F U N (!!)

Top notch day yesterday.

Duke and I hiked. I'm having a little foot pain drama, so we kept the hike to 6 miles. He was okay with other dogs -- I know the trails well and we stayed away from the narrow areas. Actually ran into a friend and his crazy dog too.

I left more holiday rocks at the trailhead LFL.

I often look for "things" when I hike alone -- colors, shapes, etc. Yesterday was hearts. As you walk by, trees branches that form a heart from a certain angle, etc. Leaving the hike there's a cement pylon.

Hubby and I grabbed lunch and on the walk home we ran into our neighbor. His house went under contract last week. Selling stuff on Marketplace. WHAT?!?! Am I dreaming??

I shopped till I dropped. Picking up everything today. Lots of goodies for my redecorate -- so inexpensive. Stay tuned.

Back in the kitchen for oatmeal raisin cookies (my youngest's favorite) and banana bread (for today). Finishing up the cookie baking as we speak this morning. 

Then the party -- SO MUCH FUN. I had an excellent time. 

For all the bitching I do about the Tuesday hike group, man we had the best time.

Goofed around.

Laughed a ton.

Felt the friendships.

Everyone was in such a festive mood.

I need to rein in some of my particularities. These women are worth it. Maybe it's the fun night talking, but I don't think so. It was a good lesson for me. 

I know my word for 2026 is SPACE, but a runner up should be SOFTER. Hmmmm. Maybe SOFTER is how I want to feel. Something to overthink think about.

More fun set for today. 

Bookclub book exchange and brunch. 

Kids (grandson) over for football.

I'm doing a decent job keeping fun in this holiday push. We celebrate 5 days early -- just a week away. 

Hope you're doing well too -- wishing you a good day. Later gators.

Friday Recap

Yesterday's recap (for anyone wondering lol).

Coffee with the local women's political group and a mayor-elect. I learned so much about the history, town, and future plans. I'm going to go as often as I can to the Friday coffees. I learn a lot and enjoy the connection to the women and the town.

Rug came and ... drum roll ... I love it. Turns out I did NOT order the really colorful one that made me a little nervous. Kept to color, but in more muted tones.

The BEFORE. 

Stained, scratchy, corners chewed off. 

The rug upside down to show less stain.

Big Marketplace fail (shouldn't have sent hubby).

The AFTER. 

Already happier. 

Blue, green, gold, brown.

Stay tuned for the progression. 

It might take a minute to find a quilt. Struck out on initial look. It needs to be a small pattern or stripes or plaid. Big pattern will compete, rather than compliment (I think).

The artwork will be colorful too -- I have a good mix already. The big picture over the bed and the print of my aunt's art will stay. The wall across the bed and on the other side is getting the makeover. 

Hubby and I tried another restaurant - an old dinner from the 1980s. 

Great food, good price. 

Nice walk.

Stopped at a fancy chocolate store that was recommended by my aunt. 

Got two kinds of marshmallows to do a taste test on Sunday.

Proud of myself for not opening any last night -- I was tempted.

Worked on Christmas stuff for the rest of the afternoon. 

That leads me to today. 

A local hike.

Christmas prep.

Christmas party.

It'll be a good day, but I really wish parties were in the afternoon hah! 

Hope you have a good one too. Later gators.

Ending my Year of COLOR with a Bang ... or a Flop

Decorated (!!)

I eased up the task a little. 

The relabel and reorganize waits for un-decorating.

I also put in headphones and listened to Christmas music.

I'm really into "for King & Country" -- has a nice beat.

With headphones -- totally immersive. 

No more Carrie Underwood Christmas because of her radical political views.

"for King & Country" is a religious group, but hasn't shown a political stand -- phew. 

I hiked 9 miles -- 5 miles with a friend. 

Walked myself to lunch. 

Easy (7 minutes early) virtual appointment -- changing RX.

Then decorated.

My aunt and her friend stopped over to park at our house for the holiday festival. Decorations just in time as it turns out hah!

I painted a few easy rocks before the hike. Took them and a couple of holiday rocks from last year to the LFL at the hike trailhead. The holiday balls were all taken by the end of the hike. Guess they're a hit. I'll paint more of them -- super easy. It's so much fun to pass along a little happy and a little cheer (or joy as the rock says).

Today is a variety day again.

Coffee with the local liberal women's group.

Rug delivery (which may cut coffee short -- hoping they're on the later end of window).

Inventory Christmas gifts that are piled in the guest room.

Date meal with hubby. 

I'm excited and a little worried about the rug. 

I was in a mood -- no more drab. 

Made a screw-it decision. 

Ekkkkk. 

I don't remember exactly what I ordered except it has color -- the confirmation just has the name. Of course, I could look it up, but I'm just going with god on this one. I did the same thing with office furniture over the pandemic -- ended up being so happy with the out-of-my-box choice after a small panic just before it arrived. 

I know if I like something when I see it in the space. Trying to visualize it before hand is harder for me so this feels like a bit of a dice roll. 

This month ends my year of COLOR. 

This could be the grand finale or a total flop. 

Stay tuned ... I took before pictures. 

Now I'm working myself up about it ... good lord, it's a rug.

(P.S. No matter what, it IS the rug for the room. I have to make it work. Can you hear my slight panic?)

Have a good and colorful day. Later gators. 

Procrastination

Still not decorated! 

Why is this such a drag?

Worse than usual. 

I think the task is too big.

Organize the decorations.

Figure out this house's layout.

Re-label boxes. 

I said probably Thursday, but I wanted to get it started yesterday. Nope ... and I had time. And today I'm hiking all morning, virtual doc visit regarding hormones this afternoon. I won't even come close to starting until 2 o'clock. Geez. 

But ... plants watered (phew) and MOST of the Christmas shopping is finished. I went to stores and prayed to the shopping gods. I found some nice things, all exchangeable with gift receipts. 

Costco run for the beef tenderloin ($$$, but will feed us for a couple of meals).

Met my son for a pizza lunch. We tried to go healthy, but the place was packed with a wait -- pizza for the win. 

Not a bad day -- just wish I had put a little time into decorating. It's probably not a big deal once I start, but I'm in some strange frozen-land getting going on this. The dread is REAL and BIG -- and probably way overblown in my head. I've even considered not decorating. I have the outside finished, tree up, stockings up. Could this be enough? But then I'll be in the same spot next year. Taking one for my FS.

I'm hiking with one of ladies from my Tuesday group. I don't know her well, but she wants to hike more ahead of a big outdoor trip in January. It'll be good company and motivation to get out in the cold. 

I've been barely keeping commitments to myself (hiking, running, decorating) -- huge effort, lots of procrastination. I would've been tempted to change it up today too -- but now I have accountability. 

I'm also glad I reached out -- I like her. We're going to her Christmas party on Saturday. Time to get to know her a little better. 

Here's my latest winter rock ... sheep on the right. I'm in my craft room this morning to paint another rock, but I'm out of ideas. Hello, Google. 

(Lord, I will seriously do ANYTHING to not start the decoration boxes!!!!!)

Hope your week is going well. Tomorrow's post will be how I decorated and it looks lovely and it was easy, and, and, and. You heard it here today. Can it be done? Will it be done? Stay tuned. Later gators.

180 Turn Today

Yesterday was a variety-pack day, but a really good one. 

8 miles on a brisk, overcast morning. Felt great -- it's been WEEKS since I've hiked. So long, that I'm a tad sore this morning. 

Ran into this big guy a few times.
Chunky fellow ready for winter.

Home for one of the last salads from the garden. It's probably time to give it a break -- covering and uncovering overnight is a bother. Seed room starts late January so a little break is good. But, dang, the lettuce is fresh and so much better than store bought. 

[A little garden side-note ...

Grow greens and radish in spring and fall.

Grow cucumbers and beans in summer.

These are the easiest of everything to grow. Big bang for your buck. If you're looking to dip your toe in gardening. They can all be grown in big pots too.]

I got some extremely necessary volunteer  obligations wrapped up before the court hearing. 

It was well worth making time for it yesterday.

Back and forth in the car -- a number of times between 2 towns. Had to be that way, but it paid off.

Dinner with my friend was a great catch up -- although I didn't like the meal. All good elements, and then swimming in grease. She picked a restaurant in an odd place (one of my drives back and forth). Turns out she thought the book signing was there. Oh well. 

AND ... I survived the book signing with minimal conversation, Congratulations, etc. - the real challenge coming at my hair appointment next week. Every thing was really nice, organized, thoughtful. She was so well spoken and yea for her. 

The book and message aren't for me though. The story was out in left field. The values behind the story aren't mine. The writing is inexperienced. The editing, sloppy. But, I meant what I said -- I'm cheering her on for fulfilling a lifelong goal and executing the physical book and launch so well. This book is one of EIGHT in this planned series. Oh boy.

Home for sleep and then woken by a sick old dog. Poor baby. We had a rough night together. He seems to feel fine this morning. 

Today has a different feel and I'm not thrilled about it. Dreaded CHORES. Hello, plant watering -- I'm talking to you. It's a relatively unscheduled day (unlike yesterday), but I have to fill it with THINGS because time is ticking. 

Choosing a bunch of "un-fun" things isn't exciting me. I'll be glad to have them finished and am going to try and find a way to enjoy the day. I've saved podcasts for just such a moment. 

(I know, woe is me -- not any sort of a real problem.)

If I get the chores off the table, I can focus on fun holiday items. We'll see. I slept in after a late night and a sick dog. It's already a couple hours later than my usual go. My guess is the festive chores will wait. 

Hope you have a good day. Later gators.

No Gobble-Goop and Foxes

Thankful for LISTS.

To-do lists = less overwhelm.

I also decided what's important. 

Set the intention for the family Christmas celebration.

Let a bunch of gobble-goop go. 

(Like everyone gets their favorite holiday cookie.)

Kept the things that speak to me (and our family).

It's still a rushed couple of weeks, but it feels more manageable.

But...

I HAVE NOT DECORATED YET ... good lord. Something came up with volunteering and I spent the afternoon in the car. It's pushed to Wednesday or Thursday. I'm leaning toward Thursday since hubby is golfing -- helps to "think" in a quiet house. 

The other BIG thing is my youngest and DIL decided they want to be surprised for Christmas. I usually get detailed lists. Eeek -- now I need to ponder and purchase before next weekend. Wish me luck. 

Here are a few things I did finish yesterday.

Stocking hangers came.
Not the right size though,
but good enough for now.

Book exchange for bookclub.
Fun way of wrapping a book.

Decorated it myself from
in inspiration picture.
"Vintage" like plastic
balls and velvet ribbon.

You know how ladybugs are my "sign?' Lately, foxes have started feeling more interesting -- I think my sign changed. Of course, both are easy to notice (even live foxes in our area). I think the ladybug is too prevalent and the evil ladybugs can fool you (spots are different; one good for garden, one bad). 

Anyway, heading home from the library I noticed a leaf that looked like a fox. Sharpie and laminate later and now a bookmark. Walking places and noticing things delights me.

A fox, right?!?

Here's the library book -- really good so far. Interesting premise and I have no idea where it's headed. I hope it sticks the landing. It was recommended so I have hopes.

Early, cold hike this morning. Not with the group since they first decided on a hike too far away for my schedule, and then last night changed it to a walk in a neighborhood. Why a walk? Why not a local hike? This group's dynamic ... acquiesce to the lowest denominator, at the last minute. I'm learning to accept it and do what works for me without me getting all worked up (mostly). Slow progress. One of the ladies is hiking with me.

I have volunteer obligations for most of the afternoon, early dinner with a friend, and then my hairdresser's book signing. 

Variety packed day.

Best get going. Have a good one. Later gators.

TWO Weeks (!!)

Hello, Monday. 

Hello, holiday crazies. 

Since we're celebrating Christmas almost a week early, I feel a sudden panic about getting ready. I have SO MUCH on my calendar (as we all do -- and I realize I'm not adding working to the mix). 

I have little to nothing really moving along. 

That includes my extreme Christmas decorating procrastination. This happens especially strong on the year we move into a new house. It's not just don't-know-where-to-put-anything -- it's I JUST decorated (and am still decorating) regular stuff. We don't have pictures hung upstairs, re-doing my bedroom.

Then I need to take down, move stuff, make room for Christmas decor. Not a joy this year. 

Gifts are maybe half finished. 

No cookies baked.

No menu planned.

And add the other things in these next TWO weeks. Lord help me {full blown panic after confirming the timeline on my calendar}.

Short and sweet this morning. My car goes in the shop today and appointment is in 45 minutes. 

Hope you are well and organized and have a good week ahead. Later gators.

Market Day

One day.

Four Markets.

First market:

I walked up to a local food market and gift store. The business started as a catering shop 40 years ago, passed to the daughter who made it a store front and wholesaler when she had kids and a catering schedule was too much.

The food comes highly recommended -- and I met the owner last week. I bought a bunch of meals to share with the kids (trying some today) and a few gifts. I'll be going back for more gifts. It's a fantastic local business. Glad I walked, but my bag was HEAVY on the way home. It did help to edit the gift buying.

Second market:

Headed to a holiday market for kids in foster care. I did the pickup for the mom. 12 stations of gifts, Santa, music, etc. I had a carload of holiday food for the family and gifts for the little girl.

Third market:

Quick stop at home and off to the holiday market in Clarkston. This was AMAZING. Already put it on the calendar for next year. It's never worked with my schedule -- so happy to go this year. The level of artist work was far beyond what I expected ... and the food, dang.

Here are some pictures -- I have other gifts too, but didn't take pictures of everything.

A church was selling paintings
by their members -- $5

For my bedroom makeover.
Adding color. I'll frame
the prints. Each one has
a story -- so beautiful.

Santa reindeer

Passed this international
holiday tree.

Took a break to eat.

Lunch -- flavor was delicious.

I got home and wasn't in the mood for decorating. Got on pjs and started watching the latest season of All Creatures Bright and Small.

And finally #4:

My DIL texted -- they were headed to our town's German Christmas Market. Did we want to come?

Yep!

Got dressed.

They parked at our house and we walked up.

Our grandson loved the lights, watching a little train ride, and visiting Santa. Otherwise, it was rather like an amusement park vibe. Selling junk stuff, fried everything food stations, mulled wine and cider. But it was festive and a fun evening with the family.

The blog is having trouble saving again and I keep logging in and out and losing what I typed. Time to give up. 

Hope you have a good day. Later gators.

Hard News, Little Moments, Next Up

My eldest son got hard news yesterday. His company restructured after a buyout and his department (and 1/2 the company) were let go. The writing was on the wall for the last couple of months, but he thought he had more time. Crappy day for everyone.

Getting let go in December is always a shitty move. It's a dead month for business and he won't see new job options until at least mid-January. Add the economy, etc. and he has an uphill climb ahead. We'll help in anyway we can if it gets to that point. 

Switching gears ...

I went to the women's local group coffee -- it's every Friday, but I've only attended a few times. Large group yesterday after the BIG mayoral win. It's a good group in community and a wealth of information about the town. This group is the reason the local election was so successful. 

Some small moments yesterday ... it's a hodgepodge.

Little houses from a European
flight years ago. Numbered
collectables -- on display.

Sassy rock idea.

Seriously Spotify?!?!
Made me laugh.

Painted pot at a lunch cafe.

I enjoyed noticing and documenting little moments this week. It was a fun week to do it.

Next focus ... feelings. What do I want to feel as I head into 2026? I took pictures of a list of 150 feeling words from this book before I returned it to the library. 

Subtly and nuance matter. 

Excited is different than passionate. 

Rested is different than peaceful. 

I'm going to pay attention this week ahead. When I like something ... why? What am I feeling? Sussing out the nuance can help define my direction more clearly. 

I love reflection time of year. My favorite podcast is Gretchen Rubin's because of the year review and look ahead. Sad to hear her father passed unexpectedly, so this year's podcasts might be delayed or not as in depth -- unless they were pre-recorded. 

I have mix of a day ahead. 

I need to do a holiday pickup for my volunteer position, all the way north of me.

Then heading to a holiday market for the refugee town, all the way south of me.

Lots of car time today. Then home to finish decorating. I made very little progress yesterday -- the mood wasn't right after my son's news. Back at it today.

Have a good day. Later gators.

Little Moments and Matches

Little moments ...

The first pictures are of my dog pouting because I was on a zoom call. He step-by-step nested the chair to death (pictures loading backwards). He wanted to sit on my lap and I didn't let him because I was on video -- he's a dramatic boy. (P.S. This was just after I took him on a fast, 1 hour explore anything walk.)

Flowers in December
on our walk.

These matches are SCENTED!
Smells like a wood fire.

A side thought on matches. 

I started using 4 inch matches to light candles. 

There's something grounding about it.

The match strike.

Waiting for the wick to light.

Blowing out the match.

The lingering smell.

A scent memory.

A teeny tiny moment to slow down and be present. 

A little ritual for an otherwise mundane task.

It's a favorite little add-on these days.

Rain and overcast all day today.

Gloomy day or cozy day? I say the latter. 

I have a couple of errands to run, then home for the day. 

Sweat pants and slippers.

Decorating, reading, rock painting.

Hubby gets home very, very late (maybe tomorrow morning because of delays already).

Because it's a homebody day, gloomy = cozy. I'd be bummed if I had outside plans. 

It's going to be a little harder to find small moments to photo, but let's see.

Hope you have a nice day and find some little moments too. Later gators.

No Rabbit Holes Today, I Promise.

Hello. 

Here are little moments from yesterday.

BEAUTIFUL plate.
Food was excellent.

Charred green tea
with coconut milk.

Hard to see, but the plants
completely entwined again.

Evidence of a toddler visit.

Retro wallpaper print.
70s is back baby!

I grabbed a couple of library reads. This book is tailor-made for goal setting ahead of the new year. Easy to read. Lots of quotes in each chapter. A little confirmation bias, but I'll take it. 

Small actions. 

"Planning your day becomes living your life."

Ask, What do I want to feel from these goals?

Chase the feelings.

Decide from the feelings.

Feelings are vibrations in your body.

Your body knows.

Emotions are created from a story, thought.

These can be misleading. 

I'm only about a 1/3 finished. 

After lunch and the library, I walked to a local scent shop. It was amazing. They blend and make lotions, skin-care, soaps, etc. and sell local boutique items. I got a hostess gift for a party coming up, some Christmas gifts, and a few things for my stocking.

The store is off the main road, but angled oddly. They've been in business for 8 years, but I only noticed it when I started walking around the town. It's going to be a favorite for hostess gifts and the like. 

Today is a bit of a homebody day ... and a local hang. 

Continuing decorating for Christmas.

I started the tree last night.

Pulled out all the boxes too.

A couple of zoom calls for coaching stuff. 

Local walk with Duke.

Walk to an early dinner with a friend tonight. 

No rabbit hole today. You're welcome lol.

Have a great day. 

Be on the watch for small moments.

Later gators.

A Different Rabbit Hole and Small Moments.

Good morning, people.

Suck it, bots. 

Anyway. Let's go down a rabbit hole ... you've been warned lol.

You know I've been "off" lately. Too many mind dramas (probably of my own doing). Hormones (still not where they need to be). Cold (finally recovered). 

But still not myself in some other way.

I asked that question during meditation yesterday and got an interesting answer. After a bit, I had a picture of a ball of energy sitting on my right, a few feet away. The thought was ... here is where you are putting your energy. Then a picture of energy on my body ... and the thought ... HERE is where it needs to be. 

Yes. I'm focusing "out there" and I need to focus "in here."

That's where I'm aligned and happy and present. 

It's group dynamics. I'm trying to figure out mySELF in a GROUP. Where is the balance? I'm letting the groups pull me away from me ... a little too far.

I need an adjustment. 

It took me years to figure out what I want and even longer to act on it ... sped up by the isolation of the pandemic. Now when I make a decision out of that alignment, it feels off. Like I'm not being myself. Not being truthful. 

All small-ish things, but regular happenings that add up to NOT ME. 

I'm not sure the balance, but I know I need to pay attention. 

Like this small example:

Hike with friends is set a week ahead -- somewhere I want to hike, so I say yes.

The night before, someone in the group says their knee has been bothering them.

Can we hike an easier hike?

Can we hike more slowly?

The group gives a thumbs up. 

But I don't want to hike THAT hike at THAT pace. My opinion ... that person should back out of the hike and not ask the group to make the change. But the group feels differently. 

What do I do? The hike isn't only about the hike -- it's also connection with the group. But I wanted to (and agreed) to something different. I hiked with the group -- with a low-key upset the entire time because the hike wasn't what I wanted. I needed to back out. I wouldn't have said yes if that was the offering up front. 

(BTW, lots of times that doesn't matter. I can hike ahead for a couple of hours and then join up for the group hike. This particular time that wasn't an option.)

I've been working on being more flexible. 

Not letting these kind of things bother me. 

The rest of the group seemed totally unbothered. 

BUT, I'm not the group. I'm me. And that small, little decision was out of alignment. 

I could've passed with an open heart, no worries. Hiked the hike I needed that day. Caught them next time. I didn't because I thought I would seem rigid and unkind and I'd miss connection. But I didn't connect, not really. I just was frustrated -- with them, with me. 

Was that the right decision? I don't know. But I know it didn't feel right. 

I'm not sure the other option would've felt right either, but I need to try when I feel that strongly. If neither works and I'm just upset about people seeming selfish in a group setting, then that's a different animal. 

I'm remembering why groups feel hard for me. Learning and growing is a b#tch ... and figuring out WHAT I need to learn is even harder. 

Okay, climbing out of the rabbit hole ...

Here are a few little moments yesterday.

Christmas mug.
Library book.

Found a floor lamp from
Marketplace. Been searching.
Wanted cheap and used.

Not pictured.

(1) My kids all voted together -- ran into each other at the precinct and took a selfie.

(2) Our town elected a new mayor in the run-off. I helped with her campaign.

(3) Finished the court report early.

(4) Ran into my aunt running errands. 

(5) Hubby had his Million Mile flight yesterday.

Not a bad day.

Hope you're having a good week too. I'll be on the lookout for the small things today. Later gators.

Oh No!

It seems a bot found this blog again.

It freaks me out to see a jump in numbers.

Last time bots arrived, I took a break and the bot numbers went back down. 

I don't blog for anyone to actually read this -- even though I write like I'm blogging to SOMEONE. 

I know it's public, but it's public in a sort of an anonymous way. 

The small consistent numbers might be people. 

The jump is probably bots.

This makes me uncomfortable.

Dang.

Small Moments; Big Rabbit Hole

Here are the little moments from yesterday.

December 1 garden
harvest -- wow. Full
sun makes a difference.

Still peas and greens.

Decorated the greens.

Little pumpkin got
a Christmas makeover.

Today's going to be more challenging since it's raining and I'm in for the day writing a report for my volunteer position. Can I find some little moments?? I'm on the lookout for the week.

I finished THE BOOK. There was no redemption. It ended as it began. 

The writing wasn't the best, but it was okay.

The plot was awful.

Character development was poor. 

Pacing was off.

BUT ... the book was organized well. I liked the "extras" she added. Quote section from "your favorite characters." A letter to readers from the 2 main characters. Discussion questions. Notes section.

AND ... the chapters were well organized. I liked the font, pages, layout a lot. 

It's an impressive accomplishment to get a book to print. 

The book signing is next week. The friend coming with me has a kidney stone which needs intervention -- probably a solo endeavor for me. I won't have to say much to Kathy that night, but the following week is my hair appointment. That's when I need talking points so I don't hurt her feelings. She's extraordinarily proud, as she should be. 

Hubby left for a board meeting in Belgium -- rest of the week to myself. Today is a "work" day (court report). It's nice to have the house to myself to write it -- minimal interruptions. It's actually due later in the week, but I'm turning it in early so I can turn my mental attention to other things. 

The other things?

Something positive, future forward ...

Look at the year-in-review and continue planning 2026. 

Fun, FS stuff.

The other, other things?

Something of the non-productive rabbit hole variety ...

I'm in a deep conundrum trying to figure out a repeated pattern in my life. 

You guessed it, no surprise. 

Friendship woes. 

It's still that same person. I know she's not for me, but is part of her for me lol? 

How much distance?

Can I ignore the prickly parts?

How much energy and effort?

I could go down a very long rabbit hole. A text response was unkind this week and that got me all up in arms again. 

It's like sweets in the pantry. Can I REALLY ignore them? Or should I keep them out of the house for my sanity when they call to me at night?

I'm telling myself if I understand why this repeats for me that'll make it easier to find answers ... or other options. Maybe that's just an excuse to perseverate though. 

Confusing to the max. Probably me. I overthink. I want rules. I want black or white. I want my cake and eat it too. 

I want her fun, spontaneous parts ... not the unkind, passive-aggressive parts. But I don't get to choose. Or, I should say, if I acquiesce enough, I can choose. That's the tension for me. I don't want to fake my way in a relationship to keep a sort of peace. I did that with my mother for a lifetime. 

Cater to her mood ... all is well.

Not agree, not fawn? Pay a price. 

I want to make a decision and lean into that decision. Stay and figure it out or pull the bandaid and leave. 

Enough for today.

{digging out of the rabbit hole}

Painted rocks from yesterday.

Christmas Gnome

LARGE snake head is
almost finished. View from
standing. I think it works.
Tail is next.

Hope you're having a good week. Later gators. 

December, Small Moments, & More Book Review

December 1.

And a Monday. 

And I feel better.

Today SCREAMS a reset or regroup or re-something. 

I like it when the stars align. 

Let's get at this month and finish the year well. 

Back to basics.

Enjoy the small things.

Add small things.

Notice, pause.

Slow down to smell the roses Christmas.

Yep. It feels good. 

Here was a small moment.

Walked to coffee.

New table heaters. 

Yes!! So nice.

Maybe I should make a push to notice small moments in pictures. I try to notice, but often don't bother with my camera. That could be fun this week. 

Soooooo .... the hairdresser book. Oh boy. It's really, really, really not my thing. I thought the first tension was ridiculous. Turns out, it was just getting started. 

From conversations and my hairdresser's personality, I thought this would be a quiet book. A sweet story of someone finding their path (with god).

Nope.

Airplane crashing killing everyone (protagonist was meant to be on the flight).

She gets out of "evil" book contract and decides to write a book about the people who were killed.

Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) she comes in contact with, finds god ... just from a passing conversation with her.

Her husband forgives her "horrible mistake" and she forgives (after much deliberation), the agent who steered her away from herself and god ... only because he decides to quit his job to work on his relationship with god. And, she only forgives because "forgiveness is for yourself."

And I still have 1/3 of the book to finish. 

Lord (I guess I'm evoking god now too lol) help me to find a way to discuss this book with her. I think I'll find a few things to say and then ask her questions ... how did you decide this or that? ... when did you know the ending? ... will you continue with these characters? 

She knows I'm not her audience, but still ... ouch. My friend who IS friends with Kathy will read the book too. Maybe we can brainstorm ... two minds better than one. She'll have an even stronger reaction than I do. 

I hope you are set for a good December 1 and a Monday. Focusing on the small moments this week. Later gators.

P.S. I'm still doing the senses for the holiday. Smell -- lots of candles. Sight -- lights and decorations. Hearing -- Christmas music. Taste -- favorite holiday flavors. 

Yep, Beginning to Look a Lot Like ...

We got Christmas started yesterday.

LIGHTS in the front of the house -- on my goals list on/off for years.

It FINALLY happened. 

Nothing amazing, but colors lining the fence.

Plus a few other areas.

Window in my office.

Unfinished back porch.

View from my office.

Little section of the fence.

I need to figure out decor on the porch table too. That might not be this year. I have an idea and the search is on -- small business or thrifted. That's going to be a challenge, but can be fun too.

Maybe when I unpack Christmas decorations I'll find something as a place holder.

The rest of the day was nice too. We walked to coffee with Duke. Then another walk after decorating ... local shopping for a dog gift hubby needs, lunch outside at a local favorite, walk to the library. I love walking. I love local.

Speaking of books ....

I started the book from my hairdresser. First bit showed her writing inexperience. Over-the-top adjectives, overtly flowery descriptions -- but the writing is settling down. 

The story line is questionable too -- it's early though. There's this tension that the protagonist (an author) has done this awful wrong to her family and herself  -- she can't face them or talk to them. It might ruin her marriage and relationship with her children. 

That was done quite well. I was hooked and interested -- until I found out the wrong.

She signed with a different publisher and her next book deals are for regular fiction, not Christian fiction. 

She's too successful and famous.

Hmmmm .... 

Again, hats off to Kathy for writing a book.

She's nailed a lot of things ... lots of successes already and I hope even more.

I'm bringing this up because I'll have to talk to her in detail about the book -- sitting in the hairdresser chair, one-on-one. I'm nervous about being genuine and complimenting enough. You can tell when compliments are politely hiding something. 

Eeeek ... I want to like it and fingers so crossed that I do.

Anyway.

Kids are coming over for football after all ... baby on the mend. Both good and less good. I'm ALWAYS so happy to spend time with our grandson, but I have a big to-do list which will get pushed onto an already full week. And, I'm still under-the-weather.

An abrupt good-bye.

This post is having issues saving, so I'm going to sign off and post it while it's working.

Have a good one. Later gators. 

Goodbye, Hello.

Goodbye, Thanksgiving.

Hello, Christmas.

I visited the cousins and family yesterday (hubby stayed home). They bagged the lunch out at the last minute and I went to the VRBO as originally planned. Much easier and made a lot more sense. There's nothing in that area worth "going out."

It was as expected. Chaos. It was nice seeing the group though. Most of my time was spent with my aunt and uncle and my cousin. Everyone else was a passing hello. I'm glad I went ... family is important.

That visit put Thanksgiving to bed for me. 

Leftovers finished.

Family visits over.

Now for Christmas ...

Tree is up in the living room and it fits nicely. I thought it was going to be an awkward fit ... nope. I struggle with spacial arranging without seeing it physically in the space. I totally overestimated the size of the tree. 

I sampled lights on the fence this morning while it was dark. Going for a straight line across instead of a drape or wrap. Fingers crossed I measured correctly. 

The rest of the decorating will wait until next week.

My grandson is on the mend, but I woke up feeling worse. 

The arch of the cold or caught something else?!? 

Sinuses are raging.

My hairdresser wrote a book. Did I mention that? 

It's a Christian story ... not my usual read. It came yesterday.

Of course, I bought it.

Of course, I'll read it.

Of course, I'll rave about it.

I hope it's good or at least good enough. 

I'm going to her book signing and launch party in December. 

I'm super impressed she wrote a book and self published. 

Those feelings I don't have to fudge. 

Maybe I'll really enjoy the book too. 

Today is my only free day -- Sunday through the rest of the week is full (as of now). 

I'm taking it easy.

Having some fun decorating.

Reading.

TV.

Maybe a walk to coffee. 

I hope you're relaxing or still enjoying the holiday weekend or just having a good day. Later gators.

Thanksgiving Recap

Well ...

... the drama

... the hurt feelings

... the dread 

all for nothing. 

It was a very nice Thanksgiving. 

You'd never know what happened before. 

It felt genuine. 

Maybe it cleared the air -- gave us a needed reset. 

I'm not going to think too hard about it today. 

My limbic system needs a rest hah!

Look at this perfect plate. The food was delicious. 

My DIL is strictly GF
so the meal was all GF.

My grandson was really sick though. Poor baby and possibly poor the-rest-of-us if we catch it. He was a trooper, but barely hanging in -- all the stops ... binky, screen time, dessert for dinner. 

We're heading to visit the extended family for a bit today (cousins and their kids). It's going to be chaotic and I'm not sure worth the effort. We're not meeting at the cabins ... meeting at a lunch place now, maybe. Who knows. I sort of tried to get out of it when I found out the new plans that aren't really plans. 

"We'll text with updates and an address when you get close."

I guess either way, it's not a big deal. I have a feeling everyone will be in lots of different places and the visit will be "hellos" in passing with most of the group. It's an hour away and that feels like too much for too little.

But, that said, my aunt and uncle are in their 80s and my uncle is unwell. Making THIS effort to see them again was the point in the first place. I'm well enough that I'm not worried about exposing them to germs. 

Hope you had a good holiday and get a nice extended weekend. Later gators.