GWEEEEE-DOH!

The weekend before our snow storm Danny got lazy and didn't shave and then I suggested he grow a goatee like he did last year 'cause I liked it. Well, I like how it looks, but hate how it feels. Its tough on my tender delicate lips. "No kisses for you!"

He also couldn't stand it anymore and went to shave it. In the process he left a mustache to show me and I don't think I've laughed so hard in a long time!! He looked like a total gweedo! He can do the goatee but the 'stache looks ridiculous on him!

Day 4: Painting Progress

Today was an "interesting" day at painting. I had been wrong about who the instructor/facilitator was because he, Don, showed up today. Apparently, he was hospitalized for something and this was his first return back to the crew. They all were thrilled to see him and bustled around him like he was the long lost patriarch of the painting class.

He is elderly. Like REALLY elderly. Maybe its because he's recovering but being in a temporary wheelchair didn't make him seem any younger than 75. I mean no disrespect but I want you to get a visual of this man scooting about with the tips of his feet in his wheelchair with his white fly away hair. I want to think he has an oxygen tank too, but I think that's just my imagination.

I introduced myself and he seemed to have a sense of humor, I guess. After I said, "I'm Jacqueline." He said, "You are? I thought your name was Mike."

Later on in class he scooted (remember the old Tim Conway character that use to scoot?) back to my area to take a look at my painting.

He said: "Do you like scarves?"
I wondered if he was thinking my painting needed a scarf. "Uh, yes, I do."
"You need a scarf. What color do you like?"
"I like red. Ohh, or orange!" I replied.
"Okay, I will knit you a red scarf."
And that was the conversation.
I can't wait!

Later on during class another of the "retired" ladies slipped and got her leg caught in a metal folding chair and slammed the floor. I saw the whole thing and thought for sure she smacked the side of her head good. After she fell, she lay there completely still as we all rushed over. I honestly was expecting her to be totally unconscious, but she came to and was fine. Wow, I want whatever geriatric drugs SHE's taking. My vitamins are just not cutting it. Thank God, she didn't seem to have any injuries and just wanted to get back to painting.

As for me, I did not have such an "on day" of painting. I think part of it was that I did not sleep well last night and felt "oogy" all morning even after 2 cups of coffee. I still did enjoy it tremendously, but am not so sure of the direction of my painting. I started on the portrait of Danny and I. This is the first "under painting" part of it, so it won't really look like us. To those of you who don't know, an under painting is like the sketch of what you are painting. Today, I sketched it in and focused on filling in areas that were dark and light.

But even still, I am not happy with today's progress. I can't decide if the painting is evolving, or if I need to salvage it. I'm hoping for better results next week. And for no more medical situations from the other students.

New Art on My Wall

Yesterday was the day that workers came to the house to fix up all the things after the one year date of purchasing the house. There were things like fixing the air flow of the upstairs, patching/painting, and tightening up of a ceiling fam. The front walk way had to be redone so they brought in a crane and ripped out the concrete and poured new stuff. It was quite impressive to see the crane pick a part the concrete right from the ground and so close to my house.

The painting guys were great. They actually patched up and painted many additional spots they did not have to. They fixed areas of caulking and dents in the walls that was a result of our wear and tear and not as a result of the builder or house settling. I was ever so grateful.

And wouldn't you know it. Today as I hurried down the stairs with a full cup of coffee I slipped and threw coffee all over the walls that were so nicely repainted. Yes, in this house that is called "a Doooo-Lin!" I couldn't have done this YESTERDAY before it was repainted. I had to do it today. Not even 24 hours later. Sigh.

Well, at least:
a) I wasn't hurt
b) the carpet has stain guard so that cleaned up easily
c) I didn't break my coffee mug 'cause its the one my friend Cat gave me as a wedding gift

I tried wiping up the stain but there's still a faint stain. Oh well. Its my Jackson Pollock moment on the wall.

Who doesn't love Jackson Pollock?

Proud Wifey

It will come as no surprise to you that I think my husband is a fantastic man. No, really. His character and heart sometimes just amaze me. Recently his boss sent an email to his department praising him and 2 other co-workers. That says many things:

1. Great boss to notice and acknowledge
2. Great environment to work in
3. Danny has an incredibly wonderful, supportive wife

Well, we all know he's MY favorite team player!
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Team,

Everyone knows how important it is to work as a team. Sometimes we do a good job and sometimes we don’t. In recent months, I have had opportunities to observe exceptional teamwork from a few individuals and I just want to recognize them publically by name:

Steve Dxxxx, Greg Hxxxx, and Dan Dulin

This is not to suggest that others aren’t working as a team, but these three individuals have been consistent in their efforts to promote and exemplify good teamwork. They are adaptable, collaborative, and committed – three qualities that are essential in a team player. And they exhibit these qualities consistently.

Please join me in applauding these three team players!

What a Day for a Snow Storm!

Well what a day! I can honestly say I am proud to be an American. An American that knows Jesus Christ and an American that lives in a country that allows me to worship Him freely.

We were glued to the TV for 5 hours today watching the Inauguration of our 44th President, Barack Obama. My politics are obvious, but I am always humbled when I see the exchange of power. It was strange for Danny and I to be non-DC metro area residents for the first time.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to witness the history that is happening. I appreciated the new President's sentiment when he said: "The question is not whether the government is too big or too small, but if the government is working." So true.

I will also humbly admit, I loved Rick Warren's prayer and even dropped a tear or two. I love our country and I know God's favor on us is not because we are Americans, but because we honor Him as a nation. It is important to understand that patriotism is good, but is not what gives us hope. Change is good. Hope is good. But none of it is significant without Christ.

I am committed to praying for our new leader and for our government. God bless America!

P.S. I so loved George H. Bush's purple scarf!!
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S N O W S T O R M 09 [ 6"!]

Happy MLK Jr. Day + and Other Thoughts

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I wanted to take a moment to honor the memory of MLK, Jr. It would be ridiculous for me to say anything about him that you don't already know or feel. But I am often convicted by my lack of gratefulness for why we have holidays or days off and granted I'm not going out to a parade or burn a candle, etc. but I am going to acknowledge his great impact on our country.

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Painting Class: Day 3
Today, I went to class even though it was a holiday. Only 3 others showed up and it was a good class. I am in my next phase of my painting. I have taped off a rectangle to paint inside of -- and basically spent my time painting "layers" of fuzzy colors. Once I'm done with this area, I'll remove the tape and it will give me a (hopefully) perfect, clean line. Make sense? I'm having a blast! Below are 2 shots of my progress. I don't think either capture the color that's there, but you get the idea.




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Spice Inventory

My lazy susan (greer) is filled with a collection of spices that seem to be all over the place since Danny's household and mine were combined. It has become a confusing assortment of spices that seem to appear when I don't need them (3 containers of Chili) and absent when I do (garlic salt).

I finally had an overwhelming OCD moment and pulled all my spices out, combined them, organized them, marked ones I had doubles for and made a inventory in an excel spreadsheet.

My Spice Inventory action will either horrify you or make you envious. I believe its a true reflection of character. Really, if your spices are not in order, how can the rest of your life be?

Chinese! Japanese! Squinty Eyes! Look at these!

It is late Saturday morning. The doorbell rings. BamBam goes nuts as usual. I open the door cautiously as I am not expecting anyone and I'm still in my jammies. Danny has gone to drop off Michael to catch a train to Virginia.

As I carefully open the door, a tall middle-aged women with unnatural blonde hair greets me with a smile, "Hiiiiiii! Are you Chinese?"

"No," I answer the odd question. I was about to ask, "Is this a neighborhood casting call?" but realized that would be ridiculous.

The woman was suddenly awkward and less enthusiastic about waving her Chinese Bible and track. "Oh . . . uh, you aren't? You're not Chinese?"

"No."

"Oh, uh well can I ask your background?"

What? Had I lied to her about being Chinese? Had I been mistaken about my own 'background'?

"I'm part Vietnamese."

"Oh, well one of your neighbors said they thought you were Chinese."

Yes, of course. We all look the same. Chinese, Japanese, squinty eyes, look at these. Really?

"Nope."

I wanted to add: "Oh, well I think that same neighbor thought you looked like you were from Uzbekistan." But that would not have been very nice. We all know the chicks from Uzbekistan look like men. Or is that Khasakistan? I can never tell; those 'Stanies' all look alike to me.

Chinese? Really? Ugh. If you're gonna try and win me over to your "church" at least mistake me for one of the prettier Asian species, like the Japanese. I suppose I should be thankful I am not considered Korean . . . . to my face, anyway.

OH, by the way, Happy Chinese New Year.

Curvey Sue

My friend Sue joined the women's gym Curves. She has been consistently going 8 out of the 9 weeks! I am so impressed with her new enthusiasm for her work out plan. She has lost 3 inches already!! I have known other folks who loved Curves as well. And gotten great results.

Yesterday, I joined Sue as a "guest." The lady that runs her particular gym was full of energy and very warm and friendly. As a guest, she did all the orientation of weighing me, measuring BMI, etc. It was very thorough.

I have to say my experience was excellent. It was a challenging work out and if I didn't already have a neighborhood gym and a personal trainer I am married to, I'd totally join Curves. We had a lot of fun working out together. I am excited for Sue because she is really getting a good solid work-out she can continue to challenge herself with as she gets stronger. Here is an excellent link to their work out program: Curves Demo.

And the best part is they played the BEST 80's dance music!! "Go Sue! Go Sue! Work your body! Go! Go! Go!"

L O S T

The 3 Dulins and a particular Bullock get to restart their addiction to their TV "crack" -- L O S T!
We cannot WAIT!

Poetry SLAM

A poetry slam is a competition at which poets read or recite original work (or, more rarely, that of others). These performances are then judged on a numeric scale by previously selected members of the audience.

This week, Lauren's creative writing class held a poetry slam. The piece that she wrote and performed for her class made her teacher actually stand up, clap and "whoot! whoot!" And he doesn't do that often.

When Lauren practiced her piece for Danny and I, we were blown away. I think it will knock your socks off too. Of course, its much more powerful when she performs it, but here it is.

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Beautiful
by Lauren Bullock

I am the most beautiful child
you’ve ever seen
I am the ruin
of the racist regime
I carry
Martin Luther King Jr’s
Dream in the very
seams of my being
And I am the slave and the
slave master
Cracking the whip
to make my black back move faster
I am white supremacy
mixed with black Asian tea and disaster
One lump and two lumps
stirred like cake batter
You feel me, sugar?
I am the mad hatter
taking command from here on after
I am sweet caramel skin
Someone’s laughter called “sin”
I am the difference between now and then
Ask me my ethnicity
my race
my “origin”
My brothers and sisters
Are also my children
Built from the same blocks
A new generation
generating light
If you’ll let us in
I am the writing on the wall
inscribed in black ink
in an ancient Asian scrawl
I am the future of us all
unspoken
Upcoming ground
as yet to be broken
I?
I am a yellow rose
with a mulatto tune
Sweet honeycomb
dipped in the autumn moon
And soon
Yes, soon you will see
this prophecy
Star-spangled with hope
love
and destiny
Released from race
to set your offspring free
no longer mired in the mire of misery
Because we
We together
and only we
My children
My brothers and sisters and me
We together
are the most beautiful child
you’ve
ever
seen

Danny's step son Cory

Many of you may or may not know that Danny has a step son from his first marriage. His name is Cory (22 yrs) and although he was five when Danny became his step dad, Cory does call Danny "Dad" and is truly the only father that has raised him.

Cory's recent history in the last couple of years has included drugs and jail time. While in jail, both Danny and I sent him letters and encouraged him to seek a relationship with Christ. Danny has been a prayer warrior and so faithful in praying for Cory almost daily. My husband really is an intercessor!

Cory has been sober for over 30 days and is attending a group for addicts and he has gained weight and looks and sounds more "healthy" than he as ever been. But for those of us who know Christ personally, we know that the real sickness is spiritual.

Cory called Danny last Sunday and they talked on the phone for over 2 hours. Cory had confessed to Danny that he made a decision for Christ while in jail. He is also reading the Purpose Driven Life (and yes I think this is a great book for seekers and new believers). This GREAT news. PRAISE GOD!

Cory had many questions and sounded hungry to be fed. Their conversation was about what it means to grow in a relationship with God. It ranged from "No, you do not need to be baptized to go to heaven" to how there is nothing we can do to EARN God's forgiveness to the definition of grace -- undeserved favor. It was extraordinary to watch the Head of my household, the man who leads and I follow, filled with such passion and excitement in sharing every piece of knowledge he knew about Christ. I am humbled by his faithful prayer habits and the joy and the high he was experiencing while sharing all God had done in his life.

Many of you know God changes lives; He's changed yours. Sometimes I forget how real that is.

Please keep Cory in your prayers. It will be important to get him plugged in to a solid church and with other believers. Cory is shy and insecure, and often struggles with relationships. But we know that if God began a good work in him, then He will finish it.

Insect Fettish?

Today was my 2nd painting studio class. It was another good day of painting and I am also getting to know the other painters there. Its a jovial, friendly group. I am truly loving every minute of it.


So, here is the progress on my painting. I got comments like:
"Its so pretty and happy."
"Oh, BEES!"
"That's so unusual and interesting."

Most were bewildered when I said, "This is just my 'background' pattern."

Anyway, last week when I was thinking about my idea and got the image of bees from a paper products catalogue, I also realized I have probably been influenced by ANOTHER original work of art already hanging in my house: Dragon flies by Holly's hubby David Graff.


You can see more of their art at their website, which is pretty dated and clumsy.
Gilt Gallery Studio website.

Painting Class #1

Last Monday I started my first open studio painting class. It is at the Pullen Arts Center and the class is through the city of Raleigh.

I have been excited and nervous about getting back into painting. Its not really a class, although there is an instructor -- but he's more of a facilitator. Anyway, students/artists sign-up essentially for studio space and work on their own projects. Its every Monday for 3 hrs.

The night before I pulled all my painting stuff out and had most everything I needed. It was weird. Between the tubes of oil and the brushes, it was like revisiting old friends. I had no idea what I was going to paint and not a creative nugget in my brain to play with. I decided I would just allow myself the freedom of learning how to paint again and do a simple excercise of painting a pic of me and Danny (oh, dear. how original).

So I get to the class with my suitcase of supplies and there are 10 other students. All of which are 60's and up. I expected as much. They are retired folks except a mother and her teenage daughter (homeschooler?) and this dude who is my age?? or younger with lots of tatoos and very cliche "artist, rebel" look. But in fact, he looks like a poser. And please don't think me rude, but his paintings are aweful.

Everyone else is painting what you expect elderly white grannies to paint (why's it always got to be about race and age, Jacqueline??). Landscapes, and flowers, and city scapes and waterfalls, and fruit. Don't get me wrong, many of them have got some skills and serious talent.

Anyways, they all know each other. The mom + teenager and I are the newbies. I say hi, introduce myself, put my iPod on and go to town.

Ahhhhh, my old lover turpentine. Ahhhh, my friend palette knife. Ohhh, my inspiring spirits oil paint. If ever it was confirmed for me, I am a painter NOT a cake decorator! I haven't painted in years and it was like riding a bike.

So, surprisingly, I got an idea for a painting as I was setting up my space. I was inspired by a pattern I saw in a paper products catalogue. I can't believe how much fun painting is. I'm so sorry I had forgotten. I am so happy to be painting!!!


Here is my painting from class one. I will be posting its progress as I develop it. I hope it turns out pretty decent....

Holidays in Review

We headed to Harrisonburg Christmas morning with leftover turkey Christmas Eve dinner. My mother raved about how delicious my turkey was: "So joooooceeeee!" She was very touched by the fact that we showed up on Christmas day. She even broke down and cried when she read my Christmas card. We tried to spoil her with many gifts; some even from BamBam and Bitty -- which cracked her up.


While in Harrisonburg, I got to visit my dear friend Allison, who I use to work for at Massanutten. She is the first person to hire me after college. It was a really special treat to catch with her and see her adorable daughter Jane and son Walker. And it was meaningful for me to have her meet Danny. We have one of those friendships that seem to pick up right where we left off. It always makes me sad we aren't a part of each other's lives more regularly, but we've promised to change that in 2009.


Christmas 2009:
1. Ate. A lot.
2. Shopped. A lot.
3. Got pink lifting gloves from Danny!!
4. Got framed art from Lauren (drawing she did that I love).
5. My mom gave us $150 worth of Hickory Farms sausage and cheese. That's A LOT of sausage and cheese.



New Year's Eve
Danny took me to Second Empire a restaurant in Raleigh, I've been dying to try. I barely squeezed into a froo-froo dress, slapped on some eye shadow, made my hair gorgeous (Stacey would have been drooling) and we had a romantic dinner. The waiter was excellent, the wine was perfect, the food was incredible. I know that I don't NEED fine dining in my life, but really, I just LOVE fine dining. I gotta have it once in awhile....

I started with baked west coast oysters: cipollini onion puree, wilted spinach & Yukon gold potato phyllo cup, chorizo sausage, julienne vegetables, hollandaise sauce. My entree was roasted Pennsylvania duck breast: sautéed spinach & tatsoi greens, apple curry Yukon gold potatoes, baby carrots, root vegetables, horseradish & molasses sauce.

YUMMY!

New Year's Day
We invited friends over for warm mulled spiced wine and yes, sausage and cheese.

Happy new year everyone!