Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Near and Dear To My Heart

When I was a child I wore a locket often that belonged to my Aunt Wanda. It was a tiny locket that was fit for a child.  Gold inscribed with a "W," it had the slightest indentations on the back where the teeth of an indelible child left their mark. It has escaped my memory whether there were pictures or other treasures within the locket, but the mystery surrounding Aunt Wanda and her short life was my treasure.

I recall wearing it often. Standing in front of my mother's brown leather jewelry box on Sunday mornings before church, she would lean forward to fasten the necklace around my neck. Her own gold necklace would dangle in my face and as I leaned forward and swept my hair up I inhaled her sweet smell of perfume and she would fasten the treasure around my neck.

Thus began my love affair with lockets.

So, in the spirit of the Holidays which seems to be the onset of intense nostalgia  for me I could not pass up the opportunity to share this with you.

Locket love = Vintage Art Lockets at Verabel on Etsy.


I have a thing for birds. The majesty of the peacock plumage is a-maz-ing!

Did you know the females were appropriately called peahens rather than peacocks? Just a little fact, ladies. Tuck that away for your next game of trivia.

 Swoon. If I had this locket, I would tuck away the sweetest mementos of my very own dreamboat.

And isn't this the sweetest mother's locket? It would only be fitting to store the smallest and most precious of faces inside and wear them close to your heart always. 
little G 3 1960'

Maybe something like this that captures his sweetness and innocence...
Little G 2 BW

...or possibly this. Oh dang, he's a cutie pie!

Merry Thanksgiving Eve to all,


Thursday, November 18, 2010

Cigs No More

Today, November 18, 2010, is the 35th annual Great American Smokeout! The American Cancer Society sponsors this event and asks smokers to commit to a smoke-free 24 hour day.

I was a smoker once.

I never participated in the Great American Smokeout Day.

But, I was always reamed with guilt on those days. Really. It stunk. Just like a stale cigarette. But, I just lit up and smoked away so I didn't have to think about it because smoking was my escape.



Man, smoking was fun. But golly, smoking made me feel like crap. I didn't even realize how bad I felt. At the peak of my smoking habit I was puffing away nearly two packs a day. NUTS! I can't even imagine how I had the time to do all that smoking.

Ironically time became my "excuse" to smoke. As if anyone needs an excuse. It was my 3 minute (and I could stretch it out to about 7 if I really tried) escape. You see, I could step outside of the office or the house and just look up at the sky or close my eyes and tune out all the noise around me and enjoy a few minutes of peace and quiet. And it mattered not a bit to me that those few minutes were years I could be taking off my life as I chose to prematurely decay my lungs. Hello, who does that?!

Once I realized the stronghold smoking had on my life and figured out there were other, healthier ways to escape (not to mention cheaper, like crazy cheaper, and I smell better too) I decided to say Sayonara. Au revoir. Cheerio. So long. Bu-bye.



On July 5, 2007 I ditched the habit. Well, I did it with some help. Thank you Lord. Thank you Griffin. Thank you family. Thank you Dr. Corovessis. Thank you makers of Chantix.


It wasn't easy. It's still not easy. But, the rewards are immeasurable. And I still have fun without being a smoker. Lots of fun. And since I have reversed the effects of smoking in my life, I will be able to have fun even longer.

So there Big Tobacco. Take that. One less supporter. Nah, nah, nuh-nah, nah.

Yours Sincerely,

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Personal Space Request

Dearest Right Inner Thigh,

You are a close friend and I enjoy your companionship immensly. However, lately you have begun to invade my personal space a little. The constant physical affection that you extend by rubbing up against me is a little uncomfortable. I would like to kindly ask that you respect our personal spaces just a little more in the near future.

Respectfully Yours,
Left Inner Thigh

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Comments

I love my readers.

And more than that, I love your comments.

It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Really.

From the bottom of my heart, Thank YOU!

Happy Thursday,

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The hat makes the man

....or does the man, make the hat?

My little man, is growing up so quickly. Before my very eyes, he is going through daily transformations. This season of life that he is in, is a constant state of flux.

Everything from his style of dress, to his desire to snuggle up to his mom on the sofa is changing. Rapidly. Almost a little too rapidly, if you ask me. If it was up to me, we'd pull the emergency brake on all of this growing stuff. We might even shift into reverse a little. But, that's just the selfish side of me.

Or maybe it's my aching womb.
Or it could just be the side that just doesn't want my baby to be leaving so soon. Like five more years to 18, soon!
Or maybe it's the intense baby fever that I have been battling, since the cutest little girl ever entered this world.
Or possibly I'm that mom that just doesn't want to let go. Can you say control freak? (Acknowledgement is the first step in solving your problems, people. I do know that. I'm working on it. )
Or possibly, I just want to smell the top of a new baby's head and squeeze the fat, rolled wrinkles on their thighs.
Or maybe, I am beginning to recognize that another woman will soon be moving into my territory. Cooking his meals, washing his clothes, picking up his stinky socks off the floor. Come to think of it, this might not be such a bad deal after all.

Regardless of how I feel about it though, he's changing. And there is nothing that I can do to stop it. No matter how loud I yell, "STOP IT!!!" (And I do that often.)

Griff and the fedora 6

On a recent excursion to the mall, he became adamant about findhing a hat. Something that was cool. Cooler than cool.

So, Coolio decided to try them on. Only there wasn't a mirror near every stop we made. Enter the iPhone camera. Lucky for you.

Griff and the fedora 5

Coolio wanted something that would capture his character. Something that would turn heads, but not draw so much attention that people gawked and gasped. Although, sometimes he likes to make people gawk and gasp when he drinks Dr. Pepper and belches in public.

Griff and the fedora 3

"It needs to be flattering to my face, mom. You know I inherited these big cheeks from you and although they are adorable and all of the girls love them, I need something that doesn't make my face look fat."

I've got your back, kid. I would never let you purchase something unflattering.

Griff and the fedora 2

Possibly the green would add just the right touch. A little fedora flare in green plaid? I like it. He doesn't. He says it screams "PIMP." What do you think?



All you need to go with this one is a pinstriped suit and some wing tipped shoes, big guy!

Griff and the fedora 4

"MOM, I have to have it."

Really?

"Yes. Pretty, please with sugar on top?"

But, I said I wouldn't let you go there and get something that didn't bring out your best features.

"But, mooooommmmm! I haaaavve to haaaaave it. Please, please, please. Think of how it will help when I mow the grass to protect my skin."

Sold, to the kid with the best character and sales pitch in the world.

Keeping it cool with Coolio,

Friday, September 24, 2010

Pep Talk for Today



Today is one of those days where I need a pep talk. My very own personal daily affirmation.

So, this morning after having my daily dose of caffiene, I proceeded to climb onto the bathroom counter and redmind myself that...

"I like my pajamas."

And of course, so much more.

Liking you always,

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Favorite Moments

It's a good day. You know the kind of good day where a smile creeps across your face effortlessly as soon as you step foot out of bed. The kind of day that can't be reckoned with. One that you wish you could bottle up and save for those days that are the exact oppposite.

In celebration of this good and happy day, I have been reflecting on some of my recent favorite moments.

A couple of  weeks ago I got to snuggle almost the entire weekend with the Sweetest Pea in the world.
Snuggle Softly

Being with an amazing man, enjoying an incredible dinner at The Grove.
My love at the grove

Clapping (literally) in the dressing room when I found the. perfect. pair. of. jeans. Let's not discuss the price tag. That would just be a damper on the mood here.

Devouring a stadium hotdog with the cutest, sweetest (most of the time) pre-teen boy I know. Even if the football wasn't so great because it was the last pre-season game and all second string players. It's really all about the food, right?!


Every moment my Dreamboat stretches his hand out to grab mine without thought but with so much purpose. It's especially nice when our fingers are interlocked and I get a little squeeze. Effortless yet sincere- it sweeps me off my feet. Every. Time.

How about you? Any favorite moments in your lives recently? I'd love to share this party with you.

And if any of you know how to bottle up this good stuff to save for the not-so-good-days, please, please don't hesitate to share with us.

Happy Day,

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Today's Thoughts

On my mind lately...

1. Sinfully good chocolate chip cookies.

2. Ray La Montagne You Are The Best Thing

3. Love. Love. Love.


"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken.
If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal.
Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements.
Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change.
It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.” -C.S. Lewis

4.  The sweet smell of babies.
Polly

5.  Photo editing with Picnik tickles me pink.
Tickled Pink

Hope you are all getting ready for a perfect weekend!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Unfortunate Events.

I wrote a blog post. A very intriguing and long blog post. One which took up quite a bit of my morning. All in the name of cousinary (is that a word?) love.

Liz posted here. And I was going to copy her. Because imitation is the finest form of flattery. Haven't you hear?

After spending at least 45 minutes carefully responding to each question and editing font to the style of my blog I accidently deleted it all.

Yup. All of it.

Except this...

The End.

Cheers,


P.S. I promise a new and improved post in the very near future.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Thoughts on missing you.

I. Miss. You.

But, this morning I have realized that missing you means:

1. I know you. Because if I didn't know you, I wouldn't miss you.

2. I like you. Who misses the ones they don't like? That is just preposterous!

3. I enjoy your company. Your presence makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

But, please, please come home soon. Although, I am grateful to know you, like you, enjoy you, and miss you; I much prefer not missing you.

All my love,

Saturday, July 24, 2010

This one is for you, CL

This post is specifically put together with one person in mind in an effort to provide a brief update on our lives. However, I know those 4 or 5 loyal readers out there will appreciate the post as well. Whether you come her for my impecible photography skills, or my mad writing skillz, or the always entertianing wit, I know you will find something in here to suit all of you.

Just before school got out, Griffin and I (and I stresss the I) had to make a mad dash to creatively overcome some failing grades that just happened to pop up as he was about to be inducted into the National Junior Honors Society. By the hair of his our chinny, chin, chin, he scraped by and was able to take his oath the maintain honorable character, service, and GRADES for the upcoming school year.

We celebrated with family.

And ice cream.

Hi, Nana. Did you just partake of some tasty frozen custard? And watch your most adorable grandson hold his head high as he claimed his right to the National Junior Honor Society? And, also a little birdy told me you had a birthday recently? Is that true? No way.

Like mother, like daughter.
Disclaimer: Not the same ice cream celebration. I really "heart" ice cream in the summer. I try to take advantage of it every chance I get.

It was a good thing this Spring I was running so much. It helped to give me a better starting place for all those ice cream calories.

Here I am running like the wind in May. Well, there was no so much wind that day. But, lots of humidity. That smile on my face is deceiving people. My thoughts went a little something like this...

"Thank you Lord for legs to run,
Thank you Lord for helping me to survive the previous 13 miles,
Thank you Lord for letting me see the finish line in the next .1 miles,
Lord, please don't let anyone be in my way when I cross that finish line, lest they get baptized in my vomit."


After a few dry heaves, a bottle of water, and a sweet Medal I am feeling better.
Hi there boyfriend/running partner! What? You crossed the finish line about 45 minutes ago? Were you born in Kenya? No really, I am serious?

Looky here, my other favorite guy on the right. He's going to be a big, black Panther mascot this next year for Junior High. He gets to hang out with the cheerleaders and he is super stoked about that. What teenage, hormone boy wouldn't be??!

He met another Mascot friend at camp this week. It didn't take them long to bond and connect over fur,  the enormous amount of sweat that they endure for the sake of their school, and who's big furry head smells worse on the inside.

Now, my boy is on the left. He's the big cat. Rooooaaarrr!

Well look who it is... Aunt Jae. So glad you could join us to watch Panther Boy peform with his new friends.

And so glad to see you brought Polly Belle along for the ride. I'm pretty sure she was glad to have the sound muffled some in the depths of your gorgeous belly. Because it was LOUD in there!


Hope you enjoyed this little presentation and glimpse into our recent lives. There will be more to come. I promise.

From the bottom of my heart,

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Yes, you...





Much Love,

Thursday, July 8, 2010

A treasure for today

It makes me a warm and fuzzy inside to come across little treasures shared by other people.

I read this blog and found this amazing video posted over there today.



It spoke beautiful things to me.

Hope it does the same for you.

Stay Beautiful,

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Anniversary 5K

Yesterday morning I ran my own private celebratory 5K.

It was the morning of my smoking cessation anniversary. Sound weird? Yeah, I know. It is a little, but it's kinda a big deal to me. So, humor me and roll with it for a bit.

It's been 3 years y'all,  and I can count on one hand the number of times I have picked up a ciggie since. On the other hand, I can NOT count the crazy number of times that the thought of picking up one of those little devils has crossed my mind.

When I decided the end of my love affair with smoking was near, I did like everyone does when they end a significant relationship in their life. I went in search of a replacement. Just thinking something temporary was in order to get me through the initial onset of change and loss, I thought I would conquer the ability to run a mile. So, I strapped on my tennies and set out huffing and puffing through the streets of my neighborhood.

Guess what happened?

I fell in love again.

Nope, this isn't just a rebound thing. It's the real deal. Fully committed and enduring the good times and bad.

So, in honor of my three years of virtually being smoke-free and successfully conquering and surpassing my ability to run 1 mile, I decided to head out for a run.

Please disregard the sweat ring around my visor. I'd like to tell you there is some significant attachment that I have to my dirty, stinky, yellowed hat, but it basically just boils down to being too lazy to scrub it down with some Oxiclean.

If only my relationship with laundry and cleaning was as strong and devoted as my love affair with running.
It was a toasty morning friends. See my sweat dripping on the ground? Nice.
The legs deserved a little post-run rest. I sat down and thanked them for carrying me each mile they have over the last three years and sang their praises for being strong this morning. We discussed the recent ebbs and flows of our relationship and decided that it was time to flow more than ebb. Our season of ebbing has been swell, but we are at a point where we need to experience a little growth. 

And then, I threatened them from any injuries. Or else.

Happy trails,

Monday, June 28, 2010

A Hot Mess

Me.

On Sunday.

A culmination of many stresses that have been stuffed down deep came spewing to the surface Sunday. I stuffed them there because I have this incredible sense of...

  • independence that says to me..."you will eventually figure it all out with enough time and there is no need to talk about it with anyone. Besides, you'll just end up blowing things out of proportion and unnecessarily dragging someone into drama that does not need it."

  • fear that says..."if you do have a valid concern then there is a possibility that you might have to face a world of hurt, honey. Are you ready for that right now?" or "what if you bring up some irrational thought or idea that was potentially hormonally induced because of this 'woman brain' you have and you end up looking like a complete idiot?"

  • insecurity that makes me feel like I am going to be a total disappointment to anyone I approach with my seemingly trivial stresses in this big, bad world of pain and suffering.
So guess what happened?

I couldn't hold it in anymore and I ended up a blubbering idiot about my own irrational ideas that I had blown completely out of proportion in my own mind which were in the grand scheme of things, trivial indeed!

Stinks when that happens. Downright. Nasty.

Here's to a new week with a fresh start, my friends.


Leaving the Hot Mess behind,

Friday, June 18, 2010

Friday Love

Today I'm glad it's Friday because...

1. Tomorrow I do not have to wake up to an alarm. Although, I will. I just know I don't have to and that makes it so much sweeter.

2. My most handsome boy comes home today from being gone for the week to ther ultimate adventure known as Beach Retreat. You can check out some of what he's been up to here.  Seriously, my summer camps were never like that. Ever. Not even my weeks at Forst Glen for GA Camp or Mt. Carmel. But, those are posts for another day. DISCLAIMER: Those websites do not do justice to the "roughing" it we did over 20 years ago. YIKES! That sounds like a loooong time ago.

3. My to do list for today isn't too long.
Yet.


4. I'm looking forward to a Sunday dinner for the Pops in honor of Father's Day and spending sweet time with family and friends. Besides, there is major food involved with these plans. How can one not hold a special place in their heart for a scrumptious meal prepared with Dad in mind? Meat, potatoes, and something sweet to top it off. Mmmmm....my mouth is watering already and my waist line is screaming!

Lovin' It,

Monday, June 14, 2010

Dear Babies,

Dear Babies,


Thanks for being so adorable.  Even in utero. Your sweet little black and white profile melts my heart and leaves me longing to pinch your sweet little toes soon.
(Polly Belle scheduled to make her debut in August.)

And thank you for having such an adorable little nose and fat cheeks and for being all cuddly and warm.
Brylie's debut 6/14

But, let me give you a stern warning about how you make my womb ache. Seriously. You must stop that. Now.

Much love,