roses are REALLY AMAZING red

I watched the Oscars. 

Can't tell you too much about who won what. 

But I can tell you I LOVED this stage design. 

Simply amazing. 

Does anyone know who designed the sets?

I would love to see their portfolio.

TIME FOR CHANGES HERE.

No, MaggieGraceCreates is not going away.

For many years now, I have used this as a crafty place and as an ongoing journal.

I am now attempting to grow the MaggieGraceCreates side of my life to another level so there are going to be a few changes.

First I want to say --- I am fine. Thank you ALL for listening to me through the ups and downs of my daily life.Thank you for your unfailing support as well.

And the journal postings will not be going away, they will just be located at another blog address. If you want to continue to follow those, just comment here and I will email you the new blog address.

Now for the fun parts of this. I am applying to be part of some design teams. Please send good vibes and best wishes for that.

I've been invited to some juried shows that I didn't even apply for (ego stroke there).

There should be more goodness here to show. More good news - more fun thoughts - more celebrations of beauty. Like those pretty roses above.

Basically, I want MaggieGraceCreates to be wonderful celebration and inspiration space. A place of recognizing the blessings of life. Because there are thousands of blessing to be celebrated.

I hope you guys will celebrate and grow with me.

**********************************************************************
Now about those roses.

I saw a fun little rose on the Faith Grace and Crafts blog. I have made the Irish Rose open ones for years now, but her little roses curled up. So cute. I made a comment and Sweet Doni and I emailed back and forth a few times. I asked her for a tutorial and she jumped in and created one. Plus, in what I have discovered as very common in the craft blog world, she generously sent me a couple of her little roses, so I could have a visual to work with too.

Then, there is another beautiful lady that I have discovered who makes beautiful nests .  I have linked via pinterest because these are a total surprise for her. But please go through the link and look at her stunning work. So when I mastered the little roses, I decided to make a big pile of them for her and simply send them to her. I made crocheted 50 of them in all kinds of rosy colors. Gathered up vintage lace into "leaves". Dug through the beads, buttons, and blings stash and added pretty centers. Confessions of a craft supply hoarder - this seemingly massive project has had NO IMPACT on the danged stash. 

But with all that said, every single moment of this project was relaxing and every single stitch contains a prayer.

You can find the link for the pretty little rose tutorial by clicking HERE.  Be sure and say hello while you are there.

************************************************************************

So there you have it --- changes coming --- it's all good.


I have a beautiful life and I really want to live fully;

Teresa

a sweet sweet visitor

She saw me sitting in my porch swing.

I had Keith Urban playing on a big ol' boom box. (Sorry girls - no mp3 player for this mama.) I was singing and just relaxing and stitching on angel wings.

It was a beautiful spring afternoon. Not too much humidity. Late - with the sun shaded by the fully leafed out canopy of the oak tree. NICE.

As she walked across my yard, I turned down the music and greeted her. She asked if it would be an imposition if she joined me for a bit. I welcomed her with open arms - offered her a glass of something to drink - she said no thanks - I'll only be a minute.

Two women --- with 40 years of age difference. 'Cross the street neighbors. Good neighbors --- really. We bought this house from them some 20+ years ago. The house - no THE HOME - he grew up in.  A young couple - small child -- another soon added. They were older -- she his second wife -- kids grown and gone. He would cut our grass on occasion because "he remembered how busy life was with the kids." She cooked. They shared their garden bounty. Good neighbors.

We were away on a softball trip when he passed away. His health declined rapidly over what seemed like a short period of time.

As she sat down on my glider, she smiled. A sweet, beautiful smile of remembering. She started with the phrase "I get so lonesome"  - and continued with "I'll only stay a few minutes"

Two women --- 40 years of age difference.  40 years that did not matter.

I listened while she talked ---

About meeting him after his wife died.

About falling for him.

About driving her mama nuts with her indecision on accepting his proposal.

About an old boyfriend's suicide attempt.

About marrying him.

About an instant family and loving his girls as her own.

About creating home.

About his momma - Miss Myrt - the home I now live in is still called Miss Myrt's house.

About her daughter finding Miss Mrty when she died.

About his health declining.

About being alone after all this time.

She was there almost two hours. It was wonderful. It was special.

Two women -- sharing - loving - accepting - listening.

As she got ready to go - I didn't want her to leave.

She said something in the conversation that warmed me through. "this felt like all those years we visited on this porch."

YES -- I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY. I HAVE A BIG FRONT PORCH. I HAVE GREAT NEIGHBORS. I HAVE A SWING AND CHAIRS AND I WANT A TABLE. I WANT FRIENDS TO SIT THERE AND SHARE. LAUGH. LOVE. MAYBE CRY. I WANT MY HOME TO BE WELCOMING. NOT BECAUSE IT IS PERFECT. NOT BECAUSE IT IS FANCY. NOT BECAUSE IT IS ALWAYS CLEAN. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT THEY ARE WELCOME AND THAT ALL THAT OTHER IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS THE TIME SPENT WITH THEM IS.

I WANT MY HOME TO BE FILLED WITH FRIENDS WHO WILL JUST DROP BY AND "SIT A SPELL"

 Not just us, but as a culture people don't take the time to just visit. Or they combine visiting with "filler" activity. Eating out, shopping, a party, a movie, let's go somewhere. Goodness we need to slow down some.

As a part of my HAPPY DO YEAR - I'm gonna try and see if I spot my neighbor out in the yard, just so I can stop for a quick visit. Or yell across the road to join me and sit a spell on my porch again.

I so enjoyed that time ---

So if any of my readers happen by that there front porch --- come on up the steps. If I'm inside, come on in. Have no idea what conditions you may find, there may be dishes in the sink or I may have to relocate some laundry so you will have a seat. But hey, those dishes and that laundry can wait a little longer. You are far more important than that.

well then.......

image from this site made by this beautiful lady 

I had this wonderful, sad, hopeful, reassuring and all other kinds of words post in my head. But then something happened.

This necklace says it all ---- it's what I want for me and for each of you, for those I love, and for those who love me.

I really just want to live a happy life.

Four words.

Filled with so much potential.

Four words.

brain dump

Source: tassels.tumblr.com via Katie on Pinterest

I haven't written anything in a long, long time. There are words trying to spill out. Words that in the jumble of my mind really make no sense at all. Maybe they will if I give them attention.

 My life is beautiful.
 Chaotic at times, but still quite beautiful.
Those two girls - happy and healthy. Full lives of their own.
Me - well, at home, I live with silence.
There are noises all around me, but nothing of real substance.
TV - dog, cat purring, "what's for supper", "did you talk to your girl today", "no, I guess they are busy"
The mail - left on my end of the counter -bills - bank statements - an occasional treat of a handwritten letter.
A mess everywhere -- a reflection of who I am today??? Maybe.

Wedding debris - leftovers - still piled everywhere. A mess.
So very happy - thankful - that she is on her way - her own journey -
God,  how I pray for a fairly easy path.

An empty bedroom - that other one comes and goes - college, work, her own life.
Full - her journey - her path ----
For that one I pray too --

Darkness - I was told last night that I am embracing darkness.
Nope, wrong, I'm simply resting in the shade.

Been working in the sun way too long.
Long days,
Followed by late nights

Alone with myself for so much of that work.
Silence -- except for the phrase "there's nothing to do around here."
Oh at the things that need doing.
The silent one oblivious or maybe just unwilling, uncaring.
Oh but the darkness there - it is ever present - lights out - clicker - beer - tv spewing mindless chatter.
But nothing to do.

Me - I workout - for my physical and mental health
Me - I work in the studio - for my mental health and maybe a little extra cash for go towards that monster mountain of debt. At least it is not like the Rockies any longer. More like the Smokey Mountains. Sure wish is was like the flat sands on the beach ----
Me - I go with friends - or try too.
Me - I see my mama - I recognize I won't always have her.

Been said by the same "embracing the darkness" person that I'm filling my life with "busy work"

Again - nope - wrong - I'm trying to fill my life with things that I love.

Working in the sun - maybe too much - but the sun is good for me.
Wishing for some serious time in nature -
A path like pictured above.

Some sun - some work - some chaos - some shade - not a straight path - but one that leads me to wander - to ponder - little rabbit trails off to the sides. Some silence that is not deafening. Company alongside. Conversations that accomplish something. Seeing things and pointing them out. Noticing things and acting on them. Working. Relaxing.

Really living.

Oh - I know whats wrong.

But now how in the hell do I fix it?


------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry for the mind spill ----- It still doesn't make sense. I think I need a vacation. But I still think my life is still beautiful.

AND THAT SURE IS A PRETTY PICTURE

I once was lost ....

WAAAAAYYYYY back I posted about looking for Baby Jesus.

Well on Saturday I was looking for my Blue Votive Cups. In the top of the closet where I keep some sets of candle holders, I saw a box labeled FRAGILE. I was convinced it was the candle holders I was searching high and low for.

I climbed on the bed (high shelf) and snagged the box.

Super surprised I was I was.


I FOUND MY BABY JESUS ---------

yay.

Oh and later in the day - well after I quit looking - I found the blue candle holders too.

Love and Best Wishes.

Merry Christmas.

Speed of Light

Busy - busy - busy.

Been missing in action of late. But I wanted to drop in a few pretty pictures and let you know I haven't complete dropped off the face of the earth.

With picnik going away, I have been playing with the features of Befunky.com editing software.

I like it - I may even upgrade to have more options on this one.

Here are some photo edits.

Right off the camera - double rainbow.

double rainbow after editing --- love the moodiness this takes on

A tribute to a man's life. The funeral procession for Hugh James.

Adding a little vintage color and an old viewfinder mask. (I have fallen in love with the viewfinder mask feature)



Right off the camera at an old house here in athens that is being remodeled --- yes the porch floor is purple AND the body of the house is mint green.

Cropped - color saturation enhanced - blur edges.  This is now my facebook profile picture.

This is the photo above with a grunge overlay. I likes this too.

A different overlay - I may order some moo cards with this image.

I am not exactly a Twilight fan, but this edit seems to give that feel to the picture.

It's almost the weekend --- gonna be a busy one ---- love all.

Trash or Treasure

Funny even Tipper has been talking trash of late.

Not only did I score big on that shelf Saturday, I found more treasure. (maybe it really should be referred to as trash) WHATEVER.

The cedar Christmas Tree trimming were still on my front porch and, while I had people there, we decided to haul them out the the tree line. As I was tossing them onto the pile, I spotted what looked like a galvanized bucket out in the woods. Next thing I knew, two of us were digging in an old trash pile. YES - you heard that right - digging in a trash pile.

Old cans, rusted into a crunchy mess - buckets - bed springs - and glass. Lots of bottles and jars. I dug a huge armload out and brought it to the house. I'll clean them up as much as possible and be featuring them along, but here is my favorite.

It is a Gordon's London Dry Gin bottle. The bottle is cool on its own. No chips or cracks to be found, but my favorite part is the moss and ferns growing in it. Seems conditions were good for a naturally occurring terrarium. It sits nicely on flat surfaces. I'll keep it sporadically watered and hope for the best.

Of course "I have GOOGLE and I am not afraid to use it." So I googled said bottle for information.

FACTS I DISCOVERED ABOUT GORDON"S LONDON DRY GIN

1. In the UK, the bottles are green. Clear bottles like mine are "import" designation.
2. My bottle says LINDEN on one side and NEW JERSEY on the other.

(see the block text on mine)

3. The logo mark on the bottom looks like a wolf and has 56. Actually it is a wild boar's head and the 56 is for 1956.

4. The bottle itself has some value. I found the one pictured below on ebay -- dry gin bottle. 9.99 will buy this very cloudy one. You can see how cloudy in the second picture.   Mine is completely clear - no hazing at all. A light green (UK) one of the same era is valued at 45.00 I could not find any good quality clear ones valued at all.

5. The trademark is listed as DEAD at trademarkia.com.  It was registered in 1982 and cancelled in 2003.

I give these facts just because I think it is fun to learn stuff.

I really won't consider selling this bottle - unless the danged moss dies (insert giggles here).

I more than likely will keep this and add it to the stack of other really cool crap I have at my house.

Or like my mama might say -- I'm giving my children a whole of of trash to go through when I die.

What do you think ---- is this one in the TRASH or TREASURE category?

disappointed again........

 Last night in northeast Georgia it was foggy. The kind of fog that many would describe as pea soup.

I drove home from the grocery store in awe of how the landscape changes with that kind of fog. Not able to see many homes from the road, just a glow from the security lights.

I worried about the Softball Princess driving back to school. (she made it just fine).

There was also a big ol' moon glowing through the trees.

I took this picture through my pecan trees when I got got home and sent it to my friend with this description "horror movie foggy in georgia, big moon and skeleton trees. Beautiful night in an eerie way."

You know what I am describing - the kind of foggy night you see on the big screen like the picture below that I blantanty swiped from a google image search.

So why the post title of disappointed --- well --- it's like this. I sat and I waited and waited for what seemed like hours and

He damn well never came out of the fog......

Have a wonderful Monday --- Oh and Mr. Depp --- I'm still waiting.

Just Breathing

There has not been a crisis.

There is no huge announcement pending.

I have just taken a few steps back from the stresses in life and am taking care of "mama" - that would be me.

I'm breathing. I'm cleaning. I'm focusing on some really great things in my life right now.

Please be patient with me --- I'll be back.

let's twist

So there is this property in middle Georgia. A hunt club property. Near the Ogeechee River. I love this property. You make the turn onto the dirt road and something magical happens to your stress. Like some sort of net captures it and won't let it go any further.

There is lots of exploring to do. Several weeks ago we explored into the bottoms close to the river and there are these vines --- massive -- amazing --- vines.

Yes the one that takes a dramatic hard turn to the left there is a vine.

and this "curves ahead" configuration too.

How about an "s" spiral -- headed toward the tree canopy.

We got off the 4 wheeler and traipsed through the woods into and around these massive vines and I spotted some closely spiraled twists that I wanted --- but we were not prepared to get them.

Well, the Crusty Old Guy went back hunting and he went to the woods prepared to get me those twists. Now I have these wonderful wooden shapes. (he is so freaking good to me)

I wear a size 9 womens shoe - so there is your size reference.

Now I have these - they are amazing - and I have no idea what I am going to do with them.

Any ideas?????

Have a happy Monday people.

A DAY OFF.....

The picture is for my buddy - MaryAnn. She will appreciate the humor in there.

I took the day off Wednesday. The only thing I HAD to do was a doctor visit.

I turned off my alarm. I slept in. I really want to know why the bed is so much more comfy and snuggy feeling after the alarm goes off. I got up. I glued. I went to doc visit. I went to eat some lunch.

I took a LOOONNNGGG snuggled in afternoon nap. I SNORED.

I had Mexican with one of my most favorite people in the world.

It was a good - good day.

101 ways to make yourself nuts.

Well not really that many - but I am an expert at the process.

1. play hooky from life when you really should have been working on artshow items.

2. fight the little demon in your head saying let it go.

3. keep working on something that clearly has you befuddled about what to do next.

Having admitted to these three - let me tell you the lessons learned.

1. life really happens in the hooky moments. I took the weekend off to play. really play. it was wonderful it was beautiful. I will be doing it again. i now understand why hunters go to the woods and let me splain - it ain't all about shooting things - the solitude of that activity and the exposure to the great outdoors is VERY VERY good for the soul.

2. some people will never learn. I handed the money to buy a very important car part to someone nameless in my house. the money was piddled away on some other things. (like barbeque tickets that we couldn't use because we were out of town) Now the same person STILL needs the part for the car. I am letting it go - I already bought said car part - I AIN'T BUYING IT AGAIN.

3. I shoulda given up on that altered book and just rested - because the right answer to the "thing that makes it perfect" is now completely clear. Time wasted - 2 hours - now let it go.

Spoon ends waiting for collages and and bending.

I am such a packaging fool.

Wow - we had a gorgeous weekend here in Georgia. temps in the 70's and lots of sunshine.

Friday night - soccer games - then some crochet time in the car while I was waiting for the College Girl and her boy to show up for a ride home.

Saturday found me running the top of Hartwell Dam. I had not done so since September, but I took almost 5 minutes off my run time - pretty significant for an old, fat lady, missing a major organ. Plus, I finished almost a half mile in front of the man (and I came from behind). Did I make sure and let him know just how I felt about this --- well - duh.

Saturday evening was a 50th birthday dinner for a friend.

Sunday was church. Then I got home and discovered a long and assertive cane from my climbing rose was invading College Girls parking place at the house. Seems the cane and the associated thorns were regularly attacking peeps getting out on the passenger side of her car. So there I was in my church clothes, pruning shears in hand, pruning roses. This led to pruning crepe myrtles. Then to pruning the Eucalyptus tree. ALL IN MY CHURCH CLOTHES. craziness. Mom was on a roll.

It was a great weekend. For all kinds of outdoor activity.

But about the title of this post.

I love great packaging. Especially packaging that I can reuse. And sometimes a surprise package will make me giddy with absolute "OMG that's awesome" delight.

We ate lunch at a local meat and 3 place called the Tanner House. I ordered banana pudding for dessert. Then I asked for it "to go". Did they bring me one of those horrid styrofoam containers of banana pudding. NO NO NO ---

Just look how my to go order was packaged.

A cute little mason jar complete with gingham print lid.

Poor Hubby - he just looked at me with that "deer in the headlights" look familiar to bloggers everywhere - as I whipped out the phone to take pictures of said little jar.

Please tell me that at least you guys understand.

Have a wonderful day.

tidbits

NOTE 1: I did this to myself last night. Jumping tires doing an obstacle style rotation at bootcamp. It is just a sprain. I clear the tire I was jumping - but screwed up the landing big time. It was not pretty and I now answer to the name GRACE. Then I picked myself up and dusted off my body and my pride and finished the workout.

NOTE 2: I ran every step of the running route tonight - every freakin' step. I am tickled that the vitamin d seems to be helping not only my energy, but my stamina as well.

NOTE 3: I met some wonderful people on Saturday at an antique mall. Emails have been exchanged and I have new friends. How cool is that?

NOTE 4: I have a smart phone - some days I hate it. However; I can upload and update and check facebook from that phone. Softball Princess has made that discovery too. So last night she asked to use my phone. I told her to wait until I updated my status and checked my notifications. Her response "Mom, that it the saddest thing I ever heard you say." My response --- LOL --- as if it were a word.

NOTE 5: I do not use text shorthand at all. I type all the words and try to use punctuation and correct grammer, but the predict mode on my loverly smart phone sometimes makes me cuss. Then I send texts that read like " love you not live you - damn predict mode"

NOTE 6: If scientists discover a link between Mexican food and cancer - I AM DOOMED. Same for dill pickles, olives, margaritas, and sweet tea.

NOTE 7: Today is Wednesday. The Man and I have fallen into Wednesday night being Mexican Night. So all in one day, I will enjoy each of those favorite foods on the list in Note 6. (I had a dill pickle and sweet tea with my lunch - the rest I will cover at dinner)

Have a wonderful day.

Happy New Year -

2011 - so glad to meet you. We are going to have a great time together. I have a wish list of things I want to do. I have an agenda for laughing and celebrating - all year. There are huge and fabulous opportunities lying in wait in the days of this one. So let's get on with it.

I made one resolution -- I WILL NOT TAKE EVEN ONE SECOND FOR GRANTED.

I picked my word for the year -- ABUNDANCE.
1. of a great supply; more than sufficient quantity.
2. great plenty; wealth

While I hope that money will be in sufficient quantity, I really hope joy and beauty and gratitude and all those other blessings will really be abundant.

MaryAnn and I are also continuing our word focus. January is my month and I chose BEAUTY (BEAUTIFUL) and there have already been beautiful moments in the year.

One New Year's Day I was awakened - not by the alarm - but by the song of one very energetic bird singing his little heart out on my smokehouse roof. (a beautiful moment)

I also spent last night enjoying the great outdoors at bootcamp - cold night, but it felt great to run and exercise and spend time with that fabulous group of women - and pushing my body to increase my fitness is beautiful in its own way. We also recorded our measurements - on the WebMD BMI Calculator - I am obese. But I am only 30 pounds from the "safe range" for my height instead of 80. Maybe I will get into those blue pants yet.

Now - I am sharing thses photos just for the fun of it. Notice - I was not intoxicated - but I am also not a teenager comfortable with the whole self portrait thing. We went to hear Uncle Rockstar and the band he sings with for the New Years Eve party. Saw more Tits and A$$ than at a strip club. Young girls in way too small - revealing - tight - short - low cut clothes. And they were "hanging" all over the boys. One day those girls will realize how "trashy" that is instead of being "sexy".
I look drunk here ---

He really looks drunk here.

Notice these pictures were taken seconds apart. And neither of us was intoxicated at all.

Thanks to John for reserving us a table - we had a blast.

Let's see what 2011 brings us. Hope it is great for all of us.

Friday ......

Sick. (Not serious)

Sad. (Lost a dear friend)

Sore. (last night's workout)

See you guys Monday. Have a wonderful weekend.

bouncing ....

Sorry - didn't mean to go mia again.

I seem to be struggling with some heavy emotions right now.

The horribly blurry picture of the poca dog was taken Saturday on the way home from the vet. She rides wonderfully, but is in steady motion the entire time. She also does not mind the trip to the vet. They are so good and she just goes right in. Good thing, because she is staying with them this weekend.

Softball Princess team made the Elite 8 Level of the State Tournament. So softball is a priority right now. Every game is emotional, because this is her Senior year and we are closing in on the end of the season.

Can we also go ahead and say - OMG what am I going to do with her daddy this time next year. He is almost a nut case right now too. They have traveled so much together for softball and travel tournaments. It is great that we (he) was able to do this, but it makes it so hard to realize that she is about to move up and on into the next phase of her life.

Last week we got the first college acceptance letter for her. I am so not ready for this.

College Girl was home this weekend and we had a surprise "date night" with her. Seems the boyfriend had to work, so we graciously stepped into being her date. It was wonderful to have her undivided attention. But, then she drops the news about grad schools she is emailing and talking to advisors about. Places like CalTech and Nebraska and MIT. You know - places a long long way from home.

All of this following very closely on the heels of my "surprise" tour earlier this year.

I feel lost - adrift - like others are okay planning for the future, but being fearful of making too many plans myself.

So I bounce - much like the dog in the car - from window to window - door to door. Reacting to the latest request for my time or attention.

I text MaryAnn about some of this on Saturday - and she reminded me that our word for this month is DARE. I'll be closing the month tomorrow with how I DARED to do some things this month and how I've been affected.

Til Tomorrow my friends - the crazy nutcase leaves you with this ---

I really do have a beautiful life. Love. More. Most. Mutual.

warning - too funny --- but it is not me.

This was me in May 2009. the picture that triggered a whole new lifestyle.

This was me on September 9, 2010. Others have noted differences - I struggle to see them.

But here is the reason for the post title. This morning, my lovely inbox contained comments on an old post that include the links for MaggieGrace Nude - MaggieGrace Topless - MaggieGrace Naked. At least my commentor was not named ANONYMOUS. This one's name is BEST. The comments even say Great Quality.

Normally - I would simply delete these comments and go on. But considering my quest for my health and fitness, I'm addressing this quite honestly.

1 - I have never been drunk enough to forget what I did. I have wished for that to be the case, because I have done some pretty stupid things in years past that I wish I could forget. (old old news)

2 - so unless there is footage out there that I am completely unaware of (unlikely) - this type of video has not been made of me.

3 - I have seen the above person sans clothing. Great quality is not a very accurate description of that. For starters - right now there is an UGLY bright red scar that used to read FEAR, but now is simply interpreted as live-saving. (Still - it ain't pretty)

4 - I am still significantly overweight. Headed the right direction, but still not worth this kind of attention.

5 - I do not know where the comment links take you, but I am terribly sorry Mr or Mrs Best, those videos are not of me. While some may have been very flattered by this comment - I am not. And while some may be excited about these links - if they were of me, counselors everywhere would be getting "OMG help me get that image out of my brain" phone calls.

Thus ends my commentary on Mr Best's links to the internet netherworld.

Please do not follow such links. This is a public service warning.

Have a wonderful day.

No room for.......

Right now I have no room for petty behavior, rudeness, or sickening self importance in my world.

As a result I was uncharacteristically sarcastic today at lunch. Since, I am a blogger of my life happenings, I'm sharing this with you.

Setting -- Barnes and Noble Cafe Athens, GA. Lunch time. One sweet and busy girl behind the counter.

Mood -- I just had my pre-op at the urologist for the stone blasting next Friday.

I dropped by B&N to grab a pretzel for my lunch. They cafe was busy. The one poor little girl behind the counter was scurrying about like Cinderella trying to prepare food, drinks, take orders and work the register. I waited in line and glanced through several magazines while I waited. People placed their orders and visited with each other. Patiently waiting. All but the lady in line behind me.

She was on her cell phone (which I am guilty of) but she was loud and full of negative energy. Complaining to whoever it was on the other end of this phone call - did I already say she was loud - she made sure everyone knew how poor she thought the service was here. Now the little girl behind the counter literally is doing all she can do - and as you know I didn't get stellar news at the doctors office, so my perspective is a little different. Cut her some slack, she is by herself.

Anyway, it is my turn to order. As I open my mouth to order, the lady behind me butts in and says "can you hurry up?" I order my pretzel and a drool worthy chocolate treat. She butts in again with "are you by yourself?" I finish my order and say to the little girl, "please add one of those chocolate treats to that lady's food, it appears she might need some positive energy in her life today." I pay for my order and step aside to wait.

The lady behind me places her order and again (loudly) says "and I'm in a hurry." To put it mildly - this just flew the hell all over me. Under normal circumstances, I would simply ignore this, but today that is not the case. I step to the counter beside this lady and tell the little girl behind the counter, (loudly of course) "SINCE THIS LADY"S TIME IS SO MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVERYONE ELSE'S, SWEETIE PLEASE FIX HER FOOD BEFORE YOU FIX MINE." The little girl asks if I am sure and I say (loudly again) "YES HONEY, I'M SURE. WE WILL ALL BE BETTER OFF IF SHE GETS WHAT SHE WANTS AND LEAVES."

This was met with smiles and nods from many customers, and an indignant "ugh" from the lady. And glares - hard dagger like glares. Me - I just met her glare and simply held her eyes with mine.

So - to the rude, self-important lady at Barnes and Noble. I hope you enjoy your chocolate treat. I really hope you don't choke on your self important attitude.

Have a wonderful day.