tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28088440708084633642024-03-12T16:18:25.048-07:00Jaye's Technicolour WorldRandom ramblings and pictures from a world inhabited by things that most people consider frivolous, but in which Jaye delights.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-10689370976585093342012-08-12T22:44:00.001-07:002012-08-12T22:50:19.423-07:00Unrealistic AspirationsI often talk about the things I would do if I were ever in a position to build my "dream house." For the record, I do have a dream house. I saw the plans in a newspaper once, and loved them so much I ordered the book of house plans that contained them. If I ever could have a house built to my specifications, I'd pull out this book and that plan would be the jumping-off point.<p>
That said, however, when one dreams it is fun to dream big, if not dream completely ridiculous. If money were no object, I could move beyond just the dream house?<p>
Any home I inhabit will have, by necessity, a doll room. It's not really enough, one room, to house all my stuff, but it's better than nothing. But hey, if I'm going to dream ridiculous, why stop at a doll room? How about a house with a wing for toys? Better yet, my dream house could be housed on the same yard as the Jaye Andy Lehmann Museum of Whimsy (all rights to this name reserved), full of themed rooms and galleries for all my various toys and artwork and toy-related artwork.<p>
I think I might have to put this idea to paper, complete with drawings.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-49282999578035106372012-08-04T21:59:00.000-07:002012-08-04T21:59:14.633-07:00ResetIt has been a long time since I've been here. In fact, the only reason I came here today was to read a friend's blog, and decided that my response to her post might as well not be anonymous. Since I was here anyway, I decided to read all my own old posts. I knew it wouldn't take long, as I've been rather half-assed about this whole thing.<p>
I'm in a much better place than I was when this page came into existence. The problems are still there. The dark tendencies still lurk inside me. Stupid shit still gets to me, bad habits still slip into my life, and the crazy ups and downs that come with all of this are all still there. I've come to realize they'll never go away.<p>
For the first time, though I can truly say that's okay. I've come to realize that the one thing that we all have in common, the one thing that we can call normal, is that life is a series of up and down, good and bad, happy and sad, joy and sorrow. It's true for everyone. People who say nothing good ever happens just don't know where to look, and are completely skipping over the simple joys. And people who claim everything in their life is always perfect are just deluding themselves.<p>
I've become a whole lot better at realizing that many of the things I take for granted are, in fact, rich blessings from God.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-41707340354082585002011-01-01T19:52:00.000-08:002011-01-01T19:55:31.967-08:002011The new year has begun somewhat with a whimper. I don't mean that to sound like it's been a bad start, because it really hasn't. But there isn't much to report. Maybe that's for the best... the last couple of years have had more than their share of drama.<br /><br />I don't make New Year's Resolutions, per se, although my decision to start back on the Weight Watchers plan, and in fact to take better overall care of myself (physically, mentally, and spiritually) happens to be nicely coinciding with the beginning of 2011.<br /><br />So, may it be a year of health, happiness, and whimsy. Never underestimate the power of whimsy!Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-35645552702358290442010-10-20T22:18:00.000-07:002010-10-20T22:21:53.415-07:00MusingsIs it healthy to have moods go up and down with such unpredictability? Maybe it's just the way people are. Maybe I'm more normal than I give myself credit for.<br /><br />Music helps. One of the greatest gifts that God has given me is a love and appreciation for music that is so strong, I can actually physically <span style="font-weight:bold;">FEEL</span> it. The right song can lift me outside of myself, take me out of all the crap, and give me a feeling of power and rightness that I cannot achieve in any other way. <br /><br />Dolls help. It is extremely satisfying to look at a doll and know his or her name, story, and personality.<br /><br />And more than anything, faith helps. When all else fails, I know God is watching and has a plan. I just need to listen so He can share it with me.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-9450325550694473402010-05-21T17:22:00.000-07:002010-05-21T17:23:56.123-07:00Light at the End of the TunnelI don't know if I can afford to stay in this apartment. I hope I can, at least for awhile. With everything else that is going on, moving would be the thing to drive me completely around the bend.<br /><br />But no matter what, things are better. And they will continue to get better. I'm so much more blessed than I ever realized.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-51104462555760562122010-05-04T21:30:00.000-07:002010-05-04T21:35:39.244-07:00CreativityThere is something very satisfying about the creative process. It's even more satisfying when you genuinely love the product you've turned out. While I could sit and pick apart the minor details and mistakes, I find it much nicer to just enjoy having a new doll in my collection that nobody else has. Behold the before, Raspberry Tart with an extra dress from Strawberry Shortcake:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu150/jayeandy/SFE%20Plunder%20Pics/Before.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 304px;" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu150/jayeandy/SFE%20Plunder%20Pics/Before.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And the finished product, Raisin Cane:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu150/jayeandy/SFE%20Plunder%20Pics/RaisinCane.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 500px;" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu150/jayeandy/SFE%20Plunder%20Pics/RaisinCane.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I'm so pleased with how this project went, she is going to be first in a series.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-16294985542248906282010-03-20T21:05:00.001-07:002010-03-20T21:05:58.631-07:00It's Saturday NightI'm alive. I exist. I don't think I can say I live.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-3878729169971774832010-03-03T22:33:00.000-08:002010-03-03T22:38:49.958-08:00EvolutionHow do you juggle a professional relationship with a friendship when the same two people are involved? How do you approach a friend who says they value your relationship, but appears completely incapable of (at best) or disinterested in(at worst) doing their share of the work. (We all know that any relationship takes work.) How do you separate the crap from the valuable? How does someone who was once very sure of who they were figure it out when they realize they no longer have any idea? How do you develop faith in yourself? How do you know where to start with the million ideas in front of you, each with its own appeal, pros, and cons?Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-50711104539479668882010-02-24T08:53:00.000-08:002010-02-24T08:55:04.488-08:00Epiphany, of sortsMaybe I'm looking for solutions to problems that aren't really problems. Maybe I'm trying to fix things that aren't broken. Maybe I'm okay the way I am, complete with uncertainties and fears.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-17229903323755205482010-02-15T18:32:00.000-08:002010-02-15T18:33:37.347-08:00SwingLife is good, life sucks. Happy, sad. Lonely, content. Up, down. <br /><br />This cannot be healthy.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-18290974832536103382010-02-13T21:24:00.000-08:002010-02-13T21:31:09.304-08:00Ode to a Saturday NightHighlights from a non-typical Saturday night:<br /><br />- a gymnastic/tumbling/trampoline show. Nothing like seeing people doing what they love and doing it well, especially if a couple of them happen to be really hot men. ;)<br /><br />- discovering a favourite song performed by a favourite voice. How have I never heard k.d. lang sing "Hallelujah" before? Sheer brilliance.<br /><br />- reading the Hasbro press release about the 2010 SSC line before going out, and coming home to find that not only are the Toy Fair pictures up, but the entire line looks great.<br /><br />- chatting online with a couple of very close friends before bed. It's great to be reminded that there are good people in your life.<br /><br />God has a way of showering you with blessings, right when you need them most. They may not be obvious, and may come in the form of entertainment, remote conversation, or pictures of little plastic toys. But receive them. He wants you to have them.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-8041319119059332452010-01-31T21:10:00.000-08:002010-01-31T21:12:27.304-08:00*sigh*How do people get through life? Seriously, there is no way every other person on the planet can feel as bloody lost and clueless as I do.<br /><br />Is it just that they've never thought about it?Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-41290959432927009062010-01-30T20:50:00.000-08:002010-01-30T20:55:28.456-08:00WonderingsWhen I'm in the grocery store, is anyone in there just putting things in their cart out of habit? Do they know what to buy from experience, and aren't really thinking through the numb haze?<br /><br />When I'm driving through the city, are any of the motorists chasing thoughts in their heads, trying to find the one that they need, but that they know probably isn't there?<br /><br />When I'm serving customers at the store, are any of them putting on a happy face because they feel like they can't let anyone know about the screaming in their head?<br /><br />Do any of these people wish they knew what kind of help they need, much less how to cry out for it?<br /><br />Or is it just me?Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-77596724400708532842010-01-27T20:37:00.000-08:002010-01-27T20:43:46.608-08:00Happy and SadToday I celebrated my 37th birthday. It was a nice day, spent with many of the most important people in my life. Jamie and I had a nice breakfast and watched a movie together, and then we met my whole immediate family for supper. Just the way I like to celebrate.<br /><br />When I came home and did my habitual check of Facebook, it was to news that one of my father's cousins had died. He was a wonderful man - clever, witty, intelligent, and observant. His whole family are special people, and several of them, particularly two of his daughters and one of his grandchildren, are people who I consider among my dearest friends. My heart goes out to them.<br /><br />Life is like this. Happy and sad coexist, drifting in and out of each others' spheres of influence.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-19546517602003198792010-01-25T18:30:00.001-08:002010-01-25T18:44:02.585-08:00The Difference Between Small and Little<span style="font-weight:bold;">Small Stuff to Not Sweat</span><br /><br />- a couple of days worth of unwashed lunch containers<br />- the Bay's seeming refusal to make Automatic Replenishment work properly<br />- being unable to move my car for a few days after a snowstorm<br />- dust<br />- screwing up Weight Watchers once in awhile<br />- The Things I Cannot Change (some smaller than others)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A Few of the "Little Things in Life"</span><br /><br />- The Big Bang Theory (sitcom, not science)<br />- colouring<br />- Oz books<br />- 2010 = Strawberry Shortcake's 30th Anniversary... surprises await!<br />- figurines in unmarked boxes, the geek equivalent of Kinder Surprise<br />- actual Kinder SurpriseJayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-40564330849615847872010-01-22T21:42:00.001-08:002010-01-22T21:45:09.647-08:00Collecters are nutsI know, because I'm one of them.<br /><br />Take today, for example. I spent $10 on an 18-year-old Christmas catalogue. Why, you ask? Well, you see, it had one page of Strawberry Shortcake toys in it.<br /><br />Yes. Take that in. Meanwhile, I'll be cutting pages out of old catalogues to make a really spectacular presentation book filled with subtly-different advertising photos from the early 80s.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-44425113392146571742010-01-17T09:01:00.000-08:002010-01-17T09:20:42.554-08:00God Works in Mysterious Ways<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8vkessO8KY_GxO3-nC60QCSxbpvSQ4eQMYGII_AexY20juFYqm0JTQYsRDDYsWgsW9ArPZ6DncfueMKbdy8BctreBbG5JUh1flkYaAFtetasGE7nc8CsBahqb0crTgvIDzj89NiEGfk/s1600-h/MarilynSmall.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8vkessO8KY_GxO3-nC60QCSxbpvSQ4eQMYGII_AexY20juFYqm0JTQYsRDDYsWgsW9ArPZ6DncfueMKbdy8BctreBbG5JUh1flkYaAFtetasGE7nc8CsBahqb0crTgvIDzj89NiEGfk/s200/MarilynSmall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427759721721866466" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday, I lost a friend to lung cancer. She was a co-worker for a short time, having just started at our store in August. A month or so after that she got sick with the flu, and wasn't getting better. In November, she found out she had cancer, although didn't tell us until a couple of weeks ago, when it had become very clear her time was short.<br /><br />I had not known Marilyn long, but in the short time we were friends, I felt blessed to have her in my life. She was a delightful and interesting woman, and I know that had we been given the chance, we would have developed a solid friendship. I already miss her very much.<br /><br />When she chose to let us know of her illness, Marilyn asked to be able to tell me herself before the announcement was made to the department. That was very touching, as it leads me to believe Marilyn also considered me to be a good friend, and valued our relationship. We had a short conversation on the phone, enough for me to know that her spirit was still strong.<br /><br />Through communication with her family, we learned that Marilyn's time was very, very short. I became increasingly upset that while I had gotten to talk to her, I would never see her again, since it had rapidly reached the stage where only family was allowed to see or talk to her. The cosmetics team did what little we could. We sent a floral arrangement, and two days ago, on Friday evening, we prepared a meal for her family. Svetlana and I delivered it to the hospital, and Marilyn's daughter saw that a rule needed to be broken and took us in for a short time. She had just been medicated, and couldn't communicate well, but Marilyn obviously knew who we were and was glad to see us. Her grip on our hands was strong despite how weak she was. We got one last chance to tell her we loved her and missed her.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">THAT</span> was the last time I saw Marilyn, but I am so blessed. I got some closure, I got to tell her I loved her, and I know that she understood me. The next morning, when church ended, I saw I had voicemail and I knew right away that Marilyn was gone.<br /><br />Many people beat cancer, and many people do not. I do not know why Marilyn was one of the ones who didn't. But in the tragedy of this, something has happened. I have learned how precious life is, and that is something I needed badly in light of my recent issues. So often in the past year I have come close to the edge of not wanting to live anymore, and while I know that these are not problems with easy solutions, I have now been given some perspective that makes me want to fight that kind of thing with every bit of strength I have.<br /><br />Goodbye, Marilyn. In the short time we knew each other, you brought me so much more than you could ever have imagined. I have no doubt that we will meet again someday, in a better place. When we do, we will have Eternity to pick up our friendship again.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-70596720346291093972009-12-24T22:54:00.000-08:002009-12-24T22:56:42.653-08:00Christmas Eve EpiphanyIf you're ever feeling down, here's what you need to do. Despite the fact that your first instinct is to sit at home and stew, go to the home of a good friend who has a house full of guests who laugh a lot. Laugh along with them. Play crokinole. Play Uno. Eat enough appetizers for 12 people. Trust me, it works.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-11030244739947697012009-12-22T08:07:00.001-08:002009-12-22T08:07:56.630-08:00Ramblings on a TuesdaySo, for it being the week of Christmas, it has started off as complete shat. Jamie is being just as thoughtless as usual. You'd think I'd get used to it after a years, but no. I have that big "L" on my forehead, you know. Plus, yesterday when I was doing my paperwork and completely not even paying attention to the world around me, I was treated to homophobic crap from two random d-bags passing my counter. I didn't give them the satisfaction of even looking up, but that sort of thing has a habit of happening just when I finally think it won't anymore, and when I'm already not exactly on the upswing of my overall mood cycles.<br /><br />But it's Tuesday morning, and I'm off work today. I'm enjoying a cup of coffee and mindlessly surfing the Internet and Facebook. Canada Post is in the process of bringing me two Oz books and (very excited very excited very excited!) my new mini laptop, my first-ever BRAND NEW computer that nobody but me has used. I have had an unexpected invitation to join my brother and his delightful new girlfriend for lunch. I will wrap presents later today. I will mail a package to a new friend, and await his response to the surprise inside. I will do a little bit of shopping.<br /><br />The problems won't go away. Jamie will still be thoughtless, at least for the foreseeable future. I have no doubt of that. People will still say hurtful things to total strangers. And the efforts of my psychologist will work, but not overnight. There is a lot of pain ahead. But right now, at 10:07 on a Tuesday morning, life isn't too bad.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-22249867544389555772009-12-17T05:19:00.000-08:002009-12-17T05:21:38.927-08:00Now I'm NitpickingI realize this is incredibly minor, and will probably make me the subject of ridicule to the, you know, TWO people who might see this. But it's my blog, and meaningless pet peeves are allowed.<br /><br />Why must people refer to finger food as "appies?" Do they not realize they sound stupid? Do they not realize that we have an infinite number of syllables at our disposal and we don't need to conserve them will silly abbreviations? Do they not realize this "word" rhymes with a euphemism for diaper?<br /><br />There. I am done.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-15612519212095229292009-12-15T07:25:00.000-08:002009-12-15T07:33:20.268-08:00Cell Phone RudenessI have no serious issue with people using their cell phones in public. Isn't that the point of them? I myself merrily text and check e-mail as I walk through the mall, although I do make sure I watch where I'm going. I don't need to run headlong into some muffin-topped teenybopper as she texts <span style="font-style: italic;">without<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span> watching where she is going. And as long as people don't feel the need to yell, I see nothing wrong with making a call, providing you're not in a movie theatre or something.<br /><br />However...<br /><br />Is it really too much to ask that you <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NOT</span></span> stand there having some inane conversation about which parking meter to meet at while I'm trying to serve you in the store? Seriously. I have had customers come up to the counter, chattering away, point at a product, hand me a credit card, and sign the receipt without ever once saying a word to me. Clearly it is of such utmost importance that you find out what your friend Julie has been up to for the last week that you can't take the (literally) two minutes to grab your damned mascara, pay, say thank you, and leave without having the damn phone glued to your ear. I realize there is no consultation involved, and you know exactly what you want. But I am not a vending machine, and a little human courtesy is in order.<br /><br />It's okay, though. We totally talk about you after you leave.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-73065751506036533362009-12-11T20:06:00.000-08:002009-12-11T20:13:17.749-08:00Honestly......is it too much to ask people to make more of an effort when they go out in public? Pajama bottoms belong at home, people! I'm not saying that leaving your house for the mall or the supermarket requires getting dressed up. But you have to at least get <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">dressed!!!!!</span></span><br /><br />As with most visible symptoms of the obvious downfall of mankind (this whole slob thing is right up there with misuse of the apostrophe, in my books), there as been noticeable deterioration even within the problem. As if wearing pajama bottoms as pants when shopping weren't bad enough, the other day I saw some random chick in plaid pajama bottoms with a big honking rip down the front of one leg. Never mind that it's 30 below these days... she was wearing ripped loungewear in public!!!! What's next? A big skidmark down the back?<br /><br />Gods nightgown, people. Have some pride in yourself.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-90152119932181826022009-11-11T19:45:00.000-08:002009-11-11T19:47:29.275-08:00The Current State of AffairsRubbish of rubbishes, saith the beauty advisor. Rubbish of rubbishes. All is rubbish.<br /><br />Yes, I know I sound dramatic, and I know I'm ripping off a prophet who has been dead for millennia. I stand by this statement.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-48360662169640578062009-10-27T21:33:00.000-07:002009-10-27T21:35:26.083-07:00Oh, CrapIt never fails. One week before Gift With Purchase, I have come down with a cold. Raw, scratchy throat. Runny nose. And, no doubt, before long these symptoms will be joined by a hacking cough that intensifies every time I try to sleep. Of course, what else should I expect? I am, after all, only eight days away from the busiest chunk of my selling year. <br /><br />On the plus side, it would seem that as my physical health deteriorates, my mental health is holding steady. I've learned that when life hands me lemons, I should look for the silver lining.Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2808844070808463364.post-55722354597295315352009-10-09T19:18:00.001-07:002009-10-09T19:18:45.285-07:00Okay......dig that craptacular photo formatting. Seems I have a few things to learn about using this...Jayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697452385135195980noreply@blogger.com0