Birthday Celebration!

Yes, it was my birthday. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it since we were all so engaged in our E adventures.

Genece surprised me this afternoon with a birthday celebration. First, she dyed my orange outfit since Lois didn’t think it really went with my eyes and skin coloring. We dyed it purple and I love it! Then, she gave me my present from all the E gals — thank you for my beanie baby. I love him and he’s never going to leave my side (he’ll have to replace Serena since Genece won’t let me take her — pooh!).

Thanks for the card too! I like elephants. Maybe all of you could pitch in some money and buy me one. I’d like to have my own pet and an elephant would be good to help me remember things.

FYI — what do I use to get choclate out of clothes? I didn’t have the heart to tell Genece that I dropped some of my chocolate eclair on my outfit. I think she gave me too big of a piece. Don’t you think?

 

Stylin’ in My New Outfit

PS — I forgot to show off my new outfit! I’m stylin in a orange knit jumper and a matching racing hat. Just the right outfit for all my new adventures. (FYI — catch my dance move? My arms are groovin to the music and my feet are tappin’).

Pris

Woohoo! This you have to see…

I heard it through the grapevine that I was missing — something about being eaten by a fire-breathing dragon. As luck would have it, I managed to tame and then train “Sparks” to fly with me on his back. He had a heck of a time and I can’t tell you how many times I fell off (which for a small witch like me, it was a long drop down.).

You can see for yourself how well we travel together now. In fact, I’m thinking of giving up using my broom — especially when I leave soon for time with Carol.

FYI — Don’t tell Genece, but I took that darn cat Serena. I decided I just can’t be without her (although her claws are digging into my side from me holding on tight to her while flying).

Woohoo! This girl has got herself a new ride (forget the convertible sports car, this is way more cool)!

Pris on the Loose

All the writing, projects and house chores, I decided to break out today for a little adventure while Genece and Serena were napping. I tiptoed quietly out the door so not to wake them. Whew! Close call, I saw the cat’s tail twitching as I was just making my exit.

Bored, I decided to visit my Mayan friend in the park that was only a couple of blocks away. He allways has such interesting stories to tell me when we’re together — all about his life a Mayan. I found him on a swingset and as soon as he saw me, he slowed the swing down so I could join him. We chatted for awhile and it was nice. Only, this wasn’t the kind of action I was seeking. So I bid him farewell and left.

Next stop, to the car dealerhsip. Checking that my passport was with me, I wanted to test drive one of the cars I spotted the first day I arrived at Genece’s. I’ve asked a dozen times for us to test drive the sports car and she just kept politely saying no. This is my chance! I’ve learned this important lesson at Rainbow Beach from the E. Wenches. They taught me everything I know about seizing the moment! And seize it, I am…

Woohoooooo! This is SOME ride! I’m thinking of not taking it back. It’s so little, they probably won’t even miss it! Then again, Genece might get mad at me and I don’t want her mad. I’ve seen her temper! (She’s a redhead you know). I don’t know how the system works, but maybe Genece will get this for me if I’m really, really good and go back home to tell her how much I really, really want this little gold car. Don’t I look hot in it???? Woohoo! Rumm, rummm, rumm…

 

Regretfully, I drove the car back to the dealership and headed back to the house. Only, my eyes got distracted when I found a beautiful carpet lying on the ground. As fast as I could, I jumped on it and then WOW! It took off flying! It flew me over the house, by the corn fields, through town and the park. Surprised, it kept on flying until I suddenly found myself on Rainbow Beach again. Mind you, Genece and I left Rainbow Beach a few days ago and headed on up to Kerith where we took amazing photos of old women. You must see it if you haven’t. http://enchanteur.wordpress.com/2008/01/18/old-women-of-kerith/

Landing on the beach, I stayed on the carpet as I heard the sound of sand whirring in front of me. It whirred and swirled so fast I barely saw the shape forming in the midst of the sand. The whirring stopped and what spiraled in front of me was wicked. A fire-breathing dragon leaned over me. The heat from his breath was getting to hot for my poor little body. He was scary and I was afraid he was there to harm me. “Gennnnnnnnnnnnnnneeecee,” I screamed and screeetched! “Help me! Help me!”

Just as fast as the dragon appeared, I heard her voice, “Quick Pris, close your eyes, click your heels three times and you’ll be back safely with me.”

“Darn, now where are my little red ruby slippers when I need them? Perhaps this dragon guy is a lesson — what could that be? Not to leave home without my American Express? I’m confused. Oh my, I think the dragon is going to ….”

Where Have I Been?

Did you think I fell off the face of the Earth? No, no, nothing like that. Genece and I have been traveling with Enchanteur on a writing tour. Plus, we’ve been working around the clock on several projects not writing related.

I think I need my own laptop! Genece is always on hers painting, doing work, or writing about our journeys (I do give her lots of ideas and things to say on our united posts). Plus, she keeps me busy all day ever since I told her I wanted to work with her. Now I’m thinking of telling her I’m ready to quit. Working is a lot of work!

This morning I asked if I could post on soultour — she didn’t even hesitate. She said she’d do house chores while I write. Sounds like a plan to  me — I don’t like chores! Genece also said since I’d be on the internet, I could hunt for a youtube clip on spinning and weaving we could use in one of our stories about the old women who are spinners and weavers on Mudjimba Island.

As soon as she walked out of the room, I was on it! I think I watched dozens of video clips on spinning and weaving — yawn, yawn, boring, BORING! Seemed like I was going nowhere. That is until I stumbled upon a clip that wasn’t so much about spinning and weaving, but it seriously caught my eye for its unique perspective and strange looking creatures.

Wanna see it? It’ll cost you five cents please! Hey, a girl has to earn extra cash some way. I’m saving up to buy my own puter. Genece says it’ll take lots of five cents. How much could “lots of five cents” be? Anyway, you can send me a check made out to Priscilla and mail it to Your the Queen, PO BOX Special Chick, No Kidding, USA. Or, I can PayPal you (whatever that means — I just hear Genece say that to her clients). I figured it had something to do with sending money because everytime she talks about PayPal she says she’s got more money for us to do fun things. So fun things right now means getting my puter!

Here’s the cool clip! If you watch it, do the honorable thing and send me my five cents. BTW, if you want to send more as a donation to my puter, I’ll gladly receive your gifts. — Pris

Perhaps a Bit Grumpy

Geeez! It seems like days since I’ve been able to use Genece’s laptop. After the big New Year’s Day gathering and the next day shopping with her mother and aunt, she said things would slow down for a few days. Ha! We’ve been anything “but” slowing down.

There’s been the shopping for furniture (Genece needs a new couch for the little house since her one in storage won’t fit through the door), going to meetings at her office (didn’t even know she had one since she does all of her art at home), house chores, the day we spent up the river road and to see some of Alton’s history, and Rainbow Beach. Whew! I’m feeling just a bit grouchy! This old girl needs a rest!

I decided to take a few things into my own hands — while at a client of Genece’s for a meeting, I hung out on her client’s couch (with permission of course) and rested while the two chatted something about logos. What’s a logo? I was too embarrassed to ask Genece. She was busy and all. All I could figure out was that it was something Genece was doing for her client. Frankly, just listening to all this business talk was exhausting to say the least.

And, then there was that cat! Serena! The other day we get home and she’s lying on MY chair again. Shamedly, I admit I pushed her off. She gave me that cat stare that all cats can give when they’re put out about something. She doesn’t scare me any!

This morning, Genece decided I needed a break so she finished some of her work and is letting me post on Soultour while she’s fixing me breakfast. Today, she said we’re going nowhere. You should have seen the smile on my face! Now, here I am posting and feeling a little better. But then, there’s breakfast! Genece is making me an old-fashioned Midwestern breakfast of turkey bacon and eggs. She said she rarely eats it but decided that it might be good comfort food for a grouchy sorceress.  Regardless of the reason, my mouth is watering.

This week I learned something about Genece that most of us at Soul Food probably don’t know. I couldn’t understand why an artist and poet would have an office. When we arrived at her office, I got to snap a photo of the partners who are Genece’s client and then she took one of them and me by their baby grand piano. She explained that art and poetry are very private for her — she does them alone and in the quiet of her own space. However, she told me that art is a new path for her and that she’s actually been a branding expert for 30 years. Somehow, I had this image of her sticking a hot iron on a cow’s behind.

Apparently, that’s not the kind of branding Genece does. She says she brands businesses and people. Huh? I was confused and very lost. That’s when she said I could sit in the client meeting (it was soooo exciting since her client’s are in the midst of scripting and filming a one minute commercial) with everyone’s okay. They let me sit in on the meeting that Genece and the main partner of the group led. It was fun to watch Genece’s creative mind being used in a different way. She was pretty tough with the group a couple of times when they were “waffling” (that’s what she called it, whatever that means!) on several aspects of the project. She rules! They follow! I must say, she must be a sorceress from way back!

I hear Genece calling me to breakfast. After I eat, I get to use the computer to post my Rainbow Beach entry through the portal of my choice. Well, maybe a short nap and then post.  Here’s a couple of photos from the office and her client’s home office:

Can you see me sitting on the couch resting? This is a client’s home office who owns a shop called “Knit One, Pearl Two”.

Genece’s clients where she has an office (she only goes there a few times a month though over the next few months she said she’d have to be there more). I’m sitting with Amy — she’s my fav! We hung out together. She’s very funny!  After meeting Genece’s clients and spending the day with them, I decided that maybe business isn’t so tiring when you get to work with people like them.

Genece uses TWO monitors simultaneously when at the office. She can make them hum… usually, one will have graphics on it that she’s working on and the other a document of some sort that the graphic will be integrated. She said this gives the client a better view if they are sitting with her during different steps of the creative process.

Exploring and Mysteries

First, remember that Christmas tree Genece had problems with in early December? The other day, she took down the tree and carried it through the front yard (the same place she threw it before) and onto the sidewalk (where the city picks it up) at the edge of the street. When what do my ears hear? A sound of THUD! Down Genece went hard on the sidewalk. She tried leaning and falling onto the tree to break her fall from being too hard on the sidewalk. Apparently, her new slippers slipped right off of her when they snagged on a sidewalk crack (she’s given the slippers away now). Her knee is pretty messed up so we couldn’t hike along the river today (she had to stand on it all day yesterday cooking for guests).

Limping and in pain, we still packed up and headed up the Great River Road for a drive. As each landmark we passed, Genece shared with me the history of her hometown, Alton, IL. I got to see where Lewis and Clark (see my drawing at the right) started their expedition! I also learned about Marquette and Joliet who explored the Mississippi River 130 years before Lewis and Clark. While driving on the river road (it’s so beautiful though right now all the leaves have fallen off in preparation for winter–Genece says it’s pure magic in the fall when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow and soft maple brown.), she pulled over to a spot that had a big chain fence around it. She said it was called the Blue Pool and told me about its mysterious history that’s brought attention from people who travel to visit ghost sitings.

Of course, we stopped where you can see the Piasa Bird (not the original since it’s protected by a man-made shield high on the bluffs (which are very rugged and majestic). Genece explained more the story — believe me, after hearing the whole story there was no way that I was going to try taming this bird. Especially when it’s believed that it might still exist in the caves due to people still disappearing from the area. I stayed close to Genece when we got out of the car!

One last thing that amazed me on our tour today — on the way home, she stopped uptown in a rustic neighborhood where I was in awe of this giant statue of a man. I’d never seen anything like it! She said it was of Robert  Wadlow, the tallest man EVER! He was 8′11″ — that’s one inch shy of being 9′! Incredible! One of life’s mysteries! Turns out that Genece’s mom and Aunt Pat knew him and said he was very kind and gentle — the Gentle Giant is what most people called him.

Look at the photo to the left — Genece took the photo of me sitting on the marble and her niece standing next to the statue of Robert so  you could see his gigantic size. I felt really, really small in size next to the statue.

When we came home, Genece put together a little booklet for you to read on the Lewis and Clark Expedition in Illinois and the exploring history of Alton.

Here’s the link to Genece’s little book — it’s got some interesting history. Enough to juice the imagination in preparation for the journey on the 12th night! http://www.shibuistudio.com/Explorers.pdf

Love you all,
Pris

PS — Genece keeps banging her knee. What to do with her! It ain’t a pretty sight! Then, watching her after taking a mild pain reliever has been a lot of fun. The best word I can describe is — well, “dopey”.

Happy New Year!

I have been busy with Genece getting ready for New Year’s Day — she’s cooking a gourmet meal for 8 (me included ;-). I went grocery shopping with her and found it hard to stay in the basket. From the cheeses to the seafood to the fruit & veggies to the desserts, I was flipping out of my mind! As soon as we got home, I was famished from eyeing all that food. Genece made me a healthy snack (although I REALLY wanted the chocolates) so I wouldn’t spoil dinner. Who has EVER heard of such a ridiculous thing! Spoil dinner? Chocolate can ONLY enhance dinner. Yes?

 Besides all the cooking she’s doing, she bought these beautiful dishes just for her dessert. She’s making a poached pear in red wine sauce with orange peel and cardamom. The whole thing is then cooked inside of a pastry puff. Once it is served, she said she’ll drizzle a light orange sauce over the plate and put a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream next to the pastry with pear. Drizzling? I so want to do this part! Genece said maybe — what? She doesn’t trust me? You’d think she thinks I’d make a mess! Ha! Well, some of it might end up on Serena — or, perhaps in my mouth! Can you imagine?

After the 2nd, Genece and I have plans to visit some very distinct places — we’re going to drive the Great River Road (that Lewis & Clark traveled in their exploration) and stop for a visit of the Piasa Bird (apparently a nasty monster who was known to eat small animals and children several thousand years ago). We’ll take a hike along in Marquette State Park and then eat lunch at the lodge. Another day, we’re going to St. Louis Art Museum with her Aunt Pat. That will be fun — if we have time, she said we can visit the St. Louis Science Museum where they have ‘hands on’ activities. Dru, don’t panic! How much can happen with me in a science museum? Really, I know you’re already worrying.

I’m off to help Genece clean and make everything special for tomorrow’s guests. I want to wish all of you a Happy New Year! You’ve given me so much as hostesses and as friends who’ve inspired me in my adventures. What a blessing! I promise you that I will always make these memories a special place in my heart. I’ll take all the lessons, the bonding, the warmth and cheer, the fun, the magic, the beauty, the history and your hospitality straight into the depths of my being.

May all of you experience greater joy, bliss, abundance, and love in 2008!

As Genece has been telling me, here’s to a GREAT 2008!

I love you!
Pris

Christmas Cheers!

It’s been a whirlwind of family activities the past few days. I’m grateful to spend time with a family and everyone quickly took me in as one of the clan. In fact, several of Genece’s siblings said we’re too peas in a pod. I think we look pretty, well, sexy — tee hee hee! See for yourself in the photos below.

In the past few days, I learned the secrets of being Santa and I ate like him too! In fact, I ate and I ate and I ate. So much food and so many new things to try. After all the chips, cheese, celery, crackers, cookies, cake, candy, chocolates, Genece said enough! She said if I was going to eat another thing, it had better NOT begin with the letter “C”. What was left to eat? Ham — so I did! I thought I was going to BUST! Genece had to loosen my dress for me.

Opening presents was pure mayhem! Ethan (the nephew) showed me his new toys as he opened them. Later, we played together. That is until he threw a four wheeler at me — I ducked just in time! He is one wound up little boy! I heard everyone saying he’s “All boy!” Whatever that means! Eventually, we played together again and all was fine. All was forgiven.

I got some cool presents — a magic wand (Abra, Cadabra, make this little boy Ethan into a toad! … no, I didn’t), a beautiful mug with Genece’s artwork on it, some note cards, a toy rhino (he actually cleans the computer screen & tv screen), a new purse and a Santa hat. I guess I’ve been good — very, very good! It was just as much fun playing Santa and passing out presents. I had elf helpers — Genece and her niece. We counted 132 presents we handed out — that’s a lot of presents! Of course, there were 15 of us at her dad’s house.

Once we opened presents, we sang Christmas songs and told stories of Christmas past. What I remember most from Christmas Eve and Day is laughing, laughing, laughing. I don’t know who’s goofier — Genece or her dad. They’re both hams. Then of course, I do a pretty good job of being one too! At least that’s what Barney said. “Blush, blush!”

All in all, I’d say I had a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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Today, Aunt Pat took me, Genece, and her mother onto the casino boat for lunch and Pat gave me $10 to gamble. I lost it on the slots right away so a woman playing near by at the roulette table let me sit with her in hopes I’d bring her good luck. I wanted to use my new magic wand only Genece said no because casinos aren’t too keen on that kind of thing. I did get Sherry to laugh and smile before long (you can’t take photos in the casino but Genece snuck one of me and Sherry when she was feeling bad about losing — she was very serious). My personal magic worked since her luck changed by the time we left.

Tomorrow, Genece and I are sticking around the house. I’m glad since we have more activities at the nursing home and the museum and art gallery (where Genece’s art shows) over the next few days. This girl needs a rest!

Here’s my latest photos of Christmas

Some of Genece’s family members — step mother on the far right, step sister in the middle, step-sister-in-law on the left and me on Tiff’s shoulders!

Two sexy witches — me and Genece! Okay, so it’s not really Genece and it’s only my head in the photo. However, Genece let me do this one on her computer and it was fun!

Me and the family cat playing Santa! Look at all the presents spread out everywhere! It was a lot of work!

Ethan before he threw his toy at me! He’s actually a really cute and entertaining 3 year old (well, he’ll be 3 in another month). I really did want to turn him into a toad though — no, Dru don’t worry — you’d have been proud. I handled myself like a lady!

Tiffany opening her present — a painting by Genece. I just had to sit with her while she opened this one — check out my hat, it’s falling off my head! But who cares, check out my new wand!

Poor Sherry — she was losing! She saw Genece talking to me nearby and asked that I sit with her for awhile in hopes to change her luck. Genece snuck this photo of her before her luck changed — I think I rubbed off on Sherry

Pris in Love and Having Fun!

Whew! The past few days have been a whirlwind of activities. The other day, Genece took me Christmas shopping and that was VERY interesting! Surprisingly, everywhere we went we met nice retail clerks and I had a chance to spread more cheer (then later, we drank a little cheer). Then, she took me to a WalMart Superstore to meet up with her stepmother. I hadn’t ever seen anything like this! It was bigger than a town! And, all the toys were so tempting to play with

Next, we spent the rest of the afternoon at the nursing home where Genece’s mother is living. I got to sit in Mary Lou’s lap and talk for awhile so Genece could hang clean clothes in her mom’s closet. Then, we went across the hall and I met Theo who is Mary Lou’s good friend. All the nurses were good to me and let me even wear a nurses hat (see photos below)! And, I hung out with the nurse’s assistant that helps patients when they’re feeling cranky (her name was Susan and we became instant friends! — she told me what it was like to be in service every day to all the people living at the home and how amazing the experience) or not feeling well. Susan loved hearing all about my adventures and we decided to spend more time together while I’m still here.  

For the most part, a lot of the patients seemed fairly adjusted to their living environment. I got a little sad when I met some folks with serious memory loss. However, Genece helped me to understand how to see everyone as whole so I could have a different experience. Next week, one of the nurses said she’ll take time to teach me more about alzheimer’s and dementia. I think it will be good for me to know these things and Genece said we can spend as much time as needed for me to learn. Genece really loves connecting with all the patients and takes time with many of them everytime she visits her mom. Mary Lou told me that she’s happy her daughter makes everyone feel good because she likes doing it too. Though she wouldn’t probably say it about herself, according to the nurses, Mary Lou is a shining star.

The photo above is Mary Lou, Genece’s mother and a real sweetheart! Literally! She was born on Valentine’s Day!

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12/21: Yesterday, Genece spent the day cleaning and reorganizing her house to create an area for exercise equipment. I helped a little until I fell on my bum trying to move a piece of furniture. I should have listened to Genece and waited until she was done with something else. That will teach me! With a sore bum, I nestled up in the Queen’s throne to nap. Serena curled up on the chair as well. I thought to make me feel better. Ha! She was trying to nudge me off the chair! She wanted it all to herself. Thank goodness Genece saw it happening and told Serena to behave. She huffed and meowed a little then curled in a ball on the other side of the chair. All was fine — I went fast asleep and when I woke up from the nap, everything was done. Genece was happy to see me awake and we spent the rest of the evening in her chair watching Christmas movies together and drinking hot chocolate (Genece makes the BEST! — She makes it with dark cacao, raspberry sugar free syrup, and low fat whipping cream. YUMMY!). On the second movie, Genece fell asleep and I watched “White Christmas” all the way through before waking her. I’m glad she was asleep — she didn’t have to see me cry when the old man was being honored near the end. It was heart wrenching! My favorite part was when the two sisters sang, “Sisters, Sisters, never saw such devoted sisters — Dru, it made me think of you! Especially, the line “Lord help the sister who comes between me and my man!” Get the hint? Just in case you were thinking of ever attempting to make any moves on my boyfriends.

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12/22: Speaking of boyfriends, I’m in love! Today, I met Genece’s dad and he took us out to lunch. Want to hear something funny? At lunch was Genece, her father, her stepmother AND her mother (her mother and stepmother have become close friends over the years). When the waitress asked her dad how he got to be so lucky being with four beautiful women, he smiled “It must be in the stars!” (Her dad is very charming. Though he’s on a breathing machine, it was me who felt her breath taken away! He stole my heart when he sang me a song (he used to be a country singer). When our food arrived, another waitress said with humor when I was sitting by him, “It must be love — the old man and the witch!” Everyone busted up laughing — not just at our table, but all the tables near us! Then, she poured me a cup of coffee. I tasted it and then spit it out — YUCK! I don’t think I’m really a coffee girl. I had the waitress bring me what Genece was drinking — orange juice. I love orange juice!

Now, it’s evening. “Wizard of Oz” is coming on so I’m signing off because I don’t want to miss watching it. Genece told me it had more influence over her as a little girl than any other movie. She has an interesting philosophy about what the movie meant to her psyche. Maybe she’ll share it with you one day soon.

“We’re off to see the Wizard, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. You’ll find he is a whiz of a Wiz! If ever a Wiz! there was. If ever oh ever a Wiz! there was The Wizard of Oz is one because, because, because, because, because, because. Because of the wonderful things he does. We’re off to see the Wizard. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!”

Genece loves to listen to me sing — we sing a lot together. 

 Here’s all the photos taken the past couple of days (tomorrow, we’re painting and writing poetry — I can’t wait!)

Me sitting with the nativity scene at the nursing home. It was very special to sit there.

Me singing with the “Singing Cats” in Mary Lou’s room — we sang, “Baby it’s cold outside!”

Theo — Mary Lou’s friend. Theo used to be a competitive skater for years and traveled the US competing with her husband as her skating partner. She has a lot of trophies in her room and photos of her husband (he passed away six years ago) and kids.

Me and Susan with the nurses. Susan is a Nurse’s Assistant helping patients who need to be uplifted. We had fun hanging out! Check out my nurses hat! (We had a heck of time fitting over my black hat — it’s why it looks so tall!)

Genece’s Dad — Barney! He’s 6′4″ and Genece is ONLY 5′1″ — how can that be? I’m in love He sang “Danny Boy!” to me and I melted.

Genece said with my spirit, I probably don’t need coffee. I think she’s right! With such a yucky taste, it’s not likely I’ll try it again.