This, That & The Other

Inspiration is Everywhere

Do you ever come across a scene or a picture that just wants to be knit into something? I saw this picture (above) and in my minds eye, it was screaming out for knitting. A blanket, maybe? A scarf? A sweater? What do ya'll think? Look at the source here in MSN's photoblog. It is much more striking in the original.

Overheard

Last Friday, I went with the SIL Lori to an appointment. While we were waiting, there was another lady there, also waiting. She was a pleasant woman, smiling, inquiring about the tiny sweaters. She sat down, got comfortable and promptly started talking on her cell phone. I felt like I was eavesdropping but she kept looking around at us, smiling, pointing at the phone as she talked, as if to include us in the conversation. It was very funny. The substance of the conversation wasn't all that funny - except for the parts about a friend/acquaintance she apparently hasn't seen in a while who "looks really great except she has gotten a huge ass" and the bit about some friend of her children who is staying with them . She had to explain to the child that they don't eat "cheesy puffies or chips or..." (pause, listening) "right, cheetos" at her house.

Of course, on a subsequent call, where a friend on the other end of the line apparently informed her that one of her children was sick and she exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, Julie, your kids are the sickest people I've ever met. They always have something wrong with them." After which she instructed her friend (sternly) that she needed to get her kids to "some place good, like the holistic medicine place," and get them on some vitamins or something.


Anyway, the substance of the conversations was only part of the equation. Mostly, we couldn't stop laughing at her quirky turns-of-phrase, including: "Holy Macraroni" and "Oh my God bless America" and (my favorite) "For Cryin' in a Basket", used in place of "for crying out loud" or similar.


Affection from Afar

Recently, Kay and Ann have been discussing crushes which prompted me to go on an extensive YouTube search for clips of my (sort-of secret) long-time crush, John Denver. I love his music from all periods of his career but I think he became increasingly crush-worthy as he aged. I once watched the PBS special on him twice in a row, very late at night, after everyone else had gone to bed.

Also, I've long had a soft-spot for Kermit the Frog. He is super cool and cute and oh-so-very sensible. He has that quiet, unassuming take-charge manner. Subtly funny, he manages to be the center of attention without stealing the show. Also, I think maybe I always liked that he was sweet to Miss Piggy and never once looked down is sweet little nose at her full-figured physique.

What a happy coincidence, then, to find a video of John and Kermit (and the muppet gang) singing around the campfire.

I also found this clip of John Denver singing with, to the best of my figuring, with a Dutch John Denver impersonator. Even if you don't like John Denver, it is worth watching 1) to see how much the impersonator sounds like him and 2) to see what a close-talker the show's host is. Marit, are you familiar with this show? Is it shown in Norway? Am I off base on this?

Today's Quote:

"I believe that we are here for each other, not against each other. Everything comes from an understanding that you are a gift in my life - whoever you are, whatever our differences." -John Denver