Hey, sweet blogging friends, thanks for the nice welcome back after my three weeks off-line. Have you been wondering what one does when you are not on-line?
What I did?
*took six flights
*slept in 8 different beds
*had my first visit to WorldVenture's headquarters (beautiful) and met amazing WorldVenture missionaries
*enjoyed the gorgeous mountains in Colorado and in Washington
*walked along the stunning Pacific Ocean in Cannon Beach, Oregon
*enjoyed hanging out with Dave's teammates
*went on a tour of the Celestial Seasoning tea factory in Boulder, Colorado (Thanks, Shauna and family)
*got to hear a lot of sweet voices saying "Aunt Glenda"
*went to the Lake house where we used to live (sigh)
*saw all my brothers and sisters, as well as my brothers.in.law and sisters.in.law. (love, love ,love)
*was with my dear friend, Anne, in three different states
*enjoyed the early Pacific Northwest spring (blooming daffodils)
*lunched at Chang's Mongolian Grill (how we miss you)
*had coffee with Dave in our two favorite Seattle coffee shops (The Met and Seattle's Best Coffee)
*Saw loads of friends in Seattle and Spokane (happy) but didn't get to see everyone (sad)
*read three books (Major Pedigrew's Last Stand, Warm Springs, Gilead)
*attended my nephews basketball games (and cheered loudly)
*watched fun movies with Dad and Dorothy
*received two beautiful necklaces (thanks Ruth and Kae)
*discovered Bad Blake (thanks, Rich)
*watched all 3 3/4 hours of Whitney Houston's funeral (powerful music and Scripture) while my sister attended her friend's mom's funeral
*did not drive a car once (never miss that)
*enjoyed being with my baby brother on his 41st birthday
*spent our 25th year at Ecola Bible School where Dave teaches each winter for a week. (25 years ... that went fast)
*had breakfast with my sweet friend, Dawn. (we usually have breakfast in Ireland)
*only bought one thing ~ a small candle holder from Sesame and Lillies (I know, Dave ... that is a first) This is funny ~ I woke up at 3 am last night and the first thought that popped into my mind was ... hey, I forgot that I bought 5 shirts at my sister's favorite consignment shop.
Well, I wrote this during my last flight home. Got the last standby seat ... yeah! I cannot wait to see Jenny, skype with Christy and reconnect with Dave, who flew home last week.
I have missed our vintage Chicago apartment, the busy city and ... my lime green computer.
THANK YOU, GOD, FOR YOUR PROVISION AND YOUR PROTECTION.
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Three weeks is a long time to be off-line. While I am glad that I chose to leave my lime green computer at home, there were things I missed.
1. I super missed skyping with Christy in England.
2. I missed catching up with my on-line friends. This sweet community of women that means so much to me.
*how are my friends that are grieving?
*and those beautiful word girls - what have they been writing?
*and the creative decorators and idea girls - I bet I missed some wonderful things
*what have the Soli Sisters been up to?
* what delicious recipes have I missed and gorgeous photos?
*and those darling daughters of mine - I wonder if they have been blogging?
*Sandra, Becky, Pam, Bonnie, Susanne, Shelly, Diana, Tiffini, Cherry, Jen, Alicia ... and the list goes on and on ~ I missed you.
*And finally, what is the darling Sarah wearing these days in snowy England?
I am a relational girl, so I enjoyed being with loads of friends, face to face, in three different states. But I missed you, dear blogging friends and am glad to be back. Thanks for all that you add to my life.
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Three weeks is a long time to be off-line. It was a fun and refreshing break.
What I liked:
1. I loved not dealing with my computer through multiple security lines. They are hassle enough, as is. And my carry on bag was much lighter.
2. I loved having more time for reading (3 books and lots of magazines.)
3. I loved having more space in my day to walk, drink tea and have long chats.
4. I enjoyed the break from blogging, but am excited to be back.
5. I enjoyed sending post cards and letters ... the old fashioned way.
Have you ever considered a break from blogging?
Linking to the lovely Soli Sisters.
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Happy Valentines Day
dear friends!
Shocking, I know ... but I am taking a blogging break for a few weeks. Just a little time to rest, see some friends and drink lots of tea.
See you soon.
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It has been months since I have eaten any sugar or flour. Months and months ... not a single drop during my birthday, Christmas or New Years.
Oh. my. goodness ... last week I decided (I have no idea why) to have a scone ... just one lemon scone from my favorite bakery in Chicago. (Bake)
INSTANTLY I wanted nothing but ...more sugar especially with yummy white flour.
I need to make a decision ... I felt great when I had no sugar and no flour. Really. really. great.
How about you?
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Jenny and I were having a lovely browse at Barnes and Noble,when I came across a new book. It was truly love at first sight. The Perfectly Imperfect Home: How to Decorate & Live Well (by Deborah Needleman), had my name written all over it.
A few of my favorite words:
* jollifiers - sentimental things that spread a little joy everytime you cast your eye upon them.
*mollifiers - stuff that you allow into your home because as awful as it may be, it makes someone else happy.
*cozification - those things that add dimension to our space, like rugs, textiles, throws and patterns. In fact, without decorating cozification, a hot drink or blazing fire would not feel quite as welcoming.
*glamification - things that add surprising boldness, sparkle, shine, color and pattern to our home. (Remember, simplicity and glamor go hand in hand.)
A few favorite ideas:
* place a lamp on your kitchen counter
* frame the art of children, including their words and doodles
*put a few things "where they aren't supposed to be." These small whimsical touches show that you do not take your home too seriously. (Stick a snapshot into the edge of an antique mirror.)
*add an out of scale piece to a room (a giant palm tree)
*use flexible furniture, like an ottoman (coffee table, foot stool, or seating)
Some favorite advice:
*drag your whole lamp into the shade store and try on shades like outfits, to see which looks best.
*the implicit promise of upholstered furniture is pleasure and comfort, and every home needs a few chairs that just beg to be sat in.
*it is wise to start with a furniture plan before you shop, but don't be afraid to rearrange, and then rearrange again and again.
*throws look best neatly folded, hanging over the arm or back of an armchair. Use them, though: they are corny when just for show; stuck like a Band-Aid to the arm of a chair.
OK, I love this book. It is full of practical, homey and cozy advice. Yesterday, I spent about an hour sprucing up my home ... using a few ideas I had learned from this amazing book.
The beautiful illustrations are by Virginia Johnson and many of them are from real homes, like Kate Spade's home and Rita Konig's home.
Here is my advice ... go and buy this book TODAY.
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