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.

Turkey Trot 5K

Lesson to me ... if you question doing or not doing ... doing is usually the right choice.

The 5K was so much fun. 

Walked to the start.

Ran.

Finished by 8:30.

Walked to coffee with hubby.

What a nice way to start the day. 

Calendar marked for next year's race -- couldn't have been easier. 

3600 people. 

9 in my age group.

Fingers crossed for the rest of day. 

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving.

I decided to "run" the 5K this morning. Good thing I reread the info email this morning -- race starts an hour earlier than I had in my head. That would've been the end all of end alls of a dumb turkey moment.

I should've gotten up earlier.

Cold front came in last night and it's windy. I'll take cold over warm, but WIND is my arch nemesis. And, this is the first "cold" I've run in this season. I'm questioning shorts v pants and such. Total loss for how to dress. I won't have my car (walking to start) so I need to get it right from the jump.

I have a postcard pen-pal who lives in Washington state. We exchange postcards from travel and write about the books we're reading. It's so much fun. I sent a special wooden postcard from a Japanese store and she messaged me a thank-you. Her son is marrying a woman from Japan and it was perfect for her. I love these kinds of moments and her thank-you made my day.

It's the small things.

Always.

As I mentioned before, Thanksgiving is prickly this year with some family tension. I'm in a much better place than last week, but I have trepidation about today. 

Meditation helped. It's grounding and gives me a kind of visualization to remember if things get upsetting. I excuse myself to the bathroom and hand on my heart, close my eyes, visualize, and it's instantly calming.

Sounds woo-woo, but it works. 

Loving myself. 

Visualizing my FS and past self and current self.

We have a little conversation in my head.

"What's the matter love?"

"Of course you feel this way."

"We love you."

All in it together.

I feel supported and loved ... from me to me. 

Looking inward for comfort. The best part -- it's always available. I don't need anyone else to understand or notice or help. The bathroom is a perfect place for a private reset. 

Finally got my plants watered. 

I have two blooming cactuses -- one Thanksgiving, one Christmas. People think their Christmas cactus blooms early, but it's a different variety (had to learn that too). The Thanksgiving variety is more common.

Christmas is starting tiny
blooms.

Thanksgiving one is showing up.
Ironically, there's a Christmas
gnome in the pot. Probably
should move it. I thought it
was a Christmas cactus
when I bought it.

Okay, I have to run -- literally. Race starts before 8 o'clock. Geez. I don't feel very well and I don't want to go, but I'll be disappointed if I don't ... I'm not THAT sick and I can always walk. I guess it's worth the discomfort to FINALLY participate in a Turkey Trot. I tried a little Peloton ride yesterday and it didn't go well -- effort to pedal even the easy parts. I'm more upset about a crappy finish time than anything else. Dang, ego. 

Happy Thanksgiving. I hope we all have the best day we can and a lot is in our control (message to me especially). Later gators.

One More Day

T-minus one day until Thanksgiving. 

I hope I get a surge of goodwill and excitement -- but it's not looking likely. 

It's primarily this cold which seems to be hanging on and getting a little worse each day.

I want nothing more than chill time (energy is tanked). Not necessarily alone, just time to fuss around, read, paint, etc. -- low energy, high chill activities. 

But ... that's not in the cards for these next few days. 

I need to decide about the 5K tomorrow. I'm leaning toward running since it's such a low stakes situation. Walk out my front door, walk 2 blocks to the start. I already have my packet and bib. What's the worse that will happen ... a bit of walking?? No big deal. 

I'll text my aunt and uncle tonight to give a heads up about germs and our plans for Friday. There will be 18 other family members gathering so they might not care (if others are germy too). But, I respect their decision either way (I'd choose to pass on seeing us since we just saw them twice in the last month). I keep expecting to wake up feeling a lot better. It's been 4 days. 

Had to do a bakery pickup first thing yesterday. Big thunderstorms, but I expected to get close parking since none of the other shops were open. Nope. Why?? Who was parked there?? I had to park a couple of blocks away and fight the wind and rain. 

I babysat my grandson last minute for the afternoon -- he's home from daycare with a cold and cough (eek). We had a great time playing and cuddling. I hope we have similar germs or I'm in for an added cough bug in a few days. 21 month olds cough willy nilly and I got sprayed a number of times hah!

Didn't get to watering the plants so that's first thing this morning -- poor babies are overdue. Bummer to postpone my most dreaded chore.

Had the dogs to the vet for checkups after the bakery pickup, discussions on our old boy, and Duke is constipated. Pumpkin to the rescue (hopefully). They were running behind because of holiday add-ons ... 2 1/2 hours (!!) Good lord. That put a big dent into my schedule too.

We did get to vote in early voting (mayoral run-off election). Big lines which was inspiring. Voting has become in vogue again and absolutely necessary. GA has great early voting -- even in a local run-off, even over the holiday. 

All this to say, today is EXTRA, EXTRA. Didn't get "yesterday" finished so it's falling on today. 

Best get going. I'll leave with this Christmas card from a couple of years ago. My aunt painted it and I moved it to a frame. It's so lovely and might stay out all year. Later gators. 

Sorry for the lighting.

Back Home

I'm home. 

I'm sicker. 

Not sure if I'm going to run the Turkey Trot this year. Game day decision.

This might affect our plans on Friday with extended family too (my uncle is susceptible after a stroke).

Garden is hanging on. Peas are slowly growing and full of blooms. I'll pick a few today. Big frost this week though. I'll cover, but this might be the beginning of the end of the garden this year.

Picked before I went
to Asheville. Beauties
and delicious.

Here's the picture of the other painting I got in Asheville. It works so much better than the modern frame I had hanging. It also coordinates the colors with the very old painting over the bed. 

A little hard to see in
this picture. Fall trees
and a country church.

Lots of things on the calendar today. 

Errands out the wazoo, but most are quick. 

And, PLANT WATERING. Ugh, my least favorite thing about this house. I saved a favorite podcast to entertain and distract -- improves the process significantly. 

Short and sweet this morning. Heading out early for a bakery pickup (GF rolls) and grocery store before the crowds descend on Thanksgiving week Tuesday. 

Hope your week is going well. Later gators. 

New Wall Art

Got some Asheville shopping for the picture wall redo in the primary bedroom in GA.

Marketplace.

Two new shops.

Sadly, 2 other FB Marketplace pictures were available, but didn't respond until late last night and I'm leaving this morning.

Such good deals. 

Charles Dickens scene on tile.

Hand painting of mushrooms.

Loved the colors in this
old print ... and the frame.

Biggest score. $20
Tree of Life, signed, numbered.

And I bought 2 new pictures for here. Both original paintings. Didn't take a picture of the bedroom one yet.

Bottom oil painting.
Mountain, winter scene.

Decorated. 

Scaled back a bit because we won't be here much. 

(Didn't add lights to the fireplaces or mantels.)

It's still festive.

Christmas mugs
watching TV

On a timer so the house
looks nice from the street.

All the stockings.

Other fireplace

I'm bringing some decorations home. I like them too much and want to see them throughout December. Traveling by car makes swapping stuff easy. 

Disturbing news a the teahouse -- they discontinued the decaf version of chai -- what?!?! I hope the barista was wrong. Nothing was mentioned the day before. She said she would request it special for me anyway. Everything is made and brewed from scratch and individually. They'll have the tea available, but not brewed with spices (but it's all separate). I hope it's just an off-menu item now. I can't see why they can't continue to make it. It's loose tea steeped, removed, and then steeped again with spices. 

Anyway ...

I don't feel horrible today. The cold is holding steady and relatively mild with cold meds on board. 

I'll workout, but not sure if I'll run, walk the mountain, or ride the Peloton. Very indecisive this trip. 

I'd like to run ... might be too much with this cold (but I have a 5K on Thursday).

Mountain walk takes a couple of hours ... I need to get on the road (but the mountain is so healing).

I can ride the Peloton at home ... but I need to clock a workout for the new week.

I don't know. 

Decision for later this morning. 

Hope you are set for a good week. Thanksgiving is upon us -- lots to do, lots of everything (good and bad). I hope the week sticks the landing. Later gators.

A Different Visit

Hello, hello.

It's been a couple of days. 

I have a family situation that's upsetting and it's taken me out of sorts. I also have a cold -- dang. 

But, no need to go into either. Let's stick with the good stuff.

I volunteered on Friday in a refugee community with a lot of need.

Felt good.

Love visiting this community.

Lovely, friendly people.

Lots of hugs (probably where I got the cold).

I also coordinated a drop off of a never-used bike a friend was going to put in the trash --  no one wanted it. There are organizations that focus on specific donation items. I got the bike from the friend and delivered it to Global Spokes. GS will get this bike to a family that relies on bikes for transportation. They were thrilled with the bike she gave away.

I say this to remember it's worth effort. Maybe that's all someone can do (a bit of effort), but it makes a difference. Someone had mentioned this organization to me a few months ago. This friend texted to see if I knew anyone who wanted a bike. Then the coordination, effort, couple of weeks trying to get it to them. 

All worth it. 

Networking. 

Taking on an itty bitty project. 

It was a chain of moments that came together to get a bike to a person in need. 

Lots of hands. Community. Connection.

I'm in Asheville for a few days to decorate for Christmas. 

A bear got to the pumpkin before I could ... hah. This was the pumpkin a friend dropped off when she was in Asheville. Sat on our porch table. Luckily, he left the table alone. Cleanup on the agenda today.

This Asheville trip looks different ... my usual isn't happening. 

But ...

I unlocked a super fun Asheville thing. FB marketplace. Why haven't I thought of this before? This is an art town and I'm looking for used art for the bedroom redo. Hello. 

I have 2 meetups today (so far -- a number of inquiries pending). I'm so excited. I have to go find cash though. I didn't anticipate this kind of shopping. 

I started and finished the books for bookclub yesterday (quick reads). We have 2 book choices -- read 1, 2 or neither (low key stakes to attend). I bought one used (very good) and one library (didn't like it). That was lucky (library didn't have the other one).

Loved this sweet book.

Missed the mark for me.

Funny how similar the subject matter, title, even author name. Two different experiences though.

I also picked the book(s) I'm giving for the book exchanged. Two short (and fabulous) young adult reads. Both came from the library, so I ordered used copies. Stay tuned. We're wrapping, writing clues and first sentences on the outside -- fun and creative. I chose these because this is such a well read group. How can I give a good book they haven't read?? No one reads young adult though. Perfect! Whoever gets my package will love these quick, happy, uplifting books. 

Today is a mystery day.

Going with the flow.

I decided to use this trip to take gentle care of myself. No pushing. No goals. Letting myself do whatever feels good as long as it's not something that will ultimately make me feel bad (stuffing my face with cake).

I'm not working out today and didn't yesterday either. 

I'm having as much decaf teahouse as I desire. 

I'm driving partially to the teahouse to avoid the big hill climb on the way back.

Reading. 

TV (if I want). 

Shopping for Christmas. 

This isn't my normal walking, nature focused trip. I don't have it in me -- physically or emotionally.

I want (and need) to fill up in a different way. That's starting with letting myself feel like crap. I'll get back to other things when I get home. 

I need to take some pressure off before a hard week ahead. 

Vet appointment on Tuesday to discuss end-of-life for Monti.

Tense volunteer visit on Wednesday with people going through a tough transition. 

Thanksgiving with our family upset. Not looking forward to pretending and possible worsening of the situation as we'll all be together with some in-laws.

Thanksgiving is an emotional time for me. I saw my dad for the last time on Thanksgiving (and that trip was almost postponed to the following year). He died unexpectedly 2 weeks later at age 53. I miss him a lot this time of year AND am eternally grateful for that visit. Melancholy time.

My mother used Thanksgiving over the years to be her worst self and caused a lot of strife around this holiday. She's at it again, but we don't speak ... grateful for small favors. 

This is the second year we've had our family dynamics at play that have caused hurt feelings, arguments, etc. It breaks my heart for all of us. We're working toward mending fences, but it's a slow go. Thanksgiving somehow is a marking point for tension between people in our family and the in-law sets. I have no idea why.

Holidays bring the best and the worst. 

Okay, enough for today. Have a good Sunday. Later gators.

A Cancel Day

Non-stop all day yesterday.

Calls.

Emails.

Errands.

Meetings. 

Home at 9:30 at NIGHT. What the what??

Then everything got canceled for today.  

I'm not complaining. It was good to get so much finished yesterday. I have plenty of things I need to do at home. Funny how one cancel tends to become the theme of the day. 

Tomorrow is a full day out of the house and I leave for Asheville on Saturday.

Happy to have a little time to get organized and such.

I'm going to keep this short and sweet this morning. What I have to chat about is a rabbit hole I don't need to go into today (yep, THAT "friend" again). I'll spare you this morning lol.

Have a good day. Later gators.

Home and Ground Running

We ended up ending our Hilton Head trip on a bit of a carseat "drama."

The semi-cleaned carseat wouldn't lock the headrest into position. 

So much barf still inside the seat. 

The hotel vacuum could only do so much.

Said good-byes, loaded up, and ... back to the room.

Another hour+ working on the carseat until, finally, success. 

We got home later than we planned (hit some afternoon rush hour since we left later), but everyone is home safely and that's what counts. 

Definitely hit the week running last night. 

So much.

Maybe too much. 

Of course a full week got some big add-ons (out of my control) yesterday. Scrambling to get that figured out today (volunteer position with a court hearing on the horizon). 

I'll spare you the details of my week (for now, lucky you lol). Got to get moving. 

Here's a HH squirrel being sassy. Have a good one. Later gators.

Stayed Put

Day at the resort yesterday.

Carseat is a work in progress and still STINKS to high heaven so we stayed put.

Aired it out.

Washed it again.

Sprayed it.

Fingers crossed for their car ride home today. 

Kids went out for lunch and the beach and we had some grandparent time :)

More playground.

Lots and lots of truck playing.

Some coloring.

A hug game (the best!).

Books. 

Sit by the fire pit. 

We got takeout for dinner because everyone was tired and the carseat was a mess.

Friend at the park.

We're all heading home today. It was a great little trip.

Hitting the ground running for the rest of the week. We actually have the reservation until Wednesday, but we've done all we came to do and the kids are leaving today (work tomorrow). We're ending on a fun note.

Later gators. 

Stinky, but Fun

It was a great day that ended with a less-good ending.

First, the ending:

Little guy puked his guts out on the way home from dinner at my cousin's house. 

Everything got covered. 

People.

Carseat.

Toys. 

EVERYTHING.

Total stink fest. 

Thankful for the washer and dryer. 

But we had a great time and so did our grandson ... totally at ease with the family.

Now the middle: 

Perfect beach day in November.

He was less thrilled with sand, but loved the water. 

Then the start:

Breakfast.

Playground.

Absolutely the best time ... loved every minute. 

Family filled day in a beautiful way.

I hear people awake, so I'll say good-bye this morning. Have a good start to the week. Later gators.

Beach and Sand Dollars

Ran with no butt/leg pain. Go figure. 

Headed to the beach after breakfast. 

We talked to a woman who has a sister who's a docent on a beach in California. She taught her to find live sand dollars at low tide. You can dig them up, hold them, and put into the water without harming them (this would happen naturally when the tide comes in). 

Slightly different holes
from the crabs.
See how it's off center?

Purple on back means it's
alive. Looks like fur.

Little fringe around the outside.

How cool is that? We dug up one, put it in the water, and left the others. No need to disturb them.

Ghost shrimp chimneys.
Sometimes called mud shrimp.

Can't get too close
without flying away.

Birds in the tidal pools

Beautiful tidal pools at low tide.

Kids arrived in the afternoon. 

We played on the playground, watched the sunset, dinner at the pier. It was the best time (!!)

It's going to be a full and fun day today. 

Walking to al fresco breakfast (my favorite). 

Beach time.

Playground. 

Nap (and rest for Granny lol).

Heading to my cousin's for dinner with extended family.

The weather warmed up for today a bit unexpectedly. I didn't bring the best clothing choices for the beach and a dinner. It's going to be almost 80. Tomorrow it's back to seasonal temps. 

Hope your weekend is going well too. Later gators. 

Beaufort and Bluffton

Yesterday was as nice as expected.

I ran the path.

Turn around point at the end.
Always makes me laugh.
Glad they haven't moved.

As soon as I finished I had a pain in my butt/upper leg -- hard to put pressure on my left leg. It happened during the hike last week too. Comes out of nowhere. I walk-it-off for about 15 minutes and it's fine. I'm a bit concerned to push it because I don't know what's happening and definitely don't want an injury. It's a strange pain that's strong, and then gone.

We're walking the beach today, but I'm not sure about a run first. Our beach walk will be short and slow because hubby is coming along and his knee is wonky. I wanted to run this morning again, because mornings with the kids will be busier, but not worth an injury. Maybe a short run to test it out.

Anyway ...

We had breakfast and coffee.

Hubby in background waiting
for me to finish.

Headed to Beaufort and met up with my aunt and uncle for lunch at my favorite place.

Why my favorite?

Because of the one item I love.

GF toast

Goat cheese

Smoked salmon

Pickled onions

Hardboiled egg

Scallions.

I still loved it, but it was much smaller this time. I think this was my last go here -- branching out next time. I can (and do) make this exact toast at home. Everyone else's meal was hardy (it was almost like they were running out of ingredients for mine). 

The caramel apple and candy store went out of business. 30 years and owners decided to retire. Bummer.

We shopped a few stores. Kept it simple since hubby's not a shopper. I found some stocking stuffers for the kids and a couple of gifts for friends. Not the same walking the town with him hah!

Stopped in Old Town Bluffton on the way home. I've been wanting to check it out for years. It was an Art Walk night and is apparently an artist town. Very festive and such, but store owners weren't friendly and the vibe was pretentious. That said, it's a beautiful walking town. Looks so welcoming and chill, but not last night. I think the Art Walk probably influenced our experience. I'd try it again.

Packed, but nary a good book.
I had high hopes for the
pretentious town lol.

Just missed the sunset back on HHI.

Dinner was from the grocery store again. Neither of us was in the mood to venture out. We'll be out for dinner the next 3 nights with the family.

I'm very excited for the kids to come. Lots of fun things for our grandson and it's such a delight to watch him experience it all. He was sick this week, but feeling well now. Phew!

Big playground.

Trees.

Boats.

Pool.

Beach.

All short walks from our place. 

Lots of trees to touch.
(It's allowed)

He loves boats.

Hope you have a good day. Later gators.

Hilton Head

We made it. 

Odd route -- guess the main highway was congested. We drove for hours with nothing but trees, flat roads, power plants, and closed up towns. It was a little eerie. Full bladders (luckily also full gas tank) until just before the bridge to the island. 

We're giving the kids the main bedroom with this beautiful view. 

Harbor side.

Simple night. Hit the Publix for dinner and a stock up for our grandson. It was a long day and relaxing in the room felt good. I'm not a huge fan of the restaurant choices on HHI and it felt like too much work to get out and about. We didn't get in until 5:30 and lost light shortly after. 

Today's plan is right up my alley.

Run on the wooded path (it's so pretty).

Coffee and breakfast next door (charming historic cottage).

Drive into Beaufort (my favorite local town).

Kids come in tomorrow. 

Have a good day and happy Friday. Later gators.

Yellow and The Truthiest Truth

Yesterday ...

4:30 am -- 9 pm. Go, go, go.

All day. 

It was a total variety pack of a day. 

I made it. 

Still another packed morning, but then, a couple of days of ease before the kids arrive. Fun "work" running after a toddler for the rest of the trip.

I had a couple of errands in town (library returns and an in-person reservation for bookclub next month) so I walked. Rounded a corner and a sea of yellow. Picture doesn't do the yellowness-of-it-all justice. I absolutely love our little town, especially in the fall.

I'm going to be snarky for a minute. 

Karma's probably excited. 

Validating gossip.

The person I'm taking space from sent a strange and aggressive text to our group (added softeners like "have a wonderful week BS and love you all, BUT"). No one responded. She called me while I was hiking and didn't leave a message. Guess to get support or complain? It didn't have to do with me, so I expect it wasn't a jack-me-up-call.

Here's me being snarky. 

I loved it. 

I love feeling validated that I'm not imagining her behavior (she's dealing it around apparently). I love that I didn't call her back. I love that it didn't make me upset. I love that I won't add support (I don't agree with her). I love that no one responded (me being snarky).

Of course, maybe people sent her individual messages. But this group responses to EVERYTHING (I have notifications off for the group for this reason) and flatly ignored her left-field directive. 

I'm really, really proud of my reaction. No interest in calling her back. No interest in talking to her about it. Completely staying on the sidelines. Totally feeling validated in my decision on this relationship. This isn't a person I want in my close circle. 

I would've expected it would take me longer to make the emotional break. But it hasn't. It's a lesson that's been a long, long time learning with a lot of heartache. 

There's something to notice in this situation. I don't get upset when I'm not invested in holding a relationship. When I don't care about the direction of relationship. When I'm not clinging to an ideal. 

When if this happens again, maybe I'll recognize why I'm accepting behavior that doesn't work for me. I can ask myself what's underneath. Because it's something. The truthiest truth (as Glennon says) is lingering below the surface. 

I have an idea about what was lingering underneath for me in this situation. Too long and too deep to go into today, but it's important I see and acknowledge it.

Speaking of lingering ... best finish chatting and get packing. Have a good one. Later gators.

Friendship and A New Word

I have 2 "revelations" to chat about this morning. 

Up first ... a prickly bit. 

Remember the friendship I realized I needed to back off? I saw her last week (we had something scheduled already) and we had a great time. Laughed, chatted ... not one bit of any issue. AND I didn't think that meant everything was okay again. I was solid in my decision.

I saw her yesterday in our group dynamic and her other side came to play. Unkind comments. Rude. Aggressive. 

The revelation: I experienced both sides again, and it reenforces how much we aren't a friendship match. I will continue to see her AND (here's the best part) it doesn't bother me. The unkind bits yesterday washed over me. The fun time last week didn't entice me. 

Why? 

Because I'm no longer pursuing a friendship. I'm not trying to get "us" back. We'll see each other socially and that's fine. I'm not taking her personally, nor am I rolling over. 

I edited myself as I said I would. Didn't share things because I don't want her joining in that part of my life. Quiet boundaries up and functioning. 

There's still some disappointment lingering when I see her -- I really wanted a closer friendship. I really like her happy side. 

And I'm proud of my growth. I've learned enough to know it's not possible and I stopped myself before I spent way too long trying to make the impossible work. It's where it is and I'm not putting energy or mental anguish into it anymore. 

And I don't have to "cancel" her in my life. She's around and sometimes it's great and sometimes it's not. We have a history and a relationship and a shared friend circle, but boundaries are protecting me. 

I imagine we'll see each other a lot less now that I'm not pursuing her. It seems she's found her next honeymoon friend from our group. This is her pattern. 

Progress. 

Yeah, ME. 

Second revelation is more fun. 

I've found my new motto for 2026 (word, phrase, or some combo). 

Last year I had a motto (The Little Blue House) 

AND a word (COLOR). 

I hadn't had a word in several years. 

This year, looks like it's JUST a word. 

Drumroll ....

SPACE

I hiked solo for a while before the group hike yesterday and thought about what's the essence of my focus next year.

I like what I'm doing and I like that focus still. 

Feels like there's more room to grow in The Little Blue House way. 

Still feels exciting. 

I actually thought about not changing it. 

But ...

I asked if there was anything that needed an adjustment. 

A little change.

A little improvement. 

Yep ...

I want to be more intentional with the little things. 

Little is where the magic happens (for me). 

Little is the icing on the cake.

The glitter (thanks, Chat).

And, that requires deliberate space. 

Heading to coffee.

I want SPACE to walk to the coffee shop (not drive).

SPACE to chat with people (linger a minute).

Bookclub.

Space to share my garden (takes time and effort).

Space to come up with new ideas (quiet times).

Wrapping a gift.

Space to be creative.

Space to write a nice card. 

Anyway, you get the idea. 

SPACE feels better than TIME. 

It feels more intentional. 

Holds a different meaning for me.

AND, I'm working on the SPACE in my house so it feels like me.

AND, I want a seat at the table too -- take up SPACE,

AND, I care about my body SPACE -- fitness, health. 

It works on multiple levels and that's when I knew it was the one.

BTW, speaking of house space, I got this book from the library and promptly bought it on Amazon ($10). It's really helpful, no matter your personal style. Excellent ideas. Worth revisiting as I decorate.

Today is the hardest day before vacation. I've been baking cookies as I chat this morning. "Work" started at 4:30 and I still don't know if I'll get everything finished. Some things might be pushed for an early morning tomorrow. I didn't do a great job with my list distribution -- or SPACE, for that matter. 

I can do better for myself. 

Have a good day. Later gators.

P.S. Just realized I want SPACE from that friendship too. This word is working for me.