Think Junk Gypsy Prom!

Whoopsie daisy! It's almost time for Laura's fab giveaway to end September 1st. Started not to mention it (increase my chances, ya know?), but I love y'all way too much for that! Plus I love L.B and her dictionary-talking self not to share her with y'all! Good Luck!!!

Facing Reality

What did I do this past weekend you ask? Well, I'm glad you did 'cause I'm dying to tell y'all. In fact, I have R rated photos to prove what trouble Cat Daddy and I got into!

Y'all know how much I love blogging and I think I've made it pretty clear how much I love THIS particular blogger. I would crawl across broken glass just to get a hug from HER! Imagine my joy at finding out Jodie was going to be in the Rowlett area for a retreat AND since Rowlett is only a hop, skip and a jump from the Casita de Trash AND being the good little stalker that I am....

You betcha! I high tailed it over there first thing Friday morning during her break. (You know I love this girl if I'm willing to drive myself to see her!) BUT...hang onto your girdles...it gets better! A certain someone else had flown into New Orleans and drove down with Jodie for the same retreat. This certain someone is a blogger I've dreamed of meeting since the first time we exchanged comments.

Be still my heart...Pam had came to the mountain! I can't begin to describe to y'all what it's like to meet someone I've pictured in my head a thousand times while reading her posts and comments. Can I just say she was that and so much more? It was like being reunited with a childhood friend who had moved away. Perhaps that's the beauty of blogging or perhaps it's kindred souls connecting. Whatever it is...meeting her was magic...pure magic! There was no shyness or awkward moments...just one big, long hug with a few tears thrown in for good measure...especially when the afternoon was over!

And the cherry on top? Sweet Sarah was there too! I was given the opportunity to meet her when I crashed, I mean dropped by the Paper Cowgirls retreat. I'm telling y'all...this chubby lady was in pure heaven for five way too short hours!

I can hear you asking where are the blackmail photos. Keep your britches on...I'm getting there. I just want to bask in the memory of a wonderful afternoon if you don't mind!

Not one to miss a photo op OR the chance for smooches from someone other than his ever-lovin'...guess who snuck into the restaurant behind Jodie's back?

I swear up and down...that man is starting to believe his own press and you girls sure aren't helping matters much starting with you Sarah! Lord love a duck...he truly believes he's catnip to the ladies...as if!

He loves his Crazy Cajun just as much as I do...maybe more! Nah...that just ain't possible! Look at that baby face (not his...hers!)...what's not to love?

Pam...I promise not to tell Receipts what you were up to while in town...pinky swear! Oh and girl...my rule of thumb for deciding on how much bling to wear? If I can't see you from across a field...you need more and Sugar...I saw you from across the lobby and up the stairs. Verdict? Fab U Lous! (Love my watch...you know me so well or maybe great minds just think alike!)

After Cat Daddy made his exit, we sat, talked, laughed, ate, laughed some more and just enjoyed the being...you know what I mean? Sadly, the afternoon was over way too soon and we were hugging one last time.

To all of y'all who blog...if you get the opportunity to meet someone you've only talked to through the screen...grab it and hang on tight. I did and I wouldn't trade Friday (or my girls) for all the rhinestones in Texas!

Old School Joe Cool

This past week school started for lots of kiddos and after reading many posts about their adventures in FirstDayLand, it got me to reminiscing about Joey's (aka The Oldest Melonhead) first day of Kindergarten. (Which btw is too many years ago to say without incriminating myself!)

Like so many young mothers before and since, I had spent the night before picking out just the right thing for my big boy to wear on his first day of school. We had been to the pre-enrollment meet-and-greet where I had met his teacher, the principal and familiarized him with the school layout. I had carefully packed his lunch, set the alarm to give us plenty of time, and then tried to sleep. I worried all night long whether or not he was ready for this big step. (Forget about whether I was ready or not...that would never happen!) Would he be one of the children who could not handle separation...would he make friends...would the teacher be kind...would he beat me home? You know...all the things mothers tend to make mountains out of.

When we arrived at school that next morning, I got out of the car with Jenn on one hip and him by the hand. As we came to the sidewalk leading to his classroom, he turned and looked at me with what only can be described as the stank eye and asked if he could go on alone. I could have died on the spot, but not wanting to interfere with his (might I say sudden) sense of independence, said yes. As I stood there watching him walk on alone...shoulders back, chin held high...to that HUGE classroom with only his Fonzie lunchbox for protection against the big, cruel world of schoolhouse bullies I knew were waiting to pounce on my baby...he suddenly stopped...turned...saw the tears streaming down my face and with a roll of his eyes said "Oh, come on"! I don't think my feet ever touched the sidewalk getting me to where he was waiting. I respectfully walked a couple of steps behind him, resisted the urge to kiss him in front of the other kids and thanked God for giving me this plucky little boy! Once in my car, I stopped crying long enough to thank God once more for giving Cat Daddy and I the good sense to raise him with the self confidence needed to fearlessly face the unknown and you know...except for that one, brief, precious moment in time...I don't think he's looked back since!

Young mothers everywhere...heed my words. They go from Kindergarten...... to a senior in high school in a blink of an eye. So if at all possible...don't blink...don't breathe...heck...don't even turn your back for a moment....'cause if you do...

when you turn back around...he's taking his own baby bird to her first day...

Just...Like....That!!!

A Face To Launch A Thousand Ships

~The bluest eyes in Texas are haunting me tonight~

A Face In The Crowd

Who's up for a little game I like to call "Where In The World Is Cat Daddy"? First you have to find The Man in the photo below, then you gotta tell me where he is and what he's doing. I'm thinking the winner will get a big ol' Texasified hug from him at SweetT's blog party...or if you can't be at the party...I'll have him leave one on your own personal blog...free of charge! Heck...I may have him leave y'all one just for playing....sure beats a box of Omaha steaks!

Bonus points if you recognize others in the photo!

Let the games begin!!!

My Bad

August 21, 2008

Dear Diary,

Well, I really went and did it this time. How could you let me forget to call my favorite daughter-in-law and wish her a happy birthday on the 16th. Yes, yes I know...she's my only DIL and yes, yes I know...she was in Destin Florida, lounging on the white sand, but come on...how hard would a phone call have been? It's not as if it's some random day for goodness sake. I mean really...it's the same day Elvis decided to leave the building...for good!Diary, I feel so ashamed. The Amazon is a wonderful woman and I know her mom didn't forget. Joni is probably ready to open up a big, ol' can of you-know-what on my head for forgetting her baby's b'day...and at close to 6'...she could do it with one hand tied behind her back. Heck...Joni wouldn't even have to bend over! I mean who could blame her. She raised a beautiful daughter and she should want the whole, wide world to acknowledge it...or at least the mother-in-law! BTW Diary...you do know why I call her The Amazon doncha? At 5'11, gorgeous and built like a Greek goddess...she is the epitome of Wonder Woman! I just gotta remember to watch out for that Lasso of Truth she carries around!

Diary, she is an amazing young woman, wife and mother, deserving much better treatment than this. She has taken on three jobs with different hours and days just so she can be there for the light of my life...Grayzilla. She serves on the PTA as an officer, drags countless kids around with her, makes her home the go-to place for Graycie's friends, takes care of the Oldest Melonhead, raises a garden, and still finds time to call me.

I could try blaming it on my age. She knows I'm entering my second childhood. Nah...never work. She would just give me that look. You know the one I'm talking about....with the one eyebrow arched to the ceiling and back? It's the same look she gives the Trashette and Joey when they've stepped off in it. BRRR!!!

Diary, I'm just gonna have to think long and hard on how to make this up to her. Any suggestions? Hey, how 'bout this?

MISTY LYN..HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY AND I LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW!

Love,

Debbie (with the short term memory loss)

WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES....

I've been putting off doing this post hoping things might change...but alas and alack...not gonna happen. There are major doings going on at Cat Daddy's work and I do mean major. Without going into great, lengthy, boring details...let's just say THE company needs him more than THE junk does.

(Stay with me here folks. I do promise a caboose at the end of this train of thought!)

Since his company is the one that feeds us (and I might add by looking at the two of us...quite well) a decision had to be made regarding his taking time off for Warrenton this fall. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what his decision was...right?

Sadly, we won't be in our familiar tent at Zapp Hall in the fall. Real life stinks!

The only good news in this fact is that all the merchandise we had to get ready...well it can wait until the spring and cooler weather! I won't be missing out on all the fun of prep work (or the loading of the trailer) in 100+ heat days...that's for dern sure Skippy! What we will be missing is getting to be with our extended family and all the fun that entails. Seeing the show's promoters and all our vendor friends is the highlight of doing this show. It certainly isn't all the dirt, work and sweat (not to mention rain, wind, heat) that goes into it. If not for them, I'm not sure we would do it at all...just keeping it real folks! Not to fear...this is only a temporary situation, but in the meantime if any of you vendors in the DFW area are looking for boat anchors*...well have I got a deal for you (said the lady with the title to the Brooklyn Bridge)! We have some really cool** stuff we bought for the show. Can you say INDUSTRIAL***? If you're needing something to top off your load...send me an e-mail. If you're looking for something in particular...send me an e-mail. We might just have it! Our lost opportunity could be your money making opportunity! Seriously!!!

(Right about now I need you to close your eyes 'cause this info is just for Sue. Eyes closed? No peeking!)

Sue, be sure and tell Tim, Lisa and Gloria that we'll be bringing smaller items down in the back of the truck that just screams California!

Okay...y'all can open your eyes now.

*heavy

**really, really heavy

***get a great, big, hulky guy to help you move it heavy Now before you get to thinking my life is totally in the toilet, we will be going down for opening weekend. We haven't missed one in 15 years and I'm not about to start now. Besides...would I want to miss SweetTea's blog party...not in a million jillion years. This year's promises to be the best ever and I'm not about to let y'all party without me or talk about me behind my back, (not that you ever would) but just in case...WE WILL BE THERE...make no mistake! It would just be plain un-American to deprive the ladies an evening with Cat Daddy...right? I think so too! With him not having to unload the trailer and set things up...dream about how clean he will be for the party! Yummy!!!

Oh and before I forget...one other tidbit I've heard through the grapevine that I can't miss? Two words people...film crew!

~All right Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up!~

Dilly-Dalling Around

I want to start this post by saying thank you for all your sweet comments on our anniversary. Do I know y'all or what? All I gotta do is throw Cat Daddy at you and you're putty in my hands! Can I just say I love y'all for loving him? Makes me think I may have just made the right choice in a life partner!

The 10th has come and gone so let's talk about the 11th and what else is happening during the month of August...'kay?

The Sweet Pea Bistro is officially open! Can I get an "Oh Mama!"? The food is wonderful (I test tasted as much as I could for y'all), but I know what inquiring minds are really hungry for...DESSERTS! Trust me...Gloria has got you covered! These precious French macarones were the Bomb.com...I swear up and down! The perfect ending to a perfect lunch, if I do say so myself...and I do.

I thought I would also take a minute and show you some of Gloria's merchandise in Sweet Pea's. Keep in mind, her inventory is constantly changing and I do mean constantly. If you see something you love...better give her a call PDQ. Chances are someone else is loving it too!

That's true for both shoppes. Things have a way of magically disappearing over night it seems. Now you see it...now you don't!

Ain't no mountain high enough or in this case, ceiling, that Gloria won't send Don up on a ladder to decorate! She floated these mirrors and man alive...what a statement when you first step in the doors.

Whatever your home palette is, I'm willing to bet a dollar to a doughnut...she's got it!

SQUIRREL ALERT!

Before I forget...Amy at Whisperwood Cottage is hosting a two year anniversary/birthday party for her blog. The prize you ask? Hold onto your tushies...a custom made blog button for you and you alone! How cool is this? Amy's posts are gifts in themselves, but holy cow...a cute, personalized button too? Oh Mylanta! I know you've noticed my button and header, right? Amy's magic touch at work! This girl can do it all...from great projects to unbelievable photography...she is a talent and a half! So do yourself a favor...take a break and check her out. You can thank me later.

If that isn't enough to get you through these last dog days of summer, then I suggest you stroll on over to Elizabeth's Shop Talk blog. She is dying to see your August store displays and windows. So much so...she's making a little contest out of it. There are a few rules, but nothing for a stepper. It has to be a display you've styled this month only (not last month, not Christmas, not last year)...August 2010 only. It can be a store window or a display within a shop. Just click here to get all the details about submissions and have fun with this one.

Oh by the way...did I mention that Elizabeth being Elizabeth has added one other teensy weensy stipulation? She has selected a theme for the displays...RELAXATION!

Guess what I'm submitting to her!

Behind Closed Doors

When I'm feeling lonely, I know of two sure fire ways to get y'all to talk to me....in fact...they are my pocket aces! All I have to do is either post photos of Bella OR talk about Cat Daddy...and the crowd goes wild!Since today is the day 37 years ago I said "I Do" to this crazy man...let's talk Cat Daddy! In fact, can I get just a tad mushy? Don't worry...I don't believe in PDA, but I do believe in marriage being forever and being committed to one person. Frankly after 37 years, he and I both should be committed, but luckily we've made it this far without ever having been on the 10:00 news!

I won't lie and say it's always been easy...the road to true romance never is...but it has been quite the adventure! Together we have climbed mountains of bills, sailed the open seas of life, travelled the roads less taken, and built an empire of trust. We've surfed the web, ran the gamut of emotions from A to Z, got lost in translation and charted new horizons of hope. We've been to the moon and back countless times and seen the world through each other's eyes.

We've been to the top of the mountain and we've been in the valley of the shadow of death. We've faced the rapids of the river of no return and we've caught each other when we've tripped on the light fantastic.

We've made waves, whoopie and beautiful music together. We've raised eyebrows, Cain, children and more than a little hell. We've crossed our hearts, our fingers, each other's mind and been star crossed lovers, but through it all...never cross with one another....at least not for very long.

Most of all...we've laughed...for 37 years...with and at each other! Maybe that's the secret to a successful marriage...maybe not...but it's the one constant in our journey together.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat!

Some men give their wives flowers...some diamonds. It says for the 37th, the gift is alabaster. Well, I'm here to tell you I don't want to be put on a pedestal. I want a man who knows the way to make me happy. Before you say "What was he thinking?"...remember I'm a junker. This bad boy drug home to me by MY bad boy is going to look mighty fine when I get through with it...just you wait and see! I got plans for it and for HIM!

Happy Anniversary Cat Daddy. Can I possibly get 37 more?

(Just a little insurance, if you please!)

XOXO

Mr. and Mrs. Cat Daddy

August 10, 1973

And they lived happily ever after!

Just Desserts

Y'all know I promised more photos when it was close to the opening of the Sweet Pea Bistro and I'm always one to keep my word. I also promised to define Texasified. Let me just say that here in Texas if we don't have a word for an action...well, we're just bound to make one up. Kinda like fixinta. You know...as in "I'm fixinta tell y'all what Texasified means"!

Sweetie Pie and I got together (along with Gloria...who BTW is not allowed anywhere near the staple gun until after the opening) and made a check list on how the Sweetie shops Texas style. You might want to print it out and carry it with you at all times for emergencies...like when you find a pair of killer boots on sale...I'm just saying!

To get Texasified (and you know you want to): 1. Get yourself a pair of really cool Cowgirl boots...check.

2. Make 5 trots around the shoppes perimeter...check, check.

3. Stop at Bistro for Cappuccino...check, check, check.

4. On 4th trot, stop at Bistro to graze...big ol' check and a heck yeah!

5. Fifth (and most importantly, final trot)...stop by the Lollia counter to pick up wonderful products for your Saturday night bath!

Now I ask you...bubbles and whipped cream...what more can a girl ask for?

I Count My Blessings Instead Of Sheep

August 5, 2010

Dearest Jodie,

My mailman left me the sweetest package the other day and I am just now writing to say thank you....shame on me for not doing so sooner. How can I say thank you and let you know how much I truly mean it?

The day you sashayed into my life was a gift from God. You are one of the funniest, prettiest, and generous Southern belles it has ever been my pleasure to meet. You make me smile with your comments, giggle at your antics, swoon with your talent, and you allow me to be one of your friends. This my darling girl is the real gift...the gift of friendship.

You provide me with the warmth of a hug...even from long distance. You lift me up when I'm feeling blue (how on earth do you know when I need that the most?) and never fail to show me the beauty in the humblest of things. You are a joy in my life and a chance to be young...even if for just a little while. Being around you, I forget just how old I am and for just the tiniest moment...I'm 34 again...thanks to you.

By now I'm sure you've realized I'm not just thanking you for the lovely papers, but for being Jodie...thoughtful, crazy Cajun, sweet potato you!

I hope I never get so jaded that I take for granted the little gifts in life and the joy that comes from simple things such as love freely given with no strings attached. It's an art you have perfected and one I hope to achieve.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the top. I miss you and I love you too.

All my love,

Debbie