October Afternoon

Ha! I came back!! Golly, it's been a while since I did anything with my blog. I almost feel guilty, as though I was ignoring a dear, longtime friend. :')

Do you ever know the feeling.. when you walk into a big bookstore, and you find the perfect book (well written, hard cover, insightful, intriguing.. you-can't-put-it-down sort) - but you realize, because it's just so good, it's got to be expensive? Then you're bummed out because you only have $10 in your purse, so you go through it all in your head. *Put the book back on the shelf, look at it longingly, then walk away.. leave the bookstore, get in your car.. still wishing you had that book as your very own..* But first, you glance at the price - just to make sure you can't afford it. What?! You look all over the book. No price? You open to back cover and peek inside. One number looks up at you. No way!! $5.00??!?! Your sad, melancholy feelings you just felt moments ago disappear into thin air as you bounce around with glee, clutching this new-found treasure in your hands, refusing to put it down and knowing you get to take it home with you!!!!!! Smiling, and forcing yourself not to skip up to the cash register, you smile at the store owner and say "I'd like to buy this book, please." They open the cover and exclaim, "Five dollars! Wow, what a bargain!" while you just stand there and smile - inwardly you're grinning and dancing little jigs around the counter. You pay the money, take your book, and walk out into the sunshine....

(This is like riding off into the sunset.)

=)

Indulge Yourself

Chocolate. What can go wrong? :)

 

The Art of Tongue-Biting

No matter where you're from or who you are, there will be people who you just. can. not. stand. At this point I smile, because I have been there sooo many times. But the cool thing is, you can learn to appreciate people like this. 

You know how out of control you feel when someone uses you, and all you can think of doing is lashing our and hurting them? That's what we want. People who are mistreated want revenge. Even if it's the tiniest, most petty reason. So I want to take the time and think about it. (How many times, growing up, did you hear your parents say "think before you speak".. and how many times you just ignored it because you heard it sooo many times? Again, I smile at this. I love reminiscing about my bratty self. And sometimes, those things aren't so distant. ;) Maybe.. yesterday?

Funny  how we like to think of ourselves as mature, cool and collected adults. We like to think we have things under control. But our un-grown-out-of brattiness just keeps coming back and showing itself. Tell me I'm not the only one? You can lie to others but cannot lie to yourself.... :)

Something I've noticed is, it's always easier to notice faults in others than in myself. Not only that, often what we see (and dislike) in others is just mirroring a bad habit we possess too. So, this tongue-biting. I really do think it's an art. Anyone can talk and make a fool of themselves, but it takes a lot of strength to keep your mouth shut when you need to. In part, I believe in "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." I also believe people should confront others if what they are doing is actually wrong -or if it's harming others. But, in the situations that it's just an annoyance? Try thinking of something nice about that person. If there's nothing desirable in their personality, try complimenting one of their features. Or maybe you like their taste in house decorating. Maybe they are tidy and you appreciate that. Maybe they have a skill that is worth recognition. 


You know about positive and negative energies. Energy is going to be present regardless, so why not turn it into something positive? Revenge may sound like a pleasant idea, but you won't feel better about it when you're done. If you want to be in control, why not use it for good? Your attitude will be changed, and even if the other person continues on in their way -you could be a blessing in disguise.


Think about it.


Yes.. sometimes I really just need to beat my punching bag, go for a run or listen to loud music. But nothing bad can come of trying to calm yourself down and thinking clearly. (I feel better already!) 


What are your thoughts?

This is what my positive energy feels like right now. :)

Girls, Girls, Girls!

I'm having a baby shower!!! (This is a first, mind you.) I have little experience with children, so this will be completely new, challenging -and maybe even fun! :)
The mother is 31. This is her 3rd. After two boys, she is finally having a girl! It's exciting, she's excited.. and I'm excited for her. So the plan is to make my house super pink and super baby. (This is not me at all. I am not big on babies and I hate pink!) I laugh just thinking about all the plans I have. *I* am having fun with it, but it is sooo nooot meee. Haha! I'm so glad I can enjoy it, nonetheless. It's for someone else, that's why!

The date for the Shower is December 3rd, so I have plenty of time to plan and get ready. If you haven't known me for very long, or don't know me at all - I love to host parties, have people over.. and such. Mmm! I am getting excited about the party-throwing aspect even if the subject isn't exactly right up my alley. :)
So I hope you enjoy the ride as I share more new ideas each day. 


Happy Tuesday, everyone!

So Much Time

There's only so much of it.

I'd like to use mine as efficiently as possibly.. but also not forgetting to do things that I could have because I was so busy worrying about not wasting the time. You know what I mean? Both sides have their letdowns. My mind has been really boggled over this the last two days. This time it involves a person. This exact person I don't care so much about. But their family is close to me, and if anything were to happen to *them* -that would not go down well. 

You'd have to understand the kind of person I am. I am sensitive, and I get vibes from just about everyone and everything. Really, it's kinda cool. I am definitely optimistic, but because I feel my surroundings so well, sometimes it can really get control of me and the smallest thing can upset my whole day. Times like these are rare though, and on the same note; equally small *good* things can really lift my spirits and make my day.

This picture hardly describes the contrast I sense.. but oh well. I hope you still understand what I mean?

Anyway, this instance, I am unsure if my energies being put into this person would be worth it in the end. If people don't want your help, and you help them, they'll begin to hate your presence and find any "help" you offer incredibly annoying. But if they are the type of person that doesn't catch onto things quickly anyway, they may not even notice. Oh, I do hate more than anything, useless helping. So I am prone to ignore any situations not my own, altogether. But there are other people at stake!! That's what frustrates me. I can't make up my mind. But deep inside, it won't really affect *me* either way.. and yet.. it does. 

Like someone being tortured for the family or faith; halfway around the world. Physically, it doesn't affect me one bit, and I can simply go to the movies or busy myself in the kitchen and I'll quickly forget about it. But part of me feels the agony with them. I want it to stop. And I feel anger towards those causing it. I want justice. 

Alright. So a lot of people get worked up over things, and there's nothing to do about it. Other times, people don't get worked up, but they know what to do and they're on top of it right away. Now, what about people who don't get worked up, but don't always have an answer; really shouldn't just stay out of it, but don't have the plans for step 2?

-That's where I am at. And if I was to worry about wasting time, I'm doing a good job of wasting it right now; doing nothing. 

I have decided. Go do something else till I decide. In the meantime I'm going to write up my menu for tomorrow, and write a happy blog of the day's happenings. I have a lot to share with you! :)

Dream Kitchen

So... these are a few of my dream kitchens. Not necessarily ones I would have to have; just, I like how they make me feel. Energetic & happy, comfortable & cozy, Bright & busy.. you know how different rooms have different feels as you walk into them? That's what I mean. I'd like to use ideas of atmosphere in my own kitchen, whether or not it looked exactly like these. Enjoy!

 This one has the cozy cabin/woodsy feel. I like it very much. I'd feel at home here, like the country girl I grew up as. Most likely I'd have a pot of tea or hot chocolate brewing on the stove for you. <3

 This also has the 'country girl' feel, but I would imagine myself to have just come in from the garden, perhaps in my pretty-yellow rain boots, probably in early May. I'd have fresh spring fruits piled into a basket, which would be swung over my arm. And I'd be coming in to have lunch with ones of my dear friends that just stopped over. <3 

 The flowers would be from my own garden. Likely this would be an even earlier spring than the previous picture. As you can see out the window, the trees are just starting to bud. I like this kitchen because it is simple and clean. A way I like to describe as "fresh". No lunch or hot chocolate/tea here.. this is more likely an early morning after returning from my 2 mile jog. You may find some country well water with fresh squeezed lemon in the fridge. Cooled and waiting. <3

My summer home. (I would not have separate homes for the differing seasons, simply this one would thrive especially in summer.) The padio you can see exiting the dining room to your left would host many an evening barbecue or bonfire/marshmallow roasting. This is less of a favorite as I prefer Autumn first, then Spring.

With this one I am in love. It's small, quaint, and attractive. I could easily make it "home". I love the openness of the shelves and rooms.. the light colors of the walls.. the old-fashioned look of the cookstove. I love imagining what the others rooms of the house might look like and I'd love to give you a tour. All my dream houses are located in the countryside. On their very own lane, of course. <3

Last but not least, another spring kitchen. You see my rolling pins, along with other cooking utensils, mixing bowls, plates, cups, plenty of open counter space. You see that I love to cook, and even more I love to feed and entertain. Hospitality is big to me and I love people very much. The light colors of the wood are real.. breathe in the deep smell of new wood. Mmm. Crisp, fresh, delicious. Those are the aromas of this kitchen. <3

Misty Morning

Woke up to the sound of rain hitting my window. Rolled out of bed, and got ready to leave. Had some thank-you's to deliver to a few friends, and a cake board to the woman who made my wedding cake. Dug through the clean laundry to find a hoodie, pulled it on and tied back my hair.

I wander into the kitchen and what do I find? Ooh! Cinnamon rolls on the counter. John and I had been at the Cranfest just a day ago and had picked them up from roadside Amish sellers. YUM. They were so good. Just what I needed for a healthy start to my day! ;)

After hopping in the truck with my man, we delivered the thank-you's and stopped to buy a shower gift. I was so very tempted to wish the bride-to-be a happy rain shower as well (since it was already thundering and moisture was falling from the sky) yet I refrained. I may be regretting it.   

Oooh!   
That reminded me. When I was looking for "the perfect card" to send with this gift.. I found "Green Tea Candy" -mmm! So good. I mean, I got them to include with the gift, but you know; I'd never tried them before so in good conscience I couldn't give this poor new bride something that might not taste good! (Right?)

 There were but two of the elegant looking candies. There was also "Classic Iced Tea" and I few others that fail my memory. Remember a while back I was telling you about my mom's birthday party and my accumulation of gifts for her? I went back a few hours later and got another bag, but for her. AND.. they taste like *real green tea*. As if you were sipping a cup.. but all in this little candy. It has tea extract. And is sweetened. I like the citrus best. :)

After all that, we went to visit my husband's brother and his family. Then we played tennis till it got too dark to see. We took a grocery store run and picked up a simple (but delicious! -might I add) supper to fix. Now we're chillin' out with laptops. It's been a good day.

Tell me about yours?