Deep In The Forrest

I tried to resist, but just about mid-day, I sold my soul... ;) Oh who am I kidding, I didn't try to resist.

To all my favorite Ghouls! May your Halloween night be a bloody delight, full of fears and fright... hope it's out of sight! Yes, it's finally Halloween. I'm always sad when it's come and gone but I will share with you a couple of vids that I love for today... and yes, that's me in one of my many vampire costumes :) Enjoy these!!! Eternally yours, Aunt Jackie PS: Tamra and Jessica, I love and miss y'all!!! "Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" Misfits "Halloween" (with Nightmare before Christmas stuff)

Well, Happy Tuesday everybody. It is nearly Halloween (tomorrow) which is totally unfair. If not for the date of Halloween, I wish that it would always be on a Saturday. Saturday would be the best day for Halloween to fall on... but that's not under my control. Halloween is my favorite holiday, due to the fact that I love the time of the year, I love dressing up, and I'm a weirdo anyway so I always got into the whole 'evilness' of it since I'm a little devil ;) I would usually end up dressing like a vampire, or a red devil or something similar. But as I have said before, the "magic" has somewhat faded just because things have changed so much and I don't get to really spend Halloween with my best friend Tamra anymore... It's not a question of age really. I think a lot of people think that certain things are for children, or people who have children. But I say that it's all in your heart and spirit, and if you feel Inspired by a season, or cert...

Ok, so I was bored and got a little overly-involved with some Quizzes from "Blogthings"... Here is what I found out about myself! You Are 32% Pure You've either done it, thought about it, or at least heard about it. Luckily, there's a few things left for you to try! How Pure Are You? Your 1996 Theme Song Is: 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins Shakedown 1979 Cool kids never have the time On a live wire right up off the street You and I should meet What's Your 1996 Theme Song? Your Famous Movie Kiss is from The Empire Strikes Back "Captain, being held by you isn't quite enough to get me excited." What Famous Movie Kiss Are You? You're an Expert Kisser You're a kissing pro, but it's all about quality and not quantity You've perfected your kissing technique and can knock anyone's socks off And you're adaptable, giving each partner what they crave When it comes down to it, your kisses are truly unforgettable What Kind of Kisser Are You?...

Weekend coming to a close here... I'm basically sitting back chilling while Mr. J watches yet another History Channel feature about Nostradamus. This is a good thing, especially if I want to go to bed and have night terrors. I thought I would do a Sunday night post to include some ranting and some rambling. Some of the rants, I've talked about before so no doubt will it be a repeat and probably bore some of you who read me. However, lots of times when I mention topics such as "bad customer service" and "public assholes", I get a great deal of followers who wholeheartedly agree. I mention customer service workers, once again, because over the weekend I happened to go through a well-known franchise drive-thru, and noticed more crap-assed behavior on the part of the "cheery" workers there. I make my order, they repeat it (so far so good), then I get to the first window. I noticed right away that the girl waiting to take my money keeps the window clasp...

I've been lucky... no matter what, I have always been able to get my hair to do pretty much what I wanted it to [you know, I could style it easily]. This is something not everyone can boast. Just about the only thing I have never been able to do was to "roll" my hair in that classic way that women sometimes do, perfectly placing curlers in with ease, and sometimes without help of even a mirror (this is something my Mother is an expert at). No, I was not graced with that talent. Usually, people complain that they can't "do" their own hair, or make it look good. "How do you do yours so well, Jackie?" they chime in. Well, I was blessed with decently-thick, good textured hair. While it isn't totally straight, it has enough natural curl to it that it can be fashioned to do most styles with ease. Lately, however, things seem to be on the decline. I have noticed that my hair is becoming harder and harder to manage... When I try to style my bangs, the...

Jay , and Corky recently sent me on a trip through the 80s. What with Jay's post about infamous strip tease scenes, and the oiled up chest of Tom Cruise (neither of which I ever found attractive as a woman), and Corky's 'up close and personal' showcasing of Steve Perry's junk (or wad, crotch, etc). I couldn't help but get stuck in my own 80s trap. I kept getting songs stuck in my head such as Sting and the Police with "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic", and others like that who used to frequent "Friday Night Videos". The Cars with "You Might Think" I guess the 80s was alot of things for me... I learned to drive (well I actually learned to drive when I was like 2), I fell in love (many, many times). I obsessed over music, and spent hours in front of my stereo making the ever-popular "Mix Tapes" for myself, my friends and of course my 'true love' of the week. [Note: I still do "Mix Tapes" even today, ...

Not only am I trying to battle "mid-week", I am playing catch-up from having been on vacation, this being my first day back to the grind. My morning began less-than-delightful with a power outage on my entire block, so I was late, as well as attempted to get beautified by the soft glow of candlelight (this was not a successful venture). So scarecrow me, has finally added the remainder of the photos to my Hot Springs 2007 gallery... Here for your review... Hope you're all liking them (there are a good many photos here, and some of them may be repeats at this point so my apologies). Just Click To Play The post from yesterday was quite long, as Blu pointed out, but it details our trip mostly, so if you feel like the read, then catch up... If not, you can view the trip in pictures, which always speak for themselves! :) XOXO --> AJ

Hot Springs Trip, October 2007 ...And, we're back! The trip was a success, with a few small pitfalls, we had a great time. We packed it all up and headed out Friday, listened to Dan Brown's "Digital Fortress" on audio CD on the way... and arrived at our destination sometime around 4 PM... Checked in and got comfy. Took in the scenery, and took a few photos of the lake upon our arrival. As you view the web gallery, you will see the views of the lake which is the view that we had when we walked out onto the deck surrounding our little bungalow. Great in the morning, and great at night when the lights of the bridge appeared. After breathing in our surroundings, it was time to think of dinner. We chose to go to a favorite little "down home" Italian restaurant off Central near downtown called "Facci's Italian Restaurant". This place is "home"... the people are super-nice, and the food is fantastico! We made the mistake of having an appeti...

We arrived home yesterday from our 3 night stay in Hot Springs. Everything was nice, I'll detail the story shortly. I've had tons of photos to filter through, and I'm trying desperately to get them ready to present to you guys so you can enjoy a glance at our trip. I'd like the photos to accompany my little rundown of our weekend's events, so that it can bring it to life for you all. So come back soon and see that--I may have it up before the day is over, if not first thing in the morning. Meanwhile, I'm running late on the day (as I took today as an extra day off), and haven't even posted my WWC for this week (brought to us, as always by the sparkly and magical Tink of Pickled Beef . This week's words are "Disguise" and "Reflection" . "Mr. J (Richie) posing here with Sophia Loren" For my official "entry", I am incorporating both into one photo... the photo is just a bit fuzzy, but it illustrates what I want. Whil...

We're getting ready to hit the road Jack! Read archives, catch up, say hello or let me know you came by. Meanwhile, we're on Holiday! See you guys when we get back... I'll be the one with a ton of pictures!!! Have a great weekend!

Well, something like that! I'm hurriedly making my preparations for this weekend's big Hot Springs trip. If you weren't around last year when Mr. J and I went but want to see, you can Catch Up Here . Feeling the pressure of last-minute details, I have to get the car serviced and ready, pack, make preparations for my animal-children (Sal and Rodney), and get our road music and audio prepared. Last year, we listened to a very cool Book on audio by the author, Dan Brown... it was entitled "Angels and Demons" . This time, we have on hand "Digital Fortress". Dan Brown's material is quite engaging, and he always has some little technological twist in his books (so far). These are the only two I've ever read or listened to, if you will. So that's fun. Of course, I also have my very ecclectic collection of music... anything you can imagine from "Yaz", to "The Ramones", to NOLA's "Down" and "Morbid Angel" (j...

One more tidbit for Thursday, if you weren't into metal and didn't like the video, I found some odd animal news to share. Seems these poisonous toads who'd invaded Australia, have been paying the price in bones! "Owe my aching knees!" The article states that it might have something to do with the fact that they evolved longer bones for the extensive trip, distances for the invasion... More strange and interesting workings of constant Evolution of nature! Click To Read about "Invasive Toads Getting Arthritis"

Anyone else ever feel like some phenomenon "Stalks" them from time-to-time? For me, it has long been The King of Rock and Roll, a.k.a. "Big E", that's right... Elvis. I started to notice it one day when I was driving peacefully down the interstate when I looked over and saw a humongous, hulking Elvis-face billboard glaring at me. Although slightly dizzied, and taken aback, I continued my safe driving. Then I went into a music store, and saw even more Elvis faces looking at me slyly with that crooked grin. "WTF?!?" I thought... "What's with this? Why am I seeing him everywhere I go?" It never seemed to let up (and I'm not even "into" Elvis!) My best friend, Tamra and I (and I think I've mentioned this before) began noticing that he was increasingly everywhere! Shopping in the store, he was on a box of candy. Shopping for clothing, he was on T-shirts and souvenirs. Magazines, Books, Calendars, Wall Hangings, of course CDs ...

Starting a new segment. "Monthly Blog Crush". This month's crush is none other than everyone's favorite Captain, Corky ! I check, check and double-check Corky's content hoping to see new and gorgeous photos of his adorable son, Max. I can't go a day without the Corky wit and wisdom... He's top notch, and very creative (and who doesn't faint for the Captain??). So I have to name him "Mr. October" (Blog Crush of the Month). You can click the pic of the Captain (or the link) to visit him and get a crush of your own! ;) Here's to you (and Max, a.k.a. Corky Jr.) Captain! Keep us laughing, smiling and thinking...

Thought I'd make a separate entry for this week's WWC brought to us by the amazing and magical Tink of Pickled Beef . This weeks words were "Autumn" and "Home". Autumn is my favorite time of the year, leaves falling, cool breezes blowing, everything coming to a close before winter... Beautiful colors (usually, when it's not so unseasonably warm). But here goes... Autumn. Leaves just beginning to turn in Arkansas Dead, brown and red leaves in the cemetery. Home means many things, it's not just a house to me or anything... it is the people who make me feel "at home", and people who ARE home to me. So here goes... Home. Silly, Sweet, Spoiled Rotten Richie (Mr. J), My Husband My Wonderful Parents My Cuddly Rodney-Cat

I haven't alot to say this fine Tuesday. The WWC took alot out of me. :) That's o.k. though, I enjoyed it immensely. If you want to participate, just follow my 'Link to Tink', and find out what to do... The only other things on my mind this week are how people seem to continue getting "assholier" by the day. (Present company accepted though! You are all wonderful... those of you who haven't banned me, which is all of you except one sour-ass). Also, Lemmy's moles are still alive and well. In fact I for some reason never noticed the 2nd mole until I was watching a documentary on Metal, and happened to zoom in to see the second mole... Almost as mighty and nasty as the first, but not quite. It's like Lemmy's mole's assistant or something. I wondered to myself if these horrible looking growths have ever prevented Lemmy from getting laid... do you think?? Eeeek. Lastly, I have been really fighting the sugar cravings lately. Trying not to do so b...

I trust you're all having a pleasant Monday. 'Pleasant Monday', you say? 'Is there such a thing?' Well, Mondays (or your equivalent first day of any given work week) can always be trying, but it's all what you make it... like anything else in life. We have to stop and remind ourselves, possibly daily, to take it just one step at a time and enjoy each and every moment. I've decided that we're going to have a Pop Quiz. That's right, it's Monday and I'm giving you a Pop quiz. Aren't you glad I wasn't your teacher? :) So take out your pencils (in this case your pencils are your computer's "mouse" devices), so that you can answer today's Monday Test. Once you've gotten your results, come back and tell me how you did. Go Here for Monday's Test In other news... Mr. J and I have planned our 2nd Annual October Trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas. This upcoming weekend. This time, I will be armed with my Nikon, so no worries...

Saturday's been good... started the day off with a nice haircut... maybe a little shorter than I had intended but my hair grows fast so it's all cool. Then Meggy Moon and I went to the Elmwood Cemetery because she had never been and I thought she'd enjoy shooting some photos from there. I really can't quit going over there, I have fun every time I shoot photos at Elmwood. I think I might be over it now, besides I have so many collected... Maybe it's time to find another place that interests me photographically. :) However, I am sharing the slideshow with you from a few of today's select shots, so hope you enjoy them... Before I forget, Today I must send extreme Happy Birthday wishes to our good friend Four Dinner's Daughter, Jaxxxxxxxxx's Big 18th Birthday! . Happy Birthday Jaxxx... and many, many more!! You did good Dinners!!! Cheers! He's still a young hunk himself... so you'd never know he had an 18 year old daughter today. You guys are top no...

... of this very long, trying week. Thank you all for the words of encouragement and all about this week's "Aunt Jackie Ban" by a well-known blogger, and I won't mention any names. You may or may not have known who it was that got pissed with me, it doesn't matter now. I had sent an apology note, and tried to find out what exactly I did to deserve the kick to the curb, and I got no response. I tried... I failed, I'm moving on. His comradery will be missed, but as a few of you have pointed out, it's truly their loss... Meanwhile, I still have so many great visitors to this blog and I won't be wasting any time continuing on with my writing, fun and entertainment... I don't deserve the wasted time, and neither do you, my dear readers and 'Blog Friends'... So let's move forward. "Here's mud in your eye, you dirty dog, Your loss and I forgive you for your short fuse and your blatant misunderstanding of me." That's all I h...

In the spirit of Nostalgia, this was fun... Do you remember [the 80s]??? Here's a blast from the past. Happy Friday all of my wonderful Friends...

Let me ask you a question (or two, maybe three). Is it natural for us, as human beings, to seek validation and approval from others? We shouldn't care what others think, but sometimes it is hard not to when you admire another for their skills, or you thought they had an awesome personality or were a great person only to lose their respect or approval, for whatever reason. It's hard for that not to hurt my feelings anyway. Why do you blog? Of course you blog for yourself, and you may say that you still blog only for your own enjoyment, or therapy or fun. However, be honest. Every one of us likes comments; comments from your 'blog peers' provide some form of validation, and they are an enjoyable form of banter that may not be necessary, but you come to really appreciate, maybe even slightly depend on. So, when you get few or no comments, isn't it just a little disappointing? So why is it a crime to admit that not only does one enjoy writing for the sake of writing, bu...

It's officially "Hmmmph" day... I thought I would take an opportunity to recognize some of the ignorance, stupidity and rudeness I have brushed elbows with in the past few days. I'm not sure if this will qualify as a rant, but it may turn into one, who knows the day is young. Here is my official Song to Commemorate the Day (couldn't find the original video to post, so this will have to do... I give you "Flagpole Sitta": ( view Lyrics to Harvey Danger - Flagpole Sitta ) RE: Lip Dub - Flagpole Sitta by Harvey Danger from Jerry Ascione on Vimeo . Either people are getting more and more rude and callous by the day, or I have recently harnassed a the superpower of "Invisibility" (which would be cool if it were true and possible). Because everywhere I go, people either jump out in front of me, act like I'm not there and get right in my path only to stop and talk to someone else, nearly back over me as if I am not even there, or ...

I know, I know what a fancy title that is... I'm feeling quite lazy this week for some odd reason, not that I'm acting on it--I'm still getting (some) things accomplished. But, I was totally thrown off track and nearly forgot that it was time for the WWC (Weekly Words Challenge) courtesy of the fabulous Tink of Pickled Beef . If you have not yet tried participating in the Weekly Words Challenge, it's tons of fun. Our favorite, hunk o'man, Cynical Bastard submits his photos, and always has great entries... and Tink has some wonderful photos too! So go check it out, and tell em' AJ sent'cha! This week's WWC Theme words were "Posed" and "Natural". I was lucky this past weekend in getting my Mom to pose for me as she usually chases after me with the broom (I jest) for trying to capture her lovely face on film. So I had a wonderful, cooperative subject... My entries this week are not all that "clever", but they are good examples...

I know, I know, it seems like next weekend is very far away right about now. But take heart, it will get here before you know it. Our weekend was pretty busy, just with family stuff and unexpected house guests. Took some good photos of my Mom yesterday. She posed for me in her new suit, and looked perfect and angelic as always. I think I will have them printed for her, she always likes that. Also, took some self-portraits and I added a new one to my profile. I wasn't looking my best, but I was just goofing around and decided to throw a few of myself in, since I take after my Dad (he always took self portraits too). Went over to Xanadu Book Store the other day, as they have not only books but music equipment. Mr. J was looking at some of the music equipment, and I began browsing the books. Of course I couldn't walk away empty handed. I held two books in my hands. The first one was "On The Road" written by Jack Kerouac . The other was Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Go...