Dylan.  Ah, it could have been worse.  Her parents could have called her "Sue."

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Dampfnudel and French-fried deviled eggs

I have located the official dessert of the weworkforcheese Minus 2 Days Writing Challenge. Technically, the day's prompt is "damn," I couldn't resist posting this recipe tidbit.

My mother's house is a treasure trove of publications dating from the 1950s through the 1980s.  Dampfnudel was one of those gems.


As long as we are visiting this retro recipe book, I have one more to share.  


You read it right!  French-fried deviled eggs.  I just may have to try this one.  

For those who watch the TV show Taste with the host Anthony Bourdain, the eggs would have been a perfect contender for the prompt "Guilty Pleasures."  

Saunter on by to visit the other participants' take on the day's prompt.  




Friday, February 7, 2014

Hint, hint and where's the lobster thermidor?

"Hint, hint," the Day 7 topic of 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge over at weworkforcheese.  I'm on a recipe roll here - I am infatuated with these graphics and recipes from 1950 Lincoln Mercury edition of Famous Eating Places.


Hint hint.
  
I could be the kind of lady that eats lobster thermidor.  

I could wear a fur and an inappropriately large hat that I could peek out from underneath.  

I would be laden with jewels with a ring on every finger.  

I could wear a lipstick two shades too bright.  

I could whisper stories about the other patrons to my lunch companions.

I could talk about my latest art purchase. 

I could wipe the bits of cream sauce from the sides of my mouth, grinning all the while.

I could be the kind of lady that eats lobster thermidor.  


Thursday, February 6, 2014

Scatterbrained and marshmallow dressing

Day 6 prompt of 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing Challenge hosted by weworkforcheese is "Scatterbrained."

I can be scatterbrained.  Luckily, I have harnessed my ADD so I can focus in atmospheres full of distraction.

For lack of any type of segueing into this - I'm just going to present one of my favorite food memories.


For years my family would travel to Vacaville, California to visit The Nut Tree.  The famed marshmallow dressing over fruit salad was simply scrumptious.  There was also the aviary in the middle of the restaurant where you could watch exotic birds while you had lunch (Me, Mom and my brother Mike - taken in 1969).


I have gone from scatterbrained to hyper-organized.  So glad I took the time to convert all of the salvageable images from the family photo archive of 35mm slides.

Now off with you to visit the other writers extraordinaire ~

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

The empty bottle and I swear it was the fruitcake

"The empty bottle," the Day 5 prompt from the 30 Minus 2 Days Writing Challenge with the drunken gang over at weworkforcheese.


Each year I prepare fruitcakes for the holiday season.  It was one of our family traditions.  Around October, my mom and dad would begin the process of making the loaves and then wrapping them in sherry-soaked cheesecloth for a few month's storage.  Most fruitcakes are wrapped in rum, so our family's use of sherry is unique.

A couple of times before the fruitcake is ready, the cheesecloth is soaked again and again with sherry.  Each time I finish the process, I stare at the empty bottle.  My amazing bottle of Amontillado sherry is now empty. I can just image the wonderful goodness that will result from the process.

These are the last remnants from the two loaves of fruitcake.


Stumble on over to visit those clinging to their empty bottles ...

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

When hell freezes over I will dress like a hobo.

The 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing prompt for Day 4 is "When hell freezes over."  Saunter over to weworkforcheese to visit the others shivering their bums off.

When hell freezes over, I will dress like a hobo clown ...


Since we are on the subject of clowns.  I must admit I don't like them.


This fella was being carried out by one of the thrift shop workers, saying he was going to list him on Ebay.

Vintage creepiness

*shivers*

Are you coulrophobic, or is it just me?  

Monday, February 3, 2014

Temporary insanity

"Temporary Insanity" the Day 3 topic of the 30 Minus 2 Days of writing hosted by Nicky Eff and sobbing Mike at weworkforcheese.

Temporary insanity, doesn't it strike all women at some point in their lives?

Like the time you said to your partner, "Let's have children."

Or attempting a family portrait (the more, the merrier).

Setting out on a road trip with toddlers (having more than one child still in diapers).

Having elective plastic surgery.

Temporary insanity caused by menopause.

The 20 or so of us having collective temporary insanity participating in this challenge.


Sunday, February 2, 2014

It was no accident that I found her.

"It was no accident" Day 2 prompt of 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing over at weworkforcheese, where you can visit the other accidental tourists.

It was no accident that I found this charm.  She is perfect!  She was $29.95 retail, $15 thrifted price with bonus merchandise of the scarf she is posing on, a pair of pants, a short-sleeved shirt, miscellany.  I wanted something new (to me) for my (also new to me) cubicle.


Thrift shopping has nothing to do with need and everything to do with want.  The entertainment of a new book or CD, clothes or a bauble is worth the few dollars spent.

I have numerous things on my thrift shopping list, they are:

Framed artwork or unique prints.  I have found numerous prints that I have installed all throughout my house and workspace.
Smalls (ceramics).  Pocket-sized ceramics of yesteryear are irresistible to me.
Hats and clothes.  I model the best of my acquisitions on my fashion postings.
35mm slides.  These types of negatives phased out in the late 70s/early 80s.  They are little time capsules.
Publications from the 1950s - 1980s, in food, crafting and fabric arts.
Jewelry, with a focus on necklaces, clip-on earrings, pins and brooches
And ... creepy baby dolls.


It was no accident that I signed up for the A to Z Blogging Challenge.  Notice it is not "writing" challenge, as I mistakenly assumed, even though the majority of the participants are writers.

My 2013 theme was "All Things Thrifting."  My proposed 2014 theme: "A Frolic through Fashion and Flowers" (with the requisite cat and dog posts as stand-ins for the letters "X" and "Z.").  On April 1st, I will reveal my combination of the two subjects.


Saturday, February 1, 2014

Gouda gouda gouda

"Gouda.  Gouda.  Gouda."  The chant of the exiled marching mindless to the tune played by Nicky and Mike at weworkforcheese.  Nicky, the temptress, and Mike, is well, just Mike.  They ply their followers with cheese and Finnish candy.


"Gouda.  Gouda.  Gouda."  The participants chant to gain momentum for the cheese-eating, brain-wracking, teeth-gnashing event of 30 Minus 2 Days of Writing challenge.

"Gouda.  Gouda.  Gouda."  Day 1 topic.  They are ready.  Let the games begin!