Ten On Tuesday--Favorite Sounds

Playing along with Yano's "Ten On Tuesday" meme

and this Tuesdays' list is "10 Favorite Sounds":

This is today's edition of my favorite sounds(purposely leaving out music, singing voices and musical instrument sounds). I am just recently back from an early evening stroll with Jewel through our neighborhood, and there were plenty of pleasing-to-the-ear noises-summer noises/sounds mostly. The other sounds listed have to do mostly with summer, as well. If I did this in the middle of the winter, I am certain I would have a different set of ten favorite sounds.

1. the sound of forks on dinner plates and people laughing and talking as they eat outdoors in thier backyards.

2. a baseball game(involving the Boston Red Sox, of course) in the other room, either on the TV or radio. I have always found it to be a relaxing background noise...

3. the wind in the trees. If the sound of a breeze rippling the leaves on a tree could be a color it would be shimmery silver.

4. the crackle of a wood camp fire

5. the sound of tent flap zippers

6. a Loons haunting "laughter" and eerie cry echoing across a still lake--best heard at night. (be sure to click on the word 'Loon' to link to a page where you can hear it's "hoot", "wail", "tremelo" and "yodel")

7. soft rain falling outside my open bedroom window

8. a blender whirring up some delectable cold and frothy drink on a hot summer day.

9. Jewel's yawning noises--they make me laugh every time(often she sounds like Snoopy in those Peanuts cartoons)

10. a Whippoorwill singing in the middle of the night, even if it keeps you awake. (Gah! I just found out when I looked up this bird to find a sound clip of it's call, that hearing it's call in the night is considered a "death omen" in folklore?! I never knew that before, and will conveniently ignore that bit of information )

....and I am going to add #11....the distinctive sound of the mail delivery truck coming down my street. Hope springs eternal any time I hear it and can't wait to run out to check my mailbox to see if there is anything good inside(mail-order catalogs, samples, magazines...sometimes snail mail letters and even gifts). It's not just me in this house who loves that sound--both Mr. F and R respond the same way.

Ten Favorite Places To Shop

Well... the avocado green appliances

With the smell of domestic violences

And the dusty Farberware

And the rusty dinette chair

In the lonely little thrift store

The hard luck little thrift store.... where I go.....

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The Lonely Little Thrift Store-- Jonathan Richman

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It's the Ten On Tuesday list time once again. This week was an easy one---ten favorite places to shop!

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1. The Phoenix
I so "heart" this resale shop in nearby downtown Wakefield.

It used to be more of a true thrift shop, with a jumble of artfully arranged objects from the 1920's through the 90's, with prices so low that it really felt like you were stealing. There used to be a 10 cent table(everything on it just 10 cents) in the basement when the original owners had the shop--two sisters in their 60's who looked so much alike I could not tell them apart. For a while I thought they were the same person and was shocked when one day the usually pleasant owner was short with me when I talked to her! I eventually figured out there were two of them. One was really nice and the other...not so friendly (maybe she was the buyer and the designated scourer and locator of old things for the shop, and usually in the back room for a reason?)

When I found out it was being closed because the sisters didn't want to run it anymore I felt sad about losing this shop. But luckily, it was taken over by some other owners--

a co-operative of several vendors, and while the prices are now higher and there are actually real vintage antiques in there, you can still have a great time just poking around in there and still come away with something special to wear (I recently bought two retro late 60's daisy brooches) or for the house(I have a weakness for teapots and old cookbooks from there). It is always like stepping into a museum of the 20th Century for me, as so many times I have spotted something I remembered from my mother's kitchen(plastic Tupperware salt and pepper shakers in white and pale green, or a 1970 Knox Gelatin cookbook), or a book I had forgotten about from my elementary school years. There is always a box or two of old postcards and family photos(which make me sad in a way that they end up in a shop instead of in a family photo album).

I think I need to do a Phoenix blog entry very soon......

2. Perennials

A resale clothing shop near my work--I like to check in often to see what's "new". It has a true boutique feeling in there, and I can buy gently worn(or in some cases, never worn) and carefully selected clothing, jewelery and accessories for at least half the original price.

3. online at Amazon

Books, music, perfume, etc.--I buy it all from here. I have been good lately, though, and haven't purchased anything there in a while...

4. online at Sierra Trading Post
great shoe and clothing selection and great deals!
tp://www.sierratradingpost.com/


5. Different Drummer
http://www.differentdrummerri.com/
There is so much jammed into this shop(which has been in business for well over 20 years in Wickford), and it is usually quite crowded so sometimes I get claustrophobic and have to reluctantly get out of there. But on days when it is a little less crowded, I like looking through their card and postcard selection, as well as all the artsy ceramic and glass pieces.


6. Spangles
Another shop in downtown Wakefield. Costume jewelery galore--I find something "I must have", at a reasonable price in there every time.
http://www.spanglesfun.com/index.html


7. Trader Joe's
Food shopping made fun and slightly adventurous.

http://www.traderjoes.com/


8. Pleasant Surprise
Apt name for this shop in Newport-- it makes me smile just to browse in this place.
http://www.brickmarketnewport.com/pleasant_surprise.htm


9. T.J. Maxx

I rarely buy my clothes at department stores for the regular retail price, preferring to hunt for it at reduced prices at this place.

http://www.tjmaxx.com/index.asp

10. Ikea
I have to drive miles in either direction to Massachusetts or Connecticut to get to the nearest Ikea , so I don't get there too often, but I feel an urge to make an Ikea road trip soon...

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Well, those were the immediate first ten places to come to mind. I could easily pick ten or twenty more...

10 Words People Would Use to Describe Me

A little late in the day to do this-- the Ten On Tuesday list,
since I have been deep cleaning and decluttering my daughter's room. With her permission--I told her beforehand I couldn't stand it any longer looking in there and would clean it for her on my day off (a gorgeous, sunny day in the 80's out there, too when I could have been doing some things outside) as an early birthday gift. (she turns 14!! on Friday).

I figured I would tell her I was going to clean it in case there was anything private she would prefer me not to see--I know she keeps a journal and sometimes writes down declarations of her undying love for her crush, David Archuleta(no comment--this too shall pass) and I want to be respective of her privacy to some extent(I am a private person myself).
Anyway...I saw the list for this week,
'10 Words People Would Use to Describe You' earlier today and asked J and R at the breakfast table today to describe me, so I could add to a short list of descriptive words people have called me lately.

1. nice (husband told me not to put this word in my list, but there you go..I am boringly "nice")
2. guarded (I guess some friends know that I keep my innermost emotions to myself most of the time )
3. artsy (got this from the postal worker in the post office recently)
4. creative
5. cranky (# 4 and #5 from my daughter--yeah, I am cranky after cleaning up her mess of a room....)
6. sensitive (have heard this one all my life, sometimes preceded by a "too")
7. intense (husband's euphemistic way of saying moody?)
8. thoughtful
9. beautiful (thanks, Mr. F)
10. loyal

Of course, I can always count on a Blogthing quiz to give me an accurate personality assessment.

You Are a Mullet

You are a total character. You're quirky, unique, and there's no one quite like you. Your idea of style is doing your own thing and defying expectations. You're eclectic. At your best, you are funny, observant, and a bit sarcastic. You see life's ironies clearly. At your worst, you are a bit weird and creepy. People sometimes take you the wrong way.

What Hairstyle Are You?

Ten Underated Movies

1. In Her Shoes (2005) with Toni Collette (always great in anything she is in) & Cameron Diaz (an underated comedic actress, in my view)

Doing the Ten on Tuesday thing again: this week's theme is a list of ten movies you think were underated and overlooked. Some of these happen to be my favorite films, too. I seem to naturally go for the "underated, overlooked" type of film.

Click on the movie's title to link to a review/synopsis if you want to read more about the movie.


2. The Secret Of Roan Inish (1995) directed by John Sayles, with Jeni Courtney and Eileen Colgan . Moody folklore and a mystery for both adults and children.


3. Shall We Dance? (1997) with Koji Yakusyo and Tamiyo Kusakari. Remade Hollywood Style in 2004 with Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez. I never saw that one but can't imagine it could have improved on this Japanese gem of a movie.



4. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) Directed by Anthony Minghella. The most current version (have not seen the 1960 version "Purple Noon") of Patricia Highsmith's novel, with Matt Damon, Jude Law and the always amazing Philip Saymour Hoffman.



5. Next Stop, Wonderland (1998) Directed by Brad Anderson, starring Hope Davis, Adam Gelfant(those eyes!), and...the always amazing Philip Seymour Hoffman(and boy, do I despise his character in this film).


6. Me Myself I (2000) A "trading places" movie somewhat along the lines of Nicholas Cage's "The Family Man", but much , much better and Rachel Griffiths in the lead role carries the movie.


7. High Fidelity (2000) Directed by Stephan Frears, with John Cusack, Tim Robbins and Jack Black. Everyone should see this movie!


8. Election (1999) Based on the novel by Tom Perrotta, this is a wicked satiric comedy, starring Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick.

9. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005) Okay, maybe there is a lot that is wrong with this film, but the fast-paced(even confusing, yes) "Disneyland meets Mickey Spillane" feeling and Robert Downey Jr.'s cheeky comedic style and puppy dog eyes made this extremely enjoyable for me.

And, lastly, my number 10:
Big Night (1996) with Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub. One of the best "food movies" ever.
Mangia!

11 Signs You're Getting Older....

a blooming, "youthful" Mother Nature

another quick sketch from a slow day at the shop

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I find I can't make the time to blog when the husband and child are home on vacation. We are either off doing things together(R and I had a mother-daughter lunch date today at Seven Moons, for instance) or the computer(we only have one in the house still) is being used.

But I thought I would hop on and at least do the Ten on Tuesday list.

***** Ten Signs You Are Getting Older ******

Very appropriate for my mood today after the ugly shock of seeing my jiggly self in the mirror when I attempted to try on swimsuits at a few stores. Lets just say I have for the first time in my previously skinny life gained some noticeable pounds. This past winter, I really got into cooking and trying out new recipes and I think I must have been sampling too much of my usually successful edible concoctions.

It's not so bad...I am okay with being a little more rounded and will need to accept that I will from now on be choosing clothes in a slightly larger size. And that my lazy self needs to exercise more and not slack off on the stomach crunches.

1. I can't comfortably read the font and typeface at Facebook--too dang small!

2. Have been visiting the dentist the last few years needing crowns and fillings replaced. At least I am outliving the warranty. ;-)

3. I like to go to bed early and get up early (slowly reversing from what I used to do when I was younger)

4. Don't know the names of most current singers or even know the songs on the Top 40 list(maybe there isn't even any such thing anymore) other than what I have learned from my daughter, and mostly listen to NPR radio all day instead of music.

5. a noticeable weight gain for the first time in my life(aside from when I was pregnant) at my last doctor's visit(and visibly in evidence in the dressing room mirror today). I don't mind too much because I figure it is only natural and I kind of like the more jiggly me! But the whole bathing suit shopping experience is even less fun now.

6. a grey hair or two(I have not seen them, but have been told by my daughter that they are there!)

7. If I sit too long in one position(in front of the computer, for example or cross-legged on the floor doing an art project) I am all stiff and creaky when I get up and try to walk. Now, that really makes me feel ancient!
8. I only get out to see live music maybe once or twice a year now(this is somewhat related to no. 3). At least I know I'll be going out to see Jonathan Richman in June(already have my tickets), will see Guster in August and actually went out AFTER ten o' clock to a club a few weeks ago( and felt quite all right the next day)--maybe I am staying a little more youthful?
9. I HAVE to put on a moisturising eye cream morning and night! But, again, I really don't mind the little extra crinkly wrinkly stuff--it is only natural and part of the process.
10. I accept things more(such as my own imperfections) and find I have more patience. I might just be growing up, finally.

....and a no. 11:

I also have to admit to being a cranky older lady sometimes when people are rude or the world changing so much(newspapers fading, for an example) and sometimes can feel myself becoming a dinosaur along with all the disappearing things I love.

Ten On Tuesday

Playing along with Ten on Tuesday again.

I will eat most foods, and don't consider myself too picky of an eater, but for as long as I can remember, I have never liked eggs(other than a very dryly cooked omelet or added into batter for baked foods) and most cheeses(only the mildest of mozzarella, Cabot Monterey Jack and cheddar, real Parmigiano-Reggiano, and the lightest schmeer of cream cheese for me, please).

There are very few vegetables I won't eat, and while not very fond of some meats and flavors, I could still eat them without feeling sick, unlike the following foods:
My list of ten least liked foods.

These are the foods that I can't even physically get down my throat, truly despise the taste(and smell)of or sometimes can't even look at(to me, there is nothing more gory than a sunny-side egg being pierced by someone's fork and I literally have to look the other way or better yet, move away).

1) Fried eggs

2) Soft-boiled eggs

3) Hard boiled eggs

4) Pickled herring

5) Romano cheese

6) Gorgonzola cheese

7) Blue cheese

8) Sauerkraut

9) Beets

10) licorice

Let's make it 15 least-liked foods, shall we?

11.vinegar on french fries (or chips)

12.most other cheeses

13.poached eggs

14.caraway seeds

15.okra

Mostly, smell and to some degree, texture is the issue for me not being able to like a food, as it must be for everyone else. A personal thing. I know people who can't stand the feel of peach fuzz, so won't eat one(which seems crazy to me, since I love the taste and feel of a peach).

Personally, I can't abide the smell of vinegar(so go easy on using mayonnaise, even), smelly cheeses and eggs in general. If there is a Hell and that is where I end up, I know that I'll be forced to eat everything on the "eggs/smelly cheese/pickled products/beets and okra dusted with caraway seeds" buffet table...so I better clean up my act and behave!

10 x 10

Ten Things I'm Really Good At

1. making chicken soup

2. pulling together an outfit for work in two minutes

3. procrastinating

4. staying away from gossip

5. knowing almost instantly which mat colors to choose for a customer's art/picture at work

6. making mountains out of molehills (I do tend to over-react)

7. making sure my dog has enough exercise every day, no matter the weather or how I am feeling

8. making sure we all sit down every evening for a home-cooked(6 out of 7 nights) meal.

9. being happy with what I have got (for the most part)

10. sleeping

an additional no.11: I am really good at overusing parentheses

(I just can't stop).

Now, my list of ten things I hope to accomplish today:

1. get off the computer and into some clothes

2. take the dog to the groomers at the top of the street to have her nails clipped. She is way overdue for that, although, with the icy roads and crusty snow she has had to walk and run on, the nails are coming in handy as "grabbers".

3. Wrap up the wrong size boots I ordered for Rachel and send them back to Sierra Trading Post

4. put away the laundry that has been sitting in a basket since Sunday

5. visit my mother

6. get in a little creative time at the drawing table

7. remember to get to the store to buy dark soy sauce(tamari?) for a recipe

8. call my sister about setting up a movie night soon

9. look online for hotel deals in Boston for February

10. wake my daughter up(she is home from school today--a professional day for the teachers-- on my usual day off) and we had plans to drive up to my mother's for coffee and on to the craft/art supply store.....maybe Trader Joe's? (I'll bet Trader Joe's has tamari sauce.)



How much on this list will I get to today? I'll be lucky if I accomplish five things....