It's Friday and the Brasstown Bridal Show is Sunday!

Well, Friday is upon us! First thing this morning I was off to get a fresh revelation from the book of Revelation with some girlfriends from church. Now, I have to admit, I know very little about the book of Revelation and frankly, it intimidates me. I’m hoping to get over that very soon. We had a good start.

After that, E and I met up to do yet more preparations for this weekend’s Bridal Show at Brasstown Valley Resort. Honestly, we’ve done Bridal Shows long enough now that we’ve got that part down to a fine science. We know what to take and how to arrange it. However, this show is a tad more complicated for us. In addition to our traditional booth, we are presenting a Design Gallery and couldn’t be more thrilled! We absolutely love this kind of thing!

This is just a glimpse of our work space today in our home office. A typical work day for Wonderful Events: a diet Coke from Panera Bread, lots of papers, two red laptops, two iphones, and . . . an artichoke and some pears? Explanation to follow.

Here’s the deal: This Bridal Show will showcase four wedding vignettes each with a different theme: Blues Gallery; Sherbet Gallery; Vineyard Gallery and our personal choice, the Eco-Green Design Gallery. Each of these will include bridesmaids dresses, wedding cakes, and (this is where we come in) tabletop display complete with centerpiece, individual place settings, sample invitation, menu cards and place cards and favors. In this gallery, we will obviously be using lots of natural, repurposed, and environmentally friendly items – like branches, potted orchids, grasses, moss, artichokes, pears, rocks, and recycled papers for the invitations, place cards, escort cards, and menu cards, in addition to some other neat stuff. We will also display a bridal bouquet and super cool guest book idea.

So if you are thinking about a Sunday drive (it’s supposed to be sunny) head on up to the mountains to Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris. We’d love to see you!

My Friends and My Father

A couple of weeks ago, after a large 1/2 sweet, 1/2 unsweet tea from one of my favorite hometown restaurants, I was somehow motivated to write a poem. Yes, I know, very strange. I'm still blaming it on the insomnia from my highly sugared (even at half) and highly-caffeinated drink of choice. But nonetheless, I was wide awake at 3:00 a.m. and had run out of things to do (cleaning the house was clearly out of the question) so I began to write. I actually love to write but I had written one poem oh, since I was in elementary school. That doesn't count when E and I used to write poems together for her schoolwork. She had a "Rhyming Dictionary." Isn't that cool? You looked up a word and then it gave you all of the words that rhymed with it. E still has it. It would have clearly come in handy at 3:00 that morning.

Anyway, I had a Bible study lesson coming up about friendships and honestly, there are few things I love more than my girlfriends. No, they can't replace your God, your husband, your children or your parents but doggone, they fill a huge hole in your heart for silly laughter, talk of clothes, makeup and jewelry (among lots of other things) and hearing your heart on a regular basis. And I happen to be blessed with some godly women who listen, pray for me and with me, give good counsel and care deeply about me. Oh, ladies I am so thankful for you.

Thus this poem was birthed out of all of the above. Now that I've built it up so much, you're sure to be disappointed. That's okay, it's really my own personal journey of friendship. One I'm so thankful to have taken.

My Friends and My Father

When I was little, I had one best friend.
I loved her dearly, she spent the night and we played til days end.

When I was a teenager, I had a few more.
But those years were rough and on many an occasion my heart tore.

In college, we all pledged and became sorority sisters.
But back then it seemed the only goal was becoming the Mrs. to all the Misters.

After that, I moved and only one friend had I.
But he was my best one, my husband, my guy.

However, I still felt very alone those first few years,
Many miles from my home, I so wanted a girlfriend, I said through my tears.

So from across the street she came, not knowing me at all.
She took a chance and said, "if you need me, give me a call."

Are you kidding?? I do need you, I thought.
But it will take time, she already has plenty of friends, but then my heart caught.

I can't do this without friends, . . . be married, raise children and such,
I will call her and we'll go to lunch.

That's been almost 25 years to the day.
And she's still one of my dearest friends and will always be, I pray.

My girlfriends, they cheer me up and hear me out.
They love me warts and all and never cause me doubt.

Through the years, God has blessed me with many precious women to love.
But without a doubt, my dearest friend is my Father Above.

He is closer than a sister, a husband or a child.
The ride with Him over the years has been nothing less than wild.

While I couldn't have traveled this journey without my friends,
I could never even started without My Savior and His love that transcends.

He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.
The One who died for me and you so with Him in eternity we can spend.

Celebrating ABs Birthday!

Yesterday was such a fun day! E, D's Mom and I all played hookey from everyday life and drove down to Covington to see our niece/cousin/granddaughter. She recently celebrated her birthday and we just couldn't let that pass without a little face time with her. We had lunch, got to see her dorm room, walked a quick walk over part of the campus and all in all, had a great visit.
She is just such a wonderful young woman and simply . . . a pleasure and a treasure.

Nana and her two granddaughters.

Me with two of my favorite girls!

I'm Baaack from the Beach!

Have y'all gone missing me? Some of you know where I've been so maybe you'll give me a little break for taking such a long absence from the bloggy world. Well, let's see what has happened since I posted the last time.

The Caribbean cruisers returned safely from their Valentine's weekend excursion. E did a quick turn around and flew to our nation's Capital for a visit with her very best friend/college roommate/sorority sister - CP. CP was E's maid of honor at her wedding and E is returning the favor when CP gets married in August. So, I can guarantee you some wedding talk went on up there. I can hardly wait to hear all about it! I did have a short conversation with her Friday morning and she said that DC still had two feet of snow on the ground and that CP has had the stomach virus but she was on the mend. Now, doesn't that sound like fun? But you know best girlfriends don't care if you've been sick or you're stuck in a hotel room even in a fun place like DC. They'll have a great time no matter what!

Well, last Monday and Tuesday held their own challenges but that's not worth talking about at this point. But Wednesday, that glorious day, the day I've been looking forward to for weeks! I began the day with an early morning meeting with E and our company's resident florist extraordinaire, Miss M. We are planning for a Bridal Show on the 28th and have been asked to do a "gallery" for it. I'll explain more about this in the next couple of days but suffice it to say, we really needed to get our heads together and make a plan of action. Thankfully, all brains were on deck and we gathered our thoughts and ideas quickly. Oooh, I just can't wait to tell you more about this.

After that, I ran home, threw some things in a suitcase and left with my husband for the BEACH! Yea! Okay, if that's wasn't already good enough, guess who goes to college in a town on the way to the BEACH! Yes siree, that would be our boy! We had dinner with him that night. We sat and talked until he about went to sleep in his plate. He had pulled an all nighter the night before because of two tests that day and had only slept three hours in two days. So, we talked as long as he could and then took him back to his apartment. I sure do cherish those few hours with him. He is quite the young man even if he is mine.

So, onto the beach we went. I just felt the stress and worry of everyday life just melting away as we approached the sand and sea. And D must have felt the same way because he slept most of the day on Thursday. I actually got worried about him at one point. Like when your baby sleeps through the night for the first time and you wake up and realize it! You run in the room to see if they're still breathing. Anybody besides me done that? I'll have to admit, I actually went to the bedroom one time just to make sure D was still breathing. He works hard, long hours and a do-nothing vacation is just what the doctor ordered for him.

So, the rest of the week was pure bliss. I read (of course). Oh by the way, I finished "The Last Song" by Nicholas Sparks. True to form for Mr. Sparks, this book is a tear-jerker. I could hardly read through the tears. Okay, now I'm ready for the movie. Comes out April 2nd I think. And speaking of movies, Friday night we went to see "Valentine's Day." I honestly wasn't a fan of this movie but I loved the outtakes at the end. The very last one with Julia Roberts was my favorite but I don't think any one in the whole theatre got it except us but that would be because we've seen "Pretty Woman" a zillion times.

Saturday the weather was absolutely gorgeous, about 65 degrees and sunny. A most perfect February day. We read, walked on the beach (one of us jogged), worked only a little bit (and always in line of sight of the water), took a drive, brought home dinner and watched the Olympics after the sun went down. Pretty much, fabulous.

We appreciate the generosity of our dear friends to let us use their beach house for a few days. It was perfect.

Just a few pictures. You can tell D was taking this because I didn't have my smile on yet.

These things are a combination of fascinating and gross.

Yes, it was just that beautiful.

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, all! Hope you are having a great day! D and I celebrated last night with a trip with some friends to the Cheesecake Factory and then to see "Mamma Mia!" at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta! Good food, Great friends, and fabulous fun at the Fabulous Fox! "Mamma Mia!" is just the best ever! You can't help yourself - you really just want to sing and dance right along with them (oh, wait, I did). It is really incredible how musically talented some folks are . . . and these folks are! We had the best time!

It's a Snowy Day in Georgia

Yesterday, mid-afternoon, I got a call from one of my favorite people, E's mother-in-law, BW. Sidenote: When your children get married it is a fact that you inherit in-laws and you've got to admit, you just never know. Well, D and I were blessed beyond measure when not only did E marry a fine young man, she married a fine family. So when I saw BW on the caller ID, I could hardly wait to talk to her. Then I remembered . . . she and her entire family, including E and her husband where preparing to board a ship in Florida to cruise the Caribbean for the next few days. I know, I know . . . seriously, did I really want to talk to her at this moment? But I love her dearly, so I answered the phone.
What she called to tell me (among a few other things) was that her husband and son (E's husband) were quite distraught at the prospect of several inches of snow in Georgia and that they would not be here to witness it. Now granted, it is a rare day when Georgia sees snow but really? And since they would be suffering down on the sea and in the 75 degree sunshine, basking on a chaise lounge, having their drinks delivered with little umbrellas in them, eating delicious food at every turn, not cooking, cleaning or working . . . would they really miss the snow? Yes, she said, but she had give them a talkin' to and according to her, it was better. But yes, they are officially missing the Blizzard of 2010 - Georgia style.

So Caribbean cruisers, when y'all dock and can get internet, especially N and his dad - See What You're Missing!!!

The Ghosts of Valentine's Day Past

I'll have to admit, I've struggled with writing this post. Why? because it makes me kinda sad. I no longer get to do some of the fun things that we did when our kids were younger. For 20+ years I devoted most of my time and energy to raising two of the most incredible children ever (in my humble opinion). Yes, I worked outside the home part-time throughout those years but primarily my focus was my children. I so wanted their childhood to be a very good and positive memory for them. And because of my celebratory personality, holidays and birthdays, well, let's just say . . . were always something special. Which brings us to our Valentine's Day tradition! Some of you are probably thinking, did she just say Valentine's Day tradition? Who has traditions surrounding Valentine's Day? That would be us.

First of all, on the big day, we always piled in D's SUV for what we called the "Fast Food Progressive Dinner." Beginning with our drinks, we chose the fast food restaurant that had our favorite foods. The point is: the place had to have a drive thru. We stayed in the car to eat and drink everything. This was great fun! You know when you have your children in the car with you, they are a captive audience so we got to talk, laugh and relax together while poor D drove us all over tarnation trying to satisfy our every fast food whim.

We always had our favorites:
Tea: Zaxby's - because everybody knows they have great tea and absolutely the best ice!
Appetizer: This would always be a toss up between the following: Arby's curly fries or mozzarella sticks, Sonic's tator tots or Chick-fil-A's waffle fries.
The Main Course: Each person got to choose their favorite so you realize we could be visiting every fast food restaurant chain known to North America in the course of one evening and some twice! Which is what we usually did. Some favorites here: CFA's classic chicken sandwich, Big Mac from McDonalds; tacos from Taco Bell. Oh, it was a dilemma.
Dessert: Hmm . . . a blizzard from the DQ? ice dream from CFA? or a frosty from Wendys? All very good choices.
And, as you can tell, no nutritional information was investigated at all on this day!

Then when we got home from that expedition, I always had a Scavenger Hunt ready for the kids to find their Valentine's Day gifts. Gifts were not expensive or outrageous, just fun new stuff. I would prepare clues and hide their gifts ahead of time so that when we returned, we could let the games begin. They loved it! Keep in mind, we did this up until about two years ago when G was a senior in high school. It's kinda like we were with Santa. If they told me that they didn't believe in Santa anymore, then Santa stopped bringing them gifts. Guess who never mentioned not believing in Santa again? Guess who never complained about Valentine's Day either?

I sure do miss this. I guess D and I could do a Scavenger Hunt together. Not sure what we would hunt for and not sure I could remember where I hid it. Isn't menopause fun? Don't answer that. This is about Valentine's Day.

So, this Valentine's Day and always, I'm sending much, much love to the most incredible man I know and to two of the best children a mother could ever ask for. I love you all so much. Thank you for allowing me to do such crazy stuff all those years! It was a joy and an honor. Much love, Mom

The Truffle, A Delicious Little Thing

Now, you gotta love a good truffle. And I have found a good one . . . and so easy. D and I made a batch of these Monday night for our boys for Valentine's Day. Okay, we ate a few. I sent some to G in his Valentines goodie box yesterday and just knew E's husband would appreciate them as well. Delicious, I tell you, just delicious. After all, why wouldn't they be? Nothing but Oreos, cream cheese and chocolate.
You can just whip up a batch of these in no time. You'll be glad you did.

Oreo Truffles
1 package of Oreos, crushed (not too fine, some small chunks are good)
1 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
12 oz. white almond bark*

Makes 36 truffles

In a large bowl, mix the Oreos and cream cheese. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Shape into small balls and place on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Put in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
Melt the chocolate and dip the balls to cover. Put back on the cookie sheet and back in the freezer. These will set quickly. Keep refrigerated.
*The recipe called for 8 ozs. of dipping chocolate but that wasn't enough when we made these. I had bought an 16 oz. package and we ended up using 12 ozs. of the package. But we like chocolate - that's just us.

Enjoy!

This Day 2/8/10 in my Life

Well, today is one of those “Day in the Life” type posts that you may or may not find interesting. I did my last (and only) of these posts the first of December. So every once in a while I’ll give you a glimpse into my little corner of the world. Here goes:

Today . . .
I am thankful . . . that my son surprised us and came home for the weekend!! That boy just brings joy to my soul! He makes me laugh like crazy and I could just eat him with a spoon, I tell you. And I’m also thankful for another client who decided to book our services this week. Very thankful that God keeps sending them our way.
I am pondering . . . wisdom. It seems like God is keeping this subject right in the forefront of everything I’m studying, reading and hearing. I want so much to “get it!” But to get wisdom, I know I must pray and search for it. It is a hidden treasure that God holds for those who search diligently for it.
I am remembering . . . high school. As you remember, I’m now a member of the Facebook community, so I can go back and search for my Class of 1977 classmates. Since I haven’t lived where I went to high school for almost 25 years, some of these folks I haven’t seen since we moved or some, since we graduated. Some of them if their names were not beside their picture, I wouldn’t recognize them. But that’s the way it goes - they probably don’t recognize me either. I’ll tell you a secret: some of them look really old. Okay, please don’t state the obvious here.
I am listening . . . to Beloved. Beloved is an awesome ladies trio from Atlanta. I guess you would say their music is Southern gospel. Their music is varied so I’m not sure what exactly, but nonetheless they are great. I am so excited because in March I’m going with some girlfriends down to Atlanta for the weekend to attend their Ladies Retreat. Nothing but girls, glam (spa theme) and God. Fun. fun!
I am thinking . . . about how to redecorate E’s old bedroom. Right now, it has some bookcases in it and that’s it. And of course, we must change the pink walls. Oh, the pink walls. Thinking maybe of going with a neutral theme in this room - white, cream, wheat . . . hmm. I think I like this idea.
I am shopping . . . for Valentine’s Day gifts. I love, love Valentine’s Day. When the kids were little we made homemade Valentines and did some cool things. I’ll share this in another post this week.
I am cooking . . . oreo truffles for Valentine’s Day gifts. I’ll share this recipe later too. Totally a good thing.
I am reading . . . besides the two books in the previous posts, the book of Jeremiah (good stuff) and “The Last Song” by Nicholas Sparks on my Kindle. I want to read “The Last Song” before the movie comes out this spring. The movie was filmed on Tybee Island last summer and I can hardly wait to see it. But I gotta read the book first because I’m weird like that.
I am working . . . on two banquets for non-profits coming up in the next couple of months. Doing table décor/centerpieces for one and not sure what for the second. Also, got another big project in the works but that’s still top secret. Very soon.
I am looking forward to . . . getting away with the husband for a few days. Just the two of us with no responsibilities. Can you spell . . . b.l.i.s.s.?
I am wearing . . . jeans, white shirt, long black sweater/coat and black boots. Just got to tell you about this black sweater/coat because if I get a great bargain I seem to have to brag about it. Okay . . . . I took Mother to Belk’s the other day and thought I’d stroll around while she shopped. I spot this cute black sweater/coat across the store. Get this . . original price $88; ½ off = $44; additional 50% off = $22; $10 coupon = $12 for an $88 sweater. Yes!

So there you go! May you have a wonderful day in your life.

Two Great Books

I love nothing better than a good book and I'm usually reading three or four at one time; some fiction, some non-fiction. Right now I'm reading two non-fiction books that I've just got to tell you about. The first is "Knit Together: Discover God's Pattern for Your Life" by Debbie Macomber. Mrs. Macomber is known mostly for her fiction works and I've read several of them, enjoying each very much. This particular one is a great read with this theme: God created us for a reason and when we come to recognize our deepest longing, we can discover His plan for our lives. A good word, indeed.

My second recommended read is Beth Moore's new book "So Long Insecurity, You've Been a Bad Friend to Us." Is there any woman that doesn't deal with insecurity in one way or another? And it can be crippling to our every day walk through life if we let it. Beth gives us some encouragement, reassuring that insecurity is understandable and curable. I haven't finished this one yet but so far, it has been extremely enlightening and valuable to my whole mindset. You might want to give these a look.

HHM in Haiti - CBS Atlanta's Raw Footage

Today, I sat down for a few minutes to eat lunch and thought I would read the Helping Hands Foreign Missions' blog (the link is found in previous posts). I quickly saw the link to CBS Atlanta's site where apparently, the station has sent a camera man to travel with the team from HHM in Haiti. Once I started watching, I could not stop. The footage is definitely raw with little to no editing beginning on the day they arrived and following them for about three or four days. The link: http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video/22429977/index.html

If you want to see Haiti from the real life perspective of the team from Gainesville, this is well worth watching. The first 20 or so minutes shows the teams arrival in the Dominican Republic, their travels into Haiti and their first look at the mass destruction in Port-au-Prince. You know, as I watched it and saw building after building flattened, I thought it surreal but when I saw the faces of the people especially the children, my heart sank. At about 40 minutes in, one of the team members asked a man on the street about the earthquake. You get the feeling almost that this is a casual conversation until he says "I lost my boy." You can hear the team member say with shocked surprise, "your boy?" oh dear. Then near the end of the video they are speaking with another gentlemen whom they soon discover has lost almost his entire family - his wife, children, 5 brothers, nieces, cousins and nephews. Is there any way to comprehend this? I just can't.

But the one thing I just can't get out of my mind is the children in the orphanage. The HHM team's goal was to move 60 children plus their leaders to a safe haven a few hours away. Look carefully at the faces of these children (about 30 mins into the video). They are thrilled with a handful of Fruit Loops and a bus ride. I just keep thinking that each one has a story, each one has a purpose, each one a God who loves them. Do they know and understand that at all?

I am awestruck by the irony of the situation when their bus can't cross the river because the road has washed away. All of them plus their belongings have to finish their journey on foot through some steep and rough terrain. At the beginning of the book of Joshua, the Israelites have wandered 40 years in the desert and yes, they are getting ready to cross the Jordan River into the long-awaited promised land. (Joshua 1:2) Maybe, just maybe, these children have crossed the river into their promised land. I pray that when Brenda, Richard and the team share the love of Christ with them, they will accept it. They will accept the promised land of Christ - the love, joy, and peace that only comes from knowing Him. They will accept the God who says to me, you and them:

"I will never leave you nor forsake you.' (Joshua 1:5)

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

What I love about February 2010!

Hard to believe, I know. It is February. I LOVE! Why? Because it is the love month. And I just love life! Yes, I have bad days, I have bad things happen. But there is so much to love about my life - my husband, my family, my friends, working with my daughter, planning parties and weddings, church, Bible study, and God. God. And His unfailing love.

God = love. That is one of His big definitions; there are many, however. As if I can define God or as if am qualified to. But with my personal experience with God, I know without a doubt that He is love. He has shown love to me in so many ways, this is only just a short list: through His transformation of my marriage, the love of my children, my parents and inlaws, the friends He has given me, His faithfulness in countless ways, His protection, His provision, His discipline (ouch, that's a hard one), His creativity, His world . . . Him. How can I ever thank Him for the way He has loved me? Live this life in a way the reflects Him. To show love to others, to tell others about Him, to serve others, to think more about Him and others and less about me.

So today, thank God for His unfailing love "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love" Psalm 107:8 . . . and find comfort in His arms " May your unfailing love be my comfort." Psalm 119.76.


What do I love about February 2010?

1. Well, Valentines Day, of course, duh. We'll be discussing it more in the upcoming days.
2. I get to go to the beach this month with my sweet husband. The words "can hardly wait" just don't do this justice.
3. We are going to the Fox Theatre with one of my favorite couples to see "Mamma Mia" in a couple of weeks. Oh. Yes. I'm already hearing "Dancing Queen" in my dreams.
4. Our niece has a birthday this month. And since she is now going to college in our neck of the woods, E and I (and hopefully D's mom) are thinking we may head down her way to see her for her birthday.
5. We have another Bridal Show this month. We are going up in the mountains to a beautiful resort, Brasstown Valley for the day. By the way, the Gainesville show yesterday was awesome. We met some wonderful people and had the best time. Didn't hurt that Scott's on the Square was there with his crab cakes. Heavenly day, those things will melt in your mouth.
6. Now, while this may not interest some, I happen to love the Super Bowl. The actual game - who cares. But the commercials - oh my goodness, those are my favorites. When I was in graduate school, I had to do a paper on the Super Bowl ads. Now, there are worse things than having to watch the Super Bowl all in the name of school work. And ever since, I have been hooked. And I love Super Bowl food. No better excuse for wings, sliders, dips and diet coke than this ballgame. So there you go - commercials and food. Two good reasons for watching television.

7. The Wising Up study. I am loving this with two groups right now. The Monday night girls just started and the Wednesday night girls are on week 4. It is just so good. Now, the Monday night girls are tight and have been together studying God's word for maybe 3 or 4 years. So that makes for some good, honest and intimate discussion. Then the Wednesday night girls, they just keep coming. Would you believe there are over 40 of them now? They just keep telling their friends and keep multiplying. But all of that to say, women are seeking God and His wisdom. What could be better? I am praying it continues.
8. The Handbell Choir is ringing in worship this Sunday. "Shall We Gather at the River" and it is beautiful.
9. We are meeting with several brides and their moms this month about their upcoming weddings. I just love how each bride has her own distinct vision about how she wants her day to be. And I just love that we get to help make that a reality.
10. Blog . . . ye ole blog. I know I said this last month, but I have high hopes for this blog. Be assured I'm working on it.

Thank you for reading this. It is a pleasure. Happy February!