What happened to all the lightening bugs/fireflies? I think something in the environment has changed too dramatically for them to survive. I remember they were at some point during my childhood, plentiful. ‘Til this day every time I see a block party I always think of them. I really miss them; they remind me of a time when life was simple.
*Photocredit: Green Piece Washington D.C. Environmental Group
My husband and I visited Chicago’s Museum of Science & Industry in 2005 to especially see Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle. I purchased Within the Fairy Castle: Colleen Moore’s Doll House at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (Hardcover) by Terry Ann R. Neff (Author), Michael T. Sarna (Foreword), Barbara Karant (Photographer) five years before I finally saw it. This was truly a dream-come-true for me! I don’t remember feeling as excited about anything else, besides my wedding day.
*Photocredits: Chicago’s Museum of Science & Industry
I began my project in Winter 2003. My husband’s grandfather’s wife inspired me. She’s been interested in miniatures for most of her life. Her father helped her build the dollhouse she showed me. Anyway, here is a picture of a Greenleaf Pierce Model (the same one as mine). I still have to do more sanding, wallpapering, electrifying, etc. Sadly, it’s sitting in the basement right now because of limited leisure time I can dedicate to building it. I think our two cats had been using it as a perch- although I used to shoo them away, I thought they looked really cute in it. The second smaller dollhouse is Greenleaf’s Glencroft Model, which I’m planning to make as a mercantile. I’m guilty of still having it in the box after all this time; yes, totally untouched =(. I really want to change the situation. I wish I had a better workplace for them with proper lighting and ventilation. I’m so envious of this one artist who has a two story carriage house as her workshop. She’s so lucky!
P.S. I’m planning to transform the Pierce into a Tudor style home somehow. I know there are people who would not agree, but that’s my dream.
I do have pictures from 2003 of me slaving over this project. I promise I will post them as soon as I can find the pics.
*Photocredit: Greenleaf
I was so happy to read that the euthanasia rate of New York City’s homeless animals is at its lowest in history. “The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals in collaboration with their participating rescue groups and shelters, have succeeded in reducing euthanasia from 74% of the approximately 43,000 cats and dogs entering Animal Care & Control in 2002 (the first year of the Mayor’s Alliance) to 43% in 2007 (below 50% for the first time in NYC history).” I’ve always thought it cruel to euthanize dogs and cats of reasonable health and temperament merely because they have no home. We don’t euthanize our fellow human beings for homelessness, why should animals suffer that horrible fate? I’m in full support of neuter/spay and no-kill initiatives.
*Please donate to the variety of animal causes out there, which are in desperate need of our help. There are so many different ways to do so, whether it be your time, supplies, monetary gift, etc.
On a lighter note, I found a really cute photo on the Mayor’s Alliance website. At first I didn’t realize the pink wrinkly fellow on top was a baby Shar-Pei. I thought he was a blushy pink towel =)).
(Anyone who’s ever loved a pet, knows how true this is).
I love the color of Victoria Wells’ purple hair! Apparently she uses a combination of Manic Panic’s® Ultra Violetâ„¢, Purple Hazeâ„¢, and Plum Passion.â„¢
Here’s a link to Animal Precinct–> http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/animalprecinct/animalprecinct.html
Victoria Wells & Friend
I usually dislike soap operas and never watch the American ones but, I must admit I love watching re-runs of “EastEnders.” It’s a British soap from 1985-present. I think I’m watching the episodes from 2005. I’m not sure if I have a favorite character. They are all entertaining. The British have a great sense of humor. My grandfather used to love watching the soaps. His faves were “The Young & The Restless” and “As The World Turns.” I mostly liked watching Kong-Fu movies with him, especially the ones with David Carradine. Anyway, I think “EastEnders” is really cool.
Albert Square Map
I have been eating mainly soft foods e.g. eggs, yogurt without solid fruit chunks, congee, potatoe salad, noodle soups since the tooth extraction and braces tightening. Today was the first time I realized my bite has changed slightly. I’m not sure what happened? It feels really strange. I had suspected my right upper canine but it’s really the “loose tooth” and the one below which feel at odds with one another. It seems like there’s something new everyday. I will probably call the dental office on Monday to consult with Dr. L. It’s not a tremendous problem but a noticeable change. I suspect that these changes are normal; funny that the potential change in bite never crossed my mind as a consequence of having braces. I’m overall experiencing less teeth/gum aching. Maybe tomorrow will be even better?
Today is the day after the dental visit. Please see previous post September 18, 2008. It’s been a little hard for me to eat solid food today (including peaches in yogurt). I think my mouth is still not over the dental trauma of yesterday. The aching is 5/10 only when I try to eat solid food. Hopefully it will subside as the days pass. I dislike taking pain killers so I will continue to rinse with warm saltwater, etc. I’ve heard this is a normal malady of having braces placed/tightened. I also had to place a little orthodontic wax on the elastic holding the teeth together (the teeth to either side of the extraction site) because it was rubbing the inside of my lip. Refer to picture from September 18, 2008 blog entry; it’s the white elastic pictured in a criss-cross on the front lower teeth… can’t miss it. I think the wax has done the trick. I’m probably going to have to cut my food into small pieces to alleviate the aching and until I feel better overall.
I was waiting for the bus today and saw a woman with her guide dog. He was a very handsome and intelligent German Shepherd. I watched as he carefully led her across the street. I marveled at the expert training he must have received since he was a puppy and his lifelong dedication to assisting humans with visual impairments.
*Photocredit A: http://www.eyedogfoundation.org
*Photocredit B: http://www.seeingeye.org
Oh, I almost forgot to mention… I requested to take a look at my tooth after the extraction (I know some of you are saying “eww” right now). I remembered Dr. L said I could look at it but couldn’t have it. I didn’t get to ask him why (not that I would have seriously taken it home). I told my husband about the dentist’s response, he teased me and said, “don’t you know that adult teeth are worth ten times that of children’s according to the Tooth Fairy; it’s at least $2.50… and your dentist is probably rich from all the collections he’s been accumulating.” That was a pretty funny thought. I really wonder what the office does with the extracted teeth?
Below, is a picture of a tooth pillow. This pillow keepsake is supposed to keep the tooth safe and secure for the Tooth Fairy. I guess it’s an item of “common knowledge,” apparently not for me.
*Photocredit: http://www.ultimatebabyboutique.com
Picture of a Very Cute Tooth Pillow. FOR THE TOOTH FAIRY (Only You Have to Get the Tooth from Dr. L's Office). Could I still get something for it since the tooth was mine? =)
