Happy Friday!

What an opportunist!

Don't know these two but that could have definitely happened in my house.

I think it would have been the year my children were 6 months, 2 1/2 years-old, 8 years-old, 11 and 12 years-old.
That year is a blur, was a whirlwind/crazy time...
And?
Always puts a smile on my face.
In the way that picture does.
A mixture of cute, funny, and... disturbing.

Not really.

Ok.
My blog is as far from sexy as possible but I plan on being more active in the next few weeks...
So don't give up on me!

Do you need to laugh? Happy Monday :)

Don't wait until Christmas morning...

to be THIS excited!

20% off and free shipping for all my readers today until Monday!
Use code-blog

http://www.preppyplayer.com/

When they were with Ford...

So, my children use to be Ford Models.
Since we live right outside NYC, it was easy to get to all the go-sees and auditions.
It was a fun little job and provided our family with lots of adventures.
(In the top pic, my daughter is the girl in the forefront, middle, behind the blond girl with her hands on her head and my son is the boy front and center. He is also in the second pic, forefront, walking towards the little blond girl.)

In 2003, two of my children were asked to dress in white and meet at a building near Times Square. The job paid very well and took a few hours. Two of the images are shown above.

I knew the photographers were a Russian collective of artists and that the photos were to be a part of a series. That is all I knew.
I was able to see the images at a gallery when they first were shown but had to leave quickly to another event and wasn't able to read any of the descriptions of the show.

Over the last nine years every now and then I would google and try and find the images. This week I hit the jackpot and found them. I also found some reviews and you can imagine my surprise when I found out what the "subject" of the series was...
see highlighted...

The King of the Forest

Robert Leonard and Janita Craw

"Advertising agencies know they can always use beautiful wide-eyed children to pull on our heart strings and prize open our wallets. It's the feel-good factor: fresh-faced kids sell the future, attaching their appeal to any product or ideology they're aligned with. AES+F address this in their film trilogyKing of the Forest (2001–3). Recalling the medieval folk tale of a King who imprisoned beautiful children in his palace for his pleasure, AES+F 'steal' hundreds of children, recruiting them from local model agencies, ballet schools, sports clubs... They dress them generically, in classic whites, sometimes suggesting sports kit and underwear. They install them in picturesque locations, film them in lingering slow-mo, then cut the footage to music. AES+F chose locations in the Old World, the New World and the Third World. Le Roi Des Aulnes(2001) was shot in the gilded, mirrored halls of Tsarskoye Selo, Catherine the Great's St. Petersburg palace. This film of beautiful children caught in a hall of mirrors suggests a mass audition or a ballet studio study after Degas. The kids instinctively court the camera, striking poses. More Than Paradise(2002) was shot in Cairo's mosque-castle Mohammed Ali. AES+F required the children to demonstrate well-known ritual situations such as processions and circling, which have become cliches of the Islamic world in the Western media. For a complete contrast, KFNY (2003) was shot in the hubbub of New York's Times Square with Navy recruiting ads playing on overhead video screens, displaying dramatic images of battleships, warplanes and helicopters. Attentive to the ironies of the new world order, this final installment involves a deep contradiction. Its all-embracing multi-cultural cast of 'heroes' — its 'rainbow coalition' — lining up on the side of America.

King of the Forest drips with art, advertising and pop culture associations. AES+F put a real spin on Vanessa Beecroft (with her performance-tableaux of inscrutable glamorous naked women), Shirin Neshat (with her orientalist videos of massed milling 'Others') and Art Club 2000 (a tribe of identically dressed juveniles who gathered in Times Square to be photographed). It also recalls fashion advertising campaigns for Benetton (whose multicultural appeal veils dubious third world labour practices), Calvin Klein and others. The King of the Forest trilogy remains ambiguous. The films are like ads which largely forgot to mention their product. The children instead seem to absorb the background ideological associations of their locations. The films' extended duration grants us the chance to map a variety of contradictory interpretations and affects: to see the children as innocent and knowing; as vulnerable and sublime; as the filmmakers' patsies and as coquettish spoilt agents. One moment we are jealous of their perfect existence and good looks, the next fearful for their safety. Equally our concern over their possible exploitation gives way to a realisation that their beauty can be used to exploit us. Kids may be captive but they are also captivating, their beauty exercising a magical force over us. As Elena Zaitseva explains, AES+F leave us 'balanced on a fine line between nobleness and treachery, bewitched by a beauty that has turned into a trap.' 'Our protest against the "stealing" of children does not prevent us from admiring them.'

Sometimes reality intervenes after the fact, changing the significance of an artwork forever. It's hard not to read King of the Forest in this way. On 1 September 2004, terrorists calling for Chechnyan independence 'stole' hundreds of staff and students at a school in the Russian town of Beslan. They herded their hostages into the school's gym. Deprived of food and water, the hostages were forced to drink their own urine; to cope with the stifling heat they were stripped to their underwear. On several occasions, released or escaped children were photographed fleeing in their smalls. By targeting 'innocent children', the terrorists were guaranteed the glare of world attention. The media milked it for all it was worth, giving the terrorists the publicity they sought, viewers something racy, and their advertisers a bigger audience. Three days in, a shoot-out between the terrorists and Russian security forces claimed the lives of over 300 hostages, more than 170 of them children. Despite moralising over evil, the media would be criticised for participating in it by running exploitative suggestive images of traumatised children in their whites. It is at such moments that our moral panic over child abuse spectacularly aligns with reality, and our obsession with safeguarding childhood innocence reveals its pornographic underbelly."

OOOOKKKKAAAYYY!

We thought it was a fun little job. it was safe, (the barricades and security officers were photoshopped out of the pics) the kids were given lots of breaks, were well fed, and got to be with their friends.

Who knew that the "subject" was about exploited children, as in our case-models.

So bizarre to find out nine years later.

meanwhile?

My kids think it is cool to finally see the pics of that fun day they remember from years ago.

Now THAT is innocence.

Another storm is coming...

Just like last October.
There are still leaves on the trees and lots and LOTS of damage from Sandy....

And now comes the snow, a Nor'easter packing a big punch of 40 to 50 mile an hour winds.

We gave up our generator to someone who needed it more. We still haven"t recovered from Sandy.
My business has been severely affected. School just started after a ten day absense.

All this is better than most of what the people around here have been experiencing.
So many people have been so generous and helpful, usually the ones who have suffered the most!

On the other hand, you cannot believe how terrible others have been. I think because people are on edge, tired cold, and upset that the worst is coming out in the strangest of places.
Ive heard a lot of petty exchanges in the A&P parking lot, on gas lines,  at grocery store and  deli.

Hopefully, we will all be back to normal- soon.

Plug your nose.

I don't judge anyone by their politics, unless they are extremists of any persuasion. I try to keep my opinions to myself regarding politics because...

I am not consistent.

I guess I would say I'm a little bit of a Republican with a large dash of Democrat, some folks would say that means I am a fence sitter.

I  think of myself as a Buffet Catholic. I take the parts of the religion that I want to follow or believe in.

I would say that I am very similar with my politics.

There is some Republican ideology that makes a lot of sense to me. I tend to side along with most Democrats regarding social issues.

So now what?

Well, it kinda stinks.

I don't feel strongly about either candidate or party...

First time ever.

At this point?

I think I'm voting for Chris Christie.

And this rings true!

This is only acceptable when I am are stuck home because of a hurricane. Scouts honor I don't normally "stalk!"

I LOVE your-ecards!

These are a few of my favorites...

What I didn't know was that you can do your own, 

So I did!

I thought I would stick with my theme this week- Sandy!

Do you want to have some fun and make your own ecard?

Go here:

http://www.someecards.com/usercards/create

Make sure you send me one :)

Sandy, 2012

image taken at LBI, Beach haven 2012

I don't think any children will be named Sandy for quite some time, at least not in the New York area. Especially not in New Jersey.

Even those love/power outage babies, born about 9 months from now?

I doubt it.

This is a tough one folks.

Just starting to understand the ramifications. The reality is setting in.

The immediate problems are a pain. 

We will probably not have power for ten more days. But we have a generator.

There are gas shortages and hours long lines to get gas. Since we need gas for the generator this will be a problem.

There are not many grocery stores open and those that are do not have much food or water.

Many roads are closed due to fallen trees or phone or electric wires, this will take a long time to clean up. It makes it very hard to go anywhere as there are constant detours.

School could be out for another week. The kids will be going to school till July!

Getting in and out of New York City is almost impossible. The trains and subways should be up soon. Until then?  Three to a car or you will be denied access to bridges and tunnels. 

All these problems are minute compared to the long range problems that may occur.

Our beloved Jersey Shore with its landmarks and distinct architecture is forever changed. 

Many businesses and homes will never be rebuilt. It will take many, MANY years to recover.

It is the same story from Hoboken down to Cape May. 

Our entire shoreline has been devastated geographically, financially, and emotionally.

We worry about the bridges and roadways along the barrier islands as many have been ruined.

We worry about real estate and resell for those along the Jersey shore. It will be many years before people forget and dare to buy in beach towns.

We worry about lower Manhattan. The subways and Brooklyn battery tunnel were filled with salt water, will they be safe?

Is New York City safe during future storms?

All things I had never thought about until this week.

I feel so lucky and blessed compared to so many of my friends, many whom have lost their dream homes or primary residences. 

One of my neighbors bought her home because of the huge, old oaks that gave her home shade and privacy. 

It looks like a giant came along and pulled up a bunch of carrots...

Seven oaks- roots and all, down on her home and lawn.

So, no "woe is me" here.

Just prayer and hope that this won't happen again for a long, long time.

We are fine here...

Yup.
No flooding. High winds that knocked down trees and devastated homes on almost every block in our town and that of surrounding towns.
We won't have power for a week to ten days.
No school until next week.
But?
We are fine here.
We have a generator. No damage to our home.
We consider ourselves lucky and blessed.
Our prayers are with all our friends and neighbors who have suffered damage and loss here and down at the shore.

I don't think we can actually get a grip on how everything will be different going forward...

Public transportation in NYC? We shall see.
Summers down the shore?
Doesn't look good for awhile.
Here are some images of our favorite place, Long Beach Island.
The bay met the ocean for two days and we will see how they come out of this-

The Chicken or the Egg, every one's favorite late night diner.

The tennis courts in Beach Haven. I can't tell you if behind the courts is the ocean side or if it is the bay side- very disorienting.

The famous "shack," a landmark known to us all. It sat in a marsh on the right as you cross the causeway onto the island. It is now gone.

 Our favorite restaurant on the island.

 Devastating damage to boats on the island.

At low tide. Sand is everywhere. So much damage.

Etta James - Stormy Weather

Katy Perry, Jodi DiPiazza Sing at Night of Too Many Stars- gotta share it!

The Hunt- Far Hills, NJ

According to NJ.com
"More than 40,000 spectators, including many from Hunterdon County, are expected to gather for the 92nd annual Far Hills Race Meeting on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Moorland Farms, 50 Route 202 in Far Hills. The historic event – one of the country’s most prestigious steeplechase horse races –will feature top thoroughbred jump racing, individualized tailgating parties and culinary feasts set against the stunning backdrop of New Jersey’s fall foliage.

Enlarge Lillian Shupe/Hunterdon County DemocratFar Hill Races 2011gallery (49 photos)

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The Far Hills Race Meeting traces its origins to the Essex Hunt, a fox hunting event founded in 1870, and since the 1950s has raised more than $18 million to benefit Somerset Medical Center in Somerville.
Tickets range from $60 for advance general admission to $750 for the Chairman’s Tent, including food and beverage services. Options for race-goers include reserved parking spaces for tailgating, a family tailgate area, and a Vendor Village featuring fashion and accessories from exclusive boutiques. Reserved parking spaces for tailgating are also available. Proceeds from the event will benefit the programs and services of Somerset Medical Center."

Here was my girl and her friends:

Do you think they watched the races?

Let's discuss... stupidity.

If I could download the SNL parody of this ad, I would.
But Heck. This is just as funny. And stupid.

File this under...

Divine messages!

Should I be concerned?

I found this image on one of my Pinterest followers boards.
The title of the board?
Christmas list...

I think it is time...

I know, I know. I have said it before.

I want another dog, as in- we haven't had one in about 5 years!

Before that, we had two dogs and a cat for about 13 years.

I'm ready.

So, there isn't just one...

So, there isn't just one saboteur in our family! This is my niece and unbeknownst to her grandparents posing in the picture she made this photo a family classic.
Every time I see it I have to laugh :)

Inspired underachiever!

People are so creative.

It could be that they they possess great style...

or have tons of time!

 I think a lot of people want to create a warm, autumn scene,

a tasteful and elegant seasonal environment,

or just love to decorate!

And?

As much as I am inspired by all the blogs, Pinterest, my sisters, friends, and neighbors beautiful fall tableaus?

This is my big effort...

Four. Small. Pumpkins.

Stay tuned, it can only get better!

Facebook, college, and privacy.

Well, I did the unthinkable.
I asked my college freshman to block all her adult family members, including me, from seeing any of her Facebook pictures.
Why?
Because I feel as though she is entitled to her privacy even if she doesn't think it matters.
As much as it KILLS me not to see what is going on, how happy she is, who her friends are, and what she is up to- I think it is necessary.

You see, although she believes she has nothing to hide...
I know better.
Not only should she worry about how coaches interpret or view what she believes are innocent pics and fun times or what future employers think of her college years, unfortunately she has to worry about being judged and gossiped about by certain family members.
And she doesn't deserve that.

And although I am not judging her when I see her pics on face book?
I thought about it.
When I went to college I was able to learn and grow. Make mistakes. Get crazy.
I had no one worried.
I had no one concerned.
I didn't have phone calls asking me questions about my whereabouts on school nights... ( I only called her once!)

Instead I learned the hard way, the BEST way- from my mistakes.
I want her to have her college life without intervention from me AND I certainly don't want her judged, especially when she has done nothing wrong.

For the record?
When I did tell her that she had been gossiped about by family members because of some of her pics on Facebook and asked her to block folks- she was honestly surprised and hurt that anyone would see anything negative in any of her pics.

And I agree. But I reminded her that she can't control other people. And by keeping her life private on Facebook she CAN control what people see.

How do you feel about privacy on Facebook?

Seen it and heard it... (in real life!)

Bridesmaids (2011) Tennis Pep Talk

PSY - GANGNAM STYLE (강남스타일) M/V

So, this is what all the fuss it about!
Now you know.

Galvanized at Brimfield- September, 2012

Want this for parties! Perfect iced and filled with beer, soda, water, and bottles of wine

This will be for a patio herb garden that will be rabbit proof and pretty.

The Hungarian baby bath will be used for parties too-filled with ice and drinks. 

Who doesn't need a hand now and then?

This delightful baby scale was bought for a local store owner. She will use it to display baby items.

Brimfield- September, 2012. Check.

That's one check on my bucket list. 
Finally went to Brimfield!
What is Brimfield?
According to www.TheBrimfieldshow.com:

"The Brimfield Antiques Show began in the 1950's and has become the largest and best-known outdoor antiques show in the country. Running along Rt. 20 for a distance of perhaps a half-mile and perhaps 500' or more, back on each side of the highway, the Brimfield Show is a huge,  vast undertaking, filled with thousands of dealers dealers over the course of the week, selling everything from the finest antiques to 'yard junk', requiring a day or two to see everything there is to see. Food courts and rest facilities abound, and the Shows are filled with hidden treasures and the 'right kind of people', creating a safe and fun environment for everyone, children included. Shows are patrolled by uniformed and undercover police, and rarely is there any trouble of any kind.Brimfield is a quaint, picturesque rural New England town, home to 3,000 residents.  Founded in 1731, (the year before George Washington was born), the town's 35 square miles are surrounded by apple orchards, horse farms, and wooded hills in an area known as the Pioneer Valley, and Foothills of the Berkshires. During show-times, the town's population balloons to over 250,000 visitors and over 5,000 dealers for the 6 days the Show operates.   The Show has a carnival-like atmosphere, appropriate for all ages, where good vibes prevail, (and few, if any problems ever present themselves). Dealers come from all over the world as do visitors. From millionaire world-famous rock stars and movie stars to the local resident from down the street, the Show is a Mecca for serious and casual collectors of all kinds of antiques.  A few of the Fields require an entrance fee on the initial opening, usually $5.00-10.00, which tends to be waived later in the day.  Most fields do not have any entrance fee, and generally, you can move freely from field to field. There is almost always plenty of parking available, at $6.00 - 8.00 in the middle of town, a bargain in itself.  Also, in the middle of the show, the New England Motel hosts the largest and most popular food court  with a wide variety of food booths to satisfy every taste. Additionally, food carts and booths appear throughout various locations and the wide variety of available foods has become a draw in it's own right.

The Brimfield shows operate three times a year during May, July and September and are open for a six day period begining on a Tuesday and ending on a Sunday.  Some operators open all days while others choose to open for just a few days during this period."

Now?
Going to Brimfield is on my "must do every September list!"
And whom else could I go with but my partner in crime-

Yes, my sister!
We have been talking about going to Brimfield for years and when we finally did it?
We couldn't stop!
The first day we walked for eleven hours....
No lie.
We would slow down and then run into more treasures. We did stop mid day for a beer though as evidenced above.

Tomorrow, I will break it down and reveal my haul!

Here is one item to whet your whistle!
An awesome, sage green kitchen scale. Love the crisp red numbers.  $23

Jump on the Sock bun band wagon!

 Have you seen this style lately?

 Did you even know it had a name?

 If you have daughters 10 years old to  twenty something you know that it is called....

A sock bun!
If you would like to see how it is done ( with a sock!) see the you tube video below: