Merry Christmas!

To “Give” List…

If money, logistics and extensive planning weren’t an issue, here are a few things that would be on my to “give” list.

Airplane tickets for far away relatives….or plane tickets to get us to far away relatives.

A warm coat for a friend in need.

Firewood so the mother can be warm and cozy. 

A sweet puppy companion for someone who needs a little spring in her step.

Who couldn’t use a little cash these days?

What’s on your “give” list?

More dreaming….

Every time I've opened the Pottery Barn catalog I've had to have a serious pause when I get to this page. I've even pulled this page out and added it to my inspiration pile, but I still have to stop and take another look when I see it. There is just something so natural and calm about this room, and I love the tablescape. I think the only thing I would change is the light fixture, but seriously, I'd take everything else, no questions asked! I even already have a mirror in storage that would be perfect over that mantle. sigh.

One major dilemma, though. We have a beautiful old round dining table in storage. And while it sits there I just couldn't bring myself to replace it was a new table with nary a scratch and absolutely no personality. So, here are a couple of options using the old table. I think I like the pop of the upholstered chairs the best, but I also like the versatility of the slip covered chairs. Which one do you like the best?

All photos from www.potterybarn.com.

Technorati Tags: dining rooms,dreaming,decorating

Christmas List

It's been a bit of a rough week. And I've found myself getting further and further out of the Christmas spirit. Which stinks, because this is my favorite time of the year. Don't you just hate it when you sooo look forward to something, and you have these super high expectations, only to be disappointed because things don’t work out how you expect them to. It's like setting yourself up for failure. Sigh, sigh, sigh. OK - enough of that sob story. Moving on. This is me putting on my big-girl pants and dealing with it. And I'll get my Christmas spirit back….darn it!

Christmas over the past few years has been a little sparse and it's looking like it'll be that way this year, too. And that's okay, but isn't it nice to dream a little? If I had a Christmas wish list here's what would be on it. It'll be fun to see what has changed this time next year.

Subscription to Scrapbook Trends - $84.95

Portable Photo Studio - $39.95

Mimi SLR Camera Purse/Bag - $62.99

Nintendo Wii - $199.99

Nintendo Wii Fit Plus - $89.99

Subscription to Real Simple - $23.68

What is on your Christmas list?  Coming up next – my “to give” list! Stay tuned!

Pioneer Woman

So, I’ve spent a good part of today waiting to have Ree Drummond aka Pioneer Woman sign her new cookbook. 

Misti and I arrived at Border’s around 1pm to pick up our wristbands and found out that the signing had been moved up to 6pm – which was great, except it meant the powers-that-be had decided to cancel the discussion and q&a session – boo.  Oh well.  I would have loved to hear her speak, but it was super nice to be able to meet her and take a quick photo. 

We stood in line for an hour and forty-five minutes once the signing started.  It really wasn’t bad at all.  I was pretty impressed by how friendly everyone was.  I didn’t notice anyone with a snarky attitude.  We made friends with several people and had fun looking at all of the books on the shelves while we traveled down the line. 

One of the funniest moments was seeing this guy meet Ree and have his photo taken.  He was there to have his Mom’s book signed – super cute!

When Misti and I finally got to Ree – she was amazingly warm and seemed genuinely happy to meet us!  Amazing, considering she had already been through the same routine with about 200 people and there were many, many more after us.  And she’s even more gorgeous in person!

We even chatted with Hyacinth (on of P-dub’s besties) after moving through the line!.

So happy that we went – and another book signing memory!  Hope there are more just as wonderful to come!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Don’t worry, I’m not completely crazy.  Just a little behind.  So, here it is.  Happy Thanksgiving!  Our thanksgiving festivities began on Sunday before Thanksgiving with a “celegration” (a celebration and congegration all in one – as coined by my momma) at Pappadeaux.  We celebrated Thanksgiving, the birthdays of both Aunt Paula and Aunt Patricia and Uncle Charles and Rose’ anniversary (from a distance since they couldn’t make it to Atlanta).  We missed everyone who is so far away, and a few who are nearby but couldn’t make it. 

The Aunts and my Mom headed to R-Ranch on Monday, but returned on Wednesday to cook Thanksgiving dinner and take it back to the ranch.  I spent the actual day at my good friend Laurel’s, with her wonderful family, and played entirely too much Wii tennis.  More Wii over the remaining weekend and a little bit of creative time. 

I’m finally feeling like my old self. And it’s so nice to have both my brain and body functioning like a normal human being. 

And tomorrow is a big day!  Misti and I are going to see Pioneer Woman!  She’s going to be in Atlanta for a book signing.  I’m sure we’ll both be posting periodically through our afternoon/evening tomorrow.

The list…

Where has this year gone? I mean really. It seems like just yesterday we were finishing up the holidays - and they are already here again. I had a major moment this morning. I suddenly became "ready" for the holidays. Call me kooky, but it was a sudden change in feeling. It's time!

I can't help but think back to this time last year. And realize that things are sooo much better this time around. All that stuff mainly centered around the 9-5, and the unknown of what was going to happen which turned into taking a pay cut and moving. And while the pay cut is still there and the move still happened, life is ever so much more peaceful. Full of possibilities, ideas, and largely filled with joy. I don’t think I truly realized all of that until I typed that just now.

And with the holidays come the "list". Not the New Year's resolution list, but the list of things you want accomplish in the next year…..

§ Revive Scrapista and hold our first event

§ Hone my photography skills

§ Complete another Beth Moore study (I officially finish the study on  Esther tomorrow!)

§ Read and review even more books

§ Practice writing (those book reviews will help)

§ Keep scrapbooking, or whatever crafty thing that sparks my interest, and find my "voice"

§ Live life intelligently, don't just let it pass by, enjoy every stinkin' moment of it

Those are the big ones. There are so many little, bitty ones and I'll work on those too!

What's on your list? And, do you really, really believe it can happen? I do!

And finally, I leave you this hilarious wish from Kolette Hall. Have a great Thanksgiving!