Memoirs of New Orleans

Hello, all! Madame Muriel here. After my travels to Italy, then back to Arizona, and on to DC, Ms. C let me have a few days out of my travel pod, and then it was on to the Crescent City for a conference. Look at this nice welcome we received in the airport.

Unfortunately, it was quite rainy during our time there, so I didn't get to go out and see as many of the sights as I would have liked, but I did have plenty of stitching time in our hotel room, especially when Ms. C was in her conference sessions. I also took plenty of naps.

 

One of Ms. C's colleagues also brought along a companion. I'm pleased to introduce you to my new friend Cina. We've become pen pals.

I did attend one business meeting, as they were serving lunch. Those archivists were a little out of control, so I had to step in and take over. I know how to keep a meeting in order!

I did insist on being let out of the hotel after a few days! How could one be in New Orleans and not visit Cafe Du Monde? I did have to stow my stitching to avoid the powdered sugar.

I partook of another New Orleans tradition. I highly recommend Cafe Adelaide for their libations. I didn't take a picture but the Saint Lawrence restaurant had excellent food. Larry is the patron saint of archivists, so those crazy nuts felt compelled to check it out.

We finally had a nice day for some outside photos. (I'm lucky I didn't start to mildew with all the rain we had!) Here I am at the famous St. Louis Cathedral. Can you see me?

 

Oh, that's better!

I even tried my luck with horse-back riding.

 

The back of the Cathedral.

Another church with pretty architecture, the Jesuit Church of the Immaculate Conception, at night.

 

And back to overcast weather. How I wish I could've taken a boat ride.

Ms. C took me for a quick stop at the Aquarium to find gifts for her daughters, who love marine mammals. She's sad that the girls weren't with her to see the otter exhibit.

 

We ended the trip watching the New Orleans Zephyrs beat the Iowa Cubs. Here's Cina checking out the game.

It was a whirlwind trip, but great fun. I hope you've enjoyed my Memoirs of New Orleans.

P.S. Don't forget to comment if you'd like me to come visit you next!

Madame Muriel

Due to some miscommunications, Madame Muriel took an extra leg on her trip and returned briefly to Arizona before coming home to me. Thank you to Chiara and Gracie for taking good care of her and ensuring that she remained on her journey. I'm going to take her on a trip with me, and after that, she will be ready to head out on her next adventure.

If you would like to be the next person to host Madame Muriel, please comment on this post by August 24, 11:59 pm EDT, and I will draw a name to see where she'll travel next.

Spring Cards

My computer is sort of mended. I still find missing bits each time I use it, but it's getting better. Here are the spring cards that I had hoped to show you in May. Since all 3 of my sisters-in-law have birthdays in May, these function as both Mother's Day cards and birthday cards.

All paper and stamps are Stampin' Up. The 3rd one is in the Top 3 of my all time favorite cards that I've created.

In a Funk

It's been a while since I posted, not that I had been posting that frequently anyway. In addition to the usual with work and family, it's been a long spring. I've been dealing with some chronic pain issues, which have been affecting me more than I'd realized. Neither physical therapy or medication have had much effect. Since it's my shoulder that's experiencing the pain, I haven't been stitching. I've made a few cards, which I intended to show you, but then my computer met with some ill will last week, and I'm still waiting to see what can be recovered. I wept when I thought my data and photos were all gone for good and managed to scare DH. Let's hope that the final outcome isn't so dire.

I realized yesterday that I was in a real funk, and that the computer incident was not the initial trigger, but more akin to being the last straw. I look back and can now see that I've been swimming through molasses since February, which is why I feel like I've not been able to accomplish or focus on anything. I'm easily distracted... LOOK! Otters! (Much cuter than squirrels.)

Happy St Pat's Day

I don't think there's a lick of Irish in my heritage, but we always celebrated growing up. Mom always made corned beef and cabbage.

My card was inspired by this color challenge:

 

My Fiskers heart punch has been getting quite a work out. Words: My Sentiments Exactly! Stem, paper, and ink: Stampin' Up!

March Swap Card & 250

For the monthly card swap hosted by my SU! demonstrator. Theme was "manly" cards. Pinwheel is 2.5" square, cut on the diagonals, and folded in.

This is my 250th post. Since I first started blogging Christmas 2007, I've mostly posted about cross-stitch, stamping, and books. I've also had my hands full raising twins who are now 4.5 years old!

In honor of my 250th, I'm offering a small give away. Comment on this post by March 16, 2013, and I'll pick one person from those who comment to receive a surprise package, which will include some cards and possibly other items hand-made by me.

Flipping Fairies

Have you paid any attention to children's television lately? I'll admit, we watch too much of it. And it's starting to get under my skin. Anything that's not marketed to the 3 and under set is ... well... kind of outrageous when you think about it. And I do think about it, sometimes. I know a lot has been written about this topic; I've read some of it over the years. It's really hitting home now, though, as I see what my girls are absorbing.

For example, what is wrong with this picture?



It's worse when you realize that the mythology of these fairies says that a fairy is born when a baby laughs. Then why the impractical, overly sexual clothing, folks? And why is there a focus on pairing up with the boys in the latest movie? They don't need to pair up.

Lately, NickJr has been promoting Winx dolls, which seemed cute, so we watched an episode tonight.



Egads! These are worse bodies than Barbie has! This show is marketed to the 7-10 year old crowd. I told DH that we won't be putting this into the regular rotation.

Since I don't see us curing ourselves of our TV addition any time soon, I would like to find some shows or movies that present somewhat normal looking girls who aren't looking -- or dressed -- for a hook up. Suggestions?