Jesco White

Today I will tell you about Jesco. He is a mountain dancer from West Virginia, and Virginia Public Television made a documentary about his life. He has become a cult classic all over the nation and his documentary is, well, hilarious. This is a clip where he and his wife, Norma Jean, talk about their marriage: (PS don't forget to go to the bottom of the blog and pause the music before you watch!)

Catching UP!

Let's see........I have NOT been a good blogger lately. Lots and lots going on. My mother had her first chemo treatment last week. She insisted that we all go to Birmingham and wig shop with her,so we indulged. Ashley, Leah and I went with Gan to PF Changs for lunch then shopping for fake hair. Gan bought two wigs and some scarves. Then we went to Edgar's bakery for delicious treats.

Tom, my brother in law, and I shared a birthday party on August 28th, the day between our birthdays. We ate spaghetti and opened presents. I got a pair of Birkenstock sandals, a camera card, $$$ from mother, and a cookie cake that Sally made especially for me. Mama had to leave early because she was so tired. The chemo is really draining. Poor mama.

Sally had her first football game last night as a Junior High Cheerleader! I couldn't make it but will attend the next one, camera in hand! Ashley went and said she did a really good job!

Stephanie is planning a visit this weekend from South Carolina. She's coming to check on mama. I, on the other hand have to work most of the weekend at the Bama Bash volleyball tournament. All day Friday and part of the day Saturday.

While we had our birthday bash, I snapped some pictures of my children. They're all grown up and are so cute (but I might be a bit biased):



My crazy kids. I wonder where they get that from?

Insane Hats That People Pay Money For

Etsy.com is a website that offers handmade concoctions of all kinds. And let me tell you, there are all kinds. Inspired by the website Regretsy, which pokes fun at inappropriate items on Etsy, I thought I would do my own version today of hats. These are actual hats for sale on Etsy that blew my mind:

1. We'll start with those of you who feel the need to wear a sea urchant/animal on your head. This is a squid hat. It's only $35.99.

2. Our next selection is for those of you who feel like morphing into Carmen Miranda. I'm sure you all will want this beautiful fruit bowl on your head. It's only $200!!! Seriously!

3. The next one isn't a hat at all but I couldn't resist. Someone was actually selling a 100% mustard yellow polyester shirt and the model, who evidentally has way too much chest hair to appear in public, morphed into a giraffe for this picture.

4. The next selection in our hat show today is the all popular tigress attire. Does this really attract men? I think I want one to wear while grocery shopping.

5. And lastly, I just feel plain sad for this pug:

So, there's the hat show for today, all available and waiting for you at Etsy.com!

Sally Is A Cheerleader!

My neice (Leah's daughter) has made the cheer squad at TMS, her middle school. Funny, because Sally is definately not the typical cheerleader type - she has always been somewhat of a tomboy. But much to everyone's surprise she loves cheerleading! The squad started with cheer camp in early summer at the University of Alabama UCA Camp, then they took a break. Practice has started again now for ballgames and pep rallies! I can't wait to go and see her cheer - she is such a ham. Last weekend she called and asked if I would come over to her house and make some pictures of her in her uniform, and of course I was thrilled. Here are some of the best shots:





Best of luck to Sally and the Jags Cheer Squad this fall - I can't wait to see you guys cheer!

My Grandparents

IMG_3329-2, originally uploaded by Ozziepuds.

Years from now, after I'm long gone, I hope that this blog will mean something to someone. There is very little I know about my great grandparents. I would have loved to know their hobbies, interests, hopes and dreams and daily life. I was fortunate in the fact that I had all of my grandparents until I was well into my twenties. In the same town, nonetheless. I loved my Papa and Papa Poole (my mother's parents) more than words. They never missed a ballgame, birthday, or milestone in my life. My grandmother didn't drive, interestingly enough. I remember us walking to McDonald's or Horne's BBQ from her house to have lunch. We would eat, then walk back. They accompanied our family on vacations. My grandfather was a very hard worker as a line foreman for Alabama Power. It's the only job I ever know he had, although I'm sure he had others when he was younger. My grandmother never worked. They took time with me to play dominoes and other board games when I spent the night with them, and I remember the beautiful pink roses that grew in their backyard. Or the farm and the horses my Papa bought us. And the fresh vegetables out of their garden. And Papa Poole's chocolate cake and chicken and dressing, which I still crave.

My father's parents and I were more disconnected, probably simply because I preferred spending all my time at the other set of Grandparents house. My grandfather was a TV repairman, and my grandmother held several retail jobs in ladies clothing shops and boutiques in Tuscaloosa. My grandfather was fun, and slicked back his hair with vaseline which turned it black (who knew?) He loved to play tennis and when he wasn't playing tennis he was usually watching it. My grandmother and granddaddy (the names I had for them) drank alcohol. Alot. Constantly. And while they were never physically abusive to me in any way, we just never really bonded. I didn't cry when they died. No unfond memories, but no fond ones either.

I want Payton to know all of this. So I blog. And Scrapbook. And I photograph ad nauseum. I want her to know so much about me, my family and our history. It's my gift to her.

It Is What It Is

Today I have had the headache from hell. I mean straight from hades. Not just something you can pop a couple of tylenol for. Turns out it has been sinus related -after staying in the bed from 1:00 - 9:00 PM, I am now awake. Wide awake, and feeling much better thank you. I took a Zyrtec D and wha bam! No more headache. I am resigning myself to the fact that I am going to have to take a trip to the ENT. I don't want to - I don't want to hear what they're going to say. I can hear it now - "Mrs. Murphy, you need major roto-rooter sinus surgery. All we have to do is go in and break your nose, and hose out your sinuses and you'll be good as new after you are fully recovered in 6 months. Don't worry, the bruising doesn't last but six weeks, during which time you will not be able to taste anything you eat and you'll need to drink through a straw". Um, no thank you but I might not have any choice. Bill says I'm snoring like a horse in heat (I've never actually seen a horse in heat but evidentally he has). I am not amused by the prospect of an ENT visit but (sigh) I certainly don't want another whopper headache like I"ve had today. Well, as a friend of mine says, "It is What It Is". I was also sent this hilarious video the other day by a friend of mine on facebook - it is an an actual newscast from Huntsville, Alabama. Only in the South...........enjoy!

(PS don't forget to scroll down to the bottom of the screen and pause or discontinue the music before watching)

Thursday Night DigiScrappin'

Last night I got on a roll. I sat down at my computer and the next thing I knew it was 1:00 AM. Time just flies when I'm scrapping. Here's what I came up with:

She Is My Shero.................................

I've been thinking alot lately about my little sister, Stephanie and how much I admire her courage and strength. Several years ago Stephanie adopted four children, three of who are special needs. There's Josh, the oldest who has down's syndrom, then Ray, his biological brother, then Sarah, who has borderline multiple personality disorder, and Angel, who is ADHD. All of these children came from terrible situations and my sister and brother in law adopted them, and the rest is family history! I don't even have to tell you that there is never a dull moment at their house! The patience she has and sacrifices she has made have been tremendous. I don't know of a more loving, giving person. Stephanie, you are my SHERO! Love you!

This is a picture of our girl trip to New York City a few years back:

A Digi-Scrappin Kind of Weekend

Wordless Wednesday

New Payton Pics

I got to snap a few new payton pictures the other day while I was at mother's. She changes and grows so fast!!!! Her new favorite thing to do is to say "ahhhhh" when she's thirsty, and mmmmmmmmmm when she's hungry. Poor thing she's lost a pound or two with this virus, and also new teeth are coming in! She's so much fun!



Don't you just love her monkey pajamas?

Till Tomorrow,

The New Lens

My dogs are such patient subjects when I take pictures of them. They are so used to a camera they just meander about their business while I click, click, click. Here are some pics of my favorite subjects with my new 50mm 1.8 lens:

Summer, Sweet Summer

So much has happened since I last posted..........the latest news being that Wilbur (my precious angel dog) scratched his cornea. How does a dog scratch his cornea? Who the heck knows. But $200 later we are treating it. Tomorrow I have to take him for a re-check. Stephanie, my sister who lives in South Carolina, came on the train and had an, um "extended" visit. In true Pooh fashion, she got here and had a panic attack and ended up at the hospital. Then, after her train reservations were cancelled, couldn't re-book them for a few days and a 4 day visit ended up lasting 2 weeks! I was so selfishly glad she was here - I really miss her and wish she were closer. Hmmmmm............let's see - Payton had her first birthday and Sally had one too! I got a new camera lens, haven't had the chance to use it much but did take a few pics of the dogs.

So today, we'll start with Sally and Payton's Birthday:

My Mother

I took a picture of my mother a couple of months back and she thought she didn't look good in it. So, when I attemped another shot at her the other day she said she wouldn't take a picture unless she gave herself a facelift:

So, when I tried to take another one, she hid behind Sally:

And finally, here's one of my mother in a ball cap. I don't ever think she's had a ball cap on in her entire life.

I kept telling her just to sit and smile. I bet she will next time. :)

ROJO 05-09-2010

After checking on Ashley Sunday morning, I needed this respit. Ashley was going to be very sore and bruised, but I was satisfied that she was going to be OK. So, we went ahead with our plans to go to the Norah Jones concert at the Alabama Theatre in downtown Birmingham. Our besties Gray and Cindy from Anniston met us at a bar/restaurant they suggested, ROJO. The guys watched the golf tournament and Cindy and I caught up on life. I just don't get to see or talk to her enough. We have so much in common it's pitiful. She is my rock! I can't even imagine how much I am going to miss her when they move to Texas later this summer. But that's another blog post. Back to ROJO - a quaint little spot serving delicious sangrias and other Mexican delights, it is nestled in the heart of Five Points South in a residential neighborhood in downtown Birmingham. What a wonderful evening with wonderful friends. Norah Jones was just what I needed. She was marvelous! Pics of Rojo and good friends:

Happy Mother's Day?!? 05-09-2010

So what is the worst phone call a mother can get? Especially on mother's day? The dreaded one. I got the dreaded phone call Sunday morning at 8:00 AM. My daughter, Ashley, was involved in a one car accident Saturday evening around 11:30 PM. There were four in her car. One of their friends was having a seizure and they were trying to get him to the hospital. The driver lost control of the car, and they ran off the road. Thank God, Thank God, Thank God she is going to be OK. But I have to say my heart stopped for a minute. It could have been so much worse. All four passengers were treated and released from UAB Hospital in Birmingham. One has a fractured back, but surprisingly they sent him home in a brace. Ashley did not have her seat belt on in the back seat (we have had a chat about that) and was thrown out of the back window of her car. Thank you, Lord for making me a mother. But next year I'd like a much milder version of mother's day please. And most of all thank you for my children. That they are alive. That is what I am thinking about the most this mother's day.

At The Ballpark

Last Saturday I was feeling a bit better after two sinus shots on Friday, so I went to the ballpark to watch my niece, Allie, play softball. My mother and father were there, as well as Payton and Allie's sister, Sally. Here are some pics of a beautiful spring day at the ball yard:

This is Sally and Payton:

And Allie playing Ball (they won in a close game, 12-11)

Another shot of Allie in the dugout:

This Is Why.

Tracy Clark of Shutter Sisters, one of my blog links (a little further down and on the right) had this picture on her blog today. It brought tears to my eyes. And made me very, very thankful for what I have. Freedom. Family. Employment. A roof over my head. Thank you Tracy. This is incredible.

Into and Eating EVERYTHING.........

Today, as usual, I went to see Gan, Ashley, and Payton at lunch. What I found was the busiest little girl on the planet. She was into (literally) everything.

Eating The Table.

Eating the foot of her baby doll.

On her tippiest of tiptoes finding things:

Reading her animal book. And then eating it.


Poor Mr. Dog. His fur was all slobbery.

Oh, but wait. There's more.
She also ate Mr. Telephone.

Then it was down for a 2 minute snap (short nap)right there on top of another toy.

When she woke up and started eating the chair, I grabbed my keys and ran out the door before I had to use sick time from running after her during lunch.

God Bless mama and Ashley this afternoon. I hope they survive.