Monday, June 30, 2008
City of Brotherly Love - well, close enough
Sunday, June 29, 2008
What are the chances?
Friday, June 27, 2008
A Sticky Situation
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thankful Thursday
1) I'm thankful that I had absolutely NO travel this week! That's right, I've been home since last Saturday night at 9:30 and I don't leave again until next Monday morning;
2) I'm thankful that I recognize (most times, I think) when God is working, connecting, making Himself clearly present in my life. I'm reading a Christian fiction book called "The Shack" by William Young. On the plane home Saturday, I was reading a chapter where "God" was discussing with Mack, the main character, that He wasn't all about "religion" and the formalities in most churches but rather simply wanted us to have a relationship with Him, Jesus and The Holy Spirit. I went to church Sunday morning and Mike Harper, our preacher, spoke of the EXACT same desire. I was sitting there thinking to myself..."are you reading the same novel?". So, I got the message - loud and clear. Although, I once had another preacher tell me to simply talk to Jesus like He was the passenger in my car. Same concept, huh? That's all God wants - a relationship with us;
3) I'm thankful for "Bluetooth", that bug-looking thing that goes in your ear so you can talk on your cell phone wirelessly. I'm thankful for that because people will think I'm talking to someone on my cell phone in my car when really I'm acting like Jesus is the passenger next to me and I'm really talking to Him!
4) I'm thankful for the hour that Mike and I had together at the gym last night. We met there, went over what each of us would be doing, never saw each other again until we left - - - but I knew he was there and just in the other room...as I've mentioned before, our time together is rare and I truly appreciate it whenever we're simply in the presence of one another;
5) I'm thankful that Paul Smallwood's foot surgery went well and he's recovering nicely at home. Paul is my buddy Cathy's husband;
6) I'm thankful for the accolades I received yesterday from my new boss. It's very early on in my new position but during the owners meeting earlier this week, my "way of doing business" was praised as was my "team player" attitude. I'm very good at sharing leads and contacts with my fellow leasing agents, apparently something they've not seen a lot of in the past. I also learned I may be getting more "inventory"; which really means more travel...oh my.
7) I'm thankful that I was able to run my "required" 7 miles last night and that my ribs didn't hurt one bit!!! I have trouble with the cartiledge (sp?) tearing on the left side of my ribcage - VERY painful and causes me not to be able to exercise - NOT GOOD! But I think I'm good-to-go again. Funny thing is, running does not cause this problem - it just exasperates it and causes a super-slow healing time. This last time I tore it by doing the "funky fit" work out at the Relay for Life - yes, back in MAY! That's how long it takes to heal. Anyway, I think I'm over it finally;
8) I'm thankful for having my cousin Suzie back in my life, even if it is only virtually for now!
9) I'm thankful for the people that will think of me today and I won't even know it...
10) I'm thankful for the ability to work from home.
I hope each of you has a wonderful day today and that you take the time to recognize the little things in your life that touch your heart. And if you're in the south or out west, watch the heat! It's gonna' be a rough one out there today! I'm thinking of you and counting my blessings that you're a part of my world...
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
5 Things...
Monday, June 23, 2008
A Test Post
Friday, June 20, 2008
Thankful Thursday - a day late
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Oh The Places You Will Go
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Another favorite man of mine
I'm partial to Jose because he brings me stuff like this...
Vintage, Homer Laughlin plates from Tracey at Notes from a Cottage Industry! I L-O-V-E them!!!! These are a bit thicker/heavier than others I have and there are actually 4 dinner-sized plates. I think they'll become my everyday dinner plates for my DH and me! Everything will taste better on a Homer plate!
And Jose also brings me thoughtfulness from a long, lost cousin. Suzy and I go way back. I have two very vivid memories of our times together and I treasure them and even giggle out loud when I think of them. As life goes, especially with extended family, we grew up and apart. We would be brought together again briefly at the time of her father's death but not enough to fully ignite the relationship. And ironically enough, it would be at the death of Suzy's uncle (her dad's brother) and my great uncle that would reconnect us yet again. But this time we've stayed in touch. And I think a lot of it is because of the ease of email and the internet. Suzy is a single mom of two girls and lives in Hyattsville, MD. And I, of course, am down south in NC. It matters not; we seem to have made that connection and are in touch almost daily and I am elated and grateful. It is our plan, during my next trip home to VA, for Suzy to meet me at my folks house - which will just make the day for Mom & Daddy! Suzy, I don't think you have any idea how much you're loved in the Robinson house. It's been years since I've seen Suzy but I tell you this for free, I could pick her out of a crowd of thousands - if only I heard her voice! I can't wait to see you, Suzy, but more than that...I can't wait to HEAR you! Ha!
Suzy read how much I LOVE cowboy boots. She recently spotted this one, thought of me and sent it my way. Isn't is AWESOME to learn someone has you in their thoughts and heart... this little treasure is actually a candle holder. There's a votive cup that sits in the top where you drop a votive candle into it. Two of my favorite things right here on my desk...boots and candles...and now thoughts everyday of a cousin I've always treasured and now have back in my life. God is good...
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The First Man In My Life
My dad's not "anything fancy". He's not a doctor or a lawyer or a high-powered stock broker. He's not an artist or a musician or an engineer or an architect. What he is, however, is a family man, a man of faith, an entrepreneur, a workaholic, a lover of animals, a problem solver, a protector, a fixer of all things (however, when Brandi was little and sad over something she asked Papa if he could fix it and he told her "Turtle, Papa can fix anything but a broken heart" - I beg to differ...he's helped mine heal many times over). He has the patience of a saint, he treasures my mother (they've been married 47 years), he's extremely careful with his "side money", he's a recycler and repurposer (he was doing that long before this country started "going green"), when he loves he loves to his deepest core. My dad wants everyone to be happy (ask him about my stint in California some time). And if he could control us all, he'd have a big spread somewhere with all his "little chicks" living on the same piece of land.
I've lived 5 hours away from my dad for 6 years now. I've told you the story of how, when I first moved here and my dad would visit, after he'd leave I go to my "girlie shed" and cry my heart out. I hated seeing his truck pull out of our drive. And while I don't cry when he leaves, it is an adjustment for me nonetheless. My dad comes often 'cause there's lots to do in this big old house and nothing brings him more pleasure - and me, too - than redoing something around here! If you ever have the opportunity to visit us, I'll show you all the changes we've made in this house. And I promise you, my father's handprints, heart and soul are in every change that's been made. How blessed am I?
Next to my Heavenly Father, there's no one I have more faith or trust in than my dad...
I love you Daddy - Happy Father's Day
Saturday, June 14, 2008
PAAAAAYYYYY DIRT
As you know, I spent the better part of last week in Stillwater, MN. A LOVELY town!! My new favorite hot spot there is "Rose Mille" (I posted earlier about it and provided the website). During my visit there, I picked up Michael's Father's Day card. Our little family is very unconventional about this holiday. Brandi was 15-16 years old when Mike came into our lives. But he was careful and methodical and touching and concerned with how he became someone important to Bran. They both just eased their way into a loving relationship and today they have a true respect for one another and I know that Mike loves Bran with everything he has. And Bran acknowledges Mike's role in her life as a "father figure", knowing she can trust him with her life, let alone secrets from her Mama! So every year we make it a point to honor Mike and the part he plays in our little family. This year, I couldn't pass up this card. First, I LOVE the front of it and the drama it portrays..."I love you. No, I love you more. Oh, your eyes. That hair my love, the softness of it is that of silk". Ha! But inside.... inside it reads, "Despite that poppy seed on your tooth, and an untweezed nose hair, I can look you in the eyes and tell you...I love you unconditionally".!! He will laugh out loud, just like I did!!! And that will make my day.
And if you look closely, you can see the PINK wire "memory" board the card is temporarily displayed on! I schlepped this thing all the home from MN only to discover the EXACT same thing in one of the vendors booths at the fairgrounds this morning! Oh well. I hung my memory rack next to my little desk in my bedroom (see below). I'm going to try and be a little selective in what makes the cut. I don't want it to get too junked up or out of control. I can tell you this for free, though, once Mike opens this card it's definitely going on the rack!
I don't know how this wonderful day has gotten away so quickly. But I'm awfully glad I experienced it and I hope my buds had as good a time as I did. I love those girls...
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Thankful Thursday
1) I'm thankful for my safe trip to Minnesota;
2) I'm thankful that my Internet connection works like a charm in my hotel!;
3) I'm thankful for the beautiful things I've seen over the last few days - God's work is truly everywhere;
4) I'm thankful for the gym that my hotel has the "deal" with so that I can maintain my workouts (it's super important when traveling because you lose your focus easily, get out of your good habit and it helps keep you healthy while traveling);
5) I'm thankful for Map Quest!;
6) I'm thankful for all the effort my DH put into scheduling this trip for me;
7) I'm thankful for discovering the sweet shop downtown "Rose Mille"; what a blissful place to spend an hour...
8) I'm thankful for the capability to stay in touch with my blog buddies no matter where I am;
9) I'm thankful for the little coffee pot in my hotel room (hee, hee);
10) I'm thankful for my ability to stay "in control" (most always) while traveling. I've learned I have NO control while flying and getting upset over delays and cancellations does absolutely no good. I just make sure I always have a good book...
Take a look in your heart this morning and discover what you're grateful for. I'm sure you won't have to look too hard or long.
Have a blessed day friends.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Where in the world is Joyce Mineer THIS week?
As you know, June 2 was my first day with my new company. Not wanting to waste any time, I was shipped out (up and over actually) to my shopping center in Minnesota, "Oak Park Pond". It's actually a great little center but does not have the visibility the competition has, which has been the leasing struggle. It's also SURROUNDED by retail. Let the games begin...
I'm VERY nervous about having accepted this position. I will certainly do my best but they have no patience for inadequate-ness, non-performance and non-aggressive leasing. They give you the 90 days probation (better known as "just enough rope to hang yourself") to prove your worthiness. I'm hopeful that I get at least ONE deal done in that time frame, I think that'll buy me another 90 days.
In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy my trips to my centers. I've never been to Minnesota before and when I came in yesterday early evening, it was beautiful! Sunny and breezy and no humidity and a sweet 73 degrees - a FAR cry from what I left behind in NC!! My hubby would LOVE it here. My seat buddy on the plane from Atlanta to here is a native. He told me all about Stillwater and he wasn't exaggerating - it is AWESOME. The downtown area is vital and bustling and with so much character. The "main drag" is nestled along the St. Croix river - breathtaking people!!! I encourage you to Google Stillwater and see for yourself. Tomorrow I'm going to take some time to visit as many of the B&B's as I can. I think during my next visit I may stay in one of them instead of my chain hotel! Why not? They have similar rates and Internet service... and I feel a little more safe because the inn keepers keep a close eye on the comings and goings of everyone in the house.
I managed to visit a handful of the shops downtown today and was about to hand over my credit card in "Rose Mille" (http://www.rosemille.com/)for a small purchase when the power went out and refused to come back on! I stayed and visited with the sweet sales associate for while because we thought the power would pop right back on but it never did. She's holding my goodies until I get back down there tomorrow. Oh darn, another trip to downtown Stillwater...what's a girl to do? I KNOW, go through the shop again to make sure I didn't miss anything!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Wrapping up RED
At the same time I snagged the above hamper basket at "Fetch", I grabbed this little cutie-patootey, too! It's on my kitchen counter and holds all my cookie cutters and adapters to my Kitchen Aid stand mixer.
One of countless red trimmed doors in my house...
My "linen drawer"...
A vintage, tin "daily bread" sign over my stove... (nice flash on the sign...I must get better at this)...
One of two red stools at our counter/bar...
My chunky red salt and pepper mill shakers (sitting in the red salt and pepper shaker holder)...
And lastly...my weekend treasures from back home!!!! A precious little vintage red child's chair, an old hinged "tool box" originating in St. Louis ("Mound Tool & Scraper Co.") and a pretty little china "bowl" that has been affixed to a stubby crystal candle stick holder - very salvaged and repurposed! I love them all and I had a fabulous weekend and I've had a sweet time showing you all things red around my little house... Thanks Sara!
Hmm...wonder what blog event will be next?
Friday, June 6, 2008
Are You "RED-Y"?
Not long after we moved here, my mom passed down this quilt to me. My great, great grandmother "Grandma Davis" from Alabama made it - by hand. Mom said it deserved a better life in the country than staying stored in a chest in her house. My dear dad made the quilt rack it's hanging from (that's actually an old photo of my dad when he was little that you can get a glimpse of sitting on top of the shelf. And if you look closely, that's Mike's mom's senior picture in the middle and mom as a little girl on the right).
My old, chipped, little stool. This was actually a display piece from one of my hang-outs, The Rusty Bucket. Pam, the Shopkeeper, was kind enough to sell it to me. Thanks Pammy!
And finally, my great find from Liberty, NC at the recent Antiques Showcase & Flea Market. A large, red picnic basket ($7.00 - could not pass it up). Oh, look...there's Jess in the photo sporting his brand new RED halter!
For those of you in the East, especially down South, get ready...it's gonna' be RED hot today people!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Thankful Thursday
Happy Thankful Thursday blog buddies... here's my list for the day. What's on your's?
1) Oh, I'm so thankful for my new job;
2) I'm thankful to be going "home" this weekend to visit my family and Jess;
3) I'm thankful for successfully completing the Torch Run for Special Olympics yesterday and that no one was injured in anyway and that I was part of yet another great cause (7.75 miles people!);
4) I'm thankful for the people who organize events like that of the Torch Run;
5) I'm thankful for the wrap-up dinner and fellowship I experienced last night on behalf of the American Cancer Society for our Pittsboro Relay for Life;
6) I'm thankful for Sara teaching me how to insert a picture with a link into my blog! :) ;
7) I'm thankful that my new company has authorized a land-line home office phone ('cause cell phones simply don't work out here!);
8) I'm thankful for the 30 minutes Mike and I had together on our front porch swing Monday night after watering flowers (you have to understand how rare we are together - Mike works permanent nights...);
9) I'm grateful for all things red in and around my house;
10) I'm grateful to have heard from my friend Cathy! She's been MIA for awhile and I was beginning to worry!
Isn't it wonderful to have to struggle at stopping at 10 things you're thankful for...
More Red Please
My red dishes (what was I thinking publicizing a picture of the inside of my cabinets???)...
My red cooking utensils - worn with love...
And my first tea pot - red of course!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Seeing more red
My AWESOME red kitchen!! I LOVE my kitchen people. No, I mean I really, really LOVE my kitchen. It's my haven. It's where I create yummies for those I love DEARLY. I wish I had a before shot of the "kitchen". Remember, our house is about 130 years old. When Mike and I bought this place, this is the first room we (with Big Daddy as Foreman) tore out - literally down to the bare slat walls. It was a project filled with memories and love and my father's handprints are EVERYWHERE in here and my DH didn't mind at all that I simply had to have a red kitchen. Aren't I fortunate to wake up to something so sweet as this every morning. I swear, I think my coffee tastes better here!
Oh, and a prized possession for sure. My red hoosier (sp?). Can you believe I actually found this painted my exact shade of red? I tell you this for free, people, there's a story behind this little jewel but I won't take up your time. Just know that I love it and oh the stories it could tell if it could talk...
I cannot wait until tomorrow to post more red photos. And when we're done with this event, I need to share with you the morning Mike and I had today! Another thing to check off my "bucket list".
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Seeing Red
A little background on the event. Sara from "SadieOlive" (clicking on my title bar "Seeing Red"above will redirect you to Sara's site) was recently inspired by her red garden roses to jump start this little game. I think to Sara's amazement it's a bit out of control! But isnt' that wonderful? It just goes to show how connected we all are in blog land and ultimately to one another. With Sara's help, I was able to figure out how to link you to her site to get all the information on playing along with us. Just look on my sidebar to the left and click on "I Saw Red", it'll redirect you in a jiff. Her photos are amazing; so crisp and clear...you can almost smell the soft scent of her beautiful red roses...
and my red "bat phone" (I'm dating myself here, aren't I?)
Monday, June 2, 2008
WE CAN DO IT!!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Is There A Contractor In The House?
My treasured bluebird house has a slight foundation issue. When I asked if it could be salvaged/saved, with his typical "nothing phases me" composure, he responded with his perfect Papa wit by saying "that's noooooooo problem".
I wouldn't have expected any other answer because, you see, nothing is ever a problem for big Daddy! But of course, we'll have to wait for the kids to leave the nest and the parents to head to Florida long about September. After that, the hammers will be flying and renovation will commence. Stay tuned...it may even get a fresh coat of paint. Can you antique a bluebird house?
Have a blessed Sunday friends... and HAPPY JUNE!!!!!