Earthy, Artisanal, and Mysterious: Imagine It.

Today I find myself very much in the mood for earthy, artisanal, and romantic things. Things that
speak of mystery and intrigue. Think of going into an old opera house just to explore. You find
an old piano and costumes. You wonder who the people were that wore these things, what
their lives were like, and how they would have felt dressing up in these garments. The colors
are gold, burgundy, burnt orange, black, mustard yellow, and chocolate brown...maybe with a
hint of luminous spring green touched by light golden yellow. Everything is warm, intriguing, and
inspiring. Think masquerades. Who played the piano? What was it like? You let your imagination
wander to the wonderful things that could have taken place in that room.

Other than that the more urban side is fascinating...scuffed black jeans and dark jackets and tops.
Women with blonde hair done big in the front with a chignon in the back, accented by hairsticks
or headbands. Men in their aviator shades with short hair tousled in the front, their faces shadowed
from lack of a razor. Everything is rugged, chic, elegant, or combination of suave and rustic...think
high heels and black ankle boots, or leather and pearls.

A mysterious evening out on the town, city lights and cool breezes tease you. There are friends
waiting to be made, discoveries yet to be had. Someone is wearing cologne with spices in it, and
the smell of exhaust and smoke mingles with the spice and cool of the evening. You go to a coffee
house, and the warm nuttiness of espresso reaches out and embraces you. Good conversation
and company are enjoyed by you and your friends. City lights twinkle around you.

Embrace mystery, wonder, and warmth. What intrigues you today?

Remember When...Imagine It.

As I sit here, listening to some lovely piano music, I glance at the cover art. It's amazing how a simple
image can transport you back in time. This image happens to be some leafy green trees swooping out
over bushes and green grass, warmed by the glow of a golden sunlight. It pulls me back to when I
was 4-6 years old. I either think of visiting a kind older lady, a friend, or just being at home.
Afternoons consisted of a nap, playtime, and a snack. I would look outside on a green, golden lit
world and joy in either dreaming of or actually playing in it. (By the way, I still firmly believe in such
a routine, no matter how old you are. ;) )

What warm memories delight you today?

Random '80's Happy Thoughts

I've been feeling really nostalgic lately...the '80's was when I was really little. I started having clear
memories when I was 2 yrs. old, so I remember some of what adults dressed like, etc. The
bright happiness of rainbows, or the soft effect of the cinematography is not lost on me. I love that
soft glow that they somehow infused into movies. Not all are like that, I understand. But really, it
is cool. Here're some happy thoughts from the '80's for me. Some are memories, others are from
research.

• Pacman (Woot, woot, neeeeerum...beep beep!)
• '80's nintendo game console, complete with Super Mario Bros.
• Strawberry Shortcake ( As in the cartoon. Nothing BUT the original!)
• Big, curly hair
• teased bangs
• eyeshadow: gray, blue, and yellow
• lipstick: pink, peach
• Barbie with glorious, long blonde hair and decked out in candy pinks,blues, and cherry reds
• jelly sandals (I admired those when I was around 3-4 yrs. old)
• jelly bracelets
• gloriously huge sunglasses with dipped temple arms (!!!)
• My '80's vintage acid wash denim biker jacket (It puckers and poofs in all of the right places.)
• Big earrings, namely colorful hoops
• Quiffs! Oh, I am SO loving the fact that they are making a comeback! This hairdo is awesome on guys. Longer on top, short on the sides. This look can be polished or breezy. Just comb back and let the whisps brush the forehead. :)
• Cropped cardigans
• boat shoes
• granny boots
• sweater dresses
• Lace tops. Oh my word. I've waited since I was 8-9 years old for these to come back. It's a dream come true!
• Dolman Sweaters
• Tights. I love to wear these with dresses and skirts.
• Bandanas knotted into a bow on the top of my head.
• Rainbows on clothes and jewelry.

What's something happy you can think about today?

My Gummy Bear Heaven and '80's Hair

So I've got an obsession with gummy bears, or gummies in general. My dear friend Rachel,
in all thoughtfulness, brought home a large gummy bear on a stick for me. Of course I'm thrilled!
I had to capture this delightful creature. Thanks SO much to Rachel for getting him for me!

On a side note, I'm totally digging many '80's trends right now. Not all, some. :) So here
you go. My teased bangs and side pony. How fun. :) Also note the yellow eyeshadow and
bow. :)

Yay! My Split End Prevention Plan :)

As some of you know, I am obsessed with long hair. I've managed to grow my very fine hair down

to my waist. This is very exciting for me...and I'd like to see just how much longer I can get it. Most
of the time my hair damages very, very easily...esp. in the winter months. I recently purchased some
"Everyday Shea"  shampoo and conditioner in huge bottles from Whole Foods market. The formula is
so rich that it made my hair look dirty after 2 washings. I was a bit disappointed, and tried to figure
that maybe I would use it for every other washing. I did that for awhile. After being disappointed about
both extremes of extremely oily, then extremely dry and static-y, I opted to experiment. I washed
with a regular shampoo (you can use just about anything that has a very effective surfectant), then
followed with "Everyday Shea" shampoo. Concentrate the shampoo on the roots, then use the rest
very lightly through the length. When using the conditioner, focus on the length, not the roots. Shea
butter is so rich that it works hard to saturate and protect. I follow this routine with argan oil, gel, or
a mixture of both. If you're going to use gel, use a kind that DOES NOT have alcohol in it. You can
find argan oil on Etsy.com. This stuff is so amazing! I only use about a quarter sized amount for my long
hair: it's just that rich. Otherwise I recommend Garnier Nutrisse hair oil. I've also read that jojoba oil
is an awesome option, as well (I have yet to try this one). Anyway, I hope you find this helpful. After
years of trying to pamper my hair and prevent damage, I have finally met with success. I hope you find
this helpful. My split ends are now few and far between! Praises be! :D

Things I'm Grateful For

It's that time of year where people stop to really think about what they are thankful for. I've paused

to think lately, at the prompting of others, as well as just seeing how truly fortunate I am, about the many

things that I am grateful for.

I AM GRATEFUL FOR:

1)The security I have in my salvation in Christ Jesus:

(To better understand the plan of salvation, you can go to  http://bible.org/article/gods-plan-salvation .)

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 8.38-39)

2) God's gift of all 5 senses, and the full use of my assets. I can see, smell, touch, taste, and hear. I can

walk/run and work with my hands. I can serve others. How wonderful!

3) God's gift of beauty. He didn't give us a flat, grey world. He chose to give us many wonderful things to

enjoy. A sunset with inky black tree silhouettes, flowers, vibrant fall leaves, and the toasty smells of

leaves and wood burning. All of these are Autumn delights that I treasure. I also just love the smell of the

leaves changing along with the crispness of the Fall air.

4) Again, coffee. :) I had an amazing cup of peppermint coffee this morning. I also love my cinnamon

cappucinos.

5) Cozy blankets, and warm hoodies.

6) Friends to share in laughter.

7) My dear friends' precious baby girl Ariana. :) I'm just a little biased. She's very precious.

8) I am amazed that God allowed me to travel abroad this year. Lately I've taken it more for granted;

but when I really thing about it, it's astounding. God actually let me do what I've been dreaming of

doing! It makes me wonder what other incredible things He has in store for me.

What are you thankful for? Make sure to stop and count your blessings. It just might turn your day around! :)

Jimmy Dean "Low Cloud" Commercial

So I was in the middle of catching some of Martha Stewart's show on TV, and another ridiculously
goofy ad came on. As soon as the solution was given to the problem in the ad, I couldn't help
laughing out loud. As at least a few of you know, I am VERY MUCH a morning person, and strongly
understand and approve of the solution for the "low cloud". :D