hiatus complete

Hmm. How to begin. Did I tell you at the beginning of 2011 that I made a vision board? Well, I did. Just a small thing that kept track of my goals for the year. More like a souped up to-do/I'd like to-do list. Well turns out those things are kind of powerful. I was able to start consigning some plush through some great shops, it helped me get my creative life organized & more focused. And in my personal life well...let me explain. On the homefront, my former jellybean turned into a gumdrop (aka she got older, in non-mom speak). She seemingly went from this:

 

to this:


and this:

this is my fav pic of her from that year

 and now:

How did this happen so fast?! I mean one of the schmaltzy things parents and the like tell you is that this time in their life flies past, and even though some times seem to drag on (shout out to the middle of the night wake ups from the past!), I think back now and it all seems like a blur. 

Shortly after my last post, J & I found out that our gumdrop is on the Autism Spectrum. More specifically she has Asperger's Syndrome. How is she doing now? She's doing great and frankly, she's killing it in pre-school, but last year around this time, I was caught up in a lot of worrying and took major time away from online & creative ventures. Getting her the therapies she needed quickly took top billing on my vision board.

 Meanwhile, I was trying to get organized. I'd been stockpiling gumdrops clothes for the past 3 years in spacebags. The mountain of bags had finally reached the ridiculous stage. When I originally made my vision board, I'd toyed with the idea of being ready for a 2nd child. J, well he was born ready. If it were up to him, we'd have enough girls to have our own softball team. (His words). I'd started to sift through the clothes, selling off some items on Ebay that were either a pain in the butt to put on her or gifts that...weren't quite our taste, to put it nicely. I was working up to do a massive sell off on Ebay, figuring by the time we had our 2nd child, the old stuff would be too old and we'd want new stuff anyway by that point, right? Hahaha sigh.

oh life, you're so funny.

yep. that's right. the vision board got me pregnant. well with some help from J of course. heh. [insert joke here]. so the hiatus that i thought was over resumed with the onset of morning sickness that lasted approximately, oh i dont know...8 months? yeah. gross. growing people takes a lot out of you. 

Oh, OH! and then? we moved from our old place. yes, we moved again. we are a nomadic people. But with a new lil bundle on the way, moving became priority one. It took longer than expected to find a new rental because apparently, every family in our town was looking for and at the same properties we were. We finally found one, about a month and half before my due date, perfect timing right?

yeah, new jellybean, i felt the same way

About 4 days after our move, I went into labor.

24 hours later, I had a new jellybean- 3 weeks earlier than originally planned. 

Like I said, life is funny.

To sum up: vision boards- powerful; gumdrop- doing awesome, loving her new sis; new jellybean- enjoying life on the outside; new house- perfect, complete with an unscary basement; family- full o'love; 

creative pursuits & plush- OH WAIT!@ I forgot to mention...

So on top of all the commotion as of late, yknow, raising a 3 year old, being pregnant, packing, moving, unpacking, having a kid, I decided "hey, why not apply to Plush You this year, it's not like you're busy or anything  [haha] and it will get you back into the swing of things creatively and the places you consigned with last year would know that you are in fact, yknow, still alive". 

Well guess what? I GOT IN! I'm in Plush You 2012 @ Schmancy in Seattle! So yeah, stay tuned for progress on that too. 

Whew. Ok I think you're all caught up. 

Go buy my stuff at Salty! um...please.

how can you deny those faces?

I just sent over a bunch of adorable plush [if i may say so myself] to the Salty Not Sweet boutique! They are located at 2074 W. 25th St. Cleveland, OH 44113. Right down the street from the historic West Side Market. (if you remember from a previous post, I did a plush window installation for them a few moons back). They took the picture above once the products arrived in store :)

Wait, are you still here reading?  Go. Go now! Ok, stop at the West Side Market First, get some fresh produce, walk around a bit, enjoy the sites, then go buy my stuff. Please and thank you.

secret.

here's a confession: i don't care for yarn bombing.

wikipedia describes it thusly:
Yarn bombing, yarnbombing, yarnstorming, guerrilla knitting, or graffiti knitting is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted cloth rather than paint or chalk.

I'd sort of thought this had come and gone 5ish years ago, but I guess more mainstream outlets are just now finding out about it?

don't get me wrong, there are some forms of it that i truly enjoy. The vibrant colors can really perk up an urban landscape. sometimes, it's even kinda cute in a fauxhemian kinda way, like this tree:

so why don't i care for it? it's the long term effects really. As seen in this episode of the Mighty B (a show i really miss btw):

The Mighty B!
Get More: The Mighty B Episodes,The Mighty B,The Mighty B Games

After a few days of rain, exposure to the environmental elements, & some mid to high temperatures, fabric gets...well, stinky. Unlike more permanent graffiti methods, the yarn starts to take on a smelly, droopy life of it's own. If there were a way to implement some sort of ongoing maintenance for these installations, i'd be 100% behind it. Even if it were as simple as untie-wash-retie or after said number of months, replace with a fresh installation. But I don't want to see some sort of droopy, sad, and forgotten lump of acrylic wrapped around a light pole.

Maybe I'm just out of the loop, or just being a fuddy duddy about the whole thing. But it's still my opinion. For now, I'll take mosaics and a spray paint can over yarn.

Things I have learned in 32 years...and a quickish crafty x-post

OK. I turned 32.

At this point, it's a yay, but I've seen everything past my 20s as a win-win. Not that I didn't like my 20s, but I was a lot more...emo than I thought I would be during them. Once you get past your 30s, things are both simpler but more complicated. Like you gain weight, you lose weight, you gain it back, but then when you put it in the perspective of "hey, someone lived inside your body for 9 months, had to be cut out, and you're still around to tell the tale", I can deal with being plus size for awhile. On the opposite side of the spectrum, it's having to deal with hearing high schoolers saying things like "what was the name of that old band..not Smashing Pumpkins...right, Janes Addiction!". Or looking at VH1 classic, and seeing every band you loved from the 90s, and realize that kids now have no idea how awesome it was to actually go into a record store and spend hours there (and there was an actual "Indie" section!) Sigh. really, kids?

Also, I am really, really intolerant of the heat. Sure, I turn a dazzling golden bronze, but I'm a sweater. Sweater? is that the proper term for one who sweats a lot vs A cotton-polyester yarn garment worn to keep warm? Hmm. Anyways, I sweat. So by the time I get to my destination I either look like I've just come in from the rain or someone just finished doing something salacious (wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more). Either way, not a proper way to show up while dropping your child off to daycare. I blame Ohio, really. There is no reason why we should have 4 straight months of snow, then 3 months of rain, 4 non consecutive beautiful spring days, then turn as hot as the devil's balls (pardon my french) for 3 straight months. hmph.

So what have I been doing the first half of 2011, you may ask? I was busy...being awesome. Besides watching the wee one become a real kid (seriously, when did she get so big??) and creating smaller plushes (bunnipus'), I was busy making a huge project for....
So last Saturday, May 21st, the Salty ladies re-opened their wonderful shop in Ohio City (2074 W. 25th) with a grand opening par-tay! The hubs & I went to show our support....and to see the window art installation plush they so kindly displayed for their big event!

here's me feeling dorky standing in front of it

and again, me feeling dorky, standing behind it...with a celebratory Yuengling.
stay classy.

Everything looked so great in the shop! There were all sort of great handmade goods, new vintage pieces, products showing Ohio some love, cute jewelry, super yummy smelling Terre Verde Soap & Candle Co. products, letterpress/handmade (and hilarious) cards...the list goes on!

We stayed long enough for me to snag a pair of button earrings & record hair clips, though I had my eye on so much more. Alas, we had a babysitter to relieve & a bambina to watch over. I plan on going back really, really soon.

It's great to see that area of town getting a facelift & much needed economic boost. I'm also partial to that area since we lived in Ohio City for a short period of time right after our big move from Philly (where I shortly discovered a month later I was expecting...but that's a story for another time & another blog.)

If you live in the Cleveland area, I suggest you get your tushes down to see the shop. It's only a block away from the historic West Side Market and right next door to the equally cool Room Service shop.

Oh, and after the plushes have run their course in the windows, they will be available for sale through the shop. Just want to put that out there :)

half year in review

It occurs to me that since it is now June, this would be a good time to reflect on what i've gotten done thus far. This new year I opted to do a vision board in lieu of normal resolutions that I keep to until...let's be generous and say late January. I found that sharing my resolutions didn't make me feel any more prone to keeping them. I've never quite been one for following directions, even if they are my own. The idea of the vision board drew me in as it's more about attracting what you want & doing what you can to make your dreams achievable. Ugh. that's sounds so corny, but it works for me so shush.

funny

via someecards.com

this makes me laugh in a very genuine way. good times.

want.

I don't ask for much...other than bubble tea, green tea lattes (or lattes in general...or anything iced), or toys, or craft supplies...hmm. maybe i do as for a lot. ok lemme start over.

I ask for a lot. I know, I have wants. But in my best Morrissey impression, please please please let me get what i want this time. and this time it's this bike. Electra Bike's Gypsy 3i Cruiser. I mean, look at the basket!! That's how I want to cruise around town with the jellybean in tow. *le sigh*

Happy New Year!!

bhc 3
Originally uploaded by sweetfructose

Ok so I may be a little late, but if it helps i've been posting a lot...in my mind. It just never quite makes it onto the interwebs. Teehee. anyways, I've been crazy busy, not only with the wee queen jellybean, but with a big crazyawesome project. so stay tuned.

For now, here are my bunnypus'. Handsewn in the first 2 weeks of the year. My resolution this year was to knock out 2 creations in the first month, and the rest of the year, use a vision board for short and long term goals. Done and Done.

More good stuff to come! xoxo

Plush You Seattle 10.08.10

Is it okay if I get mushy? well, okay, allow me a little mush. I feel really, really fortunate to not only have been accepted once, but twice to Plush You in Seattle. *sniffle*, sigh. My bambina was still crawling about, still formulating her plan to take over the world. And now? well, let's just say that the old adage of children being like the sea & never turning your back on either, still rings true. Okay, so I heard it from Kindergarten Cop, it's no less true.

If you are in the Seattle area, the Plush You! Seattle show opens tonight, October 8th, with a sure to be funtimes opening party at Schmancy (1938 2nd Avenue) from 5pm to 9pm. The show will run for a month, until November 11th. Amazing plushies from over 100 artists from around the world will be on display at Fancy, Schmancy, & Nancy. Last year, my plush showed at Bluebottle Gallery, and this year, my sweet treats will be showing at Nancy, Schmancy's sister store. If you cannot make it, never fear, you can at least view my submissions HERE, on my flickr set. Though if you do find yourself there, PICTURES, Please!! I'll be your best friend, or at least I'll be that friend who doesn't post weird passive aggressive messages in her Facebook status & doesn't clog up your timeline with items about Farmville.

I wish I could be there in person, but with a wee person with a runny nose & a move on the horizon, it was a no go. Maybe one day I'll have ficticious free time & someone else's bank account to descend on Seattle & buy everything in Schmancy...and Big Fun. One can dream :)

X-posted to sweetfructose

plush you peekaboo

here's one of the plush pieces sent off to Seattle this year:

Allow me to introduce you to Hubbabubbapus

me likey the sweets


more updates & photos to come to the Sweetfructose blog as I get a chance. Jellybean is fighting a case of the sniffles and kicking its undercarriage if i do say so myself.

alfonse

alfonse
Originally uploaded by sweetfructose

furry monster coming soon to the shop :)

long time no see, right?

so where have i been? let me sum it up in a haiku:

busy as usual
new pics of new goodies soon
crafting ain't easy.

Plush You 2010 is coming up very, very soon. I was lucky enough to be selected once again, this time showing at Nancy, right next door to Schmancy! Wishing I could be there in person to see everyone's work. Mr. sugarhearts, jellybean, and I will be moving to a new place in town this month, and while we would've loved a trip to Seattle, using the $$ to hire movers this go round will make getting adjusted SO much easier.

In the time that has passed since my last post, Jellybean is now a running, climbing, talking, attempted rock-eating dynamo. I've been sketching a lot but have not had time/space to do proper sewing without curious little fingers getting a hold of things.

I did make a decision though. Most of you know me as "sweetfructose" from twitter. So I've decided to make most of my plush and other creature creations available through a new Etsy site, http://sweetfructose.etsy.com . I have some furry monsters and cephalopods x food plush to load into the shop very soon. I will be using the cinnamonsugarhearts store for some upcoming planned homegoods and other assorted cutery. yep, that's right. cutery. chalk it.

I'm also branching another blog, sweetfructose.blogspot.com, more for assorted plush & randomness, whereas this one will be more for my past works, home life, bragging about my lil jellybean, and more day to day musings. so be sure to follow me there, too!

yum-burger

mmmm...my name is franz. i'm a delicious, char-grilled cephalopod.
fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, melted cheese...mmm, how could you not love me?
wait..wait...that wasn't an invitation to a bite!!!

oh no!

phew, back on the plate, but still delicious.

new stuff...and things. totally.

i won't let my title sway me into a self-indulgent rant on how my impersonal grammar and speech really hasn't changed since college (i mean college, the first time around...*art school dropout, holla!* sigh. anyway.) i do realize that things should be capitalized and ellipses should not be used as often as i use them, but seriously look at this... see? didn't you think something good was coming after that? it has all the drama of an exclamation point without being showy. whoops, i'm veering off subject.

so i've decided to make a new blog, while keeping this one for craftiness, making a new one that will be more for my personal junk. Example:

this morning i realized that most of my fav kid shows are directed by Savage Steve Holland, the wonderful man who brought us Better Off Dead & One Crazy Summer, coincedentally 2 post pubescent cusack powerhouse films...etc, etc, etc.)

this way, i can rant the way i'd like when hollywood decides to make or remake films they have no business considering (i warned you all about transformers and gi joe, didn't i?) and not cloud up the area around my crafty makings. when i think of a proper name for it, i will let you know.

in other news, from the look of this blog, it seems that i have been in some dormant, plush-making slumber, but oh no, i have not. truth is, in between chasing a newly running, 1yr old jellybean

sassy.

and adapting to life & its constant curveballs, i just havent had the time to take proper pictures of all my creations. even my etsy store is stuck, frozen in time, much like the Oceanic 8, only my shop is stalled in the past holiday season and not 1977, but i digress.

new things are coming. heck, the "new things" have actually been made since new years, and were living in sketches for the past 6 months or so.(and yeah, i said heck. wanna fight about it?). my intent is to make this a proper blog, so as to satisfy myself and my self imposed new years resolutions. soon there will be pics of sketches, works in progress, finished works...yknow, the regular stuff. for now, here is a sneak peak of some cephalopod sweet treats that i will be sending over to a great new local shop, Salty Not Sweet...as soon as i can do some proper packaging of course :)
(and again, please excuse the quick pic):

note the books in the backgroud people, we're deep.

more good things are coming people, of all shapes, sizes, and flavors...[dramatic ellipses]. just be patient with me ♥ ♥

ok, now for the real resolutions

The way I figure it, here is how new year's resolutions should go:

1) write down everything you'd want to accomplish ever

2) sort that list out to things you want done in a year

3) then with that list, shorten that down to a list of things you could feasibly get done without feeling like a quitter or setting crazy standards for yourself.

They're just resolutions people. There are no new years police patrolpeople coming to get you if you don't lose 5 lbs by valentines day. No one is going to physically threaten you if you don't get organized (and if you did set something up where someone would come and harm you if you didn't get said things done by a set time, you should really consider not making resolutions anymore).

If anything, the most reasonable resolution to make , and possibly the only one necessary is:

*1 be kinder to yourself.

Don't beat yourself up by using unrealistic standards. If your loved one gave you that list of items, would you tell them they were being crazy? If the answer is yes, it's time to rethink the list. The truth is, you don't even really need to make resolutions. You could just wake up one random day and decide to make changes, and that's great too. But the new year is sort of like a clean slate, a date you can look forward to and plan for. If things don't work out by Jan 21st, it doesnt mean that on the 22nd you can't start anew! (It also doesn't hurt that after eating so many rich, sugary, delicious treats from Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all their leftovers, it's good to have a stop the madness date in mind.)

If you can't already tell, this post is more for me than for anyone else who may happen upon it, but if it helps you too, i'm glad.

So, that being said, here is my list, once again, in no particular order (with *1 above being the utmost priority)

a) Take the time to exercise & stretch more. You'll feel better in the long run. If one workout doesn't work out as planned, try another.

1) NOTE: I tried the Fit Test of the Insanity Workout today. WOW. Try to keep to the schedule. I'll keep the blog posted on my progress.

b) take time to just veg. without feeling guilty. read a book, a magazine, sketch...

c) Make more awesome plush

d) set up office to make it more crafting friendly

1) figure out a better system for fabric storage. if i don't see them i forget them.

e) write down ideas the minute you have them

f) eat healthier. just in general. use common sense. and yes, let yourself have an ultra sweet coffee thats more like a dessert than a beverage. it's the little things.

g) blog more & change the layout. dealing with html gives me a headache but i am in need of change. done!

h) be only responsible for your actions. and the negativity thing from the other post too

i) try to keep the house as tidy as possible. its easier to think in an uncluttered, cleanish home.

j)ditch old clothes, sell on ebay, get better clothes on ebay & get the thrill of the auction win.

Okay. now I'll check back in about...3 months, so early Aprilish?, to see what needs to be fine tuned or changed. Ok team? break!

resolute

Resolutions to get awesome...ok, to become more awesome, cause i'm already pretty great.

note: being humble did not quite make the cut to be on the list this new year.

I'll add more as I think of it and update it at the midway 2010 point, cause it's my list and i'll do what i want.

(in no particular order):

1. Health & Well-being

A. Move myself up on the list of people to take care of

a) INSANITY (I'll let you know how that goes-product reviews have been pretty good)

b) Remember Yoga? Yeah that thing that made you feel less crakle-y and helped your back...May come in handy when carrying around a 23 lb adorable jellybean.

c) Make time to read books that don't involve elmo or figuring out the alphabet

2. Make more awesome plush

a) finish purging old stuff from the office to set up shop in there instead of leaving a trail of glitter in the living room

b) don't get bummed if someone beats you to an idea.

c) keep a notebook in each common area of the house in case you get an idea. Don't say, oh I'll go upstairs/to the comp/wherever in a minute to write it down, cause you'll forget.

3. This kinda goes with health & well being but eat healthier, which I know is such a resolution cliche, but with the jellybean eating real food now, we have to set a good example.

a) The Gorgeously Green Diet

b) Super Baby Food

c) or just wing it and make wiser shopping choices

4. Make more time for fun, even if fun involves #2 on the list

a) blog more. i used to write my myspace one everyday. then again, i was both childless & jobless, thus had all the time in the world, but i digress. i find myself pretty amusing, and it helps clear the jumbles in my mind if i get it out on paper...um, wireless things.

5. Try to rely more on water, tea, and exercise, and less on uber sugary coffee mixtures when tired

6. Don't absorb others' negativity, insecurity, and deflection. Be a rock, not a sponge. (i know, I'm deep)

7. If older spring/summer clothes don't fit by the time the season rolls around again (or earlier), let it go. Per Stacey & Clinton, dress the body you have now --and save space

8. Invest in a pair of those dustmop slippers . Seriously, the house is all hardwood, it just makes sense. Plus, it will keep the steps from looking like a scene from an abandoned house in scooby doo.

Happy Holidays!!

The family is about to embark on a holiday / birthday trip, so before we go,

and I undoubtedly forget to update the blog, I thought I'd send some good seasonal vibes out and

wish everyone a happy, happy [fill-in-the-blank]

& a happy new year ♥

Go Ask Alice

Go Ask Alice

Doll and Plush Art Show

So, now, what did I make for this lovely show, you may ask?

Well, here, I'll show you:

Emo White Rabbit.

Don't touch his hair.

Seriously, don't touch his hair.

He spent hours on it. That's why he's late.

Do you know what time it is?

(if you answered, "Time to get ill!", there is a special place in my heart just for you)

And then....

That's Right, more Smoosh Hearts!

Say hello to The Lonely Hearts Clubs !

"But...", you may say, "there's no number '1' in a deck of cards."

tsk, tsk. think i don't know that? silly pants.

In a regular deck of playing cards, the lone club is designated for the "Ace"

But while hiding in the Royal rose garden from the Queen,

the frightened clubs got separated.

Together, they are happy, Apart they are sad.

Far from being "Aces", eh?

Besides, 1 is the loneliest number

And last, but certainly, not least

'Pillar & 'Shroom.

Best pals living in the forest.

Not a care in the world, & hate to be bothered.

Though nothing much bothers them anyway.

Favorite pastime? Well, you can probably guess that. (Shared pipe included)

Second favorite pastime? Just hangin' out.

'Pillar

He's bendable.

'Shroom

Look for a mini photo comic of 'Pillar & 'Shroom, coming soon!

Now here's more info about the show & venue:

20+ ARTISTS GET CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER

Inspired by the classic tale Alice in Wonderland, more than 20 artists from around the world have created unique interpretations of their favorite Alice in Wonderland characters for this creative art show. Come prepared to be amazed by numerous one of a kind Cheshire Cats, Mad Hatters, Alices, White Rabbits and Wonderland characters galore!!! The show will include "dolls" in every form; sculpted, beaded, wooden, amigurumi, mixed media with an emphasis on fabric and plush art. With work ranging from the surreal to the cute, this show will be fun for art collectors, doll lovers, holiday shoppers, kids at heart and kids too! The show opens Dec 5th with a Mad Tea Party reception featuring tea by Loop & Leaf. The Show runs through Jan 7th 2009.

Go Ask Alice Artists include-, Lana Crooks, Yummy Pancake, 9-Kei, Jenny Harada, Heather Saunders/Needlings, Chris Creatures, Dan Levin, The Raggy Rat, Felt Mistress, HamsterandHIPPO, Absolutely Small, Follow the White Rabbit, FuzFrenzy, BeadDream, Plushroom Soup. Kate Savage, Little Critters, Children of Eve, IsGood, Leeanna Butcher, Scumptious Delights, Moon’s Creations, Vanae Rivera ….and more!!!

MAD TEA PARTY RECEPTION

Paul Cumes Fine Art will be hosting a fun and fabulous event to open the Go Ask Alice Doll and Plush Show. Join us from 6-pm to 9pm Dec 5th for a Mad Tea Party themed opening reception featuring delectable truffles from Jessica Foster Confections, teas, champagne and cupcakes!

"Oh, you can't help that," said the Cat: "We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad."

PAUL CUMES FINE ART†GALLERY

Paul Cumes Fine Art is operated by local artist Paul Cumes and his wife, Cimmi. Currently†Paul Cumes is showing oil paintings and sculptures,†and his gallery often hosts art by Santa Barbara’s favorite artists. Located just across the street from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens at 131 East Anapamu Street.

For information about Paul Cumes Fine Art visit the gallery blog-

http://artsantabarbara.blogspot.com

Why I can't take Twilight seriously

Ok. I realize my posts have become increasingly Andy Rooney-like & crotchety. It's only a matter of time before I start my blogs with "Didya ever wonder why....", so trust me, this will not be one of those hating on Twilight posts.

I tried to read it. Really. Despite my husband selling me out to our friend who let me borrow the book by telling her "She leafed through it but since there were no pictures, she lost interest." (Half true, I'm afraid...I'll explain later*), I really did try. I knew at least 2 people who got sucked in to these books, I wanted to like it.

Now, besides the fact that when I borrowed the book, I hardly had any free time to read it--being a new mom can be tough-- I think a combination of things led me to dismiss it before I even had the book in my hands:

1) I'm over 25.

If you love it, and you're over this magic age, more power to you. We all have our thing, and if this is yours, enjoy it to its fullest.

2) When I first heard about this whole craze, I had a different picture of who the leading man would be in my mind. and it was never....hmm. whoever plays Edward. wait, is it Edward? The pale one with big hair that loves the equally pale girl. Sure, I could research this doing a simple google search, but I'm not writing an article for the AP. hmph.

3) I've seen my fair share of vampire movies, granted most have been seen through the cracks of my fingers. I know this series of stories are geared towards the teenage/young adult sect so they can't be as gory as their predecessors, but as vampire movies go, it seems like the High School Musical equivalent, sans the singing... and replace bubbly, tanned teens with brooding, emo teens. I can't help but roll my eyes

4) the hype killed it. just killed it. sometimes I can look past it and love something thats even cheesy and corny (for example, as noted in #3, i actually like High School Musical. oh that's right, I said it. why?? see #1) but when I saw that there were riots in mall bookstores, i just couldnt get past it. and I'm not one to automatically dislike all things popular.

and most importantly, #5):

It had everything: an ass kicking grandpa, the dude from Overboard as the head Vampire (oh please, if that spoiled anything for you, then you deserve a hit from a knitting needle. seriously, you should have already seen this movie.), BOTH Coreys in their heyday, the dude from Bill & Ted, a greased up saxophone player/singer, and a glorious, young Kiefer.

*How could I possibly have any patience for a book that had nothing to draw me in like The Lost Boys did?

"But what about the new movie, New Moon?" You may ask. "Why don't you give that a try and maybe you'll get interested?"

Sigh. Really?

Are you really gonna make me do this?:

case closed.

We Won!....ish.

So according to Business Week, Lakewood is the best place to raise lil jellybeans in Ohio. Yay! Maybe this will attract some businesses to the area to occupy vacant retail spaces. According to the Business Week;

"Lakewood, on the shores of Lake Erie about seven miles west of downtown Cleveland, is an affordable suburb with tree-lined streets and great schools."

Preach on, Business Week. This is a lovely little burb.

Ok. I have one gripe about the article, and not just the Ohio page.

It's the pictures you chose, Business Week... and I'm just guessing here, you tweaked them, didn't you?

ok. more downtown Cleveland than Lakewood but close enough...ish

It's not as obvious here...ok maybe it is, but why the weird superimposed people in the area shots? I mean, a lot of the places chosen are scenic enough to stand alone without hammering home that there are happy kids somewhere in the area. Also, can we try to make it look more realistic?

Case in point, Alabama:

First of all, What?? Second of all, No.

Umm. Ok. What happened to her hair?? And don't tell me you don't see it. Also, the kids sort of look plastered on like a bumper sticker. I would've appreciated just a simple scenic shot to show me the beauty of each individual area rather than this "Hey look! Kids!" approach.

Bad editing aside, if you are looking for a change of scenery & raising children (or soon will be), the Business Week article gives good, basic information on our nation's cities. Don't let the pictures taint the recommendations. provided. Just giggle at them. I did.

The best. Just a busy guy, working in his office. With his kid. In the middle of the lake.