Feliz Navidad from Punta Cana

Hi everybody! So sorry I have been so absent. We traveled for a non-traditional holiday, came back to the Polar Vortex and then moved Daughter #1. Gosh, this empty next stuff is for the birds. I shouldn't feel that way, but I do miss my girls terribly! Baron has retired so we are like two kids who are footloose and fancy free. Next week we are getting serious about exercise and working on our health. We are also planning a move in the summer back to the mid-atlantic area. (NoVa, Annapolis, Raleigh). We are just in the search mode now. What have you been up too in this new year???

Poor Thermostat!

68 tiptoe 73 tiptoe 67 tiptoe 74 tiptoe .....OFF
Our poor little thermostat must be suffering from bi-"polar" issues ;-)
We literally sneak around our home changing the thermostat temperature!
Childish yes, but compromise has not been successful!

I like to keep the thermostat on 68 and "Baron" thinks that is too cold! He insist on 72. 
Menopause is hard enough without having to debate the temperature in the house.

So now we have settled on 70, vents closed in our room and the ceiling fan on! UGH!
Do you have similar issues in your home with your thermostat and your loving/understanding spouse?!?

$1 craft from Michaels

I ran into to Michael's yesterday to look for something and stopped by the $1 bins. Much to my surprise I found the prettiest little butterfly. I bought two and knew just what I wanted to do with

them. I gathered my supplies - butterfly, floral wire and wire cutters. I measures a piece of wire for my artificial arrangement on my dining room table. Attached the butterfly to the wire and stuck the wire into my arrangement. Voila- just a little something special to spy when looking at the arrangement. It was just quick, cheap and easy! Have a great weekend!

Pausitivity

While staying at The Yelton Manor Bed and Breakfast in South Haven, Michigan, I found the book, "Pausitivity" by MH Clark! I read the book and immediately felt such a sense of peace! It is a short read but so inspiring. I shared these feelings with the Innkeeper and she shared that though there are thousands of books in the Inn, this is the only book that she makes sure is in each room. She felt the book was a good example of the experience they want you to have at The Yelton Manor.

Upon returning home, I ordered several copies, one for myself and several for friends. If you think you would enjoy a little "pick me up" it is truly worth it!

Check it out - (I am writing this on my iPad. I hope pic works. If not, I apologize in advance)
Enjoy your day!

Hello Again, Friends!!!

It's really been a long time since my last post. I apologize for just falling off the way I did. Unfortunately, my Mother's health started to deteriorate even more and she passed away on July 5. As I often say, "She transitioned into heaven, just as the sun was beginning to rise." I miss her terribly, but I am happy for her that she is free. She was really looking forward to reuniting with her parents, siblings and her husband, my Dad. I know she is with them and for me, it gives the term, "communion of saints" an entirely new meaning! Thank you for your support for the last year!

I didn't go back to work this year, I am doing some consulting, some mediating, and being a stay at home wife. I am exercising and trying to take care of me. Not in a selfish way, but in a self preservation way ;-)

"Baron" and I visited South Haven, Michigan last weekend to enjoy a fall weekend at Lake Michigan.
It was wonderful! We stayed at our favorite B&B - The Yelton Manor. It is so relaxing with wonderful food and atmosphere.

I can't say that I will be blogging everyday, but I look forward to reconnecting with each of you!
I hope this post has found you all happy and healthy! All the best today and always!

Thank You Lilly!

Lilly Pulitzer the woman who taught other women how to embrace bright colors in their clothes, their homes and their lifes.
Thank you for your inspiration.
1931-2013

Happy Anniversary!

Eight years ago today I married my best friend and the love of my life!

Decades we were apart, with fate guiding our paths back together.

Over these 8 years we have blended a beautiful family and we are blessed.

As we continue growing together I hope we will always burst out in laughter, end each disagreement with a hug, debate politics, go for evening drives, visit the coasts during each season, dance in the grocery store aisles (when no one is looking), and stay madly in love with each other.

Forever creating our “happy ever after”!

Happy Anniversary!

Emerald Forest Pottery!

As "Baron" and I start to think of places to retire, I am starting to feel sentimental about our home. My brother purchased these cookie jars from Emerald Forest Pottery many years ago and I am contemplating purchasing one for our current home.

They are only $89.00 and they are done with such talent and creativity! Check out their website -
www.emeraldforestpottery.com . Tell them I sent you ;-) Happy shopping, they offer such a neat selection of products!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you enjoy a wonderful Valentine's Day! If you are with the one you love embrace them tightly. If you find yourself alone on this day - than know something special is coming your way. As I told my single daughter today - "He is enroute, he just hasn't arrived yet. In the mean time, celebrate you!"

This is an invitation to live more deliberately, to notice what is already unfolding in your life daily, and to sneak in the spontaneous and out of the ordinary whenever possible!

Enjoy your day!

Another Look?

My mother has been in the hospital so many times over the last six months. Each time the nursing staff and even a few of the doctors have mentioned her beautiful skin. My mother is 88, she will turn 89 in May. Mother has always sworn by Merle Norman cosmetics. I, along with my sisters, have turned our noses up at Merle Norman cosmetics. Each of us having our more expensive, favorite brands. Well, after all the attention from the medical community about Moms skin, which is flawless, I have decided to give it another look. If my skin looks as good as Moms I will be so blessed! Merle Norman store here I come!

New Year - New Glasses

So I have decided or rather my eyes and opthamologist have decided that I need new glasses. What a fun way to kick off the new year - new glasses- new look. I love Warby Parker glasses so I have ordered some for a free 5 day home try on. I really want to try the "geek chic" look. I need glasses for reading and for long distances. What do you think of this pair?

These are the HUXLEY model in tortoise shell. I sure hope I love them this much when they arrive in 2 days! If you haven't tried Warby Parker - check them out at www.warbyparker.com. Such fun! Enjoy this wonderful day!

....and we are off!

The new year has started. Running with wild abandon into it or kicking and screaming to stay - 2013 has begun. I have decided to make this the best year that I can. Personally, I was happy to see 2012 end. In this new year, I am going to live deliberately, take notice of the things that continue to unfold in my life daily, and sneak in the spontaneous whenever I can!

This morning after taking my husband to the airport for an early flight, and seeing daughter #1 off to work I decided it was time to start! I did my usual stretches as I put the teapot on to heat. I drank a huge glass of ice water (can't have too much H2O) and then I did something different. I got out my good china for my breakfasts. I sat my table setting just like I was having company. I softly played Andre Bocelli and read from my new book.

A Year Of Little Things

There were fantastic suggestions in this book and I thoroughly enjoyed starting my day in such a wonderful way! Recently, a miserable person said I was a "Pollyanna". Hhhhhmmmm. I doubt that was a compliment (in her mind) but if trying to see "the glass half full instead of half empty" makes me deserving of the title than I will wear it with pride!
The new year has begun and it's up to each of us to make the best of it! What are your plans to make this a wonderful year? I hope you have a great day!

Off The Chest....

So before the new year comes and we start anew, there are some things I need to get off my chest! I have discovered (ok, actually I have known for some time - I am just now ready to "own it".) that I do not like working with others! I can do work or volunteer groups fine - but when I am emotionally involved forget it!

Latest instance that made me "own it" was over the holidays dealing with family. As you know my Mother is very frail and is lucky to see 2013. I have 3 older siblings. They are much older than I am and we vary in degree of differences from each other. Well, the truth be told, I can't stand making decisions regarding my Mother and her care with them. I can't stand it! It amazes me that we are from the same parents. I am not saying that I am perfect (far from it) or that my ideas are the best (close though...smile). In co-child situations I have no authority over any of the other adult children. Ugh! So many of the decisions that are made I do not fully support - thus the foundation of my frustration - there is nothing I can do.

Which brings me to my second issue of concern - co-parenting. UGH! Though I have been divorced for "ever" this co-parenting "thing" still stinks. My children are 22 and 19. Still the girl's father is a burden as he aids the 19 year old in making poor decisions. He is 53 going on 19, thus the reason we are divorced. So while she loves to follow his advice, it is the advice of another 19 year old whose frontal lobe has yet to close :-)! This is sooooooooo frustrating for me. Again, the foundation of my frustration - there is nothing I can do, but love her and be there when things fall apart!

So, now I have made a new resolution to recognize the things I can not change and not worry about them. Everything will be ok! All I can do is my best in the areas that I am responsible for! Do you have anything to get off of your chest before the new year arrives? Are you making any new resolutions? So while I have made this resolution, I know I will make the annual "take better care of myself" resolution too!

I wish you peace, love and happiness in the new year! Bring on 2013!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Blog Friends! I hope you will enjoy a blessed Christmas day surrounded by those you love the most! Enjoy and I hope Santa is good to you! Hugs!

Happy Holidays!

Hello and Happy Holidays everyone! I apologize for being so inconsistent with my blog entries, but I honestly don't know where the time goes - especially at this time of year. I hope you are well and preparing for a wonderful holiday season surrounded by all the people you love the most!

I have finished my Christmas shopping and I even have everything wrapped. One little "issue" with the USPS, but I think that present should arrive today. I love shopping online as long as the carriers fulfill their part!

Today I am driving to pick up Daughter #2 for the holidays. She just had her wisdom teeth out, so the first few days she may be kind of "ouchy", but I can't wait to get her home. Hopefully, the weather will be OK while I make this 4 hour trip.

There is nothing better than having both of my girls home in their rooms at night, it provides such a good night sleep for me. Preparing food for the entire family is a joy and I can't wait to get started.

Well, 2012 has really been an roller coaster - such incredible highs and such painful lows. I wish you a blessed Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate. Peace and Good Will to all!

Target!

Hi everybody! Thank you so very much for your patience during my absence regarding my Mother's health. It has been a long journey and it continues. What I have learned is that I can't check out on everything. I have to keep living and doing things that I enjoy! Even though this has been an incredibly difficult journey, I have realized the amazing things that I have in my life and that I am so blessed. So I am back to writing, sharing and trying to keep things on a happy, light note! So that said.....oh my....do I have some sharing to do. I went shopping yesterday, alone, to just kind of check out. Ha ha....nice pun on "check out". Well, my favorite item that I checked out were these amazing slippers at Target. Don't you love them? Can you see the clear sequins on them? So cute and so cheap - only $19.99!
Thanks again and I will be back soon!





Supersized Mums

Wow - so on my return home I walked around the yard. Much to my surprise my Mum is super sized this fall!

This was one medium plant that spread out pr fell down from the heavy rain. I never got a chance to lift it and tie some rope around the middle to hold it up. So, it took care of it all by itself - it filled in throughout the middle. It is amazing. I don't know if you can tell in this picture, but in person it is just unbelievable!

Have a great day!

Home Again!

Hello friends! Thank you for the support and friendship you all shared during this sad time. I spent the last week with my Mother, just she and I and of course the medical staff. She is home and has decided not to do anything curative. I have accepted that and am trying to be as brave as she is. She has always fascinated me and this situation has truly highlighted what a phenomenal woman she is. She looks death in the face and smiles graciously.

The week we spent together was a week I will always remember. We laughed until we cried, we looked at new fashion magazines and old pictures. I asked questions and she gave spirited answers. Though she has a distant look in her eyes, she has a new confidence. She isn't shy anymore, she is assertive. She asked for a Mounds candy bar. I replied, "oh mom, it isn't a good idea to eat it before your dinner". To which she replied, " If I am to full, I won't eat dinner, if I miss a meal I will be fine". She laughed and devoured the candy bar. She is so tiny now, but still very concerned with her appearance. She is such a lady!

I spent time in my childhood room, looking out the window while Mom was sleeping.

How many times had I daydreamed while looking out that window. I would dream of my future and now here I am living the life I had imagined, yet looking out the window trying to comes to terms with my Mother's fate.  Pleading with fate that time will be our friend!

I am home now and I realized how much I missed my family. My Mom was anxious for me to return to my family because that "is where I should be". Even though we live in the same city and I was only spending 7 days/24 hours a day with Mom - she felt I was needed elsewhere. Oh, that Mom of mine! Of course, I will continue to see her daily. A sibling is with Mom now taking her turn.

The Doctor has prepared us that at minute she will suffer a catastrophic event. She is ready, I am not.

On a happy note, Daughter# 1 has secured post graduation employment. I am so proud of her. I guess this is truly the "circle of life".

I probably won't update as often as I had before Mom became ill. But I do want to continue to connect with you! Thanks again friends!

Thank you!

I have the best blog friends in the world. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. It is truly comforting during this difficult time! Thank you and God bless you all!

Please Remember!

I haven't posted in a while as my Mother has been in the hospital in critical condition. She is home now and continues to decline. I fear God has a plan for her that I am not ready to accept. Though you don't "really" know us, please pray for her and for our family. These are such sad times. If you are still blessed to have your parents - call them today, visit them today, kiss and hug them today as things can change so quickly. As was the case with my Mother.

I don't know when I will be on again. I honestly can't think straight to write. I was able now to just remind you if you are lucky enough to still have one or both parents - show them how much you love them today!

Proverbs 31: 10-31