Nature Surprises Yet Again

Yosemite National Park has a double-cool phenomenon:

A fire waterfall!

It happens two ways --
*Horsetail Fall, just off the east side of El Capitan, is seasonal...it only flows from approx. Dec. to April. But in February, for just a few weeks, the angle of the sun is just right to set the stream of water 'on fire.' Take a look here for more.

*Then there is the literal firefall! For more than 80 years, it was a tradition to build a fire on the rim, then literally push it over the edge at nightfall, sending of stream of wood, fire and sparks down the rocks. (Darn it, they don't do this anymore...the Green Police stopped it, no doubt.)

Someone wrote in and asked Snopes.com, a famous clearinghouse for urban myths and such, whether this really happens -- or happened. Their detailed answer: it did. And it still does.

Take a look! While you're at it, don't miss these intriguing rainbow roses, either. 
Have a great weekend.

Jimmy Stewart, Back Atcha

I am a huge (if rather secret) fan of the long-legged actor  James Stewart, who left his mark on suspense, comedy and westerns so many years ago. How many actors can claim to change each of these genres? Not many...but he did. Not only was he someone to rely on -- but he also had WEAKNESSES. And got ANGRY. Failed sometimes. But wasn't afraid to show it! (See his anguished face when he loses his love off the bell tower in Vertigo, and you'll see what I mean.)

Now comes along Doug Dibben to argue that Jimmy singlehandedly wiped out the golden age of Hollywood classic film -- because audiences couldn't handle his obvious anger. And failures. And mental lapses. No more lavish extravaganzas? Deep mental dramas?

All Jimmy's fault. Dibben even tags him as "The Angel of Death."

After seeing Winchester 73 last night for the umpteenth time, I'd beg to differ. This is an especially tough one -- Jimmy is out not only to regain the fancy rifle he won in a trick shooting contest, but to avenge his father's murder -- by his brother. Somehow Stewart has to convince us he's set on drawing blood -- without being bloodthirsty. He manages it, but I'm still not sure how.

Certainly Stewart's earlier movies don't bring out the range of emotion he shows in the later ones...but I personally think that makes the later ones all the better. I would argue that if classic cinema changed (and I'm not sure it did that much), it actually became more realistic, and able to appeal to the average person. It acted not only as a release from the cares of the moment -- but it also gave some possibilities for solving them.

I may get a kick out of seeing Fred Astaire dance around a room -- ceiling, then walls, then floor. (In fact, I did like it, in Royal Wedding.)  However, I got a lot more out of it being used to make a (fighting) point in Inception.


Jimmy, wish you were still here. No doubt you'd be making some amazing movies.

Saving Your Life - In A Very Weird Way

Friend Marcie sent me this link to a British "Life is Precious" seatbelt commercial. I should be admiring its sentiment, and cheering along with it, right?

So why am I faintly creeped out, instead?

Take a look and see what you think...

Shadow Stonehenge

According to archeologists, ground-radar imaging is showing a second, wooden version of Stonehenge not far from the original stone version. Although they've rotted long ago, the imprint of huge wooden posts is still there.

(photo from the official Stonehenge website, where you can learn much more about this mysterious spot.)

   Find out more here, including details about the 4,600-year-old ruins -- including hearths and building foundations. It's thought to be the largest Neolithic village site found yet in Britain. (The conjecture: this is where the villagers who were constructing the Stonehenge site lived.) The CNN version of this story will show you grainy images of the wooden circle, as documented via magnometer.

Having Coffee a Whole Different Way!

The wall gardening idea takes a new direction...with coffee cans!

Find out how to do this -- and other ideas with cans -- at Re-Nest.

A whole batch of creative re-use ideas for other items here, too.

My only worry: it gets so hot here in full sun that I'm afraid the plants would literally boil in place. But for the price of a little paint, a hook and a nail or two, it's sure worth trying.

Summer

Lordy, it's hot here. We trudge through the day with a film of sweat all over. Smoothies and hot fudge sundaes do a soft shoe through my reverie, like those dancing hot dogs on the movie commercials. Buck the dog finds a spot by the loudest fan, and hunkers down for the afternoon.

And wouldn't you know it -- this is the week I've got a ton of appraisals to finish up. Which means hauling quilts around, piling them, letting their warmth and weight flow all around me. (sigh)
   Ah well. At least I can enjoy their beauty -- and try really hard not to drip moisture on them.

Daughters and I head to New York City next week for the annual meeting of the PAAQT appraisers. (You can find out more about them here. An excellent group to learn more about your textiles.) We'll be there from Aug. 4-10; our hotel (and the conference) is in the garment district, but we plan to wander all around.
    Any suggestions on great food and places to go? I heard about Yorkology, which has some interesting ideas. Maybe even a Letterman show taping,  -- who knows.

Acting Confident -- Even When You're Not

Trent over at the Simple Dollar is suggesting ten simple things to do to increase your confidence in public situations. They range from learning to hold your posture up to asking questions -- good stuff! (Although I personally would find it extremely freaky if someone whipped out a flask, took a swig and gargled it around. Well, I'm just saying. Stephen King used to guzzle mouthwash instead when his wife noticed too many liquor bottles.)

I often have to meet strangers in my work, and the first meeting can be uncertain. Here are some tricks I use for bolstering my public persona:
*Wear something distinctive. Handmade jewelry, a cashmere sweater, whatever. In my case, it's often my handmade cowboy boots. They're dressy, beautiful, and I can stand twelve hours or so in them without hurting. This item may end up becoming your signature piece.
*Be the first to step forward and reach your hand out. This signals that you're open (and unafraid -- very important).
*If you've forgotten the person's name that you're meeting, take a friend with-- and introduce them. The person will then automatically mention their own name! (Write it down and/or memorize it this time!)
*If you see a pretty dress, smile, jewelry, whatever on a stranger...compliment it. It will make them feel good -- and won't hurt you a bit. (You'll be surprised, too, how often you bump into this person in the future.)
*Smile....after you're sure your teeth are clean. I wore braces for years as a kid...and am very grateful I did. (Crooked teeth run in the family.) Teeth whiteners are good, to a point. (You don't want to look fake.) Keep gum handy; a travel toothbrush is helpful, too. If I don't have a toothbrush handy, I take a piece of paper in the bathroom, and carefully rub across my teeth, just in case.
*Don't make a huge fuss about what you do -- but do mention it, and do keep business cards handy. Trent suggests saying your name, and letting the rest develop. A great idea.
*Pay attention to what's going on. Who's the person off to the side, who is quietly observing you with bright, intelligent eyes? (The biggest mouth in the group is not necessarily the most interesting person. Nor are they usually the leader.) How are these people interacting with each other? With you? (This is especially interesting when you first arrive -- and they don't know who you are yet.)

And finally --
*Ask questions AND LISTEN TO THE ANSWERS. Your new acquaintances would love to tell you more about themselves and their world! You'll not only have a better idea of your new environment, but you'll get the insider's scoop on great places to eat and visit...great bargains...interesting people and events.

   Best of all, you may make some new friends.