My Laughing Lion

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Now We Can Focus On Counting our Blessings!

I think that no matter who you voted for you are glad for the election to be over. I feel like we can now focus on the holiday that gives us a chance to reflect on our lives and acknowledge the things we care about.

Thanksgiving is coming and my little family is ready for a lovely celebration. The five of us, (yes I included Luci in the count) love the Thanksgiving Holiday and recognizing the things we are most thankful for. This fall we are celebrating a lot.

Sebastian is in Police Explorers and in College studying Criminal Justice. I am proud of that for sure, but I am also proud of the way my son cares about our family. His support and help make my health concerns easier for all of us to handle. He could have left home last year and gone out into the world, the fact that he is here means more to me than he will ever know.

Isabel is doing better than ever in her studies and she is helping me in so many ways. She is supporting my crafting efforts and helping with computer work. When Isabel asked me to braid her hair before school a few days ago, I was reminded of brushing her hair as a little girl. Such a sweet moment brought a tear to my eye. Sometimes her teen angst shines through, but Isabel is my sweet girl turning into a lovely young lady.

I fell in love with Esteban when we first met more than 20 years ago. I would never have imagined that when that love took root that it would grow and fill my life so completely. That love has been tested, he has been tested. But I feel so lucky and proud that in the middle of the biggest storm of our lives, he is standing strong for us all.
Each morning when I see his smile I know that everything is going to be ok no matter what happens. No matter what happens. That is a pretty big deal and I could not be more thankful.

Father and Son laughing together. They both make my life better every day.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

First Time Voter

First Time Voter Pride. Too bad they ran out of stickers.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Isabel was a Lovely Zombie

My family has no regard for blogging. They have not released all of the Halloween photos to me, so I am going to go with what I've got.

I have Isabel as a lovely zombie girl, see for yourself.

Isabel is so funny! I love the way she is taking the role so seriously. Sebastian got this hat a few years ago. He lent it to Isabel after intense negotiations. She did the make up all by herself. We all wanted to help, but she had a vision and knew what she wanted and I think it turned out great. We went out to the Tempe Marketplace and Isabel received numerous compliments on her face makeup.

Here Isabel is taking off her glasses. Hey, zombies have to see too you know.

I also got a blurry zombie smile. I think her hair is so pretty, Isabel is a lovely girl, er I mean zombie.

I hope you are having an amazing weekend.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Friday is Tree Day-This is Parade!

Occasionally I like to declare tree day so I can share my latest tree creations. I have a few trees and other items I love and can't wait to share with you. Let's take a look.

This cherry quartz tree is a stunner. I wasn't sure if the color would photograph well because it is so pretty in person. I am glad the pictures turned out well, you can really see the beauty of the quartz.

The kids are not sure about this blue tree, but I love the color. It is like cloud blue and smurf blue were mixed and made into glass bead chips. I am going to call it our smurfy tree (I am kidding, I liked the smurfs but not that much).

The curly leaves on these all wire tree pendants just draws my eye. Each one has it's own charm and sparkle. Which one do you like best? I think the gold one is my favorite, but I change my mind every day or so.

This tiny purple tree pendant is just larger than a penny. It looks like a sprig of lavender to me.

I am so excited to share these tiny owls. I made them with metal beads and wire. They are tiny pendants that I think are super cute. I have the fever for them, so will be making more owls for sure.

Here is a closer look at the silver one. The toes make me smile. Who?

Here is my brass owl buddy up close. The body bead I used looks like it has feathers to me. These are as fun to make as they look.

Thank you for taking a look at my newest wire work. We are adding all of the items to our shop.

I am gathering our Halloween photos and will post a few this weekend.

Have a Grimmtastic Friday!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

My Favorite Movies of All Time-Superman

I am sure some will say Superman? Really? I was watching something on TV where a kid was dressed as Zod for Halloween. Zod was a character in Superman II. The costume made me laugh. It also made me remember how wonderful and entertaining Christopher Reeve was as Superman. I was only six years old when the first movie came out, but I remember all of them clearly. I prefer the first two movies, but the note of lighthearted fun in each make them easy to watch. I've heard they are making a new Superman movie for 2013. I heard the actor playing Superman is British. Really? Not sure how I feel about that.

I told my kids about the Zod costume and was shocked that my children had never seen any of the Christopher Reeve Superman movies. I guess with all of the modern action movies, older goofy movies are not as well known to the kids. We didn't get a chance today, but this week I am going to watch one or two of the movies with the kids.

After Reeve, my favorite actor in the movies is Gene Hackman. He was unforgettable as Lex Luthor and Terrance Stamp was an outstanding bad guy as Zod. I think Sebastian and Isabel will really enjoy the movies.

I feel I must also mention what an amazing inspiration Christopher Reeve was. He did not let a horrible accident dampen his spirit and he became a hero to many, myself included. I love that his family is still doing good work in his name.

Let's take a walk down memory lane.
Here is what Wikipedia has to say about the Christopher Reeve Superman movies.

Superman

Film

en.wikipedia.org

Superman is a 1978 superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Richard Donner directed the film, which stars Christopher Reeve as Superman, as well as Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, ... Wikipedia

Release date: December 15, 1978 (USA)

Director: Richard Donner

MPAA rating: PG

Prequel: Stamp Day for Superman

Sequels: Superman II, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut

Cast

Superman

Lois Lane

Lex Luthor

Jor‑El

Perry White

Superman II

en.wikipedia.org

Superman II is the 1980 sequel to the 1978 superhero film Superman and stars Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Terence Stamp, Ned Beatty, Sarah Douglas, Margot Kidder, and Jack O'Halloran. It was the only Superman film to be filmed by two directors. Wikipedia

Release date: June 19, 1981 (USA)

Directors: Richard Lester, Richard Donner

MPAA rating: PG

Running time: 127 minutes

Screenplay: Mario Puzo, David Newman,Leslie Newman, Tom Mankiewicz

Cast

Superman

Lois Lane

Lex Luthor

General Zod

Ursa

Superman III

en.wikipedia.org

Superman III is a 1983 superhero action comedy film and the third film in the Superman film series based upon the long-running DC Comics superhero. Wikipedia

Release date: June 17, 1983 (USA)

Director: Richard Lester

MPAA rating: PG

DVD release date: May 1, 2001

Prequels: Superman II, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut

Cast

Superman

Lois Lane

Gus Gorman

Lana Lang

Perry White

Superman IV: The Quest For Peace

en.wikipedia.org

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace is a 1987 superhero film directed by Sidney J. Furie. It is the fourth film in the original Superman film series and the last installment to star Christopher Reeve as Superman. Wikipedia

Release date: July 24, 1987 (USA)

Director: Sidney J. Furie

MPAA rating: PG

DVD release date: May 1, 2001

Running time: 90 minutes

Cast

Christopher Reeve

Superman

Margot Kidder

Lois Lane

Gene Hackman

Lex Luthor