Quickie

Christmas is halfway down and finishing is today's job. 

Hubby is back to Asheville this morning for the day and the never-ending HVAC saga. 

Timing works for me. I can un-decorate without distractions and get some end-of-year thinking in while I do it. I like the up and down of Christmas to be by myself. We each have our lanes lol.

Wow -- I have nothing to say this morning. 

No drama.

No plans. 

Super short and sweet this morning.

Have a good day. Later gators.

Got to Work

I worked on the first thing on my 26 for 2026 list (and the list isn't even finalized).

Yep, it's not technically 2026, but it's also not technically finished. 

Drumroll ...

THE BEDROOM RE-DECORATE.

You know I got the rug.

You know I've been "collecting" wall art. 

Yesterday I woke up in a creative kind of mood and ready to put it together.

Pieces I own (some for 30 years, one from birth).

Pieces I've thrifted.

Pieces made by family members.

Family plates.

Pieces from art shows.

Started with a floor layout which saved me the step of making paper templates. Measured the space I wanted art and translated it to the floor. This was the biggest project to date and paper templates didn't seem like enough to visualized it. I made a few changes as we hung them, but this was a good start.

Some of the frames need pictures. One frame I hung horizontally and the existing picture is vertical -- little mind screw when you look at it. There are 5 frames over 2 walls -- I have ideas for 2 of them so far.

Added to the other wall.
Changing a bit today.

I like the lower mirror.
Unexpected height and
placement.

I did some wonky
spacing to add interest.

Anchored the chair on
a little cheap rug.

Then the bed. It was boring and bothering me. Maybe it was the matching pillow shams -- so I grabbed pillows from the closet and tossed all the colors together. Does it work? Sort of -- in a wonky way. 

It works because it doesn't work. 

Ideally, I wouldn't have added the pink/red pillows to the room, but it's what I had. Wrong color palette and wrong-ish style. But, somehow, I like it. Colorful, interesting, unexpected. 

Mosh pit of pillows.
Asymmetrical placement.

This is the view from the door. Not too crazy. The picture walls are hidden until you step into the room. I like it that way. Doesn't offend the living area, but is still ME when you get in the room.

I love it.

I've wanted a floor to ceiling art wall for years. 

The expectation was something I LOVED, but something that not everyone will like. Why? Because that means I'm "brave" enough to show ME, my personality ... out loud. I want someone to see something and say "oh, that reminds me of you." Not in a constructed way. But in the way that's really me -- little odd, little specific ... an actual personality. I hid behind vanilla for most of my life. 

There's space to add. Thinking something 3-D, not a picture -- like a funky wall sconce. I'm in no rush. I'll look on Marketplace and thrift for those things. 

I'm not opposed to a new quilt, but this is fine for now. When (if) I see one, I'll know it. Now I don't need to force anything. The pillows give it enough interest.

It's fun, interesting, colorful, eclectic, odd, comfortable, happy -- my dream adjectives. 

Next up ...

Good-bye, Christmas -- probably a 2 day job since I'm babysitting this afternoon.

I have fun ideas for 2 frames that involve old pictures for one and our dating letters for others. It'll be an ongoing project for the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned. I won't have time to do much with it this week. 

I went down the letter rabbit hole last night. I've mentioned before, I have tons of our letters from when we were dating and living in different cities. The problem? They're smut. Good lord, we were horny young folks. I mean, really crazy and bold. We had a shred some last night to keep them out of the eyes of our kids when we die. If you knew us back then (or now), you'd say we are decently buttoned up ... and we are, publicly. Guess you never know behind closed doors hahahahaha. 

I also did a little itty bitty start to my year long project idea from my friend. I'm keeping you in suspense, but I'll share when it gets going a little more so I can start some pictures. 

Have a good last Monday in 2025. Later gators.

And We're Home

Well, in an interesting turn of events, I woke up in GA this morning.

My foot is a problem so we couldn't do any outdoor activities.

Dogs were having a hard time -- nervous, upset, etc.

We saw my sister and her family for lunch on Saturday.

There was nothing else we'd do in Asheville together.

My foot's put a damper on this holiday week.

So we made a last minute decision and drove home last night. It's become so difficult to go up together with our old dog. He's just a mess in a different location (even though he's been going for 4 years). We can't leave him for long and he gets so nervous coming out with us. Even with anxiety drugs on board. Poor baby.

We think most of our trips will be solo ones until Monti is no longer with us -- that's not going to be too long. He's had a decline these last couple of months and the vet thinks we are close to the end. I don't wish him gone (of course), but we won't let him have an unhappy, upsetting ending.

I was able to get in a teahouse run before lunch. It's so good.

And finish this suspense book. 4.25/5 

It was one of our quickest family trips to Asheville and, while not horrible, but not the usual fun either. The newly installed HVAC is having trouble so we'll call on Monday (they were closed for the holiday). Hubby will probably head up this week if they can service and I'll go up the following week to un-decorate, clean and HOPEFULLY enjoy the usual Asheville.

Now time to start the January build up in earnest. 

Hope you have a good day.

Later gators.

We Made It

Made it to Asheville and dodged a HUGE mistake.

I forgot Monti's medications -- he can't go 4 days without them. Luckily we were only 15 minutes out. Phew. Absolute phew!!!!!!! We would've had to head home this morning.

I already picked up Marketplace art -- picture to come. Hand painted row of trees in the woods from 1970s. Love it. Color and reminds me of hiking. Nothing else stood out on Marketplace, but I'll head to some thrift stores tomorrow while hubby watches football.

ADDED ...

This art is for the bedroom at home. 

I like the new rug. 

The picture above the bed is good.

The wall opposite the bed is almost good.

My "vision" (hah) is coming together.

Before I do the bedding (I think), I'm going to make a FULL art wall on the big, blank wall. This makes me happy. I'm in the collecting phase. Once I get enough, I'll make paper templates and see what else I need. I think a few round or "not rectangle" pictures. Maybe a sconce or something "not framed."

I'm on the lookout for the bedding, but it's going to be difficult to get it right. Something in the color palette of the rug, but a print -- probably a small print. Or maybe, when it's all said and done, I'll be happy with the dark gray bedspread.

Ooops, got to run ... hubby is up early.

Later gators.

January on the Horizon

It's finished. 

Holidays 2025 done & dusted. 

All that remains is un-decorating. 

We don't "celebrate" NYE or New Years. 

Usually reserved for the un-decorating.

I'll put together some munchies for the games for hubby and that's it.

Maybe babysitting. 

How was your Christmas?

The movie flight day was a solid 8.5/10.

F1 Movie -- AWESOME 

Family Plan -- total DUD

Knives Out -- AWESOME

Our basement setup is comfortable for a movie day.

Lots of room, blankets, pillows.

Easy potty break for the dogs.

Beverage refrigerator so less trips upstairs. 

I did a low-key Peloton ride and my foot is okay -- that was a HUGE mood booster. 

Texted with family and friends.

A few phone calls too. 

Hiking plans for next week (foot willing). 

I'm glad to "table" my holiday pity party drama until next year. I overthought and over-felt this to death. (Is anyone surprised?!?!) I looked at some wider perspectives and I can understand the situation better. Still feels prickly, but not "wrong." Happy it's behind me. It helped that we had a nice day yesterday.

Then my favorite time of year ... JANUARY. I love the reflection and planning. Joys of winter without the stress of holidays. Clean slate feeling. Possibility of a year ahead. Goal planning. Intention setting. 

Coming back to myself again. 

The holidays put me off center a little. 

January brings me back. 

No weddings or babies this spring -- no throwing showers or hosting events. Just regular life and I can not wait!!!!!

Oh ... I have such a fun craft that I'm going to do all year ahead of Christmas. My dearest friend mentioned it yesterday and now I'm all in. Stay tuned. It feels right up my alley. I'll tell you about it once I have a little more details and such.

But first ... off to Asheville for the mountains and family and teahouse. 

Happy Boxing Day. Later gators.

It's Christmas

Happy Christmas!

This holiday season has been a year of firsts.

Turkey Trot 10/10

Going out on Christmas Eve 8/10

Christmas movie marathon TBD/10

It was CROWDED on Christmas Eve. A few local places were closed, but the rest were hopping. Lots of shorts, tank tops ... it's THAT warm this week. So many "ruined" holiday outfits ... sweaters around the shoulders, people sweating in fancy blouses, etc. 

Crazy.

It's foggy and humid and very warm this morning. 

I'm not sure how I feel about spending Christmas alone. I think I'm more bummed about my foot than not having company. I wanted to hike this week and haven't been able to do any kind of exercise at all. My foot (and weather) put a real damper on the plans for the week. 

I'm trying not to get in my head about what's fair and what's not fair. This situation isn't unfair ... just different. The part I'm lamenting over is BOTH my kids are 15 minutes down the road and neither are spending any part of Christmas with us. 

Nothing. 

Knowing we're alone.

(I know we got a little pity invite for last night.)

If they were out of town, I wouldn't be having this thought AT ALL. So why is the proximity bothering me so much? I guess it's that I would NEVER -- and have never, done that to anyone. I include and invite every holiday -- alone extended family, in-laws of my kids, etc. 

Shoe is on the other foot and CRICKETS. 

It's like good angel, bad angel. 

Good angel says still be inclusive and kind.

Bad angel says never include them again.

(Today bad angel is winning, dang.)

I also am a little annoyed that the dispersement of holiday time is determined by in-laws. I never get the choice. I go with the flow. Take what they want to give me. I don't care as long as I know ahead of time, but I care that I'm not asked. Why shouldn't I EVER get first choice? Will we get Christmas next year? Or have they started a new tradition. That happened with Thanksgiving for years.

But here's the kicker. I LIKED what we did this year. It was special and probably one of my favorite "Christmas" days. We were invited to my sister's in Asheville (and will always be welcomed) so if the same happens next year, we can go there for Christmas if we choose. Maybe next year will be better weather and no foot issue, so hiking would be an awesome way to spend Christmas Day. 

Be careful to not covet what you don't want.

I didn't want it, but I didn't want everyone else to have it. 

(Not emotionally mature or kind.)

Or maybe I just wanted a genuine invite extended.

To be noticed that WE were alone this year.

I need to focus on having a good day today. 

We have 3 movies and a good dinner planned.

F1 Movie

Family Plan 2

Knives Out 3

Heading to Asheville tomorrow.

Happy Christmas everyone. 

Christmas Eve -- But Is It?!?

Happy Christmas Eve.

Two things ...

(1) I like the British way of saying "Merry Christmas" -- "Happy Christmas" sounds better.

(2) It doesn't feel like Christmas at all (maybe a song lyric??) -- we've finished our Christmas AND it's in the high 70s today. This happens SO many times Christmas week -- unseasonably warm temps. Say goodbye to cozy sweaters, warm drinks, snuggly blankets. 

Trying to rally in the spirit of the holiday is a bit tough given both.

We got a pity invite to Christmas Eve at my son's house -- we declined. It came after "what are you doing for Christmas Eve" question so it didn't feel like a real invitation. It was kind though. I think he feels a little bad that we're excluded when we've been so inclusive with his in-laws at Christmas. 

I made an early run to the grocery store so we'll have a festive meal day tomorrow. I decided to make a little effort. Man, I wish it was cold and wintery and overcast. And, I wish my foot was better. These are nice hiking days and I can barely walk at all. 

The quiet holiday I was looking forward to is a little bit of a bust given that, but I'm going to try anyway.

Sun, humid, warm (bordering on shorts weather). 

Dang.

Do better, the south.

But Happy Christmas Eve anyway.

Later gators.