The Party's Over...

I am still waiting for my Geek to come..apparently, the entire world wants this guy, and he's so good I am willing to wait (a bit longer). Meantime, I can't upload new photos, and uploading even older ones is difficult. I chose this one because it really is me...crazy enough to climb out on a scaffolding consisting of two boards resting on ladders over a stairwell. But then, years ago, I was the one usually chosen to tie a rope around myself, and crawl out over an escalator (on a ladder laid across it) over a five-story drop - all to hang a wreath at Bloomingdale's..I am no longer THAT insane.

Today's a sad day for me...finally, time to take down the Christmas tree, put away the wreath, all the vignettes, and all the other holiday decor, and move on. I have giant Totes in my garage, and have been waiting for the weather to be a bit warmer (it is in the twenties in Texas today) so I can drag them into the house, but poor Christmas tree is not losing it's needles, but sort of caving in on itself. It is a Noble Fir, and Noble it has been...hasn't dropped nary a needle, and the scent has filled the room beautifully for a very long time. The woman from whom we bought it goes to Oregon every year and hand-picks every tree. So, next year, if you are looking for a wonderful tree, think Noble.

In the photo, I was glazing 5,000 square feet of wall (10 ft. ceilings), and couldn't reach a spot, so I took off my sock, and held the brush in my toes...my client (who has since become a dear friend, as many have) popped around the corner with her camera. I have this photo on the front of my portfolio...very classy, in overalls and a tshirt. Since that photo was taken, I have had major surgery, and the 5,000 sq.ft. jobs are over. In fact, I started glazing my little foyer two years ago, got a wrist injury (never wear high heels on cobblestone walks in Ft. Worth, Texas), and still haven't finished it. My goal is to finally do that this week.

So much of the Country is in the deep freeze at such extremes, that 20's isn't all that bad, but today, I will light a fire in the fireplace, put on Beethoven (along with a few Rolling Stones cd's to keep me moving), and move on.

I have such hope that this year will be easier...for us, for you, for all......
Happy New Year!

My Romatic Period

Terrible problems with my computer, and the geek stillhasn't returned my call...so, they say "a picture is worth a thousand words"...As a photographer, (hand-painted) and an interior designer, I went through my "Romatic Period"...Still have that love of romance, gentleness, happy endings, living with lovely in my heart, but now, I am in Texas, and my home is different...although my bedroom is my "romantic refuges".

The only photograph that isn't mine is the one of my Grandaughter, Hannah, embracing an elderly gentleman..the rest..mine.

The framed photo of the hat was one I gave to my friend, Ginna, who asked for something romantic to look at as she lay dying...

So, enough with the words..enjoy the photos.

Gratitude - vs -Attitude

It's the weirdest thing; when I upload my photo, it shows, then, when I hit "save now", it becomes "code" - no photo, but when I preview, or I publish, there it is..so, I am waiting to see what my "Geek" says...meantime, I am not putting in alot of photos..but then, I don't have alot to share right now...I have been spending time, lying in my bed, contemplating...not much else to do when one feels like I felt...much better now, thankyou very much.

While I was lying about, allowing my husband and my mother-in-law to do all the work, (it's no fun, though, because one feels so lousy...being sick is a waste of time)...anyway, I had time to think - trying to keep my mind off my sore throat....
I made a list...actually, lots of lists..but then, don't we all at this time of year, start to think about putting our "plans" into action; be it losing weight (number 1 in women), getting our house in order, our lives in order, etc.

Okay..list 1 - but then, there's that list that I forget to write often enough...my list of gratitude...I know, this is supposed to be a design blog, but it's my blog, and if I want to be grateful and list stuff, it's MY blog..(still a bit cranky here)..
I am grateful for: My family (even though I didn't get to spend Chritmas with my son, I know he is safe, healthy, and can keep warm). He is not in the Middle East, protecting us.
My husband makes me crazy alot of the time....we've been together for many years, and believe me, it's not been easy...but, he did wait on me hand-and-foot, bring me anything I requested, cooked, cleaned, shopped, and entertained my mother-in-law...He also keeps a very nice roof over my head.

My mother in law is wonderful...88, sharp as a tack, and although she didn't stop talking the entire time she was here, I understand, for I spend a great deal of time alone, and when someone is around, I tend to try to make up for all that time alone.

My home: 75% of the world's population doesn't have a decent home, many have nothing over their heads, many live in refugee camps.
I love my home; and I have plans to make it even more my home...I also need to edit...give alot of the things I don't use to the Goodwill, where it can do someone less fortunate than I some, well, good.

My health: strep throat ain't no trip to Baskin Robbins, but I am grateful I had some antibiotics to knock it back....before those wonderful drugs were invented, people died of what I had...

My friends: scattered all over the place...those that shore me up (many of whom I have met through this blog), those who call to make sure I'm okay...those who have been in my life forever, and the new ones, who have reached out to me here in Texas; invited me into their lives and their homes...especially, the ones I don't have to behave around...

My talent: not bragging here, just grateful that there are some things I can do better than others (who can do many things better than me)...I only say this because since the recession, the move, the surgery I had, etc., the design business has dropped off the face of the Earth, but as my friend says, "they can't take away your talent"...I also have many shortcomings, and much to learn, but the eagerness to create is what keeps me going.

The Internet: yes, even though my computer is driving me crazy, the Internet has opened so many doors for me. Much the way books have always taught and transported me, the Net has introduced me to the world of everything...also, I can communicate with anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Our Country: seems broken right now, but when you compare what we have to what much of the world has, I am very grateful...especially to those who serve and protect.

Am I sappy, probably, is this boring, not to me, but probably tomany others...but, now is a great time for us all to sit down and write our gratitude list.

So, I have done my chores, my workout, and I finally have my home all to myself...

By the way, the photo of the waterfall is here in Texas...a magical place....

Time to let the healing waters (okay, not the waterfall, but my shower) wash over me, (oh yes, I am grateful for showers)....