Adieu July
Submitted by admin on July 31, 2009 - 5:06 am
Bonjour!
And so another monthof the summer has passed with the stroke of midnight tonight. How has it been for you? It’s definitely been an interesting summer thus far for me. Made more interesting by the fact that I have had some call backs this week for job interviews . .. in Los Angeles. So now I have to decide if I want to spring for the ticket and head out west next week. Not much of a decision really but I want to make sure I have some concrete interviews set up before I spend the cash to fly last minute. . .
I’ll know by day’s end today.
Which brings me to today’s thought:
“The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.” -Price Pritchette
We can find the evidence for whatever good (or bad) things we want to see in our life. What we focus on is what we tend to experience. . .
So today’s post will continue on where yesterday’s left off; with pictures from The Alamo and SeaWorld on Matt’s town leave. He was seventh out of I think 350 for physical training awards (shocker – look at him – he’s a lean machine) so he earned extra town leave privileges. Yay.
Mom made us take a bunch of family pics.
After many, many "takes" we finally had a keeper.
And a few screw-ups along the way.
Jeff is frickin hilarious.
I had an idea for a "Vanity Fair Cover" picture of the kids. This is what we came up with. I love my family. I never laugh harder then when I'm with them.
After pics we headed over to the Alamo. This was about the gist of it. Look kids the Alamo. Okay, lets go.
Matty poo with mom and mom's Andrew.
Mom heading down to the only shaded place in San Antonio; the River walk. It was like the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland only hotter and for adults.
Next we went over to SeaWorld. It was so hot all any of us could do was stand in the shade of the dolphin tank and put our hands in the water for cooling.
I have a mild obsession with dolphins - having grown up in Alaska where you don't get friendly, adorable sea creatures in the frigid ocean. I think they are adorable - they're the Labradors of the Sea. This little baby kept coming over to Jeff. She became obsessed with him.
She wouldn't leave him. He thought it was because he had some dolphin 6th sense. I think it was because none of the children there had alcohol seeping out of their pours from a previous night of drinking with the guys.
But pretty soon he was getting her to flip over like this so he could rub her belly. She seriously loved him. This went on for about twenty minutes until we left.
And of course, what is SeaWorld without Shamu and the killer whale show.
All in all it was a great weekend. I think this picture in the hotel lobby pretty much sums it all up.
Airman ManBearPig reporting Sir
Submitted by admin on July 30, 2009 - 12:03 pm
Bonjour!!
Well sister finally got the pics of our lovely adventure in hot Texas up. They are pretty fabulous so I thought I’d post a little photo tour of all the happenings. I will cover the on-base activities at LackLand today; tomorrow I’ll put up the rest of the weekend’s pics. Too much for one day!
Bon Appetit!
The first day I arrived ManBearPig had base leave. So we were able to wander around with him all afternoon; just sister, mom and me (Jeff and the 2Andrews hadn't arrived yet).
ManBearPig and Momma.
Me and ManBearPig. (p.s. I am in heels. He is 6'5" - hence his ManBearPig nickname)
Matty and his sissys.
The next day, Friday the 24th, was his graduation parade and ceremony. Jeffe and I are on the lookout for the elusive Airman ManBearPig.
Flags on Parade.
There he is! Why won't anyone take me serial? I knew there was a ManBearPig.
Looking Good.
Matty with his flight.
When graduation ended, the airmen stayed in formation on the parade field and the families got to go out and find them and then they were free to go. The race was on. I knew I would locate ManBearPig first.
I found ManBearPig first!!
Everyone is super stoked on me!
All the kids caught up - sibling photo!
Flashing my own salute.
After graduation we were able to walk over and tour Matt's dorm.
I have no idea how he fit in the tiny 6' bed. He said he would just curl up so he would fit. LOL.
While the guys and mom went to the PX - Sister, her L.B. and I all went and toured the planes around the parade grounds. No easy endeavor in the 105 degree heat. We sat under the wings for shade.
A B-17.
Heaven's Above.
Me and the mustang.
Hiding in the shade.
A little dark but me and sis.
In the shade until the fam picked us back up - and we were off base!
Duchess is diggin on . . .
Submitted by admin on - 5:18 am
I thought I’d make a list of some of the things I’m diggin lately – in case anyone is looking for new book, music, movie recommendations, etc.
I’ll keep it updated when I find great new things I’m diggin on.
Music:
The “M.U.S.I.C.” album – Andree Belle
“Light” – Badassjackson
“Breathe” – Telepopmusik
“Breathe Me” – Mylo remix (of Sia song)
“Starlight” – Muse (LOVING this one)
“Temple EP” – Hook (can’t buy in the U.S. – if any of you lovely overseas readers wants to purchase this and email/mail it to me let me know 
“Singing in the Rain” – Mint Royale
“Good Luck” – Basement Jaxx
“Lightsonic” – Groove Armada
“Magic” – Bruce Springsteen
“You and Me” – Neil Young
“A Natural Beauty” – Neil Young
“Teenager of the Year” – Ataris (not “The” Ataris, just Ataris and it’s another one you can’t get in the U.S. apparently, grrr, all my good music comes from England and Australian)
“Sex on Fire” – Kings of Leon (LOVE this one too)
“Bizarre Love Triangle” – New Order
“Crystal” – New Order (LOVE this one)
“Silver City” – GhostlandObservatory (this is my favorite song to walk Labrador too – can’t walk without swinging your hips and dancing a little)
“All I know” – Basement Jaxx
“Aliens” – Alex Lloyd
“Can’t Hold On” – Endorphin (AM disc off the AM:PM album – another one that’s hard to find in the states)
“You Make it Easy” – Air
“Little by little” – Groove Armada
“Razor Love” – Neil Young
“Hayling” – FC Kahuna
“Signal to Noise” – Peter Gabriel (don’t ask me why I am obsessed with this song, there’s some chanting in the middle, it gets a little strange, but I have to tell you – this man’s music is other worldly. Like I honestly don’t think he’s human, he’s some sort of messenger from another world that has the gift of communicating with us mortals through music. This song literally makes me feel like I had some sort of transcendentexperience. It’s incrediblele; esp toward the end when it hits the climax – it’s amazing.)
Books
The Fountainhead – Ayn Rand (one of my top three fav reads)
The Razors Edge – Somerset Maugham (same as above)
The Alchemist – Paulo Coehlo (and there’s the third)
You shall know our Velocity – Dave Eggers
The Art of Racing in the Rain – Garth Stein (this book is FABULOUS!)
On Becoming Fearless – Arianna Huffington
Movies
(Comedy)
Saving Silverman: this movie cracks me up – Amanda Peet is such a b*tchit’s hilarious and any movie that features the great works of Neil Diamond is worth a watch!
Heartbreakers: I don’t like SigourneyWeaver and can’t stand Jennifer Love Hewitt, and STILL this movie makes me laugh every time! It’s a great little flick that didn’t get much play (I only watched it as an alternative to staring at the seat in front of me on an airplane ride over the Pacific one summer). Ray Liotta is FABULOUS – “That’s how much I love you baby!”
Just Friends: Another movie I never wanted to watch but my little bro convinced me to watch it and I laughed my ass off. Ryan Reynolds and the brother remind me so much of my little bros I think it was extra funny to me. Plus Anna Farris plays the most convincing and funny crazy-stalker-scary girl in this that you can’t help but laugh.
(Classics)
Singing in the Rain: I don’t care if it’s cheesy – I love it. And quite honestly the world could use a littlebit more cheesy these days; I like how sweet and simple this classic is. The scene where he performs singing in the rain is awesome – and I still can’t drive to the corner of Sunset and Camden with out singing loudly, “Here we are! Sunset and Camden!” (seriously, ask my poor Roomie, I would do it every time). Guilty pleasure.
How to Marry a Millionaire: Marilyn Monroe. Betty Grable. Lauren Bacall. Do you need any more reasons to match this movie? New York City in the fabulous fifties? Glamour. Style. Comedy. Love. It’s is utterly fabulous.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Always a classic, always an original. Always love Audrey and this charming movie.
(Guilty Pleasures I adore!)
Amelie – I love, love love this movie. I think everyone does but just in case you are the one person who hasn’t seen this charming movie about finding and risking yourself for love, being yourself and simplejoys – you must watch it. Plus there’s a gnome. What more could you want?
Pride and Prejudice- Embarrassing but true fact about the Duchess: I watched this movie probably four or five days a week the entire year I lived in Los Angeles. Yep. It’s true. I’d be mortified to admit it if it wasn’t so damn good. It is fabulous. When she is up early and walking across the field and then she looks up and the music is swelling and Darcy is on the other side walking toward her; uh, lesigh, it’s just beautiful. It helped me fall asleep with a smile many a night.
Tristan & Isolde: Ladies and ladies, may I introduce, James Franco. This would be my first official movie meeting with the lovely to look at Franco. Yum. The fact that he’s a lovesick tortured soul only makes it that much more interesting. Plus the actress who plays Isolde, Sophia Myles is gorgeous. She looks like a real woman (i.e. she is not a stick). It’s a great flick.
Honorable Mentions:
Across the Universe: Whilethis isn’t an all time favorite, it def worth at least one watch. I like the way the story is woven and how they incorporate the Beatles tunes. It’s really good – if for no other reason then the music and Eddie Izzard.
Riding Giants: Great music, cool editing effects and amazing surfing. It’s a good watch.
Raising Arizona: Cult Classic. “What was the baby wearing the last time you saw him?” “Pajamas! He’s a baby.” “What did they look like?” “I don’t know – they had Yodas and shit on ‘em!”
Zoolander: I will admit I had to watch this movie several times before I thought it was funny. It wasn’t clicking at first. But now I quote about every line from the movie in daily conversation. Any movie that has Billy Zane and David Bowie (love him!) in the same scene is good stuff. Let’s Dance!
Point Break: Again with the surfing movies. But if a script can overcome Patrick Swayze and KeanuReeves acting and still be a really cool plot and movie – you know it’s a pretty decent little flick.
He’s Just Not That Into You: Surprisinglygood littlemovie. And a little bit painful for all of us who have been on the receivingend of a little bit of that advice at some point in our lives.
The Duchess does not dig the food served on a cross-country bus trip through Argentina. Don't let the smile fool you.
An Ode to Skype
Submitted by admin on July 29, 2009 - 11:32 am
Bonjour!
Oh Skype! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways . . . .
The greatest thing about modern technology is the ways it makes staying in touch with the ones we love possible. I happen to be the incredibly proud and very lucky aunt of the cutest and sweetest little girl! While my whole family was in Texas attending my little brother’s Air Force graduation, her paternal grandparents wanted to take her to Yellowstone. Funny enough, when I was eight and my sister was nine, our grandparents took the two of us to Yellowstone during our summer break. I still remember how awesome it was to see Buffalo as a little girl. My sister and I thought it was the most incredible thing!
So needless to say when Boo returned home last night, she wanted to show everyone all the pictures and goodies from her trip. After sister sat through Boo’s presentation, she wanted to call her favorite auntie (okay ONLY auntie) to give the same Yellowstone presentation. I was sitting typing away on the book when the familiar ring of my Skype account rang through the computer. I answered to see my niece dancing around in a too-too.
Me: “Schmooks! What are you doing?”
Boo: “Dancing!”
Me: “Is that your new back-to-school outfit?”
Boo: “No Aunt Jill!!” (giggling like crazy)
Me: “Why are you wearing it then?”
Boo: “Because I knew it was funny and I wanted to make you laugh!” (more giggles)
Me: “Mission Accomplished.”
She looked ridiculous in the cutest possible away. It was her ballet recital outfit from several years ago so it was really small and way too tight. Very funny. That little girl makes me laugh.
Then, funny enough, I read a fact last night in a book that the average four-year-old laughs 3oo times a day. Compare that to the average adult statistic: 15 times a day. FIFTEEN TIMES?!
This is an atrocity! Laughing is the greatest! Isn’t it the best when you get a good laugh session in where your sides are hurting, your belly is aching and your face actually hurts from the smiling. I love those giggle fits that leave tears streaming down my face. I once received an email at work that was so funny my boss came around the corner and thought I was crying. Nope. Well, yes, but crying and sobbing tears of laughter from the Twin being so funny at work. I love that! Or how about inappropriate laughter. I have a distinct memory of my childhood best friend and I sitting around the dinner table in Alaska and getting the inappropriate giggles during prayer over the food. The more we tried to settle down and the angrier her parents got, the more we laughed.
Take a few minutes today to laugh and smile. Really. Even if you’re having a super crappy day – just smile and try to giggle. It actually changes things. Go put on a movie you think is hilarious or call a friend. Do whatever it takes to make sure you are upping your laughter participation because in the current state of affairs – we could all use some great laughter! If ever there was a time for childlike laughter, enthusiasm, fun and imagination – it’s now!
“Trust yourself! Create the kind of life you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into the flames of achievement!” – Foster C. McClellan
Boo fooling around at Zuma Beach on a cloudy March Day. March 09
Boo and Auntie Playing around at Easter. 2006
My two favorite munchkins as babies. 2006
Me and Mini-me at Disneyland. October 08.
The ties that bind
Submitted by admin on July 28, 2009 - 8:57 am
Bonjour!
The Duchess is back from the hot south. OMG was it hot. Sunday we all went to SeaWorld San Antonio (ManBearPig’s choice – but was actually a fun one!) and it was 105 degrees and 98% humidity. All we could stand to do was camp out at the dolphin pen under the shade and keep our hands in the cold water. SO HOT. But SO much fun. I love my family so much. Even after a big fight with the sis last month we have been talking through stuff and we had a blast. It was awesome.
I have some really great pictures, Sis has a great camera so she’s supposed to be emailing them all out this afternoon. My camera is getting so old that the pics, unless conditions are absolutely perfect, do not work out. It was so great to see my baby brother – I’m so proud of him. I honestly could not have gone through the last two months of crap he has been through. He is just totally lean muscle. So disciplined, so clean, so neat, so strong – he’s amazing. I love him so much. Can’t wait to put up pics – he’s so handsome.
Until then – I will include some pics of what I did manage to get on my camera, namely my absolute favorite plane – the Mustang P-51. This plane is a pimp and I love her. Enjoy!
“Your value proposition begins with you; who you are, what you are prepared to do, and what you can achieve that makes a difference.” – Darby Checketts
A P-51 on display at the parade grounds of Lackland AFB. San Antonio, TX.
The Mustang from a different angle.
A Day at the Museum
Submitted by admin on July 22, 2009 - 5:43 pm
Bonjour!!
I’m off today to catch my flight to San Antonio, TX. Can’t wait – we haven’t all been together since, well, I don’t know the last time. We weren’t for Christmas . . . Oh, my mom’s wedding last June. So over a year. I can’t wait – I love my family so much. I’ve made the effort to call my sis and apologize for my part in the big fight last month, so we’ve been re-connecting. The not so exciting part about the trip – it’s in Texas. Yes, 100 degree, 100 percent humidity Texas. Ah well.
So since I’m off today, I thought you may like to see what I did yesterday . . . it was a day at the Smithsonian (well three of them). It’s a little photo journey through some of the cool things about the district.
Here’s your quote to go with the pics too (and I’ll talk to you from the Lone Star State tomorrow! ):
“Always say yes – because nothing ever happens to people who say no.” – Lois Wyse
One of Jackie Kennedy's dresses.
Info on dress above.
A dress of the very first First Lady - Martha Washington.
I can't believe they hand painted the silk. Crazy. Talk about couture.
The waist on this dress was insane. Seriously. Can't be more then fifteen or eighteen inches around. Teeny, teeny, tiny.
Lady Lincoln had an itty bitty waist.
The roaring twenties and the cool Cooledge cut!
I spelled Coolidge wrong. Ah well. Here is is spelled correct with info on the dress.
I didn't get a pic of the plaque on this one - but it's First Lady Taft's dress. If you look her up she was beautiful. Pres Taft was no looker but his wife was! Beautiful embellished inaugural gown.
Somewhere over the rainbow . . .
Lincoln's top hat.
Declaration of Independence. (or more likely a very cool replica) This piece of paper is HUGE! Like the size of a school poster board project.
Now outside of the American History Museum and moving toward the National Art Gallery. This is in the National Art-Sculpture Garden.
Looking over at the National Archives Building from the Art Garden.
Who's that angry little knome in the garden?
I can't tell you why, but this sculpture reminded me of The Fountainhead. I'm usually not huge on the modern art/metal big installation pieces; but this one was gorgeous. I saw Roark in it somehow.
The Duchess being cast out of the Garden.
Ohhhhh! Goodie, goodie! Getting close to Christmas!!
A nice building reminder of our right to expression.
Yipee! Horray!
I would like this piece and the stairwell please.
A gorgeous little Rodin romance.
Yep, he's a thinkin. Rodin's immortal.
The little dancer from Degas.
I liked this one. It's Rodin's "Morning" - I like to think I'm a vision of marble sensual energy emerging from my bed every morning as well. Ha! At least he got the boofey hair right.
Liked this one and her shadow. Paul Manship's Atalanta.
This one is being sent to the Twin - Bambi. The Taurus girls that we are - I thought this one was awesome!
The East Atrium.
The Duchess in repose in the East Atrium. Self-portrait in the digital medium. 
Ah, another man's muse: Venus
The main rotunda with fountain. Check out the scale (not the person). These are MASSIVE black marble pillars and the rotunda in there is amazing. It's a work of art in itself. Gorgeous.
I thought she was beautiful and the detail of her clothing was amazing.
A little fuzzy with no flash - but the woman above's credits: apparently she's Augustina.
A Sir Joshua Reynolds painting. I love him. No seriously, I love, love, love him.
He painted the great families, as well as some of the most famous and world renowned courtesans of the day (at the height of the courtesan cultural obsession).
True Story: One of my previous employers had an Unknown Female Sir Joshua Reynolds Original in the bathroom of his Park City home. I offered to work for free for however long it took to pay off the painting if he'd sell it to me. I think he thought I was crazy. I was serious. It was the most beautiful painting I have ever seen in my life. I couldn't believe he kept it in the bathroom.
Edward Hopper's A Cape Cod Evening. I'm all about the dog.
Mural Wall along the West Atrium Entrance to the "Art of Power" exhibit on display. It's all tapestry and armor but pretty amazing to see up close.
Leaving the North Entrance to the National Art Museum.
And from that spot to my left, the Capitol.
And to my right from that spot, the Washington Monument.
A beautiful sitting garden and a place to rest my aching feet before the walk back to Metro and home.
Right before ducking back down into the cool underground Metro stop, the original Smithsonian building. Along with a statue of the man himself.
