IT'S 'ORANGE' SEASON

I love this picture. It is one of my favorite fall images! Doesn't a little rust make everything look a little better? No? Oh, well, I think it does!

Tina, Shirley and myself enjoying a fall craft show...and dressing for the occasion!

Isn't this a clever picture...taken through a screen door!

And, the beautiful 'orange' that closes the day...magnificent!

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING...# 33

Before we move totally into the fall season, I wanted to post one of my most favorite pics of all times. Balance...it's a beautiful thing, isn't it? I'm sure we could all think of some clever things to say about 'balance' in our lives...but, I think I'll just let this one speak for itself. Balance!

ATTENTION PET LOVERS....

I recieved the following e-mail from my friend, Jolene. It was of special interest to me since I have a dog. Please read this and pass the info along to other pet lovers:
***************************************************
Yesterday one of our dog agility friends
experienced a tragedy and
wanted me to pass a special message along to all
of my dog loving
friends and family.

Please tell every dog or cat owner you know.

Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes
purchased *Cocoa Mulch* from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden.

Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat
and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical
when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way.

The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk.
Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon
further investigation on the company's website, this product is *HIGHLY
toxic*to dogs and cats.

Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is
true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa
Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each
individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.'
*************************************************************
This Snopes site gives the following information:

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden
Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a
lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and
cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs.

They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already
occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Just a word of caution, check
what you are using in your gardens and be aware of
what your gardeners are using in your gardens.

Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's
chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially
toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects
to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of
garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe
convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents
and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of
theobromine.
*******************************************************
Please spread the word about this...our pets depend on US for their well-being.

PURSE PSYCHOLOGY

I found a most interesting article on the Internet recently, and wanted to share it with you. Kelley Styring has authored a book entitled "In Your Purse: Archeology of the American Handbag". Just the little I was able to read is fascinating. Why do we carry the things we do in our purses? Is there an underlying reason that we ourselves do not even realize? These are the categories she says are in the majority of the purses in our country. Finance***Eye care***Memberships***Coupons***Office Supplies ***Keepsakes***Beauty Care***Jewelry***Identification***Nail Care***Keys and Key Chains***Feminine Hygiene***Receipts***Paper Products***Cell Phones***Cigarettes***Insurance***Oral Care***Food/Gum/Beverages***Weapons***
Cameras***Healthcare***Electronics. How does your purse measure up to these categories? I had them all except Cigarettes, Feminine Products,and Weapons...unless you count the debit card...I can do major damage with that!

Quoting from the article.....
“In Your Purse: Archaeology of the American Handbag.” One hundred women, 2 cities, 11 days of digging into purse after purse to reveal its stomach contents down to the last snotty tissue and connecting what was found with the functions, emotions and innovation potential that lie beneath this mysterious and often inscrutable object. The purse is the ultimate depository for a woman, filled with beauty and disgust, function and emotion, pleasure, amusement, alarm and despair.

In the context of this work, I’ve seen literally hundreds, probably thousands, of women open their purses, both at home where most consumer needs occur and while shopping where most transactions are made and needs fulfilled. Yet, they open this bag sparingly, revealing only what they must to get the job done. Like good burlesque, you see less than you think.


It is at once a financial center, a medicine cabinet, a pharmacy, a cosmetic counter, a communications hub, a safe deposit box, and a stash for keepsakes of irreplaceable sentimental value. But, for every programmable pda or cell phone there are a hundred little scraps of paper with important phone numbers scrawled on them. For every key, there is at least one key fob or doodad, not so much connecting the keys as marking the territory. For women, who make roughly 70% of all retail purchases, the purse is a vital tool for daily living that is filled with emotional consequences.

A woman’s purse is a bag of contradiction on a string. It is the nerve center of her life – holding all manner of vital and precious things. Yet, most purses are a disorganized pit – mixing the tools of daily life – keys, wallet, phone, everything – with the detritus of living – gum wrappers, expired coupons, hair and general filth of every type. Most women who carry a purse cannot imagine how life would go on without it.

Styring found that 95 percent of U.S. women aged 18-64 carry a purse every day, and that they carry 2.4 purses on a regular basis. Since women make 70 percent of all retail buys, that purse becomes a key purchasing instrument, the only physical link between the home (where needs are created) and the store (where those needs can be fulfilled).

Kelley spent 100 hours interviewing 100 women and cataloguing 100 purses and their contents which was 6,670 objects (guys do the math). On average that is 66 items in each purse! I feel your pain when someone asks you to hold their bag – considering on average they weigh over 3 pounds.....End Quote.

I thought this was all quite interesting...and plan on buying the book to learn more. Sadly, I'm afraid I have a few more than the 2.4 bags most women carry.
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Now let's play.Feel free to do a post with these answers on your blog...as I am officially tagging every person on my blog roll.

MY PERSONAL PURSE MEME:

1. Describe your favorite purse...

2 What 4 things are ALWAYS in your purse...

3. What is the most unusual thing you carry with you on a regular basis...

4. What is the strangest thing you have ever found in your purse...

5. Is your purse an "open book" or a "private sanctuary"....

6. Do you change purses often or tend to use the same one for everything...

7. Any "purse wisdom" you would like to share....
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I am looking forward to reading YOUR answers!

PURSUING and PERUSING PURSES

Next on the clean-out list...PURSES! You should be warned...I love them as much as shoes...if not more!
A purse is a very personal thing. And, what makes it personal is different for each woman. You may have a winter purse and a summer purse...those would be your criteria. Maybe you use 1 purse for everything...(hard to believe, but it's true! I have seen it with my own eyes.) Maybe it's an everyday purse and a dressy purse. Or maybe, you think, as I do, that every outfit deserves a purse that will add just the right touch to go from "ho-hum", to "you look great...love the purse!"

Every woman needs at least 5 different bags. An evening purse, a small clutch in a neutral color, a shoulder bag, a dressy handbag, and an unconstructed cloth tote bag.
I just seem to follow the guidelines a little excessively.

I do not know why I have this affinity for bags, but it started very young. I have pictures of me when I was still in grade school with my purses. And since forever, I have loved me a new purse. Most of the ones I purchased have made me very happy...but some have been duds that teased me and promised things they didn't deliver. So,I am always searching for that one perfect bag that will truly organize my life...a place for all the essentials. Now, I realize full well that places for the essentials in my bag will work ONLY if I put each item back into its assigned place each time I remove it. That, see, becomes a problem for me because sometimes it is not easy to reach into the purse and find the proper slot. Said item gets dropped into the abyss, and goes into hiding. So, the whole reason for my disorganization is due to the purse manufacturers of America or Italy or wherever. I feel so much better about myself now.

I tend to waver back and forth on the merits of big vs small. For a while I will use the biggest bags I can find and throw everything in there. Then there is the 'search of the century; when I try to find my wallet...or cell phone...or sunglasses. When my level of frustration reaches a nigh unto dangerous level...I will switch to those wallet bags for a while. They have a place for cards, and money, and change, and receipts, etc. All in one tiny package to hang on your shoulder. But, where, pray tell, does the cell phone go? And, the lipstick?...and the gum or mints?...and the bottle of aspirin?...and any feminine products of your choice? What do you do with those things? You find a small tote to put those things in and leave it in the car. And there it is when you need something that should be with you if you had a bigger purse. So, you keep searching! Where is the happy medium?


A stylish purse need not be expensive. There are great selections at every price point. I find some very cute bags at T*rget, K*hls, and Good*s, and of course, TJ M*xx. There are several great purse brand names that are reasonable, too... F*ss*l (wait till these go on sale), L*z, Br*ght*n (a little pricey), along with many store labels that are very nice. TJ M*xx will have many of these brands in their vast display...I have gotten several of the L*z bags there.


I began purging my closet of extras last year, and have passed these on to friends. The 'mistake' bags, I have discarded...unless I thought they could be useful to someone else. Since all my friends are very fashionable, stylish women...I am sure you realize that the bag and shoe should not match. Your purse should be an accent to your outfit...not blend in with it. So, here are my favorite bags of great color.



Then there are times when you just need a bag to carry with everything...when it is not easy to change often. These would be your neutral colored bags...here are the ones I use in that case.


Of course, a little clutch is very handy for events that you are going straight to and back home. I use these for church mostly. I can fit a lipstick, handkerchief, cell phone (on silent), and a few $$. And those little wallet bags, here are a few of those.

And, since I have shared with you my love for denim and black and white...here are those groups.



Oh, and the FUN bags...use these to make a fun statement with what you are wearing! Don't be shy...show off your fun loving side! These always make me smile...and others, too!


I do have a few 'designer' bags...but, I really believe it is just not necessary to spend that kind of big bucks just to tote around some of my stuff. They are nice to have, nonetheless. Here are my very few of these.

I could go on and on...there are beach purses, school totes, book totes, beach bags, computer carriers, etc. But, I think I have probably said more than anyone really cares to hear already.

Oh, wait...I HAVE to show you these...they are too fun! The little straw girl has a hat that moves up the strap to open! And the one next to it is green velvet...wrapped with ribbon to look like a present. The floral one used to be a skirt. I had a skirt that I loved...the fabric was so nice and I loved the colors. But, alas, it was a gathered skirt (which at one time was cute and perky...but as my hips became more and more 'womanly', it just began to look very sad..on me.) I cut it up and turned it into a purse! It's one of my favs.



Remember...your purse makes a statement about the life you lead. Don't let it get all dirty and bedraggled. That is not who you are. And, if you are not a 'change me daily' kind of purse fiend...that's OK. But, be sure to at least change it summer and winter. Other people really do notice.

RULE # 10...Be sure your bag or purse says the right things about you! Buy the best you can afford.
RULE # 11...Be sure to change your purse seasonally...or more often if need be.
RULE # 12...Match the 'type' of purse to the activity. ( EX: you would never carry a leather hobo bag to a formal event...or take a velvet evening bag into the workplace.)

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All of these purses are happily moving with me to the Creek House, where I have a wonderful room just for them and their shoe cousins...with wonderful cubbies for them to reside in...just waiting their turns to venture out into the world on my arm...or shoulder. But, thanks to you...they are now all sorted and separated and anxiously awaiting the move. Oh, and I did purge about 14 more from my collection. Thanks!

WHAT A DAY!

I left school Friday and hurriedly ran to Kohl's to see if they had any shorts left on their 75% off rack...since I am going on vacation soon and it would be nice to have a new pair or 2...you understand. Didn't find any, but did find a Christmas tree. Imagine that! And they were all 40% off. Any way, I bought the tree, and it was cumbersome, so I asked if I could take it out in the cart. The manager had happened to walk up, and she said that if I drove up to the front door, she would bring it out to the car for me. So, I did. I got it in the car, and cranked up, just as a woman walked in front of the car. She was a tiny little thing, wearing tennis shorts. I started to drive off, and heard the most awful noise. I looked around to see what it was, and saw people running toward the car...but they ran past me, and stopped in the road. She had been hit by a car as she was crossing the road. The other people who saw it said she went flying through the air before landing right beside my car. I got out to help, since I have some medical knowledge. I raised her feet, and someone else held her head still. She was not bleeding anywhere that we could see, but was complaining about her leg. The paramedics and ambulance came and transported her to the hospital. I still do not know her condition. Of course, my car was hemmed in by all the medical and police, so I just waited. There were several police who came, and one of them started barking out questions. "Whose car is this?" "It's mine," I said. "Why are you parked here?" I explained why I was there. "Don't you know this is not a loading zone?" "Well, I had not thought about that, but the store manager suggested I wait here to pick up something." "Well, why didn't you leave?" "Because, there was this accident, and a woman got hit by a car and she landed right beside my car." DUH! "Why are you still here, Mam?" "Because, she was lying beside my car and moaning with pain...and since I am a nurse, I thought I could maybe offer some assistance until the paramedics arrived." "Well, you need to move your car...there's nothing left to see here." STEAM IS RISING FROM MY HEAD NOW. Is he some idiot, or what? "Do ya think I should wait until that PATROL CAR gets out of the way first?" Such a snotty man. I got in my car and sat there until the police moved...and THEN I moved. It was so unnecessary for him to be so hateful. I do not know why some people think just because they are in an authoritative position, it gives them the right to act like that. I was trying to be a good citizen and help if I could. Maybe the reason more people do not get involved when they see an accident is due to police officers like that. I am happy to say though, that while I was there several other ladies stopped who were nurses or medical specialists and also offered to help. Good for our city. We have a kind and caring citizenship...in spite of rude police officers!
************************************************************************************
I have checked with the newspaper and the TV station and a local news guy to try to find out about the woman that was hit. No one even seems to have any record that it happened. And, I know I did not dream the whole thing! (I do not THINK I dreamed the whole thing.) If anyone in my town knows anything about it, please leave me a comment. I would just like to know the condition of the woman.

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING...# 32

 

This is, indeed, a beautiful thing. Sweet Sophie made her first visit to school on Friday. We were much happier to see her than she was to see us. But, that will change soon enough. She spent the morning and held up well under all the oohs and aahs of teachers and parents. Sherrie was NOT to leave her side, though. She made that very clear! She even visited her classroom for a little while. She is not quite ready to join us officially yet, but we're looking forward to that day soon.

JUST TRYING TO ACT LIKE A LADY

I do not like high heels...never have. I think they are torture devices. They were created by the same person who thought up panty hose...another unfortunate invention forced upon women. My husband, however, likes those high heels...which of course necessitates a pair of panty hose.

We had a formal event to attend few years back, and he specifically asked that I not wear those house shoes (meaning flats) to the event. I agreed and went out and bought a pair of very nice looking high heels. And, I bought a pair of panty hose. I even decided to buy a new dress to match my new shoes. I figured since he was paying...I wanted him to get a bang for his buck. I looked pretty spiffy...and DH even said the other 's' word...sexy! Our boys were so impressed with our dressed up selves....they even took pictures. They pulled the truck up to the door and had such fun watching their dad , in his tux, escorting me, Miss Fancy Nancy! That was for sure the best part of the evening. (Only in the Deep South do you go to formal events in a pick-up truck. It's not like I didn't have a perfectly good CAR we could go in.) But, I digress.

I felt pretty proud of myself...I had managed to walk to the car without mishap. We arrived at our local Civic Center, and parked about 2 miles away. "I can do this," I told myself, "I can sit down as soon as I get in." But the more I walked, the more I realized that I made 1 tiny miscalculation. Seeing as how I had not worn panty hose in several years, I kind of misjudged the sizing ...just a tad. It seemed the more I walked...the further down my lower half they scooted. Which in turn caused the roll of excess me that resides around my middle region to pop up over the panty of the panty hose. And the more I walked the more of me escaped the confines of the 'control top'. Some control! I had on a slip, which was a necessity with the dress I was wearing, and when the little muffin top made a run for it...the slip just slipped up on top of the mid section. All of which made for a cushy little roll- mid dress. Meanwhile we are walking into the shin-dig. As I am trying to gracefully walk like a lady, my tender tootsies are screaming...nigh on to profanities..."GET US OUT OF HERE NOW!" I was in trouble, my friends...big trouble. I prayed our table was close to the door...it was at the furthest point from the door! And, you wonder if God has a sense of humor? I sat...and all the surrounding flesh happily deposits itself in my lap...as the hose scoot down just a little further in the back. I begin to plot how to tastefully get the hose off the body without anyone seeing. Prayer! That's when I will make my move...when they bless the food. Maybe I can scoot out the door when they are praying. Good plan. Guess who says the blessing...DH. And guess what everyone else does...stand up. There is now no path to the door...I am trapped. If they would just scoot on down past the bottom of me, I maybe could yank them off under the table. No, they're stuck..halfway down in the back, but all the way down in the front. I KNOW you girls know what I mean! RATS! At least I can take my shoes off. I ever so kindly declined to stand at any of the standing ovations...and spend the whole program praying earnestly for some help from above...to save my sorry soul. As the festivities are drawing to a close, I slipped my shoes back on...I tried to slip my shoes back on...I had to reach down and TUG my shoes back on. All the binding about my nether regions had caused my feet to swell...I was afraid...really afraid...to stand up. I had no idea what was going to happen next. I asked DH to go and get the car and pick me up at the door. "Ah, come on, a little walk never hurt anyone!" he said.

Luckily, he talked to a lot of folks before we left and I sort of faded back when I could. Most of the people had left when we finally made our exit. And then, DH turned to me and said, "Come on, let me see you walk in those sexy high heels!"..as I was trying to gracefully make my way across the Civic Center parking lot, with one hand strategically placed on my back to hold the last bit of panty still covering its assigned position, and trying to keep our name from being the laughing stock of the town. Oh, yes he did! I, oh so carefully, bent down and removed the shoes from my feet...and walked barefoot...or stocking feet across the parking lot. "You are going to ruin your hose", he said. Little did he know that I had plans to use those hose to commit a crime later on that night. I made it to the truck,and got in, and yanked the offending garment from my body...which was quite easy since they were finally down to my thighs! And then, I got out of the truck and walked to the rusty, old garbage can nearby...and threw the silky nightmare into the can. I walked back to the car and got in. "What did you throw away?, DH asked. "Those ****** pantyhose," I answered. "Well, pantyhose did not make all that noise! You must have thrown away something else." "You think so, D?"
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This 'lovely evening' re-entered my mind as I was toiling in the closet, and came upon the dress. What to do? Since the other parts of the outfit are lying in a landfill now, I might as well dump the dress. I will put it with the clothes going to charity. This brings us to RULE # 9...NEVER...N.E.V.E.R wear clothes or shoes to an event that YOU do not feel comfortable in. You will not enjoy yourself, you will not enjoy the party, and you may end up trashing part of the ensemble at the end of the evening to the tune of over $150.00! I'm just saying...

CLOSET CONFESSIONS...Part 3

Your heart starts to race...you feel the adrenalin begin to pump...your eyes focus...you feel as if you are floating on air...beautiful music begins to play in the background. There they are...THE PERFECT PAIR OF SHOES! You may have been searching all over town for them, or you may have come upon them unexpectedly.No matter...the effect is the same. They are just what you were looking for...even if you weren't looking. Because, as we all know, our fashion radar is always tuned toward a great looking pair of shoes.

Now, either you love shoes, or you don't. But, if you don't...you have missed the chance to experience pure bliss. To make a shoe lover's day, all it takes is 2 words..."CUTE SHOES!" A new pair of shoes can change our whole day...for the better!

And with all this in mind, I continue on my closet adventure with special attention today to shoes! Now, let me say this, in all honesty. I have a problem with shoes...I love them too much. I know it. I embrace it. And I'm too old to change it...nor do I want to. I started this 'shoe showdown' in the summer. I have already gotten rid of about 30 pairs. I am fortunate to have some friends with the same shoe size as me. Of course, my shoe lovin' friend Shani said, "just give them to me, I don't care what size they are...I'll wear them anyway!" I understand that, I used to be the same way, but the years have forced me to be more sensible about such things if I intend to walk on successive days. RULE #6...There IS a perfect pair of shoes for every outfit!

I am of the opinion that the right shoe can make any outfit. Dona said black pants and white shirts should be 'the uniform '. Well, just add these, or these or these, and it really looks great!

Well, how many pairs of black shoes should one lady own, you ask? "No limit," sounds just about right to me. What do you think? NONE of these are leaving my closet!

I will say that this IS a little excessive...there are 26 pair of flip flops!
Kat and Tracey will understand that, I am sure!

Now, Teresa says she spices up her black pants with colored T's. Add a cute shoe like these, and you are all set!

Since I am on my feet all morning at school, I usually wear some kind of tennis shoes, or athletic shoe. What do you think of these?
And these?(yes, my foot was in one of them at the time of this pic)All of the shoes shown above...and the flip flops are moving with me!

RULE #7...If the shoe is not comfortable in the store when you are trying it on, it will NEVER be comfortable.

RULE #8...NEVER buy uncomfortable shoes. If your feet hurt...so does everything else! Especially if your feet have walked as many miles as mine have.
In the spirit of full disclosure...there are also 6 pairs of boots, and 28 pairs of sandals...haven't gone through them yet.

(This is my '08 shirt design for the adults at our school.)

AN AWARD TO SMILE ABOUT

Kat @ Just A Beach Kat has passed along this special Smile Award. Thanks Kat! But, I think, in the smile department, Kat has us all beat! Such a sweet lady with a smile that shows her heart.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:
Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)
Must love one another
Must make mistakes
Must learn from others
Must be a positive contributor to blog world
Must love life
Must love kids

I pass this along, with a smile, to:

Nancy @ Too Wonderful For Me
Sharon @ Sharon Hurley
Teresa @ Living the Life

A SURPRISE IN ONE ACT

TIME: a few weeks back
PLACE: my den
CHARACTERS: myself and DH

DH: (enters with papers in hand) "Well, it looks as if I'm going to have to go out of town at the beginning of October."
T: "Do you have a convention?"
DH: "Not exactly."
T: "What does that mean?"
DH: Well, Y***** is sponsoring the trip, but it's not a convention."
T: "Well, what IS it?"
DH: "It's a reward trip...I won it."
T: "Where is it?"
DH: "Oh, I'm sure you wouldn't be interested. I think I'll just see if Alex is up to going with me?"
T: "Where's the trip, D(Full name)?"
DH: "Oh, let's see, I forget the name of the exact RESORT. It's the Grand something."
T: (rising from the couch) "Give me those papers!" (grabbing papers from his hand, and scanning them quickly).
T: "You won a trip to MAUI and you are just now telling me about it? It is in less than 2 months! How long have you known about this?"
DH: "A few months, why?"
T: "Because, D, you can't just run off to Maui on the spur of the moment. There are plans to make...itineraries to work out...clothes to buy...weight to lose!"
DH: "All you have to do is throw some shorts in a bag and go."
T: "Thanks for winning the trip, DH, but I'll take it from here!"
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Well, that's CLOSE to how it happened, anyway. We really are going back to Maui...my favorite place on God's beautiful earth. However, we really did want Alex to go. I have always wanted to take my boys (and now my DIL) to Hawaii, and show them the beauty I have always enjoyed there. But, Alex is really not able to go at this time. He made the decision, and just said that he would not enjoy it the way he is feeling now. I do not think he has the strength to make the trip. And, for that I am sad. Because, as much as I love Maui and surrounding islands, I would gladly stay home for him to be able to go. He would love it so much. So, it is with a little sadness that I look forward to October 3...when we will depart for Paradise. I can only do this because of the great support system that I am blessed with. My Mom, my sister, Joy, my DIL, Suzanne, and Adam and Ian will all help with Alex while I am gone. They will see that he does not want for anything...they will bring him meals, and provide him with company, help with his meds, and whatever else he needs. Do you know what a blessing that is? I can go away for a week and not worry, because he will be in good hands. When I am able to travel, I really do not worry...I trust that if God has it in His plans for me to travel...He can certainly watch over Alex while I'm gone.
Things have been a little overwhelming lately. My Pop is recovering from surgery, and Mom still is not feeling well, Ian has been ill, school has started back, I have not felt very well myself, Alex has not had a good day in so long...I can not even remember, AND we're building a house! And building a house requires packing up this one. But, Pop is better, and Mom has good days all along, Ian has some new meds that are helping him, school is a joy, my health is a little better, and the house is moving right along. The only thing not looking up is Alex's health...and that is all in God's hands. And, now God has blessed us with a vacation in Maui. I am blessed...and humbled.

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING...#31

Beautiful painting of the Plumeria Flower by Hawaiian artist Kaypee Soh. The scent of this flower is heavenly! Titled Plumier.

DOING THE HAPPY DANCE !

This is me...doing a happy dance...singing and dancing and thanking God. (Well, actually, my hair is a little bit shorter than this.) What is causing all this lightheartedness and frivolity, you ask? My friend, Sherrie, and her daughter, Sophie arrived home last night. They had travelled about 28 hours, and were exhausted...but glad to be home. Sophie allowed Sherrie to carry her off the plane, and into waiting arms. But, she was not a happy little girl. The good news is:
she will be! With her brothers Joshua and Justin, whom she already adores,she will have plenty of attention. Say a little prayer for them as Sophie acclimates to a strange land, strange food, and strange people everywhere she looks. God has guided Sherrie and her husband through this whole journey, and He will continue to guide them and be their strength.

A LIGHT, A SINK, AND A GREAT, BIG HOLE!

Here is the beautiful fixture hanging in my studio. They are laying the floors in there today. The walls look white, but are a pale green.
This is the little vegetable sink in my island. I just wanted you to see the color. The big sink is the same. Yes, that is dust in there. Sorry.
And, this is where I will be whiling away the hours come next summer!

CLOSET CONFESSIONS... Part 2

Lesson #4...A GIRL CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY WHITE SHIRTS !!! And, my closet contents are proof. I really didn't realize just how many white tops us fashionable woman needs...but it's a lot.
First there are the "funky" whites. These are in linen or cotton and are always right with a pair of jeans, or a pair of black pants...any color for that matter. I have several of these, some like this pic, some with ruffles around the bottom (which is NOT a good look on these hips anymore), ruffle down the button placket, 2 of these( 1 is creme), and a few short sleeves ones in linen, too. Going to keep 3 of these.

And, that universal look, found the world over...the white T-shirt. It is always right. It looks right all the time, with anything and under anything. It is obvious how much I believe that if you were to see the pile of white T's stacked on the floor. There are white T's from every place I have ever visited, white T's with college logos, white T's with small designs, and yes, solid white T's.
There are long sleeved, short sleeved, 3/4 sleeve, sleeveless, and tank white T's. So, any season, any weather, there is a T to feel comfortable in. Every year, at Christmas and in the Spring, I design shirts for our school. And, believe it or not, these are white T's with black design. So, that adds considerably to my stash! I just don't know how I will go about deciding which ones to keep. But, purge, I must!
There are white 'big shirts' to wear over leggings or swim suits. And the jackets...white denim, white linen, white with a black print. Gotta keep all of these.
And last, the blouses. I have fitted ones, looser cropped ones, several nicer linen blouses (impossible to iron),in short sleeved and long sleeved. These, of course, are in a range of sizes, too. Most of these are going with me...except the smallest ones.
Lesson #5...I NEVER need to buy another white shirt! Yeah, right.

HOW TO COMMENT

Einstein said, "If you can not explain something in simple terms...you really don't understand it yourself." And, so, I borrowed this 'comment how-to' from my friend Jean....'cause I really don't understand it all myself.
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YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A BLOGGER TO COMMENT ON BLOGS! Here's how you leave a comment:

1. Click on "Comments" under the written post.
2. Write your comment in the big blank box.
3. Under "Choose an identity" click on "Name/URL.
4. In the Name box write your name, in the URL box write nothing at all because it's optional.
5. Click on "Publish your Comment".
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Now, those of you who don't have blogs...you have no excuse...it's easy! We bloggers like to hear from our readers. It helps us to know if we are actually connecting to folks out in blog-land. So, come on, leave me a comment. REMEMBER: Be Honest (it is OK if you disagree with me), Be Kind (God says so!) and Be Accountable ( if you say it, sign it). I look forward to hearing from you.

CLOSET CONFESSIONS...Part 1

The time finally came to deal with my closet. It had to be done...or I could not move. There is no way I am taking all that stuff with me. The only thing to do, was to start and muddle through it. And I did....start, that is, but this is a chore that will be going on for a while. Learned some things about myself along the way. Lesson #1...I buy too many clothes. Lesson #2...I don't need to hold on to all these things. I have clothes here in sizes 4,6,8,10,12,and 14. So, here's what I found yesterday.

DENIM....my most favorite fabric!

SHIRTS: I have sleeveless denim shirts, short sleeved shirts, long sleeved shirts. I have denim shirts with ruffles, with embroidery, and with ribbon. I have denim shirts that I painted for Christmas, and for summer. I have denim shirts that tie at the waist and some with tucks down the front. I have denim vests that are long enough to cover the tush, and short cropped ones. I have dark denim, light denim and in between. I have light weight and heavy weight. These are all just the shirts! And, I still love them all. I am not, however, keeping them all.

JEANS: If I had to wear just one thing the rest of my life, it would be jeans. Really, is there any thing more comfortable? IF they are the right size and properly broken in, of course. I have jeans in all the mentioned sizes. And, in each size, there are cropped jeans, ankle length jeans, dressy jeans, and everyday jeans. In the size 8's, I must have felt very good about myself because I have cropped jeans in red, white, green and orange! Can you imagine? There are some Ralph Lauren cabbage rose prints jeans, and some red ones with bright Hawaiian flowers on them. There are dark jeans, medium wash, and even an old very light wash. I guess I was smart enough to throw away all the acid wash years ago. There are heavy weight and light weight fabric. And then there are the black jeans. I love black jeans...some are almost grey they are so faded. And those were as comfortable as a pair of sweat pants. There are black jeans that are faded only on the thighs...who EVER thought that was a good idea? And, there are some khaki and white jeans to add to the mix. As the years have passed and attacked this body, the jeans have changed from button fly, to regular fly, to elastic inserts on the sides, to elastic all across the back to **SHUDDER** elastic all the way around. There are straight legs, boot cut, flare legs, wide legs...you name it...it's in there.
ALL THE OTHER DENIM: And then, there are the DRESSES...jumpers, shirtwaist long sleeve, shirtwaist short sleeve, chemise, jumper with matching jacket, short denim dresses, and even a Hawaiian print denim dress. PANTSUITS are next...these met their demise without my even glancing at the size. JACKETS, next...there are six of these, some prints, most just denim. SKIRTS are next with the assortment including short ones, long ones, tiered ones, and broomstick ones. OVERALLS...4 pairs. Next the PURSES. There are denim purses with short handles, with shoulder straps, denim purses I have painted for Christmas, and for Fall. Expensive denim purses, and cheap ones from the dollar store. Big ones...tiny ones. There are tote bags that could hold a week's worth of groceries. Believe it or not...there are SHOES...yes, denim shoes. A great pair of flats, a ticking stripe flat, 2 pairs of denim tennis shoes, and a pair of black leather and denim loafers. A denim WALLET, some denim EARRINGS, a cute denim HAT,,a denim BALL CAP, and a big denim FLOWER PIN, two journals with denim covers, and socks. There are no denim underwear...however, I did have a lovely bra made out of bra material...but it was the exact shade of a favorite pair of jeans!


WHAT IS MOVING WITH ME: Two of the denim purses...the expensive one and a small one for craft shows. Oh, and the large tote bag. Four pairs of the jeans...in the size I am not now, but will be before I move, Lord willing! Several of the denim shirts, cause I like to wear them in the winter when my hubby still thinks it is summer outside and refuses to turn the heat up high enough to suit me. The denim cap, and two denim jackets. And, that is all! And, the journals. And, maybe one pair of overalls...OK...no overalls. How about the socks, though? Lesson #3... I am a tiny bit obsessive about denim. :)

UPDATE

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers. Ian is doing much better, and is going home from the hospital this afternoon. God is good..all the time! He just keeps on blessing us. A big thanks to Adam for being 'his brother's keeper' when he was so desperately needed. It makes this Mom feel so blessed to know that my boys care for one another and are there for each other when needed...even middle of the night!


"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
(Thanks, Kat, for reminding me of this verse)

PRAYERS, PLEASE

I insisted Ian go back to the Dr. this morning. He did and the Dr. sent him straight to the hospital. Adam went straight to his brother and helped get him checked into the hospital. They have already begun testing and have started fluids. He has an intestinal blockage...and he is in severe pain.
I am on my way there now...so I covet your prayers as we see what the day brings. Alex had to go to the Dr. this morning, too. His pain Dr. increased his meds. He is in the bed here at home.
Please keep us in your prayers, and I'll check in when I can. Many thanks!

"Because of God's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning....." Lamentations 3:22-23

QUICK NOTE

This has been an very hard week. Alex has been so sick. We have needed to go to the house several times for decisions making, and Ian has also been in the ER and now at home...very ill. He, and Alex and I all will be visiting the doctors today. Prayers, please. So forgive me if I am behind on commenting...I will catch up soon!

THE OWENS OUTBACK

I took a short trip yesterday...to the backyard. I had noticed something in a tree and went out to investigate. Sure enough, it was what I thought it was. A turning leaf in my beautiful tree. The first sign I have seen of fall. (Other than the horrendous Hall*w**n displays that scream at you as you walk in so many stores...they don't signal fall, however, since they have been howling since July 5!)

As we strolled through the yard, Scooter and I, it occurred to me how many things I do not even pay attention to anymore. Things that have been in my backyard for years that have become part of the permanent landscape. Since I am still on a sentimental streak, I was reminded that those things will soon be gone. Suzanne and Adam will come in and make this place their own. And rightfully so! So, here is a few of the forgotten treasures in my yard. Enjoy the tour!
This is a rusty old angel that has hung on the deck for at least 15 years. She is at the entrance to the backyard. I have tried to get her to fly straight...but she has always had a mind of her own and refuses to 'straighten up.' So, I decided that was the way she was meant to fly and let her stay that way. Which is similar to some lessons I learned about raising boys along the way. :)

This is my favorite long time tenant here in the Owens Outback. I just love this moss that settled here and slowly started covering this pot. I am so ignorant of growing things, and I know this is nothing special...just some ordinary 'ole stuff that grows under trees. But, I like it...in fact I think it is beautiful! I have a fondness for things that just decide on their own where they need to be and wiggle their way in and do their thing...bringing their beauty along with them. I don't know yet if I will take this pot and another on right beside it. I'm sort of afraid to move it. I think maybe this exact spot is the perfect place for it to be...and I doubt if A&S will find it as appealing as I do. What do you think? Can I move it safely?
And, yes, I realize that it is silly to think this much about a pot of asparagus fern covered by common ground moss.

This is another favorite piece that is a reminder of a dear uncle and great times spent together. My Uncle Arthur Lee was the husband of my Aunt Marie. He lives with Jesus now. When Joy and I spent summers with them in NC, we experienced a life very different than the one we lived the rest of the year. Along with the Pearsons and the Warrens, the Popes taught us the little we know about farm life. I did learn enough to know I never want to harvest tobacco or shell butter beans...or pick them...same with peppers...and peas...and corn. I do enjoy eating them, however...very much. (Remember the Little Red Hen?) This is an old weather vane that was on one of his barns. It will move along to the Creek House.

Since Scooter was so diligent about chasing every squirrel that dared enter his domain, this is in his honor.

Sheep have long been a favorite of mine and Joy gave me this yard sheep one Christmas. And he has grazed quietly under THE tree ever since. Even though he's gone grey, I think he'll be quite happy in his new home.

As you have heard me say in past posts, I really love the the natural change that occurs on metals when left in the elements. I have several bunches of stars that are stuck in pots around the yard. I much prefer green plants to flowers because my flowers don't live. These, then are the beautiful flowers in my garden. They will go with me.

Yes, these are faded old bamboo wind chimes. There are 2 more sets hanging beside them. There is nothing of beauty here that can be seen with the eyes. Oh, but the sound! I love the slightly hollow, very mellow sound that they make. They are hanging next to a window in my den, so I can hear them while inside. One of the sets was a gift from A&S...they brought them back to me from their honeymoon in St.Lucia. As you can see, the elements do not cause these to attain a beautiful patina...but it does nothing to dampen their glorious sound. It is a curiously comforting sound and I would have left them there until they rotted and fell to the ground. Sometimes you need to overlook appearance in order to hear the beauty. They will not go with me...and they will be in the trash soon, no doubt. (But, I'll buy more.)

Well, here's that lone leaf that drew me out on that early September afternoon. "Change is coming!" it seems to shout. And so it is. A good change...for us and for the sweet family moving in here. I will find places for these treasures that I have deemed worthy of moving with me, and in my beautifully wooded yard, I will search for the perfect home for them. And, as life continues to unfold in our family, and in our new home, there will be new treasures added as new memories are made.