I'll Take (Just) One!

 

Give me:

• 
  
  a movie date with My Guy
• 
  
  a garage sale in Amarillo (with my sis-in-law)
• 
  
  Christmas
• 
  
  the book I can't put down
• 
  
  a view of water
• 
  
  time with family & friends

 

(intentionally blurred to protect the innocent...)

• 
  
  Karaoke
• 
  
  a new taste treat (Manchego cheese!)
• 
  
  MUSIC
• 
  
  gut wrenching laughter
• 
  
  And when you can get oh 6 out of 10 in ONE weekend,

well, h-e-l-l-o!

(I've got to rest now...)

xoxo

Life CAN be a bowlful of...

Good stuff!  Pardon me if I harp on (the JOY of!!) empty nesting again.  I suppose it's all relative - a friend of mine has a daughter.  She and her girl are thick as thieves and that daughter prefers home.  To hanging out with her peers.  Our home hasn't had that "draw"..perhaps since 1993.  Is it boys?  I don't care enough to psychoanalyze that. 

So, I'm puttering in my kitchen; cleaning a bowl of berries, contemplating what I can throw together for din-din.  My Guy really loves dinner.  And appreciates it.  But....I AM an empty nester and cooking for two is losing its appeal.  A lot of it is the fact that I HATE eating late.  I'd rather not eat (unless a bowl of popcorn is forced upon me) than eat past 7:30.  And when My Guy runs, it's a late night.  The poor dear ran his tail off yesterday and came in hungry.  It's a bad sign when there's no pot steaming, boiling, roasting or baking.  I'll give you a little insight into how relaxed we are.  He enters the pantry, studies it a while and declares there's not much going on in there.  I suggest our "go-to" sandwich.  He knew what that was!  "A grilled cheese?"  "Yup!"  The most amazing part is that AFTER he wolfed it down he said "thanks" and that it was good!  We ARE indeed living a different life. 

I digress - back to my bowl of berries.  Such beauty in nature; whether from the store or the earth.  In my prayer time this morning, I asked that my eyes be open to His blessings.  Life is simple at this point in time.  I am thankful the house is still.  And this morning - oh, my goodness, let me SHOUT, "Thank You, Lord for a picture perfect morning!"  It was sunny and cool and heavenly.  I thoroughly enjoyed pulling weeds, planting (a few) tomato plants and other goodies. 

Before I planted I had a grand time at my local Lowe's.  Dear Chester was a wealth of information on whether to use aluminum or steel for a project.  I {{{LOVE}}} excellent customer service! 

My current reflecting is maybe due to wearing this Saturday night:

...and a friend telling me this MUST be my signature piece and to never take it off.  "This" was a wedding gift 32 1/2 years ago from my grandmother, Mimi.  Attached to it was an octagonal charm (LARGE at that!) with semi-precious jewels.  Hhhhmmm....at 22 years of age, I had zippo appreciation.  I tucked it away.  About 15 years ago, I removed the charm and it became a lovely bracelet.  I don't wear it (enough) but plan to starting now.  So, you can see...I had to GROW into it.  I appreciate it now; just like I do my quiet home.  So much good stuff can go on when we grow bigger and our household grows smaller.  

It is the little things.  Like a fabric flower pinned to a (plain) cardigan.

A belly laugh - almost embarrassing ourselves...

Reconnecting with a friend as if no time had passed

A worship song at church that takes you higher

Dirt under my fingernails

Anticipation of a weekend away

Dancing with My Guy

Sleeping with the window open

A pedicure...

There's just a whole lotta GOOD STUFF out there. 

I do so hope your eyes are open - we don't want to miss a thing!

xoxo

Face Lift(ed) Anyone?

I'm a wimp.  I don't like pain so a face lift is not on my agenda. Not even Botox. I won't pay someone to scrape my face either (however, a daily "mini-peel" by Olay is just the ticket!).  We are bombarded by media, magazines and make-up!  So, yea, I do slap an occasional egg white on my face as shown on a previous post.  I am a product junkie but no knives or needles thank you very much.

Life at this "certain age" has bennies.  Four years ago at 50 I (finally) came into my own.  I'd say comfy with who I am.  Over many years, it took some doing and some reading, some studying, some counseling, and a whole lot of praying.  In all of that reading, one book sticks out the most and it didn't make Oprah's book club.  It's The Bible. 

By reading it, it promises:

• revival of the soul
• making us wise
• joy to the heart
• light to the eyes
• a great reward

Who needs a face lift?  Give me a refreshed soul with a light in my eye and joy in my heart (for free and PAIN-free).  Sad to say I am not a member of the Mensa Society.  Yet who doesn't want to be wiser?  Even I am promised these gifts!  THAT gets me fired up!

Friends and acquaintances in my daily life know trouble: financial, medical, marital, family, child, health, career....the list goes on and on.  These (certain) women depend on one thing only.  And IT brings out their beauty, joy and serenity that no prescription could fill.  No beauty treatment could put the glow on like this.

Many years ago I went to a women's conference.  One of the speakers was in a wheelchair, paralyzed from the waist down.  On break we lined up at her book table.  I said to my friend:  "look at her face.  She glows!"  She informed me that would be The Holy Spirit in her.  Aha!  That was a new concept to me and I wanted it. 

Today I read Psalm 19:7-11 again and it DID just what it said...revived my soul.  There are a ton of GREAT books out there - positive, self-helpers.  But I would venture to say, that most everyone has a Bible.  By reading it...if only 15 minutes a day, our face lifted to Him...I promise that no matter how you LOOK, your heart and soul will be revived.  You may not have to run out for the latest product.  Well, YOU may not have to but I probably will.  I can't help myself.

... and I'll give it my best to have my face lifted...daily, if possible.  It's good for the soul!

Easter Love

Our Easter brunch was to begin at 11:00.  When were we ready for company?  10:59.  Time management is not a fine-tuned skill of (mine) and My Guy.  You'd think as a CPA timeliness would be of the essence.  Not around the house.  Or in the yard.  The poor dear was shoveling pea gravel off the flagstone to another location for three hours on Easter morning.  Nothing like "an event" to motivate one to hack at your to-do list.  I LOVE seeing the fruit of My-Guy-Chores completed!  He does not complain...ever.  He just does it.  I see!  It doesn't bother HIM - it only bothers me!

The weather cooperated and we were able to dine outdoors.  A bit of Tuscany in Texas!

This past winter was not kind to our grass; but you can see some green sprouts.  The vine covering the pergola is three years old and looks like a three year old: bursting forth, unruly and out of control. 

My Guy needed something as a reward for all his hard work.  Nephew and wife brought a few mixings.  They are young, hip (happen to be gorgeous) and know how to make a lovely Bloody Mary.


He looks much better without a shovel and a wheelbarrow!

The food cooking, Sirrius Coffee House music playing while all are stuffed into the kitchen is HEAVEN!  I love gatherings.  We gathered around the island to say grace and dug in.  A new item was on the menu, Blackberry French Toast and was well received.  Some could not stop.  I mean really.  Like he said he could just put his face in it.  He did!

                                         (Saint Steve and new friend, Blackberry French Toast)

It's rare in these parts to enjoy outside dining.  And that's why I felt rather Tuscan-y.  Under a pergola, a fountain splish-splashing, a cool breeze. 

We had to set two tables but it worked well.  Can you spot the high and the low of said tables?

Oh, don't be concerned.  Those are not wine bottles.  Well, they are wine BOTTLES with water in them.  Soak labels off your white wine bottles and fill them with water.  When you march them down your table, it's a ready made centerpiece. 

My Guy may be known as not-so-timely BUT he also has the reputation of The Dish Washer.  And, again...he does not bemoan the title.  He just gets in the kitchen and does it.  I love that man!  We played Left, Center, Right (a dice game) which is about the only game out of three/four that I can (or WANT to) play.  I'm NOT a game girl.  LCR is easy and fun.

By 2:15 the guests said they were stuffed, satisfied and had to get on with their day.  A couple of folks had to be stirred to move on. 

                                                                  (Easter Overload)

The sermon on Maundy Thursday began:  "What is the quality of your love?''  It's had me thinking these past three days.  We are to love like Jesus.  Everyone.  No matter who they are, what they do or say.  I find it hard sometimes...to love unconditionally. 

Today was a day of love.  Between me and My Guy.  In my kitchen with family and friends.  And even between Steve and Duke.

I hope that you and yours dined well, enjoyed one another and loved. 

xoxo

You Making Party?

I've spent a good portion of mid to late morning outdoors today.  It IS a big deal!  I'm not a gardener or a yard-girl.  I feel bone tired ..like The Lady above but very satisfied and all I did was weed.  I'm most thankful that I have a gaggle of girlfriends from different parts of the country.  Pictures show their efforts in the yard and every once in a while I get inspired. 

I dream of living by the sea...

                                                 (photo by Sandi)

 or to have a forest in my backyard!

                                                                                             (Photo by Deborah)

Then again, to have a green thumb.  Period.

(Photo by Jennifer)

Oh, to traipse through the snow...in THIS setting!

(Photo by Mary)

But, here we are in suburban Texas.  My yard lacks personality; therefore, I must make up for the lack in other areas.  With Easter round the bend and company coming...I gotta spruce up the place.  I hope the weather allows us to have a

Tracy Porter-inspired-outdoor-brunch Sunday morning.

We'll bring out the 8' long Home Depot table.  Cover it with an old, shabby rug, bedspread or several table cloths.  I'll move two wicker arm chairs from upstairs to the head(s) of this table.  And, since I'm all about the hi-low in clothing, decorating AND entertaining....my table will sport:

• 
  
  Plates from Dollar Tree
• 
  
  Crystal from my Mom
• 
  
  Bamboo flatware from Big Lots interspersed with Mom's sterling
• 
  
  Monogrammed cloth napkins from Ballard Designs           
• 
  
                    (Photo by Kelly)
• 
  
  A BIG centerpiece inspired by Kelly above and...
• 
  
  Nell Hill rattan chargers (they dress up my $1 plates!)

Hospitality IS my thing.  Yards and gardening, not so much.  If I don't get to everything in the yard I hope my guests won't notice.  I'll have to make my table extra special so the focus is on it! 

Recently I met the owner of a restaurant to reserve their room for an event.  A waiter with a really thick (unknown) accent said to me:  "You making party?"  I knew what he meant.  And loved what he said.  And thus replied:  "I am!"

It's Tuesday.  I'm (pretending to be a) gardener, browsing through cookbooks, swapping recipes with friends....all because I'm making a party!  And I so love a good party!

Happy Easter!

xoxo

Men in Pink!

                      (1/2 bro, Dad, Stepmom, Moi)

I love a man in a pink shirt!  That, (again), may be due to growing up in Preppy Land, U.S.A.  My most-dapper-Dad dons pink better than most!  The beach shot above is in Long Island last summer.  My 1/2 brother and Dad look so hip...to me!

Dad and Stepmom took a bunch of us to Turkey in '07.  It was a GREAT time...exploring ruins, climbing all sorts of hills, snorkeling in beautiful waters.  And a few times at night we DID dress for dinner.  On this night; the men...wore (mostly) PINK! 

(My Guy, 1/2 Bro, # 2 Son, Bro)

Aren't they handsome?

Just wondering, do your guys wear PINK?

Stand...Apart!

I'd call myself eclectic.  Example above is a gift of nature from a friend.  Okay, it's a mossy rock.  #1 Son laughed aloud asking me if I now collect pet rocks.  He lives with me (or did) and still thinks I'm off, a bit.  Quite often I can tell by a person's face when they walk in they don't quite get my decor.  Once someone asked:  "where did you get the idea to use so many types of fabric?"  I don't like doing what everyone else is doing in their home.  I like it to be different...perhaps stand apart.  I think some of that stems from my upbringing on the East Coast.  The most beautiful rooms are those that are personal, colorful and cozy. 

My library is eclectic as well.  I need variety.  There are stacks of books all over my home.  By my bedside are four that give a clue to my eclectic personality:

There are others like me.  I found them on line!  You see, Tracy Porter's books had struck a chord.  And two and a half years ago her blog opened a whole new world.  I "met" like souls and we became addicted to thrived from her inspiration videos.  A trademark of Tracy's is her London Wall or some call it a Gallery Wall: a hodge podge of all you love slammed together.  I was all over that.  Our little powder room pretends it's in London.  Again...it's obvious that some enter our powder room  (with a purpose) and exit bewildered.  I can see it. 

If I could siphon a personality, a writing style and the way to view life, it'd be Dominique Browning.  Around the House and in the Garden and Paths of Desire are dog-earred, highlighted and (worshipped) adored!

I am over-the-moon to discover this morning, SHE has a blog entitled Slow Love Life.  And yes, I drank too much coffee and spent too much time reading it.  But I devoured...it all.  It was delicious! (I've pre-ordered her book on Amazon and it will not get here soon enough).  She most definitely stands apart.


I've become more eclectic in my attire too.  Just the other day a friend remarked:  "My aren't you the funky woman?"  Is that a good thing?  I don't know.  I wore straight jeans, rolled up, a long tunic-y thing rather close to a bathrobe and some (admittedly) funky shoes.  55 is half  a year away and it's all good.  I totally dig this age -  this season of life. 



A new addition to my home is The Pink Woman.  She arrived at my door step two days ago from an artist in North Carolina.  Please, let me introduce you to her:

I loved her the moment I saw her - she lit up the corner of my living room.  I called my friend (screaming) thanking her profusely.  Oh, and I learned the most interesting tidbit.  "Art should not be matchy-match; otherwise it is just part of the decor.  Art should stand alone."  Ahhhhhh.  Stand apart.  Stand on one's own.  That's where I aim to go...

No fear of what others think.  Be true to myself and my God.  That's it.  What a glorious way to live!  And should you come for a visit; I'm okay if you don't "get" my home.  You're most welcome anyway!