Life's a Beach.

A few weeks ago, my coworker's hubby was unexpectedly hospitalized for a week.  He was supposed to go to the beach, but obviously he missed that trip.  We felt really bad for him and knew he needed our special brand of cheer.  Therefore, brought the beach to him. :) 

We picked up one of those folding display boards from the Wally World, used the scene setter door covers from the dollar store and lots of rubber cement to make it beachy.  Cotton balls for clouds, a fire truck (he was going to a fire convention at the beach), a hot babe in the truck, birds - we made it as close to paradise on paper as possible.  The tray contains actual sand, shells, margarita glass, shades and the beach ball and sand bucket completed the decorations. 

Oh yes.  We asked his wife to wear a bikini to take it over the top, but she refused. Darn.

We had this huge scene setter left over and so we decorated our office with it.  Yes, this is what I'm looking at these days.  You get used to it but I'm sure the people who come into our office are baffled. I mean, it's huge flamingos. Well over six feet tall.

I kinda expected them to be gone when I got back from my vacation, but nope, it's still there. I think we all are still in need of a vacay. So maybe this is what I'll day dream about today...

And I wonder when it will be taken down?

Day Dreaming.

I'm trying to find my groove again - beginning my morning with the ritual visit with Sweet Niece #2 definitely helped out.  I read "Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons" to her and it was a perfect start to my day.  If you don't know Pete the Cat, you need to meet him.




So now that you have met Pete, be sure to check out his other books.  Trust me when I say this is the perfect gift for children about four to six-years-old because they totally love Pete.

Anyway, it's pouring down rain here and I needed something to help me refocus and be happy again.  So I went to Etsy, of course, and day dreamed about items I wish I could run out and purchase right this minute.

1)  Soap from Soap For Your Soul.

              

I didn't make it to a Carolina Blogger get together but I did pay to have the gift pack mailed to me.  Included was a sample bar of soap from Soap for your Soul.  Oh my gosh, it smelled SO GOOD. Looks like they are having a sale, so you should check them out.


2)  Notecards from Leen Machine:

I love Paulene's stationary, but I'm really drooling over these.  How adoarble?!?! The ones that she made for Sweet Niece #2 - oh my gosh, they were darling little girl cards.  You gotta check her out. 

3)  Pottery from CatsPaw Pottery.   

I had a small square pottery plate with the edges that tiled up just a bit. I used it on my stove as an additional spoon rest or I put a cup in it to dip the grease out of ground beef and it helped keep my stove clean.  I broke it. I glued it back together.  Night before last, I pretty much destroyed it and will need to replace it.  Isn't this one cute?? So fancy. And when I saw the name of the company was Cats Paw Pottery - *love!!*

Ok, I've day dreamed on this pretty much all day.  And now it's time to day dream at home in a hot bubble bath with some soothing music and a trash novel.  I'm toast for today. So ya'll have a good one and maybe we'll meet back up here tomorrow?  

Pressed Clovers

As promised, some photos from the Wedding Registry Book I'm sending to a friend's daughter.  I really like the black, white and gray look that seems very elegant.  I think her wedding will be oh-so-gorgeous... the bride is beautiful and this just seems like it fit! I hope so, at least!

I have another book you'll have to see for my sister-in-law's beach house, all beachy and flip flops, sunglasses and drinks with umbrellas!  Love it, it is so darn cute.  Adorable, actually.

Anyway, next on my list is my sister's registry book for the baby showers coming up this month! Whoo hoo! Can't wait! Hopefully, they will look into having another ultrasound pronto so I can quit calling this child "Ralphie" and give it a real name!

After her registry book, I hope to make up a few and actually sell them - online, in person, whatever, I don't care as long as I start selling! I'm determined to take that step and put these books out there for all to see (and criticize - UGH!) but hopefully someone else will see the love in them and want one of their very own. *sigh* I guess that would be my dream, to help others capture and record memories. ... cross your fingers for me!

So...about those dreams...

If you will recall, I believe I said something about just because you believe it, try for it, really want it, blah blah doesn't mean you will get it. Well, there you go.

But, if you will recall, I also said that I believe it meant God has another plan and I would be ok with that, too.

Don't you love a good test?

But it's truly ok. I'm ok. I'm feeling good about where I am right now and honestly I'm pretty content in life. Lots of blessings, some of which were revealed through this experience. Lots of happiness.

So many friends were praying for me, I had cheerleaders all the way. As the news spread, some gave words of encouragement that warmed my heart and touched my emotions in a fierce way. To each of you, thank you. I am blessed.

Others, I'll admit surprised me, but I had to realize we all have our own drama and the world doesn't stop for me. Thats ok, too.

So, I head to bed confident that God is in control and wants what is best for me. What a great feeling to have.

Become Your Dream.

 

Print available here.





I like this. So action oriented with a definite plan of action. It says, "I'm not just plopped down in my window seat hoping that my elusive dreams will fall from the sky into my lap."

No, this is saying, "I'm pulling out my tools, developing my skills and talents and golly gee willikars, I'm going to blow up this helium balloon and TAKE FLIGHT!" 

See the difference? 

Anyway, That's what's I'm doing. I've pulled out my tools, experiences, skills and talents and I've gone for my dream.  Now, just because you go for it, doesn't mean that dream is meant for you.  And that's ok, too. I tend to believe if you are denied what you believe to be your dream, there must be another plan for you that is greater than what you imagined for yourself.  Doesn't that sound nice? I think so, too.

Prints available here.

And while it sounds nice and I like this concept:  She believed she could so she did!, it's not honest or realistic.

HOWEVER, I do believe more opportunities are lost because they weren't tried for or "seized" in the first place.  If you don't try, you are definitely not going to attain your dreams.

EVERY SINGLE TIME you try for your dreams, I promise you will gain something from the experience. *If you are a person who allows yourself to learn from experiences...*  If you are a blamer, you'll never learn anything.

So, I'm trying to become my dream. And maybe it will work out in the way I think I want it to, and maybe there is a bigger, brighter plan in the works for me that I have no clue is there! Which is exciting, too!

I'll let you know how it all works out - whether you want to know about it or not! :)

Maybe... Just Maybe...

I'm getting excited.

A friend and I have been talking, texting, plotting... and maybe, just MAYBE I'll start this project and see it through to becoming an actual piece of work to sell to the public. Maybe.

I can't tell you how thankful I am for friends! Just when I am doubting myself, thinking there is no way I have the talent needed to pull this off, I get another text saying, "Oh goodness! I love the pages! So colorful and lovely!! I am so excited to see more! Keep on going - its GREAT!!"

Wow. And get this - she was MY intern once upon a time. And now, she's definitely teaching me! Just seeing that from someone I respect so much, it really built me up and gave me the courage to say - I'm going to go for it! I'm going to try it out and see what happens! So please stay tuned and take this journey with me, I'm very excited.

On an unrelated note - Muffin is refusing to eat her food. Not that she's sick, it's just different food (same brand name, just a different flavor) and it's driving me CRAZY. Any suggestions on how to get this hard-headed cat to EAT her dadgim FOOD? GRRRRRR.

Ya'll have a happy Hump Day tomorrow - one day closer to the weekend! :)  And say a prayer that I find some confidence to see me through this project!

I'm Dreaming...

Sunrise with Pop

...of warm sandy beaches and beautiful sunrises! We have the annual family beach trip planned! I'm very excited to have something to look forward to - especially since we missed this trip last year.  With the wedding and the house remodel, there was no way we could get away in the middle of it all. I assure you, I can tell I skipped vacation last year, making this year even more exciting! :) 

Dad riding the range...



Personally, I'm not a beach bum. I fry up like a lobster within minutes. Yes, I use the good stuff, slather it on thick and 30 minutes before sun rays touch my sugar white skin. But I'm an auburn haired gal and it just comes with the territory. So I usually roll around in the sand for a bit and then move indoors with Dad. Because he enjoys the AC about as much as I do. He "rides the range" with his Western book while I have my girlie trash novel. It's bliss.  Mom and Katie could live on the beach and do for hours on end. 



I was going through some pics from years past and remembered this awesome old cemetery we stumbled upon one afternoon. This one part of the cemetery had few headstones, some markers from the funeral home, but obvious grave outlines with conch shells. Old conch shells, weathered and cracked and broken with grass growing through them. It was actually quite beautiful and a little less sterile than a traditional headstone. More like they were honoring their loved ones with beautiful items from nature - I liked it, it was nice.

Of course I enjoy the sunrises and sunsets, which you can see both really well depending on which part of the island you are standing at.  We try to catch both - with camera ready, of course. :) And it always seems we end up getting caught in a hail storm of massive proportions. Very bizarre and not fun.



But the card games around a table on the screened in porch, cooking on the grill, boiled peanuts from the local produce stand, beach music rockin' from the Ipod, movies in the evenings, and just enjoying each other's company - that's awesome. Totally awesome. Priceless. Worth every moment of sunburn and every grain of sand in my car. It's LOVE! :)

Weekend Wants - and Updates

I am excited to finally be able to share with you my Valentines!  I mailed them out this past week and most people have already received them.  I found so much joy in making them, but more joy in seeing how touched some people are to receive a bit of thoughtfulness in the mail. That is what makes it all special to me.

So here are a few examples:

I had all these scraps of paper left over from another project, so I just used them up by gluing them to card stock.  I did have to buy invitation envelopes and they didn't fit right, but who cares? It's the thought that counts.  And I'm too impatient to make my own envelopes. :) I'm so tickled that they brought joy to my friends! I hope this can count in the appreciation lifestyle change - I'm counting it as Appreciating Friends! :)

I greatly appreciate one friend who talked to me tonight until I fell asleep in the bathtub, made me laugh and smile when I needed it without asking any questions.  Thanks friend!! I needed that today! :)

On to my Weekend Wants.  Sometimes I find it hard to think of a Weekend Want because I'm not an overly materialistic person.  But I know one thing I want... LANDSCAPING.  I've been daydreaming of decent landscaping for a while now, waiting for the cold weather to subside and allow me to plant something.  Not saying I enjoy yard word. I. Do. Not. But I do want cuteness.

Here is one thing on my list right now:

 

Variegated Weigela.  I've never heard of it, but I found a picture in the coupons linking you to this website: http://www.springhillnursery.com/.  They have all kinds of stuff I daydream of having in my yard one day. *sigh* But this pretty pink plant just seemed to call my name. I might make a row of them against the road- block out traffic noise and look so pretty when I walk out of my door in the mornings! :)

Ok, because I've been struggling for a week with an out-of-whack-back, I'm taking meds and going to bed. Night night!



Warmth. And Weekend Wants.

I daydreamed today of warmth. It's just so grey and chilly outside. When I left for work it was 34 degrees and when I came home 8 hours later, it was 36 degrees. So it's just been a cold dreary day.

So this is what I daydreamed of earlier today:

Glassy Baby, something I found on Daily Grommet, is hand blown candle holders (or vases or glasses - whatever you want to use them for) and I think they are beautiful and romantic. *sigh* And they have a great charitable side to the organization, too. Check them out and read their story.

 So with this longing for warmth, I came home, hopped into my jammies and surrounded myself with warm light. The best I could do to combat the blah day of today.

First things first - turn on my lighted willows that my friend Melissa gave me for my housewarming! They have the most beautiful glow that immediately makes me happier.

Then on to lighting candles. This is Macintosh by Yankee Candle, given to me by my sister-in-law's parents for my housewarming (I need to do housewarmings more often!!).  It smells so yummy!!! And I love the liquid color as the wax begins to melt.

And then turn on my lamp with the fun glittery crystals. They just sparkle as the light hits them. Ahhh... now everything is lit with a homey glow! I love it!

Now that I've spent several more hours online daydreaming of warm beaches and private pools to be lazy around without worrying how I look in a bathing suit... I may take my candle and the NON-warm part of my evening (the ice cream!)with me to a hot bath before crashing into bed.

Surely I have a trash novel in the house somewhere that involves a warm climate...

Happy weekend ya'll! Hope it's a great one! :)

Ok. Forget Secrets.

I can't stand it anymore! I have to show you what I've been making. Granted, I'm only showing you one - and that's the one I'm giving to my mom. So no one else's looks this good. (ha ha - sorry!) But... I've been making Valentine's!

I may not have a sweetheart to share my love and affection with, but I have family and friends that I adore! So I have really been enjoying creating something for each person.  Granted, the later at night it gets, the more interesting these cards become. So if you get a screwy one, just know that I still think you are the bees knees! :)

Today is my Friday at the office. I'm taking off a few days to turn this house into a beautiful home once again for the housewarming this weekend.  I'm really looking forward to it - so many people are saying they are coming. So many wonderful family and friends all under my roof at once! Can't wait! :)

I've discovered something new today - Swagbucks. Anyone heard of this?? I'm going to try it out and see how long it takes for me to accumlate enough money to get a gift card. If it takes forever, I'll be cancelling sooner than later. If you have experience with this place, please let me know! http://www.swagbucks.com/

So I'm considering purchasing a laptop and design programs. It's something I've toyed with for quite a while - I'd like to start a small business on the side. I have all these ideas, but not the tools to develop them. I'm not even sure I have the skills needed, but gosh darn it, I want to try. After hearing from a friend today who wants me to design for her nonprofit, I just think it may be worth it. AND I have other ideas for creating items to sell. Any thoughts on this? Have I lost my mind?? Let me know what you think.

Ok, although I don't have to technically get out of bed tomorrow morning, I do plan to stay close to schedule. Therefore, it's my beddie bye time! :)

Rough Endings = Rough Beginnings.

When your week ends rough, it does not miraculously improve at the beginning of the next week.  Wouldn't that be nice though? Every Sunday was a fresh week ready to begin in a beautiful fashion? (It's much like a new year. I am very baffled why people think hanging up a new calendar creates a clean slate and all of last year is completed??)

Anyway, I'm having a rough week already and, so far, there hasn't been enough chocolate to offset my bad juju. I'm not happy. I'm crying at the drop of a hat. And I'm feeling very raw. And I am extremely sad. So if you'd like to put up a little prayer for me and my sanity, I'd appreciate it. Because although some of it is hormonal, some of it can't be fixed with chocolate and a prayer is always welcome.

Thanks.

So despite all this, as only a woman can do - I'm also still happy. I refuse to be anything else. Because I have so many blessings, so many good things in my life.

Since I don't feel like doing much else, I'm day dreaming as I surf the net.  And yes, I do adore my little house, but who says I can't dream of this pool in the back with these cool floatly lights?  They are only $1,000 but I'm not sure how many that will get you.  Obviously, an item every house needs.

I found this treat at http://www.opulantitems.com/, which I feel is aptly named.  But if I'm daydreaming, shouldn't I be dreaming opulant dreams?

Like these two daybeds. I love the nest feeling of both of them, like I could just curl up in them on a quiet deserted beach and read trash novels for hours with no interruptions. My very own nest, haven, shelter. All I need is the deserted beach, a few dolphins swimming by, a cool ocean breeze, a trash novel and a hot guy to rub my back as I doze in and out.  And sunblock. Some serious 45 spf sunblock. Other than that, I'm set! Who would like to fund this daydream for me?? :)

Since I'm not seeing any takers, I guess I'll go back to my movie and enjoy a hot bath here in my lovely little house later tonight. Thanks for bearing with a cranky lady. Tomorrow will be a better day!