plaid

I love plaid and argyle.
It's just so fall fashiony and sharp. I've noticed fashion on the streets of my neighborhood and on the metro transit (bus) and discovered many individuals who care about appearance. For instance, there is a tendency to match the shoes with a hat or other accessory. There is a continuing trend fancy in handbags and scarves. Many of the children are decked out in new coats and backpacks to match. The parents seem to do their best getting their kids "weather-proofed!" What I have not witnessed on the real streets of the city are sky high heels seen in every catalog and store window. Those heels are made for sitting - not walking. They appear on the Nicollet Mall for a few minutes until the wearer has to retreat back to her desk to be seated for the rest of the day.

Quote of the day from Lily Tomlin;

" If truth is beauty, how come no one has their hair done in the library?"

take care!

positively perfect

The light and colors around me recently have drenched my soul in happiness. What is it about the sunshine that equates this warm and energetic feeling? Is it the actual warmth and energy of the sun? Is it the luscious fall colors the leaves have turned? Is it the 8 bottles of wine consumed over Girls Weekend?



I may never know the answer to the source, but will bask in the glow of Autumn 2010 and try to draw out the lasting effects.



Karla has a brand new mazda and she drove us to Hackensack for the weekend. Her family was at the cabin on Deep Portage and we popped in so Jan could see the little ones. The Schaffran girls are quite talented when it comes to matters around the house. Karla has some kitchen skills which were deliciously displayed and Lisa's ambitious crafting had us all in amazement. Will you please sit down? And Jan was, as always, gracious, generous and seemed so happy to have her girls for a few days.

It's good to be a part of GW2010 and already thinking of fun things for next year.

Quote from Zelda Fitzgerald;

Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold.

take good care!

proclamation

I'm ba-a-ck!

It's time to get back to pondering perplexities.

The time surrounding the wedding up until now has been filled with the busy-ness of everyday life. With an injury, unemployment, and cancer diagnosis, thrown in for good measure. I want to give some time and space to these large issues. In the meantime know that the injury I sustained is healing, the joblessness for Aly is creating a new direction, and the cancer for Janelle is being fought hard and will most certainly be conquered.

Quote of the day from Mary Kay Ash;

I keep an eye on the bottom line, but it's not an overriding obsession. To me, P and L doesn't mean "profit and loss"---it more importantly means "people and love."

take care!

pre-wedding preparation

The days have been filled with lots of "wedding" stuff!

Our trip to Florida is approaching at breakneck speed and I'm really not in a panic. The bride, Hanna, has everything under control. There are some little details to be dealt with and a few more things to buy, ship, make and print, but mostly---it's all fun. Aly and Lisa will be helping the bride on Tuesday and Wednesday so I can maybe take some time off!

Today I have some favor box embossing to do...

take care for now!

pure pain

The rain has washed away some of the winter dirt and sand from the sidewalks and trails here in the city. Temps have risen and spring may arrive on the actual calendar date. My environment is improving everyday, while several friends around me face challenges almost too much to bear.

My whole body is aching in response to the most recent news of my most cherished friend needing a kidney transplant. This person is the one I don't remember not knowing. She's the one who will remain a young girl in my heart and mind, because it's the same voice, same face that's been with me since---forever.

I am heartbroken.

pack a peck of perfect

Perfect garment choices that is...

Whilst traveling, one must have a variety of clothing. Changing temperatures, activities, entertainment, work and events call for different outfits. And different outfits call for shoes that suit the look as well. Woe is me with the packing! Even with some staples at the condo in Arizona, I'm still over loaded with belongings to be checked at the airport.

There is some serious poolside relaxing to do, along with a hot tub time or two. A hike with the Norwegians, a trip to the botanical garden, bridesmaid dress shopping, several dinner parties and restaurant outings to name a few of the things keeping me busy for the next 3 weeks.

There was an amusing (to me) statement in the the variety section of the newspaper today. The article was about selecting clothes that are flattering and age appropriate. The writer posed the question "when do you know it's time to move from Anthropologie to J.Jill?"

yikes.

Quote of the day from Wu Wei Wu;

Why aren't you happy? It's because ninety-nine percent of everything you do, and think, and say, is for yourself."


take care!

public pose II

Create a presence. Dress to impress. Make a statement. Have charisma.

How do we manage to put out a positive vibe and yet be authentic to ourselves?

I'm wondering about the value of pretending to be nice. That is, having the nice manners to be kind when you really aren't up to it. Being a human being here on the planet and choosing to interact with others. The conversation with a person that's going nowhere. The comment regarding the weather, a nice sweater, or fresh haircut.

I think it is absolutely necessary!

One positive comment to an acquaintance or stranger can make all the difference in the day. For you and for them. I challenge you to remember a time when someone was especially kind, or said something not necessarily profound, but had an such a impact, albeit subtle, that you remember it to this day. I remember a mom in my toddler and mommy class telling me I had a real personal style. That comment made me feel great, and to this day I sometimes think to myself, "Hey! I've got a great sense of style."

Quote of the day from Florence Shinn;

"The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, words, and deeds return to us--sooner or later--with astounding accuracy."

take care.