Smile When You Say That, Pardner!

Have y'all missed me bunches? I sure have missed y'all! I just have to tell you how overwhelmed I was by the comments left by all of you. Y'all are just the best and I sure hope y'all know what I'm doing...'cause I don't have a clue! I have wrote a working outline and several pages, but the research is whupping this chubby lady. It's a little more involved than I could have ever dreamed, but I'm loving it...just like I love all of you for believing I can do it!

Speaking of love...I got this award from Trish at The Domestic Fringe several days ago and I wanted to post about it before time got away from me. For those of you who are familiar with my posts, you know I just love to read her blog. It's one of my musts for laughing and crying. She's my Erma Bombeck and her take on life and family just knocks me out. According to her, I'm supposed to list ten things that make me smile and then list ten other bloggers who I think deserve this award as well. So let's get started...what do you say?

First off, we can just go ahead and check off number one as being Tricia. Like I said...one of my favorite reads and I owe her one for saying I'm sweet. My family got a big kick out of that and Cat Daddy remarked how much he liked reading her fiction!

Second, my trashettes can always get a smile outta me quicker than a cat can lick his whiskers! 'Course y'all knew that, right? Graycie informed me over the holidays I have style! (High praise from a seven year old, I gotta tell you!) After much thought she added she must have got her sense of style from me! Oh law...I didn't know Hannah Montana and I had the same personal stylist!

Third...Cat Daddy! Need I say more? It's either laugh or go crazy in this house, so I choose laughter.

Fourth...clean sheets are a must. Not to go all Oprah on y'all, but I could change our sheets everyday (if I had enough)! I love the crisp feel of fresh sheets...sans wrinkles!

(~Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.~Mark Twain)

Fifth...a fifth...just kidding! Although y'all know I love a good dirty martini and if it's made with Belvedere with ice crystals floating on top AND a couple of almond stuffed olives...you're gonna see a big ol' smile on this face!

Sixth...early morning quiet. I love getting up when it's still dark outside and sitting in the silence. It's the only time my mind is my own. Once the sun is up...thoughts crowd in and then it's a race to stay focused, but for just a few brief hours each morning I am clear as a bell. (Note to self...try writing in the wee hours of the morning.)

Seventh...performances by children. There is nothing as entertaining as watching kids sing, dance, and act with no inhibitions. Seriously, if your kids are ever in a talent show and you have an extra ticket...I'll take it! They are fearless with their talents and don't care who is listening or watching. It's a shame adults can't be the same way (except for those poor delusional fools on American Idol!). Think how much we could accomplish if we weren't so worried about what others might think.

Eighth...Yellow Boxes! I am the walking poster child for these flip flops and if there is one thing I hate most about winter...it's that I can't wear my YB's. Psst!...Actually I can and do...but I sure get a lot of funny looks!

Ninth...matching underwear! I don't have any, but if I did, it sure would make me smile! There was a time long ago and far away, when all my lingerie matched...but time and gravity have separated me from my Victoria's Secret catalog. I shouldn't say I don't have any...it's just white cotton Hanes are not what dreams are made of...although they sure are comfy! Besides undies have changed over the last twenty years! I've spent a lifetime trying to keep my underwear outta there...now I'm expected to pay good money to put it there on purpose...you gotta be kidding me!

Tenth and last, but certainly not least...birthday/wedding cake. I love the taste and will go and buy one just because I can. Why should I have to wait for a special occasion? I'll even tell 'em to write a name on it...just for fun...anybody's name...I don't care...just as long as there is white cake and butter cream frosting under that name!

Now I am to list ten bloggers who make me smile. Heck, I can do better than that! I'm picking the 55 who made me smile and cry just by leaving a comment on my previous post. Right now...at this moment...y'all have made me happier than the law allows. Can you see my big ol' toothy grin? Thank you so much!

Well, as Cat Daddy likes to say...time to go to work! I'll be checking in again real soon! In the meantime, see if y'all can stay out of trouble 'til I get back!

Leap of Faith

"The time has come", the walrus said,

To talk of many things:

of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--

of cabbages--and kings--

and why the sea is boiling hot--

and whether pigs have wings."

~Through The Looking Glass~I just couldn't wait to show y'all what I got in the mail for Christmas. Karen at A*Musements made me the most Fab U Lous banner with the greatest quote of all time! Does this say moi or what..."When Pigs Fly"? I know, I know...my photo skills stink! (~"Don't say stinks dear...say smells!"~) Thank goodness Jodie is on a cruise or she would be so disappointed in me. As a matter of fact, I hope Karen isn't! I tried to capture all the beauty and detail of her work...truly I did, but failed miserably. It really is unique with all her attention to details and colors. I'm in love with it and Karen...darlin', you truly are a papier genius. Since we have now determined that yes...pigs do have wings, let's talk a bit of sealing wax. Do you remember when I wrote I was plowing my field to be ready when God revealed His plan for me? I never dreamed when typing those words He would answer so quickly, but I feel He did. Several of y'all have been so sweet and have encouraged me to try my hand at writing...really writing, but my argument to myself was I didn't know what to write. Kinda hard to write a book if there isn't a plot and well, I sorta figured pigs would fly before I came up with one. God gives wings to dreams because when I was in the bathtub last night, He not only gave me my storyline...He told me how to write it. Just...like...that!

I know I'm not alone in having a secret dream of writing...the only difference is I didn't begin to dream this until just recently. Imagine at my age...discovering I might have a little talent...and that it could give me so much joy and satisfaction. I love to read and words are magic to me. To be able to string them into sentences that others might want to read is amazing, but it's also scary. It's like standing in the middle of Macy's window naked during the Christmas parade. Imagine with me if you would all of time's imperfections bared for the world to see, but what if no one wants to look at what you're displaying or worse still...pities you for thinking you might have something worth taking a peek at!

It's a chance I'm willing to take. When God speaks I listen and obey. Talents and abilities are gifts from God and each of us must find our own. It isn't always tangible like Karen's, but it's there. You may have a way with children...I know I don't. You might be a whiz in the kitchen or have the whitest whites...again...not me. Maybe you are the best listener or cheerleader that ever walked the planet...if so...I give you a standing ovation. You're the one every one wants to sit by at an event. Those are gifts not everyone possesses and are unique to you. Whether or not my efforts produce a short story, novella or an honest to goodness book remains to be seen. I'll be writing as God directs me...just like I do this blog...no more, no less. I'm just the typist...He's the wordsmith. I do promise you one thing...whatever the outcome...y'all are one of the main reasons I'm trying. You have done so much to build up my self-esteem and I know if no one but my family reads it (after I make 'em) and the publishers turn me down, I still have y'all to thank for the words of encouragement and for being just like my mother and pushing me!

I'll try to post at least once a week...just because I love to and I will definitely be reading y'alls blogs. (Hey...I'm gonna be a lurker...I'll be in great company!)

If you don't mind, could you please keep me in your prayers that what I'm attempting will be in keeping with God's word? I won't thank you later...I'll say it now...THANK YOU!

Geronimo!!!

XOXO

Expecting A Blast...Arctic Blast!

---..-.....----.-.-

Breaking News!!!

We interrupt your regularly scheduled broadcast for this winter weather advisory!

The Polar Express is making its way down from Canada into the Texas Pole! Prices are falling faster than the temperature in downtown Athens as we speak!

Several flurries of sales receipts were spotted by this reporter today as shoppers hurried into Winnie & Tulula's/Sweet Pea's and out with their purchases before the Big Chill hit!

Dealers were plunging their prices with many last minute, deep discounts before heading out for a frosty mocha latte.

Some were seen huddled together for warmth due to the icy hot deals being made!

Every effort was made to insure all animals were safe from the threat of freezing prices.

Neither snow nor sleet nor anything else will stop this sale. Gloria, Headmistress of Sweet Pea's/Winnie & Tulula's, has informed this reporter the sale will be extended through next week for those not possessing skates and/or skis.

Stay tuned for updates as they become available.

We now return you to regularly scheduled programming.

Good night and shop responsibly!

SQUIRREL!!!

I do believe it's finally happened. The long hours have done her in and Gloria has gone nuts. There is a white sale starting this Wednesday with savings up to 50% off selected merchandise. If you have a little "mad" money, bring it on in to the shoppes...we're all mad as hatters...mad I say, and will be glad to help you dispose of it!

Three new vendors are joining us nutballs at W&T's that you just have to check out! Willow Nest will be on hand with white refreshments and everybody has hot deals for a cold day! Please make plans to attend and gather up your share of the bargains to be bought for peanuts! It's gonna be a long, cold winter and who knows when there will be a bumper crop like this again!

The sale starts Wednesday and runs through Saturday. You'll never know who you might see running around in our squirrel cage if you don't drop in! I expect to see all of y'all bright eyed and bushy tailed and......last one there is a goober!

Cleaning House And Cleansing Thoughts

Would y'all believe this is the first time in my adult life that I have not had my Christmas tree down before New Year's eve? Guess what? Who cares? Not me for dern tootin' Skippy! I've enjoyed looking at it and I'm not taking it down 'til tomorrow or the day after...whenever...doesn't matter. My New Year's resolution (if you want to call it that...I prefer not to make 'em...why set myself up for failure) is to not let the trivial set me back. Instead I am setting goals for myself...attainable goals like leaving my Christmas tree up longer than I should simply because it brings me joy to look at it. Martha may not approve, but until she is paying the bills around the Casita de Trash...I make the rules!I am also not just decluttering my home in the New Year, but I'm going to declutter my life. This means no more people who only take and never give. Be gone Hoovers who suck all my energy and leave me exhausted with the daily drama that never ends. Now don't get me wrong...if a friend truly has a crisis or is just having one of those days, I am on it most ricky tick. It's the ones who always see the glass has half empty...never half full that have exhausted me. They wouldn't be happy if they were hung with a gold rope. My goal is to search out people who, like so many of y'all, when life hands out lemons...they make lemoncellos! My main focus this year is to be ready...to continue plowing my field so when a new opportunity or idea comes along...I am ready. I am planning on reading Debra's posts daily and changing my direction to where ever God plans on leading me, but first I need to clear my home, head, and heart so that when He speaks I can hear Him. I truly believe when He feels I am ready, there won't be any static in my life to interfere with reception. I want to be able to hear Him loud and clear!

This will be the last year before I have to change which box I check for my age on those magazine survey cards...y'all know which ones I'm talking about. I don't want to waste one more minute thinking about shoulda, coulda, woulda, 'cause frankly, I just don't have as many as I used to. Simply put...time's a wastin'! I gotta shake my tail feathers and get this old girl ready for new adventures...just as soon as I get these Christmas decorations down!

On a lesser note...is anyone besides me having trouble leaving comments? I can't seem to click on and folks, it is driving me crazy! Y'all know me...I got lots to say!

Junking Woman Lovers Club Membership Drive Rerun

Sitting here tonight, reading all of y'alls great New Year's Eve wishes and remembrances has been wonderful. It renews my faith in all of us that even with the past year full of trials, loss of jobs, triumphs, personal conflicts, joyous moments and sadness...not a one of you has lost hope. Twenty ten brings with it the promise of an exciting year full of new adventures and opportunities. I did a post last year detailing my own resolutions for 2009. Y'all have each extended a hand of friendship to me that I never dreamed of finding and proved time and time again what strong men and women you each are...unique in your gifts and your ability to give with nary a thought of personal gain. How lucky am I in having been included in your lives through 2009. As bad as it was for me, y'all were the silver lining in my cloud. I'm reprinting that post and what I felt last year...I still feel tonight. Y'all have proven that integrity, honesty and hard work are alive and well. Thank you my sweet friends! You know how I said in my previous post I wasn't going to make any New Year resolutions. Well, I changed my mind. In reading some of my friends New Year's posts and comments that have been left on mine during 2008, it got me to thinking. I only started blogging in August of this year, but it has opened a whole new world to me of women who are fantastic! In light of this, I've decided to form the Junking Woman Lovers Club. Now it's open to all who will join me in my resolutions for 2008. No haters, posers or fakers allowed. Sincerity will be the annual dues and are payable over the course of the year. These will be real easy resolutions to keep if you're feeling it. If you're not or if you really like tearing someone else down to make yourself look better or passing off someone's great ideas as your own or constantly patting yourself on the back or well, you get the idea. I suggest you now click off because frankly we don't need your participation or fake dues. But if you really like this idea, I'll list my resolutions and you can join by commenting. I'd also like to say some of y'all are already charter members. You have been so wonderful and giving, you've set the bar high. OK, ready then? Here goes:

1. I resolve to always have my sisters-in-business back at all times. If she needs something and I have it to share, it's hers. This may be in setting up for a show, tearing down or just an itch on said back. If she needs an extra two hands, she's got them. This also means I will not use said back as a launching pad. You will never find my footprints on the back of your favorite tee. I'll gladly let you stand on my shoulders, but never try to climb up my back and I'll stay off yours.
2. I resolve to never talk about someone behind their back. If I have a gripe or complaint, I'll take it to the source. I'll risk a b---h slap for honesty. I also resolve to try and avoid those who like to stir you-know-what!
3. I resolve never to question someone else's taste. We're all different and that's what makes us each unique. If you love it, I love it for you, even if it is dog butt ugly to me. Always!
4. I resolve never to borrow someone else's idea without permission and when I do I further resolve to give credit where credit is due. This is a big one but there is just way too much stealing (let's just call it what it is) out there and it has got to stop.
5. I resolve to share ideas, tips, locales, recipes, love advice, sources and just about anything you can think of to help you stay in business. I do draw the line at Cat Daddy unless you really, really need him then we'll negotiate.
6. I resolve to listen when you need someone to listen. I'll even let you whine and have a little pity party if necessary. Heck, I'll whine with you and I'll provide the cheese.
7. I resolve to never repeat anything you tell me if you tell me not to. This one is very important. Everyone needs to let off steam now and then and one needs to know it's not going to come back and bite one on the butt.

As we roll into 2009, we don't know what lays ahead. It's important we protect the friendships we have made and protect each other. Feel free to add any resolutions I may not have thought of. So let's all tighten up those bra straps, slap on some lipstick and make money. If not money, new friends in 2009. Now what do you say, let's go put on a show in the barn!!!

I'd like to add that this is not limited just to women. There are some wonderful men out there who have rocked my world and in my mind that makes them honorary members for not being afraid to put themselves out there time and time again! Y'all know who you are!

Now, go have a wonderful New Year's Eve and I'll be talking to y'all next year!

Through A Glass Darkly

Well kiddies...y'all will be so proud of me. The window is finished for Winnie and Tulula's and I didn't hurt myself once...or fall off the ladder! I have the small window this month while Liz and Fran have the larger one. While I suffered no bodily injuries except for tired feet, poor ol' Cat Daddy almost fell out of the window trying to hang my clock. I think at that point he wanted to clean my clock. No #*%@ words were used, but I'm pretty sure he was thinking 'em! Let the cards fall where they may...I'm done! While I toiled in the window, the big man worked the booth. He gathered pine boughs, swept the floor, rearranged furniture, schlepped boxes, schmoozed with the customers AND took all the photographs! Law, if he keeps this up I'm gonna have to sew lace on his underwear!

I wish I were more artsy like so many of y'all. I would have loved to create a banner or sign befitting the passing of time. Something like "Time In A Bottle" or "Like the sand in an hourglass, so are the Days Of Our Lives" would have been the cherry on top, but alas and alack, here at the home I'm not allowed to play with scissors. Even if I could, I can't draw a straight line, much less do what y'all do when it comes to creating! SIGH!!!

It's amazing how great minds (yeah, right) think alike! Even though we didn't sit down and have a pow wow about what we were doing with our windows...it's like we were on the same wave length....spooky! The girls' window is fantastic. They treated it as if it were two and created a different look for each half. One side is the Stork Club, complete with Fred and Ginger...the other, a little jazz supper club! Mine was more of a French bistro, BUT we each incorporated clocks and time into our designs! I've said it before and it bears repeating...I love it when a plan comes together!

I think now is as good a time as any for a word from our sponsor...Sweet Pea's and Winnie & Tulula's! Don't forget the big White Sale starting next Wednesday! Who doesn't love a good bargain and when the merchandise is this fantastic, it's almost like stealing. Notice I said almost...I got bills to pay so I can't just let it go for nothing, but at 20-50% off, it's next to nothing!

I tell y'all, Miss Sweetie Pie sure does make the rounds, doesn't she. That lady loves nothing more than putting on the dog and living the high life...that's why the lady is a tramp!

I am officially dead on my feet, so I'll say nighty night now. Gotta go get rested up for my big night tomorrow! I do believe there's a mirror ball with my name on it somewhere!