When 71% of Americans favor some sort of gun restriction, even if it is simply background checks, and over 90% of Americans supported the measures being voted on yesterday, yet our representatives continue to vote down any legislation that would make that possible, well, I sit here once again, disillusioned, disheartened, and becoming more and more cynical by the minute. Shameful.
And that’s all I’ll say about that.
To maintain my sanity, I’m going to concentrate on my garden (as of yesterday.)
It was so hot yesterday that photograph taking was kept to a minimum! But watering? That was ongoing. It should be a bit cooler today – not much – but a bit.
I made a little something for the TSP:
I thought mini Don would like a little something to warn those well-intentioned friends who might open the sliding door without thinking, thereby ruining a recording.
The other side. The sign is hanging on a white knob, which is the head of a quilting pin that’s been cut down to about a quarter of an inch.
Some dusting and minor tweaking and we’re good to go for the big day.
Cross your fingers that Don likes it. I’m worried I’ve overhyped the whole thing and when he sees it, he’ll think, “That’s it?”
Happy Tuesday.
Deanna M. says
I know he will love it! Any thing from his wonderful loving wife will make his day.
Claudia says
I hope so, Deanna!
Karen L says
Of course he will love it – he is going to be wild about it! I’m in your camp regarding our representatives. I’m afraid they have sold their souls to the NRA. They certainly aren’t representing we, the people. Beautiful garden pics and the NYT link yesterday – agree – required reading – just sent it off to my husband.
Claudia says
They have indeed sold their souls to the NRA. They have blood on their hands.
Regina Anne says
I won’t even go into the disappointment/disgust I feel with the Senate today – so to maintain a normal BP, I’ll gaze at your garden pics and take deep breaths.
PS The TSP is amazing and your guy will be over the moon with it.
PPS The hollyhocks are getting ready to bloom !!!!
Claudia says
I know. Breathe deep, bring that BP down! Though it’s hard to do that in the face of the insanity that is Congress.
kathy says
i bet don will love the tsp … you’ve put so much thought/details and love into it!
your efforts in the garden are paying off, too … beautiful.
i do not understand how our so-called “representatives” voted as they did on gun control, given yet another awful, murderous, traumatic, preventable crime. ugh … vote them all out!
praying for peace …
kathy in iowa
Claudia says
I agree. Vote them out!
Kathy says
I know he’s going to love it!
I am just angry, heartsick and so disappointed in our Congress. They have indeed sold their soul to the NRA.
Claudia says
They have. No apparent allegiance to their constituents.
monica says
Don is going to love the TSP and treasure it forever!
It is amazing!!
Have a nice day,
Monica
Claudia says
I hope he will, Monica!
Amy at love made my home says
I am sure that Don will love it!
Claudia says
Fingers crosse, Amy!
SueZK says
Claudia! don’t you dare say that :) You couldn’t overhype that surprise. The time , thought, creativity work and love you put into that all shine through. It is an amazing piece. He will love it for sure. Have no doubt!!!
Claudia says
Okay, Sue! I’m going to take your word for it!
Linda @ A La Carte says
Aw Congress, I am beyond disheartened by our government right now. As for the TSP, Don will love it. He will love all the thought that went into it. The details and especially the love!
hugs,
Linda
Claudia says
I’m getting a little nervous and excited about giving it to him, Linda!
Margaret says
I don’t think it’s possible for you to over-hype the TSP; Don is going to be absolutely delighted.
I live in Texas. Believe me, I have no representation in Washington.
Claudia says
It must be very frustrating, Margaret. My senators are on the right side of this issue, but the frustrating thing for me is that it doesn’t seem to make a difference.
Carolyn Marie says
NRA contributions to certain senators and congress people have brought us to this place of insanity. Remember in November.
Claudia says
There’s no one for me to vote out as my representatives are very much in favor of gun control. That, of course, is a good thing. But everyone else, if your representatives voted against the measures, vote them out.
Chris K in Wisconsin says
The NRA is more powerful than the people and the government. Rubbing their dirty, bloody hands with glee, sadly, I am sure they slept very well last night. Money matters. Representing the will of the people doesn’t.
We ALL must vote with that in mind when the day comes this November. Not just for the Presidential candidates, but for (or against) those Congressional members who voted as they did. We do have the power to change who sits in those seats, but we know the NRA will be waiting in the wings with their filthy money as they move in, or are voted in yet again to stay.
To say I am disillusioned is putting it mildly.
Claudia says
What happened to government ‘for the people?’ This is a slap in the face of Americans and especially those who have lost loved ones to gun violence.
Donnamae says
Yes…I’m sure there will be blood on their hands. We must, must remember this in November! And Don is going to absolutely love the TSP! Have no doubt! That sign…so cute! Enjoy your day…cooler here, so weed pulling on the agenda! ;)
Claudia says
We mowed. A lot. Now, I’m tired!
Jill says
Your opening statement is spot on, Claudia. I am beside myself today about this issue. I am mesmerized by the recording studio you have crafted. Your husband will just love it!
Claudia says
Thank you, Jill. I feel the same way. I am so angry!
And thank you for your kind words about the studio!
R. says
Don’s gift is ever so splendid but calls out for something of “you” in the mix…..perhaps a birthday
love note peaking out of an envelope on the coffee table. Maybe you left a cool drink on the
arm of the chair outside the door as you quietly listened to Don rehearsing. It needn’t invade
his space but you really are at the heart of this project and you are the great passion of his life.
Claudia says
That’s so sweet of you….I’ll have to think about that!
kathy says
i agree!
kathy in iowa
Betsy says
I am so proud of my CT representatives but I wish the reason they are so out spoken had never happened. Congress is totally out of touch with their constituents and consumed by greed.
Your flower pictures are lovely especially the daddy long legs and the sign is the piece de resistance!
Claudia says
Your CT representatives, especially Chris Murphy, are stellar. And mine over here in NY are, too. I was so proud of that filibuster!
Wendy T says
Don will love the TSP…period.
Claudia says
Aw, thank you, Wendy.
Judy Ainsworth says
Dear Claudia, NOT A CHANCE! Alot of hard, and clever, Love, and time consuming work, and Love went into that and IT SHOWS! -Judy A-
Claudia says
Thank you Judy! I’m a bit nervous about the whole thing!
elizabeth s says
Judy A took the words right out of my mouth and so I second her (e) motion! :D
Claudia says
Thank you, Elizabeth! It’s one thing if it’s for me and another when it’s for someone else! You know what I mean?
Nancy Blue Moon says
I love that sign..how clever of you Claudia…how could Don not love it..I love it and it’s all about him..Yes dear people…the NRA wins again…
Claudia says
I despise the NRA. My dad used to belong to it years ago but he left it several years ago because it had changed into what we see today and he didn’t like it or approve of it.
Nancy Blue Moon says
Good for your Dad for letting his conscience guide him..
Claudia says
He was a truly good guy, Nancy.
Lea says
Don will love his birthday gift. The studio is beautiful but also because of
the love, thought and detail you have put into making it.
I hope all your fans will print a list of the NRA donations made to Republican Senators
and House representatives over the years. John McCain has received over $7 million.
Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan are right up there with him too. They are not putting
your country first but instead, lining their wallets and the Not So Grand Old Party. So
much for listening to the Peoples’ Voice. The country is divided because of their politics. Enough said, drives me mad.
Claudia says
I’m in complete agreement with you, Lea. xo
Jan says
There is absolutely no way that Don is not going to love his birthday present, you have done an amazing job on it.
Claudia says
Thank you, Jan!
Betsy says
Don will love the TSP! There is no way he wouldn’t love it. You have put so much effort into it being authentically Don. :-)
Blessings,
Betsy
Claudia says
Thank you, Betsy!
Jan Routh Wells says
I’m with you on the gun issue. It’s difficult in our part of Missouri to ever get our way on anything but I ALWAYS cast my vote….someday. To perk myself up, I’m going to find the recent book review you did that you loved. It’s so nice on these hot summer afternoons to stay in & read a good book & forget what’s going on in Washington:-)
Claudia says
Bo, you’re not kidding! I really feel the need to lose myself in a good book nowadays!
Vicki says
Oh, Claudia, no way! Don is going to go nuts over the TSP; it’s a labor of love on your part and incredibly realistic; he can ‘hang out’ there at his heart’s content. There’s so much to look at and love with this small-scale ‘studio’ You’ve done a great job on it. I’ve really enjoyed watching the progress on it.
I was having a discussion Friday with a doctor of mine about Orlando and I’ll try to capture it here in a few words: He has had guns all his life. Not to kill animals but to shoot targets, like mechanical targets, at a range, etc. We’ve had other discussions when he’s said he’s never giving up his guns. On Friday, he said he’d hate to think what would happen if his guns wound up in the wrong hands and somebody turned one on HIM. And then he began to talk about the need for more controls; it may be time to amend the part about ‘the right to bear arms’ 240 years later or however long it’s been, i.e. that military/assault-type weapons were nothing they could have conceived of centuries ago. Then he started listing all the things he feels they could do to screen gun buyers including a medical report from a doctor. Anyway, I just thought it was very interesting that this is one person who has always believed in gun rights and it’s got him thinking and re-thinking. He’s actually a very soulful man who does assess and reassess life as he ages.
Claudia says
Good to know that even gun lovers are re-thinking this issue, Vicki. Too bad our legislators (at least the majority of them) are not!
Jacki G. says
The TSP is so special, and customized just for Don….. he will be thrilled! Such a loving and truly personal gift.
Claudia says
Thank you, Jacki!
Shelia says
Hi Claudia! I know, what are we going to do? Our Us has become so scary! I love what you’re doing for your hubby! The little chairs are so sweet. I have two of those plastic Adirondack chairs in this color! :) Oh, I wanted you to know you’ve helped inspire me to start miniatures. I’ve made a foam board ‘make do’ house and have made some furniture! I’m having fun and I’ve got my first mini post up today!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)
Claudia says
So glad you’re having fun with minis, Shelia! It’s fun, isn’t it?
regula says
He won’t! There is so much love in the top secret project. :-)
Claudia says
Thank you, Regula!
Nancy Moreland says
Morning Claudia, Don’t worry. What’s not to love? I think it turned out just fantastic! Mostly he will love it because you made it for him.
hugs
Claudia says
Thank you, Nancy!
Tammy says
There is no way he is gonna say “that’s it???” He is gonna inspect every detail and be in total awe of your ingenuity. He’s gonna love it.
Claudia says
Thank you, Tammy!