A Special Delivery

I had a special delivery of books authored by Gigi-Hawaii. She even personally autographed each one so nicely for me. I look forward to reading all of Gigi's memoirs and the anthology. Indeed, I have already started and am enjoying the first memoir.  Gigi had suggested we do a swap for 2 of my paintings in exchange for her 4 books. Of course I jumped at the chance! I'm thrilled to know someone whose books are available in the libraries in Hawaii and on sale at Amazon (search for Glenda Chung Hinchey)!

Bomb diggity and a Leading question

I just have a few miscellaneous thoughts today.

I've been seeing this new word 'bomb diggity' in a couple of places and got curious enough to google its meaning.  Sure enough, I found a definition in an urban dictionary meaning it's a new word!
It means totally awesome, very very cool!  Have you noticed this new word anywhere?

Here is a leading question for you.  Do you believe that shopping malls are threatened by the internet era as people start to shop online more?  This article brought the question to mind.

At one time, I wondered if the cinema would become outdated, but it has not. People still need somewhere to gather and socialize in person!

My husband M, my son K and I were in a Swiss Chalet restaurant recently. This Canadian chain is popular with senior citizens. There was an older man and his mom sitting at the table next to us. M heard the man say to his mom 'It's my CFO's birthday tomorrow, I'll have to remember that'. His mom said 'What's a CFO?' The man answered 'Chief Financial Officer'. Then I heard him explain further 'He's an accountant at one of my mining companies'. At which point I realized he must be really wealthy! I guess 'wealthy' doesn't have a 'look', they were casually dressed, he wore jeans, nothing special.

Finally, the monitor on my computer overheated and blacked out. My husband M was able to bring it back but if it happens again that might be it. We were able to backup whatever files we thought were important but the whole thing is upsetting.  So I am looking around for a new laptop.  This is the 2nd one on the fritz, they seem to last for just a couple of years.    I don't want another HP as this one has overheating issues.  The older one was a Dell. So i have 2 partially working computers, we even have an ipad but I'm still more comfortable with windows. 

Clever French Commercial

We had a meeting with Counselling and Disability Services at the college K is planning to attend in the fall.  He has a non-verbal learning disability which unfortunately impacts his academics.  He appears normal in every other way including socially.  M and I are happy to know he will be accommodated in every way possible.  The counsellor put us right at ease.  We have to get a consulting letter from his psychologist regarding extra time on tests and a few other matters.   College will be a big jump from high school and we will take it one step at a time.  K's priority at the moment is to somehow get his own car.  At the very least, this would be contingent on graduating high school.  He will turn 18 in April, and enter the period of emerging adulthood.  Yikes.

I was walking through the mall and saw this stunning prom dress on display. Isn't it pretty?

And here is a very clever French commercial!

Test your news IQ

If you feel you are up on current events you may want to try this quiz. I passed (7/13) but likely by guessing a lot, also I don't live in America.  It asks if you recognize a bunch of prominent people in America news. I would recognize Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, he has been in the news a lot lately.

I was in church yesterday.  It was cold and windy although sunny.  The priests were full of prayers for our new Pope Francis.  It was also coffee Sunday, put on by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic charity group, so after mass I had a nice cup of coffee and some Timbit donuts.  At this time of year, they are pushing for Sharelife donations, similar to the United Way drive.

Here are some pretty flowers to brighten your day:

Waiting for Spring

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This piece is done with watercolour pencils on cardstock (4.5"h x 6.5"w). It's called 'Waiting for Spring'.

Linking to Sunday Sketches.

A nice cup of hot chocolate

M, K and I were in a restaurant recently and K ordered this nice cup of hot chocolate. We had $15 left on a gift card and wanted to use it up.  Are you good about using all your gift cards? We ended up ordering a calamari appetizer and a dessert platter to share. They gave us lots of delicious bread rolls to scoop up the calamari! K didn't want coffee so he asked for the hot chocolate.

I found this interesting book review in the local paper recently.  The book is 'Wave' by Sonali Deraniyagala.  'After losing her entire family in the 2004 tsunami, this mother finds her future by tenderly piecing together the past'.

Sandy Hook Auction Blog Hop

To my regular commenters, please leave a comment even if you are not able to bid at this auction, I love hearing from you all!

I've chosen this original piece I called 'Valentine Moon', to auction for the Sandy Hook benefit. This piece seemed to fit with the tone of the auction, the soft pink moon being a symbol of the innocent angels who were taken too soon.  The misty, grey day adds to the mood.

 It's acrylic on cardstock (8.5"H x 11"W") and will fit beautifully in an (11" x 14") matted frame that you can purchase just about anywhere these days.  This (11" x 14") one  with an (8" x 10") mat would be perfect.

 I'll pay for the postage to the winning bidder. You submit your bid in the comments below and the winning bidder will pay directly to the charity. I will then ship the piece to the winning bidder once I have confirmation of payment (receipt or email receipt) from the winner.  International bids are welcome.  The minimum bid is US $5.00

This auction will run from Friday March 15th, 2013 until 

Monday March 18th, 2013 at 11:59 pm EDT.

Shipping (anywhere worldwide) is free. 

(If painting is shipped internationally, shipping is still free BUT 

the buyer is responsible for any duty/taxes/etc.)

How to bid:

1. Place a bid (with a way to reach you) in the comments section.

2. Bookmark this page so that you can easily check back to see if you've been outbid 

(and need to make another bid).

3. If you are the winning bid, I will contact you.

4. Payment will be made from you to a Sandy Hook Elementary charity (see below).

*I will not personally be collecting any money.*

5. Once you have made your donation to the Sandy Hook Elementary charity, you will send your proof of donation (a forwarded receipt) to me at: 

cmlk79@yahoo.com

6. After I have received your proof of donation (and you have given me your address), I will mail your painting out to you! 

As you make your bids, please keep in mind that all proceeds go to a worthy cause...

Happy Bidding!

Sandy Hook Elementary Charity Websites:

https://newtown.uwwesternct.org/

http://newtownmemorialfund.org/

http://www.mainelovessandyhook.com/ 

Linking to Paint Party Friday where they are having the exciting Sandy Hook Blog Hop today!