This past weekend a friend gave my mum and me tickets the the Boise Philharmonic‘s presentation of the Wizard of Oz. The seats were perfect–floor level, midway. It was the first I’d watched the film on the big screen–the first time I’d heard its score played, live.

Pure magic.

While over seventy years old, the movie certainly hasn’t lost its charm. The flying monkeys still freak me out a little.

From the onset I could have easily cried. Nothing new, coming from the likes of me–true enough. But there was something about a room full of people, young and old, eyes glued to the screen in rapt attention. For a couple hours, we were all kids again. It was a testament to the  fact that true works of art pass the test of time . . . that grand projects may require a lot of work, but if you do them right, the end results will be worth it . . . that sometimes God surprises you with a treat you don’t deserve, but genuinely love.

Needless to say, if you have the chance to see an old movie, coupled with a live score, don’t miss out. Of course, if you absolutely must, at least hand your tickets off to someone else–they’ll have a grand time and you’ll rise in rank to the likes of the wonderful wizard of Oz, himself–a win-win!

Oh, and if you happen to be a history freak, such as myself, check out this {old} CBS special, Wizard of Oz: Behind the Scenes. It’s some good times . . . not to mention a fine diversion for a Monday morning . . .

How are you holding up?

I’m feeling fairly confident; which can only mean one thing: I’m forgetting something. Oh well, as our friend at “the home” said, “it’s gonna get done, one way or another.” True enough.

With that, have you seen this adorable video . . .

I know. The cute factor is almost too much to handle. Still, it’s a perfect reminder to take a bit of time to hang with your friends–and have yourself a little fun. After all, if Christmas isn’t about sticking together, I don’t know what is . . .

{handsome bird in his winter parka}

Three guesses where I was yesterday… 

Zoo Boise? However did you guess?!

Yes, it’s true … my friend and her family were in town.  So, while her husband attended a dull meeting, Tawna, her girls and I frolicked.  And the zoo was our first stop. 

Now, you’ll be glad to know there were no issues, as with my last visit {though I did notice they added another rope–certainly I was not the only reason for this–right? Certainly!}. Of course, not long after we said hello to the fellow in this photo, a LARGE frog–the size of my head, hovering directly overhead–scared the living daylights out of me. Seriously.  I yelped(!)–jumped–and grabbed hold of my friend … only to realize the frog was totally not real.   

I need to get out more. 

Anyway, from the point forward the girls tried to scare me with inanimate objects … we narrated the actions of the animals … we shopped  … we perused … we munched … we took in some history {I got high-centered on a saddle}.  We even took pictures in a photo booth.  I should have posted them here … oh that’s right, my printer is not compatible with Windows 7.  Naturally.  Oh well, the video they played back as the pictures developed–the one of you posing for the photos–was really the best.  Tawna and I have been friends roughly forever … but as that wee clip proved, we may have grown in years, but we haven’t changed all that much! 

Needless to say, if you haven’t played hooky in awhile, I highly recommend you do so.  And if you can play hooky with an old friend … well, that’s all the better!

Now that we’ve waved goodbye to yet another weekend, only one stands between us and Autumn. 

Hopefully you’re soaking it all in.  I know I am.   

And last weekend provided the perfect backdrop: blue skies, sunshine, and a hint of cool in the air.  Despite the fact that I snapped nary a photo, it was some good times–long walks, time spent with friends, laughing, muching.  I even got stuff done.  It was amazing. 

I also meandered about at Art in the Park on Saturday.  Julia Davis, alive with tents of white, housed myriad treasures–french milled soap, glass earrings, bronze bracelets … the artwork of Ward Hooper.  People clutched treasures in one hand, corndogs in the other; pups awaited the chance to steal a snack, kids ran circles and laughed.

And flags flew at half mast. 

You know, it’s funny, but I don’t recall sunshine on that September 11th, years ago.  I’m sure it was present, but I don’t remember it.  I recall only darkness.  

Yet nine years later, as I sat on a bench in a rose garden, the sun did shine.  And I soaked it in as I looked about to see people of all ages, all backgrounds and ethnic groups, spending time with loved ones, in one place, together.

I hope we never forget that fateful day–I hope we learn from the bad, and keep the good.  Because there was good. As so often happens in times of tragedy, people came together–the whole world through.  For one moment in time, we were the same. 

Oh that we would learn to live this way, each and every day…

Thankfully, everyone is invited to join the fun; and that’s precisely what I did Saturday afternoon…

As you might guess, there were people EVERYWHERE … ere go why the top of a head or part of an appendage is missing from a frame.  You had to snap pictures fast and furious, before someone walked through your line of sight. 

I did take a somewhat fabulous photo of a group of men in their silver vests and black berets.  So debonair.  However, once home, I realized one of the men was totally giving me the stink-eye.  I thought about posting anyway—but realized I’d much rather live.   

All in all, it was a great time of music, dance, and history.  But the best part of all?  Enjoying time spent with new friends and old…

Perhaps if I purchase a new umbrella and do a bit of dancing in the rain, it will cease and desist. 

I’m thinking the Bella Pagoda Black & White Pinwheel would do nicely … wouldn’t you agree?!  

Hip-hip-HOORAY!  Hip-hip-HOORAY!

That’s right, my friends, today is National Doughnut Day.  And a day with a donut-in-hand is a very-good-day indeed.  

Speaking of this fabulous holiday, did you know:

• The Chicago Salvation Army started the holiday in 1938 as a funraiser–and to honor the women who volunteered to make homebaked goods–including donuts–for the men on the front lines during WWI;
• Donuts made on the front lines were often cooked in a solider’s metal helmet, filled with oil–let us hope the helmet had yet to be used;
• Krispi Kreme is giving away free donuts TODAY; click here for a list of participating stores;
• TODAY Dunkin’ Donuts will give you a free donut with the purchase of any beverage; and
• Fried sugar is actually good for you.

Okay, I may have made up that last bit–but I like to think it’s a fact they simply have yet to discover.  So with that, go forth and enjoy one of life’s more sinful pleasures … and may your weekend be the sweetest of sweet!

Thankfully I happened upon this …

Balloon Factory from PearsonMaron's Etsy shop

It’s magic.  Pretty sure.  Simply mix in those you love most, tasty fare, lots of laughter, and voila–it’s a party!

Take this fellow for instance …

you can find him at Plow and Hearth

Handsome and helpful.  What’s not to love?

They’re too, too much! *I do believe I’ve had that look on a few blind dates.* And I’m fairly certain I need them both …