Tag Archives: musings

An Ordinary Day

23 Feb

It was just an ordinary day.

With my extraordinary family.

I’m not using many words today and that’s more difficult than it sounds.  I’m simply trying to chronicle a day in photos, only I fell off the picture-taking bandwagon.  I should have snapped a photo of my dashboard for all the running around I did, a photo of piano lessons and the grocery store, a picture of the ladies at Bible study last night, and a picture of dirty dishes…definitely dirty dishes.

Well, you get the point.

I’m linking to Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop.

P.S. Yesterday afternoon I put up a little post about reviving Fiction Friday, at least for this week.  If you like to write or even if you don’t, you’re invited to post a snippet of fiction to your blog and then link it over here on Friday (tomorrow).  You can click here for yesterday’s example.  I shared a (very rough) page from my WIP Not My Life.

Fashion isn’t Nuclear Fission, or Is It?

17 Feb

So many in blogland participate in Fashion Friday, but I generally refrain.  Me giving you my opinions on fashion is a little like me weighing in on nuclear fission.  I’m just out of my league.

I’m no expert when it comes to “What to Wear;”  however, I do generally know what I like, and I have fun shopping.  I just don’t shop as often as I would like, but this weekend was an exception.  It was my birthday.

I know you’re all tired of me bringing up the birthday thing, but I promise today is the last time I’ll mention it until next February.  For my birthday I went on a crazy shopping spree.  I bought this bag, these shoes, and a dress.

The dress called to me when I was in H&M looking for a telephone.  I won’t embarrass myself further by retelling the story.  Today is all about the dress.

Here is the dress, only mine is greige (gray/beige combo).

Since I’m a good six inches shorter than the shortest super-model, the dress is longer on me.  It hits somewhere within an inch of my knee.

I like this dress because it is cotton, super-comfy, and it has pockets.  It’s a win-win in my spring/summer fashion book.  Here’s my question – Since the skirt is so flowy and full (much more than in this photo), and since it’s super windy where I live, can I wear legging underneath?

I’ve never tried this look before, but I think it might work.  Picture black leggings and cute shoes, maybe a cardigan.  Would that be too 2010?  Am I crossing style boundaries?

I told you, it’s like nuclear fission.

On the shoe front, these little lovelies should be delivered tomorrow.  I cannot wait.

Seychelles Asterisk Tan/Red

I really like the Seychelles brand.  (No they’re not paying me to say that.)  They have some very trendy, almost retro, styles.  The best part is that they have a blog…Seychelles Mise En Scène.  So fun.

So that’s my shopping spree.  Pretty good, huh?

Till next year…

Be sure to weigh in on the legging issue.  I need honest opinions before I go spend twenty-bucks on a pair of leggings.

Have you ever attempted the Legging + Dress look?  How did it work for you?

I thank each one of you fashion-lovely people.  Have a great weekend!

Forever Young (at least in heart)

10 Feb

Forever Young

Lyrics  -by Bob Dylan

May God’s bless and keep you always,
May your wishes always come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

Forever Young – The Theme Song to my birthday weekend.

Yes, my birthday is not just a day this year, it’s a weekend.

I think I’m old enough to warrant a birthday celebration longer than 24 hours.

Sunday is the official day my life flips to another year,

but this year deserves to be big.

It deserves a new pair of shoes.

I’ll be forever young.

How about you?

It Holds the Power to Change a Woman’s Life

4 Feb

SHOES

What?  Did you think I was talking about chocolate again?

Shoes hold the power to change a woman’s life.  It’s true.

I present:

Dorothy

and…

Cinderella

I’m sure we can add a few more women to that list, but I refrain from name-dropping whenever possible.

For my birthday, coming up in just eight days, I decided to buy myself a pair of shoes.  Apparently shoe shopping while in the throes of winter is becoming a habit.  I bought these last year.

I blame it on the lack of sunlight, SAD, and whatever the newest disorder is; however, I figure a pair of shoes is cheaper than both a tropical vacation and five sessions with a shrink.  Besides, it’s my birthday!

That’s reason enough to buy a pair of shoes.

I need a little help though.  Let’s pretend we’re all shoe-shopping together.  Wouldn’t that be fun?

I’ll show you some options and you tell me how wonderful they all are.

Kidding.

I do like honesty, and I realize my propensity for poor taste in everything from bedding to bangles.  I can be slightly tacky at times.  My husband says I have a bit of Mini Pearl in me, but I disagree.

I would never wear tags on my clothes.

Back to my birthday gift…

Let’s begin with The Wedge.  An entire post can be done on the wedge, and I think we have Spain to thank.  They showcased the Espedrille and now there are variations of all kinds, colors, and spots.

Nine West Blue Espadrille

Pink Polka-Dot by C Label

Red Nautical Stripe - Runway by KMart

I don’t want to buy wedges though, because with the help of a little hot glue, last year’s flower wedges will walk another mile or ten.

The next category is The Shiny Red Heel.

Maybe I have a bit of Dorothy syndrome going on, but I’ve longed for a pair of shiny red shoes for as long as I can remember.  Ok, I remember when the infatuation began.  It was in a Panera Bread and this woman’s patent leather red spiky heel dangled right in front of my eyes.

I thought, “I’m in lust.”

Then I thought, “Thou shalt not covet.”

Then I thought, “I’m really in love.”

I’ve never been able to shake the desire for a pair of these sexy and slightly powerful shoes.

Calvin Klein Carley

Because I live in a land where feet wear sneakers and snowboots, these would be terribly impractical; however, I’m getting old.  Who wants practical when you can own a pair of these.

Or these.

Gabriella Rocha Dancy

Aren’t they gorgeous?

Now you know why I am enamored.

It’s just that I have no place to wear a pair of these.  A night out at McDonald’s with the family usually doesn’t warrant red shiny heels; however, they are a dream I must fulfill.

I think I’ll put them on my bucket list.  I don’t have a bucket list, but I’ll make one for these shoes.

This is my honorary mention for Neutrals category.  I love these shoes, but I’m not buying a neutral.  I would if I had twenty pairs of shoes, but since I don’t, I need something a little happier.

Rockport Audrey Cross Strap

RSVP Akela

Winter Shoes I love.

Poetic Licence London Calling

Nine West Brown/Yellow

I really do love both of these shoes.  They aren’t totally impractical either.  They actually look like I can walk in them, and they go well with jeans.

Maybe cuffed jeans like this?

The top runner in my shoe selection…

Seychellis Asterisk Tan/Red

I like the colors, the style, and especially the heal.  I think the whole shoe is cute and since I can only pick one shoe, I’m leaning towards this one.

What do you think?

Should I reconsider?

Do you have a pair of favorite shoes?  Tell us about them.

Or

Are you secretly lusting for a certain pair of killer shoes that can potentially change your life? Do share in the comments.

P.S. If you click on the photo of any shoe, it will link you to Pinterest and then you can get to the actual shoe seller.

Hope Lives Here

2 Feb

This weekend we went into the city to see my uncle.  While he is being treated for throat cancer, he is staying in The Hope Lodge, a residential facility run by The American Cancer Association.  It’s a place for cancer patients and their families to live during treatment.  It is close to the major hospitals in NYC and brings commuting to a minimum.  Some patients are from out-of-state and some live nearby.

It’s a place where hope lives.

Unfortunately my photograph does not do this collage justice.  Each little square has writing in it – encouraging words, parts of Bible verses, little messages – all things to give hope.  Many of these little tiles, if not all, were made by children.

I got to thinking how nice it would be if we had one hanging in our house.  Isn’t that what we all want to know?

Hope Lives Here

Hope that despite the dark patches, the future is bright.

Hope that there is healing on the other side of pain.

Hope that joy comes in the morning.

Hope that tears only last for a time.

Hope that there is victory to be had.

Hope that you will be able to love again.

Hope that broken hearts will be made whole.

Hope that the sun will come out tomorrow.

Hope that you will get through your present trial.

Hope that what you do today will make a difference tomorrow.

Hope that your labor is not in vain.

Hope that your little light will shine for eternity.

Hope that people can change.

Hope that the economy will recover.

Hope that God does what He says He will do.

Hope that your faith is not blind.

Hope that life truly does go on.

Hope – Hope -Hope

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. – Romans 15:4

Let hope live in your house.

American Print Media Obsessed

26 Jan

I have no right to be a critic.  I am under skilled and over (or is that overly?) opinionated; however, my love for print media sometimes leaves me longing.

America obsesses with cutting fat and self-help.  Don’t worry ladies, I’m not even hinting at cutting out chocolate and potato chips.  I’m talking about fat in writing.

I’ve sat through all the college classes that taught me to cut unnecessary words (obviously I pay no mind to those rules) and eliminate ‘fat’ from our articles.  Heaven forbid our story is a size 14 instead of a size 4.

Most editors would die of fright if they were assigned my blog or yours.  They like neat little concise gifts of journalism in 500 words or less.

We’re losing something.  As we cut fat, slivers of meat follow.  Suddenly our writing is skin and bones, absolutely boring to look at and tiring to read.

Magazines are filled with countless self-help articles.

How My Woodstove Ruined My Nails in 300 Words

Help Johnny Overcome His Fear of The Toilet in 5 Flushes

10 Ways to Say I Love You, but I Hate Your Dog

Be Bikini Ready in Time for Your Grave

Don’t even tell me you only read Christian literature, because it’s just as bad.

Knowing God’s Will in Ninety Days

7 Ways to Raise Kids Who Will Attend Church

12 Envelopes to Financial Freedom

How To Masquerade as a Proverbs 31 Woman in 31 Days

We’re obsessed with these heartless, but neatly wrapped articles that help us do everything from birth a baby in a bathtub to walk the streets of gold in stilettos.

Is anyone else tired of reading this gibberish?

Maybe it’s just me.  I kind of long for the days when slighty wordy short stories, written by aspiring writers, appeared in monthly magazines.  I’d like for people to stop fixing me and start entertaining me with words, or challenging my depth of knowledge without planning my next 10, 30, or 90 days.

I honestly do not think most magazines are worth the $4.95 we are asked to pay for them.

Don’t even get me started on newspapers!

I’m always amazed when I read an article, glom all kinds of superficial facts and have no idea what is really going on or why the article was written in the first place.

Most of our print news media is self-help or tabloid, and I include CNN in that tabloid lot.  Take a gander at the headlines.

Come to think of it, I should have written this article in the format of -

8 Ways The Media Failed Me and My Fat

Alas, my rant is over in less than 500 words.  My editor will be pleased.

Thoughts and comments welcome, as long as they are in 3 Easy Steps or Less. ;-)

Just so you know I didn’t jump off a bridge…

25 Jan

Ok, last post was pretty depressing.  Sorry about that.  I’m taking full liberty with my calendar and blaming it on January, but I have birthday party for my son this weekend and there’s no time to be sad and moody.

This may be the most random post in the history of the fringe, but work with me people.  The last post had me giving up on life.  This has to be an improvement.

*  I’ve discovered the cure for stomach problems that have plagued me for years.  I have what they term IBS.  I won’t get into it, because it would be like discussions around a holiday table with my family.

Just know that heartburn and other issues plague me, no matter what I eat; however, I started a diet on January 2.  Don’t get excited, because I’ve only lost 4 pounds.  You can tell I cheat a lot.

image via Pinterest

My point is that on the days I’m on my diet, I eat about 6 times throughout the course of the day, but I only consume about 1400-1500 calories.  That means I eat really low-calorie, but filling things in small portions.  It totally cures my stomach ills.  The moment I over-eat or just eat 3 normal size portions, I’m sick.  It’s incredible.

Who knew I would have to become a bird after I turned thirty.  No one told me!

image via Pinterest

* I really am trying to stick to my diet, but it’s hard.  You know?  I’m more like a turkey than I am a parakeet.  FringeMan wishes I was more of a love bird, but that’s another story.

* I’m thinking all “love” posts for February.  Now don’t get panicky and jump ship (no offense Mr. Italian Captain), because I’m not going mushy for a whole month.  There’s lots to love in this world, and I’m trying to tap my elusive creative side.

* I’ve decided that I want a really cute new pair of shoes and a new bag for my birthday.  My birthday is in February, but I’ll probably shop in April or so.  That’s what happens when your birthday is after Christmas and both your children’s birthdays.  It’s all good with me though.  I think it prolongs the aging process.  I gain a few months, because a birthday isn’t a birthday until you’ve bought yourself a present.

Someone needs to write that down and claim it.

*  I don’t know where to shop for cute shoes and a bag.  I’m looking for stylin’, groovin’, chic, classy, comfortable, cute, trendy shoes.  I’m thinking Anthropologie on a Payless budget.

Help a girl out.  Suggest a few places please.

I know Payless has some cute shoes.  I’ve seen them on bloggers, but my Payless pretty much specializes in sneakers and lame-oh shoes.  Sorry Payless.  I know you purchase especially for the clientele you sell to, but there are a few of us who don’t where our pajamas grocery shopping.

Maybe that was mean, but I’ve taken to counting how many people I see in pj’s in Wal-Mart.  Is that snobby of me?

I simply have a difficult time understanding why people want to be seen in public looking like that.  I hide from mirrors in my own home when I look like that.

* I bought a box of ‘Cuties’ at the grocery store today.  Everyone’s been raving about them.  So far they live up to their name, but I haven’t eaten one yet.  I’ll let you know.

Now it’s your turn – What’s the random in your life?

And, don’t tell me if you wear pajamas to the grocery store.

Ok, you can tell me, but I’m adding another check mark to my list and you’ll end up in my total number of pj wearers.  Just a warning. ;-)

Thank you all for your kind comments yesterday.  I appreciate each of you.

Focusing on the Positives

24 Jan

My life is crumbling to teeny-tiny pieces around me, and I made waffles for dinner last night.

Ok, so maybe I’m exaggerating, but I did make waffles last night and they weren’t even that good.  I ran out of white flour and used all whole wheat.  I like to split my flour, half white and half whole wheat; otherwise, I think they are too dense.

Sorry all you healthy eating people, but I’m just not that good of a mom.  I continue to give my children white flour, knowing full well it is a simple carb.

Tie me to the simple woman stake and burn me.

I bet you can’t tell I’m trying to focus on the positive side of things.

No, I didn’t think you could, but I am.

That’s why I haven’t been writing anything on this here blog.  My mama always said, “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

I am silent.

For how long, I know not.  I may continue my vow of silence until the sun shines again or my hormones go on an upswing.  It’s hard to tell.

In the meantime, I wish you all well.  Live fully and don’t eat too much white flour.  I hear it’s bad for you. ;-)

Love you all,

Somewhere Between Bah-Humbug and Fluorescent Merry & Bright

13 Dec

I think I’m pretty low-key when it comes to holidays.  I don’t give thousands of dollars to my power company to keep my Christmas lights running.  I don’t bake forty-two pounds of cookies that get thrown into the garbage two weeks after Christmas, and I don’t have twenty-two credit cards that will take me until July to pay off.  I’m not Bah-Humbug, but I’m not exactly fluorescent Merry & Bright.

I do throw up some lights.

I do bake some cookies.

I do buy Christmas gifts.

I just don’t let these things run my life and ruin my December.

BUT, I kinda like the people who do.

I mean, really, who doesn’t like to stand in front of the house that has two point three million colored bulbs on it?  I love it!  I’m a kid that way.  I’ll clap for the poor soul who let his wife talk him into carrying Santa, a sleigh, and eight (are there eight?) reindeer three stories up to the roof.  Hats off to the woman who inflates her snow family up every single morning after the cold caused Frosty and his plastic children to collapse.  And I absolutely love the tacky Christmas sweater clad old woman who makes her body weight in cookies every year.

(of course these people are all fictional – no offense anyone)

It’s Christmas.  Let’s celebrate!

I’m just too lazy to spend two weeks baking.

I am making The Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon rolls, some sugar cookies, and snickerdoodles.  I might make some other kind of cookie.  We’ll have to see what I let the kids talk me into baking.  I really loved THESE cookies, but if I make them, I may as well go out and buy a pair of jeans with an elastic waist.

And thumbprint cookies make the sugar-plums dance in my head.

Ok, so maybe I will spend two weeks baking.  Just don’t let me buy elastic waist pants.  Deal?

What about you?  What are you cooking up this Christmas?

Are you the house that lights up the neighborhood, or do the neighborhood kids whisper “Grinch” behind your back.

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