http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVJVRywgmYM
This is absolutely not the post I'd planned, but found this video tonight and fell in love. It reminds me so of Robyn's "Hugs Video!" I don't care what anyone thinks about Michael Jackson, this is about people coming together, laughter, pure joy. I think it's very special and hope you agree. It made me laugh and cry.
My younger sister spent years in Europe. She raised two daughters while there who speak German, French and English. They are all free spirits. This video reminds me of them. Yes, I'm smiling through tears. Why? Because I know they'd do this in a second!!! (And to those who follow my blog, just so you know...Laur, Amanda and Ali.)
~
XO
Me with Mickey the day we adopted one another at the vets!
Part of a painting...
Another part...
And another...
And another...
Another painting...
About Me
- Suzanne
- I live in Northern California with my hubby, our kitties, our dog and three goldfish. I'm a roseaholic and grow lots and lots. I'm also an artist and paint large canvases of usually...you guessed it, roses. I love gardening, architecture, animals, nature, and life in general. I especially love Mother Earth, digging in the soil, planting something and watching as she encourages it to grow.
Ohno! (aka Shadow) two and a half pounds of pure t-r-o-u-b-l-e!
I love pink roses! Truthfully, I love all roses, but there is something about pink...
Yup, I gave it to myself! Why? Because I'm a dear friend and because I like my own artwork!
I recieved this amazing award from Random Chick. Thank you darling!!!
First time in my life I've been "cool." I like it!
Thank you my darling Bob. Blottie = Blogging Hottie!
You bet I hauled ass to get this up now that my competition has been selected! I'll leave it here at the top for a few days! For those of you who don't know, Bob can be found at www.justbobness.com.
This is a tremendous honor ~ I am humbled. Sincere thanks to Mark, Jo and Helen.
And of course, thanks to all my peeps for making it possible!
From my dear Cielo ~ thank you!
From my dear Bindi ~ Thanks!
Love to both Bindi and Cecile for this one! Thanks!
(Oh, and almost Gig (in best Maxwell Smart voice, "Missed it by that much!")).
A special award from my dear friend Gig. Thanks honey!
Thank you darling Bindi! XO
Love the graphics! Beautiful colors! Thanks Bindi. XOXO
An anenome in my fall garden
My very sleepy Executive Assistant, Mickey
My CEO, CFO and private banker working hard in my office (Sweet Pea, Hopper & Rusty)
Yummy Hydrangeas ~ Endless summer
Newman ~ Our first kitty and the head honcho!
dearest friends, T-Bone and Hopper (Edward Hopper)
Sage ~ one of my feral kitties when he was still at the park
My little half-wine barrel pond for froggies!
Darling Sweet Pea
My favorite photo of Hopper & Rusty
I love hydrangeas!
Mr. T-Bone ~ the best door man in the world...
It's a difficult life here for the wee~ones...
White bowl...
Sweet Pea, as always, elegant...
Yummy...
Picasso ~ one of my feral kitties when he was still at the park
Ahhhh...to relax in the garden. Ha! Probably sat in them twice! Gardening is obviously a verb..
Sweet Pea and T-Bone helping me paint the living room.
Our beautiful Hopper (Edward Hopper)
The Maestro, aka Ghandi, aka "W" (Whopper!)
Mickey and his blanket
I planted a garden around the trash and recycling bins and Mother Nature smiled...
Brothers, Rusty and Sweet Pea ~~ They adore one another...
35 comments:
That was so cool! Anything that can bring people together like that is very touching!
I can't open it here at work, but I'll look at it as soon as I get home today. I sort of need to talk to you (go to moan and groan and you'll see why). I"ll try to call you tonight, so hopefully you don't have a headache and will answer your phone. Well, I must get some work done before they decide to fire me. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! I'm the only one that knows how to do my job here, so I feel very secure. .
I need to go to bed but I couldn't go without saying hello because I haven't said hello for aaaages! So hello!!! :-D
Otin!!! I know. I couldn't stop smiling. I just watched it again and am smiling. It's pure joy. And I love the video from Stureplan because it reminds me so much of San Francisco on a rainy night. You have all those cars, the bus, the big white truck and the taxi stuck in the crowd, but drivers and passengers are smiling and laughing. Brilliant!!!
I hope it comes to Sacramento. I really do. I also hope it comes to a town near you! What fun. By the way have you every seen the "Hugs" video? If not let me know and I'll direct you to it. It's wonderful.
Thanks for stopping by Otin. Always nice to see your heavy equipment.
;)
Awwww that video was really sweet!
I finally got to watch it. His family should be proud that people are able to see past the freakshow and focus on his talents.
Thanks, dear one. I needed that.
Good Morning, dear Suzanne.
I feel that MJ becoming my idol, after his dead.
I didn't understand him before.
I saw in TVPoland people did the same.
Have a beautiful day!
hey suze
i'm dropping by to say hi. i have a new post up at my place, it's not your kind of thing cos you dont do make-up
hope youre having fun
xox
cece,
moan & groan is a great name. wish i had thought of it
Wow! I got all teary-eyed too. That was awesome.
BTW, I finally found out what my Hydrangea is: http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/mopheads.html
It's the 'Altona.' And the poor thing got sizzled in the sun so I moved it. Some of the leaves got really burnt so it's recovering now. I've got it in a pot because I'm not sure where to plant it. I want it to be on display because it's so gorgeous but the only area where it gets sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon is the side of our house where we keep our trash cans. YUCK! I don't want to put them there. So, I keep moving them around to find the best spot. When I do find it, I'll plant them. We've got a compost bin and lots of good stuff for them.
Any advice you can give me, I'll take. And again, when I get a chance and when the leaves look better I'll post a photo on my blog for you!!!
Sorry I've been so damn busy or I would has replied to your wonderfully informative response on your previous post.
Hope all is well with you!!!!
XOXOXOXO
RC
P.S. I sent that video to a bunch of family and friends. It's so great!
Awwww....
Just, Awwwww... No matter what a person's opinion was of this man, they can't ever deny that he left quite a mark on this world. A true artist.
Hi Blottie.
Hi Suzanne,
I know this will be totally off topic, but how in the world did you get such a HUGE readership?
WOW!
I just started blogging (for the first time EVER) just two months ago. I feel victorious if I get about 5 comments (not including my own responses to comments) and then I noticed one of your posts has 114!!!
What in the world did you do? What am I not doing?
Sorry to be off topic, but where else can I ask a blog guru about the ways of blogging? You seem to be an expert!
Hi Suzanne- I just dropped by to say I am still enjoying reading your blog and all your comments on other blogs all over the place- you always make me smile. I often don't comment because I seem to arrive after the event (like the post that got 114 thanks to Kylie and merelyme- what fun, wish I had been online then!). And because you cannot comment on my blog (now why is that again?) I sometimes forget to visit you!
So here I am! XO
HOLY CRAP IT'S HOT HERE. Thank God we have central air. I feel so sorry for those who don't and animals who have to be out in 106 degree temps. You all know how I worry.
Just to update my crew:
Black Beauty's still in the shop. Guess what it was? Okay, why don't I just tell you. The fuel relay. The part was ordered Friday and BB should be good to go by 5pm Monday. Cross your fingers. The last time BB went belly up you know it cost over $500 to rent a damn car. I didn't do that this time. I'm bummin' MIL's car every morning. Rob isn't too thrilled because he has to drive it here, but I'm not going to miss feeding the ferals for anything. He has to come early tomorrow morning because Mom has a dentists appointment. He'll be here by 7am, so I should be at the park by 7:30. I've never gone that early and I'm scared, so told him he had to accompany me. He had planned to mow the lawn while I was gone. Too bad, you're coming with me buster!!! I know my homeless guy is going to be sleeping in my space when I arrive. I just hope I don't scare the crap out of him. We get along really well, but he is mentally ill and I will wake him from a dead sleep. Cross your fingers he doesn't have a weapon. God please, just don't let him shoot me or something. If he does I'll try to alert you before I'm rushed to the emergency room.
Now for some long due replies in the event I don't return!!!
Cece ~ So glad you eventually got to take a peek. You're right. And you know what else dear heart? There's nothing like job security even if you hate the crap out of your co-workers! Dig in your heels baby...she's retiring soon and you'll be Queen Bee!!!
Shutter Spy ~ You still alive?!!! Thanks darling. I haven't said hello in awhile either, so I forgive you. I'll stop by to inhale what you've been thinking. I'm looking forward to lots of aqua. You know I love aqua! Nice to see your beautiful face. Well...camera. Well...lens!
I was just told my comment can not be accepted b/c it was over 4,000 charaters. What's up with this crap. I had to edit, save, delete...etc. What a wasted bunch of energy. I'm going to try and cut and paste the rest. Perhaps two times. Ugh!
Shutter Spy ~ You still alive?!!! Thanks darling. I haven't said hello in awhile either, so I forgive you. I'll stop by to inhale what you've been thinking. I'm looking forward to lots of aqua. You know I love aqua! Nice to see your beautiful face. Well...camera. Well...lens!
Abi ~ I know. It makes me smile. Hi darling!
Megan ~ Don't we all. Glad I could help. I'll keep searching the internet day and night to keep you happy! ;)
Maria ~ Hi honey!!! I'm going to look for the one in Poland. I think they've all been video taped. I'll let you know if I find it. It's fun, isn't it? I've always been a fan, but over the past few decades very torn because of all the controversary surrounding him. This was enjoyable because it was about his music. Maria, you always amaze me. You're so open and I admire you very, very much. Love you doll. I'll stop by soon. XO
Kylie ~ Makeup is not my thing, but it's still fun! I took a peek. And Moan and Groan is a TERRIFIC NAME!!! Who did think of it? Was that Cece? Hang in there darling. Love you so. XO P.S. Just so you know, I moved the magnet to the front of the frig where nothing can touch it! XO!
RC ~ Glad you enjoyed the video. I knew you would if you had a chance to take a look. Glad you passed it along.
I know you've been busy so I never worry when you don't show up. I just enjoy when you do. And now for hydrangea info!!! Hydrangea macrophylla 'Altona.' She's a good one. Can take partial shade to sun, but I would never recomment full sun in our area of Califonia because the when it's hot the sun it just too much. I always recommend partial shade: sun in the morning, shade in the afternoon. And water is important. Hydrangea needs water, but you can't overwater. However, if you ever see your leaves and flowers drooping, water like a mad woman!
I have two options for you, the east side of the house and the north. I know you don't want the north because of the trash cans, but I made our trash can area stunning because I was unwilling to look at trash cans and pea gravel only. I'll email photos or put up a post because the tranition was really remarkable. The east side of the house is ideal because of morning sun and afternoon shade. Hummmmmmmm. See how that works?! Also, keeping it in a container is an option because you can move it from sun to shade when necessary, but you really do have to remember to move it to shade on hot, sunny days. You also have to plant it in a big enough container. If you want to keep it in a container let me know and I'll give you the right size. It's absolutely and option and I do it all the time so know the drill. Also, Altona is a great hydrangea to dry. Do you know how to dry the blooms? If not give me shout and I'll tell you. It's not hard at all. It's all about timing. You'll feel it in the bloom. The color will begin to change and you'll hear a slight rustle and that's the clue to pick. For Altona, that should be around Septemeber. Yours is either blue or pink at the moment, but when the color begins to change, you'll notice. It'll probably fade to a greenish hue. Most do. Kylie gave me a great tip. Split the stem before sticking it in water. It works. Not so great with hydrangea that aren't in the drying stage, just in vase stage, but great for drying. My goal is to have at least 30-40 full heads by Christmas because we have double doors at the entrance and I want two big hydrangea wreaths. I successfully dried 4 over the past few weeks, but "Baby" got up on the kitchen counter while I was sleeping the other night and tossed them all on the floor and then had a party with the "Wee Folk." I woke to the biggest damn mess in the kitchen I'd ever seen. You try cleaning up a million damn flowers and parts of flower at 6 am! I wanted to wring her neck. And yes, I know it was her. She's a trouble maker and worse than "Ohno." Trust me. It's true.
Love you darling. If you have any questions about hydrangea or any plant don't hesitate to write, call, email, etc. I'm always here to help. Hope all is well. I'll stop by to see what you're up to. Hope you're holding on. Oh, love the post at The Wild Onion. I'm partying! I think alone! XO Love you.
Karen ~ God I gotta come see what you're up to. I will. Tonight if possible. Let's make it a date! Who's buying dinner? And yes, no matter what, the music does matter and the video's a hoot! I love you darling and hope all's well. I'll check in to see if it is!!! God please say it is! XO
OH GOOD LORD. Hi Bob. Bob, you know that photo's killin' me. You also know there's the trend to take a photo of the back of your head and post it. If you do, just stay around your hair, head and neck area. If I have to see your ass I'll revolt. No really, I'll just run to Australia. Yes, over the water.
DLD ~ You know, I was going to consult my dear friends about your question because I really don't know what it is about me. I will still consult them and probably post about it because I love and respect them so. 114...you caught me on an off month!!!!! I used to get so many comments I couldn't keep up. It was truly impossible. I've come to the point where I can almost keep up but have melt downs almost monthly! I'm serious, ask anyone!!! 114 was a gift. Just a challenge that turned into a gift because we were laughing about old times and one post that nearly reached 200. Kylie is one of my dearest, dearest old friends and has been with me since the beginning and Merelyme a new friend who makes my heart sing. You caught us all on a good day.
I've thought long and hard about your question and reflected on my life. I've always attracted people (and animals, but that's a whole notha story!). Always. I think because I care, and not just on a superficial level...deeply. I listen. I'm genuinely interested in what people have to say and think. Do I always agree? HELL NO!!! And anyone on this comment page will tell you I can often be, well..., I can be impatient and well...,opinionated. No, I'm not always kind. I do try, but I have faults just like everyone else, but I know I have them and everyone else knows I have them!!! I'm willing to admit all my mistakes and always willing to learn. I think that matters. I think people who visit my blog and know me, understand how hard I try. Two haven't, but that's only two out of hundreds, so I feel really lucky. Yes, I failed two and that bothers me, but perfection's an empty goal!
I guess what I'm trying to say sweetie is just be you. Say what you mean, mean what you say and pay attention to the people who honor you with a visit. And that's how I look at all who have graced my blog. It's been an honor to welcome them into my life. I'm different today than the day I started my blog. Not at my core, but all around it. All my friends, each and every one, have helped me navigate difficult times, open my heart even more, help see the world differently. I'm a different woman today than I was almost 3 years ago. That matters. It's good to grow. I've changed and I owe all to my blogging friends. I wouldn't change a thing about this experience. It has matter so much. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Please take time to meet all my friends. You'll love them and them you. Trust me. Welcome dear. I may not always visit, but I'll try. I'll see you soon. XO ;)
Cinnamon! Hi!!! Here's why. You have a Google comment page. I can't comment on a Google comment page. Trust me, I've tired. Nope. Can't.
You're lookin' great!!! You know, I am going to post the back of my damn head as soon as I can find time to get Rob to take the photo. I can't take it myself, can I? Not with out a tri-pod. I do have one, but it's in the garage and I refuse to try and find it. Be patient.
Stop by more often. It's always wonderful to see you. I do drop by, but obviously you aren't aware!!! Of course I'll stop by this week. No, I'm not kidding. I'll write on my comment page about your comment page. I guess that's the solution. Or I'll follow you all over the damn place and post comments. You do get around. You're sorta worse than me.
XO
Blogger's become a complete asshole. I can't believe what I had to go through to post all these comments.
Dear Suze,
Beautiful video!
just a bit of update.. Shara is in WY.
It's too late 12.46AM.. but i wanted to let you know am alive.. i'll not be online till wednesday.. you know why..
Gig's Mom passed away..so please let her know we all will be here for her..
love you dear
i'll stop by as soon as i can.
((hugs))
bindi
WV. rente.. am going to rent a heart for two days :)
I do hope I picked the right blog to respond on...It is just after 2am and way past this old mans bed time...in fact this is about the time I usually start my day.
I would normally respond to posts on my blog at my blog but I wanted to tap you back for your kind words, tonight.
I am not a visual artist, stick figures and not very good ones at that, seem to be the extent of my ability in that arena...It is words that I use to show an image and from that image it is up to the reader to decide what it says to them.
If there were no beauty to see in the world there would be only shades of gray to illuminate us. And it'd be a very dull place at that.
Yes the "24 hour" piece was meant to be more dark than light but then so is what the news broadcasts have become, a ceaseless quagmire of information meant to entertain us.
Honestly after the initial story the rest without new information is just a repeat and rehash of men stretching to squeeze every little bit of rating data out of the story du jour.
I see great and wondrous beauty in the world, even in Detroit where I live but in pointing to the shades and dark spots it is simply to employ a light upon them that we may see what we as a world culture are becoming.
As a poet I feel it my responsibility to not always put pretty words together but rather to the best of my ability to stop us from becoming a species unable to see pain and tragedy as anything other than entertainment, which I am certain you do not.
I wrote that piece, and read it to an audience tonight, to them and for them that think there is beauty in the misery of others. In the hope that there is still enough humanity left them that they may recognize themselves and see that ugly is ugly no matter how pretty the talking head presenting it is. I write of many things so please be no stranger.
Be well Suzanne, and never think it wrong to be able to see the beauty in the myriad shades of green in a single leaf. You are the most fortunate of souls.
Bindi,
Hi darling. Happy Monday! Don't be sad. It's almost Wednesday!!! See honey, you just gotta tweak the way you look at the situation. You'll adjust eventually. I'm absolutely confident. Everything's going to be okay baby. I believe that. Get over here and let me give you a hug. Dear God you're all hot and sweaty! How many miles have you walked today?!!! You better have bottled water with you Missy. Here's a great idea. Fill your water bottle half way then put it in the freezer the night before. Take it out the morning of your "vacation" and fill it the rest of the way. You'll have cold water the whole trip. Trust me. I do it all the time.
I was so sorry to hear about Debbie's mom, but also relieved because I know she was suffering. Giggi has a memorial posted and we can sign the guest book. Cece has a link at The Wild Onion, so stop by when you have an opportunity. I shared one of my favorite quotes by Emily Dickinson, "Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality." You know I lost my grandmother almost 20 years ago and Emily's words have always been a comfort.
I love you darling. Hope the sun is shining and you're looking up.
With so much love,
Me XO
Suzanne!!
i hope you remember me! it's "baby Suzanne" :)
well i just thought i'd say hello and ask you the biggest favor ever.
lately, i've been a little down and don't really know who to talk to and as i was thinking through absolutely everyone i know, you popped up! i thought maybe it would be cool if i could talk to you sometime through email or over the phone or something. if you're at all interested, my email is skeck424@gmail.com and you could let me know. i hope to talk to you soon :)
-Suzanne <3
Little Suzanne,
Of course baby. Of course. I've taken your email and will, well email!!! Then I'm going to delete your comment because as a mom I don't think your email should be so public. Okay, so I'm not a mom!!!, but there are a lot of assholes out there darling who prey on young teenagers and they now have your email address. Are some of them on my blog? I'm sure they are, they just don't reveal themselves, so I'll take the percaution you didn't and DELETING, DELETING, DELETING!!! (I hear Aunt Bindi saying "Amen!")
Always remember you have Miathri and Bindi too. They still adore you and they're still around. I'll put you back in touch with them. I really think both are better people than me. I do. They're smarter and wiser and what ever's wrong they have words of hope and wisdom far beyond mine.
I love you my wee one and hope you're okay. I'll email immediately, and then I'm going to delete that, okay?
Love you.
XO
That should have been "Delete, delete, delete." Hey, I'm exhausted!
Oh, and Beachbum...it's always nice to know Aunt Suzy's the last resort. You nut!
haha, thank you! and by the way, you make me laugh :)
Beachbum,
Get over here you little nuckle head and let me give you a hug.
You know what honey? It's nice to know you feel safe here. It's an honor. You make me laugh and feel all soft inside and that's a wonderful thing. Thank you. Now I have to go check my email!
XO
Baby, do you want me to delete your email? It's up to you. I relize you're a smart kid and you know what's best. If you say no I'm going to write a new post and bury it in the archives!!! No, I'm not kidding. I have your safety to consider.
I got your email and replied. Honey can you do an old lady a favor and tell me what <3 means! I know it should be obvious, but it isn't. Less than 3? What?! Am in in Algebra?
Okay darling, I have one more friend to respond to then I'm putting up a new post. I'll visit your blog as soon as I have a moment to exhale.
XO
Love you dear.
hahaha, i'm sorry but that is too funny! it's a heart! <3 seeeeee!
do you get it now?
oh and i really don't care if you do or don't delete my email. it's just some free one that i made awhile ago, i do have a real one. don't worry about it :)
-Suzanne <3 :D
I tilted my head and I saw it and said "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I see." And then you said "See???!!!" I nearly died!!! Too funny.
Okay, I won't delete because you're smart!!! I already knew that, but you know how aunts worry about stupid stuff. God it's so good to have you back. Did you see above that Bindi's here? Good, say hello when you have a moment or two. I accidently deleted my blog roll, so Dr. M isn't here, but you can get to him through Ms. B. He was in Africa recently and hard to contact, but make an effort. I know he adores you and will get in touch.
Ms. B recently left her husband and gave birth to Noah. So she now has two kids! It isn't always easy as I'm sure you know, so send some love her way. I know she'll love hearing your voice darling. And Dr. M loves and supports you and will be so happy to see your smiling face. Brighten his day and remind him you still intend to be a doctor. You still indent to be a doctor, right?!!!
I love you so much honey. I'm so glad you're here.
XO
Aunt Suzy ;)
The Walking Man,
I had to think really hard today. I'm not joking. It took a long, long time to find my voice to respond. Why? Because I knew you knew me. Within moments, you knew me. It's amazing how artists are drawn to poets and writers and poets and writers are drawn to artists. I honestly believe we compliment one another. I've realized it takes such a sensitive soul to understand the world. To capture it in all it's glory, both in color and in text. I knew you understood me the moment you mentioned pain. Because beauty comes from the ability to see the opposite. You know I deal with feral kitties and homeless every day and yet I paint beautiful roses. Hummmmmmmmmm. It's sensitivity. It's knowing and seeing something others don't. A guy recently commented on my blog that I was "full of myself." Hummmmmmmm. As an artist, you know how that hurts. You also know that to create you have to think differently than most people. It's a different world. Does that make me full of myself? No, of course not. It simply means I'm more aware and I'm very proud of that because I see what most don't. I know you do too. I read your words. I know. You write. I paint. And we accomplish the same goal.
It has been my pleasure to meet you. To have you visit. Just an honor. I will always stop by and hope you do the same. I know we know the others soul.
XO
Suze ;)
P.S. And about the media. I like to think I have an independant spirit and free will. I listen, but formulate my own thoughts. I use news to inspire, inform and motivate me, but I never let it dictate how I interpret life. Unfortunately some do. My dear man, I don't think that will ever change.
DLD
Oh forgot the most important thing. We laugh our asses off!
XO
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