Wornoutwoman

So how do you prepare to have certain talks with your child as they grow up?  As a mother, I certainly never expected to have certain conversations by the age of 5, 6, and 7, but life experiences have a way of opening up a curious child's mind to a ton of questions.  And my motto is: 'If they're old enough to ask, they're old enough for the truth'.  For one thing, I'd rather my child know he can trust me for the little but pertinent questions as they pop up in life.  It will allow him to see that he can definitely count on me for the bigger stuff on life's highway...especially when it gets bumpy.  And it will! SO about eight months ago, he asks me why our puppy needed to get fixed.  It was a simple enough question. I responded that it was to keep her from having any unwanted babies. He thought about it for a second and said, 'But mom if we keep her away from other dogs, why do we still need to get her fixed.  She won't have puppies if she's ...

If I were a dude, today would have been heaven ... minus the 30 to 40 degree temperatures. Early this morning, we met two bikini-clad models at the lake to shoot months, January and July, for the new KRXO Classic Rock calendar.  The models were troopers.  I know if I was freezing my butt off in thermal underwear and sweats, they had to have been frigid with next to nothing on with winds whipping off the water at the lake. Lake Overholser, affectionately nicknamed 'Lake Holdercloser' in my college days, was the perfect location.  No one was out there and we had the entire lake to ourselves.  Other than an occasional looker and one police officer that had to stop by to 'inspect' the shoot, we were totally alone. And I fell in love with the two motorboats we went out on.  One of the high-end local dealers provided two amazing Mastercraft boats with every bell and whistle.  I hadn't been out in one in a very long time, and now I know why I had so much fu...

Imagine my surprise when I called 1-800 flowers today and not only did they not have ANYTHING to cater to sports fans, but the operator I was connected to had no clue what I was talking about. I asked him if he had anything to celebrate the Giants winning the World Series .   His response? "Um, we have nothing to do with giants, ma'am.  I can't help you." "No, not Giants.  The San Francisco Giants.  You know?  Do you know who won the world series last night?" "Um.  Sorry we can't help you." I was in shock that a salesperson for a major organization didn't at least say, "Hey I don't follow sports, so I'm sorry I really don't know what you're talking about."  Or, "Our company doesn't have anything for any major sports occasion..." On top of that, I was surprised he didn't start asking questions to dig deeper, because maybe if he'd asked what the teams colors were and realize...

Music from 'Farm Story' softly plays in the background, while my son plays - and I work on my photos for my latest client.  (Ok ... so I am taking a few minutes to blog - but I'm still working) I recently stepped down as Asst. Manager at the boutique (store shall remain un-named) at the mall.  Due to the fact that I had to continually keep turning down photo jobs because my store manager wouldn't let me off had me rethinking where I needed to spend my time. I wasn't doing her any good asking off all the time, and the j.o.b wasn't really helping us out that much as far as revenue. The realization hit when telling my son yet one more time that I wouldn't be home for another bedtime because I had to close my store, but that I'd see him in the morning. He looked to me with sad eyes and asked, "Mom, why don't you just stop working so hard and work smarter?" Then the next week a friend dropped by with what I thought was a note.  We hadn...

I promise I've not been out of commission just running around like crazy, which has kept me from sitting let alone blogging. Life since October has been overloaded with everything retail, as I took a full-time job. Unfortunately, this left me unable to creatively unload, which means I've not completely finished my sequel yet. But ... it's almost done. The only thing creative I've been able to do is to take some photography jobs here and there. I've not had much time off from retail-land to work on my company, but I still get enough work that I feel creatively charged. Here's an example of my last commercial shoot. This is one of many billboards that line the highways in Oklahoma City. I love that my work is posted up for everyone to see. Last week I had headshots for some actors who are talking to some L.A. casting directors for 'Sonny With A Chance'.  That was a treat to shoot those pics for their meeting. Next on the docket is a cale...

I can't believe twenty years ago I was a fresh young pup ready to take on the world, thinking - no, knowing - I knew everything there was to life and what it had in store for me. Twenty years ago this month I graduated from a wonderful school over in Japan and left behind some really wonderful friends. I say left behind because when you're a military brat - you don't have the option to go home for the weekend to visit the folks and all your buddies when you leave for college. Chances are your folks are packing up not too long after you are and headed for another duty station hundreds of miles away. And all your closest friends' families are doing the same. There is no going home. Home is where you are for the moment until it changes again. Your friends you just have to hope will keep in touch, but if not you already know the art of making really good new ones - as that's what you've done your whole life. However, when you're a brat and you live ...

Brooke was one of my favorites on American Idol. She was the girl with a sunny smile and a warm presence. From the first time she sang, I thought she was a  talented artist. We voted for her often. Last night at an American Heart Association fundraiser, I had the chance to visit with her. She graciously played for our benefit and stayed to talk with all her fans. Now I will say this -- one thing great about Oklahoma is that we don't swarm people or trample others to get to visit with anyone, famous or not. I was impressed that the entire room gave her space, allowing her to mingle at her leisure. However, I have a feeling even if we were a rude bunch - she would have been just as gracious. She took the time to truly visit with those around her. And I also found out she likes to read! And guess what's next on her reading list?? I always knew she was a smart girl! :) And just like on TV - she's brilliantly talented.