pretty journals

I've made "stitchie bits" for months.

Cleaning, sorting, using up.

Hoarded stash stuff. 

Getting ready for Grateful Hope. 

I knew from early on that these would become part of my journals that I am gifting each person with. 

These are raw - unedited pictures right from my camera. 

I thought the counted cross stitch was fitting for a retreat about counting blessings. 

I'll give a quick description of each. 

Keep in mind - there were no patterns for these bits.

I did have to purchase the journals (composition books), but everything else for these came from my stash. 

Worst thing about that --- this didn't make a noticeable dent in that stash. 

Rustic Blue Paper and vintage postage stamps.

Floral and a comtemporary pattern - a surprise pairing - and flat backed pearls and rhinestones.

Textured Paper and vintage buttons

Another surprise pairing - polka dots and glitter paper with vintage buttons.

I still LOVE that worn blue wooden button. The polka dots are pink on brown.

 This is ALL Tim Holtz Paper stenciled with glitter embossing powder using a stencil from Sweet Stamps

This combo is just HAPPY looking - same stencil as above and Shamrock Dreams Embossing powder from Globecraft and Piccolo

There are several papers here --- but my favorite is that bicycle image. 

This is Tim Holtz paper too - and I spotted this with clear embossing powder. Looks like it rained on it. 

More Tim Holtz - this time with vintage buttons and a gold toned braid. 

I have stashed (hoarded) that butterfly paper for a LONG TIME

Vintage buttons again (I have a thing for buttons)

Glued several papers for that background - the butterfly is embossed

 with Cranberry Wine Embossing Powder - again from G&P. 

I loved this stitchie bit the most -- I am thrilled with this one.

Car tag paper ---- this is just plain fun

The pattern around the stitchie is stenciled in Gilded Rose Gold Embossing powder and uses a Sweet Stamps stencil as well. 

See - I have been working -------

Have a wonderful day - LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL.

MORE ALTERED COMPOSITION BOOKS

I've been very productive of late. This is a good - no GREAT thing. 

I've got a big stash of the composition books and a ton of ideas for them. 

But when I sit down and start on them - sometimes I just stall out. 

The two I'm featuring today were STALLED - seriously stalled for a bit. 

See that blue paper background? HEAD OVER HEELS for that paper. Looks like old old crackled wood. and I was determined to use it. 

So I covered the front of the book and then could not find any embellishments to go with it. 

I thought and I dug and I pondered and fretted.

Then  remembered a box (SOMEWHERE) that I had hardware in. Old doorplates and pulls type of hardware. 

Found the box and this old doorplate. I scrubbed it up and sprayed it with some sealer. But what to do about the keyhole - the lock was long gone.

I scrounged around and found this stamp. It is patterned after old postmarks. I stamped it and glued behind the plate. Then I filled it in with 3d paper glaze. Fun and perfect.

Glue onto the cover. I really really like this one a lot.

Another one that stalled (and that I almost just left without anything on it) was the old measuring tape one.

This is a great paper - with glossy and embossed areas - featuring these old measuring tapes.

Again - I pondered and dug.

For some reason - this felt like an old general store kind of thing.

Gather - old receipts from a dry good store (1920's receipt) and some from a traveling salesman to a lumber company (1950's)

I had a torn bit of a tape measure  - and a polite "collection notice" sticker (thank you MaryAnn)

But for some reason this felt unfinished.

So I left it and came back to it later.

I found some shims I had tucked away and stamped them with some block numbers. (8-15 happens to be my grandmothers birthday - The Man's grandmother's birthday - AND my daughter's birthday)

But they were not exactly the right color ---- GlimmerMist - great stuff and they now have it at JoAnn's.

I sprayed the shims and knew this was perfect.

Pile it all up - and glue it down.

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT.

Hope you guys have a great day.

He Stole My Heart

He stole my heart ...... 

Literally.

This Rusty, grungy, absolutely loverly piece of wrot iron is hanging on the wall above my desk.

Stolen off a remodeling job site. I spied it on a walk through and  before I knew it, this lovely came to live on my wall. 

Now if he would just steal the stunning building that is also on that property. The building that I took 4 steps into and screeched to a halt with a sharp intake of breath. I immediately whispered --- this is MaggieGrace World. My dream space for a studio. Oh well, guessing it will remain just that ---- 

No onto reality. 

Friday night found us - The Bride-to-Be and myself - gluing stuffs together. 

I managed to drip hot glue from my commercial glue gun and give myself 3rd degree burns between two fingers. 

Wedding prep hazard I guess. 

Oh and to really screw up the weekend, that same glue gun decided it was time to give up and die.

Hope you guys have a great day.

We are still diligently working for on details for the wedding ---- more to come.

Love.

Sparkle and Shine

A long time ago, I posted about using the "good stuff". See, like all creative souls, I hoard my greatest finds for that moment, person, or event that I deem worthy of using those things. 

I think my daughter's wedding is that kind of event!!!

And it just happens that she was interested in

a vintage look (check) 

Lace (check) 

Eclectic feel (check) 

Saving money by doing a lot of it ourselves (check, check, check)

So we start pinning -- and digging through the stuff. Let's just say creative mom has a really deep pile of hoarded stuffs (all being saved for that perfect event) 

Things like chandelier drops. Super nice papers. Beads from her Great Grandmother's stash (there is a long line of us gatherers) Props and such from her Nomi (she's in this line too) 

And I am overwhelmed. 

But I have started a calendar/checkoff list for this here project. And I and recording my musings and progress here. 

Last night I was making the dangly bits (imagine that - the spell checker does not like the word dangly) and thinking about how readily I am pulling materials out of the stash to use. I took the picture below a pile of prisms and some of the most stunning paper I have in my stuff. 

Then this morning, I decide to play with the image using BeFunky (its free online)

OOOOH look --- that is so freaking pretty. 

So then I made it my Facebook cover. Just because I like it. 

Back to the work at hand. I want to finish this light fixture this weekend. 

I made the top tier of dangly bits (there is that squiggly red line again) and attached them last night. 

Confession - I made six versions and went back to dig for goodness before I was happy with these. 

They do look like I imagined hanging on the fixture. 

Ya'll have a great weekend --- 

I plan to. 

Tuesday

Rain.

Slow slow slow at work.

Reading this book - interviews with cooks and chefs. Wonderful.

I love cookbooks. For many years, I didn't cook. I can cook, I just didn't. But I bought and continue to buy cookbooks, I drool over the pictures. I want to learn to cook better. So now that I am trying to eat better and exercise, I am cooking more and trying new things. It's all good. I am actually USING my cookbooks. New to me - new to my family - and unbelievably - a welcome break to our food budget. By shopping carefully and planning, I can minimize the impact on the check book. Eating out is expensive.

I am working in the studio A LOT getting ready for the Art Show. Don't get me wrong, I love that focus on being creative, but I am ready to slow down a little and nest a lot. To do some things in and around my house. Ready for painter to be finished and get the outside landscaping and porches done. To take everything out of the cabinets in my kitchen - get a pantry cabinet added and move things to locations that make more sense.

My girls can drive themselves places and I am home more than I have been in years. I can see now that the home we made has been a great place for raising these girls, it is just time for some "gussying up" in order to really enjoy spending time there.

Is this what "pre-empty nest syndrome" looks and feels like? Or is this quest for simplicty and prettifying a product of getting healthy and feeling more balanced. I am not sure what a true mid life crisis looks like, but if this is what its about - count me in.

Don't look for me in a cute sports car featuring a boob job and face lift - I'll be in the kitchen or the studio or sitting at that new (old) table on the front porch.

Just random babble for the day.

I have a beautiful life - I think I always did, but now I can really see it.

Day 16 -

This post brought to you by the migraine from hell. I did work in the studio for a long time last night - but no pictures. I forgot to take them - I also forgot to put the coffee pot back under the basket this morning at work. Yup brewed a whole pot just for the floor - poured the water in and walked off. Seems the Relpax makes me stupid - no more of that - glad I only have the samples and that I have no money invested.

I'll bring pictures of the new journals tomorrow.

Now for today -

Fred Lyda comes by our office all the time. He "hangs out" with us. Retired and spends a significant amount of time and money at junk outlets, auctions, and flea markets.

He brought a box of silverware several weeks back that I bought from him for like nothing. I am now sorting through it.



I only have one of these silverplate forks - pretty handle detail. I have it in the console of my SUV - I am in a quandry about what to do with it. I pick it up and ponder while I am driving or waiting at lights etc.

See my favorite detail is not the one above.

Here's my favorite ............

See it - the little word there.....

I magnified it for you ...

Engraved on the back of the handle is the word "precious". I'm pondering the idea of making this the focal point of a jewelry piece. Or maybe let it be a hidden message on a bracelet. "I don't know" - she says and puts it back to ponder some more.

LBF laughed yesterday when I told him how I was agonizing over this tiny detail and how it has me completely stuck on this one. He's pissed about me making him laugh too - he fell trout fishing and cracked/bruised several ribs. I tried to explain myself but - oh well. Only another artist will understand.

Oh and the Man at my Address - doesn't understand at all either. He came into the studio last nightand stayed all of about 3 minutes before he expressed boredom and bailed back to watch mindless TV. At least he didn't laugh.

See you guys tomorrow --- hopefully with some intelligent function in my brain.

I have a beautiful life.

Laid on my heart to say.....

Another of my "stranger" pictures. I have found out that this was made at a Girl Scout camp in the foothills area of North GA.

This is not a sermon - I just feel like this needs to be written down and since I treat this as an online journal for myself as well as a craft blog, here is where I am recording it.

Last night was night 4 - tonight is the last night of VBS. Have we made a difference in anyones lives? Well last night something happened that made a difference in mine. I pray for people in our church. Don't really even think about it, it is just what we do. I consider that prayer effective and necessary. I pray for my family. My friends. Strangers even (if the prompt is given to me).

I am not one of those "holier than thou" people. I have a faith statement but refuse to push it on others and I am so far from perfect that even I shake my head at times at some things I have done.

Last night I was have a conversation with one of the VBS workers and as we finished and this person was leaving, I felt the urge to wrap my arms around this person and lift a prayer WITH them - thanksgivings to God - a request for strength - a request for peace - and for reminders that we make a difference with what we do. That simple 5 sentence prayer affected me and this person and the results were immediate, soul feeding, and more than likely long-lasting.

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20

Now - I'll be stepping down from the pulpit. Just remember - it is just as important to pray WITH people as it is to pray FOR people.

Have a wonderful day.

Sweet 16 .....

There was not supposed to be a second child. I had complications with the College Girl and was advised not to repeat that whole pregnancy process. But God has a wonderful sense of humour. One birth control pill - not missed just taken 8 hours later than normal - one night of drinking - and wow - tequila causes babies. I was 3 months pregnant before I really knew - call it denial. I just remember coming out of the bathroom holding that test and saying over and over "its pink".

Well - Softball Princess was a surprise - a happy accident.

She also got here fast - really fast - 42 minutes fast. Labor induction - was most of the morning - but from the first "real" contraction to holding her in my arms - 42 minutes. My lovely inlaws missed it - they tried to be there - but they ran to grab lunch and she made this arrival while they were gone - I'm just glad they didn't talk Daddy into going to lunch with them.

I say all the time "she got here fast and hasn't slowed down since."

She also continues to surprise us every day.

In honor of Softball Princess Sweet 16th Birthday - here are 16 things for her.

1. You were never afraid to try anything. Climb a ladder as a toddler. Color John and Maria's wall purple. You always wanted to go higher and faster than everyone else. Honey - keep reaching - be the best you can - always be open to trying new things - you never know what or who you are going to love.

2. The picture above was taken during one of your Mom's stupid moments. Molly was 3 you were in a stroller and still drinking formula. Dad told Molly we would go to Disney World and away we went. You were recovering from the chicken pox. Exhausting trip - but like always and like you still are - you enjoyed every minute. Mom's advise here - never take a non walking baby to a theme park.

3. I adore your sense of humour. You function like I do. Humour is your go to for stress reduction. You use it to break the ice with others. Sometimes you use it to cover your insecurities. Honey - hang onto that - it will be a device that will hold you together when it may seem like the world is coming apart. Maybe even someday - we will share those jokes that I refuse to share with you now.

4. You are secure in who you are. Really always have been. I cannot express how proud that makes me. You are beautiful inside and out.

5. You have chosen your friends well. I love those kids you hang out with. I love being around them. They are good kids. Always trust your gut about people - you will know.

6. Forgive. I have seen you forgive me and Dad. Molly too. I have also seen you forgive yourself. We all really screw up at times. Forgiving is always a part of life. Go easy on yourself. Go easy on others. But remember - forgiving is not the same as letting others run over you.

7. Always stand for what is right. Sometimes that is hard to do, but you are strong. You also have a good faith basis - you know what is right and fair.

8. I am so glad we don't have to fight about indecent clothing. I love the very respectful way you dress. It helps that everything is beautiful when it comes in a junior size 5.

9. You have always treated others with respect and integrity. Please continue that. If you are respectful most of the time others will respect you. Above all, conduct your life in a way that allows you to respect yourself.

10. Being intelligent is not a crime. I am glad you take pride in your studies. I am happy that you are ranked so well in your class. I know it takes a lot of work to be an athlete and a good student. We are proud of you and proud that you understand the need for all that effort.

11. When you were born - your Daddy bought you a ball. Damn, there are times that I wish it had been something else. But you are a natural athlete. Your abilities and your heart for your sports and your teammates, leave me in awe. Your discipline to improving your skills amazes me. Your committment is worthy of many peoples praise. I love being there on the sideline cheering you on.

12. You take adversity in stride. I will never forget the day you had you hand surgery after that injury. Although coach had given you a reprieve, when you woke up that afternoon all you said was "you are gonna take me to practice, right?" So I took you to practice. A surgical break - not one missed practice. Sitting there in the dugout - cheering on your team. Still the loudest one. Challenges are just that to you - something to overcome - a way to better yourself - to find another task you can do - or a way to accomplish what need to be done. A wonderful trait.

13. Sweet - kind. To kids, to adults, to animals. I have no words to describe how proud that makes me.

14. You got your Daddy wrapped around your finger. And you know it. That ain't a bad thing. When you finally go away to school I am not sure what I am going to do with him. Can I send him off with you? I love the close relationship that you two have. As you become an adult, go forth in your strengths but always know that your Daddy and I are right here. Cheering you on all the way, ready to pick you up and put you back on the path. We got your back.

15. Live out loud. God I love this picture. Wide open. Ready to go. Your personality was always this big. Your personality still is. Throw yourself into loving your God, loving others, loving life, loving yourself. Don't regret - it is wasted energy.

16. Happy Sweet sixteen beautiful Abby. God blessed us with you. You continue to bless us. I hope to celebrate so many more years with you. Hang on and enjoy the ride. It only gets better from here.

Love mom ----

Note - I will pass on any comments and birthday wishes to the Softball Princess.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh....

Hey everyone - a quick update based on some of my comments about my loss of dignity. The instructor for boot camp is a certified instructor and there are myriad medical professionals in the participants. I have not been unsafe in any way - I grew up in the south and have two athletes in my house. Me and the Man used to be athletes. I am staying hydrated before during and after my workouts. I am eating so much healthier and, while I am sore and stiff and challenged by this program, I am beginning to see and feel the "good" results of this effort.

Enough of that - we are having a really stressful time in my family right now. Not my immediate family, this is an extended issue. The kind of thing that is a result of really bad decisions.

The Man at My Address is off this week - I am working. Yesterday he put the AC in my studio --- YEAHHHHH -- now I can escape to MaggieGrace World and get some relaxation.

He also called yesterday afternoon and he and the Softball Princess had taken off to the lake fro the afternoon. They packed up the stuff to grill and we had an impromptu evening of dinner and swimming. Then Softball Princess drove home.

Oh and Happy Birthday Granddaddy - he will be 81 on Sunday.

Did you know that the best "buns of steel" workout is riding with your teenage child in the dark for the first time? The clenching of your butt cheeks on the seat = great workout. Those of you who are parents of teen drivers will know what I speak of.

I love the lake. Sunset is my favorite time of the day there. The water smooths down, the air is warm, not hot, the water temp is near perfect. We swam - then got the floats and sat in the water and watched the sunset.

Look ---


I love shoe and feet shots so I took a few. Flip flops -- live in them when I am not at work. These are my favorites today.


The result of many days of ballfield sitting. Tan lines.



Yes the shore is rocky - not great beach walking at all. At least the lake bottom where we were is the same way - I hate an icky bottom.

As we were leaving last night, I spotted this.

Love it when the universe sends its love. I didn't even edit this - the heart was really that red on this leaf. My family just shrugs and shakes their head when I grab the camera for these shots.

All in all a nice evening - good food - relaxing swim. I love the feel of lake water on my skin.

Did I alreay say --- AHHHHHHHHHHH?

Have a great day.

Bits and bobs

edit to add: I completely forgot to add a "you rock" comment to the man at my address. On Saturday, the softball girls were in a tournament (I was not there) and they had a break. Softball Princess spent that break with other teen girls and the daddy picking out a new swimsuit at target. That gets brownie points with all the women at our address.



The view from my desk chair just a few minutes ago. A stunning magnolia blossom brought in by a friend for me. Smells like lemon and this thing is almost a foot across. I think I like having flowers on my desk a lot.

Look at the contrast in the stem of the maple leaf. I stopped and took a few snapshots over the weekend.

I want to sit at that table and enjoy an afternoon. I want to sleep with the windows open and hear the sound of running water. I want to feel the breeze change directions and suddenly fill the room with the smell of salty air. I really like the sound of the tide going out of the salt marsh.

I want ---

An embrace to become a slow dance in kitchen just because the mood feels right.

To listen to soulful music in the dark.

Flowers on my desk more often.

To be aware that these small joys are what really matter in my life.

To suddenly realize how relaxed and happy I really am when I am creating.

To remember to be thankful no matter what the situation is.

To sing with out worrying what others may think. Dance just because it feels good and my body wants to move. To laugh those deep heartfelt belly laughs. To walk and see the beauty around me.

To live this life intentionally always ready for sacred surprises like these.

I am so happy.

Have a beautiful Monday ya'll

Not a Farewell

Just a pretty vintage image. Cause I hate posting without a pretty something.

We are busy - yes the economy is being stimulated. This is a good thing.

FYI - if you are going to set up a SECRET facebook account under a false name (for any reason) do not use your normal email address. Your wife will find it because she has her facebook set to recommend friends based on her email address book. She is smarter than you are. I'm just saying............

See ya'll tomorrow.

Reality + a thrifty find.

I brought my bud vase to work. This little vase was in my gift box last weekend. Jenn took supplies to Aloha Land to make these adorable little treats (I always pack a trip kit when I go anywhere) . I wanted to savor the feelings that I brought home with me, so I snipped a little bit of my Japanese Maple (the color is perfect) and put my tiny fairy on my desk at work.

I want to again publicly thank Jenn and Suzanne for their hospitality. I know that I appreciated every tiny detail. Only those who "get it" understand the time and effort that goes into all those little bitty treats. I went through the Flickr set for our little soiree and the one thing that struck me is how many of us took pictures of the details.

There is another thing that has surprised me about giving myself permission to pursue my passion. Maybe it is that I am finally maturing, or maybe there is just security in where I am, but I am quite comfortable in my skin and my surroundings at home. My style of creative expression fits me. I am about recycled works - I lean heavily toward muted, neutral colors, vintage fabrics or those that have that appearance - I am still Mom first and that is a great feeling - rustic old furniture is a great fit for me and my lifestyle. I really appreciate the work involved in handcrafted items. I am most comfortable in flat shoes (although I do love a skinny heeled pretty shoe) and I want to dress comfortably.

But, there are some things that need to evolve. I am now in the right frame of mind to lose some weight. I am ready to feel "pretty" again and I don't right now. This is a good thing. I am ready to proceed with some changes to our house and property. All of this kind of "gelled" in my mind this weekend. I will also give myself permission to take these kinds of trips and retreats again and again.

Pretty heavy feelings to come from such a light hearted and fun weekend. But it is what it is. And although they may be heavy feelings - they are positive feelings. Just what I needed in my life right now. The discussions around our circle on Saturday night simply confirmed where my mind was drifting. Carol used the word "evolve" and that may become a focus for me in the next few weeks.

Enough ---------

Time for thrifty stuff.....

I took a big bag of old books (not vintage, just junk) to the thrift store yesterday. Even though I only was going to drop them off, I ended up cruising the aisles and I found these.

Bowls, salad or dessert plates, and dinner plates. They are not fine china, I do not want them to be. I am now on the lookout for cheap pink, blue, or green glass candle holders to make three tier trays from these. They are plain in the middle and the entire stack cost me about 15.00. Now - how do I glue these together. I normally use E6000, but will that hold glass to glass effectively if they are handwashed? Help......

Have a great day.

unlikely friends

The picture has not one thing to do with the post. I snagged it off a cabin rental website just because I liked it.

what is with blogger's formatting today? sorry

I have been test driving a used vehicle we are considering buying. Yesterday - it rained in the south again - and said vehicle decided to give me a tiny bit of trouble. Dad was a mechanic right up until the day of his accident. My instinct was that the problem was not serious. I was right. I took the car back to have it checked and spent my entire evening remembering my dad - the sights, smells, complete atmosphere of the shop was a very pleasant experience for me.

The title of this post is directed twofold. I met "granddaddy" last night - the grandfather of the man I am buying the car from. I had remarked upon entering that every shop must have a mustang body. Joey then decided I was to meet granddaddy and his collection of mustangs. What a wonderful experience that was. Thin, wise, soft spoken, with an abundantly long white beard - granddaddy was a pleasure. The cars - OMG - all prize winning restorations. Amazing. 5 mustangs and a 55 chevy. I'll be back to spend time with granny too - in the future. Imagine - she drives a classic car to work everyday. Unlikely friends - an unlikey common interest - and a fulfillment of the note from the universe that was in my inbox this morning.

These are the times, teresa, when hopes are dashed and chaos abounds, that golden opportunities, prized ideas, and new friends emerge into the view of all, but are only seen by the few who look.

I was looking. I found new friends. How cool is all that?

When I started blogging, I did not expect to form "relationships". But I did and I did that quickly. My early blogger buddies remain some of my closest friends. I know that sounds really strange, to have a friend that you would not recognize their voice if they called you on the phone. But I do have the close friends. We email, we comment, we snail mail, and in many ways these people know me and recognize who I am even more than those who live across the road from me.

There are too many of you to list. But I love each of you and you have a special place in my heart. I know that if I call on you, you will respond. The internet has made the world a much closer space. I am thrilled to have you in my life. However, if you call my house, let me know who you are, a voice and a name would be wonderful to combine. Even better, if you knock on the door, let me know whether its maragaritas or sweet tea I'm serving. I will happily prepare either for you my sweet cyber friends.

LOVE YOU ALL

Have a wonderful day.

Today is Thursday....

eta -I have decided to give up reruns of CSI, Law and Order, and House for Lent. The time I would normally spend vegging in front of the tv watching those will be better spent accomplishing other, more important things. --

I am amazed - this is post 701.

When I woke up this morning this post was to be something totally different. Then I got to work and had this in my inbox from facebook.

Molly wrote on your Wall:"Yeah...So...I should maybe mention the speeding ticket I got on the way to my baptism yesterday... I have to call on Monday. And I really should have an insurance card in my jeep. Cause that guy totally stole the piece of paper with my proof of insurance..."

This child who has not really ever given us one major issue - has suddenly decided that she needs to make up for lost time. I have already called her and informed her that the paycheck from her on campus job will be used to cover this cost. I have also threatened her daddy with taping his genitals to the inside of his thigh with duct tape if he covers this for her. And while have chosen my words carefully over the really big issue - I had no reserves on this one - 75 in a 55 - her day is not going well either.

Go ahead - laugh out loud at this - I did.

She was baptized last night. I wore this.


A necklace made from an old key. I received many compliments on it. Enough that even the Man at my Address agrees that I need to make more of my stuff and try to sell some. I found that a little amazing too.

Jennifer (MMB's mother) made Molly's baptism gown. That is a gesture I appreciate more that she can imagine. Simply beautiful - modest - she will add to it for later events. A proper thank you is required for that gesture of love and caring and support.

Tim (MMB's stepdad) said the nicest thing about the evening. He thanked us but also verbally recognized the difficulty and gave us his appreciation for supporting her.

A different view of the necklace. Yes it is a little unusual - I like it.

I watched Molly interact with people we do not know. She was poised, comfortable, confident. That makes me happy. I could tell that she was pushing the tension into the back of her mind, not allowing it to interfere with "her" evening. That is a skill that will serve her well into the future.

Every one in the ward was very sensitive to the tension and awkwardness of the event. They went out of their way to make us feel welcome. I appreciate this.

Mostly I am thankful for a relationship with my daughter that remains as strong as it was - maybe even stronger - since we have learned to lovingly disagree.

I also wore this.....

A Brighton bracelet. This was a gift a few years ago from a friend. The two hearts are significant as it is a reminder that I could lean on this person for anything. The day I received it, I was facing another round of tests to be sure the breast cancer was not there and I was uneasy about it like so many times before. I went through so much of the breast cancer process alone, feeling like I could not lean because of many reasons. I rarely wear this because the clasp arrangement is a little weak - I actually lost it once and had it returned to me by a random series of events. But when I need reassurance - I find myself putting it on and using it much like a Catholic would use a rosary - the symbolism is strong for me and I have leaned hard on the giver of this a lot in the past week.

So here is a thank you to my friend for weathering yet another storm with me.

God has given me so much strength, grace, comfort and wisdom through this. Blessings to be sure. Many opportunities to share my witness and His love. It has not been easy, but I have been blessed. For this I give thanks.

Now we move on to a more expected form of teenage stress for a parent - anybody want to adopt an 18 year old female with a traffic ticket to pay and at least 5 more years of college. LOL.

Have a beautiful day - We are taking the Softball Princess late Friday night to meet her youth group on the ski trip. 5 hours drive - because she has a basketball game and can't leave when the rest of the crew does. I have been promised that the return trip on Saturday will include the ability to yell STOP when I see a junk, antique, or thrift store that might interest me.

Things

Okay - so I need to laugh at myself today - work is far too stressful to laugh at -so I am going to tell some of the stories on myself.

These things will all be very funny one day for the monsters to talk about too. This entire list could also be referenced as THINGS I HOPE MY CHILDREN NEVER DO.

1. On my high school graduation night - I was drinking hunch punch with the man at my address and a good friend from school. She and I decided to skinny dip. I was in the water up to chest deep before I realized we had forgotten a critical step in this process - I still had my clothes on. (btw - what exactly is in hunch punch.)

2. Have any of you been dropped off on the side of the street from a tractor trailer cab at 3 am - carrying your shoes so you don't get them wet in the sprinklers. (It was not what you are thinking - I promise)

3. Ever walked into a bar on Burbon Street in New Orleans during the jazz festival and had the bartender call you by first name with the phrase "Oh good, Teresa's here, now this party can start" - I have that t-shirt too.

4. I have been guilty of cursing my soon to be Father-in-Law as he was making too much noise in the kitchen. The man at my address thought he was superman - complete with the cape - the night before. (Dennis if you are still reading here - may want to ask about this one - there are pictures of Superman) There was alcohol involved. This was the same night we loaded a lit hibatchi grill into the cab of a truck and moved to the lake and back.

5. If I want to send my sister into an unrecoverable fit of the giggles - all I have to do is snort. Long story - we replay this particular funny almost every time the entire family gets together. Yes I am 40+ but it is still too funny when it happens.

6. I have been accused of being the only woman some guy knew who put more clothes on with every tequila drink he bought me.

7. On having a customer come in and me thinking she looked familiar. She did look familiar - she owned a bar and I was almost asked to leave for stacking gooseneck beer bottles bottom to bottom and neck to neck on the table. I had fourteen stacked when this conversation occurred. She is still a customer.

8. know what a company front is? I am a band geek and was the very end of the line formed as the band came straight across the field. Problem - mini bottles snuck onto the band bus. Bigger problem - turning the wrong way and meeting my daddy in the end zone of the football field.

How come all these are alcohol related??????????

Having written all this, it is an absolute wonder that I am a responsible functional adult. Proof positive that we all make mistakes and even I can over come all of mine. Oh there is more I can tell - these just came to mind today.

ONE THING YOU WILL NOT FIND IN MY PAST - NOT ONE ILLEGAL DRUG EVER.

That I am so very proud of. Lannae - I promise I will not corrupt your boys.

Come on everyone - share something about yourself.

Have a great day.