This Could Save Your Life!

This morning we woke early to the sound of our CO2 monitor sounding off. It didn't sound like a smoke alarm or anything familiar. At first I thought my ears were ringing. My head was pounding as I had a hard time deciphering what I was hearing. We both smelled gas. We groggily realized that it was urgent we act on this. Our Carbon Dioxide monitor had registered 173. This was well within the range it advised to call 911 and air out your home.
All fine except it was 19º degrees outside. None the less, we opened the front and back doors to air out the gas.
We made coffee, tried to stay warm and called a repairman. Our friend Geri suggested we see if the roof vent was impacted with snow. Jon took an extension ladder to our steep snow-covered roof. The snow had slid down the steep angle of our A-frame and was indeed blocking the vent. We have 10" of snow here. The repairman arrived and cleaned out our 17 year old furnace. It was overdue. Much to our relief we didn't need a new unit, but we are extremely grateful that this monitor woke us.
It may well have saved our lives.
If you don't have a monitor, go get one.
If you have one, check it.
Replace the batteries like you would your smoke detector.
Today we were lucky!

Patricia

★★★ Inauguration 2009 ★★★

Today was better than great!
Today was a pep rally for democracy.
For the world.
For the spirit.
The past and the future came together
and fused into one.
A climate of hope in the dead of winter.
Today a man my age stepped forward
and in taking the oath of office will forever
change the face of this nation.
A contemporary man with old world values
his youth and wisdom will unite generations.
His vision a beacon of direction in a country
that had lost its way.
I have waited 8 years for this man.
Many waited 46 years for this dream to be fulfilled.
Some, a lifetime.
Obama raised his hand and lifted a nation.
I will never forget today.
I wouldn't want to forget it for a moment.
It's a culmination of great moments that
has changed the world!
★ ★ ★
Patricia

Bitch Boxes

Okay, I will be the first to admit, this box was waaay too much fun to make!
If you can't laugh at what's happening to yourself, who can???
So, enjoy the copy for my newest box, one of two Bitch Boxes I posted this morning to my etsy site! My good friend Bonnie found this so funny, she blogged about the first one I listed! Thanks for the plug Bonnie.......now to sell these Bitches!

Pat

The Bitch Box Too.....
Is your body on fire? Do you find tweezers your next best friend? Your forgetfulness reaching an all time orgasm to the point of putting car keys in the refrigerator? Finger sticking coffee grounds off the counter to lick thinking they're cookie crumbs......(hey that counts as house cleaning...right?)
Never knowing when you'll get your period?
Tampons gracing every pocket and purse and glove compartment in your universe?
Tired, cranky, not sleeping well?

This box is for you, my fellow sufferer! I show you The Bitch Box Too. These recycled cigar boxes are emblazoned with words of comfort and joy! If laughter ensues, even better! Buy one for yourself and one for a friend!
Adorned with chocolate, thermometers, chocolate, fans, chocolate, women, chocolate and wisdom!

•Hot Flashes are not responsible for global warming!•

If this resonates, you owe it to yourself to buy it!
Immediately!
Yes, NOW!

Like eating m&m's while watching Oprah's Taking Control Diet Special, or Cheese Whiz sprayed on your fingers.....big girl comfy underpants........or Jif Peanut Butter off a spoon......(is there any other way?)

Make this yours........life's short.......so BUY IT NOW! Toss it in your cart, jump into your sweats, spray on some perfume and get ready for a night of good tv with the cat. In a few days, this enchanting box will arrive at your door while you're in your jammies polishing off the last of the family size Pop Tarts in the protective foil!

Oh yea, the size.......see....... I'm so forgetful!
This Bitch measures 7" wide, 6 1/4" deep, 5 1/2" tall.
Has two-tone bi-polar pink ruffles on its plump pink feet and a lifitng lid. Inside the lid, there's a stunning goddess with the words
"Thank goodness wrinkles don't hurt".

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

•• Human Touch ••

Yesterday when a US Ariways jet made an emergency 'water landing' in the icy Hudson River, several things came to mind. I watched spellbound how this huge aircraft became immediately surrounded by nearby boats to the rescue. Seeing an aircraft half submerged in water just isn't right. The passengers began loading onto wings and into lifeboats. The chill of wet clothing masked their relief, to get warm and on solid footing their focus.
What touched me were the actions of the first responders. They touched every survivor. They guided each one with a firm hand on their shoulder or support under their arms. This careful but meaningful gesture must be part of their training. Each passenger was carefully guided to safety. After such a traumatic ordeal, this seemingly small aspect must be critical to the well-being of the person being aided.

Human touch.

The masterful actions of the pilot and his crew were not to be overlooked. They too had some divine guidance!
These saving touches occur in so many ways everyday but are not documented on CNN.
They occur when freinds phone friends with good news. News that alters and makes a difference in their lives.
They occur when you get a surprize package from a friend that lifts your spirits.
An envelope with unexpected generosity inside.
An e-mail when you are most needing one.
This is the power of human touch.

It can be real or long distance but the connection of one human to another is vital.
In a city where people are said to stay to themselves, New York showed once again it's power of concern by how beautifully
choreographed this impromptu rescue took place.
Boats help buoy the aircrafts wings as the passengers were removed.
The importance of touch and holding one another afloat in treacherous conditions............wow!
That's all I can say.
Again, humanity at its utmost best!
There's hope!

Patricia

Bubbling Bliss

Where do you find peace? Where do you unwind and let your mind relax? These cold winter days are followed by hour long soaks in our spa. It is here we solve world problems, life's irregularities and just listen to the wind and nearby chimes. The rustling breezes and howl of coyotes in the surrounding fields fills the air. Their calls a pleasant reminder of rural life and the wild life that grace our existence here on Purple Hill.
We light the nearby chimenea, a treasure we brought home from Santa Fe, with a chunk of pinon firewood and inhale deeply the aroma of the west.
Our hearts are there, and our bodies here.

Late last summer Jon took our old art fair display panels and gave them new life. He cut narrow strips of cedar and wove them between the metal holes to create privacy screens by our spa. They allow wind through and give ample seclusion. This 'green' approach is in keeping with using what we have and recycling existing materials.
I so appreciate Jons' abilities to build and create just what we need. He's a wonderful wood worker and designer! The warmest place we have found is not sitting inside by our wood stove, but sitting outside in 104º water! These words from a native Floridian are funny to hear!

So here's to problem solving and finding an oasis to relax.
An integral piece of staying well in stressful times.

Wishing peace this cold winter night,

Patricia

☆:*¨¨*:Cosmic Star Box:*¨¨*:☆

★´¨)
¸,•´¸.•¤´¨} ¸.•*¨)
(¸.*´ (¸.*`¤~ FEATURED TODAY...my Cosmic Star Box ! This cute cube-like box has an array of stars emblazoned all over. The top opens by way of a sliding lid which allows for full access. Inside, the bottom is lined with magically soft black velvet. This box is 4.5" wide x 6" deep x 6.50" high. Fun orange and magenta feet with black trim make this a wonderfully groovy box!

I think this box is laughing!!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

On my etsy site
$40.00

Patricia

** Our Purple Snow House **

Just a bit of white stuff here on Purple Hill!
It looks like this even though this photo depicts our former art car in the driveway.
We had a good dusting of snow last night.
A big deal here!
The tigers are all excited. It adds a certain energy to the day.
A big day in the studio awaits with work for my February TattooDreams exhibit underway!
My work will be at the Orchard Gallery in Fort Wayne.

EXCUSE ME, EXCUSE ME VERY MUCH........HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELVIS!!........WHEREVER YOU ARE!

Peace all!
Patricia

★ ★ ★ Hippy Dippy Dream Box ★ ★ ★

★´¨)
¸,•´¸.•¤´¨} ¸.•*¨)
(¸.*´ (¸.*`¤~ A really fun box....The Hippy Dippy Dream Box..........This box conjures up great memories...I was a kid in the 60's.... This recycled, reloved cigar box measures 6" wide and 5 4/4" deep and 5" tall. This box has a hinged top that easily reveals the contents you decide are the treasures most vital. It's lined with sultry black velvet. It has groovy black and jadite feet with red fringe. Coke bottles, pretzels, hemp leaves, lava lights, clothes pins, rotary dials, Route 66..............yep,the good old days..............a box for hippies at heart!!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

$45.00
on etsy

Patricia

Sand Dollar Sea Box by TattooDreams

★´¨)
¸,•´¸.•¤´¨} ¸.•*¨)
(¸.*´ (¸.*`¤~ Sand Dollar Sea Box........A wonderful small box adorned with all things sea. This box has dark blue feet and accompanying trim. It measures 5 1/4" wide and 5 1/4" deep and 5 1/2" tall. This box has a sliding top that carefully reveals your treasures. It's lined with sultry black velvet. Emblazoned with a wonderful large sand dollar on top, shells, sexy chubby sirens of the sea, seahorses, fish sun and fauna of the deep that return you to your water creature self...Am I right?

$45.00
on my etsy site

Patricia

★ Butterfly Box ★

★´¨)
¸,•´¸.•¤´¨} ¸.•*¨)
(¸.*´ (¸.*`¤~ A most unusual box.....makes me feel like spring is coming! A great shape distinguishes this box from the my other selections. A large butterfly sits atop with artsy images all around. This angular box measures 8" wide and 5 1/2" deep and 5" tall. This box has a hinged top that easily reveals the contents you decide are the treasures most important. It's lined with sultry black velvet. Emblazoned with the big butterfly,honey bears, dream,the Desiderata quote: "You are a child of the universe, no less than trees and the stars"...lots more.........a very artsy box I must say.......ginko leaves.



$55.00 on
my etsy store

Patricia

Former Sen. Claiborne Pell

I am continually reminded that amidst the myriad of people in the world and some of the bizarre behavior the media reports, there is infinite goodness among us. Be it a gifted kindness, a word or deed that helps us, a reminder by a friend we are loved. These kindnesses lift us.
I have been on the receiving end of gentle kindnesses lately. It's not just the holidays, it's good people taking the time to do gentle hearted things that help other people.

It's humanity at its best!

Todays news reported the death of former U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell.
I never knew this man, but he helped me immensely as a struggling art student 30 years ago. I was paying my way through The Art Institute and working 2 jobs. I applied for financial assistance and applied for what was known as a Pell Grant. Low and behold my application for assistance was granted and funds arrived that helped me through school. The enormity of that help I have never forgotten. Today, this benevolent man died peacefully at the age of 90.
I cannot imagine how many students were touched by this mans efforts.

He was first elected to the U.S. Senate from Rhode Island in 1960, and served from January 3, 1961, to January 3, 1997, when he retired. He was the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1987 to 1994, and was named U.S. delegate to the United Nations in 1997.but his passion lay in education and the arts and humanities, believing that the country's people were its greatest asset. Largely through his efforts, Congress created the Pell grants, which were need-based awards to low-income undergraduate and certain other students.

"The strength of the United States is not the gold at Fort Knox or the weapons of mass destruction that we have, but the sum total of the education and the character of our people," he once said.

Describing his job as a senator, Pell said his work was to "translate ideas into actions and help people."

Sen. Claiborne Pell was the main sponsor of the bill creating the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Tomorrow I plan to write to his family and let them know what a difference he made in my life.

Infinite goodness has wide arms!
Thank you Sen. Claiborne Pell.
You made a difference in my life.

Patricia