The Taming of the Purse!

 

I love to dress up!

Purses* or handbags, if you prefer, play a big part in my daily outfits.  I change them often.

I used to leave the detritus that did not flow into the new bag in the old bag. This was fun when I might find  a Benjamin Franklin stuffed in a zippered pocket but, for the most part, I found crumpled tissues, dried-out ballpoint pens and stale Luna bars. Or worse, a receipt that I needed a month earlier or an important business card. So much for networking if you misplace the business card!

Not happy with this system, I happened upon a better way… Continue reading “The Taming of the Purse!” →

My Terrible Aunt Sally

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Growing up in the South, every summer I attended family reunions on both sides of my family. These were not casual, thrown together events but massive undertakings requiring a state park to accommodate the crowd, the huge quantities of food and all the activities.  I loved them.  Seeing my cousins, being petted by my aunts and uncles, playing games and eating delicious food  was heaven. The women proudly displayed their finest fried chicken, roasts, casseroles and, of course, desserts.  It was our version of the county fair with verbal blue ribbons.

Weeks before, my Mother and her sisters came together in  person to refine the menu and to gossip. Hanging around in the war room, aka Mother’s kitchen, I learned about my terrible Aunt Sally. Continue reading “My Terrible Aunt Sally” →

Shout out to The Shoals.

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As an expatriate Southerner, I am amused and delighted to visit the South.

I am amused because as a girl growing up on the beaches of Florida, I could hardly wait to get out of town. It was such a boring place in my teenage mind!  Sometimes we have to search far and away to find what we are looking for even it is down the street in our hometown. Continue reading “Shout out to The Shoals.” →

Who I Am & Why I Am Here…

I often feel as though my life has been lived as a subset of someone else’s life.  Not that it was not good. It was so good in so many ways. Good to be a wife, a mother, a sister, an employee. Now, it is different as a widow, as a person who is not accountable to anyone. There is great freedom in being alone but also great loneliness and much sadness. Continue reading “Who I Am & Why I Am Here…” →

30-Day Minimalism Challenge

This chart is fabulous!

Classy & Fabulous…

 

A woman should be two things: classy and fabulous.  Coco Chanel

I agree with Coco Chanel and could write volumes about being classy and fabulous from varying viewpoints to include self-confidence.

I like to feel put together regardless of whether I am at a country club or Walmart.  I don’t wear clothes that are ill-fitting, shoes that are scuffed or nail polish that is chipped. Yet, I am a busy person so I have routines and products that help me look my best.  Here are some of my favorite products.     Continue reading “Classy & Fabulous…” →

Why take your life?

On November 3, I posted “Cherish One Another”.  It was inspired by my friends’ lovely wedding reception. Continue reading “Why take your life?” →

Playa Cerrado

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Cabo

Feeling a little sad tonight as I enjoy my last night in Cabo. It has been a wonderful, leisurely week with walks on the playa, cervazas by the pool, siestas, and peace.

“Playa Cerrado” means the beach is closed but it doesn’t have to mean that the wonderful times are coming to a close.  I plan to keep the spirit of my Cabo experience with me. Continue reading “Playa Cerrado” →

Faking it with Mary Tyler Moore!

 

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Bonnet Local Millinery & Hat Shop 2342 NW Thurman St, Portland 503.954.2271 BonnetBoutique.com

Pulling Happiness out of a Hat

Building a new life can be serious business so I give myself little rewards along the way.  Of course, the best rewards are reaching my goals but since they are on-going (mindfulness, authenticity, etc.) I never “graduate”. Continue reading “Faking it with Mary Tyler Moore!” →

Auld Lang Syne

 

The Second Annual Italian New Year’s Eve Party, 2015!

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days o’ auld lang syne?

We took a cup of kindness along with prosecco and wine as we celebrated the passing of 2015 and the start of 2016.   The pictures tell the story!

Jack, Julia, Ruth & Alan, Mike F.  NYE 2015Holly & Jana NYE 2015

Continue reading “Auld Lang Syne” →