This particular Sunday starts what promises to be a frigid week. Temperatures during the day will be in the twenties and temps at night will be in the single digits. Yikes. Yesterday it was warm enough to melt a great deal of the snow. I don’t think there will be any more snow melt for several days!
Ah, but I have my big old queen sized quilt to keep me warm as I sit on the chair or sofa, hand quilting each square. It would be insufferable in a warmer month. Grandma had the right idea; work on a quilt or two every winter. I now have five rows of blocks quilted. I’m in the middle of the sixth. There’s a lot more to go.
I’ve resorted to plopping the whole thing on top of the vintage wire laundry basket, which now does double duty as both a yarn and quilt holder.
This flower frog has been transformed into a pen and crochet hook holder. It sits on the table right next to my blogging chair.
Can I stop to mention just how much I don’t care about any of the Kardashians or their publicity craving mother? Or any of the Surreal Housewives of any city? Or any bachelors or bachelorettes? Or pretty much anyone who thinks I want to tag along as they live their unreal, completely staged lives?
Or how sick I am of commercials where the actors stress the pronouns, as in ‘me, my, I, our’? As a text coach for the theater, I know that one of the cardinal rules of speaking is not to stress the pronoun. It’s a pronoun, for goodness sakes. The verb is more important than the pronoun. The subject is more important. The action is more important. In Shakespeare’s iambic pentameter verse, which scans ‘da DUM, da DUM, da DUM,’ 98% of the time the pronoun will be unstressed. It will fall in the ‘da’ unstressed part of the beat. If it falls in the stressed part of the beat (DUM), it’s for a specific reason. As in “No, you misunderstand me, it’s not just anyone’s dog, it’s MY dog.” Then it’s okay. But all of this ‘me, my, mine, I, we’ stress jars my ears. I asked a friend who works in Los Angeles about it and was told that ad companies and producers are requesting this sort of thing nowadays. Because any actor worth his salt would not stress the pronoun. They are being told to do that. I guess the advertising world has decided that we consumers could use even more self-absorption than we already have. I know I’m especially sensitive to this kind of thing, but next time you’re watching television for any length of time, see how often you hear this sort of thing. There’s one commercial out right now for Dr. Scholl’s inserts that, to my ears, is the equivalent of fingernails on a blackboard. I have to mute it.
I know I sound like a teacher. But I am a teacher. It’s in my DNA.
In closing, Scout has become radioactive:
She’s glowing.
Have a happy Sunday.
Once again, Claudia, you seem to be expressing the thoughts in my own head…though you do it much better than I could. Those ‘reality’ shows really turn me off, too! I’ll be working on a quilt this cold Sunday as well, but will be cheating a bit. I’ll be doing it by machine.
Not cheating at all, Shanna!
It must kill you to hear the way kids sound these days. Especially girls. I hate the, “and um, like” in every single sentence. I will not allow it. I drum it out of my kids. It is as if a whole new form of dumbed down language has taken hold.
Oh lord, it does kill me! Good for you for putting a stop to it, Elaine!
It’s frigid here, too. Only 8 degrees right now and -3 with the wind chill factor. I’m not a TV watcher, so I couldn’t even tell you what’s on these days. Doubt I’m missing anything. The only sitcoms I watch are on Wed. nights – The Middle and Modern Family. Sometimes, in the evenings, Brian and I will watch Wheel of Fortune, Chopped (Food Network) or House Hunters (HGTV) but that’s about it. Instead, my head is either in a book or reading blogs. I’ll have to try and notice commercials next time I turn on the TV. There’s quite a few that I mute because I can’t stand them! Like the woman on the Progressive car insurance commercials. *shudder* Well, I have to bundle up now and go out and fill up the bird feeder. It’s empty and the poor little birdies are fluttering about, looking for food.
Modern Family is a favorite of mine and it’s produced and written by one of my favorite former students, Abraham Higginbotham. He’s really had a great career and he started out as an actor.
I don’t watch much TV usually, but as I’m by my lonesome and I’m handquilting, it’s nice to have it on in the background.
Good Morning Claudia – Scout really seems to be enjoying the sunshine while she has it. Sorry you are going to have such cold, cold temps. We had a beautiful day yesterday, a little cooler today.
Have a great day. Looks like my quilt is coming right along! LOL
Judy
Oh Judy, bless you for trying to get that quilt away from me!
I can’t wait to see the finished quilt, and love the use of the frog. We have frigid temps here to and with the terrible storm that went through, we lost power:(
Oh, so sorry about the power loss, Dawn. I hope it wasn’t for too long?
I’m with you ..TV has become a vast wasteland..Reality TV is ridiculous I might be forced to pick up a book :) Usually I’m not at a loss for things to do..Today is wash, iron and clean day…Love your quilt..very cheerful…..I hope you enjoy yours..
You’re so right, Missy!
Hi Claudia, I’m with you completely on the K family issue (although I am way beyond not caring–my word would be disgusted). I have also wondered how you cope with the poor speaking on tv! My kids are singers and performers and Will loves public speaking, so even I, with NO training of my own, can sometimes see mistakes. It must really bother you. As we almost never watch live tv, I miss these commercials. (Hurray!) And I just love this post–it is you at your most informative and entertaining, as I am laughing out loud imagining you sitting with the quilt, talking to the actors on tv, and pushing the mute button on and off!! Even if they don’t hear you, your little beauty will. Looks like she is all ears! Stay warm and enjoy this sunny day. Linda
You’re so right, Linda, I talk to the actors, correct them and shout at the television when an especially bad commercial or voice over comes on!
I am so with you on the K people, and housewives….can’t stand those shows. It’s funny about the commercials…often, hubby and I will watch them and try and figure out who or is it whom, they are directed at….We don’t get the advertisers sense of humor, or point. Commercials used to be fun to watch, and dare I say…informative. I didn’t realize the whole pronoun thing…very interesting! Although I have to admit I am looking forward to the Super Bowl commercials…there are usually a few innovative ones! Enjoy your Sunday, and stay warm…it’s frigid here too! ;)
Super Bowl commercials are a whole different thing – they’re usually smart, well-written and highly entertaining!
A glowing Scout is a great photo to end your blog with. I think this country is to full of me me me and not enough we and / or thinking of others. Your quilt is coming along nicely! Stay warm! Linda
I agree, Linda.
You know, there isn’t all that much I really want to watch on tv anymore. All commercials are annoying and I’m with you on all those desperate ding dongs too :) I think they should be changed to “desperately seeking a brain.”
Love that!
I do sympathize. It has been frigid here for a few weeks. Bundle up and stay as warm as you can. Regarding television, I am only watching Turner Classic Movies these days or MeTV (oh dear). “Meism” is overwhelming and the downfall of the community. What a sweetheart Scout is.
Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
I watch MeTV all the time, Susan. I’m hooked on it. And you know how I love TCM!
Exactly why I don’t miss TV ( cut the cable off two months or so ago and just watch rented or purchased movies now )
The temps are dropping here now…supposed to be a high of 7 degrees by Tuesday. Ugh.
I put out fresh suet for the birds and more seed and some peanuts and cracked corn for the squirrels…one little guy has been here half the morning trying to cart it away ….
Happy quilting..I am sewing today too in between other stuff.
Too cold, Debra!
The quilt is so beautiful Claudia, and so is Miss Scoutie girl.
Mere
And so are you, sister.
I never thought about the pronoun being stressed in commercials…I just thought they are appealing to our NATURE…”it’s all about ME.” What can this product do for me…and that has always irked me. Kind of like the ‘guarantee on the box’ …either way the product works and is worth the money or it isn’t.
Now…onto more important things of the day. Sounds like chilly weather. The quilt seems like the perfect busy work for days like that. You and Scout can keep each other warm and good company!
She does appear to be glowing with the sunshine on her back like that…she found a warm spot on the floor and has camped out there.
Good company she must be when Don is away!
Have a great weekend.
Pat
I think it’s both things – appealing to our ME, ME nature and then hammering over our heads with the stress on personal pronouns.
Scoutie is good company. I don’t know what I’d do without her!
Hi Claudia, here in Belgium it’s been freezing all week and last night and this morning we had some snow,
and it looks like we are in for another week of this cold weather , i love your quilt it must take you some time to get it looking this beautiful.
and Scout looks cute just like always
enjoy your Sunday .
Stay warm Caroline! I’ve always wanted to visit beautiful Belgium!
I am always amazed at how similar our weather is though we are so many miles apart. Nearly fifty yesterday and today it is going down to 3 degrees and lower all week. The wind was howling so bad last night I was afraid one of our big old trees were going to fall on the house!
My daughter flips on some of these reality show once in awhile and I catch a few bits…so much drama! I guess some people just want to hear how the other half live. I like to catch HGTV and some of the Food Network once in awhile but that’s pretty much it.
I have to laugh about the commercials. The one that really makes me cringe is the manly guy that does the TV and radio commercials for Home Depot, “That’s the POWER of the Home Depot!” Ooh, doesn’t that just make you want to whip out your power saw?!
Have a great Sunday, Claudia!
XO,
Jane
It’s windy here today, Jane. Wind makes me nervous because, like you, we have big old trees around this house.
Stay warm, Jane!
I refer to my cable as “The 4 R’s”: Reality, Rejects, Reruns, Religion. This is the Variety Tier, yessiree indeed!
You only mute ONE commercial?
I mute more than one – but sometimes when I’m working on something, I just tune them out!
I am dreading the cold, but I can’t complain too much as it is middle of winter. Scout is a handsome fellow. Love the sun shining on him. That had to feel so good! I am over the whole K. family, never watch the bachelor/bachelorette, but I am addicted to at least a few of the ‘real’ housewives franchises. It is my guilty pleasure. :-) xo
I am dreading the cold, too, Barbara. I always worry about pipes freezing.
Hee hee… she’s glowing AND smiling. I hadn’t noticed the pronoun abuse but I do agree with the shows you mentioned. Give me a good history documentary or period movie any day. Downton Abbey is my new love. I discovered it late… thank goodness for Netflix and iTunes. I’m caught up and can’t wait to work on the border of my warm afghan tonight while watching. :) You two roomies stay warm and cozy today!
I haven’t seen ANY of Downton Abbey yet. I want to wait until Don and I can rent all 3 seasons and have a sort of marathon.
I was starting to think I was the only one that finds all these reality shows trash. I can’t stand to even have them on for a minute. It’s amazing what is considered entertainment these days.
Cold, cold and more cold in the Thumb of Michigan today. Good day to stay in with a cat on my lap and read my favorite blogs.
Stay warm. Love the quilt!
You stay warm, too, Kathleen!
Claudia,
You realize that I’ll now start noticing the emphasis on pronouns in commercials, provided they hold my attention. Arghh . . . one more source of grief. :)
On a more pleasant note, Scout is a thing of beauty in that beam of sunshine!
-Karen
You’ll hear it on the radio, too, Karen! It’s happening in all sorts of voice overs.
I did not know this about emphasizing pronouns in speech. Yikes, am I ever going to be self-conscious about that now! I practiced reading some pages out loud and noticed how often I did that but how much better it sounded not to. Nice lesson, teacher.
Well done, student. It DOES sound better, doesn’t it?
I’m with you Claudia on these nauseating reality shows. I can’t understand anyone that is interested in any of the Kardashians, any of the Housewives shows, Honey Boo, that Moonshiners show, Gator Boys and the list goes on and on. We have been asked to be a Nielsen family. I’m happy to have the opportunity to show we never, ever
watch any of that garbage.
Oh good! Show them that many of us have no wish to see any of that crap!
Well phrased Claudia…oh and thanks for pointing it out…now I will be looking for those improper stresses also.
I have no adoration of the K family, famous for being famous? And have never seen the fake housewives of anything…seems that TV execs feel we all need to know the intimate details of nasty people, or they wouldn’t push it on us so badly. Why does anyone watch those shows? Being Canadian, we have even less options then you. Have you seen Bomb girls, a Canadian made production and it’s amazing.
Jen
No, I haven’t seen Bomb Girls. Do you know what network it is on? Or is it only on a Canadian station?
Your dog is so cute and I can just imagine how cozy it must be under a big quilt project
It is.
I am not a TV watcher and I would rather have my fingernails pulled out one by one than to watch reality TV. I keep telling my mom it is all staged, but she doesn’t believe it. I could, in fact do without TV. I love reading at night.. Stay warm and keep Scout glowing.
Hugs,
Laura
Thanks, Laura.
Hi Claudia~ Hand quilting on a cold day sounds like heaven to me! I love that you hand quilt instead of doing the machine thing. I’m kind of funny about that… I might even be a snob about it.
I love how Scout’s ears glow. Hagrid’s ears are floppy, so they never get to glow! Take care, and stay warm.
oxo,
Jill
PS: I’m writing again :)
I’m so happy to hear from you. I sent you an email. Write back!
Quilting or crocheting–great wintertime activity when the weather turns biting! Wonderful! I found myself with an abundance of strangely colored yarns one time, so I decided to crochet a log cabin afghan. It turned out very colorful and weirdly does look like a log cabin quilt! No pattern–just winged it. I am sure you will be loving your quilt on your bed or couch when it is completed! Lovely and colorful!
I agree. I both quilt and crochet and thank goodness for both!
I know what you mean about speech patterns. One that particularly irks me is the interrogative at the end of a simple declarative sentence. I wrote a post about it a couple of years ago.
Reality television has never held any appeal for me. We watch our Knowledge Network, our local public television station. Watching reality programs numbs my brain and I’m sure it destroys brain cells. Who cares about the intimate details of any assortment of people?
Stay warm and cozy as you stitch away. I hope you don’t lose power. Scout looks like a great companion.
Egads, that’s cold! We’ve been treated to a week of sunny but cold days.. love seeing the house flooded with sunshine. I mute all commercials and don’t watch any of those shows you mention. We just watched Downton Abbey and are always totally bereft with the hour is over.. too short! ((hugs)), Teresa :-) PS – I soooooo want one of those vintage laundry baskets!
Thank you so much for the “I” usage comments. I get so frustrated when our company president (non-owner) says “I have (insert money figure) in the bank.” No, the company has that much! Everything that comes from his mouth is “I.” To me, that is very demeaning to the workers of the company. On the other hand, he emphasizes the “you” when something is done wrong. I want to say, “That is how YOU told me to do it” but must refrain! The other thing the three managers do is each one takes credit for something that was said at lunch that they think I will like. All three of them come to me at separate times in the afternoon and say something like, “I told them at lunch you should get an extra week of vacation time” or some such thing. I would laugh if it wasn’t so sad!
Great repurposing of the frog. You are so clever!
ONE of my pet peeves is people saying “me and him” – putting the “me” first! That is like finger nails on the chaulk board! Has this changed since I was in school? And yes, I did place emphasis on ‘ONE’ because I do have a ‘few’ pet peeves! Thanks for your wonder blog! Enjoy reading!
I agree that a lap-full of knitting or quilting is so comforting on a winter’s day. I love sitting with a big pile of yarn on my lap when it’s cold outside… just handling the yarn as I knit makes me feel warmer! That photo of Radioactive Scout is adorable! (My pet peeve is the over-use (and mis-use) of the term MYSELF. No doubt this dates back to being traumatized as students to use “I” instead of “me” and now many can’t use ME even when it’s correct!? Also: the next time a news anchor throws a story over to an on-site reporter, see how often theyl begin their report with the word “Well….” It drives me nuts. This happens more locally than nationally, but it’s creeping in there, too.)