Wednesday, August 7, 2013

If I was a pin-up girl ...

... I'd be Hilda!

Look at that girl. Happy, fun-loving, gorgeous and, unlike just about every other pin-up girl on the planet, plump!  Up until a few days ago I had never heard of her. Then bloggy friend Carrie Clevenger posted a Facebook link to a collection of Hilda paintings and I fell in love. Artist Duane Bryers brought this famously ravishing redhead to life and you can find out more about him (and see lots of other happy Hildas) on Les Toil's website.



Hilda's one of the reasons I finally changed the name of my blog. I know, I know, I'm slower than a frozen roast beef in a broken crock pot, but I didn't want to pick a new name until I found something that tickled my picky-pants fancy. Nothing made me stand up and sing. Nothing. But it was bothering me, so much so that I didn't even go near my blog because I felt guilty. I'd see the bookmarked link on the top of my computer screen, Life on the Muskoka River, and avoid it like I owed it money. Last night I dreamed about the darned thing. Argh. I woke up this morning and went, that's IT. I have to change the stupid name on my stupid blog before my head spins and I start spewing pea soup.

I wanted to put Cold Lake in the title and liked the Cathy-Cold Lake thingey going on. I mentioned Cathy Does Cold Lake but Dave thought it was too corny and way too porny. Then I kinda settled on Cold Lake Cathy, thinking it reminded me of Buffalo Bill, which is all western, and I'm now all about being western. So yeah, Cold Lake Cathy.

Then all I had to do was come up with a new header. Easier said than done.

Cold Lake isn't easy to sum up in just one photo. It has multiple personalities, it does. It's "out west" but it's also "up north." It's known for being home to Canada's largest air force base and not a day goes by that you don't see fighter jets zooming overhead, or military folks lined up in the grocery store. But it's also a booming oil town, with a soaring economy and camp-dirty 'oilers' lined up behind the guys and girls in fatigues. Even more, it's famous for the lake, Cold Lake, a deep, clear, wave-swept lake so big you can barely see across to the other side. And yeah, it's cold. Freakin' cold.

If this town had a nickname, it would be Sybil.

I looked at airplanes and oil wells and people shivering in the cold. I thought seriously about vintage cowgirls. Nothing seemed right. I almost gave up in frustration. I've been such a lacklustre blogger lately that I thought maybe I should just stop. Feck the header. Feck the blog. Just stop.

And then I remembered Hilda. She of the wide smile and the wide hips and the wide, wide love for life. She was perfect.

Welcome to Cold Lake Cathy. Because life isn't on the Muskoka River anymore and it was beyond time for a change.


36 comments:

  1. Love it, Cathy! Just love it!

    And welcome back! :)

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  2. Although Muskoka Me misses you, I love the new blog-name! Welcome back, Cold Lake Cathy! Love the pic. It's you!

    karen

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    1. Hi Karen!!!!!!!! Cold Lake Me misses you, too. Shopping just is NOT the same!! ox

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  3. You should dye your hair red to match your header. Oh, and dye the dogs fur too!

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    1. Ermagherd, Deb, I just let my damned gray hair grow out! But I do think I'll take your advice and dump Mistydog in a vat of bleach. I'm sure she won't mind at all. Great to "see" you! Hope things are well in Muskokie!

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  4. I absolutely love it. I'm glad you waited till you found the perfect name and images!! Hilda ROCKS!

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    1. Tee hee!!! I'm so glad you love it, and Hilda! Isn't she the sexiest thing ever??

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  5. Love the new name and the new image. I wish I was friends with Hilda and I wish I was friends with you, so it's perfect! :)

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    1. Whatchoo talkin' bout, Marian - we ARE friends! Now all we have to do is stalk that Hilda chick and we'll all go out for coffee!

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  6. She is just gorgeous. And here is another artist you will probably like - not perhaps as 'wholesome' as Hilda, but a delight. I do hope you like this link

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    1. Oh, I LOVE Beryl Cook's work! What gorgeous, gorgeous, charming art it is. RIght up my alley, EC! Thanks so much for the link!

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  7. At last! Looking fwd to catching up with your 'new' blog - & I love the 'Hilda' pictures :-)

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    1. Hey Sue! How's things across the pond? I must drop by your blog and find out what's new.... now that I'm not feeling so guilty about blogging!! ;)

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  8. Well, you're going to need a few more clothes to keep warm, but other than that...
    Welcome back, missed ya.

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    1. And I know just the clothes-maker to make me some... wait, I know two.. you and some guy named Omar! Missed you too, Jo.

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  9. The new header is perfect for you!
    Glad you didn't really owe your blog money.
    And good to have you back!

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    1. Hiya Alex! Good to see you, too! No doubt you've been having a blissfully busy summer... must drop by and check up on everyone's fave ninja.

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  10. Finally.. a pin up gal that looks normal ! Gota love Hilda ! We all cant be skinny minny's . I love it ! True and real ! Glad you decided to get back into the swing of blogging ! Sounds like a great place your in now . Welcome back !

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    1. Thanks Elaine - I'm liking it, I really am. At first it seemed like I was on another planet but I think I'm settling in. Thanks for the warm welcome!

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  11. I saw Hilda and had to stop by. Delightful! And the title of your blog makes me think of mountains, clear lakes... I'm off to look for more Hilda pictures...

    Diana at About Myself By Myself

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    1. Don't you just love her? You can't help but smile when you see her happy face!!

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  12. It's a fitting name for the blog, and just the right image!

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  13. Love the new name! and adore those pin up pictures. Here's some sparkly glitter in celebration of your new look

    ..............•*¨`*•. ☆ .•*¨`*•. ..........
    ✿•*¨`*•. (¯`v´¯) (¯`v´¯) .•*¨`*•✿
    . . . ✿•*¨`*•.¸(¯`v´¯)¸.•´*¨`*•✿ . . .
    ............˜*•. ˜”*°•.✿..:* .•*˜................

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    1. Why thank you Helen! I think glitter was exactly what it needed! :)

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    2. I am liking your new name! It has a lot of potential and I especially like the fact that it is about you and your new location. Looking forward to your future as Cold Lake Cathy

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    3. Thanks Kath! By the way, I must apologize.... I haven't replied to your e-mail yet! I have no excuse other than I keep forgetting... argh....

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  14. Sorry that i'm so late in responding...we were out of town for a few days.

    I love the new 'pin-up girl' look...It's so YOU. It was well worth the wait. Congratulations on the relocation and the 'new you'.

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    1. Hi Alan! So good to see you around! Hope things are well in God's country!

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  15. What a great idea! Well done. Love the header.
    I hope you're settling in.

    Cheers from Cottage Country!

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