SHEsaysWITHaSMILE.blogspot.com

they missed (me!). -they really missed (me!)

..and it felt very,   -very!-  unusually, almost addictively,  -good.

***

so good in fact, i thought briefly about recreating such a moment again on purpose.  -I will never do such a thing, I'm only wishing to convey how special...

***

what happen is...that I changed out of my pajamas and into some clothes appropriate for the public.  went down stairs and said to my nephew,

"im going out with rick.. be back later..".  and i might have even asked him to make sure the porch light stayed on.

and yes, he was quite involved in his..  video game. creating armies to conquer enemy armies and fighting who knows how many elements and aliens along the way...

but he did look up.  we did make eye contact.  he did nod.

***

but apparently he did not actually hear me.

***

my sister: " where's your auntie sandy?"
nephew: "she went outside and will be back in a sec."

a sec went by. I did not return.  more secs went by...   and more.

"where's your auntie sandy?..   she was in her pajamas...?!"

and apparently a hunt began.  My car was in the driveway.. and I was not in it.

my keys were inside...   and my phone was inside.   so, my sister could not figure out where I would go 'for a sec' wearing my pajamas..   I was nowhere in sight of the house..

did she go for a long walk? In her pajamas?    and then she thought maybe my daughter picked me up..  and so called my daughter but I was not with her...

my daughter arrives to aid my sister in the hunt.  -they drill my nephew some more..  "what was she wearing?".  " what EXACTLY did she say?".   -and write about here is when she includes our neighbors in the hunt..  "have you seen my sister? she's missing..."

and my nephew thought I was wearing jeans.. and said I'd be back in a sec.. and my sister was certain!

and so she started digging through my dirty laundry and dresser drawers to see if she could find my happy giraffe pajamas..

and since she didnt find my happy giraffe pajamas in the dirty laundry, or my dresser drawers.. she was even more certain .. and even more concerned..

but write about now is when my daughter decides to check the phone I left behind...

and pretty quickly sees via text that I'm having a quick beer with my rick.   and everyone is relieved and happy..

***

of course, I don't know any of this...  I'm just at gay 90's visiting with rick.. swapping jokes and stories..  and return very innocently home.

and it is upon returning innocently home, that I realize immediately everyone is very... -very!-    like, unusually glad to see me.

did I win a prize?  What happen while I was away... ?  -there is an extra happiness in their eyes..  there is an extra squeeze in everyone's hug..  there is an extra something in the tone of everyone's voice..

I thought they were maybe all bursting with some good news that they couldn't wait to tell me..  "What is it?"

and then... and then..  I found out.. I was the good news. (Me!).  

I had not disappeared or been kidnapped by aliens in my happy giraffe pajamas. I was not lost or wondering around in the pleasanton woods somewhere -without my phone.

I was in my street clothes. home. Safe n sound after having a quick beer with my rick.

and the unnecessary scare and concern just made it so that they were all extra glad to see me.

but I have to tell you..   its a pretty awesome reception.   I would never suggest you scare or concern anyone unnecessarily and/or on purpose...

but..  Then again...

I sure did feel loved.   and feeling loved is a pretty awesome thing.

"Thank you!".   I love you too!

in Jesus name, amen.

posted by SHE @ 9:16 AM 0 comments

i get to unwrap another gift, and it's not even my birthday (me!) ~topps

 from my archives:

Friday, August 21, 2015

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 10:14 AM 0 comments

Wisdom vs. strategy, wonders (me!) sandra, tvgp

there have been occasions in the past where i took my conservative, practical, pajamas  -and paid to have them altered into something that would prevent sleep vs. induce it..

and with new prospects on the horizon, i thought maybe it might be wise to take in my happy giraffe pajamas and have them altered..

just in case.

and so, i brought them in, and laid them on the counter, and asked the handsome young gentleman "what can be done to these, do you think, that would make them all sexy?"

and he said, "put you in them.".   -with quite a twinkle in his eye.

and i smiled very big at that answer...

and brought my happy giraffe pajamas back home in the same condition they left.

posted by SHE @ 4:18 AM 0 comments

giggle fits & fashion by (me!) sandra mickanen, topps, writeousmom

 CH =  before i had my 2nd pair of the same jean converted into a skirt..    how fun it was..  1) to laugh so hard in the company of my sister & daughter, that i peed my pants; for real..

and neither my sister or daughter knew..  i had a back up pair of the exact same jean, 

so, the same look, the same expression a young person might demonstrate when they watch, for the first time, a magician pull a rabbit from a hat; or cut a woman in half, and then reveal her whole again..

that was the look i saw on their faces..  my sister and daughter;

when i left the room, having visibly wet my pants from laughing so hard..

but then returned to the room, quickly..  and had a brand new, dry, pair of the exact same pants on.

   -great thing to have locked in my memory..    and i don't remember our conversation.. what it was specifically that got me to laughing uncontrollably  /but now we know, the uncontrollably, refers to my bladder..   write.

****

anyway..   that's how i've been shopping for years:  when i do find something i like, that fits well, on my body, and for the occasion..   i like to get it in a few different colors.  -in this case, with the jeans, i just like them so well, i bought 2 of the exact same..    

when i started to see jean skirts coming back in fashion..  so instantaneously, i knew i wanted to ask lesa if she could convert  -one- of my jeans into a skirt..

and i am so utterly, completely, delighted with the result!   wear them both very often..  the jeans, and the skirt..

it is my experience almost every time i go shopping..  trying things on..   love the fabric; but not the way the design looks on me..     love the design, find it flattering; don't care for the fabric..

love the fabric, but...  if i could just.. tweak this, add that..

it's only pretty recently that i've come to know lesa, and learned all she can do..     and at a reasonable price.

and price is another huge factor for me.

i.e., i had cause to be at santana row yesterday, passed a vest in a window that caught my attention..  i walked past it, then doubled back to the store to, i don't know..  try it on..

but before i tried it on; i inquired about the price

this particular, darling vest, at a boutique on santana row...     over ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS!

now,  i knew i didn't even want to try it on.  period.   -art of immediate detachment..

another reason i love the magic of macys!   i might not find the identical vest..  but i can find a darling, fashionable vest..   and it's gonna be $60.   Sixty dollars..

Macy's is also in my financial lane, so to speak..

and the other thing I LOVE about MACYS..     -in many of these high end boutiques..   they are rather, age-specific, 

one boutique might have wonderful items for 40-something year olds.. but a different boutique for baby clothes, and a different boutique, if you are shopping for a teenager..   different for males & females, sometimes too..    and different for product;  this boutique for shoes; this boutique for sunglasses..

but MACYS!  i can enter the one store, at valley fair, for example, and shop for my grandson, niece, daughter, sister, mom, aunt..   dad, brother, son, uncle,   etc.     i can shop for socks, shoes, jewelry, dresses, lamps, candles..  sunglasses

no, wait..   they do separate women, and then a different location at same mall, for mens & home.

anyway, point being:  they are my genuine and true, one-stop-shop.   casual occasion, fancy/formal occasion..  active wear..    the variety and spectrum and price points are impressive!

      i do have one...  like, one macy thing that doesnt sit write with me, you know what i mean? and it is this:   TOYS R US,  -the real, authentic, TOYS R US stores from when i, and my children, were still children..  they were MASSIVE, MAGICAL, AWESOME, AMAZING! Imagine a Costco, but all toys!  and i was saddened when they shut down..  i didn't cry over it, but i was sad..  sentimental..  grateful they existed when they did, and glad that i, and my children, had that experience..    

 but then, fast-forward, how much time, not sure, but:  Macy's brought TOYS R US back..!

that's what the articles said..   with pictures of geoffrey the giraffe..    and i was so grateful to Macy's really..

until i saw...    inside an actual macy's store..   a pathetic few square feet dedicated to childrens toys on eye-level shelves, but with a bench in the area that had geoffrey the giraffe on it, for kids to take pictures with..

and i did see, when i was standing in line at the register..  i looked over and saw, what i'm guessing was a 4 year old, sitting on the bench next to geoffrey, having his picture taken..   smiling..

but inside my heart, mind, i was like..    what a joke.  -that's not the real geoffrey.. and this is NOTHING LIKE TOYS R US..     they're lying to you kid...

and i could go on, but you get the point..    i keep looking for an analogy..  and i think, 

yes, if you compare a little train ride offered at a park, to Disneyland..

that's a fair capture of the difference between toys-r'nt-us at macys, and TOYS R US, the original,  stand alone toy store

Macy's should call their toy section by an entirely different name.

***

where was i?  oh, yes..   so, Magic of Macy's..    love their selection..   appreciate their prices..

and now that i also have a friend, lesa, that i can share my alteration and embellishment visions with, who can make them come true..

shopping is even more fun!

which is exactly what i'm about to do today, with my mom and daughter..

***

hallelujah! selah! & amen!

#macys #fashion  #MAGICofMACYS

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 9:56 AM 0 comments

ROTTEN FRUIT! YOU WIN.. by (me!) sandra, tvgp

if you have read me for any length of time, you know my entire ambition in life is to manifest the fruits of the spirit; which,  -are always worth repeating..

walk in love.  pursue peace.  exercise patience.  experience and share joy. be kind. be gentle. be good.  remain faithful.  demonstrate self control.

which up until yester-frickin'-day...  

well, dear enemy..   you win!  -because nothing can more quickly, more accurately, more succinctly

rotten the fruit I continue to labor for and bear than..

another?!? username and passfrickinword

that didn't work..  let me try..

that didn't work.. let me try..

really?!?  are you frickin kidding me..   let me try..

FINALLY

answer question..  

answer question...

answer question..

answer question...

go back?!?    really?!?   that didn't work..   needed to fill in...

I have to frickin' start ALL OVER..   

you cant be serious..

its mandatory..     /breathe.  deep breath.   deep breath..    talk to Jesus..

"JESUS FRICKIN' CHRIST!...    this is a giant pain in the ass!    -forgive me, forgive me..

THERES ANOTHER PAGE...

does this ever come to an end..  I just need..   

oh my God!    how am I supposed to remember all this...  this is crazy..

FINALLY...     almost done.

almost done.   almost done....     few more questions, and I will have accomplished this mandatory thing ONLINE from the COMFORT of my own home..  in my happy giraffe pajamas..  

I DID NOT HAVE TO DRIVE TO THE LOCATION...    its all gonna be worth it...   hang in there..

I HAVE TO START OVER?!?   I missed a question..   are you frickin' kidding me..

I think it might just be easier, and more convenient to just frickin' drive over there...   this is RE-RE-RE-RE DICK YOU LUSS!!

k.  one more question..














for real.   -for real?!  are you for real...   I went through all that

ALL THAT!

and I cant do this online after all.  you don't have the info for California residence..

WELL WHY IN THE    ANTICHRISTIAN MONOLUGUE HERE

DIDNT YOU STATE THAT BEFORE


you required me to create a password..  username...  answer 60 unfrickin' nessecary questions..

I hope you go to hell for designing this program..

I hate you!   HATE HATE HATE

***

Dear Jesus..

I am not the sinner here!    go make who ever designed that program a foot stool for me like you promise..

amen.

posted by SHE @ 9:08 AM 1 comments

Giraffe Pajamas. Cerebral hyperlink. Type it in the search bar of this blog for (me!) sandra, tvgp

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 11:36 PM 0 comments

tips for stalking former lovers -from (me!) sandra, tvgp

if youve read me for any length of time you know.. i was born without a GPS inside my brain.. the kind that helps you orient yourself, and distinguish between north, south, west, east..  left, write..  and..  which way did I go again when I found this bathroom?   -and how do i get back?

but im telling you...  even though its been like, a million years, since ive been to keith's house..

i think i have a gps for that!   /or, rather, if we want to reference from prior post:    ..for THAT.  

Stalking tips:  -you will not need a GPS, paper map, or to ask for any directions.. just follow your broken heart.

you do need: reliable stalking transportation, 1/2 tank gas.. binoculars.. 

***

he's been trying to lure me back in.. 

***

"what are you wearing?"

"my sexy happy giraffe pajamas...

***
turns out,

.. not much has changed... 

posted by SHE @ 8:44 AM 0 comments

WriteousMom Bragging writes.. Handpainted by (taryn!)

Newest addition to my giraffe collection.. And a wonderful Christmas gift surprise!

posted by SHE @ 2:55 PM 0 comments

HOT DATE for (me!) Sandra, tvgp

As is my routine, i was already in my happy giraffe pajamas.. Book in hand.. Snuggled in and just a few minutes shy of taking my helps-me-sleep-through-the-night medicine.  Truth is, had he asked me to the movies, or join him walking his dogs..  I would have yawned, "im gonna call it an early night tonight.."

But he said something about hitting a bucket of balls.  And despite the fact i dont golf, have next to no athletic ability, etc, etc, ..

It was like suddenly i had 6am energy and get-go at 8:30 at night.

"I wanna go!".  -and i literally flew out of bed, changed back into my street clothes, washed my face, and waited all excited and anxious for his truck to pull up out front.

It is very romantic i must say..  At night; the golf range place.. 

Only thing missing is some music piped through.. But otherwise, dark clear sky.. Pretty lights revealing the greens..

Gorgeous stretches of open space and grounds filled everywhere with visible little white balls of trials, efforts, mishaps and..

In the distance -somewhere; beyond where the eye can see:

" victory! Success!".     -seems so exciting to someone like me

To hit that ball so hard and so far it goes to places you cant even see anymore.

K

Well, it was pretty easy to find mine.  -still on the mat a couple times; then about one pathetic short city block straight ahead..

"You hit it very straight though.. Thats good"

-may i stop here to say thats exactly when i decided for sure id be removing my clothes for him at some point..

I just like that in a man..  When he focuses in on my strengths.

And he was a great coach!  Very patient..  Specific:

"Know why that happened?... Because you turned your head to see where the ball was going to go.. You need to keep your eyes on the ball"

And do you know when i kept my eye on the ball and didnt turn my head..   "It worked!".   -contact; air; distance...

Plus,  ..imma straight shooter it turns out.

-which should surprise no one really; write.

And i just loved, loved, loved watching him do his thing..  Same way i like watching my son on 1st base..

The posture, concentration, gestures, expressions, sounds; instincts..

..so beautiful... Watching that little white ball fly through the night sky to who knows where..

I know most of what i happen across on tv shows people golfing in broad daylight..

But i think this should really be a nighttime sport.  Sex and golf; game high, lights low. Add music..

Im just an athlete of a different kind..

Anyway..  im putting it on my list of favorite dates..

Weve been twice now..  And he said i show enough promise that our next date might just be on an actual real life golf course..

So, help me out here..  Where are the bay areas best night time golf courses? 

Im going to make a private reservation.. Then have a sleeping bag waiting on the 18th...

I had no idea golf was so romantic...   

posted by SHE @ 8:33 AM 1 comments

Creatures at the Oakland zoo.. by (me!) sandra, tvgp

I am forever grateful to my son for putting the suggestion out there.. -its been a good, I dont know how long time, since I've been to the zoo..  and,

I'm pretty confident it was the most beautiful, perfect climate day of the year for the sky ride!  -I mean, my good God.. even if there were not such an awe inspiring variety of creatures to observe

Just to go on the sky ride and take in that panoramic... to see San Francisco so clearly in the distance..  awesome!

someone should create a sky ride across the globe...

anyway..  how utterly creative our God is!  from the zebra, to the elephant, to the giraffe, to the sea otter, alligator, tiger, monkeys, goats, turtoises, bugs, birds, bears..   each with their very own look and purpose.. 

and each info plaque I read    -think I stopped to read three or four..  And each one explained that the given animals life span was extended by several years in captivity vs. In the wild..

and we all agreed, that given the human analogy..  we'd all rather live shorter lives in the wild, than longer lives in captivity.

quality of life over quantity of years..

and it sure did seem to me,

well, it was hard to tell if some of the animals were napping/sleeping vs. just bored to near death.

***

same subject/different subject:  Frickin' links..

on our way to the zoo, I'm on 580..  I pass a memory trigger. And out pops the memory.. I start telling my son and niece the story:

"I broke down write about here..    no big deal, except I had called my husband (at the time) and told him I had a meeting and didnt know what time I'd be home..   'Don't worry about me being late'

So! this is pre-cell phone, and post trauma..   Its late. Its dark. I'm alone. And my husband doesn't know to worry about me...

no way I can let just anyone who pulls over  -help me.  In fact, I was certain that if anyone did pull over, it would be to kidnap and rape me..     So I was all PTSD'd out..  in major fear

-turns out, a police officer..  !...  was the first to pull over behind my car..   and the sight of that police officers car, and his uniform!

and not having to guess whether or not I was going to be helped or hurt..

-wow!!   and I dont remember many details after that.. But I sure do remember the fear, followed by the relief..

moments/experiences for which you cannot say " thank you!" enough.

***

and all that being true..  the thing I most want to accomplish in my life write now..  as I am so overloaded with memories and memory triggers..

is to just stop responding on automatic pilot..

it is much harder than people think...   same trigger/same story; ad nauseum..

I want to be fresh! unpredictable! new...  

***

so, if someone says, "russell crowe"  -for example..I am NOT going to repeat the...

posted by SHE @ 9:35 AM 0 comments

PUBLIC "THANK YOU'S!" From (me!) Sandra, tvgp

To Megan... For the newest handpainted addition to my giraffe collection..  Beautiful! I love it!  To Rick.. For our very fun, delicious Christmas staff dinner and entertaining bowling experience.. And ricks picks bucks bonus... To Anne..  For the very thoughtful and generous gift of Christmas ornaments... To carol for the perfect size Christmas tree...  To my friends and family for the cards and pictures and baked goods..  To my handsome prince for the anniversary flowers and help with Christmas shopping... To all the ricks picks customers for their Christmas spirit... To john, in advance for hosting Christmas...  To Catherine for the most amazing fudge!  To Pastor Mike and my centerpointe church family for celebrating and reminding us about the true meaning of Christmas...    In Jesus name...    "Thank you!". -amen

posted by SHE @ 9:40 AM 0 comments

"My Happy Giraffe pajamas!"

Look what else I found...  Rewards for decluttering..  Fit like magic, feel like long lost friends...

posted by SHE @ 9:14 AM 0 comments

favorite dancing shoes.. for (me!) sandra, tvgp

-i wouldn't wear them in the winter..   they are sitting in my closet waiting impatiently for barones music under the stars 2016 season.  -one of them fell out and landed on my barefoot when a great song!
was playing on pandora

"don't i wish.." i whispered..  "its too soon though...

next thing i know, i was putting them on anyway.  danced alone in my room wearing my magic of macys guess wedges /on clearance!

and my happy giraffe pajamas.

"..  don't stop 'til you get enough..    keep on with the force, don't stop..  don't stop til you get enough..

posted by SHE @ 7:13 AM 0 comments

BRAIN SPILL by/for me! sandra, tvgp

i thought the order in which i would miss things would look like this: computer, music, tv. but in fact, it was like this: music, computer, tv.

God, did i miss music! so when my alarm went off in the morning, instead of popping up and shutting it off write away, i'd let a couple songs play..


and now i have a deeper appreciation and understanding of that saying, "it was music to my ears"

and my children (thanks john) suprised me with an ipod for christmas and i think this is the greatest, most wonderful-est technology of all time, after the internet and comcast dvr.

first thing this morning: a dance around the house to family affair by the one and only - mary j blige. i always called it "the percolator" song..

but it is so -mandatory dance- it should be prescribed listening for physical therapy patients and could knock a good two weeks off scheduled sessions

and before it slips.. and because it clogs, let me here release a few holiday memories from 2008:

the nutcracker at the bankhead theatre in livermore/awesome/wonderful: tickets thank you to tri valley haven; a christmas carol at the pleasanton playhouse/fantastic/enchanting: tickets thank you to kathy cordova; the most delicious chocoloate chip cookies in the universe, plus sensational peanut brittle & cranberry bread: thank you to (ooga booga friends) virginia and katie; the parade down main street; wintery delicious fun "build-your-own sunday"-sunday thank you to the teeters; grandpa pez as santa at macy's; shopping/dining/visiting/great times thank you to sister & mom; superfranks fun thank you to carla & dominic; wonderful christmas eve/day & huge christmas feast thank you to john & family; every christmas card, picture and letter (i keep them ALL -have for many years.. amazing watching the children grow) thank you to friends old and new; and

AND

hoover, wind tunnel, self-propelled vacuum
inscribed brick at the firehouse art center (scheduled to open 2010) -and where my plays will be performed..
membership with the pleasanton art group
writeousmom.com on truck window
breathing room for christmas shopping in general & two bills paid all THANK YOU TO MY GRANDMA HARRISON ~ we miss and love you! ~



different & missing: our first year not hosting the good neighbor's holiday boutique -but putting an album together of the 8 years we enjoyed this event

and while my mom did host thanksgiving, and have her 25th (?) annual cookie exchange party - i do not attend having learned what a toll it takes on my spirit to be in san leandro. -difficult, and yet, the days pass quickly and i know i am much happier/stronger for making this decision
-and better still, and most importantly.. my mom loves me and understands

and speaking of happier/stronger: i've spent the past couple days prettying this place up and taking LOTS of pictures

confirmed rumor has it, the owner might sell which =

i might have to move. on short notice.

"are you going to cry mommy?" my kids asked me.

"not at all," i said. "i'll be wherever God wants me -but i've never been happier in my life than living here.. "

and then i take more pictures because

"because... you know... when i become famous, they'll want to re-create the living environment where i did my best writing..

where i posted over 600 blogs.. where i woke every morning to read and respond to squidmann.."


and i do have many beautiful fantasies of people -tourists- fellow writers mostly, coming to see what my writing studio looks like..

and they LOVE it..

and a laptop sits open, write here.. write where it is write now.. where i write every morning, and a guest book spot is open on my website and everyone who visits leaves a little note, poem or story.. a few words in the guest book; whatever feels write at the time


and they look real close at my collage(s) of inscribed books.. and my library.. and my ultra cool tao book shelf, my library, my word wall (and of course there is a list of all the different words that have been rotated/featured on my word wall)

my mag time frames hanging here and there -all the family/friend pictures all around

my giraffe collection, my picture of Maya Angelou.. my aunt & uncle's gorgeous pottery.. the handmade blankets i snuggle with..

and it is always kept with fresh flowers and candles -fresh flowers from the farmer's market -held year round only two blocks away- which "she spent $9 every saturday for 3 bouquets she spread throughout the house.. on the tables and in the bathroom"

and the mirrors.. on the closets and in the bathrooms will be decorated and marked up with my kids art work, homework and spontaneous, creative designs.. because "she loved that so much.. "

and they'll have to talk LONG about my neighbor's.. how the reason i was so happy here was because i felt loved and safe.. because moe and his family lived across the street and moe knew everything and everyone.. kept an eye out for us, and plus held the most awesome block parties.. and everyone felt like a friend and was on a first and/or nick name basis: mike on the bike... abe.. dave... olga.. jimmy... dave... lacey.. shelley.. bob... joan.. jody.. karen and more..

and the neighborhood mascots: sadie and jose

and show how we could sit on the curb and feel like we had vip seats for all the parades because they turn from main street on to w. angela and pass write in front of us

and how we could walk -and never worry about parking- for the alameda county fair. and we could ride all the rides, and come back here for lunch.. and walk back and see the concerts..

and how the canada geese flew directly overhead.. and the healing power of the trees

i've always dreamed..

i've dreamed of some magical/miracle happening which allows me to own this place, keep it as a writing, arts/crafts studio and live in a larger place on 2nd street with more room/space for my kids and their friends -but still within walking distance of downtown

the meadowlark dairy, cold stone, amelia's, the farmer's market, concerts in the park, the library, the firehouse art center, towne center books, the restaurants

i do believe in magic and miracles.

but i also believe in pictures and memories.. so i'm taking lots and making many.

2009 arrives with more uncertainty than i've ever experienced at one time: livlihood -no idea. means for income after spousal supports ends - no idea. where we'll live next if we have to move -no idea.

but i'm certainly not alone..

everything and everyone seems to be somewhere within the process of creative destruction

the economy has taken a major hit: people are losing their jobs, leaving their homes.. businesses/restaurants are closing up and down main street

and i don't mean to be an alarmist.. but there's no ignoring these red flags and no painting them a different color

lean times ahead.


lean times ahead but not forever... and that's how i'll close this brain spill

with a spiritual conversation i had with my grandma. "grandma," i ask,

"what would you say.. what would you do if you were here write now?"

and she said (or i projected) "when times improved.. and they did improve..

i would have got my nails painted. red."

because you see my grandma lived through very tough financial times..

very tough.

and she learned how to save, save, save. conserve, conserve, conserve. stretch every dollar. recycle. reuse. and re-purpose everything before the term re-purpose was invented

but when financial times improved -and they did improve-

she never altered her ultra-conservative ways. -and it absolutely shocked her to no end when my sister and i were visiting her in san diego and we each spent $10 on a manicure

she could not imagine a greater waste of money

but we could not imagine anything better you could get for only $10

because a manicure not only made your hands look really beautiful because of the pretty, shiny color on your nails, but the manicures also included a MASSAGE

a long, wonderful, hand and forearm massage, PLUS moisturizers on your skin, PLUS three layers of polish: base coat, pretty color of your choice, and top coat

and it could last for like, up to, 5 or 6 days

so if you take 10 fingers, times 5 or 6 days, and divide that by $10

WHAT A BARGAIN!!

but my grandma.. even when it was well within her budget to do so, never treated herself to a manicure or pedicure

and what she'd like to share with all of us, is this:

lean times are ahead.

but they won't last forever.

and when times improve.

and they WILL improve.

-go get your nails painted; red.

posted by SHE @ 7:39 AM 2 comments

Beautiful Grandma Harrison -2009, archives re-post by (me!) ~topps

 

from the archives:     -and i really do enjoy re-reading my own memories   -this post is packed; it shares my dream of one day becoming a famous writer, shares how i think about money and returns on investment; it shares my grandma harrison's wisdom; it shares the importance of music..   how to survive lean/tough times..  and more.  and not in that order: 

plus   -fun to learn about myself   -never saw myself living in San Jose; ever.  And i treasure my time; raising my children in Pleasanton  -but have zero desire to return.    and!  my writing/art studio here!  Studio 213   -it is far superior to the one from 2009...    i crazy love my life here with robert   -and have re-created what made that neighborhood so awesome   -friends, and first name or nick name basis with some of the most awesome neighbors anyone could ever ask for!   Blessed, blessed, and blessed to be a blessing.     Look what God can do:  

Thursday, January 01, 2009

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 9:07 AM 0 comments