My Favourite Room

With only one guest room to display many objects and double as my writing nook, the decor has a bit of a personality disorder. Yet, call me crazy, but I think there's an offbeat harmony in the mash-up of By-The-Sea, Girly Vintage Cowgirl and Wordsmith.

The 'Howdy' sign is a souvenier from my Texas road trip.

This wall seemed a natural place for my shell mirror.

The birdcage was a housewarming gift used as

a plant holder. I painted it white and added the
crow to mimic this local art piece.



S.B.'s mother found this wrought-iron wind chime.

My writing corner.

Can you spot all three themes?

Boots. Shells. Flowers.

Why not?

Everybody loves a cowgirl.

But how about a cowgirl writer by the sea?



Vintage Cheese Boards

The first one was out of necessity. The second one I justified by saying, well, it's only $2, and if I use one for cheese, crackers and grapes, I can stick cured meats and olives on the other. By the third, I just have to admit I'm just becoming a cute cheese board collector. Sue me. 

This one came with the original cheese knife, which clips on to the board so
I don't tear the kitchen apart trying to find it in a drunken, cussing, pre-party frenzy.

Sometimes I put toothpicks where the knife is supposed to go. Naughty.

I think the handles are for the kind of hostess who actually walks around
serving guests, saying thing like, "I'm so pleased you all made it over to play
Bridge with us this evening" rather than those who yell from the sofa,
"Grub's over there. Don't forget to put your keys in the bowl!" 

The Tickle Trunk Album

            Left to right: Age of Aquarius, Elves, Wanted Poster.

A friend just asked me, "How the hell did you ever find someone who likes to play dress-up with you?"

Fluke! Bizzare, awesome fluke.

As a kid, I was obsessed with Halloween and costumes, and to this day everything I am drawn to: theatre, roller derby, even writing is an extension of my desire to try on different personas. And I obsess about the details, which is what led to the photographs - all that hard work ought to be shared, right? So before S.B. came along, many scenes from my imagination had already been brought to life on camera.

Breakfast at Tiffany's 'Moon River' scene.

I don't think I even asked him if he wanted to join in my warped little hobby. I think he suggested it. And now that he's in on the photos, they seem to have twice the effect, generating comments ranging from wow!!! to wtf??? (not a week has gone by since Christmas that someone hasn't mentioned our Elves Photo Spectacular, which included shots of us frolicking in the yard, drinking beer and doing calisthenics).

I'm glad people get a kick out of it, at least. The adult world is entirely too serious, and I for one won't ever let it take me. So stay tuned for weirder and more elaborate tickle trunk photos in the years to come. Perhaps I can even convince some friends to get in on the fun.