The Fright Before Christmas

We've seen these people earlier this year in their steampunk meal video. But I thought that this Christmas themed video might be entertaining to some of you as well. I hope your holidays are going well.

The Scheme Before Christmas

Animals from the San Diego Zoo

We went to the zoo, and We took some pictures <3 we cropped some down to share with you.

We made sure to get a picture of the Rhino just for Cayden. I was surprised at how soft his footsteps sounded. You would think they would sound similar to a Clydesdale, you know, clomp clomp clomp. It was more like a shuffle shuffle sound.

OMG There was a baby Giraffe and it was her 7 month birthday yesterday, but she is SO VERY TALL! You wouldn't believe she is just a baby because she is so tall!

And uhm, hrmm...we saw koala bears too. And some other kinds of animals too. But this is just some pictures, mainly because we know Cayden is going to be mad that we went to the zoo without him. But that's ok he goes to the zoo all the time for without me. So not fair! But yes we saw a lot of animals yesterday and it was a lot of fun to see them all.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Justin Bieber : Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

A Krampus Carol

Just something to start of December, remember kids... be good, or you never know what will happen at Christmas.

Hooray! The Blog is ONE!

^_^ Alright! So it's been an interesting year since we originally opened the blog. So in honor of the blog turning 1, I've decided to add a special page to it. I'm not entirely sure how it will work out. But I'm interested in learning a little bit about the people who visit the blog. We've had people stop in from all over the globe it seems.

I'm not really entirely sure what brings you to our page. But we're very glad to have you <3. That said, the new page can be found in the tab at the top of the blog. It's our new Visitors Log.

In an attempt to learn about more of the world and to create a map during the coming new year, this is a project that YOU our readers get to help with. How? Well, by leaving us a note telling us what country (or geographic area) you're visiting from, and something you think is interesting, you'll help give us some fun ideas of things to explore in the future. You don't have to give us an in depth detailed listing. But your responses will help us learn more, and I'm hoping to do more Just Visiting posts, and it would be interesting to research museums, events, and locations outside of our 'comfort' areas. (Do you live in a state? A province? etc... Have fun with it!!!)

So thank you so much in advance for your notes! We're looking forward to your answers. I'm hoping that our next year will see more positive growth in general, and who knows, maybe we'll have a post about your country or local area ^_^.

***Please keep your responses G rated on the most part, this is a family friendly blog...at least we try to be..***

- No you don't have to leave us your real name.
- You don't have to give identifying information.
- This is just a fun project to find out more about the world, and work on a world project.

And thank you so much for reading! We are hoping to be writing and sharing things of interest we discover for a long time into the future. Thank you so much!

Special Event : Potted Potter

Well... I found this when I was going through my draft list. I'm surprised that I didn't post it in a timely manner. But even I make mistakes. This particular post should have been posted MONTHS ago at this point. So forgive me in the fact that it wasn't done in a timely manner.

Ok, so I know that this is a new page line to add to the blog. But this was really a special treat that we went to. It was amazing and I am sorry that I didn't write about it sooner, I just haven't had  the patience to do a nice write up (am sure you've noticed the slow down we had the past couple months).

ANYWAY! So let's get down to business. What do we have to say about this?

Potted Potter
Balboa Theatre
November 10, 2013
4:00 pm showing

This show is a ton of fun, so if you're a Harry Potter fan and it comes to your area, totally go if you can! It's not a huge floor show. There are only 2 cast members.

(Huge apology to those who saw this on it's accidental release to live state when it was still in draft form)

Just Visiting : Coronado Fine Art

Sometimes you get to see something amazing. There are moments where these amazing things are shown to you, and you never would have known, couldn't plan it. This is a case of that. I'm sure that by now a lot of  you know that I'm interested in all different kinds of art. Music, film, animation, as well as other forms inspire me and help me to question and process the world around me.

This past Sunday I was blessed to get out with some of Polke A Dots family. We went out to celebrate his grandmothers birthday, it was a beautiful day, and I'm getting off topic. His Aunt took us to a place called Coronado, which is an area of San Diego accessed by a sky bridge or ferry. I hadn't even realized it was part of the city, or considered to be a separate area. We went to lunch and we looked at the lovely water. After eating, we went to look at the dock and shops in the plaza near the restaurant.

There was a live band playing zydeco music there, and people were chatting and enjoying the cool yet sunny day. I even saw the tail flipper of a seal as it was playing in the water! But the art galleries were probably my favorite thing that we saw. I can't remember the name of the second one in the shopping plaza, but the one I remember is called Coronada Fine Art Gallery.

Coronado Fine Art
1201 First St., Suite 111
Coronado, CA 92118
http://www.coronadofineart.com/

Now why do I remember the name of this one and not the other? Well... they had a lot of Disney themed art, as well as a collection of Dr. Seuss Art. There was also some gorgeous landscapes, as well as some fantasy art.

Birthday Wishes by Tennessee Loveless

A lot of the Disney art that really caught my eye was pop art style by an artist named Tennessee Loveless. You can check out his portfolio and projects on his website here http://tennesseeloveless.com/ . What I think is amazing is the variety of bright colors he uses in his pieces. As well as the amazing variety in his project listed as TENxTENxTEN. It's kind of repetitious but it's all variations of Mickey Mouse. It's really fun to look through. The woman at the gallery told us about some of the pieces, and they do each have some interesting stories behind them.

AM by Robert Bissell

I also enjoyed the animal art by Robert Bissell. They have a quality that gives the animals human character, while not really changing them from their reality based forms. I especially loved the pieces that showed rabbits and bunnies. They were adorable and sweet, and just made you wanna scoop the bunnies up and cuddle them if you could. But they're art you can't.

 The Turtle-Necked Sea-Turtle by Dr. Seuss

But the Dr. Seuss art was really the highlight of the gallery, at least in my opinion. There were some of the taxidermy sculptures of creatures from Seuss world. As well as various panels that were images for some of the books. It was a real treat to get to see them. (Seems he sketched in pencil like most artists <3 such an encouraging revelation.) There was all kinds of sculptures too. Really really wonderful.

Anyway, the gallery isn't huge but it's a nice treat to visit and see. Heck, if you have the budget it'd even be awesome to get some of the pieces. Sadly, I don't have the budget. But the internet is full of information about different places that offer prints and what not. The gallery has a no photography rule, so the images used here are from the internet.

Kid friendly place, just don't let them touch the art. No Admission Fee.

Maleficent is going LIVE

That's right, Disney is bringing Maleficent (you know the evil/bad fairy from Sleeping Beauty) to life in her very own SELF  TITLED film! I don't know when it's going to be released for sure yet, but what they show in the  teaser trailer sure makes it look like it will be an appealing watch. Oh, and see the little blue fairy creatures on the video? they look an awful lot like those water sprites from OZ The Great and Powerful...

Amy's Torch

The Face Shop

Pictures from the Beach

We went to the beach today ^_^ I thought I'd share some special Hello's.

Sharing something Adorable

A good friend shared this picture with me. I think it's positively adorable!  Such a cute idea! Kudo's out to the artist <3. So just thought I'd share it with the rest of you. (No claim on the art, I wisj I knew who did it, would link out to them, if someone knows who did it let me knoa so we cna link over to the artist. Thanks!!))

A Prayer For the Forgotten Dead

Happy Halloween

Okay, so this past weekend we went to see the Boulevard Boo! Parade. It was a lot of fun and we got to see a variety of costumes. Unfortunately We didn't catch the whole parade on camera. But we took some photo's and video footage for you all.  Just click on the words video footage to be able to view some of the clips that we captured with our camera.^_^

We hope you have a Safe and Happy Halloween.

Red

Groovie Goolies 123

A Darker Side to Charming

There's a lot of different kinds of books that have been written of late that have to do with fairy tales. There's so many versions and ways that people that present characters for people to enjoy. Cinderella is one of those stories that have been told over and over. But sometimes there's a nice fresh take on the story that helps to add a bit more depth and a few darker points to the happy ending.

Image from Amazon.com

Charming : A Cinderella Prequel
L.R. Briggs & S.E. Steinbrenner
369 Pages

Charming isn't the name of any of the characters in this story. The main character is a boy named Jode, who is in all ways, forgettable and un-noticable. We get to see him evolve through various states of self consciousness.

The story revolves around the idea that in order to become great there are trials and tribulations that one must go through. This is an idea that isn't unknown to most readers. But the extent to which we see this idea used is rather intriguing. It helps to pull you into the story, giving you reason to wonder what's going to happen. And to be honest this one isn't predictable.

But it is a good read. While the cover kind of points a female reader in the direction of this book, I believe it is written in a style that a male audience could find appealing. While it has some adult content, it's not gruesome or erotic, so teens can read it safely. All in all it's a well done book in my opinion. It leaves some things unanswered but not in a manner that leaves the piece unfinished. So if you're looking for a nice fantasy read I think you should check it out.

Music Monday 15

It's October and there's all kinds of things that have been associated with the fall holidays that we celebrate. One of the most important things in my opinion is monsters. So this weeks music choices showcase a variety of monsters for your enjoyment. Have a good week and hope you're getting ready for Halloween!

Shoggoth on the Roof : Tentacles

Alice Cooper : Feed My Frankenstein

The Ramones : Pet Sematary

The Ghastly Ones : Werewolves on Wheels

 Wednesday 13 : Skeletons

What's on TV?

How many times have we been asked that question? Probably more times than we want to admit, but the answers have always varied. Over the years the shows the people I've been around have varied. There was the years of Walker Texas Ranger, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Charmed, and Paranormal. Sometimes they were funny, sometimes dramatic or scary. But there was always something that was common ground to talk about.

Every season there's something different and new that is brought on. I'm not a fan of the reality tv  genre. And am not really all that certain how I feel about some of the drama's. But now that there's cable I've been introduced to a variety of new shows. Not all of them are as enjoyable as others. But there's no harm in finding some to watch.

One of the first ones that came up this fall was Sleepy Hollow. The commercials for it caught my eye, as it's a twist on a story most of us know well. The way they have it set up makes it fresh and appealing to a wide audience. It has the appeal of the crime shows, as well as the ones who enjoy the paranormal mysteries. It hasn't been predictable so far, and offers some interesting glimpses into possibilities of demons and the apocalypse.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is another show that we're enjoying. It crosses some of the comic moments of Bones with the comedy of friends. There are some amazing moments where things are unexpected and I find that appealing. It isn't the kind of thing I was expecting, and with one of the main characters being openly gay and working to prove something I wonder how it will be taken as a whole over time. I find it a charming point, but it's almost like they're trying too hard.

The Blacklist was a surprise. I didn't know what to expect when we sat down to watch it, I hadn't seen any commercials for it. It had me on the edge of my seat, and not in a scared way. The entire episode I saw seemed to be a whirl of possibilities. The idea that there would be someone with that much information and those kind of contacts is fascinating. I had been expecting a horror show when they started describing to me what it was set up as, but it's more of an action or drama. Very nicely done I must admit.

American Horror Story Coven started recently. The first two seasons were amazing, and from the premiere episode I have to say this one is going to be amazing as well. Each one has been a stand alone series, though am guessing there will be some point where things will overlap in the future. For the momentary gore dished out occasionally will only be met by the audience without a wince for so long. We don't want an audience so detached from the human existence that they don't pause to help others. But the premiere implies that it will be interesting in the long run. Am unsure how I feel about how they're showing witches, but at least it's not all glitter and broomsticks.

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland is on my to view list yet. I haven't made my decision on how I feel about it yet. But once I make up my mind on how I feel about Alice I will let you know. I haven't watched the previous series of Once Upon a Time, so this is a new thing to me. But I look forward to giving it a chance.

In any case, that's a little side note about what's on TV here where I am. It's not like we watch a LOT of TV. But it's nice to have something to view that is entertaining. I'm sure you all have shows that you're enjoying. What do you think we should give a shot to? What are you enjoying? Let me know, we've got open minds around here.

The Kingdom of Witches

Less is More

 

Zen Pencils

This comic strip is amazing, and it makes sense. Sometimes things would be so easy to just do it. But it's not always so simple. But wouldn't it be nice to have that ability? I'm sure we each could, But it's a matter of learning how to take that step back and that breath to say, ok am happy. Happiness isn't so hard if we think we have it already.

Music Monday 14

Mmm, it's October. In the east and north, the trees are turning orange and the cool rains are making the ground muddy. Here in the southwest the days are getting to be a more bearable temperature. And the Halloween decorations are coming out of hiding. YAY! So here's the songs for the week, have a good one!

Creature Feature : The Greatest Show Unearthed

Escape the Fates : No Sympathy For The Dead

Where Do You Keep Your Brains?

Army of Lovers : Walking With A Zombie

 The Quakes : Paint It Black

Wings

Standing on the narrow window ledge looking down to the cement below, I feel a strange relief.  All that's left to do at this point is leap. The dying Queen city is quiet, most folks asleep in this slow place. Only the occasional sweep of lights float past as someone heads home from the last drink at the bar, or from closing up one of the office buildings. I imagine their weary eyes would never notice me here, nine floors up. Most of them honestly could never imagine living so far from the ground. Yet here I am, standing on the thin stone ledge my toes sticking out into the nothing before me.

I close my eyes inhaling deeply. Even so high, the smell of the fall leaves throughout the area fills my senses. I imagine if I looked out past the grey crumbling buildings I could see the orange tree tops at Tift Farms. But I don't bother to look. Instead I lift my eyes to the heavens, searching the stars and desperately looking for a reason to change my mind. But the stars only flicker and stare back, the full moon low and heavy in the sky. Her pale face holds no answers, but I can feel the cool breeze, colder now so late in the year than it had been in early summer. The breeze lifts my hair, sending loose strands to brush along my face and tickle my nose.

My hands, which have been pressed against the gritty grey stone of the building flex slightly. For a moment am uncertain how safe it is to lift one to brush away the hairs that are disrupting my reverie. But eventually I lift one hand, that in the moonlight looks pale and almost see through save for a dark line going from inside my elbow to my wrist. The blood from the self inflicted wound has slowed but it has not eased the pain within me. Looking back at the moon, I feel a pain shoot through the very core of my being. A despair for the joy and existence that once I had enjoyed. My heart yearns for a yesterday that may never have been. A time that I imagine, and believe with all my heart to have existed. My eyes lift again to the moon, as the pain strikes my heart again.

I let out a small cry, my shoulders leaving the stone work as a sharp stabbing pain shoots through their blades. My fingertips curl some holding to the stone work as the pain increases, I cringe, my feet shifting on the ledge as the back of my shirt is torn open. A coppery scent hits the air around me as I lean forward slightly more, my body morphing and pushing forward. I take a deep breath inhaling the smell that I recognize as my own blood. It's stronger now than I've ever smelled it before, and I inhale deeply. The pain at my shoulders numbs slightly but I can't lean back against the stonework now. Which means I can't got back to the window I came out of.

The frustration, angers, fears, and disappointments that have driven me to this point finally cause me to crack. Salty hot tears stream down my face as I shift again. In doing so I look over my shoulder, seeing a pair of blood coated wings pressed against the stone work. I can feel the chill that rolls through my body at the realization. I shift trying to see if I can spread them. They open wide with little effort the blood sprinkling around me as they unfurl. I look up into the sky again as if to find an answer for this. But there is no answer. The stars are silent and know nothing of my plight or what kind of peril this change may have in store for me.

Defeated and changed, I close my eyes again inhaling deeply the scent of the world and myself. There are so many things that I would have done differently, so many things that I would have seen changed. But none of that matters anymore. I understand now that I am nobody, and that in the end I will be the same as those that came before me. Forgotten. Then finally understanding, I lean forward into the cold night air; wings spread wide as I leave the ledges safety, unafraid of what may come.

A Darkness

They often say that it is darkest before the light comes back. I'm not really sure that I believe that anymore. The darkness stays, lingering and hiding the shining stars and joy from sight. Leaving one to wander in perpetual night. It is sadness and fear combined that leaves a soul lingering on the cusp of some imagined loss or breakthrough. Both or one alone nagging the edges of happiness, discouraging the creation of true joy. If only there was a light, that could pierce the veil of this darkness. A light that would offer true freedom from the chains of uncertainty and doubt. But I fear there is no light strong enough to offer the freedom so desperately desired. So in darkness, one waits. Lingering and clinging to the last sliver of hope for some shining light to save us.

Yet what is there to save? Nothing is left but a shell, the darkness has managed to stifle and kill that which was once vibrant and alive. Instead there is a hole, a deep abyss where the woes have begun to wallow. Pity, self pity and self loathing run rampant. Decorating the spirit with wounds of doubt and discouragement. There is none there to save thee, there will be nothing left for saving anyway. The little imps of the darkness gleefully declare.

But even so there is that tiny little spark. So small, I fear, even the slight breeze of a falling leaf may blow it out. This little spark is hope. Hope that perhaps, if one hangs on there will be a better tomorrow. Perhaps the light will shine in tomorrow. But for now, there is only the darkness. Were it not so, one wonders what the world would seem to be. But for now the deep velvet blackness of night hides the paths that may lead out into the vibrant rays of the sun. But there is that tiny spark of hope... perhaps...one day it will burst into a sun and throw it's beams from one border of the darkness to the other, banishing it from existence. One can only hope.

Music Monday 13

It's Monday! So how about some more music. This week we're looking at a few new songs, that have some interesting videos. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Mika & Ariana Grande : Popular Song

Katy Perry : Roar

Pistol Annies : Hush Hush

Stealing Angels : He Better Be Dead

The Band Perry : Done

Music Monday 12

Wizard Rock Anybody? Yeah I know it's not something everyone has heard of. Anyway, wizard rock is music that is Harry Potter type themed. There's even a Harry Potter Musical! Just thought we'd tune you into something different for a nice change.

Ministry of Magic : Marauder's Map

The Remus Lupins : The Marauders Map

The Weird Sisters : Do The Hippogriff

The Parselmouths : Voldemort Fan Girl

Starkid : A Very Potter Musical

Kingdom Rock VBS @ Reformation Lutheran

I will do a write up explaining these videos a bit more later on. I'm just a little tired atm. But here's a short video update.

 

Long Video of VBS Opening Day 3

Disney Dudez

Todrick Hall & IM5 : Disney Dudez

Well this is a different way to look at the princes. Definitely adorable and fun. Hope you enjoy.

Dis-Enchanted

This is an interesting web series. I don't recommend it for kids, but it's amusing.

Even a Fairy Godmother Needs a Break

I know that my writing of late has become very sporadic. Not only that, but it has also become uninformative. To put things simply, I don't feel inspired to say much. There are a lot of things that I could write, or look at. But what fun is there in making things up?

I kind of needed the break. We all need a break from what we're doing now and then, and for me this was an unplanned but useful amount of time. It's given me a chance to evaluate what we've been looking at and figure out what direction I want to go in from here.

So what has been going on behind the scenes here? To be blunt, nothing noteworthy. No, I'm not deathly ill. No, I have not managed to find a niche here yet. No, I most definitely have not forgotten the people that I love that are far away. They're just far away from me. And I am far, far, far away from them.

The funny thing is that my cousin told Squash that. Because he was using a map to learn about where we are. He thinks we're on a whole different planet. Or, in Far, Far Away like in the Shrek movies. He still wants me to go back. It's always 'come home'.

But it's hard to come home when you're not sure anymore exactly where home is. Home is a funny thing like that. Sometimes home is where everyone you know is. Sometimes it's the place where we hang our hats for a little while.  Other times it's where someone else is that makes it home to us.

I don't know where home is anymore.

Kind of sad in a way I suppose. But it's fair to say that the only way to figure out where home is is to evaluate the things that are valued. But how do you decide what really matters?

I really feel like I need a break at this point. I need something to go right. Something needs to happen that will shed some light on the directions I have to go in. But what?

I guess we'll just wait and see.

Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I will try to get things back into an almost predictable order. After all we all like something we can predict.

Order can be nice in this chaotic world.

Just Visiting : Shakespeare in Delaware Park : Measure for Measure

July 25th through August 18th you lucky folks out in Buffalo have a chance to enjoy yet another Shakespeare play. Shakespeare in Delaware Park is presenting Measure for Measure. If you missed their presentation of Hamlet, don't fret. They may not be presenting Hamlet, but this comedy is sure to amuse you.

Unlike some other versions of this play you may have seen, the company has taken the liberty of making it into a western. Yes, that's right a Shakespeare western. Not that might sound a bit odd to those of you who are hesitant to watch even the more modern Romeo and Juliet renditions, but live theater is a horse of a different color.

I do want to remind you, that seating and parking for the play is on a first come first serve basis. Take a blanket, some snacks and be ready to get comfortable. The play is free, though during intermission they do pass a hat to help with funding, so figure, if you can, about the price of a movie or so.

Measure for Measure
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
7:30 pm Tuesdays through Sundays
July 25th through August 18th

The Mysterious Explorations of Jasper Morello

Invention of Love

Music Monday (11)

To continue looking at steam punk, here's some more music That we hope you will enjoy. ^_^ Hope this Monday helps to start your week off right. Have a fun day!

Sir Reginald - Just Glue Some Gears On It

Ghostfire - The Last Steampunk Waltz

Jarmean? - Bad Penny

Johnny Hollow - Alibi

Hellblinki - Don't Go Out In The Woods Today

Steampunk Shopping (1)

When it comes to shopping for your steampunk accessories, it can be difficult if you want to be unique. Ideally many steampunkers make their own accessories. But I know at times that can be difficult, and not everyone is a leather or metal worker (and that is ok. You don't have to be.) Which means shopping might be in the near future. You have a few options.

Thrift stores are a great place to find things to create a base look. While you may not be the best seamstress, or even a tailor, generally speaking, modifying something that's pre-made can be simple. Not only that there are often a number of vintage pieces to choose from, at reasonable prices. I recommend looking for pinstripes and corduroy. Also look for interesting patterns, these can be good for adding detail or just as inspiration for your look. Of course, these are just recommendations for things to look at. You may decide to go in a whole different direction.

Corduroy, Pinstripes, Ticking, Stripes, and Damask Samples

The internet is a great marketplace to find accessories to help you build your look. But try to be discerning. Not every plastic doodad with a gear glued or painted on to it is steampunk, no matter what the description says. You want to pick pieces that will be sturdy enough for wear, as well as activity. You never know who or what might happen after all. You never know when there might be a pirate invasion, or a plague of boggles.

Steampunk Pearl Ear Cuff by Etsy shop Meowchee

Accessories come in a variety of styles and purposes. Meowchee on Etsy offers some handmade pieces that are charming. They're earcuffs, which don't require your ears to be pierced(so can be worn by men or women.) Things like this add deeper detail as people get closer to you, making the look seem more than just an outer layer. You want to have some layering, as it gives you a more cohesive feel. But don't just wear things because it 'looks' steampunk. Picke pieces that you feel express you, or the character that you're developing.

Hummingbird Pendant by Desert Rubble

Of course, you can look at bracelets and necklaces. Today I'm  also going to recommend Desert Rubble, an online shop that offers a variety of sculpted pendants and accessories.  If you look through them you'll note that each one has a variety of detail, from the metallic shading, to the sculpted textures. If you have a character you've decided on, necklaces and bracelets(or Bracers or...well the list goes on) can be used to illustrate who and what you are, as well as the types of things that you're interested in.

Well, today we'll stop there, we don't want to turn this into a shopping list after all. Just want to get you thinking about the types of things that can express this style. Not sure where or how to start? Stay tuned, Friday we'll be discussing some basic ideas.

Steampunk Meal Time

Yes I know Thursdays are usually for animations and cartoons, but this video was too funny not to share. Not only that it gives us a look at a variety of different costume and accessory ideas.

Music Monday (10)

In July we're going to be looking at a style/thematic genre called Steampunk. If You don't know what that it is, by the end of the month you will hopefully have an idea of some of the general facets of this fun and quirky field. Now not every post we make is going to be on Steampunk, but this should be fun.

The Shanklin Freak Show : Carousel

The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing : Goggles
(Go about 1:57 in if you wanna cut right to the song)

 The Cog is Dead : The Death of The Cog

The Dreadnoughts : Boneyard

Abney Park : End of Days

Because Everybody Loves a Bat

Found this picture in the web while browsing. It proves one thing. Every one looks like a bat. I really love that Bat.

This Way Up

Just Visiting : Shakespeare in Delaware Park : Hamlet

Everyone is looking for something different to do now that school is out. Summer is just that time of year when it seems there is either not enough time to do anything, or there is far too much time and nothing to do. Whichever way you look at it there is bound to be some free time in your summer at some point. You're waiting for me to tell you what I have in mind for you to do with it aren't you? Don't rush me!

What I have to recommend to you today is the Shakespeare in Delaware Park's 2013 productions. As they do every year they will be presenting 2 plays. But because I don't want you to feel daunted. I'm just going to let you know about the one that is starting this week. Hamlet.

As it does every year (as long as I can remember having attended it anyway) they will be presenting the play at 7:30 pm nightly, Tuesday through Sunday. As to what kind of take they're going to have on the play, that's up to the director. Please be advised that parking and seating is first come first serve, so if you want to enjoy it, make sure that you get there a little early.

The play will be acted from June 20th through July 14th. I do hope that you get the chance to go and enjoy it. I would love to see it myself, but I'm here in California at the moment. But we'll see what we can come up with to compensate for missing the play.

As far as directions and the address go, I must apologize for being a bit fuzzy on the details. But if you know where the Albright Knox Art museum is, the performances are held in the bit of the park past the rose garden across the street.

Music Monday (9)

S Club 7 : The Color of Blue

Flatt Lonesome : I'm Blue

John Lennon : Out The Blue

The Marcels : Blue Moon

April Smith and the Great Picture Show : Colors

So this weeks list is a little heavy on blue. But that's alright. I hope you all enjoy the selections, and we look forward to having you with us this week. You never know what topics are going to come up.  I hope you have an amazing week and that this Monday starts out strong.

Machu Picchu

Cartoons are amazing things. They cross cultures and can sometimes be full of fun vibrant examples of art. I hope you enjoy watching this one as much as I have.

O.O

                                               Momus : I Want You But I Don't Need You

I know it's not Monday, and I know you haven't heard much from me this week. I'll get back on the ball soon. But I ran into this song yesterday, and I've really... kind of... gotten stuck on it. It's really sweet. But I guess it's really just something people can understand.

Music Monday (8)

Good Charlotte : I Want Candy

The Raveonettes : You Want The Candy

Christina Aguilera : Candyman

Aqua : Lollipop (Candyman)

Mika : Lollipop

Yes >.> This weeks Music Monday has a theme. Can you tell I'm having a bit of a sweet tooth? I wish they still made Blue Moon ice cream, and I'm dreaming about Vampire Gummies... How far away is October? It's not soon enough. It's odd when all I can think about are marshmallow peeps and skeleton candy.

What's in the Oven? : Applesauce Bread

So this is what I made this week. Well, not all I made. I also did a Banana Bread, but It was all eaten up before I got around to remembering that I should share with you what I've been up to. After we ate all the banana bread, I remembered that we didn't have anymore Banana's in the house, So I decided to research what else I could make. I found a few different recipes. Applesauce Bread sounded pretty good, and simple enough. So that's what I decided to make.

Applesauce Bread

Picture of Applesauce Bread Taken by Polke A Dot (It's just food! It doesn't need a glamor shot)

So first things first. I didn't have everything on the recipe list. But I didn't find that out until I had already mixed most of the concoction up. So the list below shows what I actually put into my Applesauce Bread. The verdict on how it tasted? Well... we'll get to that later on.

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/4 cups applesauce
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup butter softened
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Set the oven to 350 degrees. It needs to be that hot. Then  grease and flour your loaf pan, so that you don't have to deal with that once your batter is ready.

So you start off smooshing the butter and sugar together, then smoosh in the egg and applesauce. Pretty simple right? Then you add in all the dry ingredients. Mixing them up until they're a decent consistency (NOT DRY).

And I found half a bag of chocolate chips in the cabinet. So in my case I poured them in to taste, adding them into the mixture before putting it into the margarine and flour treated loaf pan.

Then into the oven it went for an hour.

Sure felt like a long time.

Ok. Emma you're right. I can't pour it out of the pan before it's cooled. *hopes it remelds before morning >.>*

Verdict : It didn't taste half bad. To be honest, it was a little spicy, but the chocolate balanced that out. Polke A Dot even ate some. So it couldn't have been all that bad. He doesn't like anything that might be good for him.