More JoMo T-Shirt Love: Bigfish Hope for Joplin

Get 'em while they're hot! Bigfish Screenprinting from Springfield, MO is doing their part for those in Joplin. (No affiliation with the ska band, unfortunately.) Puchase a HOPE FOR JOPLIN TEE for $10 ($3 for us out of state folks showing their JoMo love) with 100% of the profits going to Disaster Relief Efforts in Joplin.

Reserve your shirt today by calling 417-869-1700 or email Bigfish directly!

100% of the proceeds are being donated to Convoy of Hope.

You know what I think would look great with this shirt? A tissue paper corsage...stay tuned, friends.

-L

Boots on the Ground: A Photo Story

Last night, it was hard to sleep thinking about the people effected by the tornado in Missouri this weekend. If it was hard for me to sleep, I can only imagine the night Sissy-to-be  and the rest of her family had. Apparently, I wasn't the only one thinking about the Jo-mOsters last night. I called my momala(who else do you call when you're upset about something?)  and she answered right away. I knew she had been up, too, because her usual "I-just-woke-up" voice was replaced with that harrowed tone she used when she'd been up waiting for me to check in from a late night out. Betty told me that quite a few of our relatives called throughout the day to ask about Kacie and her family. As much as all of their thoughts and concerns are appreciated, the call that loosened the knot in my chest and put the important things into perspective was from my Aunt Barbara in Arizona. 

She said:

"Tell Kacie that I'm not returning my plane ticket for Missouri in July. If the tornado postpones Kacie and Brian's wedding, I'm going down to Joplin, anyway. I'll just bring my boots and help clean up."

Before my late-night Betty-call, I went to the gym to work off a little steam. I watched CNN while I did my cardio, but I had the sound off. I was mostly interested in the ticker on the bottom of the screen with information about the storm. One of the messages that caught my eye said, "Boots On The Ground: FEMA Arrives in Joplin, MO."

I'm not the kind of person who feels comfortable asking for..well..anything, especially  help and most of all donations. In my opinion, this is a special and necessary circumstance when a little help will go a long way. Please, visit the Heart of Missouri United Way and make a donation to assist relief efforts following the tornadoes in Joplin. It's going to take a lot more than a couple pairs of boots to bring aide and support to the people who need it the most in Missouri.

By the way, not only will I be bringing my boots to help out come July, I'll be wearing my Donkeypants, too.
-L

Love me, know me, show me : Hearts out to Joplin.

On May 22nd, 2011, a deadly tornado devastated more than two-thirds of Joplin, Missouri. The unexpected disaster is being described as "the deadliest single tornado in U.S. history", "a war zone" and "insurmountable". 

Over the last few years, my family and I have been blessed to gain the friendship of my brother Brian's fiancee Kacie and her family. Sissy-to-be is one of the many Joplin-transplants across the country watching the effects of the devastation and destruction of Sunday's tornado from a far-off television or computer screen. I can't imagine what it must be like to be so far from your loved ones during a time like this.

A friend of Kacie's created a website called PrayForJoplin.com.

For $16.00 you can purchase the PrayForJoplin tee. All profits directly support those suffering in the wake of this terrible tragedy. Shipping is quick and free.


Shortly after the tornado swept through Joplin, someone recorded a double rainbow in Springfield, MO, less than 75 miles away. Call this what you will, science or coincidence, but my vote goes with the Big Guy:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”



Kacie, Erin, Lance, Cindy, Tim, and the city of Joplin, our hearts go out to you.

The Weekend in 5 Insta-Snaps

I've been using this free app called Instagram to take photos on the fly, lately. As wonderful as my Canon is, toting it around everywhere is less than so. I've been pretty impressed with the quality of the Instagram snaps. The app allows for Fun times playing with Filters and Focus. The fourth F that rules about Instagram, it's Free.

How was your weekend?
-L

Teaser

Late-night-like it.

kellyannie makes cycling themed jewelery on etsy. I like that.

onecanoetwo makes stationary creations from "carve(d) linoleum blocks and...teeny metal letters on (their) little letterpress." I like that, too.

*alwrong

Tonight, I spent a significant amount of time that I can never get back grading Catcher in the Rye essays. Regardless of their numerous gripes about Mr. Caulfield, I think the little buggers liked the book. I'm not done with the papers, yet; but my favorite line of the ones I already graded is: "Carl Luce's advice was aight*. He probably shouldntve screamed at Holden, but whatever gets u straight."
Two reasons why this line owns the leaderboard right now:
1) Carl Luce never screams at Holden in the book.
2) Note the asterisk next to "aight". At the bottom of this future Mark Twain's paper, he wrote:
*aight =alright :-)
Sorry, kiddo, that one is alwrong:-(

Oh, one of my favorites dropped two classic lines yesterday during our two hour block, which Tricia Gail got to witness. First he told me I "broke the class' spirit" because I don't let anyone talk or "chill or nothin'". Then he said that he imagines Tricia Gail is like a pit bull when she's angry, "once you let her off the leash, she crazy!"

I have heard from a reliable source in print that TG was a terror as a child and other children were afraid of her. Her mom's gang is apparently after me, too. Can you request to join the gang that's pursuing you? Hey, whatever gets you straight.

-L

You'll Do Lobelia & A Canal Photo Story

I can't believe I ever thought of leaving the 'boro. Every time I ride my bike after work, I find a new park or trail that leads me somewhere neat. Like today, I found another park by the 'boro Community Gardens. The path led me to the grave of a famous cow. Yes, you read that correctly, I rode my bike by the tombstone of a celebrity heifer. You'll Do Lobelia was the "good-natured, big-eyed Jersey" cow that became the mascot for Borden Co. dairy in 1940. And now she has her very own memorial gazebo in the 'boro. Seriously, I couldn't make this stuff up. If you'd like to learn more about You'll Do Lobelia's/Elsie's story, check out the Walker Gordon Farm website.

Also, a few snaps from last weekend's adventure on the canal with Libby and Maya.

What they ate: Liberty Bell ate at least seven of Maya's Frosty Paw nuggets. I'm pretty sure she helped herself to Maya's rawhides, too. Her owner ate one of Tricia's ice cream sandwiches. 

What they drank: Maya drank a lot of water. The dane refused h2o, unless it belonged to Maya. She's really a brat.

What they smelled: God only knows.

Such unusual doggies,

-L

Oh, on a side note, I get to spend two and a half hours with my favoritest 10th grade children ever tomorrow morning. You know, the one who called me a female Ellen DeGeneres and the other whose life dream it is to work in a barber shop giving out fades or being a gym teacher, "'cause it's easy as cheese." I'm bringing them bagels in hopes of stopping up their commentary with carbohydrates.

{OK}

When you find yourself in a situation you feel is impossible and the following questions bombard your brain:

But I have to bake three batches of cupcakes and cut out 60 wrappers for sweetdisposition?
But my apartment is a complete and utter mess?
But I volunteer myself to help with way too many projects?
But I'm a micromanager and I don't like giving anyone else responsibility?
But I have over 60 essays to grade?
But I haven't made a single lunch bunch meal that hasn't come out of a can or box in the last three months?
But males are continuing to get more and more disappointing as a species by the minute?
But I have six children and counting to tutor after school?
But I'm beginning to enjoy sitting in Panera alone on Sunday morning and cutting out coupons way too much for a 24 year old?

Just remember,

"Everything is going to be OK."

Seriously!
-L

NYC Masterboaters: A Photo Story

New York City was fortunate enough to be graced by my presence again this weekend. Keally P and I ventured into the left side of the Big Apple and began our day picnicing in Central Park with Jenny B. Afterward, we earned the titles of Masterboaters as we rowed a boat, and did not ride bikes ahem, in the Central Park puddle. Many photography opportunities followed, we stayed out of the rambles. Shopping occured at H&M and Urban with Mattquest. (Why is he even in this post, you ask? I'm not sure, he doesn't even officially follow p&p.) Dinner happened at Manana, I'll be staying away from shrimp quesdillas forever. Finally, before heading out to celebrate our birthday girl, Sara; Jenny B and I avoided a near death experience. Jenny B inadvertently tried to kill me while simultaneously saving my life. Thankfully, she's my strongest friend. Never trust an IKEA bookshelf not bolted to the wall, dear readers. Anyway, enjoy the photostory:

Anyone else grateful to be alive this Sunday evening?
-L

Weird Clip Art Wednesday: Three Kittens

I like cats, especially when they're dressed up in tuxedos and striped pajamas. I don't have my own, but I've made friends with some very lovely ones like Steph B's Zeke, Rosie's Sophie, Erica's Beja, and Larissa's late great Barnaby. Come to think of it, all these fancy felines are long haired kitties. Betty and the GOAT have a cat who's affection is unconquerable, in other words, we are not BFF. I've bribed Rosie the tuxedo cat with the Hitler mustache with Pounce after Pounce. I've event spent hours playing the rubberband game that's really only fun for her.  Still, she refuses to acknowledge me unless her food bowl is empty; or, if it's dark and she feels like sneak-attacking my ankles. I guess some housecat hearts just can't be won over that easily. She loves the GOAT, though. Typical. That guy makes St. Francis look like a rookie.

Please note the picture of Puss and Boots battling a dragon above kitties' bed,

-L