Living & Evolving

Room Living

Before it was mine...

After I closed...

Currently. And ever evolving...

Rainy Days Rock

Because colors are more vibrant, clean, and refreshed.

Because the sound of rain on the roof is pure musical genius.

Because I get to make use of those Wellies =)

Love So Desires

You know why I heart SATC?

Well, of course there are many reasons...but the recurring theme that's never trendy or unfashionable is because it's simply about single gals...looking for love.

"I'm looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love.” -Carrie Bradshaw

To cheese this post up a little more, there's a movie quote from Dream for an Insomniac used frequently (not recommending the movie):

"Unless it's mad, passionate, extraordinary love, It's a waste of your time. There are too many mediocre things in life. Love shouldn't be one of them."

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And I have no shame telling you that too is what I want.

I've loved many, but I've only been in love once.

And it was amazing.

I would recommend it to anyone.

My problem is that it was just with the wrong guy...

My mom's prayed for it since I was born...

As a little girl, I dreamt of it with pink castles. My Little Pony unicorns, and Strawberry Shortcake...

And as a teenager/early-20s I had sleepless nights not understanding why M/J/B/G/H or whoever he was, wasn't the prince-charming-here-to-save-me-from-the-fire-breathing-dragon-of-a-reality-I'm-living...

As a Christian, I had to come to grips with the possibility that God may not have it in His plans for me to ever find love and marry *gulp*

On that same token- as a child of God, I am acutely aware that this longing desire for me to have a helpmate is innate and very real.

"All night long on my bed I searched for the one my heart loves. I looked for him but didn't find him. I will get up. I'll go around in the city. I'll look through all of its streets. I'll search for the one my heart loves. So I looked for him but didn't find him."

Song of Songs 3:1-2

I'm not just looking to be married. Don't we all know people who have the marriage goal in mind from the beginning, only to settle for someone "okay" or "amicable"? I want something incredible, I want a blessing beyond what I could ever creatively construct.

I want LOVE.

That flutter-in-your-chest, can't-help-but-beam, gushing-sunshine-and-grins, twinkle-in-your-eyes, lightheaded-elation, giddy-anticipating, indelible LOVE.

And I want it with the right guy this time.

"Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires"

Song of Songs 2:7b / 3:5b / 8:4b

So God...
Love so desires.

All Weekend Long

I had the weekend in town.

All weekend long.

And you know what they say about "idle hands"...

Friday night I had a lovely dinner with my wonderful friend Betty (one of our Supper Club founding members!). We had planned an official Supper Club, but Buckeye Belle was detained with work overload- devastating! We missed her horribly, but made plans to meet up the next day (to come).

Meanwhile, Betty baked a scrumptious meal of: Tuscan Dip; Fresh Strawberry Salad; Sauteed Squash and Asparagus; and Paula Dean's Georgia Chicken. It was AWESOME! And you know how you'll hear people rave and say, "oh I just must get that recipe from you....some day." I didn't give Betty a moment of delay- I got the Tuscan Dip recipe that night =) She inspired me though. I'm resolving to get great recipes on-the-spot rather than simply rave about the meal.

Saturday I woke up late to make a lazy, yet lovely breakfast. My favorite meal of the day. It's nice to indulge sometimes. Then it was off to shop for mirrors for above my mantel (I'm moving that artwork to the top of the stair landing); new pillows for the bench I have yet to pick up (will they charge demurrage?!?!?); an oversized wall clock and mosquito netting to hang above the back guestroom bed.

Pink Pimpette came over and then we drove to meet with Betty and Buckeye Belle for the much-anticipated viewing of SEX AND THE CITY. Fabulous! I cannot say more or I may ruin it for those who have not seen it yet, but what a glorious storyline... And then the four of us went for cocktails and sushi so we could discuss every aspect of the movie. Perfect number in our party huh? I think I must see it again in theaters to fully appreciate the film...then I'll purchase the DVD immediately on-release to enjoy it in its entirety.

Pink Pimpette and I had a slumber-party discussing various topics from the order of a wedding reception to what it is to truly be in love- the kind that makes you silly-happy and uncontrollably giddy.

Sunday I slept in again. Actually poor Pink Pimpette had to knock on my door to make sure I was still alive. I made brunch, then we talked for a while. She watched a movie while I cleaned up a bit and then surfed on the Web for ideas. After she left I went for a run...went shopping for groceries at a local, overpriced, hoity-toity, organic food market that has sucked me in because of the exotic-foods-and-trendy-clean-feeling-of-being-green. And then came home to bake an experimental dish of : flounder stuffed with spinach/bacon/toasted walnuts and topped with red Roma tomatoes and sprinkled with Parmesan. Not bad for a single gal? Yummm.

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Oh and I almost left off that I've had some very important photos taken this weekend. Now be cognisant that these are serious artistic works of art and NOT online ego boosters (who does that?).

Without further ado, here are three preview slides of my going-to-push-me-forward-as-a-rising-designer-star pictures that will be featured in House Beautiful the last month of never.

Don't worry, I'm not quitting my day job =)

Shopping in My PJs

Someone get me off the laptop.
I have an overfilled closet already. Just this morning I boxed up apparel with tags-on to donate to Hannah Homes.

But yet I keep finding stinkin' cute clothes online...with free shipping. Arrrrgggghhhh!

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http://www.endless.com/ (free overnight shipping!)

Yes, it's a combination of girlie-girlness and petiteness that drives me to the heels. I think I have a couple of pairs of black slingbacks, but I was drawn to the sleek lines of this pair (they arrive tomorrow!)

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http://www.target.com/ (free shipping over $50 for apparel)

How can you not love the floral print on this dress? Too fun! Although, it may be a challenge sorting out the straps; I've been known to get stuck in a fancy halter top that had too many strings to detangle. It'll be a puzzle...

And I've wanted a sweet, casual, white eyelet dress for a while. I think I'll wear nude-colored strappy sandals or wedges though; these espadrilles just don't look quite right.

And then I found this lovely Isaac Mizrahi for Target dress. The shift silhouette with pompom detailing at the hem is very reminiscent of my mostest favoritist designer Lilly Pulitzer.

So instead of sleepwalking, I'm blaming it on sleepshopping...
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Hallelujah - Kate Voegele

Last July, my company's Vice President introduced me to his musician niece from Cleveland. And I've heard through the grapevine that she's making it big, really Big. Tonight I found the extraordinary cover she did on Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." Take a listen...you won't be disappointed!

Oh the Horror

I eat at my desk.

Not the most clean & sanitary way of enjoying my meals and snacks...but so what. That's one of the perks of working at home.

This morning I was enjoying my coffee and a Chewy Granola Bar- chocolate chip with 25% less sugar- they're good for you (haha!).

Somehow while I was indulging in the chocolatey goodness, a chip managed to fall and melt on my right leg. I sit indian-style in my office chair just because it's more comfy.

When I went to throw away my wrapper, I looked down...and for a brief second saw the black lump on my leg and screeched because in my mind a leech had somehow found its way out of water, onto my leg, and this parasite sucker was draining me of my precious bodily fluids.

Yeah, my mind can get a little creative sometimes.

(more to come on my home office...)

Just Like Old Times

You know you're a Sex and the City fanatic if...

• anytime you hear Carrie, you first think of "Bradshaw" and not your best friend from Middle School
• you know Carrie rocks Manolos; Samantha sexes up Cavalli; Charlotte chooses Chanel; and...well, DKNY and Tahari suit Miranda
• you have a strong opinion on the Aidan vs Big debate
• despite your desire to be classically chic, you gave in to fugliness and went out and bought a "Carrie" necklace (one of the tacky ones with your name written in gold); a big flower pin; a Gucci fanny pack; or wear black bras under white shirts on purpose
• you've laughed and cried through 6 seasons with 2 bouts of cancer; 2 divorces (Charlotte & Big); and 2 big/"Big" loves
  

Oh & just look at some of the beautiful photos from the Vogue shoot.

My college roommate Urn, introduced me to the wonderful world of SATC in 2003 (we were late bloomers) and I must say I am forever grateful!

There is a concern that the movie will be a one-weekend-wonder so I will faithfully delay my viewing until next weekend. *Sigh* Well, that's not a completely accurate account of why I'm delaying my life's most-anticipated-movie-premier... (post to follow)

Found Along the Way

My art collection grows...

(newest Steven Ward additions from the Magic City Art Connection soon-to-be-framed, abstract oils)

"Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Burn Baby Burn

Ouch-I'm just a tad bit sunburned...and it hurts!

(I don't fake 'n bake like Dear Friend. Notice my shiny, slightly pink face above)

Had a fantastic weekend at the lake with Dear Friend and I must add Dear Friend's parents were gracious hosts!

We had a wonderful mix of relaxing, enjoying good food and great company, and threw in several boat trips and a wave runner trek. But even with all the laziness, I also feel accomplished because I finally got up on the water skis consistently (just need to work on my balance now). It was just an easy Holiday weekend, which was nice for a change. No worries, no rushing, no pressure.

We just chilled.

And then getting back into town Monday night, my wonderful neighbors across the street had several families over for a cookout. It was a nice close to the Memorial Day weekend- again with good food and great company. I feel very blessed to have such hospitable neighbors.

For Love of Country

"We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them."

-Francis A. Walker

Social Calling Cards

*Sigh*


These are about obsolete, but there's still something very personable in giving and receiving calling cards. The last ones I had were used as enclosures for my graduation announcements.

Perhaps I'll make my own...

Hotlanta's Kidnapping Dear Friend

Dear Friend is leaving me...

She's going to the Peach City (aka NYC of the South). I get one month and then she's packing up & heading due East. It's an awesome career opportunity for her though and I'm so proud that she's moving up and moving on!

Actually, I don't think the reality has set-in yet...

The selfish part of me thinks: so who's gonna be my single, yp (young professional) partner-in-crime? Who am I going to turn to for accountability and spiritual support. What am I gonna do without my Dear Friend? But she reminds me that she'll only be 2 1/2 hrs away and we talk on the phone all the time anyway.

Love you Sweets, will miss getting to see your smilin' face as often (although this will just mean a little more gas $ must be spent to hang out together).

LOVE YOU Dear Friend!

Wah-Wah Wonderful Wellies

Now that Flyin' "F"s taught me how to use my camera's self-timer, thought I'd grace y'all with a picture of my fabulous new Wellies. And yes, this is what I'm wearing during the day!

There's even a Welly Boot Dance in South Africa (where they're called Gumboots).

DC Postscript

I forgot to mention that upon my arrival in DC, Hess on the Hill presented me with this fabulous Little Black Book of Washington DC. How awesome is she?

Here's another group shot at the Taste of the South Pre-Party...had a blast!

And contrary to the entire week's weather forecast... it NEVER rained =)