Billie Holiday

My current music pick is Billie Holiday {what a beautiful woman!} Another legend with style and a voice like no other. Her music breathes pure romance and class. I never tire of the female jazz vocalists...

From Wikipedia:

Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Fagan; April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959) was an American jazz singer and songwriter. Nicknamed Lady Day[1] by her loyal friend and musical partner Lester Young, Holiday was a seminal influence on jazz and pop singing. Her vocal style, strongly inspired by jazz instrumentalists, pioneered a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo. Above all, she was admired for her deeply personal and intimate approach to singing. Critic John Bush wrote that she "changed the art of American pop vocals forever."[2] She co-wrote only a few songs, but several of them have become jazz standards, notably "God Bless the Child", "Don't Explain", and "Lady Sings the Blues". She also became famous for singing jazz standards written by others, including "Easy Living" and "Strange Fruit."

Yes, I know I'm a flake... I tweak the colors and format constantly. Right now, I'm craving fall so I want a place to escape that will give me a little of that feeling. My mom always used burnt rust, dark plums and deep blues around Autumn, the color scheme kind of reminds me of her. With all of that being said, it's only a matter of time before I change it again. :) Is anyone else ready for September???



Here are some very cute and very affordable finds that are great for the upcoming season. They can be purchased at your local Target {you have to pronounce it "Tar-shay"... Not sure why... You just do. :P

So it's not Kate spade or Manolo Blahnik... And the pic of the Hobo bag does not do it justice -BUT- both of these are cute & under $20.00. {Obviously they should not be paired together, lol}. I especially love the flats. I think these would look good with jeans and a black sweater! I expect you'll see a lot of them come fall/winter.

My Hero

Today, as I was driving home during rush hour traffic {think very busy / several lanes} I saw a turtle trying to cross the road...

Crazy turtle.

The semi in front of me managed to pass over him {going to call it a "him" because a female turtle would have the brains to wait until the traffic died down} with out doing damage but when it came my turn I knew I had to stop or else he would end up smooshed.

I refuse to smoosh a turtle.

So, like I said I stopped and in doing so held up all of the traffic behind me {it was a longggg line} Just as I got out of my car, a tall, handsome {no, I'm not fabricating to make the story more interesting, this guy was hot} young man whistled from the other side of the busy road and motioned for me to get back in my car. He proceeded to dodge on coming traffic, grab the turtle and bring him to safe land.

"Your awesome!" I shouted out my car window to which he replied with a big smile.
And then I headed home.

The turtle was safe

I felt relieved

And the hot guy knew he was appreciated.

It was a very pleasant way to end the work day

Today By The Pool

I had just got done applying a bit of Hawaiian Tropic tanning oil when my 7 year old proceeded to tell me that I looked like a burnt french frie... "all greasy and brown".

Kids...

Music Pick: Nina Simone

I feel like listening to a little Nina tonight. I think she goes well with the Fonseca... {Next I'll be pimping Nietzsche. Joking... Kinda :P}

Know what the best thing is about Nina Simone? It's that nobody and I mean -nobody- sounds like her. You might be able to sing jazz and bang on the ivory with the best of them but you will never, ever be able to emulate her voice. If I had to make a top ten favorites list, you can bet Nina Simone would be somewhere in there between 1 and 5.

Here is more about the woman behind the talent:

From Wikipedia

Eunice Kathleen Waymon, better known by her stage name Nina Simone /ˈniːnə sɨˈmoʊn/ (February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003), was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger and civil rights activist.

Although she disliked being categorized, Simone is generally classified as a jazz musician. Simone originally aspired to become a classical pianist, but her work covers an eclectic variety of musical styles besides her classical basis, such as jazz, soul, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop music. Her vocal style is characterized by intense passion, a loose vibrato, and a slightly androgynous timbre, in part due to her unusually low vocal range which veered between the alto and tenor ranges (occasionally even reaching baritone lows). Also known as The High Priestess of Soul, she paid great attention to the musical expression of emotions. Within one album or concert she could fluctuate between exuberant happiness and tragic melancholy. These fluctuations also characterized her own personality and personal life, worsened by bipolar disorder with which she was diagnosed during the mid-1960s, but was kept secret until 2004 after her death.[1]

Simone recorded over 40 live and studio albums, the greatest body of her work being released between 1958 (when she made her debut with Little Girl Blue) and 1974. Songs she is best known for include "My Baby Just Cares for Me", "I Put a Spell on You", "Four Women", "I Loves You Porgy", "Feeling Good", "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood", "Sinnerman", "To Be Young, Gifted and Black", "Ain't Got No/I Got Life" and "I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl".

Her music and message made a strong and lasting impact on culture[2], illustrated by the numerous contemporary artists who cite her as an important influence (among them Eric Burdon, Amy Winehouse, Mary J. Blige, Elkie Brooks, Alicia Keys, Jeff Buckley, John Legend, Lauryn Hill and Peter Gabriel). Many hip hop and other modern artists sample and remix Simone's rhythms and beats on their tracks. In particular, Talib Kweli and Mos Def routinely pay tribute to her outstanding and soulful musical style. Many of her songs are featured motion picture soundtracks as well, including but not limited to, the The Big Lebowski (1998), Point of No Return (AKA The Assassin, 1993) Notting Hill (1999), The Thomas Crown Affair (1999), Before Sunset (2004), Inland Empire (2006), Sex and the City (2008), Revolutionary Road (2008), and Watchmen (2009).

What I'm Sipping On

At the moment, it's Fonseca Port Wine, non vintage and it's, for lack of a better description, -really- yummy. It's just sweet enough with a mild after taste. Great to sip on by it self or with a good cigar in hand.

The average price for NV {non vintage} runs between $20.00 & $30.00. Not to bad price wise. Vintage bottles range anywhere from $17.00 for a 1990 bottle {must not have been a good year?} to $1700 for a 1948 bottle. There are 47 vintages ranging from the year 1919 to 2007.

You can read more about Fonseca Port here: http://www.fonseca.pt/index_.htm

Artist Of The Week: Judith Heartsong

I came across Judith years ago when I first started journaling. Although we've never met face to face, I, proudly, consider Judi a friend. She is a strong, independent woman. She's also a survivor and {my favorite part} a gypsy. First and foremost, she is a wildly talented artist. Her paintings tell a story that will pull you in and leave you wanting to know more...

You can find out more about Judith here: https://www.judithheartsong.com/home.html

Music Pick: Supergrass

What can I say... I like them.

Their CD's can be hit or miss but for the most part the songs are catchy and the lyrics hold my attention. Supergrass is a nice change of pace when you feel like listening to something different. And tonight this is what I felt like listening to.

Here is more about the band from Wikipedia:

Supergrass are an English alternative rock band from Oxford. The band consists of brothers Gaz (guitar and lead vocals) and Rob Coombes (keyboards), Danny Goffey (drums and backing vocals), and Mick Quinn (bass and backing vocals).

The main trio formed in 1993 in Oxford with Gaz's brother Rob Coombes occasionally brought in as keyboard player on recordings (but never live, initially). The band released their first single "Caught by the Fuzz" in October 1994 on the Parlophone label. The single reached number 43 in the UK Singles Chart, but failed to chart in the US. Supergrass followed up with their debut full-length album I Should Coco in May 1995. The album reached number one in the UK where it stayed for three weeks.[1] The band's second album In It for the Money (1997) was the first album to be produced entirely by Supergrass and it peaked at number two. Their third self-titled album Supergrass (1999) (often referred to as "the X-ray" album due to the picture on the sleeve) peaked at number three in the UK albums chart. Their fourth album, Life On Other Planets (2002) was the first to include Rob Coombes as an official member of the band, who until then was employed on session and touring basis. The album peaked at number nine in the UK album charts.

In 2004 the band released a singles compilation entitled Supergrass Is 10 to celebrate ten years since the band formed. This was available on CD and DVD format. The DVD version featured a documentary film in which the band members recall moments during their career in the group. This also shows behind the scenes footage of recording sessions and live performances. Road to Rouen (2005) the fifth studio from the band was difficult for the band due to personal reasons including Danny Goffey's tabloid ordeal and the death of the Coombes' mother. This album also peaked at number nine in the UK album charts. Diamond Hoo Ha (2008) is the sixth album from the band and only peaked at number 19 in the UK album charts which makes the release their lowest charting album to date. In 2008, Supergrass ended their contract with EMI, instead resorting to releasing new material through their newly formed independent label 'Supergrass Records'.

Tearing Up Houses Give Away!

Do you like free stuff?

I definitely like free stuff.

In fact, my motto is "if it's free, it's me"... {Perfect segue? Yes? No?}

Ok, I will get straight to the point {even though I'm probably screwing my chances here :)}. Kelly, over at Tearing Up Houses, is having a great give away to one lucky reader {pretty cool, eh?}

"Every person that stops by between now and the last Friday of August will get their name tossed into a hat to win a $20 gift certificate to the beverage supplier of your choosing. That's right, you get to pick your favorite cafe, teahouse, or heck, even brewery and enjoy a few on me."

You can read the full entry here: http://tearinguphouses.blogspot.com/2009/08/friday-youre-in-love.html

:)

I love Love This Blog

Photos from "...and i love love" http://andilovelove.blogspot.com/

John and I are planning on getting married... We would have already tied the knot but due to a bit of red tape, we've had to wait. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing because it give us {me :P} time to plan. In all honesty, John would be perfectly content going to the court house tomorrow and signing the papers. In a way, I totally agree with him... Marriage is about the bond, not the party. It's just that... Well... I've never had the party. Both of my previous marriages {omg, that sounds horrid} were done at the court house. The first time, I was 20 years old and pregnant with Syd. It was all very spur of the moment. He proposed to me on May 5th {Cinco De Mayo- what an awesome date to have a wedding!!!} and we got married the same day. He was wearing jeans and I was wearing shorts... At least they were white... :/. We went to his parents house after and they surprised us with Red Lobster take out. Not exactly how I envisioned my wedding. Not exactly how I envision any ones wedding... Unless you live in the sticks. I can laugh about it now...

My second wedding: I was 28... Again, we got married in the court house. At least this time I had a modest dress and matching heels. My father and daughter were present. His family didn't attend because they all live in Ireland {which is a perk if you don't want to deal with in laws.}. We celebrated at an upper scale restaurant noted for it's good food and pretty surroundings {very open and outdoors/ indoors}. Everything was fine until my father gagged on a combination of food and beverage and coughed so hard that said food and beverage came out his nose. We all lost our appetites after that... {I love my dad and I know that this was not done on purpose.} The kicker: I got food poisoning on our honeymoon. -And- I don't even want to say where we went on our honeymoon because it is totally tacky. For the money we spent, we could have went to a beautiful beach and enjoyed a quiet, romantic weekend... {Even if nothing had gone wrong, this was not my idea of a romantic, elegant, charming wedding... This was just another quick fix}.

Do you understand why this is so important? *she said in a desperate tone...*

John is, with out a doubt, the one. I don't need an expensive wedding but I do want it to be nice/ elegant and charming in a simple way. I'd like to have a small backyard wedding... Lots of random flowers, candles and little white lights. Lots of white for table coverings and chairs. Good food and a yummy cake.. Not one covered in fondant, I don't really care for those... Just an old fashioned, made from scratch, delicious cake.

I could keep going and going, and I will in another entry but for now I have to be responsible and get ready for work.:)

My main intent was to talk about this incredible blog : ...and i love love http://andilovelove.blogspot.com/

Completely inspirational!

Happy Wednesday, all :)

Young Love

My oldest daughter, Syd and her boyfriend, Mason. I adore this photo. You can tell how in love they are. Remember your first apartment with that special guy you were crazy about? I do. For me, that special guy was her father. She came two years later {my first taste of unconditional love :)}.

That's where she's at in her life right now... What a great place to be.

Shoes!

I forget how I found these... I think I was doing an image search for "charming" {which they are}. I do know that they are by Marc Jacobs. I want!!! :P

Interesting Twist

I found this over at Blondie and Brownie... I'm not sure why but this sounds really good... Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea Salt topped ice cream... {I'm thinking vanilla. I'm also thinking that I want to try it tonight!}

http://blondieandbrownie.blogspot.com/2009/08/extra-virgin-olive-oil-and-sea-salt.html

Music Pick: Kelly Hogan

Forget it. I can't do twice a week. So I've decided that I will form some structure by not structuring. :) On to my next pick...

Kelly Hogan, with out a doubt, is my all time favorite female vocalist. I heard her for the first time in the early 90's when she was with the Jody Grind and became an instant fan. To me, her voice is like velvet.

Here is more about Kelly From Wikipedia,

Kelly Hogan is an American singer-songwriter born in Atlanta, Georgia.
In the 1990s, Hogan sang with The Jody Grind, singing on their full-lengths One Man's Trash Is Another Man's Treasure (1990) and Lefty's Deceiver (1992). The group disbanded after two of its members were killed in a car crash. She then joined the Rock*A*Teens, appearing on their 1996 EP and the 1997 full-length Cry. Her debut solo record was released in 1996, which featured covers of songs by Will Oldham and Vic Chestnutt.

Hogan left the Rock*A*Teens after the release of Cry, and signed with Bloodshot Records, releasing two full-length albums in 2000-01. Among those appearing on the records were the Pine Valley Cosmonauts, Andrew Bird, and Edith Frost. In the 2000s she also collaborated with Neko Case, The Waco Brothers, The Minus 5, Nora O'Connor, The Wee Hairy Beasties, Silkworm and others.

She currently lives in Evansville, Wisconsin.

Friday April 18, 2008

*Us

I often like to reflect back on the beginning of my relationship with John. I read my old journal entries and either laugh at how silly my writing is or fight back tears. This is one of the first things I wrote about him... I was wasting time playing cat and mouse with another man at the time- and then there he was {I willed him too me :)}. It's funny how your gut knows when someone is right and someone is wrong.

Friday- April 18, 2008

The drunk dialing conversations are always revealing. He told me that I was beautiful, however he also pointed out my flaws. Read; insecure. He told me that if I was at his house right then and there that he would be "all over me". He told me a bunch of other stuff, too. He becomes quite talkative when under the influence. He ended it by saying that his phone was about to die and that if I didn't mind, he wanted to drive over so we could "talk" some more. I told him no. The last thing he needs is a DUI. The part that gets me is I was supposed to be on a date last night with a new guy.... A new guy, that so far, I find quite appealing. Steve knew this yet he called me twice. Once at 7pm and again at 10. I waited until close to 11 to return the call. Maybe he honestly did not realize that Saturday night was -the night-. I'm thinking passively territorial. Getting attention from the surfer is not always an easy thing, yet this week he called me three times total... Maybe I'm over analyzing.

Then there is John. He is very sweet. And funny. Laughter is natural and abundant when we talk. Plus he has the prettiest blue eyes I have ever seen.

:)

Something told me in the very beginning that he was the one.

Monday's Health Tip: Want To Glow? Drink More H20

We've always been told 8 glasses a day, this is not necessarily the case. Depending on your weight, it might be more. Use this water calculator to find out how much H20 you should be taking in for optimal benefits.
http://www.espring.com/English-EU/WAC/WaterCalculator.aspx?pgid=125

It's all true!!!

Most people don’t quite get the health benefits of drinking water yet. They usually think that water is only needed when you feel thirsty and there couldn’t be a bigger mistake than that. About 66% of our body weight is water. Our muscles contains about 75% water, our brain tissue contains about 85% water, 83% of our blood is water and even 22% of our bones is water. Because our body contains so much water, it’s vital to keep drinking plenty of water. Without water we would dehydrate. And dehydration can result in our organs not functioning properly which can end in death.

1. Keep your brain healthyAs described in the introduction of this post, our brain tissue contains about 85% water. Drinking water regularly will keep the brain functioning properly. Studies have shown that not drinking enough water, dehydration, can be a key element in causing headaches, migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome and depression.

2. Water regulates body temperatureWater helps regulate body temperature, especially during exercise. When you exercise, you lose water through your breath and by sweating. As the sweat evaporates, your body cools. Replenishing water loss during exercise is crucial for physical performance and good health. Too much water loss will increase your risk of heat exhaustion. In addition to your normal six to eight glasses of water each day, drink a glass before you exercise. Then, for each 20 minutes of exercise, drink another cup or more. Be sure to drink a cup or two after you finish.

3. Flush out the toxins The function of our kidneys is to remove waste from our bodies. They help to lush toxins such as uric acid, urea and lactic acid the kidneys out of our blood stream. These are the toxins that make us feel sluggish and unwell. The toxins can also put a harmful burden on the other systems in the body. Drinking water regularly lessens the burden on your kidneys keeping us pollution free.

4. Decrease risk of heart attacks Researchers at the Loma Linda University in California studied more than 20,000 healthy men and women and found that people who drank more than 5 glasses of water a day are less likely to die from a heart attack than people who drink less than two.

5. Raise your metabolism As described in the post about metabolism, metabolism is the means by which the food we consume is turned into energy. The first chemical process that takes place is digestion. This process will prepare the nutrients in the food to be absorbed by the body and transformed into energy. Drinking plenty of water is essential to maintain a good digestion which in turn keep your metabolism going. The health benefit of water is better utilization of the nutrients you consume resulting in more energy.

6. Fresh and healthy skin Water primarily stimulates the circulation of blood, fluids, and the necessary elements inside our body. Additionally, it also controls and regulates the skin’s natural balance. When water is warm, it has the power to hydrate, revitalize, detoxify, and oxygenate the skin. Warm water also gets rid of blackheads and makes large pores smaller. Drinking water makes the body more relaxed and invigorated. It also replaces the moisture lost due to everyday activities. Simply put, these are all the benefits of drinking water for skin.

7. Lose weight by drinking water Drinking water is important if you’re trying to lose weight, some studies have shown that thirst and hunger sensations are triggered together. If there is a slight dehydration the thirst mechanism may be mistaken for hunger and one may eat when the body is actually craving fluid. As most food contains some water, if one doesn’t drink much they may be subconsciously driven to eat more to gain the necessary water supply however, you also gain the undesired effects of increased calorie consumption. Drinking more water can help to prevent overeating and benefit weight loss.

This article is via Sports & Cooking -Your Blog For Healthy Living-- http://sportsandcooking.com/health/7-health-benefits-of-drinking-water

Tearing Up Houses/ Tearing Up Tile

I will not miss this tile when it's gone.
A fresh palate. {Guy's, please help me think of a good excuse to get rid of that chair... Any ideas for something believable to tell John?}

John and I are slowly but surely making small renovations to his house {mine is next :P}.

Project # 1: Staining his floors.

We have the bulk of the carpet ripped up {that's the easy part}. Now we face tearing up the outdated tile. Yikes. Being big DIY people, we were all set to tackle this project... We just weren't sure how to go about it. - That's where Kelly comes in. If you've read her blog Tearing Up Houses https://tearinguphouses.blogspot.com/ then you know that she knows her stuff.

Not only did she point us in the easiest and most cost effective direction but she also noted a few other things that will save John and I time, money and frustration down the road. For that, we are most grateful!

Thank you, Kelly!

Meow

*She doesn't really look -this- old ;)

So...

Is it wrong that I take complete delight in knowing that the girl John was "in lust with" all through high school hasn't aged well? All I have to say is - Vitamin E. Seriously. I'm really not this bitchy. Just certain times of the month. Maybe a dark chocolate fix would help. :P

I'm an angel, I swear. These horns are just to hold up my halo~ unknown

Music Pick # 2~ Paul Westerberg

I couldn't wait an entire week to post new music. There is just too much great stuff out there. So... From now on or until I change my mind ;)- I will post music twice a week. Ahhh... There. I feel better.

Anyway.

Pick number 2 this week: Paul Westerberg

If you are into the punk/ indie scene then you've heard Paul Westerberg and you have at least one Replacements cd somewhere in your collection. There is something undoubtedly romantic in the coolest of ways about his voice, melodies and lyrics.

A little bit more about Paul Westerberg via Wikipedia~
Paul Westerberg (born December 31, 1959) is an American musician, best known as the former lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter of The Replacements, one of the seminal alternative rock bands of the 1980s. He launched a solo career after the dissolution of that band. In recent years, he has cultivated a more independent-minded approach, primarily recording his music at home in his basement.

According to Replacements lore, Westerberg was working as a janitor, and while walking home from work one day, he happened to hear a punk band practicing in a basement. He talked his way into the band by convincing the singer that the other band members--Bob Stinson, Chris Mars and Tommy Stinson--were going to fire him. The singer quit and Westerberg joined the group. The band was originally called "The Impediments," but they changed their name to "The Replacements" after several venues declined to advertise the band under their original name.

The Replacements quickly made a name for themselves in the Twin Cities punk scene, largely thanks to Westerberg's songwriting. The band made several critically acclaimed albums for local label Twin/Tone before signing to Sire Records in 1985.

Simple Pleasure # 2

How do I love thee, let me count the ways...
Fresh, hot coffee first thing in the morning.
This might be more of a necessity than a pleasure. :)

Make A Wish

Tell me this isn't totally charming?! Another brilliant creation from Bethany Howson. I'm addicted.
This would be adorable hanging on the wall of a little girls room {heck, or my room! Does age really matter? :p}. Plus a wish jar is a great idea for a simple gift to make and give on special occasions {or just because}.

Love it!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6419818

Another Great Idea...

Cloth goodie bags!

Environmentally friendly, easy to make, and cute!

I love it!

I wish I would have thought of it!

I Found them over at Blue, Pink & Green, a great, little eco friendly blog and one of my new favorite places to get lost in.

http://bluepinkandgreen.com/blog/?p=146

Fridays Reflection: Romance

*Us

My first three dates with John are probably the most romantic things I've ever experienced.

Date #1: Meeting face to face for the first time a little after midnight on April 25th 2008. We ended up at Denny's, sitting across from each other wearing goofy grins and picking at but not actually eating apple pie ala mode. We talked until 5 am. I didn't kiss him goodbye, I was to chicken.

Date #2: The following night, riding on the back of his motorcycle up to a little bar on the St. Johns River. I held him so tight, my head resting on his shoulder... I can remember smelling the skin on his neck. We didn't say much. Didn't need to. This time, when the date came to an end, I let him kiss me goodbye. It was, without a doubt, the best kiss I've ever experienced.

Date #3: He surprised me by driving us to the beach. We found an abandoned lifeguard stand, climbed up into it and sat looking at the stars and listening to the waves. I remember draping my legs over his, kind of half sitting in his lap. I knew I loved him that night and I knew he felt the same. It was just too soon to say the words.

I've searched a long time for this one.

I am a very lucky woman.

What are your romantic memories?

Artist Of The Week: Beth Retro

I've become addicted to Melissa Blakes "So About What I Said" here on blogger http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/ . {Not like anyone reading this doesn't already have the link:)} Not just for her writing but for the great photography that the woman chooses to accompany her entries. There are a few photos that I am especially smitten with. After a bit of digging I found out that the artist's name is Bethany Howson. You can read about her here- http://www.bestbeforenever.webs.com/

You can link directly to some of her awesome work here- http://www.flickr.com/photos/dreamincolour/

I think she is brilliant!

Enjoy!

Thursday's Health Tip: Fresh, Simple & Clean

One of the best things you can do for your health is keep your diet clean.

Example: Dinner consisted of fresh grated carrots, chopped celery, scallions, parsley and romaine lettuce mixed with solid white albacore tuna. I topped everything with a bit of extra virgin olive oil & seasoned with fresh grated black pepper. Threw it in a warm tortilla wrap and garnished with fresh kiwi on the side.

The prep time was no more than 10 minutes and the cost for all of the items was under $12.00. Mind you, this fed three out of the five of us- with left overs to spare. It was tasty and filling and the best part is that I didn't feel like taking a nap 30minutes later.

Eating a clean diet = more energy, better sleep, better digestion, clear skin, reversing the aging process, fresher breath, brighter eyes, less mood swings, controlling weight gain and most important of all preventing and/ or correcting chronic illnesses.

I'm not saying that you should give up mom's meatloaf accompanied by homemade mashed potato's {Yes, I am human... I love mashed potato's, too}. I do suggest that the heavy meals be kept to no more than twice a week. This is not so much to avoid weight gain as it is to avoid the health issues mentioned above.

Give yourself one week... JUST ONE WEEK- of eating clean. I guarantee you will see and feel a huge difference!

A Woman Scorned

*Repost from a few weeks back

Communication via text today:

Me: Hi

John: Hi! How is your day going??? I can't wait to come home! :)

Me: I'm considering firing you as my boyfriend.

John: Umm. Why?

Me: What crucial thing did you forget to do today?

John: Tell you how much I love you, miss you and want you? All of which are true.

Me: The first one.

Me: :(

John: :( I'm sorry, I love you so very much!

Me: Too late now besides, I had to tell you. I'm going to get super skinny (except for my boobs) and find a new boyfriend that wont forget to say I love you. I'm also giving your pot roast to Jack.

John: :(

John: I DO love you! I tell you all of the time!

Me: (This is me giving you the silent treatment)

John: Lol

John: I wish I was there with you right now.

Me: Yummy!!! (that is Jack eating your pot roast. And strudel.)

John: Oh not strudel! That's just not fair!

Me: Maybe next time you will remember to say I love you.

John: Did I mention I want to spend my life with you?

Me: Hey John?

John: Err.. I'm afraid to ask. Yes?

Me: I love you.

John: I love you, too! I wish I could hear you laughing. (I hope you are laughing.)

I was.

5 minutes later...

John: Hey Ann?

Me: Yes handsome?

John: I love you! Marry me!

Me: :) You still want to marry me even though I gave your strudel to Jack?

John: Of course I do. Besides, if you're going to get all skinny then I need to as well.

Me: Hey John?

John: Yes Ann?

Me: I love you, too and the answer is yes.

It kept going and getting mushy-er I finally ended it with a smiley face. Better check on the pot roast.;)

True Story

I once knew a man with one arm... Nice guy, used to hang out at the pub where I worked. He, no lie, beat everyone that challenged him to a game of pool. - We're talking wiped the table with them-. Not only did he do this minus an arm but he would use any old pool stick available... Not the fancy ones like most sharks sport. One day I asked him why he didn't have a macked out cue seeing as he was so passionate about the game. He replied "If you're really good, a tree branch will do.

I think that applies to everything in life.

Just a random thought that crossed my mind today. :)

Guilty Pleasures 1 & 2

Shopping and ice cream. What else is a girl to do on a rainy day? :p

This Weeks Music: Ella Fitzgerald

I thought it would be kind of fun to share music with anyone that's interested. From now until I decide to change my mind, on Wednesdays, I will post an artist and a few of their songs {which can be found at the bottom of the page courtesy of Meebo.

This weeks pick is Ella Fitzgerald... Love her! Especially when she sings with Louis Armstrong. This kind of music reminds of Fall/ Winter and rainy days {is anyone else ready for a season change?! :)} but I listen to it even when it's sunny and warm out.

A little bit about Ella Fitzgerald courtesy of Wikipedia:

Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996), also known as "Lady Ella", the "Queen of Scat" and the "First Lady of Song", was an American jazz vocalist.[1]

With a vocal range spanning three octaves, she was noted for her purity of tone, phrasing and intonation, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. She is widely considered to have been one of the supreme interpreters of the Great American Songbook. [2]

Over a recording career that lasted 59 years, she was the winner of 13 Grammy Awards, and was awarded the National Medal of Art by Ronald Reagan and the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George H. W. Bush.

Enjoy!

Simple Pleasure # 1

A small, Cinnamon scented candle. I like to light it after dinner when the house is calm. It fills our home with a warmth I can't explain.

*I'd love to say that I use an exotic soy candle or something from one of the fancy specialty stores but in this case, the candle is from Glade.

Cross Your Fingers

Don't want to talk too much about it for fear of jinxing things but... Tomorrow could be the start of something really great! Wish me good luck.

Welcome

“Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast.”

~William Shakespeare