Fierce Independence

She may be 2 years old, loves dates and playing princess, but this one is fiercely independent and will struggle to frustration doing everything on her own with commands of, "I do it myself!" 

I smile in pride. 

If you laugh at her, in all her cuteness glory, she will run to the battle line and handle laughing at her head on, as well. In a blink. 

My sweet grand daughter, YOU are pure joy! Always be true to yourself and own your independence. Your strength is a gift and it will serve you well. 

This grandmomma will forever be on the sidelines cheering you on. 

Rookie of the Year

It was a baseball themed 1st birthday party and we celebrated my favorite Rookie of the Year, Rowan.

With a baseball smash cake and all his birthday gifts, trucks, and his dinosaur pillow from Aunt Brooke that hands-down was his favorite gift as he rolled all over the floor with it, his special day was all about him. 

Rowan & Sofia's bedroom at my house is a bit feminine. I've had a few more years of buying pretty things for Sofia. So, I bought him this cute baseball mitt chair and his name in baseball letters for the wall, for a boyish touch in the bedroom.

Happy 1st birthday celebration, sweet boy!

Linen Curtains and Cool Breezes

The best part of a lazy Sunday afternoon when it is 78 degrees and sunny out, is knowing the sun is hot on your skin if you want it to be, yet indoors with the windows open with a cool breeze, it's cool with the hum of a fan moving the air to perfection.

I'm exhausted, it's been a busy week and a busy weekend. I am happy to just be at home, where my flowers are beautiful, my yard mowed and perfect, and my pool is officially open for swimming tomorrow! 

There are so many choices and things I can be doing right now, yet peace is saying, I just want to be still, relax and refresh today. 

I am so in love with my new linen curtains. An airy veil of privacy without being clanky, heavy and dark, compliments the soft and romantic shabby chic look both inside my home and outside in my yard.

Pretty pink flowers bursting in my ground cover and my roses opened in pale pink, hot pink and reds, as my dark purple Iris's are losing their bloom. It's another day in my yard in floral surprise. 

Happy, happy 1st birthday wishes to my sweet grandson, Rowan. 

Being a mom to daughter's, he is my first experience with a little boy, and what a joy he is! Happy, passive, snugly and sweet, he is definitely a momma's boy, and loves to be held, laugh, and beelines to climb my stairs. 

His 1st year went by so fast. 

Yesterday was my nephew, Nathan's, graduation party, he is off to OSU in August. 

As time goes by so quickly, June is a wonderful month of summer just beginning. I'm moved, I'm settled, and summer is here. My heart is grateful and full, and I'm officially, spoken into the universe, really ready for the first time in years to starting dating again. 

Kombucha

While the world loves alcohol, I’m in love with raw kombucha and it’s millions and billions and trillions of organisms.

Over ice, this healthy option gives me the carbonation that I miss from soft drinks in a cold and refreshing drink. With tons of flavor options, it's good for promoting gut health, too. 

Swirled not shaken.  

Hot Summer Day's Charm

My home was built in 1935, in 15 years it will be 100 years old.

With that said, it has been completely remodeled inside maintaining the original charm. Recently the carpets ripped up to the original hardwood floors, which are in perfect condition and reflects the character of the home.

The windows open in a neighborhood filled with adult trees and landscaping, the sounds of the outdoor wildlife almost sounds like a jungle. I couldn't love it more and I prefer to listen to the nature versus the white noise of television and music.

This home is filled with windows giving a bright and airy feel. The wrap around deck, fresh iced tea brewed in the sun and today hot and 86, brings out the character in this home. I thought about turning the air conditioning on, then I lose the sounds of nature in this nostalgic home. Thankfully, all the upstairs rooms have ceiling fans.

My dad finished the wall renovation and painting project yesterday and I am SO grateful for his talent and perfectionism that he made my vision come to fruition. It looks even better than my vision.

It's fun to personalize a home and I confess, sometimes I walk all around just looking in awe that it's mine and it's so much more than I ever imagined.

We opened the pool and looking inside the tiny house, I found two deck umbrellas absolutely perfect for my patio, since I have two patio tables.

Adding airy flowers to my deck, I find it's another destination I just enjoy being surrounded by.

I do need to re-pot them, but there is only so much time in the day. 

Oh my goodness, I woke up to two ducks floating in my pool. Opening a pool is a whole new experience I am learning and I am grateful for the tiny house filled with pool toys and a solar panel. 

Grateful for Memorial Day and so happy to have the day off, Happy Memorial Day world wide web. 

A Walk in My New Neighborhood

Rejoice! Events are re-opening June 1st and I thank God I sailed through this pandemic without job loss or base salary cut, which actually hit the corporate office. It truly shows my company values its employees. 

Rolling out a new marketing campaign yesterday in an industry that I have zero experience took off like wildfire! I like to tap into unknown territory and make it successful. This will be fun and mentally stimulating for me.

Oh my gosh, a 3-day weekend! Picking up flowers for my deck and my stunning new kitchen chandelier, I came home and went for my 1st walk in my new neighborhood. 

With lots of little blocks and different paths to take, the neighborhood is filled with pretty little houses and adult trees, which a huge plus. Very quaint. With trees lining the streets, flowers and flowering trees and bushes everywhere, it gives me the feel of Savannah. 

... And Some Etta James

What an accomplished weekend! My new mattress and couch arrived, a full truck load of mulch delivered, and the weekend became a blur of activity.

Heartfelt, love, adoration and appreciation to my Dad who has not stopped doing renovations and painting at my house. This house is definitely a reflection of me thanks to his hard work. 

Much thanks and appreciation to my Mom who has also not stopped helping in any capacity needed. She is my Dad's assistant during the day and cleans up behind him and she has helped me tirelessly cleaning out massive flower beds and even spreading mulch.

When she lays in the grass to cool off so she doesn't pass out, I may or may not say, "DNR! Do Not Resuscitate!" I know her wishes. ha ha 

Thank you to Brooke, who helped mulch for four hours with no complaining. This is the new and improved married version of the former Brooke!  

A huge thank you and much respect to my son-in-law, Alex, who does landscaping for a living, and worked circles around us. 

It was a major team effort and we still are not done. We worked until we physically couldn't anymore. We were back at it today and there is still more. 

More thanks to my Mom & Dad, I can mow my entire yard on the 50" deck, zero turn Toro in rabbit speed in 18 minutes. 

I'm tired. Everything hurts and I have found the most wonderful way to cool of and relax. In the middle of the day with the windows open, I fill my claw foot tub with cool water, get an icy drink, turn on some Etta James, and lay back and relax. 

It's perfect.