Glad Tidings of Comfort and Joy...Mostly Comfort

This past week has been full of both comfort and joy. Sweatpants and sweatshirts have been the staples of my wardrobe, and honestly, I really do not mind.  Catching up with friends over coffees and mochas have led to hours long chats.  Skiing with friends has only capstoned my Christmas break.  I've much to be thankful for, and a warm cup of tea beside a glowing Christmas tree with a kitten on my lap only makes me all the more thankful.  In the wake of numerous tragedies, all I can do is cling tightly to my loved ones.

As 2013 prepares to rush in full-force with graduations and a wedding, it is easy to be consumed with the "to-do lists" in my life.  But I will try not to be, because every moment is to be cherished.  Every moment is too precious.

Wishing you all the best in the New Year!

Snapshots

These are a few snapshots of my week:

This breakfast...

...because it was a gift from the school administration.

This Pinterest post...

...because it is an apology I should use more often.

This book...

...because I read it for book club and it was a wonderful re-read.

This sign...

...because it was a surprise party for someone special.  And I love surprise parties for others.

These gifts...

...because it was terribly fun to shop for expensive, classy presents.

Wish List

PODillow face

Before you dismiss me entirely, listen.  I realize how ridiculous this looks.  And perhaps it is only me with the problem.  But unless I have a lounge chair, it is impossible for me to tan (properly) on my towel.  Either the front side of my body is tan and my back is white or only one side of my face becomes tan when I lie on my stomach then fall asleep.  Or, I place my head in the crook of my arms and my arms are part-tan with a white circle where my head was. What's a girl to do?  Use the PODillow Face.  Another perk?  Shade and safety for electronics.  When I take my iPod and phone to my towel, it instantly becomes a heat source.  This nifty gadget allows you to use the underneath area as shade and storage.

Again, all of this is laughable.  But I don't mind a cool gadget or two to use in the summer on my deck.

* Neither "Wish List" posts nor "Wish List" photographs have been endorsed by any company. I do not (currently) own any items, and all views expressed are entirely my own.

Words

We have all heard the statistics when it comes to how many words a day that girls use versus guys.  I think that point is meant to emphasize that we throw our words away.  I know that I certainly do sometimes.  I complained all week about this or that.  I flippantly said things I didn't mean, even in jest.  I accused this person or that person of unintentionally offending me.

Then, "I can't believe what happened with the shooting today," he said.  "Huh?" was my well-crafted reply.  One click to Yahoo was all it took to shove me into the world of chaos and sadness. What would I have said to those parents?  What would I have said to the children?  What would I have done as a teacher? What would my reaction have been--guard myself or hide children in the closet first?

As the horror unfolded, was poked and prodded this weekend, and is still ongoing, we realize sometimes, words are not enough.  We let God see our heavy hearts and hold all those things that are too heavy.  And we pray without words.

'Tis the Season

This is what my last few evenings have looked like.  Without Tiger Pause after school, I still have been fairly busy.  Surprise parties, Christmas shopping, and wedding planning have been on my mind, and with those big ideas floating around, tea and chocolate have been kept near.

Luckily, the house smells like peppermint (favorite candle this season), and Kenz and I have chosen not to exchange gifts yet so that we may keep presents under the tree.  It looks pretty that way.  On the other hand, as guest list revisions are made, save-the-date ideas are exchanged, and general wedding activities are appearing, a full-blown headache seems to be approaching.  However, I realize that the key is to allow happy thoughts to permeate my brain.

My happy mantra has been as follows:
1. "I get to marry my best friend."  That idea still makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  He truly is wonderful.
2. All the details of the wedding will sort themselves out; the day is supposed to be a celebration of the very best kind with the very best people.
3. "Christmastime is here. Happiness and cheer."  -"Peanuts" style. This holiday focuses on Jesus and family. I like that.
4.  A break from school means free reading time.  Who doesn't love that?
5.  God's got a plan.  Whew.

What has your "happy mantra" been this season? (Or, maybe you've got it all together and don't have one.  What's your secret?)

Wish List

Personalized Bookplates



Bookplate | Felix Doolittle

When I found these, I gasped.  The sheer joy and excitement (for a book reader/lender) could not be masked.  I lend my books, and it takes months to see them return; not because they take months to read, but because the person has forgotten where the book came from.  I have tried writing my name in the cover; however, my old books do not have my name, but someone else's.  Personalized bookplates sound like the perfect answer.  You can choose the color and font and picture you like, replace the sample name with your own, and then stick the book plate in your lending book.  The bookplate will serve as a convenient bookmark for the lender, as well as a subtle reminder that the book belongs to YOU. Sounds like a win to me.

As a sidenote, Felix Doolittle has a great selection of personalized stationery and medallions, gifts, and labels. Simple, but classy, their entire collection would make a beautiful gift for others...or yourself.

* Neither "Wish List" posts nor "Wish List" photographs have been endorsed by any company.  I do not (currently) own any items, and all views expressed are entirely my own.

Snapshots

These are a few snapshots of my week:

This scene along the river...

...because the haze made it more beautiful.

My first loan bill...

...because they were approved for forbearance.  Yes!

This sunrise...

...because it was a great way to start off the day.

Tiger Pause painting...

...because Santa got hit by lightning.  Duh.

My first Christmas card...

...because my name is once again wrong.  The sentiment is sweet, though.

Wish List

I am an avid online shopper.  By "shopper," I mostly mean "looker."  Along the way, I have found fantastic items that I immediately swoon over.  On a normal occasion, these objects/pictures are usually just "repinned" on Pinterest.  However, in the event that you are not scouring the internet in search of items that you do not necessarily need but would like to have, I have decided to bring those items straight to you via blog.  You're welcome.

eBook Jacket

Pride and Prejudice | Out of Print

1.  I love this book.  2.  I love the illustration.  3.  I love that a company makes useful items from original book jacket illustrations.  Thus, I love this.  And I'm betting any literary person with an iPad or Kindle would as well.  As a bonus, if you use the promo code REALDEAL (from Real Simple magazine), you will receive a pretty fantastic discount!  The website has some other great items, but I am madly in love with this particular case and illustration.

For the Future

"Be a little careful about your library.  Do you foresee what you will do with it?  Very little to be sure.  But the real question is, What it will do with you?  You will come here and get books that will open your eyes, and your ears, and your curiosity, and turn you inside out or outside in." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Snapshots

A few snapshots of my week:

This Christmas box of candies...

...because it's a mix of dark, milk, caramel, and peppermint chocolate.

This piece of quiche...

...because it was my first time making a quiche. Spinach, mushroom, and feta.

"Jolly" on the radio...

...because that is how I feel listening to the Christmas station.

This outfit...

...because it makes me feel high end with its gold overtones.

This  scene at the local middle school...

...because B.E. Taylor supports Tiger Pause Youth Ministry.