Moonlight Hollow

Happy? You Decide!

2012-01-03T21:50:00.000-06:00

Meet my youngest grandson, Cash.

He has learned how to pout.

He has learned it well.

Cash has the sweetest disposition, but he is trying out all his options.

I have decided to be happy this year...

happy with who I am...

happy with what I have.

I have tried the pouting thing.

Happy is nice.

It's The Land Of My People...

2012-01-02T11:12:00.000-06:00

This West Texas girl just returned from visiting West Texas.

No one describes it better than Jack Ingram in

The Great Divide.

Enjoy.

I know I did!

Hard Landings Last Year...

2011-12-31T12:38:00.000-06:00

I made a little something to symbolize the end of 2011.

All I can say is...

good riddance!

Ring A Ding Ding...My Arm's In A Sling!

2011-12-11T19:40:00.001-06:00

Have you noticed I haven't been on the computer much lately?

I'm injured.

Want to know about my new injury?

Lurch calls it:

Blogger Shoulder

Pinterest Shoulder

FaceBook Shoulder

But this is what it is really called...

OUCH!

I am in an arm sling.

I am in pain.

I am worried because...

it is my throwing arm!

No, not that kind of throwing arm.

Although it would be that kind of throwing arm if I wasn't so

girly...

old...

fat...

spastic.

It is this kind of throwing arm...

you know,

the knife throwing arm...

the drink in your face throwing arm...

the "how dare you say that" arm!

Even more important...

it is my drinking arm!

Yep, you heard me...

my drinking arm!

Do you know where I am spending the holidays?

New Orleans!

Yep!

I will be on Bourbon Street

with a bum drinking arm!

Guess I will have to get help from...

my officially sanctioned drinking dog!

Or...

use my newly developed artificial drinking arm!

Or...

I might have to get one of these!

But New Orleans isn't all about drinking!

It's also about drinking and...

dancing!

Now how are Lurch and I going to get our groove on

with my bum shoulder?

Or how am I gonna...

catch beads while I carry my drink?

I will only have one arm!

How in the world...

can I take photos to share with you?

I will only have one hand!

Do I carry my camera

or carry my drink?

Maybe I could just...

carry my camera in my drink!

Or...

carry my drink in my camera!

Of course, it is hard to look stylish

during Christmas in New Orleans

with my arm in a sling.

I certainly don't look like...

Grace Kelly with her Hermes scarf sling.

Oh, no...

I look like this!

Hmmm...

maybe there is an advantage to having

a sling on Bourbon Street!

Why don't you make yourself a bourbon and sit back

and enjoy a little Aaron Neville singing

Louisiana Christmas Day?

2011-11-23T19:04:00.001-06:00

AD MEMORIAM

I wrote this post three years ago.

I am posting it again because she would have been 86 today...

and we still miss her.

Thanksgiving will never be the same without her. She was ahead of her time. She was one of us. She was a humorist. She created. She junked. She transformed. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt and an artist. One of the last things she said before the darkness took her over---one of the her funniest quotes, which I will remember for the rest of my life was: "It is so quiet in here, you could hear a mouse pissing on a cotton ball!"

She was born Mildred Waldene Blount. Who in the world would name their daughter Waldene? Maybe that set the foundation for her fantastic sense of humor! Mildred Waldene was born on November 23rd. Not to be upstaged by Thanksgiving, my Aunt Mildred used Thanksgiving as a backdrop for her birthday celebration!

Perhaps she was the pioneer for me! You never walked into her house without noticing that things had changed. Rooms had been rearranged. Furniture had been painted, rebuilt, and refurbished. Old items had found new purposes! She didn't have to do it---she never had to work outside the home---she had the resources to buy everything new---but she had the "junkin' spirit"---she had the "eye"---she had the God given talent to create, recreate and renovate!

Aunt Mildred had the ability to laugh at life. She was a natural born comedian---a trait I hopefuly inherited. She made me laugh and tremble in fear as she told me she "would flush me down the toilet!" She took delight in making her two sons wear my pajamas when forced to stay at our home because of a winter storm! To make a long story short, she was a force to be reckoned with! She was a hoot!

Mildred Blount Gore had a wonderful marriage. She raised two extraordinary sons. She was a wonderful aunt to me. Later in life, she became a beautiful friend. I remember the day she showed up in my store with a silver tray laden with champagne and goodies to celebrate my birthday. I remember a year later when she began to tell me her stories of confusion....waking up in a ditch...strangers closing in around her...nightmares she couldn't escape. Then the darkness closed in...and alzheimers took her from us...a long, slow and painful process.

Aunt Mildred, without you at Thanksgiving, it is so quiet in here. I could hear a mouse pissing on a cotton ball!

Make Me A Pallet...

2011-11-22T11:13:00.001-06:00

Behold the lowly pallet.

I will warn you now that this post is long...

so many creative ideas to share

about creating items for your home with

the often discarded pallet.

What is a pallet?

A pallet is a wooden structure used to stack goods

for shipping and storage.

Pallets are constructed so that a forklift can easily pick them up.

Used pallets are an easy find and usually cheap or free...

thus the explosion of ideas for projects to make from pallets!

All of these photos are found on Pinterest.

If you don't know how Pinterest works, you need to!

Go to Pinterest HERE and do a search for wooden pallets.

You will find so many cool pictures!

See a picture you really like and you want to know how to make the project?

Just click on the picture and Pinterest will take you to the blog or site

which explains the steps in the process.

How cool is that?

You may have to be a member to search.

Just sign up to be a member. It is free!

You can also email me and I will send you an invitation to be a member.

So here we go...

a pallet used as a headboard.

If I ever get an apartment in New Orleans or Paris,

I would gladly sleep on this pallet bed!

Here pallets are utilized as headboards and footboards...

and what a marvelous idea to create a pallet trundle bed!

Do you need a daybed ?

It can be stationary...

or on rollers!

(Notice the old door serving as a headboard?)

These pallets are used to create a sofa, but that is too low for me!

Awww...that's better!

How about creating a reading nook for your

kids or grandkids?

Need any extra storage in your kitchen?

How about a pot rack...

or just a tiny little shelf?

This bookshelf could be in any room.

I think it would be fantastic for a classroom!

Why buy shelves for your photos...

or for your child's room?

How cool is this jewelry storage/display unit

made from a pallet and recycled wine bottle light?

Tell me you don't need this in your closet

or by your front door!

The next photo is my FAVORITE pallet idea...

of course, it would be!

It involves wine bottles and glasses!

Isn't this an awesome wine storage unit?

I couldn't stop myself when posting pictures of pallet coffee tables...

or end tables...

or kitchen tables...

or work tables!

There is no shortage of ideas on using pallets for wall art...

decorative...

or utilitarian!

How many times have you wished that you had a room divider?

This would also be a creative way for vendors to display at shows!

Want to change a wall?

take the boards off a pallet and put them on your wall!

Or...

put the entire pallet on the wall

and stain and varnish it...

or paint them!

Want to redo a staircase?

Here you go!

Need a cheap alternative way to floor a room?

Voila!

Looks great, doesn't it?

Have you run out of rooms in your house?

Well, let's go outside!

How about a pallet bench...

or an easy pool organizer?

Just add a few soft cushions and you've got great lounge chairs!

How about an outdoor table that you won't worry about weathering...

or a quick and easy potting table?

Have a small balcony but want a garden?

What a space saving idea!

Or how about your own botanical garden

on your deck?

I will be trying this!

You could always just put the pallets on the ground

and make you a nice little foot path to here...

your own pallet playhouse!

While you are in your playhouse, you could make this

for the holiday season...

and it's all from pallets!

All this talk about pallets

gives a new meaning to the song, "Make Me A Pallet On The Floor"

by Mississippi native, John Hurt.

Enjoy!

Now A Word From Our Sponsor...

2011-11-20T18:32:00.001-06:00

Having a special event during the holidays?

Make your event heavenly with Pent-Up Photos Photo Booth!

Book your holiday event now!

Email me for information.

Thanksgiving Decorating On The Cheap!

2011-11-19T18:56:00.001-06:00

I don't know about you,

but I need the holidays to be easy on the pocketbook this year.

Between early retirement and endless medical bills,

I need to decorate on the cheap for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all the things we have

and not to concentrate on the things we don't have.

I am thankful for family...

and health...

and a lovely home...

and food to put on the table.

I am thankful to wake up each morning...

and be greeted by a loving husband...

and new opportunities...

and hope.

So how to decorate without spending money?

I searched the endless photos on Pinterest

for good, economical ideas

using items most of us already have.

How about some fresh fruit and cloves

to spell out your holiday wishes?

Feed deer or squirrels at your house?

Then you probably already have deer corn.

Add some dried corn to a candle holder...

or how about using popcorn?

Have access to twigs and leaves...

or nuts from the trees in your yard?

How about some pretty leaves attached

to a simple votive candle holder...

or turning wine glasses upside down

to create a festive candle display?

Gather pine cones and leaves from your yard

and make a cake stand into a great centerpiece...

or find pretty leaves to serve as name cards.

How about some shafts of wheat or dried foliage or branches

displayed in some painted bottles?

The bottles certainly wouldn't have to match!

My personal favorite decoration used family photos.

Simple...elegant...perfect.

While you look around your house for items

to use to make your home festive,

listen to this beautiful piano solo,

"Thanksgiving" by George Winston

and be thankful for what you have!

Drinking Wine For Art...

2011-11-15T11:01:00.001-06:00

No, I don't spend much time on Pinterest!

Why do you ask?

No, no, no, I don't drink a lot of wine!

What made you think that?

In my lakeside neighborhood,

we just got trash pick-up service a couple of years ago.

I'm not sure the trash service has ever heard of recycling.

They don't like to pick up one trash bin

so I know they would have a meltdown if we

suggested recycling bins.

I guess what I am saying is that I always feel guilty

about throwing away wine bottles.

Is there something else I could do with them?

Well, thanks to all these Pinterest photos,

I have some good ideas!

How about turning those bottles into candle holders?

How about using those bottles as the

"canvas" for your decorative projects?

Why not use empty wine bottles as vases or planters?

Because I love lighting,

I have always wanted to tackle this project.

I think it is time.

If you make any of these projects,

you should have lots of bottle bottoms

that you could use to make this...

or this!

Now, if you will excuse me,

I have work to do!

Belly Up To The Bar, Girls!

2011-11-13T16:03:00.001-06:00

I have always had a bar in every place

I have called home.

There is something about a bar

that appeals to my senses.

Maybe it is the combination of glass, crystal and metal

or maybe it is just the liquor...

whatever.

It always says "welcome home" to me!

I'm not a fan of the built-in bar,

although I've owned a few of those.

Built-in bars often have closed storage

which defeats the purpose for me.

I like to see the amber liquids, pretty shaped bottles

and assortment of crystal.

I love repurposed bars.

How about a lovely antique to add an additional

layer of texture to your home bar?

Perhaps the best bar might be portable

to travel from room to room or from indoors and outdoors.

Seriously, one doesn't even need a whole piece of furniture

dedicated to serving as a bar.

A simple tray provides an awesome stage

for your libation presentation.

Industrial pieces make great bars.

So you don't have any cool furniture at home to make a bar

and you're short of money too?

Well, how about this?

Looks like simple suitcases do the trick!

Need some more ideas?

All of these photos are from Pinterest

which is the most inspiring idea sharing site on the web!

Why don't you make yourself a nice drink,

turn on the music I've provided below

and do a little "research" for yourself!

Black Is Black...

2011-11-11T12:02:00.001-06:00

This song has been in my head this week.

Am I having flashbacks from 1967?

Sure this song sounded great back then,

but if I was listening to it today...

this is what I would listen to!

How awesome is Big' Maybelle?

"Black is black

I want my baby back.

It's grey, it's grey

since he went away

Oh, what can I do?

'Cause I-I-I-I-I

I'm feeling blue."

Black is black...

I want my baby back.

It's grey, it's grey...

since he went away.

What can I do?

'Cause I'm feeling blue...

Are you worried yet?

Afraid Lurch left me?

Nah, I just like the song...

and these rooms.

Where have I been lately?

Well, I am trying to get healthier

and I have been spending a lot of time

on my new blog, Pent-Up Photos!

Please come join me there every day!

I promise to make you smile or at least grin!

While you are there, leave me a comment and

sign up to follow me.

I could use the company and I miss you!

Join Me On My New Blog!

2011-10-19T15:42:00.003-05:00

Life has been very busy lately.

Some good...

some bad.

But I'm still alive...

so let's celebrate...

with a new blog!

While Moonlight Hollow will stay up and running,

I now have a second blog which focuses on

PHOTOGRAPHS AND EVENTS!

Please join me at

Pent-Up Photos!

I would really appreciate if you would follow me too!

C'mon over...

we are going to have fun!

Great Family Summer Reading!

2011-07-07T14:15:00.002-05:00

In between our art projects,

driving the golf cart

and swimming,

we are having fun reading this book!

BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE

by Kate DiCamillo

is a must read for every child.

This delightful children's book has won the following awards:

Newberry Honor Book

A New York Times Bestseller

ALA Notable Children's Book

Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon

New York Public Libary 100 Books for Reading and Sharing

A Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner

Publisher's Weekly Best Book of theYear

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

A Smithsonian Best Book

So imagine my delight when I found

BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE

at Sam's Club for only $4.88!

We spend some excellent, quality time reading each day.

We make it a fun, family activity

by reading aloud to each other!

I must admit that Grande and I are enjoying it

as much as Madisyn!

I am so proud of her for being a chip off

the old blocks!

Suggestions Needed!

2011-07-06T12:01:00.004-05:00

My art partner in crime, Madisyn,

is mine...all mine...this week!

I can't tell you how happy that makes me!

We have started an art project

and need your help in completing it!

Here is what we have done so far.

We used what we already had to start

a new art adventure.

I had a pack of 250 colored drinking straws

that I got from HEB for a buck.

We cut the straws in many different lengths.

That was fun!

The straws jumped around like jumping beans

when they were cut.

We put Grande in charge of picking up the pieces

that jumped on the floor!

I had a piece of black mat board that we used

as a background for the straws.

Madisyn just glued the straws to the mat board.

We only had one rule.

No straws of the same color could touch.

So now we have this great colorful art...

and we even have a frame to fit it!

Our question to you is this:

Is our colorful straw art ready for framing

or should we add something to it

and make the straws the background?

What is your suggestion?

Please send your suggestions soon...

because we have already started

another art project!

Wish you were here to have fun with us!

Please excuse the quality of the photos.

They are from my IPhone.

Guess Who Is Coming To My House?

2011-06-24T17:59:00.002-05:00

Guess who's coming to

Grammy and Grande's house!

Yep!

My girl, Madisyn, and...

my boy, Tango, and...

my baby boy, Cash!

Yep, the whole gang will be here!

I am one happy woman!

Thanks to all of you who prayed for my daughter-in-law, Elena.

She is recovering nicely from her surgery.

What Would You Do?

2011-06-23T18:13:00.006-05:00

Is there going to be justice

for the murder of this precious child, Caylee Anthony?

If so, when?

If so, whom?

I have to admit that I have been glued to my television

for 18 days watching the Casey Anthony trial.

I don't especially want to watch it,

but I can't seem to take my eyes or ears away from it.

Unless you live in some remote part of the country

that doesn't have CNN, you probably know that

Casey Anthony is on trial for the murder

of her two year old daughter, Caylee.

As with most murder trials,

the state's case is built on circumstantial evidence...

mounds and mounds of overwhelming circumstantial evidence.

Of course, the defense is trying to provide testimony

to create doubt in the minds of the jury.

That is their job.

Obviously, it doesn't matter how that doubt is created...

honestly or dishonestly...

whatever it takes.

Have you ever sat here...

on the witness stand?

Unfortunately, I have...

several times.

That is not a comfortable chair.

Smart, well-trained professionals play trickery with words and phrasing.

Winning or losing hangs in the balance of a misspoken word.

SO WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU

WERE ON THAT WITNESS STAND?

What if you were in the position of Cindy Anthony?

Your only grandchild is dead.

Your only daughter has been accused of that death.

Would you seek justice for your granddaughter?

Would you lie to save your daughter?

When you step up to that witness stand

and place your hand on the Holy Bible...

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

I have some definite opinions

(surprise, surprise),

but I want to hear yours!

I'm Putting On My Gold Lame In Honor Of The BIG Event!

2011-06-22T12:12:00.005-05:00

A BIG, SEXY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to my Mr. President!

Today is my favorite man's big day!

Yep, Lurch has survived to see another year!

Woo Hoo!

Those who have traveled with us these last two years,

know it hasn't always been an easy journey!

So we celebrate that much more this year!

Yippee!

(photo "courtesy of" or ripped off from Red Neck Chic)

I feel so blessed to have shared my life with this man.

He has been the best husband ever...

not to mention the best father and grandfather!

He is always been by my side, providing...

encouragement...

understanding...

motivation...

laughter...

reason...

hope...

love.

I am a LUCKY woman!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LURCH!

And just remember...

"You just put your lips together and...

blow!"

Meet My New Angel!

2011-06-21T16:51:00.003-05:00

We all know that I have been a bad girl

about blogging the last couple of months.

I have neglected saying some things that need to be said.

This is one of those things...

You know how I feel about my angels.

I am so positive that I have some angels who bless my life!

Another angel made her presence known

at the Spring Zapp Hall Antique Show.

Fortunately, my booth was moved to a new location

which was a blessing to my business.

Unfortunately, I left some good friends in our old location.

Lurch and I were the new kids on the block.

Then this angel came along...

in the form of a new vendor neighbor!

She took us under her angelic wings

and looked out for us!

She encouraged us, introduced us to new people

and showed us kindness in many ways...

including cooking for us!

Want to see my new angel?

I bet you know her.

If you don't know her, go visit her HERE.

--For Theresa--

Upturned lips, a serene face

Welcome me to this new place.

Chipped paint, worn wood and antique laces

Combine with SweetT’s social graces.

Encouraging words float in the air

Along with smiles to show she cares.

Her worldly possessions were offered to share.

She was, indeed, an answer to prayers!

Thanks, Theresa!

I Am Back and I Have A Secret!

2011-06-20T13:55:00.004-05:00

I hope you missed me.

I hope you noticed that I was gone!

I have been away for a long time.

I have loads of stories to tell

and lots of catching up to do.

I have been waiting for the perfect opportunity.

I think today is a good time because...

I have a secret!

Today is somebody's birthday!

Oh, yes!

And it is a BIG, BIG birthday...

if you get my drift!

Can you tell who the birthday girl is

by looking at this picture?

She is the girl in the blue dress

and red hat!

Yes, it is...

SUE!

Yep, it's Sue's birthday!

You know Sue, don't you?

She is my best bud!

You know what Sue is having for

her BIG, BIG birthday?

I hope she is having red velvet cupcakes

because she loves red velvet cake!

I'm not there to make her a red velvet cake,

but maybe she will run to Trader Joe's

and get a cupcake for herself.

In fact, maybe she will get two cupcakes

and pretend I am sitting with her and Sally

by the pool tonight!

However, I can GUARANTEE you that

Sue is having this tonight...

Yep.

Ain't no doubt about that!

So have a cold one for me, best friend!

No, wait!

Have three for me...

and three for you...

and imagine us doing the friendship dance

with our PK and KP tshirts on!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BFF!

Want to wish Sue Happy Birthday?

Go HERE!

More About Doug Smith...

2011-05-10T10:57:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I featured the video, West Texas,

with photos by Wyman Meinzer

and music by Doug Smith.

If you aren't familiar with the music of Doug Smith,

please allow me to introduce you!

After you view this video,

go read about Doug and his music

HERE.

Please note that you can order his music

direct from his website

or you can download it from

iTunes and cdbaby.

I hope you are enchanted with his music!

West Texas

2011-05-09T09:37:00.004-05:00

I have been absent from duty for many weeks now...

and I have stories to tell!

As I settle back into the routine of life,

I want to share this special video with you.

Perhaps this video will help you understand me a little better.

I'm a West Texas girl through and through.

There is no changing that.

No matter where my feet are planted,

my heart and my roots are in West Texas.

West Texas made me who I am today.

I hope the amazing photography of Wyman Meinzer

and the haunting music of Doug Smith

will transport you to the land I love.

I will be writing more about these

two talented artists in days to come.

Join me in West Texas!

Wyman Meinzer's West Texas from Wyman Meinzer on Vimeo.

Come On In...The Water Is Fine!

2011-04-26T19:09:00.003-05:00

Hope to see all of you at

Petticoats On The Prairie!

We will be travelling through

parched land, wildfires, floods and tornadoes

to get across Texas to this show!

Surely you can get into your air-conditioned car

and head on over to Ira!

We will be expecting you!

Calling All West Texas Cinderellas!

2011-04-21T20:39:00.003-05:00

According to the Farmer's Almanac,

on April 29-30th,

the moon will be the star of the Texas skies

at Black Locust Farm in Ira, Texas.

Pent-Up Photos will be transforming

every Texas girl into a stellar Cinderella!

Meet up with your prince charming

and pose on the moon at

Petticoats On The Prairie!

See you there!

Watch Out West Texas...Pent-Up Photos Is On The Way!

2011-04-20T14:53:00.005-05:00

Attention all mothers,

grandmothers, aunts, godmothers,

fairy godmothers or any other doting person!

Pent-Up Photos is coming to West Texas!

YEE HAW!

So round up your little ones,

wash the West Texas dirt off their faces

and bring 'em to us!

We will fluff them up

and put em' on the moon!

Here are some of the precious kids who

visited us at the Zapp Hall Antique Show last month!

Look at this precious angel!

Isn't she out of this world?

These two adorable kids joined their aunt

to pose on the moon

after a night at the Junk Gypsy Prom!

Guess how much this little cowgirl loves you.

She loves you...

THIS MUCH!

I didn't think this cutie pie could get any cuter...

until she looked at the moon like this!

That expression is priceless!

These sisters had just arrived in Texas

after fleeing the devastation in Japan.

They arrived with their Mom and ONE suitcase...

that's it...

that's all they were allowed to bring!

Looks like they brought their sisterly love with them though!

This young man wanted a top hat and bunny ears!

He was a rather sophisticated prankster...

until his brother arrived on the scene!

Seriously, these brothers were having

so much fun posing!

Cousins get in the action for the camera.

What a delightful family!

You calling the kids in the house yet, Mom?

You can wait a few days...

Pent-Up Photos won't be in West Texas

until next week!

Look for us here...

PETTICOATS ON THE PRAIRIE,

the premier vintage market in West Texas!

We are excited to be heading West!

Hope you can make it to

Black Locust Farm in Ira, Texas

on April 29-30!

Here is a poster giving you more details!

Please go visit Petticoats on the Prairie

on FaceBook

and visit their blog HERE.

Did I mention that Pent-Up Photos isn't just for kids?

Nope!

The majority of our photos feature grown men and women

acting like they are kids!

Fun!

Stay tuned...

you know I'm gonna have some good photos to share!

For The Moments That Take Your Breath Away...

2011-04-15T18:46:00.000-05:00

Promote Your Business or Yourself!

2011-03-19T22:54:00.003-05:00

Want to promote your booth at Zapp Hall?

Want to promote your booth at other

locations at Texas Antique Week?

Want to see a photo of yourself

or your group of friends

featured on a calendar page?

Pent-Up Photos has the answer!

Pent-Up Photos is proud to present

a calendar which will PREMIERE at

the 2011 Fall Texas Antique Week.

Calendar pages will feature photos

taken by Pent-Up Photos

of people who

-work in Zapp Field

-shop in Zapp Field

-play in Zapp Field

Will your photo be featured?

Stop by Pent-Up Photos

between Saturday, March 26 and

Thursday, March 31.

Get your photo made and put your

photo in the running!

Pent-Up Photos will select half of the calendar pictures

and internet voting will select the other half!

Put your face on the FIRST, collectible,

annual calendar,

"Outstanding In The Field".

Calendar pre-sales are available

in the Pent-Up Photo booth

behind The Junk Gypsy and

Garden Antqs Vintage at

The Zapp Hall Antique Show.

Pent-Up Photos Show Calendar...

2011-03-18T11:11:00.003-05:00

ARE YOU COMING TO THE BIG SHOW?

Zapp Hall Antique Show is

March 25-April 2.

You can shop every day

and never see everything at

Texas Antique Week!

However, if you want you want to shop with us,

Pent-Up Photos

will be at the

Zapp Hall Antique Show

for a limited run.

Check our show calendar!

You can make a reservation

or just stop by!

We are open on JunkORama Prom night

as long as there are people

who want photos!

Pent-Up Photos

is located in the center of Zapp Field

between Garden Antqs Vintage

and The Junk Gypsies.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Spooky!

2011-03-17T12:16:00.000-05:00

Where Will You Be Thursday, March 31st?

2011-03-16T21:44:00.002-05:00

All the cool kids will be at...

Zapp Hall!

Twilight peach bellinis...

or sangria...

or some FREE drinks with alcohol!

After your generous servings from the Zapp Hall crew,

the cool kids will be attending

The Junk Gypsy JunkORama Prom!

Before drinks...

during drinks...

after drinks...

Before prom...

during prom...

after prom...

the cool kids will be taking prom photos

at Pent-Up Photos!

The COOL KIDS will be at ZAPP HALL

on Thursday, March 31st.

Where will you be?

We've Got You Covered!

2011-03-15T11:20:00.001-05:00

We Can Barely Wait To See You!

2011-03-14T14:13:00.003-05:00

I'm participating in Brag Monday

on The Graphics Fairy.

Go check it out HERE!

Catch Pent-Up Photos

at a cool show or market near you!

Zapp Hall Antique Show

Warrenton, Texas

March 25-April 2

Petticoats On The Prairie

(check their FaceBook page)

Ira, Texas

April 29-30

BANG!

2011-03-13T12:28:00.000-05:00

Buddy Holly Loved Her...And So Will You!

2011-03-12T11:10:00.004-06:00

Pssssst!

I have a secret.

I found a new friend who

will be coming with Pent-Up Photos

to the Zapp Hall Antique Show

on March 25-April 2.

She will be all spiffy and shiny

and right in her element at

The JunkORama Prom

on Thursday, March 31st!

I can't wait for you to meet her!

She is junk-a-lishously gorgeous...

she is from Lubbock...

and her name is...

PEGGY SUE!

She is so bopping excited to meet you!

Secret Desire...

2011-03-09T12:01:00.000-06:00

Just Ask...

2011-03-08T12:01:00.001-06:00

Most Women Prefer...

2011-03-07T12:01:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Karen at The Graphics Fairy

for the fantabulous vintage photo!

I am sharing this on Brag Monday at The Graphics Fairy.

Check it out HERE.

Don't forget that Pent-Up Photos will be at:

ZAPP HALL ANTIQUE SHOW

Warrenton, Texas

March 25-April 2

PETTICOATS ON THE PRAIRIE

Black Locust Farm

Ira, Texas

April 29-30

Pent-Up Photos is booking proms now!

Contact us for prices.

WE WILL MAKE YOUR PROM SPECIAL!

Yes, We Can Can!

2011-03-06T12:01:00.001-06:00

Stick It!

2011-03-05T12:01:00.001-06:00

Come On In!

2011-03-04T20:46:00.000-06:00

Who Needs A Thorny Friend?

2011-03-01T18:49:00.001-06:00

Ready For Some Fun?

2011-02-28T13:49:00.005-06:00

Are you ready for some fun with

Pent-Up Photos?

Come see us!

ZAPP HALL ANTIQUE SHOW

Warrenton, Texas

March 25-April 2

-- located by The Junk Gypsy--

PETTICOATS ON THE PRAIRIE

Black Locust Farm

Ira, Texas

April 29-30

--first booth in the indoor space--

Remember...

YOU CAN'T HAVE TOO MUCH FUN!

Thanks to Karen at The Graphics Fairy

for this wonderful image.

I am posting on Brag Monday.

Go check it out HERE.

Heft And Carry...

2011-02-26T12:43:00.003-06:00

I visited with an old friend last week. I have known Lu for a dozen years, but it feels like I have known her forever. She is the one woman who can keep me grounded, raise me up when I need it and make me face reality head on.

I love Lu.

I stopped by while she was working, because she is always working. I knew she was going through another family tragedy, not because she had called to complain…she never complains, but because our network of friends have kept me informed.

She is losing another family member soon.

I cannot even venture to guess how many family members she has lost since I have known her. Lu takes them all in stride. She hefts the burdens upon her shoulders and carries them herself so that her other family members can travel a little easier.

The burdens she carries are beyond my perceptions of survival. Yet she does it time and time again, never complaining but praising the Good Lord for giving her the strength to help those in need.

The losses she experiences are often the result of violence. Lu doesn’t live in Detroit or Chicago or Washington D.C. She lives in rural East Texas which carries its own brand of struggle, hatred and oppression.

However, this time the grip of death is happening in a hospital bed in the MD Anderson Cancer Center where her niece impatiently awaits the final visit. She is not even 25, yet she is the mother of three young children fathered by three different young men. Two years ago, one of those young fathers was murdered. Lu was there to heft and carry.

During our visit, Lu told me the story of how this young lady came to be her niece. It was a story new to me. You see, I know Lu’s niece. She was one of mine…one of the many who came to my office to seek understanding, acceptance and belonging. She was a girl I hugged and laughed with and often scolded. Yet, I never knew her real story until two days ago when her Aunt Lu told me of her beginnings.

Her mother was a drug addict in a large Texas city. She gave birth to children, one after another after another. Twelve of them in all.

Then this desperate mother gave away her children, one after another. Twelve of them in all.

Heft and carry, Lu. Respond and raise. Nurture and provide. Love and lose.

Lu is a saint who I am convinced entered my life for a purpose.

She makes me realize my shortcomings and be thankful for my advantages. She makes me ashamed to be the whiner I tend to be. When I complain that life is hard, I just have to stop and think how much more difficult it is for others.

Heft and carry, Lu. Heft and carry.

Someday, if that load gets too heavy for her to manage alone, I hope she will trust me enough to help her heft and carry those burdens.

Eight Years Ago Today...

2011-02-25T14:17:00.007-06:00

My life totally changed eight years ago today.

Eight years ago, I was living through a breast cancer scare and was undergoing multitudes of tests at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Eight years ago, I had just lost my long-time best friend to a brutal battle with brain cancer.

Eight years ago today, I was living in a place I didn’t want to live in and working in a career I didn’t want to stay in.

Eight years ago today, my outlets for creativity were gone and my hopes for the future were being extinguished.

When I woke up on the morning of February 25, 2003, I never imagined that my life would never be the same.

Lurch and I drove to the hospital that morning, totally unaware of the changes we would face that day.

It was a long, exhausting day. Nerves were on edge. Smiles slipped out between tears. Machines beeped, monitors squealed and medicines dripped.

Then suddenly there were orders barked and panic filled the air as a sudden rush of figures clad in surgical scrubs stampeded down the hallway wrangling the hospital bed and patient toward the surgical suite leaving puddles of blood along the corridor floor.

Between tears and prayers, I looked up to see a man in scrubs slowly walking toward us. With trepidation, I grabbed Lurch’s hand and whispered the dreaded word “doctor”. Lurch shook his head in disagreement and said “no, it’s your son”.

Then our son was upon us with a look on his face that I had never seen before. Tears were in his eyes and a blanket was in his grasp. He placed the blanket in my arms. The magic was done.

My granddaughter was in my arms.

Our eyes met and my world changed.

She blinked her beautiful little eyes trying to adjust to the bright glow which must have been emanating from my face. In that blink, I suddenly knew that I was now strong enough to fight the fiercest disease. I understood that I had just seen the face of the precious soul who would be my new best friend. I realized that I could handle any career in order to help take care of her. I no longer cared where I lived as long as I was close to her. I became aware that my very source of creativity was cradled in my arms and that all of my life’s hopes had just begun.

Eight years ago today, Madisyn Paige was given life by her mother and father, and in doing so, life was given to us.

HAPPY EIGHTH BIRTHDAY, MADISYN!

We love you!

Grammy and Grande

Mark Your Calendars!

2011-02-23T16:42:00.001-06:00

Create Present Memories For The Future In Formats From The Past!

2011-02-22T19:12:00.003-06:00

It is all about love...

and friendships...

and shopping...

and fun...

and vintage images...

and Pent-Up Photos!

Check us out

March 25-April 2,

Zapp Hall Antique Show,

Warrenton,Texas.

New Location For Pent-Up Photos!

2011-02-21T14:52:00.005-06:00

Yes, it is true...

Pent-Up Photos is moving!

Leaving Zapp Field?

Not on your life!

We will be moving right to the center

of Zapp Field

by The Junk Gypsy.

What a wonderful location for

jUnk-O-rAMa Prom Photos

by Pent-Up Photos!

Thanks, Graphic Fairy for this great illustration

which I used for the background of this promotional ad!

Go check out Brag Monday at The Graphics Fairy HERE.

Multipurpose Monday...

2011-02-14T11:11:00.003-06:00

I have several things to share today.

The first is this promotional ad

I made from an amazing photo I found at...

The Graphics Fairy!

Isn't this a knock-out photo?

If you haven't visited Karen at this marvelous blog,

get over there now!

Today is Brag Monday and artists post photos

of their work featuring images from

The Graphics Fairy!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today is Valentine's Day

and I wanted to share these valentines

that I made for my beautiful babies!

Happy Valentine's Day, Madisyn and Tango!

May you always share this love!

Happy Valentine's Day, Cash!

Grammy needs a slobbery kiss!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I be hangin' with nonamedufus this week!

Yep, I won this week's caption contest

over at the funny, funny blog,

nonamedufus.

Want to see the photo and captions?

Go HERE.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Yesterday, I posted a Texas Restaurant contest

which was quickly won by Debbie of Talking Trash.

What did Debbie win?

Debbie won her very own vintage

Swans Down tin measuring cup

so she can cook with the best of 'em!

Now, go visit Debbie HERE.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Men, just in case you have waited until the last minute

to do your Valentine's Day shopping,

here is an ad for you!

It would be overwhelming FOR SURE!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Texas Restaurant Contest Is NOW!

2011-02-13T18:29:00.001-06:00

HOW TO PLAY:

There are 30 Texas restaurant photos with names

which are to be matched with the

30 Texas town names listed below.

Notice that each town will be used only once!

To play, you must send a NUMBERED ANSWER LIST

to the following email address:

moonlighthollowstudio@gmail.com.

Then write a comment saying you have sent your list.

Don't put your answers on your blog comment!

That's it!

The first person to get all the correct

answers is the WINNER!

If no one gets all the answers correct,

the winner will be based on the highest

number of correct answers.

Email and comment times will be used in judging,

so be sure you post an email and then a comment!

There is no winner until

Moonlight Hollow officially

announces a winner...

so don't give up!

If you not a Texan,

you should note these good restaurants

when you visit our state.

If you are a Texan,

you should know the majority of these wonderful places.

If you haven't eaten in at least 20 of these places,

get busy...

put them on your bucket list!

Okay, here are your 30 Texas towns:

Abilene

Alpine

Amarillo

Austin

Beaumont

Brownwood

College Station

Dallas

Fort Davis

Fort Worth

Fredricksburg

Galveston

Gruene

Houston

Huntsville

Lampasas

Livingston

Llano

Lubbock

Lufkin

Mineral Wells

Round Top

San Antonio

Seymour

Stephenville

Terlingua

Waco

Warrenton

Webster

West

1. Starlight Theatre

Terlingua

2. Sartin's Seafood

Beaumont

3. Royer's (Original) Cafe

Round Top

4. Florida's Kitchen

Livingston

5. Gaido's

Galveston

6. Dixie Chicken

College Station

7. Czech Stop

West

8. The Mansion on Turtle Creek

Dallas

9. Ralph and Kacoo's

Lufkin

10. Brennan's

Houston

11. Cooper's Barbeque

Llano

12. Matt's El Rancho

Austin

13. New Zion Missionary Baptist Church Barbecue

Huntsville

14. Joe T. Garcia's

Fort Worth

15. 50 Yard Line

Lubbock

16. The Gristmill

Gruene

17. Floyd's Cajun Seafood

Webster

18. Health Camp

Waco

19. Underwood's Cafeteria

Brownwood

20. Joe Allen's

Abilene

21. Rock Inn Cafe

Seymour

22. Hotel Limpia Dining Room

Fort Davis

23. Storm's Drive-In Restaurant

Lampasas

24. Reata Restaurant

Alpine

25. Big Texan Steakhouse

Amarillo

26. Mi Tierra

San Antonio

27. Friedhelm's Bavarian Inn

Fredricksburg

28. Jake and Dorothy's Cafe

Stephenville

29. Woody's Bar and Grill

Mineral Wells

30. Royer's Cafe (II)

Warrenton

GOOD LUCK!

WE ALREADY HAVE A WINNER!

CONGRATS, TRASH TALKIN' DEBBIE!

I will now put the appropriate town under

the photo of each restaurant.

Will post a photo of Debbie's prize tomorrow!

Contest Post Coming Up!

2011-02-13T16:03:00.004-06:00

Listen!

Know what I hear?

I hear that the Texas Restaurant Contest...

is gonna be posted between

5 and 8 pm!

Do you have to know anything

about restaurants in Texas?

NO!

You just have to know how to do

quick research on your computer!

First person who gives me the

right answers wins!

See you soon!

Stop By Pent-Up Photo at Junk-O-Rama Prom!

2011-02-10T13:53:00.000-06:00

Where Is Everybody?

2011-02-09T17:13:00.003-06:00

Hellooooooo!

Is anybody out there?

Is anybody home?

It sure is quiet around here.

I'm feeling lonely.

Eat It Up!

2011-02-08T14:37:00.004-06:00

Time to shake it up around here!

Time for a contest,

don't you think?

Something simple...

like me.

Let me think.

What do we like to do?

Drink?

Nah, I had a drinking contest last weekend.

I won.

No contest.

Lurch can't hold his liquor while he's on pain killers!

I'm kidding, people!

What else do we all have in common?

How about...

food?

This weekend, I will posting a contest about Texas restaurants.

Not from Texas?

Don't worry.

The contest is a matching game...

and you can guess!

The person who gets all the correct answers first will be the winner.

Yes, there will be a prize!

____________________________________________

Going to the grocery store?

Don't leave this off your list!

Bet a little shot of this in the eyeballs

would do the trick!

Oops!

You Can Rest Easy!

2011-02-07T17:11:00.001-06:00

Thought For The Day...

2011-02-06T18:10:00.002-06:00

I think it is safe for me

to stop taking this product now.

I wish I had stopped

eight years ago!

The Houston Blizzard...Whatever.

2011-02-05T14:54:00.005-06:00

All day Wednesday

and all day Thursday...

I looked out the window.

Waiting.

Waiting for the...

snow

that the weathermen promised.

We have lived here for 14 years and it has snowed

once.

So yesterday I jumped out of bed,

threw open the back door

and looked to the right.

No snow.

I looked to the left.

No snow.

All I found was this...

and this...

and this.

No snow...

just ice.

Good-bye sago palms...

I will miss you when you die.

Then I looked off the deck

and noticed the beautiful...

river running through our property!

What?

We have a river?

Yes, yes we do...

after our pipes broke in four places...

and all our lovely water ran downhill to our neighbor's yard.

I thought the reason that we had no water for four days

was because our pipes were frozen.

Who knew we were creating a new pond

for the neighbors?

Of course, having no water meant having no flushing toilets,

so I have been filling buckets from the trickle in our kitchen

and running up and down the stairs our split level home

trying to maintain our dignity...

so so speak.

Even Sweetie is disappointed.

She loves snow.

She wasn't built to be an ice skater.

She would rather me carry her.

Speaking of carrying heavy things,

guess who is in charge of transporting the firewood

from the woodpile to the porch

and then into the house?

I wasn't built to be an ice skater either.

Guess I will just go back to the windows...

and wait for the snow.

Hope it doesn't take another 14 years.

Hope you enjoyed our snow, Dallas.

Sigh.

The Wake of Forgiveness...

2011-01-29T13:02:00.004-06:00

A few days ago, I finished reading this book,

The Wake of Forgiveness,

by Bruce Machart.

Yet the words and images are with me still.

This is one of those books.

You know...

a book so beautifully written that you reread sentences

over and over and over.

Machart's first novel is set in and around Shiner, Texas,

in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

It is a story of struggle...

with the surroundings,

in the bonds of family,

and within one's self.

Want to read a review?

Go HERE or HERE.

Want to know more about this talented author?

Go HERE.

As I was reading and rereading this novel,

some sentences or phrases were so wonderfully descriptive

that I had to write them down and share them.

"When his partner came back in the door, he carried a smallish box that looked, for all its varnish and shine, like a coffin built for a rich man's tomcat."

"...and when the carriage clears a thick stand of mesquite trees with arthritic branches and thorns long enough to skewer a foot in a way only careless barefoot boys and Jesus might fully appreciate..."

"To be a Czech farmer in south Texas was to always be thirsty, and it was a well-known joke among the women of Lavaca County that if their men were made to choose between their pints of pilsner and their peckers, there'd be a premium on good sharp knives and coagulant salts at the general store in Dalton."

"You could rub a dry turd with a whole can of linseed oil, after all, and all you'd end up with was a mess of shiny shit."