Little Miss Lost Her Self

Am I behind the times, not with it, or old fashioned? I'm referring to childrens beauty pageants. I've watched in amazement, Toddlers in Tiara's, and Little Miss Perfect, and am shocked at what these mothers put their daughters through! Today alone, I saw one woman put her little girl through tanning treatments which she does on a regular basis. There's some melanoma in the making. Another who spray tans her daughter, a child wearing caps so her missing teeth don't show, and a little girl cringing as her mother rats her hair and makes her sit still while ten tons of make up are applied to her little innocent face, making her look like a hooker ready for the streets. One girl, slipped on some of her beads during her Wow Wear part of the competition, and fell off the stage. The first thing her mother said when she reached her daughter who was in obvious pain, to get back up there and finish. She was hurt! They weren't sure if she broke her leg or had a bad sprang! So after taking her back stage and putting ice on her leg, they put her limping self back on stage to finish. When she came in second, the tears flowed because she messed up by falling. It was pitiful! The mother and judges equated it to getting back on the horse. Thousands upon thousands of dollars are spent for clothing, wow wear, make up, consultants who train them how to walk the runway and perfect their talents, (whatever talents a toddler to 10 can possess) gas money to transport their little show pieces to the competitions where a handful of parents sit and coach them from the audience. And all for a grand prize of a trophy and a thousand dollars! I've seen some of the rudest children ever, and those who cry because they want nothing to do with fulfilling their mothers lost dreams of stardom. Then, when they lose, they are little basket cases that wonder why they aren't good enough. Then on the news today, a woman is defending giving her 8 year old beauty princess botox treatments all over her face. She says every mother should do this for their daughters. I don't think it is I who has lost her mind. I think it's these women trying to live through their daughters. At their expense. Am I wrong? Or just stuffy?!

Secret Millionaire

With all the negative programming on t.v. anymore, it's hard to find a good show. I just finished watching "Secret Millionaire". If you've never seen it, the premise is that a millionaire, posing as a man doing a documentary while volunteering his time, will visit an impoverished area in the U.S, get to know the people who offer their help and time, then donate money to those who do work from their hearts to aid those in need. Tonight was skid row in CA. Skid Row could be a city in itself. Fifteen thousand homeless street people reside there. Many have lost their homes, are handicapped, mothers and their children; the conditions were shocking. I was so touched by the generosity and love of people in their mission to help. One man handing out clothing, sleeping bags and hygiene kits gave a elderly gentleman with a walker the shoes right off his feet after someone sleeping near him on the sidewalk defecated on his. This show was so touching. You realize these are real people, living in real defestating situations. One hundred thousand dollars is split between those who are doing their best to help their fellow man. It makes me wish I had more to give, and more ways to help. So I will search. I know there are things we all can do that will make life better for someone less fortunate. Won't you join me?

Friends and Family

Two things stay consistent in my life.
My furry children,

and my blog family. Thank-you for being part of me.

Hearts and Hands for Sendai

Our moderators for Crazy Quilting International have created a logo for the Hearts and Hands for Sendai block campaign to aid rebuilding efforts in Japan. By clicking on the logo on my side bar, you will receive the information needed to participate. As stated before, this is for crazy quilt and traditional blocks. Please consider, they need our help, and love!

Pretty But Not So Pretty!

Well we didn't escape the warnings last night, and as much as I'm so done with winter, I have to admit it is beautiful outside.

Heavy snow and ice brought the pine branches to the ground. Can you see the bird feeder in there?

Looking off to the east, the black sky shows that our Canadian neighbors are getting the brunt of the storm right now.

Looking down the trees that line the drive way, gives another contrast to Canada.

Outside the porch, our "forest" as the triplets call it.

Our front yard, yes it is pretty. For right now, but please! Enough already!

Oh No Not Another Winter Storm Warning!!

Yep that's what it is! And our county is right in the worst of it, and being close to Lake Huron is no help! St. Clair County is the first county north east of Detroit, the one covered in pretty blue. Well it's not so pretty outside! The snow is fast and furious, and my dogs just came in looking like snowmen after only a couple minutes. The warning is until 8 Wednesday night. Lord have Mercy!

Backyard Bullies are Back

Blackbirds, starlings, grackles, they're back. I don't mind the red winged black birds, they are pretty and have a beautiful song, but the others I can do without. They chase my songbirds from the feeders, and empty it out so quickly. They'll toss the seed out of the feeder, and the ones on the ground clean it up. It's so frustrating! I wish there were a feeder that was black bird resistant!