Jinxmas

"I am Mr. Jinx, and I am the only Christmas present you need."

Pearl Harbor Day

Earrings appropriate for Pearl Harbor Day are a little too easy. These are only some of my choices.

Gee, Wiz!

I could not a-void buying these earrings, and I've been waiting for an excuse to wear them. And here it is: November 19, World Toilet Day! Who knew?!

Of course, this day doesn't eliminate other viable occasions. I could wear them whenever I'm feeling crappy. On payday, when I'm feeling flush. When the NHL announces another hockey season has gone down the tubes. Or if they end the lockout and Buffalo makes it to the Cup finals -- because we all know who will come it at number two.

The possibilities for when to wear these earrings have me gushing.

I could wear them in honor of John's birthday. Or Lou. When Chuck finally takes the throne. Any time I ride the bus. To indicate I'm privy to a secret. After I catch the bitty who dented my car, take her to court, and sewer.

Next time I inquire about trail riding and have to go see a man about a horse. If only I were a man, I could wear these when I meet the Pope! If only I had kids, I could put these on when I drop them off at the pool!

I could don them while playing Scrabble to encourage a good vowel movement.

Maybe I can even wear them again this week - the day after Thanksgiving!

I suppose the neat thing about these earrings is, I don't really need to wait for a holiday or special occasion. They're good on regular days, too.

Guided by SpEARits

I have discovered new earrings in my collection just in time for Columbus Day! These are working compass earrings, and they kinda match a compass necklace I already had. I dig kinetic jewelry!

In the past, I used to wear these Star Trek Enterprise earrings on Columbus Day (because, hey - ships, explorers), but this year I explored cyberspace for other options. Along the way, I found this awesome Ouija board compass necklace, but I don't own it. Yet.

The Mother of Invention

Though I get no credit in the paper, the photo of the upside-down clown in this October 1977 issue of The Mini Page is me. The Mini Page is now syndicated and appears in 500 newspapers worldwide, but it originated in Raleigh the same year I was born.

Beyond circumstantial proof, I submit a more recent photo of the papier-mâché clown head that was part of the costume. I rediscovered it this year while cleaning out junk from the house I grew up in. While posting this photo, I noticed a happy coincidence that in the background you can see a basket full of thread and sewing notions that belonged to my mom...

Hawaii Statehood Day

The State of Hawaii flag hangs at our house to commemorate Hawaii Statehood Day. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation making Hawaii the 50th state on Friday, August 21, 1959. Rather than commemorate it on the 21st, Hawaiians celebrate Statehood on the third Friday of August. They usually get the day off, which is pretty cool because the rest of us don't normally have a good excuse to take off in August. This flag can also work for King Kamehameha Day June 11, but that's pretty close to Flag Day in the rest of the United States (June 14).

Aloha Earrings

Hula girl earrings for Hawaii Statehood Day, celebrated on the third Friday of August.

Olympic Spirits

Stick me with this pin if you must, but don't hold it against me. I prefer dark brews. Props to Budweiser, though, for being an athletic supporter.

I Got Seoul

I couldn't get a very clear picture with the iphone, but this Olympic pin is from Seoul, Korea, in 1988. It came with a box of Kodak film I bought. At K-mart. The one that isn't there any more. No, the other one that's not there any more. (Old Raleigh peeps should understand.)

Grand Torino

Here's my 2006 Torino Olympic pin. Ain't it grand? I have no idea where I got it.

Flags of our Fathers

These European flag earrings could be appropriate for the Olympics or a variety of national holidays. I didn't bother adding hooks for the photo, but they are easily made into earrings despite the fact that they were originally charms on a bracelet I bought at Busch Gardens around the age of 13.

I case you don't recognize them, these are the flags of (clockwise from top left) Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Naturally, I have Old Glory earrings as well.

Fake Lake

This pin is not officially licensed Olympic merchandise; however it was produced for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Lake Lanier hosted the rowing events, I believe.