Jumping To A Foregone Conclusion

Grab a glass of bubbly...this is gonna be a long-un!

As I sit here betwixt yesterday and tomorrow, I find myself drifting over the years...and not just 2011.  I could wax poetic about twenty-twelve's scheduled arrival in just a few hours and all the promise it brings, but instead...I'm thinking of the past.  While I don't make it a practice to live in the past, it is a nice place to visit on occasion...like New Year's eve.

And y'all wonder why I'm easily distracted...reason #1...and #2!

I've been reading all the wonderful, uplifting posts about the hidden promises of the new year and the realization of the past year's accomplishments.  It does this ol' heart good to read how so many of y'all accomplished goals and reached for the stars...and got a handful for your efforts.

Many costume changes are necessary to get through Christmas Eve!

Tonight, I'm thinking on all the folks I've "met" through blogging and how each of you have enriched my life.  You've been my cheerleader, coach, and confidant.  You've put up with my ramblings, laughed...and cried...with me...and I hope I was there for you as well.

It's funny, but I've also realized that some friends I've made over the last 4 years don't come around as often.  Gotta be honest here...at first I thought maybe I had done something wrong or maybe like Duckie said "Do I offend?", but then I came to the realization that things change and so do people.

For those of you who have been so kind to ask...Brandon is doing well.  He is an amazing young man and Susan has to be smiling down at him.

Just like we can't stop the passage of time (although if anyone does come up with a invention that does...I'll be first in line to buy one.), so it goes with people.  If we're truly lucky, we get blessed with individuals who may only come into our lives for a season and then have to move on...and that's okay.

As goals are set and met, friends drift out of our lives to find their own path.  Doesn't mean they don't care...it's just the Lord doing His business.

One of my favorite Christmas things...cookies...and the more the merrier!

I'm as guilty as the next person.  Perhaps the old adage about birds of a feather is true.  I find myself more and more drawn to those who are seeking peace in their lives coupled with simplicity.  Doesn't mean they aren't working as hard as the next guy/gal...just different...quieter.  No fanfare, bugles, or trumpets...just their work and talent saying it all.

Take a good look at Barbie.  She looked nothing like this the next day thanks to Grayzilla the beautician!

While we're on the subject of different, I find myself seeking that in blog posts as well.  Not necessarily cutting edge different, but something that tells me a little bit about the person writing it.  Ya know...you can tell a lot about a person by their voice/blog.  If they dare to try something a little out there...whether I like it or not doesn't matter.  I applaud them for trying...and their bravery in attempting to fly.

If there is humor on board...so am I.  I love to laugh and I got the wrinkles to prove it.  Make me laugh and I'm yours forever.  In fact...just call me Ol' Shep. 

Not to worry folks.  No babies were harmed in taking this photo.  As a matter of fact...we caught her in the act before any real damage was done!

Just as Bella Baby isn't afraid, those of you who risk it all and put yourself out there have my loyalty forever.

Who can resist a baby girl dressed in Nick & Nora's paired with boots?

What I'm trying to say (and not doing a very good job of it), is while I may not always leave a comment, I'm out here and I'm reading.  I like to think you are too.

Like I was telling Rob-Uh-Lyn the other day, there are folks in our lives that are like dog poo on that favorite pair of tennis shoes.  Try as you might...once it gets stuck down in those grooves...you just can't get it all off...which leaves you with two choices.

One...you can throw those sneakers out...

or

Two...you can keep 'em and pretend you don't notice the smell.

Consider me your dog poo.  I'm here for the duration and while you may not see me...you're bound to get a whiff of me from time to time. 

I do believe in Santy Claus and at my house, he wears a red corduroy shirt.

Are y'all still with me?

People, if this wasn't a lesson in Squirrel writing...I don't know what it.  Let's blame it on three glasses of Champagne...agreed?

BUT...

if this doesn't illustrate how hard it is for me to stay on track...I don't know what will!

Y'all put up with a lot when you come to visit me and I want you to know...it's appreciated.  To let you know how much I treasure you taking the time to visit...I'm making a change.

No...I don't intend to start writing more cohesive...mainly 'cause that just ain't in my genes.

No....the change is I had told y'all I wanted comments relating to squirrel attacks y'all might have had over the years, but because I'm feeling so mellow...I'm gonna give y'all a break.

Oh Law...do y'all have any idea how hard it is for me to give this away?

As I mentioned in a previous post, Susie of Vintage Susie & Wings, designer extraordinaire of Spoonin graciously donated this pendant for my giveaway.  I first met her on line as she was traveling to Texas from California.  Her posts about her road trip had me laughing out loud and almost wetting my pants...I kid you not.  Meeting her at Zapp Hall, she managed to change it from almost to I did!  I promise you up and down...I have never laughed so hard in my entire life.

In addition to being a hoot and a half, she is also talented out the wazoo.  Her Spoonin line is just one of her products.  This girl has mad skills when it comes to anything she puts her hand to...and to think...she's my friend.

Aw heck!  Who am I kidding?  I'm gonna order me one too!

On a side note (you didn't think you get off that easy...did ya?), some folks collect pottery, some art...I collect artists and I'm so blessed to have Susie and other amazing ones in my life.  Now if I could just find some way to display 'em...life would be perfect!

So here's the deal pickle...because y'all take the time to read my meanderings...all you gotta do is leave me a comment telling me how fantastic you think this necklace is...that's it.  No hoops to jump through...no following me (unless you just fall in love with me, which in that case...follow by all means), nothing else.  If you have a facebook account...give Suze a shout out.  It's not gonna get you any brownie points, but it's gonna make me and my girl Susie really happy.

Now...if you do decide to regale me with stories of squirrel attacks...bring 'em on.  I never...repeat...never turn down a good opportunity to giggle or to know I'm not the only wing nut on the planet...and...and...that will get you an extra entry! No pressure though!

I'll announce the winner...ummm...how does January 7th sound?  That gives you time to talk to me and gives me a week to get the Christmas back into the tubs from whence they came.

Gah...just add roller skates, a Roy Rogers pop gun with matching holster and I could be the poster child for Christmas gone amuck!

As I shake my tail feathers to "Mama's Got a Brand New Bag"...I'll close 'er down for 2011 with one last hurrah.

Besame Mucho and...

HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL!