{visit Starbee's Store on Etsy for more fun}

For the rest of you, I’ve put all pride aside to be an uabashed copy-cat.  But really, can you blame me?  That label is fun for the whole family. Not to mention, it’s like giving two gifts at once.  Just think … give your friend jam, adorned with these labels, and she’ll sit there chortling, as munches the sweet goodness of your prize-winning confection, all the while wondering if your cleverness knows no bounds.

And the answer, dear readers?  The answer is no, no it does not …

I read a few back in the day, you see.  They were novels filled with characters who refused to speak naturally–everything was oh my darling … yes, my darling … goodbye, my darling.   There was no passion.  None.  Couples in these novels were about hot as dead fish.  A peck on the cheek was a risque as they got–they didn’t even kiss on the forehead because WHO KNOWS WHAT MIGHT TRANSPIRE … which, you know, is kinda true, but still.  And in moments where desire might possibly creep in, it was veiled with a prayer.  And I’m not talking, Oh sweet Jesus help me; I’m talking long, drawn-out prayers for our nation and beyond. 

Needless to say, you can imagine my horror when my mom and I were shopping at Borders a few weeks ago and she picked up this book …

Not only did she buy the book, she liked it.  She leant it to friends, and they liked it.  Then she turned on me…

Do you want to read it? *silence* I think you would like it.  *change of subject* 

I was valiant in my stance, dear readers, oh so valiant.  Then she brought out the big guns: 

Let me get this straight, you’ll read the whole Twilight series, but you refuse to even give this book a try? ……………………………  Yeah, I had nothing. 

Grudgingly, I took the book, vowing to stop reading the minute I spotted a misplaced prayer.  And what do you know?  I read it all the way through.  And I liked it.  I did.  As a matter of fact, it was perfect anecdote to stressful days. Alexander paints a vivd picture of life on the frontier. Her historical fiction, set in the Colorado Territory, is full of imperfect characters–ones you can’t help but like. 

And for the record, I absolutely loved the thing that finally stole Dr. Molly Whitcomb’s heart.  *sigh*  

That said, if you’re looking for good, clean fun–for a sweet romance–for a story you can trust will end on a high note, but still draws you in–consider Beyond this Moment {by Tamera Alexander}…

{my brief, and most unofficial, stint as a model; Göteborg, Sweden, 2009}

Did you hear the news?  According to a British survey {conducted for QVC, U.K.} women peak in beauty at thirty-one.  Thirty-one, my friends. 

Now that’s just rude.

Thankfully, the lovely Maddy … of The Maddy Chronicles … tagged me on a challenge: post six things positive things about yourself and post a picture.  So without further ado, my own personal affirmations …

I have curly hair. True, give me a short hair cut and I turn poodle; color my hair a tad too red, then plop me in a rain forest, and I take on an eery resemblance to Ronald McDonald, but other than that, it’s all good.  It disguises the fact that I have extremely thin hair; and I can mousse, scrunch and go in a pinch. 

I laugh.  A lot.  Some may say too much; even I will agree there are times when it’s not-so-very-helpful.  Like getting tickled in church … or the time I was COMPLETELY struck hilarious with the “sharted” bit on Along Came Polly on a first {and, oddly enough, last} date. All embarrassment aside, laughter has seen me through many a blue time. 

I love me a party. A good theme makes me giddy.  And I believe all of life’s events–both big and small–are worthy of celebration!

I’m an oddball. Sure, this may seem a strange positive, but it’s true.  I’m the kid who’s favorite toys included her baby doll … and her little green army men.  I’m the introverted-extrovert.  I’m a nut, and totally serious.  I’m a little bit, of a whole lot–which may seem strange to some, but it’s a huge help when I relate to others.

I’m an optimist. Okay, in all fairness, I’m probably right down the middle on this one too. I can think of every possible scenario … including the really, really bad ones.  Yet, I always seem to settle on the side of optimism.  That’s one reason I keep trying to learn French … because, by George, one of these days it’s bound to stick! 

I have the best family & friends.  Pretty sure.  Not only do I credit them for strengthening my positives, but making me want to grow and better myself … to be beautiful on the inside and out … even if I am past my so-called prime.  They make me the luckiest girl EVER.

***

Now, the thing with tagging is you’re suppose to return the love.  But try as a I might, I could not think of a single blogging friend who would join the fun.  SO, tag … you’re ALL it.  Post on your blog {and comment to let me know you did so} or simply comment.  Six positives, my friends … six positives; saying them aloud, as you look in the mirror is optional …

{a bit of the before}

This morning, as I snuggled in one last time before  jumping out of bed and into my day, I contemplated my To-Dos.  I have to do this, this and this … but this, this and this can wait until Friday.  Then it hit me, today is Friday. *sigh*

Needless to say, I have a whole slew of things to mark off my list … including repainting the deck.  Nothing like waiting until the temps reach triple digits to begin a substantial outdoor project.  Good thing I like a challenge. 

All this and time must be left for fun and frivolity.  That is, after all, what weekends are for.  

So here’s to us–to you and me–and a weekend at once productive and full of fun.  At the very least, let us be valiant in our efforts!

If only we could apply that effect to flower arrangments …

Funny you should mention it, because Orrefors Straw Black Vase could do just that.  Simply fill this vase with an overflowing bouquet of greens and yellows, and you’ve got yourself a masterpiece!

Like the summer of 1980, when my parents and aunt decided to take a trip to visit my grandfather in South Dakota.  We loaded up my aunt’s 1975 Pontiac Bonneville –three adults, five kids, luggage, cooler, a high chair– and hit the open road.  Looking back, I could swear the car was red; looking at photos, I realize it was white.  Apparently I recall only the interior … 

{cousins--Heid, Mags, and me}

Which, I might add, was a tad stifling with an air conditioner that continually blew hot air and refused to be shut down.  It was, however, the perfect excuse to cool off with the best of summer…

{Mmm...ice cream!}

{kickin' back with those you love}

Parking lots became our diners and Point of Interest markers our excitement…

{learning and having fun--who knew?}

Old Faithful was kinda cool, staring at faces carved in rock took ENTIRELY too much time, and the “wild Indians” running amuck in Cody, Wyoming totally FREAKED ME OUT. Museums, on the other hand, were a highlight … especially if they had gift stores and sweet shops. 

After many an adventure, we did finally make it to our destination…

{who are those people?!}

Where we spent some time with my grandfather and his new family … my brother split his chin open … and we experienced life “on the farm”…

{my brother moves on whilst us girls contemplate the turkey}

Three adults, five children, one car, some 935 miles, and we made it there and back with little incident.  My dad didn’t even throttled the two “backseat” drivers sitting alongside him.

Guess it just goes to prove, adventures don’t have to be grand to be great. Sometimes the least perfect holidays are the ones that hold memories that float to the top…

I received my work of art last week; it sits in a place of honor above my desk.  Now, should I ever wonder what love looks like, I have only to look up…

{LOVE, by Micah Brueggemann}

For Christmas, my mom bought me the most divine throw {or Thrō, as the case may be}. Not only is it vintage pink, luxuriously soft, and goes perfectly with my chocolate-colored bedding, now, when I open the windows in the mornings, the sun reflects off the sequins and casts confetti all about the walls.  It makes me smile every time. 

And that, my friends, is my wish for you … days filled with a little bit of sparkle and endless delight. 

Happy weekend!

{finding a match in unexpected places is part of the fun}

For all you other chicken-livers out there, a few words on the photo walk …

As most of you know, I am no professional photographer.  No sir, I am not. I simply love stories … and sometimes, the greatest stories of all are told through photographs.  I also love the ability to capture fleeting moments.  So I grab my trusty Canon PowerShot, point, and shoot.   

Obviously I would never, in my right mind, sign up to participate in a photo walk.  Yet sign up I did.  More than likely, I was focusing on an excuse to take pictures — not showcasing said pictures to others.  Then I clicked “Save.” Eek! 

To alieve anxiety, I planned.  There was a whole list of options–none of which panned out. And some, I might add, were fail-proof.  The meerkats for instance–that’s the WHOLE reason I went to the zoo last week.  They’re always there.  Always posing.  But not last week … last week there was nary a kat in sight.

Then it happened … I was walking along, minding my own business, when out of the corner of my eye I saw the letter “M.”  Unfortunately, I gasped and then exclaimed, “Ah-ha-ha!  An M-word!” BEFORE noticing my party had left without me.  That’s right, I was surrounded by strangers–many of whom were probably wondering why my caretaker and gone off and left me to my own devices.  Nonetheless, I snapped the photo. 

And that’s when it hit me–happening upon your photos quite by accident is part of the fun! So Monday morning, I started out on Main street and began wandering aimlessly about. The sun was shining… but not too much.  The flowers were in bloom.  And other than the chirping birds, the sidewalks were silent.  It was a glorious way to greet the day.

Were my pictures perfect? Nope.  Were they creative?  Not so much.  But I had a grand time–taking photos and seeing the photos of others.

So if you ever get a chance to participate in a photo walk, and you’d like to, but just aren’t sure–go for it.  Then grab your camera, head out and see what you find {or what finds you}. After all, if love of taking photos, you just can’t go wrong …