Celebrating Love!

Happy Valentine's Day!! I'd love to know how you are spending this day (or weekend) with your special someone. My honey and I are leaving in a few hours to head up to the mountains to The Dillard House for the weekend. I can hardly wait. I haven't left the house since Monday. It really hasn't been as bad as it sounds. I've caught up on a lot of things that needed to be done around here as well as cooked. I've cooked a lot. Here are a couple of my creations to celebrate today!

This is a Chocolate Raspberry Bundt Cake! Here is the recipe if you're interested. You really should be interested ... it's fabulous. 


And of course, what's Valentine's Day without some Chocolate Covered Strawberries?


In other news, D and I got a movie from the Red Box to watch last night and it was a total waste of our $1.29. If you are considering renting Red 2, don't bother. We saw Red (the first one) and really liked it. The sequel was a total bust. Just a Public Service Announcement to save your time and money. 

With more worthless news, I've been working in front of the muted television all morning. Since it's Valentine's Day, I've seen both John Legend on GMA and Rueben Studdard on The Today Show. What a treat! I've only un-muted for those two to serenade me. Oh, which reminds me, did you all watch The Beatles' 50th Anniversary of the Ed Sullivan Show the other night on television? It was so good. Even though Paul and Ringo both performed individually and together (which was great), the highlight of the show in my opinion was "Let It Be" with John Legend and Alicia Keys. I'm so hoping it comes out on iTunes. It's definitely going on my playlist if it does.

And one last thing (if you're still reading this boring account) since I've been watching the Valentine's editions of these morning shows, I've seen more people drink a glass of wine before noon than I can count. Granted it might be cranberry juice. I'm not judging but I just hope they are pacing themselves. It's going to be hard for some of us to catch up. I'm just sayin.

Happy Love Day to you and yours!

Oh, you make me smile ....

 

Y'all.  I might have mentioned how much I am enjoying Harry Connick Jr. as an American Idol judge.  I also might have mentioned that I saw him once live and in person in NYC on Broadway in "The Pajama Game" and oh my word, he is one talented fella.  Not to mention, he's adorable. 

 

I saw this video on another blog and it just made me smile so big.  I mean really.  How cute is this?



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snow Day!

As I write this we are in the midst of a “Catastrophic Ice Storm Event,” at least that’s what Glenn Burns calls it and I believe everything Glenn Burns says. I mean he is an Atlanta institution and he, along with Karen Minton (who is 60, by the way – doesn’t she look great for 60?) are the dream team of meteorologists. As of right now, everything they have told us would happen, has happened. We got some snow yesterday, then it stopped. Then it started raining/snowing last night. However, supposedly, there is ice on the way, and that is going to be the “catastrophic part.” I’m just praying my family gets home safe. D and E are both at the store because we apparently have adopted the postal system’s motto “neither snow, nor rain or gloom of night” will keep us from providing groceries to our community. While we don’t think that most folks will get out and get groceries (surely not), we do know that the emergency workers, police and fire responders as well as power company employees and others who are working out in this might need food. We will provide for them as long as possible today and tomorrow. Our store managers and some employees have stayed in local hotels. D and E have been picking up employees in G’s 4-wheel drive vehicle most of the morning. They’ll take them back home tonight. It’s just what we do. 

Well, if all had gone as planned, I would have finished my “talk” to the Commerce Club by now and that would be a done deal. But our meeting was cancelled and I’m rescheduled for March. The only problem with that whole scenario is that my talk was on Valentine’s Day. So I now have no idea what I’ll talk about in March. Somehow talking about all things Valentines might not pack the same punch in March. I’ll have to give that some thought. 

So let’s talk about the weekend, E and I had so much fun on Saturday preparing for E’s good friend Ashley’s baby shower. We made tissue paper pom-poms, pennants, cute tags for the favors, as well as the punch, food and more food. It was a blast and I loved being crafty with my girl. The shower was precious. E really did a great job of pulling it all together with a fun and decorative touch. After the shower on Sunday, D and I went to our Sunday School Valentine’s Party. We had the best time with the best friends. It was so much fun! We played charades with a “love song, movie or book” theme and I’m proud to report that D and I came in next to last place out of a group of about 15 couples. Apparently, charades is not our strong suit. 

Monday I was preparing for the upcoming storm, which meant I was grocery shopping and cooking. I made several things to take to my momma Monday night so she would have plenty to eat just in case we couldn’t get out. So today has been spent enjoying the beauty of the snow; cooking sausage and grits for breakfast; and baking Toffee Blondies for a snack. I’m thinking now I’ll finish my book, “When Wallflowers Dance” in preparation for next week’s ladies retreat. Then I’m going to tackle some paper work (maybe) and then I’m going to get in the kitchen. This weather just makes me want to cook more than usual. You know, a snow day isn’t a bad thing as long as it comes along only once a year. Stay safe and warm out there.  

The Sanguine in All of Us

So today I've been holed up in this house working on the solitary work of preparing a newspaper column and a speaking engagement. When I had my personality type evaluated several years ago, it was determined that I tend to be more on the Sanguine side of the spectrum. All that means is I talk more than I think. Or I talk before I think. Or I talk and don't think. All of the above are true. Suffice it to say that I like to talk. A lot. Somebody has to do it. Anyway, it's an odd correlation to me that a talker would be a writer. But I love to write. The only thing is I have to be alone to write. Now I know that some folks go to Starbucks or Panera or somewhere like that but goodness gracious, I would be so distracted at who was getting a latte, macchiato, or cinnamon crunch scone that I would never in my days get a dang thing accomplished. So... I write at home by myself. It's a lonely life. (not really, I was being dramatic. I'm also prone to going overboard on the drama, too. I'm a very complicated personality). 

So Monday there is a Times column due and Wednesday there is a speaking thingy to do. Both of these will have a Valentine's theme. Because, tis the season. (and that's what they asked me to write and speak about). I'm just flattered that they all think I have something worth writing and speaking about. But I love Valentine's Day. I've resisted the urge to become cynical in my old age about what some would consider a card-shop-created holiday. We so what if it is? Is that so bad? If it causes one man who might not otherwise remember to think of his woman with a card, nice dinner or weekend away, well yes, it is absolutely okay with me to have such a holiday. I personally remember all of my loved ones, especially my widowed mother and mother-in-law. This has to hard for them although I've never heard them say that. I think they just don't give it much thought. Or maybe they do. Either way, I think they need a little something on this day.

The good news is that I've pretty much completed both of my tasks for today. The deadline for the newspaper article is Monday so I'll have time to send it to my proofreaders (E, G and D) for any corrections. I'll meet with E tomorrow to go over the notes for Wednesday's speech (that sounds like I'm going to give the State of the Union Address or something. It's more like talking - see I'm good at that). We are going to brainstorm about ideas for a Power Point to go along with it, as she is totally the creative genius behind that.  

On another note, D is flying back from Kansas City today where it snowed and reached a balmy high of 7 yesterday. Thank you, Jesus, I live in Georgia.   

On yet another note, I had lunch with a close friend yesterday who is thinking about taking a major step into a new professional venture. And it's a big step that could reap great rewards. I'm so proud of my friend. I've been reading the book "When Wallflowers Dance" by Angela Thomas in preparation for our Bible study intensive at our church the end of this month. In this book, Angela talks about women living out their "dance" with Jesus and not just staying on the sidelines of life. My friend is truly living her dance with Jesus, contemplating a big change but with much prayerful consideration. She's asked me to join her in prayer and possibly in this venture. I'm honored to be asked to do both. You go, girl!

February 2014!

What I love about February, 2014!

 Here is what the month of February holds for me. 

1. We have been blessed in the past few weeks to become part of several brides wedding planning. I just cannot tell you how much I love these precious girls. One is a long-time friend who has found her true love a little later in life. Now, don’t get me wrong I love these young brides but to plan with one who is a little older is different and refreshing. I have several meeting this week with the sweetest moms and daughters that I can hardly wait to get started!

2. For Christmas, D gave E and I gift certificates to a local spa. So this Friday afternoon is our Spa Date and it can’t get here soon enough. This old girl is going to enjoy every single minute of it. 

3. On Sunday afternoon, E is giving a baby shower for a very special friend. Well, you know me, I love nothing more than planning a happy party so I’m excited to be helping E with this time to welcome a new blessing!

4. On Sunday evening, our Sunday School class will get together to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Breakfast For Supper Social. I adore this group of folks and am really looking forward to this time together.

5. On the 12th, I’ll be the featured speaker for this month’s meeting of the Commerce Club. I’m a member of this group of ladies which makes this a little more nerve racking. Always harder to speak to a group of your peers than to total strangers.

6. For Valentine’s weekend, D and I are going up to the Dillard House Inn in Clayton for a little weekend getaway. Rest, relaxation, no work, good food and most importantly time with my man: yes, please and thank you.

7. The following weekend, I’m excited to participate in a Women’s Weekend Intensive Bible Study at our Church. This should be a wonderful time of worship, study and fellowship. I’m so thankful for women who follow God’s calling to teach and share. This will be a Friday evening and Saturday event. 

8. I’ll scoot out of our Bible study on Saturday afternoon and head to Atlanta with D for an evening with Jennifer Nettles at The Fox. This was another one of my fabulous Christmas gifts from D for which I am so very thankful.

9. On the 26th, I have the honor to speak to the South Hall Kiwanis. Goodness knows what I am going to say to all of these people. 

I love February. It’s a great opportunity to show the ones you care about just how much you love them. Enjoy this month. Oh, and by the way, it's Heart Awareness Month. Please consider your heart health when making food choices (low fat, low sodium, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables) and maybe get out and exercise that heart muscle a little. One of every four deaths in the U.S. is a result of heart disease making it the leading cause for women and men. Let's take care of our hearts!

It's February 2nd, 2014!

Y’all I really do think about writing on this blog every single day but somehow the days go by and it doesn’t happen. On January 1st, I thought okay, new year, great time to post on the blog and now it’s February. How did that happen anyway? So far, we are two days into this month and I have loved every single minute of it. January, traditionally, has not been a great month for our family so once it ends, I’m kinda relieved. January was super busy and culminated with two big events on the last weekend: a large catering job for First Baptist Church’s Women’s Retreat on Saturday and the Bridal Expo on Sunday. It was an amazing weekend and everything went off without a hitch. But whew, I’m glad it’s a success in the rear view mirror.

So February the love month. Let’s talk about it. Well, let’s start with Friday, which was technically January 31st. We went out on the town with some friends for pizza and salad at one of favorite local restaurants, Atlas Pizza and then onto the movies. We saw, “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit.” And it was about 10 kinds of good. Based on a Tom Clancey novel, it had action, suspense, and a really good plot. I loved it.

And speaking of movies I love, everyone should go see “Frozen,” no matter what your age. It is absolutely the most beautifully animated movie with the best soundtrack I think I have ever seen and heard. It’s amazing. It’s worth your time and hard-earned money.

So back to the weekend. On Saturday night, one of G’s high school buddies was coming through Athens. His band, The Dirty Bourbon River Show, was opening for another band, The Soul Rebels at The Melting Point. So D and I headed down to meet G and a few of his friends there. Both of these bands originate in New Orleans. Why does it seem great music just comes out of New Orleans naturally. Is it because Harry Connick, Jr. is from New Orleans and he is beyond amazing? (I could chase yet another rabbit here and tell you that he, along with his chemistry with Jennifer and Keith have totally renewed my faith in American Idol but I’ll save that commentary for another day). Anyway, in my mind New Orleans = great music. These two bands did not disappoint. And why do I love bands with horns so much? I’ll tell you of all the wedding bands, I’ve ever heard (and I have heard a bunch of wedding bands), hands down, the best ones have horn sections. So suffice it to say, this old married couple was out on the town two nights in a row and could not have been happier about it. 

So that brings us to today, Groundhog Day and Super Bowl Sunday. Would you believe that I actually saw a real live groundhog on Friday morning? The segment before mine on the radio was with the local community zoo up in White County and they were live in the studio with a groundhog. He was pretty cute for a rodent. I didn’t get too close because I was wearing a sweater with a fur collar and I was afraid he would think we were of like kind and who knows what would have happened. Apparently Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow which means we’ll have six more weeks of winter. I’m beginning to think that groundhogs might know more about the weather than the weather folks. That remains to be seen. So after church, we headed home to prepare for our Super Bowl watching festivities which all that really means is that I started cooking a few goodies. We had chili, chicken wings/drumettes, Huddle Up Dip, chips and chocolate chip cookies. It was a football feast in our eyes. I do have a few observations about this Big Game:

1. I really like Peyton Manning (and all of those Mannings for that matter) so I hated for the Broncos to lose. But great day, had they ever played football together before? I’ve never seen a professional football team fall so flat.

2. I thought Bruno Mars did a fabulous job for the halftime show. I was reading in Sports Illustrated this week about the history of the halftime show and the challenges the producers face. It’s been 10 years since the Wardrobe Malfunction. Can you believe it? It seems like yesterday.

3. I had great expectations for the commercials because you would think that paying millions of dollars for 30 seconds of air time would raise the bar. Apparently not. I have never been so disappointed in Super Bowl commercials in all my life. I was super hyped for the Full House reunion. That was a fail. There was but one memorable commercial and it will come as no surprise that it involved the Clydesdales and puppies. Budweiser is not stupid, my friends.

4. Maserati was one of the official sponsors of the Super Bowl. Does it seem strange to anyone else that a company whose least expensive car is $65,000 sponsors the Super Bowl? I’m thinking Doritos and Coke are great s sponsors because most of the folks watching the Super Bowl are like me, they are eating chips and drinking a diet Coke sitting on their couch in their stretch pants. They aren’t thinking, doggone, I was going to go and get me one of those Maseratis this afternoon but ran out of time. But then again, I don’t really run with a lot of folks who drive Maseratis so what do I know. Maybe some people really think that. 

The absolute best part of the game was watching it with the whole family. We had such a great time! Perfect ending to a great weekend!