In My Tennis Shoes

chocolate understands

2011-09-30T09:05:00.002-05:00

Its been a very tough, emotional draining week.

And I've been eating out of the nutella jar by the spoonful.

And this was supposed to be the week i "got back on track"

Well, at least chocolate understands...

It's Fall Ya'll!

2011-09-23T08:39:00.002-05:00

It's time for hearty soups,

tall boots (wishing these were in my budget!),

and hanging with friends around the bonfire!

What are you looking foward to the most?

is it fall yet?

2011-09-14T09:35:00.003-05:00

so is fall here yet? i need cool crisp air to breath...

my best friend just found out she is having a little girl...

(her first! she has two little boys already!)

i've been a little under the weather here lately, no good!

and had to call in sick on my 2nd day of work at my new job!

(mortified! b/c i'm NEVER sick!)

don't you just love the fox and the hound...

yard sale

2011-08-31T14:56:00.002-05:00

Wish me luck! This weekend I'm having my first every yard sale!

I've been getting ready all week! Keeping my fingers crossed for a nice time!

hang it up on the wall...

2011-08-30T05:43:00.000-05:00

If you're going to live on a farm you have to hang some farm pictures up on the wall... and these prints are AMAZING! I'll definitely have to remeber these when the time comes.

Source: The Animal Print Shop by Sharon Monrtose

Wide Open Spaces

2011-08-29T07:12:00.007-05:00

With the de-treeing, de-stumping, clearing and scraping of our 30 acres of heaven over the past few months, beautiful dialogue has taken place over the future layout of the Mr. & Mrs. Shane Evans family abode. The discourse conclusion: wide open spaces! Yes, my friends swing wide those heavenly gates! Wide open is on the menu: open fields, wide porches, large airy rooms, simple, clean, classic. We've definitley decided on a one story houseplan and actually loved this "U" style houseplan {toned down a bit with less rooms (music room, guest suite... theatre? really?) & more open spaces}. We've also discovered we like the idea of the courtyard {no pool} with our barn situated in a disant corner insead of a garage. This is the dreaming & imagining stage & I'm in LOVE with the process.

Images: house, entry, kitchen, kids room, bathroom .... see more of my pins & ideas here!

you fill up my senses

2011-08-27T05:28:00.002-05:00

Source: inspirationsdeco.blogspot.com via Evie on Pinterest

When I saw this image, my home & then John Denver's song Country Roads immediately popped into mind. Yes, we all knows that song {lets sing together, shall we: "country rooooaaads take me hoooome to the plaaaace I belooong..." ok, ok, enough}. But isn't it such a great song? He definitely had some good ones. This one almost makes you wish you did live in West Virginia!

Lately I've been yearning for home. I mean really craving it. And wanting to go back as much as possible. I dream of rising early in the morning when there's just a bit of light out, putting on my old tennis shoes and walking the edge of the fields, still damp with the morning dew. Maybe I'll walk across to the pond, over the dam, into the "coastal" field. I yearn to lounge lazily in a hammock in the soft shade, one of my mom's old Victoria magazines in my lap. There is something sacred about coming home sometimes. The idea gets into my blood until I think I'll go crazy if I don't just go home. So when my car finally does pull into the long dirt road at dusk, all I want to do is let the warm evening air soak into my senses. I am home.

Annie's Song: John Denver

Take me to The Prairie

2011-08-26T10:48:00.006-05:00

So I was browsing through my September Southern Living magazine this morning & came across this fabulous bed & breakfast {i love a great b&b} by Rachel Ashwell called The Prairie! I'm probably the last southerner to know about it{who knew and didn't tell me!} since opening earlier this year, but I got so excited anyway & I'm ready to plan a trip with my sisters and mom ASAP! The place is beautifully designed with her Shabby Chic collections and is the perfect combination between rustic and lush elegance. Plus its in the heart of a Texan town's antique utopia! Uhh, perfect!

{sigh!!!}

And check out these amazing cottages too!!

Sunday Quiet Time

2011-08-07T08:49:00.001-05:00

Source: etsy.com via Evie on Pinterest

Proverbs 31.21

good thing to remember

2011-08-04T09:16:00.001-05:00

Source: healthylivingforyou.tumblr.com via Evie on Pinterest

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Evie on Pinterest

Aww, Shucks! :0)

around the corner

2011-08-03T05:58:00.000-05:00

Source: lizawithaz.tumblr.com via Julia on Pinterest

There is one thing that gives radiance to everything. It is the idea of somthing around the corner. ~G.K. Chesterton

long, hot, summer

2011-08-02T08:22:00.005-05:00

Jimmy Rodgers: Long Hot Summer

August has arrived, with it brings one long, hot summer her in the Carolinas. In some ways I wouldn't mind just skipping this month, ya know? Kids go back to school {near the beginning!}, summer vacation is over, people start shopping for fall wear... yet it is still hot as BLAZES! And so all I can think about is lounging near cool water instead of being productive. With that said, I vote to skip August this year and go straight to September. All in favor say Aye! :o)

all things Paris

2011-07-29T08:00:00.007-05:00

Source: pinterest.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Yes, well said Mr. Darcy... uh, I mean Mr. Firth. I have been a bit MIA on the blog seen. I've been vacationing at the beach, working, reading, dreaming, looking at everything through a different prism... you know, the usual.

As I mentioned before, I've been on a little Paris obsessed lately, ever since watching the movie Midnight in Paris. & so I dived into my current fixation with gusto, reading The Paris Wife & The Last Time I Saw Paris {by Lynn Sheene} while lounging on the beaches of Edisto Island all last week. It was heaven! My favorite of the two? Hands down the latter. And I should have known too, for the Paris wife which tells the story of Hemingway's first {of 4} wife & couldn't end anyway but tragic. But it was still a glimpse into a young married American couple living in Paris in the 1920s so was interesting enough if not a bit of a "debbie downer". But Lynn Sheene's novel had a bit of romance, adventure, history, & mystery. I enjoyed it very much. {Then I watched the movie, The Last Time I Saw Paris {1954}, with Elizabeth Taylor which was nothing like the book by the way.}

Also if you haven't check out O Happy Day's blog, do! About a young party planner for San Francisco who moves with her family to the city of lights! Its very lovely as well.

cute kid

2011-07-12T10:47:00.002-05:00

Source: blogger.com via Evie on Pinterest

i interrupt this program to introduce you to the cutest kid ever...

his name is Sawyer...

and i want to just squeeze him sometimes...

and that's his beautiful mother, my best friend...

she's going to be a mommy of 3 soon...

she's my hero too...

just because

2011-07-12T09:35:00.001-05:00

Source: 9gag.com via Evie on Pinterest

i need all the help i can {especially trying to tie a scarf}

i dream of paris...

2011-07-10T19:47:00.003-05:00

Source: dressdesigndecor.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

So i can't get enough of Paris... I dragged Shane to the movies a couple days ago to see Midnight in Paris & it was totally worth seeing if not for just the beautiful Paris itself. The city played a huge and beautiful character in this movie & deserves an academy award for it's performance.. it was breathtakingly beautiful! I about died... and now I am reading a novel I picked up today at B&N called The Paris Wife by Paula Mclain that tells the story of Ernest Hemingway's first {of 4} marriage which is set in Paris in the 1920s! Love it! {actually i'm only on chapter 4 & its a little slow going} but i'm a bit obsessed with that current time and place because the movie touches during that time as well. Have you seen it? or read this book? what did ya'll think?

Frustration!

2011-07-10T15:03:00.002-05:00

very frustrated and irritated right now with blogger! for some reason, for a while now, i am not able to comment on other blogs!! is says i have to sign into an account. I'M ALREADY SIGNED INTO MY GOOGLE ACCOUNT PEOPLE! and even after i sign into my account AGAIN, it will prompt me to sign in AGAIN AND AGAIN... frustration. the other day i was able to comment one ONE blog... frustration. whats wrong!!

a girl who reads

2011-07-08T10:17:00.003-05:00

*****

I recently stumbled onto a blog and saw this post, stolen from this blog, & I decided it needed to be stolen again...

Date a Girl Who Reads

Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who spends her money on books instead of clothes. She has problems with closet space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she wants to read, who has had a library card since she was twelve.

Find a girl who reads. You’ll know that she does because she will always have an unread book in her bag. She’s the one lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries out when she finds the book she wants. You see the weird chick sniffing the pages of an old book in a second hand book shop? That’s the reader. They can never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow.

She’s the girl reading while waiting in that coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy creamer is floating on top because she’s kind of engrossed already. Lost in a world of the author’s making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book.

Buy her another cup of coffee.

Let her know what you really think of Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand that if she says she understood James Joyce’s Ulysses she’s just saying that to sound intelligent. Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice.

It’s easy to date a girl who reads. Give her books for her birthday, for Christmas, and for anniversaries. Give her the gift of words, in poetry, in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the difference between books and reality but by God, she’s going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does.

She has to give it a shot somehow.

Lie to her. If she understands syntax, she will understand your need to lie. Behind words are other things: motivation, value, nuance, dialogue. It will not be the end of the world.

Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who understand that all things will come to end. That you can always write a sequel. That you can begin again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or two.

Why be frightened of everything that you are not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in the Twilight series.

If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are.

You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she’s sick. Over Skype.

You will smile so hard you will wonder why your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes. She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots.

Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads.

Or better yet, date a girl who writes.

Written by Rosemary Urquico

let freedom ring

2011-07-01T09:39:00.004-05:00

Source: workofheartphoto.com via Linda on Pinterest

Today Shane and I are headed back home for my small town's annual hot dog supper & 4th of july parade. ah yes, I love growing up in a small town. Everyone have a happy 4th of july weekend. I'll be at hospital all weekend but excited to be off monday for the 4th with my hubs! This country is so blessed, let freedom ring!

so happy together

2011-06-30T13:22:00.004-05:00

Source: etsy.com via Lisa on Pinterest

lately i've felt so loved. and it seems like i've fallen in love with my husband all over again. he just makes my heart smile...

and i never want to take that for granted... ever.

life is too short...

today you are you

2011-06-22T09:57:00.004-05:00

*****

because i'm not some disney princess

i'm not elizabeth bennett or carrie bradshaw

i'm not even anne shirley. i'm not my fabulous older sister, bess

or that skinny girl at the beach i saw last week

i am not that girl from that fabulous blog who travels the world

i am me and you are you

and some days i just need that reminder

Officially Summer

2011-06-21T10:42:00.006-05:00

Well folks, summertime is here officially. I'd say unofficially, summer arrived weeks ago. But officially, the calendar tell us those hot, dog days are here to stay.

Summertime: Billie Holiday

After a day of working this past Sunday, Shane and I made our way through the thick evening heat to mom & dad's for a small & quiet impromptu father's day celebration {officially my fam is celebrating his special day this coming weekend because my siblings were scattered}, but my oldest sister decided to surprise him by driving down and cooking him a steak dinner just to show some extra love {since officially it was father's day}. So Shane and I decided to make a slight detour after picking me up from work to get in on the little celebration. We arrived in time for dessert: blackberry cobbler, one of my families all time favorite.

The blackberry cobblers my mom makes are special in that each one holds special memories. Memories of my childhood summers when the time was just right to head across the pond to the "coastal field" {as we always called it} for some blackberry picking. I can remember mom waking my 4 sibling and me up just before daybreak {usually with a frown and a grumble on our breath}, explaining she'd thank us when we were through. So groggily we'd pull on our old jeans and tennis shoes and head to our field where the wild blackberries grew. After giving us each a small container we'd start a'pick'n just as the sun came over the horizon. Sometimes the bushes would be heavy with large plump fruit, other years when it had been very dry they'd be slim pickin's literally. I especially remember my inner competitor coming out in seeing if I could fill my container the fastest or how many times I'd empty it into the larger bucket usually sitting close to mama. And of course there was the shouts of triumph to the group as one displayed an especially large and juicy berry prior to popping it into our mouths without remorse. But we'd always walk away a couple hours later with a few scratches, a couple bug bites, many stained fingertips and a sense of accomplishment. Then it was back to the house to wash them and, for the majority, pack them away in the freezer for another time.

Its been many years since I've been blackberry picking. And our coastal field no longer holds our wild back berry bushes but large chicken houses built by my uncle. So when mama explained that she'd used her last berries from the freezer on this pie, there was a little tug on my heart as I realized that I was eating the last bit of fruit from our labors. At that moment I wished mom had gotten me up early a couple more summer mornings. But my heart and memory thanked her too, as I she said we would & have many times over, as I took another bite, this one perhaps even sweeter than the last.

happy weekend

2011-05-14T14:38:00.003-05:00

I apologize....

I just thought this was hilarious... and very interesting...

I'm a sucker for a Cinderella story.

Happy weekend!

breaking blogger silence

2011-05-11T05:56:00.003-05:00

So i guess its about time for me to break my blogger silence that has been going on for... well... awhile now. what have i been up to? here goes:

Shane and I had a marvelous 1 year anniversary down in Savannah last month. I'm thinking its my new happy place. I love the old historic building and the charming square gardens that are on every other turn. Its so romantic. We took a horse carriage tour and then an evening trolley ghost tour as well & I loved introducing "my Savannah" to Shane. I've just about decided that if i had to live anywhere else than my beloved Mountville, I'd choose Savannah. This trip we stayed further back off the river at our cozy bed and breakfast, The Azalea Inn, and I think I liked it much better. I could walk those old charming backstreets any day. {I'm ready to go back tomorrow}

Here we are finishing dinner one night at the underground Alligator Soul ! Yummmm.....

Yes, Savannah was definitely a highlight this past month for my family also experienced a bit of heartache recently as well. Not the end of the world kinda of stuff but when a family is as close as mine, when one member experiences troubled times, we all do. But Jesus is good through the good and bad... and time really does have a way of healing as well.

{I want you by: Kelly Clarkson}

Its been hot hot here the last couple of days with thunderstorm (with even hale last night). I recently broke out my Kelley Clarkson All I Ever Wanted CD and have been jamming while on the road. I love that girl! She can SANG!

Summertime food is here! The last couple nights I've made this stuffed zucchini:

and this lime {i used lemon}, avocado & shrimp salad {but made it into a sandwich with roll & a bit of lettuce}:

other interesting info includes: getting cussed out by a man yesterday in the publix parking lot for not putting my buggy up in front of his 8 year old daughter who was in a catholic school uniform {and just FYI: i usually put my buggy up but it was SO hot and the buggy holder was way across the parking lot from me so i didn't... hate me, whatever} I wanted to roll my eyes, flip him a finger, and fly out of the parking lot... but then i remembered I have a Jesus sticker on the back of my car so I couldn't... instead i just gave a sigh, smiled and drove off. Situations like that always throw me for a loop.

Good Friday

2011-04-22T13:51:00.002-05:00

******

Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ, even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been save.
Ephesians 2:4-5

Everyone have a lovely Good Friday & Happy Easter!

Because He Lives!

One year ago...

2011-04-17T05:40:00.001-05:00

~ Happy 1 year Anniversary to my best friend~

"Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be!"

~Browning

One Year

2011-04-14T20:01:00.003-05:00

Ohmygoodness! I'm so excited! And just so very blessed! My love & I are off for the weekend to celebrate one year of wedded bliss {it really has been a great year }! :D Shane was completely in charge! & surprised me with a long weekend to Savannah, GA at this beautiful bed & breakfast, The Azalea Inn & Gardens.

Oh, & PS... I'm excited about the food! I've been careful for the past 3 weeks {and lost 5 lbs, woot woot} but I'm taking a little break this weekend {can you gain 5 lbs in one weekend... probably}!

yummmm

it's monday...

2011-04-11T09:42:00.003-05:00

*****

because today is my one day of rest before going back to work {after working all weekend}

because this is the day that the lord has made & i will rejoice & be glad in it

because today starts the rest of my life...

a few friday favs

2011-04-08T07:25:00.008-05:00

while i am feeling a bit better {thanks for all ya'lls lovely well wishes}, i'm still in the midst of battling this deep/lung hurting cough. yes, it hasn't been pretty. the sick taking care of the sick is always a bit pitiful. and i didn't feel like i could call in at work because we're SO short staffed and i couldn't do it to my fellow coworkers. however, on the positive, my voice is coming back & that's always a good sign! while catching up on some of my usual bloggies, i am loving some of their stuff! take a look!

I'll Seen & I'll Said was also feeling some Mary Oliver {see last post quote} love. browse over here to view one of her lovely poems.

For all those obsessed with pinterest, annalynnreilly has pinned some loverly pins. Look below at this great little cottage she introduce me to. Isn't it cute! And here she blogged about a beautiful, exposed brick kitchen. Its devine!

*****

Seeing this picture {below} of these dark hair girls over at Live Love Small, I was completely brought back to the days when my older sister, me, & one of my younger sisters all shared a room. {I probably wouldn't have minded if our room looked like that!} We were about these girls ages when we shared, all had long, dark brown hair, & i can remember us always wearing large, over sized t-shirts to bed! Fun times!

Happy Weekend

I want...

2011-04-05T09:34:00.002-05:00

*****

Instead... I'm sick...

maybe tomorrow...

Toast

2011-03-31T05:30:00.000-05:00

Wow, their stuff is so soft & fresh. Makes me want to curl up in their whole catalogue, if that were possible. Take a peek here at a few of their early spring & spring ideas.

Wednesday Wishes

2011-03-30T07:07:00.003-05:00

So lately Garnet Hill is one of my favorite magazines to arrive. I am loving their spring/summery looks. Everything from their light, breezy dresses to their worn out, leather boots (yes, these boots above have my name all over them)! Oh & its so hard being frugal! I'm in the mood for a new spring wardrobe! & does anyone else love Boden stuff as much as I do! Take a peek at some of their spring looks here! so cute!

ballad of a dove

2011-03-24T06:43:00.009-05:00

Remember Tennyson's "The Lady Of Shalott"? After being introduced to this poem here before I can remember from watching Anne of Green Gables , I have loved the magic & tragic romance that surrounds this poem. So I was excited when I saw The Band Perry's music video that touches on the poem as well.

And this is a great song. Have you heard it? Have you ever thought about the possibility? As I remember back on my mirror of memories over my past 26 years, I am flooded with warmth thinking of all my wonderful blessings I've experienced. And I've discovered that I am content. I have had enough time. Yes, of course I pray that I live to see another many many years. Jesus has blessed me with a wonderful life! With a wonderful husband & family! With plenty of food! A healthy body! A roof over my head (and 30 new acres of open spaces)! Yes, I am content.

Because we are not promised tomorrow. And if I die young, I'll be wearing white as I come into His kingdom! "I've had just enough time..."

closing time

2011-03-21T18:09:00.004-05:00

*****

yes, it finally happened! my love & i are now LAND OWNERS {& i'm a little in aw over our blessing}! Yep, that 30 acres is now stamped with the official Evie & Shane seal! we just got back from our lawyer's after signing our life away {actually, it wasn't too bad!} & we both are very excited. It was a beautiful day here in the south to buy land! yes it was!

Daydreams

2011-03-17T06:13:00.001-05:00

I'm sure I'm the last person in blog land to know about this precious blog {probably because i don't have any babys & don't even like kids that much... but this IS cute}, dedicated to capturing a daughter's dreams during naptime, very creative. Take a peek!

Oh, and happy St. Patty's Day to you!

just eat a skinny person...

2011-03-16T08:35:00.004-05:00

funny! i saw this and it made me laugh! Because warmer weather is right around the corner & all of us are starting to think about those itsy bitsy, teeny weeny, yellow, polka- dot- bikinis... or whatever you wear at the beach...

"I just need to eat a skinny person"

For delicious low fat recipes, check out Gina's Skinny Recipes blog! i found her blog through her lovely pics one day and I've already tried a couple of her recipes & they both were delicious. She also shows the total calories & fat per serving in that recipe which is really lovely!

take a bite

2011-03-14T11:58:00.003-05:00

Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him.

Psalms 34.8

Yep, take a big bite!

Cinderella's bathroom

2011-03-08T04:34:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday morning, My Love and I headed over to B&N for coffee and some quiet reading time. I love these days. I grab all of my favorite magazines and slip quietly into my own little world of beautiful places. Well, in House Beautiful THIS lovely bathroom took my breath away. And while it's a bit to formal for this country girl, I still have a bit of Cinderella syndrome in me to fully appreciate the beautifulness {is that a word?} & loveliness of this bathroom. As some may know I am a bit of a bathtub snob... yes its true. But take a peek at this burnished cast-iron Candide tub from Waterworks ladies! Crazy beautiful, and this is a guest bathroom {makes me wonder what their master bathroom looks like}! I believe this room could probably fit my future little barn inside of it! :D

a shy season

2011-03-07T07:43:00.003-06:00

*****

It rained all weekend long here in the upper state of South Carolina. But is was a spring rain in my opinion, slowly, misty, soaking the earth. So I didn't mind. Everywhere I turn there is new growth springing to life; the browns of the winter are turning into the greens, yellows, whites, and pinks of spring. Don't you think spring is a shy season? She shyly enters her season until suddenly she comes into her own with a flood of color. How I love the coming of a new season! I do hope Jack Frost has left us for good so I can plant my tomato bushes! :D Happy Monday!

yummy & delicious

2011-03-04T14:24:00.003-06:00

Everyone have a yummy & delicious weekend! Hope spring colors pop up all weekend long for you too! I have been craving sweets {and yummy food in general as seen below!} all week! Whats the deal! Don't these cupcakes look devine!

thankful

2011-03-03T14:10:00.005-06:00

*****

Yes, I am thankful today. I have so many reasons to be thankful... loving husband, wonderful family, warm bed at night, roof over my head, my health... the list could go on & on. But today I'm thankful most of all that I don't live near this THIS yummy place in NYC called S'mac {because you would most likely see me camped out there every other day & then have to proceed with rolling me out the door just to get me to leave}. I discovered this place while browsing through the world wide web and I started salivating the moment I saw the goods this place is putting out! I mean really people... does it get any better than that... all different kinds of mac'n cheeses!? Genius!! The #1 on my list to try: the Parisienne : Creamy Brie, roasted figs, roasted shiitake mushrooms & fresh rosemary {insert drool!} This place might even be a bucket lister...

my staycation

2011-03-01T06:38:00.005-06:00

Bring on my staycation! "Your what?", you ask. My staycation {totally stole that term from A Cup of Jo}! Yep, friends, yesterday brought with it the beginning of a little mini vaca for myself. Because work is still kicking my butt, my boss came up to me a few weeks ago and was like {in a nice, concerned way} "you may want to think about taking a little time off if you have a little extra vacation time".... and, well, it came to pass starting yesterday! I am literally staying at home for a week and doing whateva.

So what am I going to do with myself? Well...

Yesterday I didn't leave my couch until 6pm. Yep, my hubby found me in the exact same place, wearing the exact same pj's that he'd left me in hours before. {not really ashamed either, is that a problem?} And really, truth be told, the only reason I dragged myself off to the showers at that time was b/c I had bible study at 7.{ok maybe just a little ashamed...deep down}

I just saw the preview for The Hangover Part II here... bahaha, hilarious! Who saw the first one? The FUNNIEST movie, ever... and Bradley Cooper. Let's just say he's on my list and been a fan since his Alias days.{anyone every watch that show, i was so into it!}

And my calendar is filling up with coffee/dinner dates, planning yummy meals for My Love, finishing my book {A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers, so good btw}, lunches by myself at my fav spots, catching a matinee (maybe that movie, I am Number 4, looks pretty good & kinda in the mood for some action) and heading to the gym... every day I don't work {yep, that's my goal for the next 3 months}.

I love doing nothing all by myself! I'll try not to forget to be awesome while doing nothing too!

is summer vacation here yet...

2011-02-22T10:57:00.004-06:00

*****

Yesterday I spent most of the day looking at tons of beach houses... and it made me really yearn for the beach. You see, I am a beach bum. I was raised by a beach bum. And thankfully, I married a beach bum. My idea of summer vacation is going to the beach for a week {with an armful of books, a bathing suit, a blanket} and sitting on that beach, in front of that beautiful blue ocean, from 8am- 5pm... every day. That's my idea of vacation. And I'm ready! This hint of warm weather is teasing my senses!

Spring is Springing

2011-02-16T06:43:00.000-06:00

Ok, so all of us southern girls have gotten a taste of spring the last few days. I think Friday is supposed to be a high of 72! Its been loverly! and I just entered a giveaway over at the little red house to win one of these cute Shabby Apple dresses!

the hiatus

2011-02-15T07:24:00.008-06:00

Is everyone having a lovely February and Valentine's day? Time is flying, and this month is already half over! I can't believe its been over 2 weeks since my last post! I've never been on such a long hiatus. I've missed my blog time.

So this month I came home from work one day and there in our living room was a brand new tv & bluray player with netflicks all installed & ready for my viewing pleasure {our old boxy tv wouldn't let us get the netflix and only picked up 6 channels}. My love knows I'm not a big TV watcher (and we've never had cable) but I LOVE watching movies! So what have I been watching? the most random movies ever that i always sorta kinda wanted to see! I've watched the High school Musicals {1 & 2}, the newest Alice & Wonderland, and When In Rome. Apparently I've been in the mood for high school sweat hearts that sing to each other, a bit of fantasy, and a tad of love/magic. Well, what can I say, its February after all...

chocolate & romance

2011-02-01T07:19:00.007-06:00

****

*****

Can you tell what I'm in the mood for? Well, friends, February puts me in the mood for rich, decadent chocolates and a bit {well, maybe bunch} of romance... with a taste of spring just around the corner! This month holds the future, of exciting new things yet to come! And I'm almost bursting with excitement! Welcome February!

creativity like a faucet

2011-01-31T12:17:00.002-06:00

My youngest sister, katie, is a huge calvin & hobbs fan. She has several books of the characters and so without realizing it, I've found my own eyes drawn to the comic as well.

My love & I have signed the contract on our land {our current big project} and probably will close on it mid to late February.

Yes, I relate to them on many levels {interesting enough}.

quick monday tidbits...

2011-01-23T19:44:00.006-06:00

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."{John 10:10}

These girls just look like they are using bath time to the fullest! and it made me smile!

I still LOVE my bangs... and so very sorry no picture has been posted {stay tuned}! I've been a little all over the place lately {therefore blogland has been tragically neglected}.

Good news! Our {future} land is hopefully within our grasp! The judge just has to sign off on something blah blah... and then we'll start the process for our loan! woot, woot! possibly my barn by summer?

Jesus and I are really getting involved these days... He's teaching me all sorts of lovely things!

My Love sleeps so peacefully next to me right now on the couch, I love to glance over at him periodically and just watch. {yep, he fell asleep watching the steeler/jets game}

Friday one of my coworkers told me that her pedometer read over 11,000 steps and it was only 5pm... we still had at least 2 more hours of work! i gotta get one of those things. made me realize how much we're on our feet!! crazy!

February is just around the corner... and I'm in the mood for Love!

oh so pretty

2011-01-18T07:50:00.005-06:00

I totally went for it and got bangs! yaye! I'll have to share a pic soon. Unfortunately I didn't even think of taking one yesterday when I was feeling oh so pretty and sheek, and if I took one now {after crawling out of bed} you may not think oh so pretty! :D {even though I woke up this morning, looked in the mirror and still smiled at my bangs, I'm guessing that's a good sign}

But I LOVE them!! Thanks for all the encouraging "go for its"! I feel a bit like Andy off of The Devil Wears Prada... and last night at my home group with my girls they all gushed! Yaye! Happy Tuesday to all!

PS. Next big cut:

Yeah right! I showed Maci, the girl who cuts and colors my hair this pic too. I told her if i lost about 50 lbs, I'm getting this cut because its fabulous! But only the super skinny could pull it off... but isn't it darling?!

bangs+bun=

2011-01-17T08:43:00.006-06:00

fabulous!

Yes, so I have a hair appointment today... and I am seriously thinking about getting bangs! WHHAAAT!! I know, I'm a little nervous! But I have seriously been considering bangs for a while now. I have NEVER had them... well maybe when I was 2 (and my mom said they were a disaster), but I really want to give them a shot! And I was a bit nervous about them especially because I wear my hair back often, but look how great these bangs and buns go together! Errr, but I go back and forth... anyone have some advice?

{Sources}

Snowed In

2011-01-14T07:00:00.004-06:00

******

With snow still on the ground here in SC and some roads still very slippery, my sister and I had a lovely day at home yesterday. My sister, a high school english teacher, has been off all week {and has probably been more excited about that fact than her kids}. Every afternoon after getting the recording from her school district that school has been cancelled for the next day, she does this fabulous little dance and laughs loudly {probably at all of the workers out there that have the misfortune of not getting snow days} in absolute delight. "I feel as though all this snow has been a kiss from Jesus to me! BAHAHAHAHA!!! I LOVE IT!!" she explains. I love that she still can appreciate this time off and has enjoyed this week of quiet and rest.

Tuesday and Wednesday at work, I got a glimpse of the frustration Jesus must feel with us sometimes. Over the weekend all everyone could talk about was the snow and the possibility of the waking up to a winter wonderland. You could feel the excitement in every ones voices and praying that the weatherman was really correct. Everyone was so excited about the snow! And we got it. All night Sunday night and all day Monday... inches and inches! I can't remember when we got this much. And it was so beautiful. But come Tuesday, when I was back at work, the complaining over the snow had begun. "Ready for this snow to be gone!" & "You can't do anything with all this snow turning to ice!", "Cabin fever" and "Rather it have never come at all"... blah blah blah.

While listening to these comments I was struck with how so many people are never satisfied, even after getting what they really want! It got so old hearing my coworkers complain about the inconvenience the snow brought while just a couple days ago just the thought gave them great excitement! In some ways I wanted to say, "Sorry Jesus. The snow was beautiful. Please ignore all the complaining..." Because the fact of the matter was, it was a great snow! We didn't even once lose power!

So when I heard my sisters excitement about being snowed in another day, to say the least, it brought me great joy! And it made me check my own attitude about being greatful for what one wishes for!

farm animals

2011-01-13T07:03:00.006-06:00

My husband has recently decided, once we are out on our land, he wants some "farm" animals. An understandable request for 30 acres so I wasn't surprised. "I think some sheeps, a donkey, and big Clydesdale...oh and of course my two black labs or rottweiler" he explained. I was like ummm, come again?

Fist of all, I grew up on land surrounded by animals... well, cows mainly and a horse here & there. So I completely was open to the fact of having some cows, maybe a horse one can ride (i think i'd be afraid to mount a huge Clydesdale!). The fact that sheep and donkeys are completely useless on a farm didn't bother him {and secretly I think he just likes saying "donkey" like on Trek). "Jesus had a donkey! and the donkey can carry my stuff around the land behind me on my clydesdale..."

Apparently he has it all figured out...

But after seeing this little baby lamb over at a Merry Mishap, as far as the sheep, he may have convinced me...

Dear Snow

2011-01-10T10:17:00.003-06:00

Dear Snow,
Thank you so much for coming down and curing my serious case of spring fever.
Sincerely
Snow Lover of the South

hello new heart

2011-01-08T10:00:00.004-06:00

******

I'll be putting my feet up this weekend... they're killing me. Work... well, Jesus is working on my heart where my work is concerned... or opening up a new door! Yaye, I'm excited about either or! I never wanted to be that person who complained a/b their work! and that's whats starting to happen...

I never dreaded going to work until this past year. Now I have to mentally prepare myself and "rest up" before and after my shifts... its ridiculous. I want to yell at myself and say "suck it up, man!" but then I'll just cry quietly in bed after the lights are turned out. Pitiful, I know...

So hello new heart! or hello new job! or hello both!

ps. is there anyone who wakes up excited about their job and excited about their work? are there really jobs out there and people out there like that? just wondering...

Surprise!!! An Award! Um, what does that mean exactly?

2011-01-05T13:27:00.009-06:00

Surprise!!! Apparently this little country girl has style... who new {my friends see me dressed most often like this kid during my daily routine}! Ok, Ok... so maybe just my sweet little bloggy has style, and in all seriousness, I am very honored for my nominations!

So thank you annalynnreilly & Evie {your name rocks}for passing the award my way!

Apparently how this works{never gotten one before}:
Once you have been given the award you thank (and link) the person who gave you the award.
- share 7 things about yourself
- give 15 other recently discovered blogger the award (and notify them)

Soooo...

i am 1 of 5 siblings... 3 sisters, 1 brother... poor bro (no really, he's fabulous! i am best friends with my siblings!! i love them!!)
i was home schooled till the 7th grade but still turned out surprisingly pretty normal!
i am 26 years old but sometimes still feel like i should be 17... like i should be playing high school basketball/volleyball again instead of taking care of patients at the hospital! where does time go, friends!
i met my husband when i was in the 7th grade. he was a cool 9th grader at the time but he used to high five me in the hallways in passing {it was a private school so middle/high schoolers shared hallways}. we never dated till after college. we met back up through facebook, so its almost like we met on the Internet! ;D
i am so thankful to my parents for their love, discipline, and guidance. they are awesome!
My church, NewSpring, is awesome! I've never been more excited about Jesus! And you can watch the sermons online! its nice for me since I work every other weekend and miss.
i'm a bit of a loner... yes, its true {not in a weird was or anything}! one of my favorite things to do is sit at B&N and look at the magazines alone... for hours! i just need lots of me time i say!:D

And with great enthusiasm i send it forth! :D

the little yellow house blog

a little blue notebook

post-college working girl

Whew... winning awards is hard work! Thank goodness my name isn't Julia Roberts! :D

Spring Fever

2011-01-05T10:55:00.004-06:00

Why is it that every year, just when one season has practically begun, I'm yearning for the next! Well, its starting, and while I'm supposed to be taking my Christmas tree down, I'm looking online for my new spring wardrobe {actually, this new DREAM spring wardrobe, I can't half afford, but i do dream!}. Does anyone else have that problem!! Why can't I just be content in my present season!

2011, please bring with you...

2011-01-04T10:52:00.013-06:00

a little this,

this,

somthing like this...

maybe...

this,

or this,

My wide open spaces and little cozy barn are ready and waiting with open arms & great anticipation of your arrival! Will this be the year, 2011? Please say yes!

love affair

2011-01-04T08:00:00.003-06:00

While browsing over at Enjoying the Small Things lovely blog this morning I came across these fabulous art! I want one! When I build my barn I'm going to hang some up on a crisp, white wall! Who doesn't have a love affair with the sun? :D

Auld Lang Syne

2010-12-31T14:19:00.006-06:00

****
This is my all time favorite version of Auld Lang Syne. I first heard it on the first Sex and the City movie and to this day it is still one of my favorite parts of the movie... when I think of New Years, I think of this song! Enjoy!

Until Next Year

Happy 2011

swing wide, swing free, swing open

2010-12-30T08:42:00.005-06:00

While browsing through Pinteres's A Whole Lotta Doors this morning, I was struck with the bold contrast but simple beauty each door exemplified. I found myself taking a closer look & was impressed by their many different shapes, sizes, surroundings while still holding true to their same function. I have always been a huge fan of a lovely front door, having grown up in a home which sported a bright red door most of my 26 year; they have the possibility of playing such a vital role in representing the nature, feel, and attitude of their home. Shouldn't a front door beckon one into their arms in welcome? Shouldn't they say, "Please come in! Stay for a visit & tea, won't you?"

Doors carry with them wonderful representation. They are able to close a dark foreboding past, open fresh, unearthed possibilities, or simply say welcome to the future, your past is no longer an option. In some ways I feel like the doors of 2010 are closing before I am ready. In some ways I don't wish to say goodbye. It was a wonderful year! Full of firsts! My wedding, honeymoon and... {you know}, first home together, first Christmas "really" together.... But with a new year right around the corner, what opportunity is your door holding? Or what are you closing the doors on forever? What do you want to hold on to forever? Or run wild into with open arms? Anything?

This poem makes the corners of my lip dance just a little...

I'm a Wildflower

2010-12-29T01:45:00.001-06:00

*****

I interrupt this winter season to bring you one of my new favorite songs that has completely put me in the mood for summer! {i do apologize, especially since my last post was all about the snow, how fabulous it was and winter just began, but in my defense, it really is a fabulous song... and I heard it today!} I haven't been listening to anything much on the radio but Christmas music for the past month; however, I just stumbled upon this group call the JaneDear Girls {i think that's cute... JaneDear} and am in love with their song Wildflower. {if you need just a little break from winter, take a peek!}

Snow Day

2010-12-28T10:46:00.003-06:00

It actually snowed Christmas Day here in SC!! The flurries began Christmas night so we actually were able to enjoy a nice dusting the day after Christmas. My siblings and I had such a fun time playing in the snow{You'd think that we were all 10 years old}! From building a huge snowman to a fierce snowball fight, it was a Christmas gift we will always cherish and remember.

miles to go before i sleep

2010-12-24T08:52:00.000-06:00

****

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

-Frost

Until next year dear friends!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

who put the stump

2010-12-23T05:18:00.000-06:00

Bahahaha! has this song been around for a while? I just heard it for the first time a couple days ago and about died! Huuularious!

Heavenly

2010-12-22T07:43:00.004-06:00

How absolutely fabulous does this look...
Almost too perfect...
This is where I want to be this Wish I was here Wednesday...
Out in the country...
On a pond...
No one around...
Reading a fabulous book...
Heavenly...

his death reset the clock of time...

2010-12-21T07:56:00.002-06:00

He was not born into a royal family, but He left a royal impression on the world.

For 30 years, He learned the ways of the world without becoming of the world. He then changed the world for the better.

He led without a mandate. He taught without a script. His common sense parables filled people with promise and compassion, His words forever inspiring.

He never condemned what others believed – just sin, evil and corruption.

He helped the poor without one government program. He healed the sick without a government health care system. He feed the hungry without food stamps. And everywhere He went, it turned into a rally, attracting large crowds, and giving them hope, encouragement and inspiration.

For three years He was unemployed, and never collected an unemployment check. Nevertheless, he completed all the work He needed to get done. He didn’t travel by private jet. He walked and sailed, and sometimes traveled on a donkey.

But they made Him walk when He was arrested and taken to jail, and no, He was not read any Miranda Rights. He was arrested for just being who He was and doing nothing wrong. And when they tried Him in court, He never said a mumbling word.

He didn’t have a lawyer, nor did He care about who judged Him.
His judge was a higher power.

The liberal court found Him guilty of false offences and sentenced Him to death, all because He changed the hearts and minds of men with an army of 12.

His death reset the clock of time.

Never before and not since has there ever been such a perfect conservative.

For over 2,000 years the world has tried hard to erase the memory of the perfect conservative, and His principles of compassion, caring and common sense.

His followers are now millions and millions the world over, as those who resent Him have intensified their attacks on who He was and what His followers believe.

The attacks are disguised as political correctness, or a misunderstanding of the First Amendment to the Constitution. Separation of Church and State does not mean Separation of Church from State. The State cannot impose Church on the people, but the people can display and say as much Church in the public square as they desire.

Our Founders recognized that distinction, which helped to inspire the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the founding of this nation – The United States of America!

We must be the Defending Fathers and the defenders of the perfect conservative.

That’s why I proudly wish one and all a very Merry Christmas!

by Herman Cain

Sleigh Ride

2010-12-20T17:02:00.003-06:00

I would LOVE to one day go on a sleigh ride! A sleigh ride in the bright, white snow pulled by these beautiful large horses! Has anyone ever had this experience? Was it wonderful!? While I've gone on many a hay ride down here in the south I have NEVER gone on a sleigh ride! {it may be another bucket list item... if i had one that is... :D}

Soak In...

2010-12-18T05:33:00.000-06:00

Baby its been cold down here in the south this past week. Hope everyone has a relaxing and cozy weekend {and not going completely crazy this last weekend before Christmas}. I hope you can sit back, relax, take some time for yourself... let this special holiday season soak in... I'll be taking care of my patients all weekend and possibly going completely crazy myself! :D

Telluride

2010-12-16T09:20:00.002-06:00

You know how when you hear a certain song it brings back a flood of memories? It can completely transform you back into that time, that place, that feeling... don't you love those types of songs!? Well, when i saw this picture and discovered where it was located I was immediately flooded with memories of listening to Telluride by Tim McGraw back in my high school days. Because of this song, I fell in love with this "sleepy little town" of Telluride and have dreamed of visiting (if i had a bucket list it would be on it!). Do you have one of these songs?

wish I was here wednesday

2010-12-15T05:33:00.001-06:00

Where do you wish you could be today? Olivia over at For Me has just started the wish i was here wednesday and I'm joining in! :D

I'm working today (Wednesday) and I probably wish i was pretty much anywhere but here. It has been so very hard and frustrating at work lately. Understaffed, overworked... with 7 patients as my normal load... its been difficult. Difficult for me to try to keep smiling and show compassion to patients, difficult for me to try and do 25 things all at once, and difficult for me not to hide my irritation toward my fellow coworkers at times.

So while browsing over at Bliss I discovered this winter wonderland... how I wish I was here!

Wisteria

2010-12-14T15:28:00.005-06:00

Oh, just a few items I liked while browsing through my new discovery: Wisteria.com
{i just have never heard of it, have you?... super cute items for the home, and gifts!}

TLC

2010-12-12T20:46:00.002-06:00

So My Love and I have been so busy! And now he's sick... very sick! Vomiting and... well you know, running to the toilet. So i'm definitely showing some TLC his way.

waffle iron or...

2010-12-08T04:45:00.000-06:00

Am I behind the times? How long has this and this been going on and I'm just now finding out about it! {sigh} Who's tried them before? I'm trying them both out asap!

a wild thing

2010-12-07T08:37:00.006-06:00

My dad called me wild thing growing up. I was never wild as in bad, crazy, or rebellious. Yet, he called me wild thing...
Sometimes I see/feel why...
And sometimes looking into my husband's eyes I see his frustration in understanding me...
He can probably relate to this...
But he loves a wild thing anyway...

I'll have a blue Christmas...

2010-12-03T10:30:00.004-06:00

*****

Is everyone's front door decorated with Christmas cheer? Mine currently is not... My Love and I have not had a chance yet to get a Christmas tree so I haven't officially decorated for the special holiday season {sad}! And he's going camping with his boys and I'm working all weekend so it looks like it will just have to wait till next week. I definitely wish I had this beautiful front door to welcome me during the Christmas season {where can I get that wreath!}! Really love it! I'm generally a red front door kind of girl but this blue may just be changing my mind! Happy weekend to you all!

goat cheese rant

2010-12-02T07:04:00.003-06:00

goat cheese torta

Oh Martha... how you do make my mouth water. Was browsing over at marthastewart.com this a.m. for a little holiday inspiration and I got completely side tracked by her goat cheese. I can't seem to get enough of it these days. I've decided that everything taste better with a little side of goat cheese! Last night for supper I made a My Love and I a pita pizza {sort of thing} and sprinkled the top with caramelized onions and goat cheese... delish! This past weekend my family and I spent some time up in Saluda/Hendersonville NC {I love that place!} and went to a charming little bistro in downtown Hendersonville called Mrs. G and Me. I ordered this goat cheese torta very similar to Martha's above {for my meal} and almost licked the plate afterwards. I am definitely a fan. That warm goat cheese appetizer above looks amazing! Pair it with that beutiful cracker ...Yummy! If you're deciding on an appetizer for your holiday gathering... go with the goat cheese friends!

dreams come true

2010-12-01T14:51:00.004-06:00

******
"A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep
In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling through
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
The dream that you wish will come true."

~Cinderella~

*{this dreamy little girl's room looks like somewhere where magical dreams come true}*

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-01T09:01:00.008-06:00

Its officially Christmas time once again! I have sooo much to do. I have bought once single present and hung one single stocking on my fireplace and that's all... Yes, I have a ways to go! But I'm so very excited to be spending my very first Christmas with My Love {sigh, I just love him} as husband and wife! I just stumbled upon these beautiful pics at this beautiful blog. Really got me in the Christmas spirit! I'm dreaming of a winter wonderland just like this!

{on a side note, my sister recently braided her hair like this and our waiter kept touching it and asking her if she was from a different country. it was funny, he was enthralled}

See more beautiful Winter Wonderland pics at allthebeautifulchristmas.blogspot.com

house crush

2010-11-26T03:22:00.000-06:00

I am a little in love with this house... maybe a lot in love... or maybe the beautiful white blanket of snow has cast a spell on me... or maybe I'm truly in love with this house. Its interesting too because generally I don't love a ton of windows in a house. I do like some! I love natural light streaming in! But there is something that freaks me out a little about the idea of too many windows allowing someone to take a little peak at me {especially at night, with all my lights blazing and me not being able to see them... peaking at me... through the windows. Do I have a phobia? All that to say, there must be a sensible balance of windows/curtains in my house}. But I love this house. I am drawn to just the build of it! I keep staring at the roof! And seeing it builds up my anticipation of dreaming of a white Christmas. Its difficult in the south to keep that dream alive sometimes... but I'm still dreaming!

Gobble On...

2010-11-24T04:53:00.001-06:00

{*****}

to find joy in the common things,

to do our best with what life brings,

to trust that God will lead the way,

to count our blessings day by day,

to love by sharing and forgiving,

this is the secret of thanksgiving.

~Esther F. Thom

happy thanksgiving to you all! gobble on!

the best is still to come

2010-11-23T06:17:00.006-06:00

****

I am reminded this morning by Town & Country Mom of the truest meaning of thanksgiving. Isn't it a true test of thanksgiving to still be thankful during the harsh times, the valleys... She explained, "It was faith, courage, and bravery that brought us to the first Thanksgiving. The first Thanksgiving came after leaving home, after suffering, after sickness, after grief. The celebration came after hard work, after toil, after struggle, after compromise. And still after such hardship and loss, people gave thanks and were grateful to God not so much because the worst was over, but because—in their faith, they knew the best was still to come."

I hold tightly to that faith, the best is still to come! And I do have so very much to be thankful for. God is good, through the valleys & the peaks! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

heavenly peace

2010-11-21T20:56:00.004-06:00

****

Today my grandmother decided to take a walk in the clouds... its been a bittersweet day, filled with bittersweet tears...

‎"Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish." John 11: 25 & 26

please stop beating down my doorway...

2010-11-20T11:51:00.002-06:00

Remember Just call me Jennifer Hudson... once upon a time ago. Well, lets just say I've been living by a new quote lately {ahum, see above}... and it ain't good! and Thanksgiving and Christmas are beating down my doorway along with the pizza delivery guy! Whats a girl to do! Go clothes shopping and get depressed b/c nothing in my size still fits then get inspired to join the Jennifer Hudson crusaders again? Ok, its a plan...

cozy little kitchens

2010-11-19T01:49:00.000-06:00

{Love}

I keep thinking of my future little barn, with our little apartment upstairs... my little space... and my cozy little kitchen I hope to one day have. I go back and forth between my love for white vs. lots of different random bright colors. Its a debacle {i just like that word!} I'm sure many people have. This neighborhood seems to be smothering me everywhere I turn lately. I'm ready for wide open spaces, my little barn... and my cozy little kitchen. Have a cozy weekend!

by the light of my chandelier

2010-11-18T06:58:00.006-06:00

Yes, I'm not a big fan of laundry. I'm not sure when it happened. I never minded doing my own laundry when I was single. I used to come up to My Love's house and see clean laundry piled high on his guest bedroom bed and couldn't understand why at all... well, guess what I've been doing lately! Yep, piling clean laundry on the guest bedroom bed! I'm very ashamed... Maybe if I had this laundry room I'd be more inspired! Yes, I'll be folding my clothes by the light of my chandelier in no time! {i can dream anyway}

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Wellington

2010-11-17T14:27:00.000-06:00

This article/recipe from The New York Times made my mouth water. My Love and I have been a bit all over the place lately, therefore cooking has been the last thing on our minds. However, I believe I just found some inspiration! I'm off to the grocery store! Planning to surprise him with a delish meal and possibly a little candle light tonight I'm thinking...

Face Lift

2010-11-17T10:10:00.002-06:00

Yes, as some of my thousands {chuckle, chuckle} of followers may have noticed, In My Tennis Shoes just received a bit of a face lift... nothing crazy and dramatic but it was brought to my attention that it has been looking a bit sluggish and uninspiring so the new look has commenced! Lately I've felt a bit disheartened, uncommitted and just "blah" concerning In My Tennis Shoes (and about my life in general really).

I believe my attitude is a simple reflection of the restlessness in my own heart. I feel like I need a face lift... or maybe a heart lift. With my grandmother's steep decline in health and currently being followed by hospice, it makes me reflective of her past 90 years {and what a wonderful, inspiring life she has lived!}. Watching the end of life also has a way of tugging on ones own heart and asking oneself, "Am I really living out my own life the way God intended? Am I following my own plan, with my own "grand" ideas?" Because if I'm not following His plan, my life has absolutely no potential in reaching its grand and ultimate purpose. And that's what I want... I desperately want to reach His ultimate design, I want to be burdened with it, consumed, and absolutely enthralled with His plan for my life. I know it will be beautiful... He's already at work!

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me... Psalm 51.10

fall wear

2010-11-12T01:00:00.003-06:00

So I've decided this look I could wear all fall and be completely content. Could I get away with wearing it every other day ya think?

Ballad of the Green Beret

2010-11-11T08:20:00.003-06:00

My dad rarely speaks about his service in the military. But on those rare occasions when a conversation somehow turns in that direction, it is a treat. You see, my dad loved serving. And has casually mentioned that he probably would had made it a career if it hadn't been for meeting my mom during that time. "She wouldn't have been able to handle it," he explained with a shrug. But he definitely would have. After hearing bits and peaces of conversations over the years I have this to conclude about that period of his life. Directly after high school he enlisted in the army, somewhere down the line he was asked to continue training and after a million "schools" later he served as a weapon specialist on a team who spent most of his time trampling in the jungle during the Vietnam War. And surprisingly, he had the time of his life. He became a Christian in the army, one of his good friends (my current uncle) introduced him to his future wife (my mom) during the army, and he has expressed many times how many valuable lessons he learned during serving. "The first time I rode in an airplane I jumped out of it" (obviously with a parachute)... to this day he still loves weapons and has an interesting collection of guns, has called the Vietnamese "cruel little varmints", still can speak a bit of Hebrew, his "language", still loves to scuba dive (in caves!), was a bit of a legend/scare factor with the round of boyfriends who entered our house, and is pretty much a rock star at 58 years old...ok, not really but is pretty much my hero. So happy Veteran's Day to all those rock stars out there! Have you heard this song? I grew up hearing my dad sing it...

Morning Glory

2010-11-08T09:57:00.005-06:00

Seeing this movie trailer just makes me happy. Have you seen it? Can't we all just relate to this girl and all her frustrations! And I LOVE Rachel McAdams...and Harrison Ford... and Diane Keaton. Really looking foward to a movie date night and dragging My Love along as well! :)

And i think this one just looks super precious...

Have you seen any good movie trailers lately?

there is a season

2010-11-05T12:15:00.005-05:00

So I just stopped by Post College Working Girl and totally could relate to her blog. Seems so appropriate for what I'm going through and the changing of many seasons... Still feeling down about my grandmother's condition in the hospital. But I'm comforted that Jesus is in control... and there is a time and season for everything under heaven.

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

I'm sad today...

2010-11-03T12:33:00.005-05:00

I'm actually exhausted... but I am sad too. First: Dealing with sick patients is part of my job, its routine. Yep, see it every day. Having to cope with a loved one in the hospital that may/may not necessarily be treatable is not routine for me. Shouldn't have to be part of my job. My grandma, who just turned 90 a month ago, has not being doing well and this past week her health took a sharp dive in the wrong direction. Yes, my sweet grandma is in the hospital. She actually was admitted on my floor yesterday evening after an exhausting/overwhelming 12 hrs, right before shift change. Second: Dealing with patients family dynamics in the hospital is part of my job. Deal with it every day, routine... Coping with my own crazy/angry family dynamics over this "controversial" hospitalization... not routine. Shouldn't have to be part of my job.

Yes, I said controversial. Because it currently is controversial in my usual very close/large/ loving family. This loving grandmother raised 6 kids. One daughter is an RN/RT (who married a MD), one a RD (registered dietitian), one a lab technician. Out of those medical children have come other medical grand kids (such as myself, RN, another RD... PA... RN... and the list goes on friends. Those reading this currently in the medical profession understand what I'm talking about when we are talking about completely sitting back and letting nature take its course to a 90 year old DNR woman vs. seeking alternatives, although not invasive (how invasive is non- invasive to a 90 yr old?) to a completely alert and oriented (although lethargic currently), sharp, 90 year old. Is this her old age speaking? or is it something else that could be treatable/non treatable... There is a very fine line friends and my dear family is struggling to find it.

Owl Pumpkin Love

2010-10-30T08:14:00.004-05:00

Have you carved your pumpkin yet? Its that time! Everyone have a wonderful and safe Halloween!

(Yes, I totally carved an owl! I love owls, but they're almost becoming too popular these days! But I did it anyway! What's carved in your pumpkin this year?)

Land of Nod

2010-10-27T08:19:00.003-05:00

So for some random reason I received a children's magazine, The Land of Nod, in my no child zone mail box yesterday. It sat on my counter all day long and was about to find itself in the trash. But while gathering up my other magazines to read that evening after supper I placed it with my stack and headed to the couch. My Love even made a comment/weird face like, "Uh, whats that?" But when I opened its pages, friends, magic happened! This magazine has opened my eyes to what cute kids/toys/wooden blocks is all about! I couldn't believe it! I was all smiley and giggling! My Love kept giving me weird looks! "Ok, lets go have a baby right now so I can buy some of this cute stuff." I'm not even lying, those words came out of my mouth. It was so refreshing to see the non-plastic, non-cheap looking, charming simplicity that each toy/craft/doll carried. I love love love the wooden toys! Congratulations to me, I had a breakthrough! Thank you Land of Nod!

I am Christian

2010-10-26T06:42:00.008-05:00

Recently Ruthy from Discovery Street wrote a blog (and a wonderful follow-up) about my statement above. She wanted to get people's honest reaction to that statement, "I'm a Christian", and it was interesting to see the many different reactions. Some people were excited, some indifferent, some nervous, some wary. Some responses held content like "judgmental" and "preachy" and "self-righteous". Do you have a reaction?

A few responses you could tell there a was a bit more thought put behind their comments. Such as: "If brought before a judge and accused of being Christian, would you get convicted based on the evidence of your life? I think you would Ruthy, which goes beyond stating "I am a Christian." Another girl posted,"I'll be honest though - I haven't always been a Christian (thought I was, but really wasn't living it so wasn't)...And after becoming a Christian - when someone says they are - I feel curious - because so many people identify with the label, but aren't really. And I also get tense, because I see so many versions across the board that I never know what's going to happen. And that just makes me sad. But it is the truth."

I have a couple responses... to the responses. First, I do agree with one comment in that the term of Christian is so loosely thrown around in today's society its hard to really know what to expect with the label. For example, in the good 'ole South, EVERYONE will call them self a Christian, Bible Belt of America we're called. Our society is taught to wake up Sunday morning, put on your Sunday dress, grab your Bible from the shelf (its home during the week) and head down to the community church to hear "the preach'n". We say hello to neighbors and friends, say "See you next Sunday" and head to the nearby restaurant for lunch. Anyone relate? Does that make you a christian? Going to church? Another comment stated, "Christian get a bad rap". I think we do. Maybe its because as Christ-followers we're supposed to be held to Christ's standards. However, because no one is perfect (except Christ) we fail, over and over even though we're told to imitate Him. Then there will be the response, "Yeah, and she calls herself a Christian!" We are called judgmental (when God's word, the Bible, clearly says don't judge! (Romans 14:13) We're called self- righteous (when Philippians 2:3 says "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.") And so non believers in Christ, instead of just rejecting our actions, reject our belief as well. Your actions should reflect your heart (John 15), but does one action (good/bad) define you? Actually, it doesn't. But its easy to just stick a label on it...

I'll close with this, and I say this with gentleness and respect. To those of you who don't believe in Jesus as your Savior, because you don't believe in him, does that mean he doesn't exist? Because I don't believe in the wind, does that mean it doesn't exist? Logically there has to be a creator. Every item on earth is here because someone created it. And if there is a Creator, why did He create me (Jeremiah 1:5)? Even scientist will say that evolution is just a theory. And what if there is the slightest chance you are wrong, just the slightest. What will that mean for you? If I'm wrong than I guess I'll just float around/disintegrate/??? along with everyone else who dies. But if there is just the lightest chance you're wrong... what will happen? Is that a chance you're willing to take? Please understand I don't want to offend anyone, but it is something to just think about.

One can't explain Christianity in one blog post or even one conversation. That's what the Bible is for friends... and my pitiful explanation doesn't do His Word justice. I do apologize. And although many of you have probably figured out already, I am a Christian. But then again that statement, coming from me, may not really mean a whole lot. 2 Timothy 2:19 explains that God know whose are His, He knows the names written in the book of life (Rev 21:27).... Yep, God is the only one who really knows. Am I preaching yet, it is easy to sound preachy! :D

"But in your heart set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15

I likes...

2010-10-12T13:06:00.003-05:00

Doesn't this Ivy Jane Fall Floral Tiered Dress scream fall? I likes...

Autumn Wish

2010-10-12T12:20:00.003-05:00

*****

The woods are full of fairies;

The sea is full of fish;

The trees are full of golden leaves;

Let's make and autumn wish.

~Anon

Fair Season

2010-10-08T07:50:00.001-05:00

Its officially fair season in our neighborhood and I'm SO excited! When I was young my mom would always get us in the mood every autumn by watching State Fair (1945 version) then make a day trip to our own state fair! This movie always put me in the mood and introduced me to some classic songs (by Rogers & Hammerstein) like "Our State Fair" and "Its a Grand Night for Singing". So its already on my calendar October 15th: "to State Fair!".... very exciting! So I must watch the movie before next week, its tradition.

There is another fair coming to the south as well that I just stumbled upon: the Country Living Fair. I was in B&N recently checking out all the magazines and while looking at the CL magazine there it was! And its coming (Oct 22-24) to Atlanta, GA which isn't too far from me! I'm determined to go even though it lands on a weekend where I'm supposed to work. I know I can work it our somehow! I looked a couple vendors that will be there and I think its going to be fabulous! Here some of them below:

Willow Nest Farm

Silhouettes and More

Red Door Antiques

So... I'm off to the Fair! (in a couple weeks anyways)

Dan In Real Life

2010-10-07T09:58:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen this movie? No (I hadn't either)? Well, I was surprised a couple years ago when I found it in My Love's movie collection but was even more surprised at how much I loved it! This is the perfect movie to get you in the mood for fall, the holidays, and family. And a sweet love story too! I love that its set in Rhode Island and a couple scenes are set in this sweet New England harbor town... its precious and I want to go there! The fact that Dan meets Marie at a bookstore makes it that much sweeter! How precious to meet your future sweetheart at a charming harbor town bookshop. The large family dynamics and love triangle is a delight to watch! Check it out, you'll be pleasantly surprised!

bathtub snob

2010-10-06T08:42:00.000-05:00

I mentioned a couple days ago that I wasn't feeling good... well in fact on Monday I just wanted to curl up and die... but I'm happy to say I'm feeling TONS better today, just really drained and as weak as a kitten. I thought I might've had the flu because I was aching SO bad all over (yeah, that kind of sick) and the only think that made me feel better was taking a really hot shower/soak in the tub. So during the course of the day I took 3 showers and 1 soak... I'd probably had taken more bath trips but this little bathtub we have... not much soaking going on in there. I grew up with a huge tub so was spoiled from a young age and anything less than that huge tub just doesn't cut it! Guess I'm just a bathtub snob. While browsing over at Designing DNA I discovered exactly what I needed! Aren't these lovely! I'm a little confused how they work exactly with not rotting the wood, but I'm sure the makers figured that out. Wish I had one on Monday!