"Makes Me Smile" Monday

The view from my end of the couch . . .

Few things make me happier than cozying up on my end of the couch, covered in a fleece blanket, the fire burning behind me, a cat (or two !) curled up with me, book in hand and tea (and chocolate !) within reach . . . . PERFECTION !!!

Happy (cozy on the couch) Monday !!!

"Makes Me Smile" Monday

One of my favorite things about reading is the images my mind conjures up in response to a book's descriptions . . . . . descriptions of homes, especially. The clearer and more vivid things are in my mind's eye, the better !!

The following passage in Stephenie Meyer's "Breaking Dawn" is a new favorite, bringing to mind some of the images I've collected over the years (from Victoria and InStyle):

"There, nestled into a small clearing in the forest, was a tiny stone cottage, lavender gray in the light of the stars. It belonged here so absolutely that it seemed as if it must have grown from the rock, a natural formation. Honeysuckle climbed up one wall like a lattice, winding all the way up and over the thick wooden shingles. Late summer roses bloomed in a handkerchief-sized garden under the dark, deep-set windows. There was a little path of flat stones, amethyst in the night, that led up to the quaint arched wooden door . . . "


"The cottage room was something from a fairy tale. The floor was a crazy quilt of smooth, flat stones. The low ceiling had long exposed beams . . . The walls were warm wood in some places, stone mosaics in others. The beehive fireplace in the corner held the remains of a slow flickering fire."


"It was furnished with eclectic pieces, not one of them matching another, but harmonious just the same. One chair seemed vaguely medieval, while a low ottoman by the fire was more contemporary and the stocked bookshelf against the far window reminded me of movies set in Italy. Somehow each piece fit together with the others like a big three-dimensional puzzle."

"It was a place where anyone could

believe magic existed."

Where are your favorite descriptions found ??

Which reads excite your mind's eye ???

Happy Monday !!

"Makes Me Smile" Monday

"Beauty always delights

the senses and the spirit"

- Alexandra Stoddard, Daring to be Yourself -

Sometimes you step back and realize that you're in a bit of a funk . . . that you've let the moodiness and backbiting of the people around you get you down . . . that the grind of the daily routine has had a mind-numbing effect . . . that your own creative expectations and aspirations set you up for failure and immobility . . . that you just don't feel like yourself.

Then you pick up a book that's been sitting on your shelf for who knows how long, and take a glance . . . and read a little more, and a little more. And while it says nothing necessarily earth-shattering, it reminds you to focus on the simple and wholesome things, to dream and fantasize, to play, and to relish the creative choices you make everyday that reveal yourself. What a great and much-needed reminder !!

I'm realizing how easy it is to become trapped in the day-to-day rut, doing the same things in the same way everyday . . . not because they feed your soul, but because you're on autopilot. And with some small reminders along the way, I'm re-realizing how little choices and changes can have big impact . . . how listening to an old, favorite cd instead of the radio can make you smile . . . how stopping to notice that the fabric sample you left on the baker's rack looks beautiful next to your transferware . . . and how fun it can be to push your favorite magazine clippings around your craft room bulletin board, and make a new arrangement.

Happy (little choices, big changes !) Monday !!!

"Makes Me Smile" Monday

"Don't go to the grave

with the dance still in you."

- Unknown -

A few of us were chatting at work recently about things we always thought it'd be fun to do . . . one girl had always envisioned owning a flower shop, while another thought it would have been neat to do something in the criminal justice realm. Then another co-worker blurted out the little saying above. It's cute and we all laughed a bit . . . but it really stayed with me. Got me thinking about what kind of dance is in me, waiting to come out . . . ?!?!!!!

I'm not sure about that one yet . . . . I feel that dance, that creative energy, that desire bubbling up sometimes, and have a hard time finding a way to let it out. Anyone else experience that, too ???? Maybe that's this year's goal: to find the dance and let it out !!!

So, what kind of dance is still in you ?!?!!!

Happy Monday !!!

"Makes Me Smile" Monday

Took a little break from blogging these past 2 weeks. It wasn't planned or necessary or anything . . . just nothing exciting or post-worthy going on in my little corner of the world. Coming back to work after the holidays to a very busy and long 2 weeks left me feeling tired and restless for some "me" time again . . . time to relax, refocus, and such. I've spent a lot of time reading, and here are the reads that have me smiling:


Ah, yes, the "Twilight" series . . . I've jumped on the bandwagon !! Loved the movie, and am now in the middle of book #3 . . . no spoilers, please !!! They've been a nice mix of page-turning excitement and sweet romance . . . I don't remember having anything like this to read when I was a teenager !!!


On a more grown-up note, this book has been a treat with every page:


She so perfectly puts into words what I feel about and how much I value the "gentle arts", and gives a name to people like me who like to be jacks-of-all-trades in the homemaking department: domestic artists !! Such a great book . . . and blog !

What reads are making you smile today ???

Happy (nose in a book) Monday !!

"Makes Me Smile" Monday

It's an "all cat" post today ! That's what it's been around here the past 2 weeks: all cats, all the time !!!

I passed this little face a dozen times before I finally picked up the book and read it . . . it came at just the right time after our experience with Tibbs. A great read, and a must for all cat lovers !!


Now on to my own little bundles of fur !! Marty and Leo are officially integrated, and are doing just great ! Our new Leo is just the sweetest little snuggler and love bug . . .

. . . he seems as grateful to have us

as we are to have him !!

Happy (purr-fect) Monday !!!

A Year End Smattering

A cold, snowy New Year's Eve today . . . we went to bed last night seeing grass, and woke up to a winter wonderland !! The best part was not having to go to work . . . !

The past week or so has been a bit of a whirlwind, with work, our office party, Christmas, and our new furry friend . . . so hard to believe tomorrow begins a whole new year ! New Year's Day actually serves as our "Christmas: Round 2", since Jack's sister was only able to be home this week, and his family has held off on gifts and all until everyone could be together. No wonder I'm all confused as to what day it is . . . !!!

So, here's a little jumble of pictures from the past week's festivities:

This year's homemade Christmas cards . . .

. . . some homemade honey almond sugar scrub . . .

. . . and rocky road brittle for my co-workers

(this year's nifty gifties !)

Beautiful new curtains for our living room !! We came home Christmas night from my parents to find this scene . . . I love it when elves break into our house and leave presents !!!

And Leo, of course, making himself at home (in the sink and on the dryer !) Still slowly working on the "getting acquainted" thing with the furballs . . . we were off to a shaky start, with growling and hissing from Marty . . . the last few days have been hiss-free, though, so that's encouraging !!!

Happy New Year's Eve !!!