Pages

Friday, May 30, 2014

What I'm Into In May


My friend Kim says that May is the new December, with all the frantic preparation mode of wrapping up the school year, a la the frenzy right before Christmas. I think she's right. This month was Mother's Day and my birthday month, so a big personal month for me. Nevertheless right on the heels of Mother's Day I had one of the worst weeks I've had in a long, long time. Not up for a do-over of that week, thankyouverymuch.

Other than that one week, I was into a lot of good stuff.

http://prbreakfastclub.com/2012/06/15/the-summer-week-that-was-june-11-june-15/hammock/#.U4UVorvD_IU
Source: http://bit.ly/1nt7lH0
THE GREAT OUTDOORS:
We got new deck furniture, set up a fire pit in our back yard, and I got a hammock. And by I, I mean my kids. Consequently we've been outside a lot. Being outdoors is a good thing. It's refreshing and peaceful. Unless there are mosquitoes involved. That's what Off! is for, right? And citronella candles.

AUDIO BOOK:
I listened to Rob Lowe's new book on audio, Love Life. I wrote about it here. I think both of his books are better if he reads them to you, so my recommendation is to look for them on audio. I wrote exactly one fan letter in my life and it was to him when I was 13 years old. It figures I'd love his books, and I'm happy that he's found a settled, fulfilling life. We both have.

I'm also re-listening to an old favorite of Anne Lamott's Grace, Eventually.

Source: http://bit.ly/1kdibZq
EASY EATING:
Café Rio Chicken was a family favorite this month-- a big hit that I ended up also making for another family I was taking a meal to. I served it over yellow rice with green beans. It's also good as a taco or nacho topping, especially if you have leftovers to use up. Here's the recipe:

2 lbs frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 (8 oz) bottle Zesty Italian dressing
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp chili powder

Put frozen chicken breasts in crockpot. (You don't even have to thaw them!) Mix other ingredients and pour over. Cook on low all day, shred with two forks just before serving. Yes, it really is that easy and my husband pronounced it one of the best chicken dishes I'd ever made.

FRESH FRUITS: I've been getting really good strawberries from our local Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. So of course I need to make this cobbler and this pie.

MUSIC: A concert from this band. Still reveling in the whirlwind birthday trip from my husband that got us both a night away and some really great music to boot. You may not can see them live, but you can go download their new album. I'm still wearing out song number 3. "Shame doesn't become you" is perhaps the best first line of a song ever.

POSTS THAT GOT ME THINKING:

"That first draft should bring with it all the freedom in the world," the best writing advice Jill McCorkle ever received.

This one on introverts is spot on. Take it from an introvert.

I preached to myself via this old devotion I had to google and dig to find. I need to get a "do the work" tattoo.

I have uttered the words, "I could never," myself many times, then found myself facing exactly what I thought I never could. I especially loved this quote: "No matter how I see myself and my limitations, God sees who he created me to be. All my life, I’ll be discovering who that is." Exactly.

I'm working on a post using this template. Look for it soon.

And this. Because it's so true. Bring on the summerrrrr!!!

This post is part of Leigh Kramer's "What I'm Into" link up:



Pin It!

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Word of the Week Wednesday


enervate (verb)

to cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality; weaken

How many can identify with this word's meaning? It is, after all, Wednesday. Humpday. As in, "If I can just get over this hump I might somehow make it to the weekend." We know what it means to feel drained of energy or vitality.

We know what it means to be weak.

Today I am thinking about what enervates me. And how I can cut it out of my life. Or at least, reduce it. There are some things that drain us that we can't help. Tending to the endless needs of children, making money, keeping up with job duties, and certain relationships come to mind. These things enervate us, to be sure, but do they have to?

Yes we have to tend to our kids-- but do we have to do it with a sense of drudgery and dullness?

Yes we have to make money-- but are we making money with the awareness of how blessed we are to be able to do so?

We have duties and responsibilities within our jobs-- whatever our jobs may be-- but have we forgotten what it is to have that position? Why we accepted it in the first place? Have we lost sight of our calling in life?

Has what used to energize begun to enervate?

Sure there are those people in our lives-- people we can't avoid due to blood or proximity or position-- that drain us on sight. But can we try to love them with newness, with intention, with God's grace flowing through us because our own is just so inadequate?

I'm preaching to myself here, sounding off in my morning pages regularly about how I've lost sight of so much lately-- sucked into the vortex of busyness and stress and pressure and this needless sense of hurry that defines so much of my day. The other day I was racing along, fuming at stoplights, frustrated with other drivers, and a little part of me woke up and asked the bigger part of me, "Why exactly are you in a hurry? You have nowhere you absolutely have to be right now. Slow down."

Rushing enervates. Stress enervates. Anxiety and worry enervate.

Joy energizes. Gratitude energizes. Noticing and savoring the little things energizes. Pausing, resting, stopping, breathing energizes.

I think it might be as simple as choosing the thing that energizes over the thing that enervates-- but first taking the time-- making the effort-- to notice the difference.

Pin It!

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Out Today!



A June Bride, a novella by... me!

Wynne Hardy never thought she'd get engaged on a reality TV show, but when she met Andy on The Rejection Connection, the two of them hit it off. Now he's asked her to marry him, much to the public's delight and fascination. They're all set to wed on live TV in a seaside ceremony at the height of the wedding season.

But just as Wynne thinks all her dreams are coming true, her ex-boyfriend walks back into her life at the worst possible time. Callum broke her heart, and she's still sorting through her feelings for him. Her heart isn't as clear as her head that it's past time to move on - even though she's engaged to Andy.

At a local TV talk show appearance, Wynne meets Meredith, who won another reality TV show - Marathon Mom - proving herself nothing short of a superhero. As Wynne's beach wedding plans spin out of control, Meredith offers to help, unknowingly stepping on Wynne's secret feelings... and exposing some secrets Meredith has been keeping to herself. Can these two reality stars get real about their feelings? Will Wynne go through with her televised wedding and be the perfect June bride the network is looking for?

A year's worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.


To get your copy, find links here. And thank you to all who buy... and read.
Pin It!

Monday, May 26, 2014

Intentional Mondays


Quote: "Friend, I am becoming desperate. What shall I do? How quickly, if I only knew by what remedy, I would turn from the commotion of my own life." Mary Oliver, Truro, The Blueberry Fields

As summer looms large on the heels of this kickoff weekend, I find myself longing to turn from the commotion of my own life and embrace the long lazy days ahead. Perhaps in its own way summer is the remedy, at least for a short time.

Write Every Day... I spent this week kvetching and moaning over a new book idea that seems just so BIG and daunting and hard. My thanks go out to the two writer friends who sat by my side as I groaned and retched and generally carried on. You are true friends to listen and offer words of advice. You know who you are. One day I might actually write that particular book. If I do, you two get the book dedicated to you. I promise.

My One Word... AFFIRM. Got two sweet notes from readers of this blog offering affirmation. I think they were concerned for me and their heartfelt sentiments were muchly appreciated. It is good to know that what I write here does wing its way into the homes and hearts of people elsewhere. And that it actually helps. I would tell you I don't need it-- that I would write anyway-- and yet it really was a boost.

Another AFFIRMation this week was a very nice review of my new book, THE BRIDGE TENDER-- 4 stars from Romantic Times! And this sweet review from a blogger who got an early copy. This one includes a recipe!

Listening To... As I write this I'm listening to Queen sing about Pressure, with a little help from David Bowie. Though I'm not feeling particularly pressured at this moment in time I can recall the feeling without much effort at all. (See today's quote, above)

Sharing Stories... I am reading The Wizard of Oz aloud to my 8yo daughter. We're both loving it. The book is different from the movie. For instance, Dorothy's shoes are silver, not red. The reason they went with red in the movie is because they showed up better on film. You heard it here first, or maybe everyone already knew this and I am just behind. Would not be the first time.

In The Kitchen... The other day I found a bag of over-ripe bananas marked down at the grocery to a mere 79 cents. I bought the bag, came home and baked three loaves of banana bread and a batch of chocolate chip banana bars. I felt super efficient and homemakerish.

Randomness... Susan Boyle's version of "Both Sides Now" is quite good. I never hear that song and don't think of Emma Thompson crying in her room in Love Actually.

Plans... This is my birthday week so we've got some celebrating to do! While I don't relish another year on my age, I do take any and every excuse to celebrate. And to slack off, shirk my responsibilities, etc.

Loveliness... I visited a unique jewelry store this weekend with my daughter, appreciating the creativity and beauty in each piece. As I have gotten further into the Artist's Way program, I have discovered the value in seeing creativity apart from just writing. I saw it in those pieces of jewelry-- in color, in texture, in pattern and design.

Photo of the week:

This is out tomorrow! Download it on your ereader... please!
Pin It!

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Word of the Week Wednesday (And A Book Review Of Sorts)


gambit (noun)
to take a risk for some advantage

On principle I am not comfortable with risk. In fact my daily existence is pretty much an exercise in avoiding risks for both me and my family. I work hard at navigating us around risks, at carving out wide margins so that there is no room left for gambits. And yet, the older I get, the more I see that a well-lived life is a life lived outside of those safe margins, a life that involves risk. Gambits are good.



I just listened to Rob Lowe's book Love Life, a title that is a play on words. If you get this book thinking you're going to hear the salacious (another SAT word) details of his love life, you will be sorely disappointed. Instead the book is Lowe's attempt to share how he has learned to love life.

One theme that recurs in the book is this idea of gambits-- that we should take a risk with an eye towards the advantage it could create. Lowe talks of the more bizarre roles he's attempted, the commitment he's made to sobriety, the strong love he has for his wife and children. In different ways, these are all gambits. To love with abandon, to stop something that used to drive him, to step outside what is expected-- all risks he would say have paid off by bringing a greater satisfaction to his life. I found the book to be inspiring and, as I said with his first book, all the better for hearing him read it. (How else would you hear his Bigfoot impression as he intended it?)

And also? The piano music at the beginning and end is composed and played by his youngest son, which moved me almost as much as the book. You couldn't hear that if you just read the book.

Rob Lowe's book got me thinking about gambits-- the risks I could take. Could I love deeper, live with more passion, attempt things that are outside my comfort zone? I know that the risks I took in the past-- to marry Curt (even though we were too young-- do you hear that kids? We were too young.), to write that first novel, to have more than the standard amount of children, to choose educational methods that were not "normal," to stand up for things I felt were wrong, have all brought about advantages in the end. They were-- and are-- risks I am glad I took, gambits whose dividends keep paying out even now.

How can I keep taking risks? What risks am I avoiding? How can I not be afraid when my kids embark on gambits of their own? These are important questions and ones we should all ask ourselves with each new stage and season of life.

Maybe today you should think about gambits you've embarked on in the past, and ponder new ones you might take in the future. What advantages have gambits of the past brought you? What advantage could a new risk potentially bring you? A safe life might be comfortable, but it's also kinda boring. Gambits are good. That's what I have to keep telling myself. I think Rob Lowe would agree.




Pin It!

Monday, May 19, 2014

Intentional Mondays


Quote: "I also believe in God because I have to, because I need someone to pray to with my rabid, sweeping mix of fear and love. I have to believe in something else, I think, or I'd lose my mind. I think I would blow a fuse in my brain every night if I couldn't entrust to God for safekeeping while I sleep. It's hard enough for me to sleep, and I believe very desperately in God. I'd never sleep a wink if I didn't." Shauna Niequist, Cold Tangerines

Write Every Day... Well that didn't happen this past week. Mostly because this past week was the suckiest of weeks I've had in a long, long time. Our dryer broke. I had some writing setbacks. My check engine light was on in my car, threatening and ominous and nagging. My husband was gone all week. And I had that line from "Counting Stars" by One Republic playing over and over in my mind, "Make that money, watch it burn." It was Not A Good Week and the creative juices were not flowing.

My One Word... AFFIRM. Wasn't feeling very affirmed  this week. I'm sure I had moments but they were fleeting and I wasn't really paying attention anyway. (See above)

Listening To: I need some new songs on my iPod. Songs that inspire me to run harder, faster, longer.

Sharing Stories... Every so often I re-read the Stephen King novella, The Body because it's just so stinking good. This is one of those weeks. Am also reading a forthcoming novel to consider for She Reads and it is quite engaging. Am still working my way through The Artist's Way and trying to be faithful with my morning pages. Last week I was hit or miss because many mornings I simply had nothing to say. I hate when words fail me.

In The Kitchen... Loaded beef nachos tonight, and that's as far as I've gotten. If you'd like to make loaded beef nachos, simply get a package of beef tips (mine was just over two pounds), put it into your crockpot, add two cans of Ro-Tel and a package of  taco seasoning and cook all day on low. Just before serving, shred the meat with two forks and serve with tortilla chips, shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, cubed avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, some really good salsa, and anything else that strikes your fancy. This is always a crowd pleaser. And it's just so easy.

Plans... To have a much better week this week than last. To get some writing done. To read instead of watch tv. To run and eat better and not drink wine at night. To accomplish All The Things. To not feel sorry for myself as much as I did last week. To be kinder. To sit outside and breathe deeply and listen to the birds sing. To notice.

Loveliness... We got new deck furniture and I am loving sitting outside and writing during the day, or hanging out there at night with candles lit and sip a glass of wine with my husband. We've decided it's our new date night spot. With the money we save not going out to restaurants, over time we figure the furniture will pay for itself.

Photo of the week:
Mother's Day pic-- the six of them were all in one place and willing to pose for a pic!
I treasure photos like this one. Even on the bad weeks.
Pin It!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Word of the Week Wednesday


I got this idea while running. I get lots of ideas while running. I thought about how my friends (and husband) talk about my use of big words-- "SAT words" as they call them. I can't help it. I like words. I have a penchant for them. So I thought that it would be fun to choose a word of the week and then write a little essay using that word as a theme.



And so, here's my first Word of the Week Wednesday. This week's word:

Predilection: Personal preference or inclination

I have a lot of personal preferences or inclinations. Just ask my family. I know what I like and what I want. I have very specific ideas about the way things should go. I can not be easily talked out of them.

But I wasn't always that way. For a long time, my standard response to my husband-- and later, my kids-- was "Whatever you want, honey." I didn't know I could have opinions or preferences, could state my feelings or wishes. Or I was afraid to. A peacemaker at heart, I feared that presenting a contrasting opinion would rock the boat. I was afraid of rocking boats. I wanted my boat still, my waters calm.

I'm not sure what happened to make this behavior stop. Maybe my daughters got older and I wanted them to be women with strong minds who weren't afraid to speak them. And I knew that I'd have to be an example of that. Maybe I realized that my husband wanted me to engage, wanted me to have an opinion-- a woman who could be his mental counterpart, not some shrinking violet. Maybe I didn't want my sons to go through life thinking women were pushovers who existed to serve the needs of their family only.

Years ago I was in a group of women and I'm not sure what we were talking about that got us on the subject but I remember one woman shared the story of how her mother got really, really angry and blew up at the whole family, ranting about how she was tired of never getting the last slice of pizza. Confused, her family asked her what in the world she was talking about and the mom explained that when her children were growing up and there was one last piece of pizza she always said she didn't want it so that one of the children could have it. Turns out, all that time she wanted that last slice. Her children, bewildered, responded that she should've just told them she wanted the last slice of pizza. They would've given it to her. Instead she'd let years of bitterness build up over... pizza.

Maybe it was that story that changed me. If I have a predilection for pizza, I need to say so lest I become a ranting older woman who is filled with pent-up rage over all the things she wanted but wouldn't--couldn't-- admit to. Having opinions, interests, and inclinations aren't wrong. They're normal. Swallowing them isn't. Don't be afraid to make your predilections known. And don't wait to say so until your inclination becomes a diatribe. It's good to know your predilections and to speak them, with love and as a contributing member of your family. One who is worthy of being heard.

And if you're not sure what your predilections are? That's a good place to start.
Pin It!

Monday, May 12, 2014

Intentional Monday


Quote: "I think with each book you learn more and you grow as a writer so you learn to recognize weaknesses early, and to question things sooner. I've also learned how to listen to my inner voice more when I have doubts about a plotline or a character. I think with each book I'm beginning to understand my own style more, what works for me, and where my voice resonates the most."

A definite yes to this quote from Chevy Stevens, whose new book THAT NIGHT I devoured in days.

Write Every Day... With wrapping up the teaching and turning in my grades and just some other stuff I had going on last week, I didn't do any writing. I had just done an edit and was needing a break and some time to clear my head. BUT. Here's what happened-- as I took a break from writing fiction, all these nonfiction ideas (aka blog fodder) popped into my head. I've been frantically scribbling down the ideas so I don't lose them. It just goes to show that sometimes taking a break is just the thing you need. But I do plan to dive back into the story this week. And now-- because of the break-- I'm actually looking forward to doing so.

My One Word... AFFIRM. Coolest thing happened this week: a friend of mine kept popping into my head one day last week. I just couldn't get her off my mind. I've learned to pay attention when that happens-- that there's usually a reason. So after I got done teaching, I got in my car and called her. And the minute she heard my voice she burst into tears. She had just gotten home from picking up her daughter, who had had a seizure at school that day. She was in a place of "what if" and "what next" and really, really needed someone to tell her things would be ok, that she could do this. It was one of those moments of AFFIRMing that God is in all of it, and that He cares enough to have our people there for us when we need them. And it was a good AFFIRMation for me that I should never hesitate to reach out to those my mind goes to, especially if it keeps going there.

Listening To: This sermon on mercy. It wrecked me for days. Every person in this world who professes faith should listen to it. It will probably step all over your toes. All the better.

Sharing Stories... the pick for this month at She Reads is one of my personal favorites. I actually bought the British edition a year ago and was enthralled with the story of a group of college students who stumble upon a little hideaway and decide to hole up there and create their own utopia. You can probably guess that things do NOT go to plan. Lots of surprises in this one and just a good examination of complicated relationships and how our past holds sway over us. And I also just think the author is stinking cute. Read this great post about how she balances motherhood and writing and I think you'll agree.

Randomness... Making your bed always makes your room feel neater. My children do not ascribe to this theory, but it's true. Also, a made bed sleeps better. (This section is called "randomness.")

In The Kitchen... We've got a few things left over from last week that we didn't get around to eating. Our nights now that swim season has started are just crazy. In a few days I will have to come up with a new menu plan, though. Better head to my Food Faves board at Pinterest.

Plans... I have not a lot on the calendar this week-- and that is just the way I like it. Now that my substituting gig and story workshops are over for the year, I find my days looking blissfully empty. I will fill them with writing and answering emails and She Reads stuff and puttering around my house and reading blogs I love and, ok, yes, on Pinterest and Twitter and Facebook. Come on, you know you do it too.

Loveliness... This is the ultimate in loveliness to me. Books becoming art. Yes, please.

Photo of the week:

Cultivating an artist at home. New art supplies and a fancy, "official" sketchbook to fill.
And yes, those are crumbs on the table. Keepin it real.
Pin It!

Friday, May 09, 2014

In Which I Attempt Poetry In Honor of Mother's Day


This is my pitiful attempt at a mother's day poem-- I hope you enjoy it. And I hope you enjoy mother's day!

(Note: dichotomy- a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.)



A Mother's Dichotomy

"Be quiet!" I say

Stop talking

And fighting

And whining

And asking for things

Turn off the music, the voices, the

Noise

Noise

Noise

"I want silence," I say

Yet in the morning

When I return to an empty house

With the smell of toast and soap and hair spray

Lingering in the air

Mixing with the void they left behind

I stand still and take it in

For just a moment

And then I go

And turn on the television


Pin It!

Wednesday, May 07, 2014

A Photo Post




Thought I'd share some photos I've snapped lately-- and the stories behind them. Because there is always, always a story.
 
 
This is my miracle cake, found at the grocery store after returning home from Aruba late the night before and rushing headlong into a new day, which included a child's 12th bday. This child loves baseball, so finding this cake on the shelf, and on sale no less, felt like a little nudge from God: "I've got it all under control." That's what this birthday cake says to me. Bet you never knew cakes could talk, did you? This one does. Or did. It was devoured pretty quickly.

 
We went to take prom photos of my second son last weekend, which involved a lot of waiting around for kids to arrive and things to happen. Here are the two youngest kids waiting... with smiles. (The smiles were prompted by promises of dinner out after the photos were through.)

 
Handsome boy and lovely girl. Is there anything sweeter than a lot of young people all looking their best, gathered together in their finest duds while adoring parents and loved ones look on? I think not.

 
He loves me! (This was waiting for me on the sidewalk when I walked outside on Saturday as he was pressure washing.) After almost 23 years of marriage, the romance lives on.
 
 
I snapped this shot at the drive through at Chick Fil A. A good reminder for all of us.

 
I just love this photo. I think it should be on a greeting card or something.
 
I went on my first artist date this past weekend. (Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way 12 week program suggests this as a weekly event.) I took myself to a park and sat and enjoyed the lovely weather, just taking in the sights. The whole thing felt very AFFIRMing (my one word, anyone?) and serendipitous as I happened upon an art class going on at the park. I watched them for awhile and even snapped a few photos, hoping they didn't take me for some weird art stalker. I had my story all prepared just in case. But no one seemed to notice-- they were too intent on their own artistic pursuits.

 
Mama and Papa Goose came by with their three adorable goslings. Geese can be obnoxious but the goslings were just too cute. They're a bit hard to make out in this photo but they're there.

 
Yep, that's my foot. And that was my view. Like I said, it was restorative and relaxing and very creativity inducing. I can so see the benefits of engaging in this program and can't wait to see what the next weeks bring.

Pin It!

Monday, May 05, 2014

Intentional Mondays


Quote: "But when you sit down to write, sit down because you are a generous soul who wants to share what you see and feel, and you’re passionate about what you have to say and you can’t bottle it up any more. Or maybe you write to understand something about yourself, and that’s why you must go at it. But never sit down with the idea of wowing anyone—agents, editors or the public. The expectations will weigh your writing down and it will hit the page with a sickening thud."

If you are thinking of writing, or already immersed in it, pay attention to this wonderful advice from novelist Karin Gillespie. (Her post in the New York Times, "A Master's In Chick Lit" is worth reading if you have the time.)

Write Every Day... Staying on track with my writing. I've got about 12 more scenes to finish out the story. This week promises to be busy as I wrap up my substitute teaching and attend a brunch at the school for Mother's Day, but I still hope to make progress. Any increase in word count-- any venturing closer to "the end"-- counts as progress.

My One Word... AFFIRM. Spent Sunday morning pouring my heart out in my journal about how unworthy I felt for several reasons. Then went to church and heard one of those messages that sticks with you forever. This one was on mercy and how it triumphs over judgment. It's not about our worthiness, but God's relentless mercy. I needed the reminder... the AFFIRMation.

Listening To: "The Moment" by Toad the Wet Sprocket, a favorite band of mine from the 90's that has a new cd out. I love the whole cd, but this particular song has been on repeat play. It's just that good. Even better, they are coming to a locale near me just in time for my birthday, which just made my husband's question of what to do for me for my birthday so much easier, seeing as how David Gray has, as of yet, not announced tour dates anywhere in the southeast US. But I remain hopeful!

Sharing Stories... Starting to think through some possible read-alouds I could share with my kids this summer. So far I've got Wildwood and Fablehaven as potentials. Both are the first books in a series, so I am supposing that, if the books are good, we could read the series or they could branch out beyond the first on their own, whet their reading appetites so to speak. Other stand alone contenders are The Mostly True Story of Jack, Bigger Than A Breadbox, The Spy Catchers of Maple Hill, Pie, The One and Only Ivan, Escape From Mr Lemoncello's Library, Three Times Lucky, A Tangle of Knots, The Boundless or  The Apothecary. The qualifications are that the books have to appeal to boys and girls, and to a middle schooler and elementary schooler. Of course there are also old favorites like The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, Danny The Champion of the World or From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankwiler, and The Trumpet of the Swan are all good ones to revisit. There is no shortage of stories to share and that is a very good thing.

Randomness... I have started The Artists Way by Julia Cameron, thanks to a recommendation from a friend who is going through it for the umpteenth time. I was skeptical-- so skeptical-- to start it, but have found the two main components of the program (morning pages and artist's dates) to be very beneficial, creatively speaking. I plan to stick with it for the next 12 weeks. I'm sure I will be talking more about it here during that time. If you've ever wanted to do it, go for it! Summer seems like the perfect time to take it on.

In The Kitchen... spaghetti, roasted chicken, Italian baked chicken, grilled sausages served on rolls with spicy mustard... old stand-bys that are stand-bys for a reason: easy and delicious

Plans... Planning my last two journalism classes for the substituting I've been doing. Am thinking we might go light on my last day... Mostly because I'm running out of creative steam. But don't tell them that. My plan is to make them think it's because I'm super nice. :)

Loveliness... This weekend was sheer loveliness in our neck of the woods, weather-wise. After spending the weekend before in Aruba, I was doubtful I could enjoy a weekend in my boring ole hometown. But I soaked up the beautiful weather and relished the cloudless blue skies and mild yet warm temps. I went to a local park (my first artist's date!) and spent a lot of time on my deck. Loveliness abounded.

Photo of the week:

A date on our deck on a beautiful spring evening this weekend


Pin It!