Angie's back, back again...

After a 7 month hiatus, and under a new layout and title, I hereby grant you permission to stalk me via the ever elusive "Risley Blog". Though I have nothing profound to say today, I do hope you'll have a look at this film review. I wanna see it!

Also, I've been looking into getting an SLR. Oh, how grand life would be.

Oklahoma Youth In Line For Total World Domination

RISLEY HERALD NEWS SUN TRIBUNE RECORD TIMES
Wednesday, April 4

(photo submitted by Aunt Angie)


Angela Risley
Staff Writer and Biased Auntie

(AP) Edmond, Okla. - Stranger things have happened, you say? Perhaps. In a world where iPods reign and oil prices continue to sky-rocket, many Americans have decided merely to give up hope. Uneducated, 5 o'clock news-worthy comments such as "Well, what can I, a lower-class hillbilly from the Great Bill Clinton's home state, do?" and "Oprah told me to!" permeate these fifty nifty United States as Republicans, Democrats, Independents and "Dancing With The Stars" fans have collaboratively chosen the beaten path of denial.

Many worry about the state of the world. Is it really the end times? Sometimes it seems as though it is. Wars are wreaking havoc and tearing nations apart. Natural disasters continue ravaging their way along our nation's coastlines. Hilary Clinton is running for President of the United States. All of these seem to be pointing to the finale of our existance on this Earth; that is, before the Risley off-spring arrived.

Discovering the lack of responsibility amongst their fellow Americans, five Oklahoma children have taken matters into their own teeny hands. These children, all cousins and descendents of Lord Wiley and Lady Judith of Labette County, Kansas, took the time during their recent spring break to fix all the problems of the world. Leader and eldest of the cousins, 7-year-old Nik, approached the four younger children in a desperate attempt to realign the stars.

"I knew only two things could save this great country," Nik said. "Cokes for everyone and our combined forces. Without the five of us, and the wisdom we've gained by being Noonies [nieces and nephews] of our rad Aunt Angie, the world will surely crumble beneath the weight of its own disappointment. I can't, I won't stand for it."

The other Risley children include Nik's 6-year-old sister Izabella; 18-month-old sister Carlee; and cousins, 2 1/2-year-old Claire and her brother, 16-month-old Drake. All the children are pictured above sans Carlee enjoying their spring break. (Though she was unavailable for comment at the time of our interview, Carlee did agree to make a special appearance at the gala to be held in honor of our small heroes.)

In order to save the world, one consensus was unanimously reached during that week of intense meetings, snack times and backyard-playing: Laughter IS the best medicine and all you really need is Love. With their powers combined, the cousins agreed that in addition to the Cokes they would purchase using their fathers' gas cards, they would cheer their fellow students with great "Your Mom" jokes, as well as the classic "Knock, knock" and "I know you are, but what am I?" gags. Thusly, by introducing laughter to their friends, their friends could then, in turn, pass it along to their parents to perpetuate the cycle.

Hearing of the goodness these children are doing in their community, Presidential Republican hopeful Rudy Giuiliani simply stated "I heart NY and I want to make a t-shirt that says so. Vote for me."

In the two weeks since their spring break decision, much change has been noted. The sun is shining once again, children are still going "cookoo for Cocoa Puffs", and the death toll from falling Wal-Mart prices is at an all-time low. Indeed these young children must be ready to take over the world soon...just as soon as they finish this last episode of "Dora the Explorer."

It's Just Like a Mini Mall! Jungle Style - Work in Progress

Have I mentioned the love affair I have with YouTube? I'm so happy people like this exist in the same world as me.

All the carnies smell like cabbage

I was going through pics again and found this one commemorating the night I was 2 rounds away from winning a car. Taken at the Oklahoma State Fair last autumn, Travis and I (he's on my left) entered the Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament and I was doing well until some bald kid beat me out on a technicality. (The "technicality": I held up the wrong sign. Whatever.) This pic is from when we were on top of the Space Needle wannabe they've got there. Aubrie, Lucas, Travis and I rode it twice...because we're that cool.

Here's to the State Fair cinnamon rolls, Indian tacos and funnel cakes: we salute you. 

2-007

It's been 10 days since we kissed 2006 goodbye and welcomed in the year of 2-"007". I'm so excited to be in the year of Pierce Brosnan, especially since I've heard great reviews about the latest "007" movie (even if it is sans Brosnan this time). With resolutions flying around, it's common to hear about what people swear to give up, as well as what they promise to start. I do, in fact, make resolutions too, however I don't start mine until February (most people quit theirs by then anyway, so I'm just cutting out that frustrating month). This year, I've set goals for myself, etc., but part of what I want to accomplish also lies in looking back and counting my blessings. It's true, I've lived a blessed life. I want to relish in that, soak up all the memories I can and use them to make this year a great one. The best, in fact.

The photo above is of my church in Loughborough. That is from last January when we took a church hike through this beautiful, hilly area in our county. What a good looking group, huh? I'm so proud to have worked with these great, encouraging people. They remind me what I've done and how I got there; it's amazing to think of how many people help me along my daily journeys.

If I can help someone because of what I've experienced, I should. I want to. I'm resolved to.

After all, it's what 007 would do. 

Don't fake it this year...

AULD LANG SYNE

Words adapated from a traditional song
by Rabbie Burns (1759-96)

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne

Meanings

auld lang syne - times gone by
be - pay for
braes - hills
braid - broad
burn - stream
dine - dinner time
fiere - friend
fit - foot
gowans - daisies
guid-willie waught - goodwill drink
monie - many
morning sun - noon
paidl't - paddled
pint-stowp - pint tankard
pou'd - pulled
twa - two

Happy 2007, everyone!

Had myself a merry little Christmas...

Of course one of the best parts of Christmas is the wonderment visible on children's faces. My 14-month-old niece, Carlee, obviously was awed by the snow and grand tree behind her.


Though we actually didn't have a white Christmas, Darren, Nik and Izabella used the snowy backdrop to their advantage as a festive Kodak moment.


Not the greatest quality photo, this sets the scene for the billowing bounty of blessings we Risley's did enjoy. (Why are kids always more enthralled with the packaging than with its contents??)


And what picturesque Christmas is complete without gawking at elaborately lit trees? We caravaned and took the whole family 45 minutes to Chickasha, Oklahoma to see the popular "Festival of Lights" on display there. Over 2 million lights transform this park into a majestically Christmas wonderland.

Now that all the hussle and bustle is over, the presents are all unwrapped, food mostly eaten and families back in their respective homes, we now prepare to transition out of this familiar 2006 and into the unknown of 2007. Whether you make resolutions or not, let me encourage you to take some time to reflect back upon the gifts you received this past year. Use the knowledge, talents, friendships and memories you gained in 2006 to illuminate the paths of 2007; make this the most joyous and fulfilling year of your life. May you plan to also, in turn, enrich someone else's life because of all you've been blessed with. And, may you also finally learn the words to "Auld Lang Syne" before midnight on the 31st so you can confidently sing along instead of lip-syncing this year!

Good tidings and all the best for you in 2007!