Law & Order

I think this guy might have something to say about the life he's lived and the things he's seen...

But, I also have a feeling that he's a man of few words.

Wicked Stepmother

Yes, my boys (and their older cousin Daniel) met Cinderella's Wicked Stepmother 

when we were at Disney in June.

What do these all have in common?

A Yellow Cricket.

Prickly Pear Cactus

Cows

.

Sunflowers.

Gimme your best guess!!

Inspired to Create

As I was driving along the back roads of Texas, something bright and shiny caught my eye.

So I did a quick u-turn and went back for a closer look.

This is what I saw:

Any clue what it is?!!

Looked pretty alien-like to me.

Yep, they belong on top of this power station.

Not sure what their purpose is, but I'm thinking I should grab some for an art project.

Any good ideas for what I could make with them?!

Pure Texas

Last weekend I drove way into West Texas to deposit my thirteen-year-old at summer camp. 

A rather rustic looking summer camp.

(This is his tent!)

And on the drive home, I stopped a million times, 

much to my eight-year-old's dismay, 

to take photos of the country.

And I took this picture along the way...

and to me, it's PURE TEXAS.

But I can't decide which photo I like better:

 

The one above WITH the barbed wire fence...

or the one below without the fence.

Even The Cows Are Hot

Texas gets hot.

H-O-T   HOT!

In fact, you know it's super hot when the cows start looking for shade.

Bottle Trees

While I was on a garden tour this summer, I saw some amazing gardens.

This was a unique find in one backyard...

Some creative person took last year's Christmas tree...and decorated it with bottles.

I just recently read a great book 

that incorporated a mystery and secret messages transferred through bottle trees...

called On Folly Beach

Bottle trees can trap evil spirits or stand as a memorial for a loved one who has passed on. 

They originated in Africa.

Now I want to make one.

I bet they all dance naked around a bonfire...and bang drums and shake tamborines.

I don't know what I've gotten myself into.

I'm going to a secretive women's weekend this summer...where I'll be spending an intense 48 hours "examining my life" and "reclaiming parts of myself that have been lost, suppressed or misused."

I'm hoping it doesn't involve dancing naked around a bonfire.

It might be difficult.

It might be meaningful.

It might be unsettling.

I had to sign a contract in blood and tattoo the secret password on my butt...and the map to the secret location will be revealed to me in a public phone booth after I dial the encrypted number I find in a newspaper ad...oops, I've said too much.

No jewelry.

No make-up.

No alcohol or drugs.

No cell phones.

No iPods.

No contact with the outside world!

But, we are encouraged to bring drums and rattles.

I have no idea what I've gotten into...I'm scared!!!

Don't worry...I won't drink the Kool-Aid!

A Woot'ed LeakFrog

Not long ago I was searching the Internet for various things,

and I decided to check Woot for their deal of the day.

What?!

You haven't heard of Woot yet?

You need to check. them. out. 

They have great deals...that last 24 hours and then it's GONE.

One of their past deals was for a product called a LeakFrog.

It's a delightful thingamajig that brings a smile to my face.

You put this little bugger in a problem area where you've had leaks (next to water heater or in the basement or by a toilet or sink)...and it alerts you the minute dampness starts!! 

I think it's hilarious! And creative!  And useful!!

Have you found anything like this on the Internet?

A product you didn't know you needed but it just hilariously awesome?!

Do share!

A Turtle Limmerick

There once was a turtle named Claire Sinclair,

who wished to grown wings and soar through the air.

Her friends exclaimed, "Turtles are made for the water!"

but Claire didn't give up, she knew she was smarter.

Her sisters told her to follow her dreams,

her parents supported her in all things.

So, she befriended an eagle who traded a ride for some fish

and Claire the Smart Turtle fulfilled her greatest wish.

Moral of the story:

Find a way to follow your dreams,

even if they're unconventional.

And

Supportive friends & family can make a world of difference.

Inside Hogwarts Castle

Yesterday I shared our Butterbeer experience in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The day before that I showed photos from the roller coaster ride The Flight of the Hippogriff.  Today, it's about the castle.

This is one of the entrances to Hogwarts.

And as you walk down the hallway you can see where the House Points are recorded.

I'm not sure who this wizard is holding the replica of Hogwarts and statued in gold...

but he's in the same hallway...and way taller than I am!! 

And then we came upon the entrance to the Headmaster's Office. 

But we were unable to guess the password!!

The portraits talked and moved as we looked up into this tall room.

(strange camera view, I know)  It's looking UP!

And more talking portraits....

And we saw the infamous pensieve!!

Tomorrow, I'll share our experience in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom!!

Butterbeer

In Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can find Butterbeer to quench your thirst.

It's cold, creamy & frothy.

A combination of shortbread and butterscotch.

It's on tap...or frozen.

I preferred it frozen.

It tastes a lot like cream soda.  But with a little magic.

J.K. Rowling, the author of the series, made sure it tasted "just right."  

She was asked what butterbeer tastes like, and she said: 

"I made it up. I imagine it to taste a little bit like less sickly butterscotch."

The version sold at The Wizarding World was tasted and approved by Rowling herself.

And we got to keep the mug, of course.