poor smurfy,

Talk about a mental fog. Today is the first day in a long while (as far as I know, snarf) that mine feels relatively lifted. And like my body is my own again, not some drained, feeble, tingling thing. So. Weird. Why all of a sudden, why today. Will it return? What did it all mean. I barely feel like overanalyzing it (for now).

I forgot to mention that the other day I was stuck in a K.Lo closet, the book-nook one, while she cleaned her room (overseeing is sometimes required) and I decided to read the 50 States book. Put together in '96, it listed the Oklahoma City bombings as the worst terrorist act on record and then for NY, there was the WTC, still intact. Aside from that surreality, it was like ah, fact book. I mean obviously it only gives you the bare-bones basics of each state and it's a kids' thing, but at the same time it was kind of nice to present one's brain with a finite amount of information. Like I could go on a webpage and traverse ads and fact after fact after fact, not to mention a million rabbit holes I would surely fall into, as this fact made me think of that fact, and what else could I look up. It's an awesome thing. But then, ah, fact book. So nice and simple. And possibly much more memorable, and therefore meaningful.

Does Lifetime really stream? I must investigate. Bravo does not, so I just assumed I'd be sol for ProRun, just like Top Chef, which is attainable by J.Lo for sure, but it does require reminding and prodding and transferring of files - so labor intensive! is all I'm saying. Not that it's not worth it, for those few elusive but adored shows.

Today was more crafty assistance; I really like this years' decorations. Not that I didn't last year, it's just somehow they're coming together better this year, with less turmoil, and are so bright and almost splashy. A faux marble wall lined with paper torches! An entryway sign shaped like the Parthenon! And things like that.

Here is the type of thing Sophie does. Wii Remote on Back Porch, a still life.

This was from last week on a day when it was wicked hot. I felt very melty that day; so did the dogs. 

The garden snack bar fare. I think the peas will be done soon, but total success for them! Last year we literally had two peapods. This year we had plenty for snacking and enough for a stirfry. Next up, cucumbers and some okra, which I still have to replant after the puppy attack. (Notice the theme here.)

This is how the planterbox looks lately! The morning glories are creeping up a trellis, as well as a hummingbird plant of some sort. Notorious fungus gnats (result of initial overwatering) have been slayed by cinnamon. Also nearby, cilantro has sprouted. 

Lastly, Sophie the rainbow-sword warrior. 

well,

Like so many things in my world of late, I see there's an unfinished, left-behind draft in our queue, and oh look, old pictures.

The Italian bread I baked, which was tasty but also very beautiful, I feel.

A selfie when feeling particularly ponderous on the back porch (my recent favorite spot. but will it remain so when it gets wicked hot? to be seen). 

J.Lo playing guitar. I adore. 

The view from M&C's porch last weekend. With my coral-painted toes. I need to redo them; they looked pretty for a minute.

The garden seems more successful this year already? I mean it's not awesome yet (I await Year 3 soil), but the snap peas are like a drive-by snack bar whilst throwing ball for the puppies and apparently there's an actual pumpkin growing in the volunteer patch? The tomato plants are robust and I need to rig some string through the stakes tomorrow. And weed. By which I mean cover all things weedy with wet newspaper and hay. If it doesn't rain, which it has been, everyday since forever it seems. Tropical what. Oh, and peppers! And eggplant! Oh my. They and the lettuce all look relatively healthy. 

I did some mildly obsessive googling on PdR from AD, because I was upset about her face not looking like her face - which I get happens all the time in Hollywood, but I felt betrayed in the manner of Virgina Madsen hopping on the Botox train post-Sideways. Possibly worse. And my conclusion is that you're just going to have to ask TH in person about it, because I don't think it happened. Seriously. Google image "PdR" and "AD premiere." Her face looks normal again. From a month ago. So, wacky eye/nose/botox job part of the Lindsey Bluth storyline, maybe? Just a theory, but it's important at the same time! 

Mmm, cheese and crackers. Followed possibly by pilfered chocolate. 

Ah, Seppuku. I did know that word from a previous Wiki encounter. Gory, man. Don't do it. Despite all circumstances. On a semi-related sidenote, I do wish I were there to either troubleshoot your computer and laptop and fix them, or else help you take a hammer to them, whichever the situation calls for. And help you set up your home, or at least bask in all the details, like floor words and painted cabinets and tea corners. 

And when are you coming to visit? I guess you need a phone service first. Priorities, schmiorities! (I do assume you'll notify me immediately of your newly established number.) 

I anxiously await Bruckner's sober or not sober response to your response - either way would be awesome. Why he doesn't have a blog oh wait post to his blog is beyond me. Where are you, Bruckner! 

All right, I'm going back to my books (two of them!) on a Saturday night. 

xoxox.

MORE PUPPY

How is one to resist Sophie Charms. First pic by J.Lo. Second, Sophie looks up to her larger counterpart, however dubious a role model. Last, two failed but somehow brilliant attempts at selfies w/ puppy.

EXTREMELY CUTE PUPPY PICTURES

I just realized most of these are of Sophie sleeping. But in different rooms! In different contexts! And then there's the one with some snowflakes on her head. Puppies, sleeping, snow! Just try to deny the cuteness.

she-nan-i-gans

Admittedly, I thought maybe I could sneak under the blogging radar a bit while you were traversing SE Asia, but no - there you are, hiking stairs and food touring and Facebooking and attracting new friends like a magnet. In all your loveliness. And saying, "Um, friggin' blog already." So here I am.

K.Lo's ear tubes in/adenoids out went well, considering. I mean if we did it all over again with the help of our crystal ball, we would not have had to arrive predawn at the hospital to bargain for a price with a fatted calf. What? Yes anyway - you bargain for a price at 5:45AM in the morning and if you're charming enough you get 30% off the estimated fee and decide you're fine with that. We witnessed K.Lo loopy, gazing at the cloud-covered florescent lights and the curtain walls and saying, "Wouldn't it be great if we lived in a hospital all the time and played hide-and-seek..." which was charmingly slurred when she spoke it. And then they said, "Whoops, have to go back to the other room and wait for x amount of time, we're not really sure how long, because it's too warm in the OR and we can't regulate it.' Which sucked, because she was literally all set to go. And then became very hungry, and very restless, and very whiny. But we all lived, and managed. Stinging ear drops were the most traumatic aspect of the weekend, but cake and birthday presents from Grandma and Grandpa compensated. And then one of the tubes became blocked, and if I had a nickel for every time that school nurse called me by now... it was a sub, and he randomly was all - I looked in her ear, and I think this is the problem - followed by some very specific details. And so we went to the doctor two days earlier than scheduled and it turned out he was exactly right. 

Meantime: drinking too much coffee? Trying to pare back by at least a cup anyway. Five is overdoing it, at least when one's thoughts and heart begin racing excessively. So more tea maybe. But I do love coffee. And hair? Approaching or ensconced in another phase of Awkward, so should I cut again or pin up or... I think I'm going with pins, for now. And silent suffering. I have an end-goal in mind. I did taxes today. It's always a nightmare somehow and makes me feel so. on. edge. but I persevered and am nearly certain they are correct this year and the payback was a good one. 

And the next few days will be a whirlwind of errands for K.Lo's science-center party Saturday and birthday Sunday, and something about a big football game for which we are having friends over? So snacks for that. And art and garden planning, somewhere in the midst. I feel like there are suddenly a lot of events coming up: book club, V-Day, possible movie outing (Beautiful Creatures), possible road trip, cabin camping  in March, anxiously awaiting the fate of the won, and a book-themed baby shower and some other things. Women's Bible Study and retreat weekend and possibly knitting? too many items cycling from hands to air to hands to air and demanding to be caught. But I suppose they'll all land in their place. 

Some random pictures: N.Lo had Western Day at school. I crocheted hearts and hung them on the fireplace. K.Lo at the ear doctor for the bazillionth time. Fearsome medical instruments. One of five shadowboxes displaying Things Removed at said doctor's office in the late 70s, early 80s. Bender hears something. K.Lo's surgery incited a Tooth Fairy visit, as well. My mom does awesome needlework. J.Lo does awesome woodwork. I made doll bedding! two mattresses, pillows and sheets. And N.Lo has a cold, too. 

xo to you, who has much to tell! 

~pen

photo roundup

pen's scattered world in pictures ~

rosemary ~ it flowers, i did not know.

JD Tennessee Honey ~ mmm.

magnet wall! i conquered it. 

there is a flag outside now

this made me laugh.

epic sky

our house ~ closed ~ cheers

katniss. entertainment weekly. it's almost movie time!

and this is just horrifying.

photo roundup

new headband, procured on shopping trip with k.lo. makes hair seems slightly more exciting.
whenever i feel like it's too over the top, i think of what the designers wear on prorun,
and suddenly it's underplayed again.

headband close-up, taken just for you - i knew you'd request it.  "more details, penelope! i can't see it all!" 

cath said i had to read this. so after finishing beautiful chaos, i procured it from the library.
i'm delighted to see she's joined goodreads, although amused to see how different our tastes are sometimes.
 i loathed heart of darkness; she gave it five stars. i said i sort of hated history of love;
she said there must be something wrong with me.
i heart cathy. 

k.lo's been on a "let's dye stuff!" kick. "let's do science!" so i suggested the celery experiment.
this (and headbands) are how we pass the time on her random days off.
in between her chatting too much and me saying, "ugh! be quiet for a minute please!"

christmas decor,

hello my darling penelope, i'm up later than i should be admiring how well my manicure is holding up. under 2 top coats. it was a good choice. the pink is softer than i'd like but it'll do. i did it myself of course. oh and yes, did a full treatment of the 'nads'... it worked amazing on my legs, and hurt like hell on my underams but it works like a dream. and i can imagine getting good at it or if i ever have money am now convinced waxing is fun... but it's not great on my sideburns and the dreaded face hair but oh well. it killed a couple hours while i distractedly pasted the goo on and got my fingers sticky. i know you wanted to know. all that talk on the sub-conscious and gratitude...

as suggested: ok, so this is all the christmas cheer i can take i think- though i've even been listening to christmas music if you would buhlieve-- distractedly as i sit by the computer and WAIT. i know its small consolation that you and i are living out advent in real time.

i'm more in love with this tree then i've been in love with anything in a while. i literally smile everytime i see it. i sigh when i turn the lights on. i want to hug it everytime i come near it. love i tell you. love.

you will note the kitty in the tree. mom predicted she would climb it and yes, there she is summiting bravely.

find the kitty...

this is the copper nativity i did- it's small- 1/2 dollar size, and the sparkly star- mmm glitter, mom made the form for. i did not get a good pic of the camels and the wisemen amber did but they were good too. i know, it was, well it all is a shocking display of productivity after months of not much... i do mean months. so the fact i did a couple necklaces, did my nails, made pillows and moved some plants around, and put up lights is saying something.

 mom made these and they're fantastic- amber's idea and then mom expertly executed... she is good at the small christmas gift... and i've just decided my freedom lies in not thinking about what to give whom no matter how much i love them. maybe one day... but anyway onto christmastide and 2012.