Heavy Rain

Given the opportunity to work from home or to into work, while I love the option, I've been going into the office every day. Still securing weddings and events, creating new marketing campaigns, and now doing all the things I wished I had time for, now that there is time. It keeps a good routine, too.

Ahhhh, it's Saturday and it's raining like crazy. It couldn't be more perfect!

What a perfect excuse to totally relax, stay in comfy clothes all day, and binge watch favorite shows and make new recipes. Total confession, I am LOVING Married at First Sight!! These dating/married reality shows are my faves, watching the dynamics of the shows, the reality show experiences, for me is entertainment. 

It may have caused a shift in my thinking as I haven't wanted to date. At. All. 

My life is full, my job successful and challenging, and time with my grand babies absolutely fulfilling. Add a brand new beautiful home I am so excited to move into and loving my solitude, I've had zero desire to date. Zilch. Not even interested. Sounds like it's more work than worth it. I've tried it here and there and find I quickly retreat to the comfortable life I already love. 

If I am functioning at 100% happy and enjoying my solitude in life, I guess the best way I can explain it is... I don't want another persons emotional roller coaster/drain, neediness, mood swings, needs that don't match mine, drama, attitude, games, attention-seeking micro cheating ways, them not being an equal, a financial disaster, unhealthy addictions, laziness, brats, on a different path in life, needy ways to pull me from where I am. #itsgoingtotakeamiracle

I am starting to open up to the idea though. 

I cannot imagine the man it will take to make me truly fall in love. Perhaps, once I move in and get acclimated to my new home, I will entertain the idea more. 

"POOPY!"

I get euphoria when my grand babies come over. My excitement to see them, my heart swells in love. Sofia's happy screams when she sees me and Rowan's sweet smile when I talk to him, it's beautiful.  

In my mind, I feel 30's something and it's still surreal to me that I have a granddaughter and grandson. 

At 9 months old, Rowan now plays with us. In the midst of playing, Sofia has this thing where she is perfectly fine one minute and in the next second she screams, "pOoPy!!!!!!!!!!!" As she jumps up and starts running for the bathroom, thank goodness I am quick to grab little brother and we are in the race to get to the potty.

Now, poopy can mean #1 or #2. It's really her word for I have to go potty now. Being quick is key! One time last night, Sofia yelled, "hUrRy gAnNy!" We made it to the potty safely, but I did have dreams last night where I heard water running and it was Sofia pee'ing across the house. 

Never a dull moment. 

Rowan is sweet and passive, plays well by himself as he investigate everything. He loves to be held and loves to smile and laugh.

Sofia is headstrong and she can communicate anything she needs to tell you. Her new phrases this week I've heard are:  "nO jEreMy!" and my son-in-law Jeremy tells reminds her he is "daddy". She referred to my brother last night with a name for the 1st time: "uNcLe yAsOn". And, kissing my sweet babies goodbye, Mariah said, "bye Momma" and that is exactly what our sweet little Sofia parrots, "bYe mOmMa!" 

They are a world of entertainment and I am so in love with them both.

Surprisingly Tasty

Pulling out my new cookbook and trying many new recipes has been a lot of fun! Surprisingly tasty, too!

Sometimes, don't you just want to try something different, but you don't know what you're hungry for? It takes time to look through cookbooks and make a dinner from scratch, but (means there's more!) now there's time. Time to take advantage of this extra time we have on our hands because of Coronavirus and make the most of it. 

I like chicken wings, but it may be every six months that I have some. I found a lemon-pepper chicken wing recipe that could give any restaurant a run for their money. It was a double bonus of a sense of accomplishment and an unexpectedly delicious dinner.

This week I've made several new dishes. A Creamy Buffalo Chicken with Mushrooms, several different kinds of cauliflower side dishes, Maple Sausage Deviled Eggs, Almond Butter Bombs, Chia Pudding with fresh berries, and different combinations of protein shakes. 

Next, I want to try Mexican Chicken & Cauliflower casserole and Panna Cotta with fresh berries.

I love to constantly learn and try something new and it's time to freshen my cooking skills. 

Quarantine is better when you know how to cook.

Chosen Photos

I woke up this morning and smiled. It's mine. 

My new office is so beautiful!! It's a large room, once a living room. With natural hardwood floors, a large fireplace, high ceilings, several windows, french doors that open at the bottom of the staircase, and the far end of the office has built in bookshelves. 

For someone who doesn't like to shop, I've accumulated many new shabby chic pieces for my new home. One of the things I need more of is photo frames for my new office and I've found six. This is just the beginning. 

Six new photo frames and I'm not kidding, thousands of photos to chose from. 

Every photo reminds of it's sweet memory and made it a hard decision, but I did it. I think my girls will be surprised the photos that I've chosen. Photos that are my top favorites.

The question is... but who will be in the 8x10? I should take family bets. 

SOLD!

Thank you, God, I closed on my new home today!!!!!!! 

From the disaster of my condo falling through last year, I feel like I had PTSD that kept me on edge the entire time and that is zero exaggeration. It's because I love this home so much. 

Then, Coronovirus. 

Like the rest of the state and country, we watch every day to see if we we're open or shut down. The bank wondered, too, and called a couple times to see if I was still working. With as qualified as I am, a fabulous 3.25% interest rate, it was only a matter of being laid off that would have undone all of this.

Thank you, God, it didn't happen.

In fact, I went into work today for my last day for two weeks (wasn't sure what last normal day meant) and learned we are indeed staying open. It is my decision if I want to work from home or go into work daily.

Thank you, God. 

Truly, know Who to thank. I know I'm blessed. 

*Laugh out loud* As ridiculous as it sounds, I cannot wait to order checks tonight with my new home address! What is it with me and checks? I have no idea?! Seldom do I write them, I just like to have them.

One more time... thank you, God. 

Quarantine Begins at 11:59 p.m.

The quote above completely taken out of proper context; however, as we begin an initial two week quarantine beginning tonight at 11:59 p.m., I am more prepared than most to enjoy my solitude. 

Cuteness Overload

When my daughter called last week saying my granddaughter had her shoes on and her backpack ready to go on a date with me, I rearranged my work schedule to get her right away.

"a sUrPrIsE fOr mE?!?!" She knew I had a special surprise for her, a princess dress, and once those exciting words were shared, it was forever etched in her little brain.

She should live in princess dresses and she does. I had found a beautiful princess dress I knew she would love. With angel wings put on her back, her crown on her head, she found flowers she felt she should carry, too. And she walked around with poise and grace.

Pretty princesses also eat mac & cheese off of lollipop. Nobody seemed to notice the cookie on the table, too. Being with Ganny is always a magical adventure. 

Little brother loves Ganny snuggles and kisses, too. He likes to be held as we play hide & seeky with his sissy and "cAtCh mE." 

We will start doing dates, too. I just have to figure out how that will work, because princess Sofia isn't going to have that.  lol 

A Message to Heaven

As much as I am wildly in love with my grand babies, I always remember there is one that isn't here.

People are always surprised when I mention I have grandchildren, they always ask out of curiosity, "How many do you have?" It takes me a fraction of a second to quickly think if I can handle the answer before I respond. 

If I feel like I can answer the question without emotion, I say three.

When I know I can't, I say two.

The next question is, "How old are they?" I say, "They are 2-1/2 years, 9 months and one is in heaven." There is always a second where it's quiet.  

Today would have been your 1st birthday and I've asked God for favor to let you know your Grandmomma on earth wishes you a very, very happy birthday, I think of you always and I love you. Sending snuggles and kisses to heaven. 

Happy 1st birthday. 

No Thanks

When I am not at work, I self-quarantine. I enjoy my solitude though.

COVID-19 is going to get worse before it gets better and I am not interested in being out and about in public breathing and inhaling germs. Heading recommendations to have what I need, I've done just that and I've added what I will need for Easter should things become unsafe to be out.

Many say, "Support local businesses and order take out." 

I say, "No. Way." 

I've worked in the food industry for years and I know behind the scenes food safety is relaxed at best. Add that to those who work an hourly wage and the fact that they do need their job for income whether they are feeling 100% or not and your dinner may be compromised. Not everyone wears gloves in a kitchen and those who do wear gloves feel they are doing the right thing, but they are touching contaminated surfaces then your food with contamination. 

It's not worth it. 

I do believe many businesses are doing significant safety precautions, I know we are where I work, and I appreciate the extent we are taking to keep staff healthy. People in general, I don't believe it unless I see it, and if I'm not comfortable kissing you, I'm not putting food you've prepared in my mouth during a pandemic. 

Be creative and try a new recipe. 

Still Competing

Everything is a competition. Like a butterfly bursting out of a cocoon, I need blood to pump through my veins and I can make a competition out of anything. 

While I've been rescheduling weddings falling in the suggested window of Coronavirus pandemic, I've come up with an option for my brides & grooms to still be married outdoors on our patio this summer in a complimentary ceremony for those who want to still get married right away prior to their rescheduled ceremony & reception. 

It's more common than you know and I know of several of my weddings where the bride & groom were secretly already married. 

I don't just do weddings, it's really building relationships. I form great relationships with my couples and each one of them, instead of being devastated, are relieved and pleased with their option. 

Yesterday, an internal communication went out throughout the country to over 150+ locations what I am doing at my venue. The best part... they just used my name, Dawn.

I've always said you've become famous when just your first name is used. For example: Cher, Madonna, Beyonce', etc. 

Here's where the competition begins, I'm STILL booking weddings! "Take that Coronavirus!!" In the last couple days, I've secured two more weddings, a bridal shower, and a corporate meeting. I'm going for who can secure the most weddings/events in the midst of Corona. 

With comfort of knowing I am absolutely willing to be flexible IF this pandemic is extended, let's pray to God it isn't, nothing is stopping my brides from securing their dates. 

Love is still more powerful than anything.

And now these three remain:  faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

- 1 Corinthians 13:13        

The Seas Will Roar

It's all over the news, we read it on social media, it's the main topic where we work, and it's forcing us to make our internal decisions if we prepare or not. It's all about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yesterday felt heavy as I had to cancel/reschedule 8 weeks worth of events and weddings. The words "we may do layoffs" and "quarantine" have been echoed and I found myself watching the news to stay apprised of local and nationwide updates to see how quickly this is taking over.

It's global and oppressive. I could feel fear seeping into my soul the more I watched and listened.

So, I turned the television off.

I cannot control what happens, but I can control what I fill my mind with. I have the power of prayer and a sound mind to make smart decisions for myself.

Turning on Southern Gospel worship music filled my soul with reminders of Who is in control of all things.

I've already seen God's hand at work this week. Brooke began a new job a couple weeks ago and is laid off. She doesn't qualify for unemployment (unless this pandemic qualifies her) and as panic set in for her, she received a large check. An odd circumstance she dealt with months ago, that came to fruition financially now. Timing, perfect. That's God. She has another check coming from her grandmother's estate who passed away months ago. Timing, perfect. That's how my whole life has been. I've always been covered and she is, too.

We have a Provider and a Protector and we have the power of prayer as the form of communication God chose for us.

When the world shouts "Chaos!", know the mountains will bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of His name.

Stay apprised enough to know what's going on, then shut it off. Work like it depends on you, pray like it depends on God, and cover your family and those you love in prayer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUjrUOdr1y0

What To Do During Pandemic

There's never enough "time" to do all the things we want to do, is what everyone says. 

There's never enough time to do or finish that project. Whether it's a home project, an organizing project, a spring cleaning project, a purging project, or learning how to do something new project that you've thought about. 

How about a relaxing drive and packed picnic lunch at a lake or in the country? The time you've longed for is here. 

Those who wear the badge of too busy to read a book, to relax, or to take the walks we want to take... Well, now there's time.

Those who run around with their hair on fire in search of the next fun thing, will struggle the most. Sitting still will be a certain death and panic for many. Instant everything. That's because they've forgotten how to appreciate simple things. 

Learn how to make something new. Learn a new language. Learn how to play music (thanks books and YouTube). Make your staycation memorable and walk away feeling accomplished. You're not a victim, cupcake. We are all in this together. 

Some hide in the storm, others learn to build a surf board and ride it out well on top of the wave. 

Me, I'm creating a list of all I want to do and accomplish, especially now that I am not working excessive hours and have lots of downtime. 

Tired of the same meals all the time? Now's the time to liven your meals with new recipes. I opened a recipe book the other day and created the most fabulous dish with ingredients I already had in my house. 

BUFFALO CHICKEN SALAD

Rotisserie Chicken

Fresh Mushrooms

Fresh Spinach

Mozzarella Cheese

Buffalo Sauce

Ranch Dressing

Set oven at 350 degrees, spray a baking pan. Chop up chicken, mushrooms, spinach and mozzarella into sprayed baking pan, pour desired amount of Buffalo Sauce over ingredients and mix. Bake for 15 minutes. Place over a bed of salad and add Ranch dressing. Prep time 5 minutes. 

Voila!! It's SO easy and delicious.

Turn off the television and get moving. Those who learn to thrive in quarantine wins! 

Toilet Paper Chaos

In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic and toilet paper being the hot commodity, I wasn't going to buy into the chaos early on... until I realized I had less than a 1/4 roll left. 

I felt like one of those people panicking to race for toilet paper and felt like I should shout out, "I AM ACTUALLY ALMOST OUT!" 

Who knows how quickly the Governor will start shutting different businesses down. My heart goes out to all those who depend on hourly paychecks and their place of employment is now closed for weeks. Parents who can work but have little ones home from school and have to figure out those arrangements, which is unexpectedly costly. Those who don't have an emergency fund. My nephew, his Senior year, and all the Seniors were told to say their goodbyes, there's a strong chance they won't get their traditional ending. 

Restaurants and bars were just closed across the state. As stores are still filled with shoppers escaping the confines of their homes, those will be the next to close. 

Get what you need and remember, God is still in control. 

Garden She Shed

A garden she shed. I love it! 

I couldn't give too many details away, because my parents hadn't seen photos or the video of my new home. They finally saw it when I was in Florida last week. 

They were stunned. In fact, everyone has been a little stunned. It may perhaps be a bit larger than I was planning on. Think charming cottage x2. 

I will have a tiny house that matches the main house. It currently stores all the pool toys and supplies; however, there is another super cute shed that will now house that. Why on earth would I need all that space with a single lawn mower?! ha ha

Thinking a playhouse for my grand babies, I'm definitely now thinking a garden she shed that is lovely inside that they can still play in. It's actually quite big for a tiny house with a small patio, full size front door, windows and plenty of room for a loft to be built inside. 

Gardens. Gardens. Gardens.

I want to lose myself in gardens, my wrap around deck, flower beds all over, climb my grand staircase upstairs, and soak in my beautiful claw foot tub. 

This is going to be the most wonderful project to lose myself in. I mean really, I already won salesperson of the year award. 

Pouring over shabby chic decor and gardens, I've learned how to take a regular pot and turn it shabby chic with paint. When I was in Florida, I had a lessons with an artist that teaches art. I showed her what I want and she taught me how to do it. Now I can realize customize the look I want. 

I close on my new house this week and I am so, so ready. 

Truly Rich

Feeling the sunshine and wearing sandals, shorts and tank tops was refreshing.

Seeing flowers in bright vibrant colors and walking in green grass was like having rose colored glasses on during winter living up north. 

On my way home, I needed to see my sweet grandbabies, I missed them like crazy. As I got out of my car, the door opened and there was my Sofia running down the sidewalk super happy to see me. I ran and swooped her up for hugs and kisses and kissed little brother being held in is mommy's arms.

Sofia came home with me for a few hours while I unpacked, Aunt Brookie stopped by, and when I dropped Sofia off at home I had snuggle and kisses time with Rowan and I came bearing souvenirs.  

 As fun and relaxing as it was, it's great to be home. 

Tropical Markets

The Botanical Festival was the best farmer’s market bursting in vibrant, tropical flowers. Each beautiful tent full of shoppers and arms full of giant flowers as they strolled in the sunshine.

It was a tropical market you’d see in a movie and I wish I captured photos, but I was looking in awe taking in the beauty and wishing I could bring them home. My new home has some pretty incredible flower beds and I’ve been told they are impressive and to just wait and see when spring arrives.

Today at Cocoa Beach was an arts & crafts show that filled the streets in Cocoa’s Historical District with their already quaint shops. Live music down the different streets filled the air and put a hum in my heart.

It’s late in the evening and she’s wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her make up and brushes her long brown hair
And she asks me, do I look alright? 
And I say “Yes, you look wonderful tonight

We walk in a super cute cafe and had a delicious lunch in no rush or hurry then stepped back in the sunshine, perusing vendor booths and shops.

Everyone seemed happy and relaxed and the live music was the perfect touch.

I feel wonderful because I see
The love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don’t realize how much I love you

Sunshine & Iced Tea

The clinking of ice in a glass as I sit in the sun reading a book. Cold and refreshing, the sun is baking my skin, it feels heavenly, and I am tanning quickly.

It is exactly where I want to be. THIS is vacation. 

My work conference in Orlando was fabulous. The resort was lovely and I was most impressed with their landscaping and their food of the highest quality. It was an exceptional event and I was breathless with anticipation when they called my name as the top salesperson of the year in front of 350 colleagues across the country.

Scouting out my competition with the other names that were nominated, I was most surprised they were men. 

My plaque is large and I will put it in my beautiful new office in my new home. 

With the conference over now vacation can truly begin. The ocean, the sand, fabulous shabby chic quaint shops, and lots of fun purchases for my new home, it’s relaxing and enjoyable being at my mom & dad’s.

The sun baking my skin, the clink of ice in a delicious glass of ice tea, now this is vacation. 

The Circle

Oh Em Gee!! I am binge-watching The Circle on Netflix and LOVING it!!

This Netflix reality show is a "Catfish" competition where contestants move into an apartment complex, into their own apartments, but never meet face-to-face. They communicate through profiles created on an app.

They can be themselves, or whomever they choose. The contestant who survives the contest is the winner and takes home $100,000. 

At first I thought this would be a ridiculous show. It. Is. Hysterical! 

The contests they play, the profiles they've created, and the different mind games they are playing to figure out who is real or not makes a super funny 45 minute episode. I am blowing through these episodes like wild fire.

Hands down my favorite contestants are:  Seaburn/Rebecca, his take being his girlfriend is super funny to watch. What a likable and funny guy! Joey, is such a guy from New York, but he is so real and honest and he calls it like he sees it. You cannot not like him! Chris, entertaining all day! Shubham, who cannot like Shubham?! He is the little brother to everyone. 

Not crazy about the girls, but Mercedeze through everyone a curveball.

The sun is shining and I need to get out and run around for a bit, but I can't wait for the sun to go down, because it's time to binge watch!

This is a show I would LOVE to be on! I'm not sure if I would go on and be myself or have an alter ego for the mental stimulation of outsmarting and out-thinking the others. 

Until tonight, Netflix...