Warren and Love

Summer in a Nutshell

2011-08-19T09:12:00.000-04:00

Hey Guys- I am sorry for the Summer Slack, but hey that is what Summer is all about! Right? I also have been working super hard on this epic wedding that is going to take place this Fall, so more slackness in the Blog word to come. Sorry. Here are some pictures to fill in the thousand words. Best, Nan

Of course, he WON!

Up close and personal in Jackson Hole.

Up in the Air with the Greatest of EASE!

Out of our back door in Maine. How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways!

My new OLD favorite in NYC. The Oyster Bar.

NYC in the rain!

The End...

Genius

2011-06-30T09:11:00.000-04:00

I have fond memories of rolling the change of Dr. Reynold's. He had a BIG jug in his closet and if Martha and I rolled it, we got to keep it. Jackpot. Literally. Yesterday, I had a Genius Moment... My youngest is somewhat obsessed with opening a savings account and is always doing something for a dollar here and a dollar there. My oldest can't save to SAVE his life! So, I told them if they would ROLL, they could keep half. They have to use it to open a Savings Account too. Math skills are being refreshed, brothers are working together, and all of those Mason jars full of change are dwindling. Oh yeah, and I get HALF. Genius.

In a word or two...

2011-06-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

Summer Light in Kitchen...

P.S. First one to leave a comment on the blog, as to what plant this is; I will send you a little Firefly treat, anywhere in the U.S.A.

In a word or two...

2011-06-26T11:44:00.000-04:00

Omelette Sunday, ikat plates at Firefly
www.fireflyga.blogspot.com

In a word or two, because that is all I have time to do... HAPPY SUMMER TO YOU!

NO JAVA NO CRY

2011-05-11T10:12:00.000-04:00

I think I am getting delirious, as I am singing in my Bob Marley voice, "NO JAVA, NO CRY! NO, NO JAVA NO CRY!" I am on day three of working on the inside out, vs. outside in. Go over to my sister's site, to read Part TWO of my Interview. Apparently, I am long winded. Apparently, it is going to be a TRILOGY. Sorry, I was drinking alot of coffee that week. Anyway, I do love to juice, so that hasn't been so bad. The first day, I put it in a favorite R.WOOD mug to make me feel better, but now I am onto the big GULP! Do you juice? What are your favorite combinations? Have a great day, Nan

Mirrors don't lie!

2011-05-03T23:43:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, mirrors don't lie! Ain't that the truth, especially those magnified kind! Unfortunately, I kind of have a fascination with those magnified mirrors, every time I am in those nice hotels! I am always utterly and completely taken aback. I literally say OUT LOUD and NOT SO PROUD, "BLOODY HELL I look like SHIT!", or "HOLY BATMAN how long has that whisker been there? I could almost floss with that mother!@*#*! " I get seriously RILED up looking in that mirror. It makes me MAD just thinking about it. I always swear that I am going to buy one immediately, upon returning home, but I never do, (AMEN for some self-love and self-preservation). An average mirror can be horrifying enough, so I will just have to continue to be AGHAST when I return to those fancy hotel rooms... SO, back to the mirror above... If you have not read my sister's blog, Durango Mom, then sadly, you have been missing out, on some serious entertainment. However, today is the DAY that can all change. It probably will not be as entertaining, as some of her posts, because it is an interview with her biggest fan, ME. However, we are cut from the same cloth, so hopefully, it will be amusing. I do encourage you to read for awhile though, because I know you will return often, if you do. Thanks SISTER for including me.

They say it's your birthday...

2011-04-12T09:28:00.000-04:00

TODAY you are YOU, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is YOUer than YOU! Happy Birthday Sweet, old SISTAH! Every time I hear this song, I turn it UP and do some seriously bad dancing and mortify my children, which they secretly love! I also think of my SISTAH Ivey. She loves this song too. Have you read her blog? You should. Here. She is a great sister, albeit, she lives too far away sister... I have learned some good pearls of wisdom from her like, "Never let a boy come between you and a friend."We have a five year age gap between us, so growing up, we were more parallel, and I was probably more annoying, than anything else. She played at me, more than with me. For example, I remember vividly knocking on her locked door, as she had two friends over(Polly and Laura). I knocked. I pleaded, annoyingly, I'm sure. I knocked. I laid on the floor looking under her door. I knocked. I begged. I knocked. Get the picture- Annoying! Anyway, she eventually opened the door, with a very pleasant demeanor...I should have ran away. Sucker. "Come on in," said the wolf in the sheep's clothing. We are going to make you look like a grown up WOMAN!" "Excellent, " I thought... Well, what does that entail you ask? Well, it required scissors, nudity, and good ol' scotch tape. The scissors were used to cut some of my hair (I'm a red head, they were not and yes, that is important to this story). So, they cut some of my hair, and that was not the first time she has cut my hair, and proceeded to scotch tape it to my tu-tu, my eight year old tu-tu. Then they got my mom's bra, pointy bra, and stuffed it with toilet paper and declared that I was NOW a WOMAN! I think I danced around, kinda of like Lady Marmalade. Then, I bolted, out the door, to go show Mom and Dad my NEW and INSTANT Womanhood. I remember my folks laughing and Ivey and her posse not really getting in TOO much trouble... Anyway, it was one of many character building experiences for me, which might have been her intention! Yeah, Right. Anyway, I am a better human because of her and I am honored to be her SOUL SISTAH! Live large and in charge IVEY! I think I got that saying from you too. I love you. XOXO, Nan

Weekend

2011-02-18T10:22:00.000-05:00

What are your plans this weekend? I plan on making this. Rutabagas where have you been my WHOLE life? I feel a little jilted, I must say. They are that good. Last month, I was able to eat here, where I had them for the first time. Lovely. I steamed some a couple weeks ago, and honestly, that is ALL you have to do. We have tickets to this Saturday Night. Thanks Haile(sister-in-law). It's a bird, it's a plane, it's what we won't be wearing from New York's Fall Fashion Week.

I think I am pretty in the "KNOW", but I didn't KNOW about this publication until very recently.

That Union Jack reminds me of the fabulous pillows that just arrived at my store, from the U.K.

Have a great President's Day Weekend! Nan

POST THIS

2011-02-16T09:13:00.000-05:00

It was hot pink, my new iphone just didn't capture it, which I
also heart very much!

Hey GUYS and DOLLS, you could really learn from this GUY. On Valentine's Day, I was going into my store's backdoor and there was a simple, single, hot pink, heart shaped POST IT note. Nothing written on it, just there. When I went into the store, there was another one on our front door. I inquired to my ROCK STAR assistant, "What is up with those cool hearts?" She beamed. She radiated. She giggled like a school girl. Her cute and oh so clever husband of 20 plus years, had put them on her bathroom mirror, her closet door, her coffee mug, the catfood, her car, and then preceded to drive 30 miles to put them at her workplace. Be still my beating heart! How adorable is that. Needless to say, she continued to BEAM and giggle all day! Brilliant Charles Brilliant. XO, Nan

P.S. On the subject of LOVE, I love this new iphone app.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T18:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day My Sweets. I have always enjoyed V- DAY. What is there not to LOVE about LOVE. Unfortunately, my sweetheart will be out of town, so I guess I will have to make something special for my other two LOVES. It will have to be fairly low key though, as I will have to work.

OH MY PIE. Too bad, I didn't come across this sooner...So cute. Yes, I could probably make them, but remember the work thing. I think some Breyer's Strawberry Ice cream with red and pink M&M's will work equally as well for my two.

I have blogged about their New York Map before, as I now own one. I am loving this LOVE BUG print too.

My honey has been on a groove lately. I came home yesterday to a sweet little orchid. Albeit, from Publix's, but I'll take it. I had a little creative moment and used some vintage bead flowers to hold the orchid together.

Last week he gave me my Valentine's gift EARLY. It is a BIG one! Now to make something yummy in it!

What sweet treat do you like to do? May your dinner table be surrounded by those you LOVE! XO, Nan

N.Y.C.

2011-02-01T19:36:00.000-05:00

There are just always awesome moments in NYC, every
time I go there. Saturday evening, walking from the Javits to another
awesome moment, the sky was just heavy with blackness and winter.
There was a brief distance of glowing buildings and the earth. It just made me
sigh and breathe it in like rustic homegrown meal. Thank you Brian and Gary of Aunt Sadie's.
The party was as lovely as you both are! xo

Taken in Union Square with my son and our
BBF's from Virginia. We were celebrating Double
Digits and his 10th birthday was on 10/10/10!

I am glad to have gotten out today (bad weather), but I am always a little sad to leave too. I hope to see you soon BIG GUY, until then adieu! Thank you for an inspiring weekend, Nan

P.S. I love you. Maybe, we should have a Spring Fling? I enjoyed our Fall Rendezvous. wink.

AHOY

2011-01-21T10:48:00.000-05:00

A watercolor of my boys when they were
six and four! Now, ten and eight.

Soon to be wallpaper in the boy's bathroom!
What do you think?

One of my greatest loves EVER!

ALSO LOVED THIS! HEAVEN IN A BOWL.

Note to self: Just realized...Where in the heck is that ocra picture and
wire sculpture octapus! Redid this bathroom a year ago.
Both pieces would be awesome in the bathroom upstairs.

Today. We sail away to Tampa Bay. Don't I wish! Life would be EPIC then. Speaking of EPIC, if I don't shave my legs soon... Yikes. Gorilla in the Mist. At least my hair is light, but that still doesn't help the overall effect- PASTY, WHITE, DRY, KNEES SLOWLY FALLING and NOT GOOD. I need to be packing and picking up the house, so that when we come home SUNDAY the house is not a complete disaster. We are driving though to Tampa for some serious pirate festivities. I can't wait! I am taking some favorite cheese from my favorite folks to some more favorite folks, our hostesses for the weekend. I am still dreaming about here from last weekend, and I can not wait to make this next week! Rustic and amazing! What are your plans? I'm going to squeeze my family extra hard and be thankful! Have a great one, Nan

I love a good word and a good interior.

2011-01-08T17:41:00.000-05:00

I love a good word. I have a dictionary, by my computer that I use all the time. Yes, I know I can look it up online and sometimes, I do... I just love to look up words and the act itself is so satisfying. I also love a good interior. I do. I do. So here is the word- Juxtaposition, and here is the Interior. LOVE. LOVE.

P.S.- Home of Decorator Marie Olsson Nylander

Happy Happy

2011-01-01T14:50:00.000-05:00

Hello folks. Sorry it has been a day or two... A sign of a bad blogger is when she(me) signs "in", and it takes three tries. oops! To my sad defense, I do manage two blogs and I am not savvy enough to "manage" under one account. Anyway, HAPPY HAPPY to YOU! What does 2011 hold for you? Life is so exciting isn't it?! XO, Nan

I will not be doing this. Can you even imagine?

It makes me want to cuss like a sailor just looking at this

picture! Those people are FN crazy!

Now this is my idea of CRAZY. CRAZY FUN! After years of looking at it, I booked it yesterday! Happy New Year in July to ME and my family.

One tide pool large enough to swim in (about the size of THREE, not one, not two, BUT THREE Olympic pools at High Tide)! Did I mention

Lobster and Buttah! I certainly have before.

This is more my speed. I think I will ask HIMSELF for this for

my birthday... January 20th.

A cute Tallahassee customer was in yesterday, and said

she had seen a picture of our Christmas display on a blog!

LOVE THAT. Can I tell you how many times I straightened

those books? Oh well.

I always LOVE dancing with my neighbor, Heeth. He is single ladies.

He can make you look like you know what you are doing

on the dance floor. He also makes dancing so much fun, you don't care!

This dress last night was a huge success! Someone even told me I was

delicious! I will definitely be on this site in the New Year.

HAPPY! HAPPY!

PNP

2010-12-15T10:07:00.000-05:00

This is great! Go to this link www.portablenorthpole.tv and prepare a special message for your children to receive from SANTA, via email of course! That Santa is SO clever! Merry Christmas! Nan

Merry Christmas My Little Chickadees!

2010-12-14T21:31:00.000-05:00

Radley, the now chunky counterpart to his brother Boo!

Merry Christmas My Little Chickadees! Here is a link to a lovely Christmas freebie that I am enjoying. All is well here, just super busy with Firefly, creating magic at home, and life. I watched my favorite Holiday movie last night, Love Actually, wrapped some presies (another made up word) and drank a glass or two of vino. I also noted that my CAT is getting FAT! I am all for a little winter girth, but this has happened since Thanksgiving. It can't have anything to do with the leftovers of oatmeal with brown sugar and honey, peppermint ice cream*, apple pie a la mode, that lovingly get abandoned by two flashes of energy, Reid and Ethan. It certainly can't be the extra long nap under the plush Christmas Tree, because it is way too cold outside. Anyway, I love my cat, but just worried that he is going to turn into an ottoman, if I don't watch out! Warmth and love, Nan

P.S.- Peppermint ice cream is Ethan getting out the meat tenderizer and getting all Nacho Crazy on a candy cane and spreading the joy on some vanilla ice cream... Yes, it does sound pretty fantastic, I know!

just one more...

2010-12-02T10:07:00.000-05:00

Honey, does this make my HIPS look Big?

What about my arse?

Sorry, I don't why I find this site so amusing. I guess I find it absurd, amusing, and somewhat brilliant! I love the name "Outnet ". Clever. This bad little red/black number is only $700+. I did just order the contender from yesterday's post, so I'll keep you posted. Ciao, Nan

2010-12-01T09:02:00.000-05:00

I having fun with this one. I found this discounted couture clothing site and I love it! I haven't been so amused, on what I still can't afford, in awhile...

Burberry and Bad, now only $1,005.

It's Stella, not Standard! Originally $8,845., now a
MERE $2,211. Down Doggy Down!

Somewhere between Saloon Girl and Butterfly.
Only $1127.50

Sleek? or Seal?
At $950., it doesn't really matter.

O.K. A real contender. Originally $440 and now $110.

Is it just ME and Andrew McCarthy, or is this mannequin kind of HOT! Have a great day guys! Nan

Worth endorsing...

2010-11-30T08:48:00.000-05:00

"stolen" from a soon to be FB friend, i hope!

Now this should be an AD campaign! I am loving "Ron the Don"! I will definitely be showing this to my youngest, when he requests a BIG MAC. Check out Wendy(Gwendolen); I will definitely be keeping away from that mean looking -----!

It's Complicated but not really

2010-11-29T09:33:00.000-05:00

I am not one to fall for frantic Christmas catch-phrases like "Black Friday". In fact, the very idea of waking up at 3:00 am after Thanksgiving, is mind boggling. That is my idea of fresh HELL on Earth! There is just nothing I want that badly EVER! Less is always More in my book, especially on Christmas Morning. Now Cyber Monday is a little more appealing- no crowds, in my P.J.s, with a cup of java! However, am I supporting the very thing I hate?! Yes and No. Today, I had an email from one of my favorite online stores, that is sadly going out of business. I know that because I had gotten an earlier email, a few weeks prior. As you may or may not know, I am in retail. To see this particular company not "make" it, hits hard with me. They embrace handmade and their site is just a visual feast. I worry about the future of mom and pop shops, artists, and true trades. I worry that Americans are becoming disconnected with their possessions, their food, and ultimately their life. I worry that Americans are becoming monotonous, homogenized Homo sapiens. No, everyone doesn't have to sit around pondering this, with their hand-made mug, filled with coffee, sent from a favorite coffee hole and former hometown, and a splash of organic milk. Yet, if we were, I think we would be in a better place as individuals and as a country. Time for another cup.

Crazy

2010-11-23T22:44:00.000-05:00

I'll have some of that Chicken with it's head cut off puh-lease. So, what are y'all up too? Needless to say, I'm a little on the Crazy side of things, but that is o.k. too. Currently, I am coveting these boots. Yes, I must have. 39 please! Are you going to be watching the Royal Wedding in April? You bet I am! Did you watch Princess Di get married to Prince Charles? I did. My mom woke us up in the wee hours. Since I am dating myself, I was probably sporting a Lanz nightgown too! Here is a picture of the poor pencils that I went Coo Coo Cuckoo on earlier ( read previous post). Anyway, sorry for the tease, just wanted to say "Hello" and bare with me please... Happy Thanksgiving Folks and give everyone you love an extra SQUEEZE! XO, Nan

Oh My GOODNESS

2010-11-11T10:31:00.000-05:00

I spy with my little eye...A HOTEL!

I was just thinking, I need to TRAVEL somewhere. Soon. Immediately after Christmas. Yes, my family can come. Wish I had a money tree. My BLOODY coffee better come IN TODAY or I might just lose it. Have to have coffee, in order to survive the upcoming weeks of retail... I awoke this morning thinking, "COFFEE, COFFEE, my KINGDOM for some COFFEE. That reminded me that I have had a lot of that Richard the THIRD quote lately. When we were living in the condo, up until two weeks ago today, I would literally walk around saying , "A BRA, A BRA, my KINGDOM for a BRA! My other daily Richard, would be "A PENCIL, A PENCIL, my KINGDOM for a $%*!@%^**#%@PENCIL. The exclamative part is more like a gutteral growl, which the boys find amusing. Them finding it amusing also helps, because when you can't find a ------- SHARPENED PENCIL.... I can LOSE it. HOMEWORK, not my favorite time of day. In fact, when we moved in last week I went and got a @#^&!! pencil sharpener, and a box of pencils. I mounted that SUCKER myself! I sharpened every bloody one of them bastards. I don't ask for much. A bra. A pencil, and bloody cup of coffee or three! Oh, and a TRIP. How about this awesome HOTEL! Stayed tuned for more...

All I want for Christmas...

2010-11-04T09:14:00.000-04:00

All I want for CHRISTMAS is this...

AND THIS!

We became property owners about a month ago... Have I had a chance to drive the fifteen miles to hang out there?! No! Has my husband had the chance to go put up his deer stands and actually sit in one? NO! Were we DREAMING? I hope not! Am I delusional in the DREAM above. Absolutely! However, my DREAMS become my GOALS, ala the property. Goals are good, and it is also a good thing that we only do each others stockings! ZZZzzzz, Nan

A Quickie

2010-11-02T10:26:00.000-04:00

Howdy. Sorry it has been a while since I have posted...We moved back into our abode last week, co-hosted a neighborhood Halloween party, the boy's had spend the night guests, lost a puppy, found a puppy, etc... I have been running ever since- "Welcome to my World." Anyway, here is a "Quickie"of some of my favorite Halloween moments, ala Facebook.

Move over Glenn Close, there is a NEW Queen in Town!

My niece, I mean MY NEPHEW!

A "friend" of a FB "friend". Wow, I'm feeling very inadequate, but impressed all at the
same time. That is how, I kind of feel about Martha Stewart too. I don't think she would be
a very fun "friend" though. Did I mention, I am obsessed with Ina Garten. I think she would
a "rockin' FUN Friend". Love her. Of course, her newest cookbook is at Firefly!

This is from our Halloween Hood Party. We showed "The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown"
on a sheet outside. How FUN is that!

Well, I am off to the RACES. I look forward to some serious sharing in days to come. I have so much FUN to report on. Happy Fall Folks, Nan

In my next life

2010-10-16T10:52:00.000-04:00

In my next life, I am going to wake up at 4:00 am every morning, to make these "school lunches" for my boys. NOT! They are fun though... This is a neat site to bookmark and to feel inadequate, inspired, and somewhat relieved, of the self-inflicted pressure, that I am clearly not falling for. It also makes the task of school lunches seem relatively easy, as I stand there sleepy eyed. Ham sub, PB&J, tuna fish sammy, or bagel with cream cheese- CAKE WALK. Granola Bar- Check! Organic Yogurt- Double Check. Apple or Pear- Easy Breezy. Juice or water bottle- No problem! An Award for Creativity? None! Lunch from home vs. school lunch- An "A" for a job well DONE!

I think I might go for Extra Credit, and try that mozzarella cheese "finger", but with a jazzy Halloween candy corn fingernail!

I love October!

2010-10-04T22:55:00.000-04:00

I came across this last week, while I was reading random blogs, and immediately picked up some glow sticks for my son's favorite pastime- BATHING! Regardless, of this nightly activity, he still manages to look like Pig Pen, with his dust cloud aura whirlwind. Apparently, you can freeze them for multiple baths?! I'll let you know...

These CRAZY CUTE tails and various snouts came in today at Firefly.

It reminded me of some fabulous tails my sister made when Reid was a baby, now almost 10. He had a fantastic leopard tail that he wore out and about the Ville. To see even more cuteness, go to my store's blog: www.fireflyga.blogspot.com.

O.K., now imagine that little, wild animal of yours, sitting down to

a mean PB&J on this CRAZY CUTE plate.

Yes, I'm a sucker for Halloween. I bought this from an artist, who had a collection of vintage masks. She scanned them and then printed them on heavy felt. She then proceeded to painstakingly, cut them out- eyeholes and everything! Five feet of Halloween Badness!

These boots are made for walking...

2010-10-02T08:47:00.000-04:00

   These boots are made for walking and that's
   just what they'll do.One of these days, these
   boots are going to walk all over you!

   Are these kick --- or what! Hopefully,
   they will fit well and will be walking all
   over New York City next weekend!
   Yee-Haw!

I am taking my son to celebrate turning double digits- TEN. We are meeting his very first friend, who now lives in Charlottesville, VA. He is also turning TEN. We will be eating here and here and seeing this.    Of course, we will be going to the Museum of Natural History and Central Park. I just love that carousel. Anyway, I'm getting so excited... We are reading this classic, to get even more jazzed. Perhaps, a Magnolia Bakery cupcake or two! Where would you go? What would you do? I definitely need some input on a great gelato place in Soho, after dinner at Lombardi's. SO, some input people, I'm counting on you! Have a great weekend, Nan

   Did you read this old post of mine? It is
   now framed and ready for the new upstairs.

Clouds in my coffee...

2010-09-27T12:39:00.000-04:00

Today, is a gray day. It hasn't rained in forever, so I am taking advantage of it, as I sit here, drinking java, still in my pajamas. I have to say, I am a little gray on the inside too. I was catching up on one of my favorite bloggers, that I have been selfishly withholding from you, and came upon this entry. She had finally posted her "Birth Story" on the day that should have been my "Birth Story". So there is the gray and the blue of the matter, a shed tear or two. Ironically, I was about to post some happy baby things, and that is exactly what I intend to do. So now that I have made you frown, let's turn that frown upside down, because that is what children and the power of love, for our children can do! I'm done with my Boo-Hoo.

How fun would this be in a nursery!

   Here is to Sunny Days!
   Here is to Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte!
   I can't even begin to tell you how much I heart this!

   We carry these bowls at Firefly and I think it is the perfect baby gift.
   We also have a spotted dog, cat, frog, pig and monkey designs.
   Read more about them here.

"Girl, put your records on,

tell me your favorite song..."

Have a good week guys, Nan

Have you read this ?

This will make you smile.

Too Cool for School

2010-09-25T09:27:00.000-04:00

What is a GEORGIA girl to wear to her first FLORIDA football game? I want to be supportive, but it will be a cold day in HELL, before you ever catch me in anything Collegiate, regardless of schools! In fact, if you EVER see me wearing something COLLEGIATE, you better go HUG your children tight, because the WORLD is coming to an END- shortly. Now, I do "own", actually permanently kept and will not be returning, my brother-in-law's LAWRENCEVILLE grey sweatshirt*... However, that doesn't count. In fact, that is rather cool. If you are confused, maybe this book can help. Yes, it is available at my store. So, this is what I am wearing. It is very simple and very cool, as it is still hot as blazes down here. My cool friend designed it for her cool shop. I bought one just like the picture above, for my boys. I bought one for me, that is short sleeved and royal blue. So, it will be subtle, and I will be cool for school, just not that school, or any school.* That is my rule. Later Gator, Nan

What ya doing this weekend...

2010-09-24T08:31:00.000-04:00

Forgive me Father, for I am about to SIN! My family is heading down to the SWAMP, and they are urging me to attend.

   HEAR NO GATORS(EVIL)!
   SEE NO GATORS(EVIL)!
   SPEAK TO NO GATORS(EVIL)!

This is me pleading with my boys, " Why! Why! Why must you wear so much ORANGE and BLUE!"

GATOR FANS - Scary and Ugly too.

Alright, enough TRASH TALK. I love to talk a little smack though. I think it is fun to ruffle people's feathers about football. I think these prints are also so fun and so affordable. $8.50 each here. There are some pretty ones as well, they just didn't go with my story line. Y'all have a great one, Nan

I often get stopped out and about the Ville...

2010-09-18T09:28:00.000-04:00

I often get stopped out and about the Ville, and folks tell me how much they enjoy my blog. I humbly say, "Thank you." Then they say, "You are such a good writer." Then I double humbly say, "Thank you." Then I ask them if they have ever read my sister's blog? Albeit, I am an O.K. writer, my sister is a natural and a great writer! Yesterday, she wrote a darling post and well, you just have to read it. Della is my niece. Della is persistent. Della does what Della wants to do! When she was living here, she was three. If she got mad, she could throw a fit like no other. Remember Flash Dance? Remember the scene, where the main girl is dancing in place, with earnest determination and purpose? O.K., now imagine Della doing the exact same thing, but screaming and crying her little red head off. Ivey and I would start singing the theme song:

She's a MANIAC, MANIAC at your door
And she's dancing like she never danced before
She's a MANIAC, MANIAC at your door
And she's dancing like she never danced before

Well, needless to say, we would be howlin' with laughter, which would really PISS her off. She would be SO MAD and SO RED. If she could have spontaneously combusted, she would have. If she could have made us spontaneously combust, she would have. Eventually, we would stop, realizing that we were on the borderline of cruel and unusual punishment. She had won fair and square- The BATTLE of the WILLS. So, this is Della. When she is good- she is very, very good. When she is Bad- she is HORRID! I love her dearly for all of that. Here is another link to my sister's blog, The Patton House and you will see... She is good- she is very, very good. Just don't forget about mediocre me, Nan

What are you doing...

2010-09-17T09:34:00.000-04:00

What are you doing this weekend? My honey is returning home, so just a casual, couple of days, before he leaves us again. What a Tease! Puh-lease! This time, it is for work vs. chasing the elusive elk...

This weekend, I will be perusing this again...I had not heard about this new online mag - RUE. I was a day late and a dollar short, but now I am in the "Know" and so are YOU. It just debut yesterday.

I will be working over at our house and hopefully painting a chalkboard, on a side of our cabinet, so that I can apply one of these. I'm also doing a custom one in charcoal gray for the boy's new bathroom upstairs.

I will be wishing for this kind of weather, as I work in my pitiful garden, getting it ready for some fall lettuce.

I will be dreaming of these boots that I desperately don't need. Snap! Have a great a great one and pop in the store and say "Hello", if you can. All the Best, Nan

Double Snap!

2010-09-16T08:49:00.001-04:00

Double Snap! I can't believe it has been since July. Sorry, I have left all five of my followers hanging... O.K., I stand to be corrected- twelve. I will do better by you guys, I promise. I have lots to report on, but I have yoga in five, so it will have to wait. Just wanted to post this picture... I want to go on record, I think I could kill for this table, or at the very least, donate a kidney! Amazing. Off to the mat, Nan

Snap!

2010-07-13T09:26:00.000-04:00

Snap! They crawled through the bathroom window...

Days like this...

2010-07-13T09:11:00.000-04:00

Do you ever have DAYS like this and it is only 8:30 am ? Am I a Mean Monster Mom, because in the 1 1/2 hours that they have been up, they are completely helpless, fighting, whining, and driving me utterly mad?! I just had to pause to go break up a wrestling match and guess what- they both lost. I kicked them out and locked the doors... Now, for my second cup of JAVA.

Summer in a Soap

2010-07-07T09:03:00.000-04:00

I love this particular bar of soap, but especially in the Summer Time. The smell is just right- berries entwined with notes of green vine, white musk, and vanilla. It even smells cool and refreshing. Come on in Firefly for a bar or two. On the subject of berries, we are about to go to Whigham to pick the last of
some amazing organic blueberries. YUM. Thanks Michelle P. for including us.

July 4th

2010-07-05T11:50:00.000-04:00

Did you have a nice Fourth? We did- very mellow. I meant to post, but just opted to take it easy. We swam, made great B-QUE, fired off fireworks until there were no more. I hope we all kept perspective though, on what yesterday means and offered up a little prayer of appreciation and admiration to those who have fought for our freedom- past and present. I don't believe in this war, but I do believe in our troops and I think we ALL dream of Peace... Happy Fourth of July and God Bless America.

P.S. These great Wild Matt Cherry Tomatoes are out of my garden.

It's been a while...

2010-07-01T14:21:00.000-04:00

Hey Guys- Sorry for the absence, but it has just been crazy. Since my last post we have gotten out of school, gone to Camp Mondamin, relaxed in Cashiers, learned how to fly-fish, started renovations on our house, had a two week visit,with my sister in Colorado and her children, visited The Painted Pony,went to St. Teresa, had an encounter with Rat Man, worked at Firefly, worked in my garden, went to Tampa and Orlando, read several great books, and yesterday spontaneously got a black lab puppy and named her Bleu. The heat might just have fried my brain. I also have been cooking up a storm, usually in the morning, as it is hot as blazes, in the afternoon. I have been craving summer vegetables, especially tomatoes, and everything super light. Did I mention it is hot as blazes! The absence of a hall ceiling and an uninsulated upstairs with cut-outs for windows, doesn't exactly help matters either. My favorite cooking accomplishment so far has been Baba Ganoush. I love Baba Ganoush, but have always been afraid to make it. The name and the main ingredient- eggplants, just seemed daunting. Well, nothing daunting about it. My sister described a recipe that she had gotten off a blog, that belongs to an American, now living in France. She couldn't remember his name. Ironically, the next morning, I got an email from my French friend, Bear and a link to a blog. Yes, they were one and the same. I love that! Yes, it is so yummy, I can't stand it. I will be making more this weekend for sure. The only vague part of the recipe was whether to keep the seeds or not to keep the seeds. I got rid of them, because they were easy to get rid of... Anyway, here is a pictorial of the last month. I'll try not to be such a stranger. Have a good one, Nan

Walking a fine line

2010-05-25T09:52:00.000-04:00

I walked on a fine line yesterday. It started with my son asking for leftover blackberry cobbler for breakfast, which is a kid after my own heart. It was their next to the last day of school, with an early release at 12:30. We were home for about five minutes, when our neighbor knocked on the door...

Did we want to go boating?
Tubbing?
Lake Iamonia?

Of course we did!

The boys couldn't put on their bathing suits fast enough.

Borderline between Southern and Red?
Definitely!

Did we have a token black lab(alligator bait), on the boat?
Absolutely!

FUN? Hell yeah!

Summer?
Officially on.

Breakfast of Champions.

I am free.

Heathrow showing us how it is done.

Bella Bait

Ready, Set

SUMMER!

Tempted by the fruit of another...

2010-05-19T10:29:00.000-04:00

Now that I got your attention...

I have been thinking about having a summer affair. Light- very Light. Casual- very Casual. Fresh-very Fresh. Nothing but a little fling. Don't worry honey, you will always be the ONE. You are my constant, but sometimes, a girl just needs a change. Besides, this affair might do us some good. It might make me appreciate you a little more. It just might make me realize what I have and that the grass is not always greener or filled with notes of pineapple, grapefruit, rum, coconut milk and cedar. I think this will be fun and please know that you will always, always, be the ONE. Adieu Mon Amour, Nan

THE ONE!

THE FLING!

Are you ready?

2010-05-18T08:48:00.000-04:00

If you can't beat them, join them? OUI? OUI! I am a French Freak and I have an"Ou La La " Moment almost daily and it always, almost always, comes back to something from France. This week will be dedicated to all things and places that I love francais! If I were a horse, a farm hand, or a field mouse, I would die and go to heaven here. This is a great little blog that I feel you should know about, now on my blog list too.

Last summer we went all over Maine. We paused and parked right by this charming shop, called The Marston House, in Wiscasset. Well, let's just say, I had a few minor fits and could also have died and gone to heaven here. The owner Sharon was lovely, as we talked "shop" and I bought some beautiful pottery that she had brought from a ceramiste in France. I will definitely be going back to her lovely shop, and would love to rent one of her properties in France next summer.

Here is one of the bowls I bought. I left the other behind as a hostess gift. If anyone wants to drop a hint to my husband, I would love another piece for our anniversary- blue and white stripes, s'il vous plait.

The PROPERTY!

I love this kitchen. I love this kitchen. I love this kitchen. I love this kitchen! Doesn't this look like an interior Nancy Meyers would use? Au revoir, Nan

Slacker

2010-05-15T09:23:00.000-04:00

I had a pact with myself that I would post Monday through Friday for six weeks...Well, I didn't do it Thursday or Friday, so here is one for Saturday. I ran across this some time ago and I think it is insightful, poignant, and beautiful. This mother has "gotten it" and I think we all can learn from it. Have a great weekend, Nan

P.S.- This photo is by Esty artist, Irene Suchocki. I have to dash, my boys want to be the first ones in the pool, as it officially opens today... How fun is that-simple pleasures!

WELCOME TO HOLLAND

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this...
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome To Holland".
"Holland?!?" you say, "What do you mean "Holland"??? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy"
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around…and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills...Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy...and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned".
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away...because the loss of that dream is a very significant loss.
But...if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things...about Holland.

© 1987, by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved.

F.F.F. (Few Fun Favorites)

2010-05-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

I love a pretty label and I think this would be fun for a

garden party and the wine snobs would just have to trust me.

I watched this funny movie the other night. I would definitely

recommend it.

I think this would be a fun trip for our Family, for a couple

of days along with something else. Hmmm...

2010-05-11T09:21:00.000-04:00

Read this great article on Keith McNally, the restaurant visionary of NYC.

2010-05-10T10:22:00.000-04:00

The Happy Newlyweds arrive...

Detail of favor boxes and the tables.

Centerpiece at the Food Table

The "Guestbook"

Meta, the proud niece and John.

Ben and brother of the bride, Stephane.

Karen, Desiree, and Michele (bride's sister-in-law).

It's all good in the hood, John and Bobby.

Detail of the Bar flowers.

We had a lovely time at the beach, celebrating the wedding of
Jon and Claire.

Everything was just right. Congratulations! xo, Nan

T.G.I.F.

2010-05-07T21:27:00.000-04:00

I don't know why I find this so funny, but I do. Go here to see

the whole series of what Storm Troppers do on their day off?

This is THE shoe for my Moment. Yes, after an hour I will

be barefoot, with my newly pedicured toes.

T.G.I.F. I am not feeling that. It is more like O.S.I.F., ( OH, SNAP IT'S FRIDAY)!@#$!! Yes, I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off, and it is not my style, so I am a little frazzled. A lot is going on this weekend. The store is especially busy with Mother's Day and Graduation. I have to work a couple more hours in the morning, before we dash off to our neighbor's wedding at the beach. Her favorite beverage is Champagne and her father is French and a retired chef, so we will be drinking and eating very well. If you haven't realized, I like to eat and drink, so I am excited. I am ready for a little "moment", a pretty wedding, by a pretty pool, with the pretty ocean, with pretty food, sipping some yummy Champagne with pretty people. I would like to have a pretty moment myself, a little Sarah Jessica Parker, ala Carrie moment. A moment, where if I was walking the streets of Soho, Scott Schuman might pause, not actually take my picture, but just pause for a moment...that's all. Well, let me tell ya that isn't easy. Who knew it was so much work to look natural; I have been working on looking natural for two weeks. I have come to the conclusion, that it is not NATURAL to look this "NATURAL." I have plucked, polished,whitened, exfoliated, exercised,lathered, slathered, and shaved my legs, where no Nan has shaved before, and never will again. Crazy. I even had a pedicure this morning, my third EVER. It took over an hour, who has time for all that? They look good, but GOOD GRIEF. Anyway I am looking forward to a moment and a rare night away from the boys, but alot has to happen in between now and that moment, so have a great weekend, Nan

P.S. Remember to fill up the blue bags for the Postman and the Food Drive tomorrow.

Improvising

2010-05-06T10:36:00.000-04:00

Begrudgingly, the boys left me some SO that

I could make this! The cobbler turned out great, the final photo of it, did not. You get the picture- GOOD, very GOOD!

The bread was covered in fresh garlic, sea salt, and red pepper flakes. Somebody had to sample it and that Somebody was ME. In order to sample properly, I HAD to open a bottle of vino...

This is the spicy shrimp and you use the bread to SOP UP the yummy broth.

My later part of my day went like this. I took the boys to choir ( the last one for the school year), which means my last opportunity to work out in the afternoon. I called Himself, before I left, to confirm Mexican at Coyoacan; I made the fatal mistake of mentioning Cinco de Mayo. Well, that killed it dead in the water. Himself could not think of a worse time to go...Blah, Blah, Blah. I replied, "Well, I'm going to work out. We will have to figure it when I get home." When I got home Himself had picked Dewberries (early, wild blackberries) at his warehouse. They were insanely beautiful. Himself had gotten a dough ball from our restaurant, and picked up two pounds of shrimp at the seafood market. Basically, Himself had come through, in a very impressive, improvisational way. Himself then needed to go back to the restaurant, because they were shorted-handed and would return the minute there was a loll. Himself quickly went and got the boys from choir and dropped them off. I got busy. Himself and I enjoyed a relatively effortless meal. Needless to say, I should have ran ten miles instead of two. Oh well!

Cinco de Mayo

2010-05-05T08:46:00.000-04:00

If I was in Portland, Maine, I would be here.

I would be eating this and then some.

I would definitely be drinking this. We ate here last

summer after a Portland Seadogs game. We ate the below before

the game, at outdoor picnic tables with an amazing view. The

boys would come eat a little and then go explore alot.

If in Maine, this is a family MUST.

Now you might have missed this old post about my bottom, after

this trip and my trip to Scotland... you'll laugh, I promise.

Don't you worry, I will be celebrating, probably at my favorite

Mexican restaurant- Cocoaycan in Quitman, Georgia. In honor of

Cinco de Mayo, they will have 2 for 1 Margaritas and free T-shirts

to the first 50 customers who spend > than $15. I need a D.D.

Any Volunteers?

What do you think of this? I think it is interesting, especially

since it is made entirely of crayons. For more go here.

SOLD for 106.5 MILLION. Now that is alot of PESOS!

Piscasso's "Nude, Green Leaves and Bust" set a new

record for a work of art sold at auction. Maybe, a Major

League Baseball Player bought it.

Happy Cinco de Mayo, Nan

2010-05-04T19:38:00.000-04:00

I'm afraid that today's showers might have washed away "MAY FLOWERS" to the next county...back for more zinnia seeds tomorrow.

I'm trying to be good, but damn I want some HAM on a baguette, with unsalted butter.

Don't even need the cheese. Oh, and a glass of vino- HEAVEN!

2010-05-03T13:21:00.000-04:00

St. George Island, New Year's Eve 2009

George, on St. George Island, New Year's Eve 2009

Just read an article on the status of the oil spill and it saddens me to no end. It is devastating and to think that there is no end in sight... Well, it just makes you kind of sick. Furthermore, it is heading to our beloved Florida Panhandle in as little as three days. To read the two local articles go here and here.

2010-04-30T23:59:00.000-04:00

Rain, Rain, Go AWAY. Come back another day...

but I do love an opportunity to wear my navy boots!

Loud and Proud vs. Silent and Violent

2010-04-29T08:09:00.000-04:00

I just went to this website and ordered these. I love a free sample and after my husband sawed down Yosemite National Forest last night... Well, I think he needs to try it. According to him, I, too, had ample ammunition and retaliated, (silently and violently). I denied it of course. I guess I have been eating way too many of these, but I love them. This has been my favorite sandwich since I was little and I mean little. I have fond memories of Mom slathering Mayo and Durkee's on two slices of wheat bread. I got to put the boiled egg in the slicer and then artistically arrange them. The finishing touch was a generous shake of Lawry's Seasoning Salt. Yum. She also would open a kitchen drawer and put down a baking sheet and pull up a stool, so that I was at a more comfortable height to watch Sesame Street from the kitchen. Clever Mom.

What a Day

2010-04-28T07:49:00.000-04:00

With promises of summer around the bend, I must get out in that blank slate of a garden. Chilly and GLORIOUS- loving it!

9 by Design

2010-04-27T19:36:00.000-04:00

9 by Design

Gemma, the rustic trattoria in The Bowery Hotel designed by Taavo Somer, who did Freeman's, which is also a great space.

One of the many yummy interiors of the The Bowery Hotel in NYC.

This ribbon wallpaper would be very cute in a little girl's bathroom or closet.

Amusing wallpaper.

The verdict is still out on whether or not I like this...If you have

ever seen my interior though, you know I am a sucker for beaver sticks, driftwood, bird nests, eggs,turtle shells, owls, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

Genius vinyl decal headboard- go here.

Here are some fun decorating ideas to get you jazzed up for watching 9 by Design tonight(10pm). If you haven't heard, it is a great reality show on a husband/wife, plus their gaggle of kids(7), who are design innovators slash renovators in NYC. Speaking of THE CITY, I want to check out this shop next time I am there, and definitely eat and if my ship comes in, stay here as well.

Facebook "Friends" Photos

2010-04-26T09:11:00.000-04:00

Somewhere Fabulous in France, photo taken by Bear.

You know where, photo taken by Carolyn.

Bahamas, i think, photo taken by Leigh.

The Big Oak, photo taken by David.

Downtown Athens, photo taken by Jason.

Top of the morning folks. Here are just a few photos taken by my Facebook "Friends" that made me pause and sigh. Have a great week, Nan

Labor of Love

2010-04-23T09:39:00.000-04:00

DAILY LOVE

I love this little seed company. I pour over their catalog in the winter months, and I refer to it all spring and summer long. Their seeds are amazing. Last summer, I probably had 50+ volunteer tomato plants sprout up from the previous season. I dug them up and transplanted them. I put them in peat pots and gave them away. It was crazy. Here is my compost bin from a few days ago and yes, those are Matt's Wild Cherry Tomatoes growing out of the vents. You just got to love them and I do, I do, I do! Go check them out here.

Crap! Crap! Crap! Not my idea of Organic Crap! Damn Cat!

Just planted a whole bed of Basil, all seed, except the four plants that some Basil Goddess or God left on my front stoop yesterday. Thank you. I would love to return the LOVE with some Matt's Cherry Tomatoes, so let me know who you are.

LABOR OF LOVE

Why do cats gravitate to the newest, nicest, upholstery, cushions, or bedding? These two brothers, Boo and Radley, were simultaneously sleeping in two different locals, but on my latest house projects- blue and white ticking on the front porch, and ice blue velvet on an antique chair. Yes, of course, I let them stay there as long as they wished and gave them some love to boot. They are so cute.

Have a great, laid back weekend, Nan

Paper Love

2010-04-21T19:39:00.000-04:00

DAILY LOVE

I love pretty paper. Yes, I do. Now available at Firefly

WAH- HOO!

I love chairs.

2010-04-21T08:57:00.000-04:00

LOVE LOVE LIST

I strive to give photo credits and usually write it down, but I "took" this one,

so long ago that I didn't. I just LOVE it on so many levels. Simple. Foreign-it's gotta be. Now here is a photo of a chair that I heart very much and had covered 12 years ago... I growl every time a child or cat or anyone, for that matter, goes near it. You may think I am kidding on the growling, but I am not. It is a very effective method, especially when you don't use it often. I highly recommend it. It was my grandmother's slipper chair. The Zebra chair I found locally. They had four and in retrospect, I should have bought them all. However, at the time, we had just downsized and lost about 1,000 sq. feet. Did I mention I also have a "chair problem". Well, I do... Back to the Zebra, that is vinyl and the seat is also vinyl navy faux snakeskin! Damn, I should have bought them all. It is now my computer chair and I also heart it very, very much.

2010-04-20T17:05:00.001-04:00

LOVE LOVE LIST for today anyway...

When I was in Scotland, last August, I saw a lot of doors of houses painted this great green!

The Porsche ain't bad either...

Love licking a bowl.

Surprisingly (to myself), I love to watch little league baseball.

Monday

2010-04-16T16:36:00.001-04:00

Do you see what I see? Do you see the castles too?*

Introducing my LOVE LOVE LIST,

that I am now going to do daily- Monday through Friday. It will probably not be this long everyday, but I wanted you to get the idea. Enjoy, Nan

*I love this image and this blog, now on my blog list.

LOVE LOVE LIST

This is the coolest book that I have seen in a long, long while.

Amazing interiors, country side, and characters. Available at my store.

BACON!!! Oh, yes I do. However, now I bake it at 400 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes (thick sliced).

I also heart, heart Thompson Farms in Dixie, GA.

I am loving these sandwich rounds, hearty multi-grain, 100 calories.

Just planted four of these in my yard.

Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T19:52:00.001-04:00

He has risen! He has risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia!

I asked both of my cute nephews to smile for me. Well, they were both a little preoccupied,

with their newly acquired Easter loot, so I just took their picture anyway. Of course, they turned out to be the best.

My Easter hued boys.

Abandoned Easter Basket demanding to be photographed.

My Easter Table- kind of Hippy inspired with paper flowers from here.

R.Wood plates and very cool Dransfield & Ross napkins from my store. Instead,

of place cards, I dyed eggs with guest's names on them and put them in individual nests.

The Sound of Music and music to my ears...

2010-04-02T09:39:00.000-04:00

We are about to head out for a family road trip and I have a captive audience. I love the subtle parental control. What does this mean? It means that Netflix just dropped off The Sound of Music and True Grit for the boy's truck driving pleasure. I will probably meet a little resistance, but what are their other options? Read? Thumb war? Look out the window? Draw? Play Beetle Bop? See. Subtle parental control, that is what I am talking about!

Tonight

2010-03-26T08:28:00.000-04:00

Finally, a reality show that I can admit that I'm watching, airs tonight! Go Jamie Go! Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution on ABC, 9 p.m. EST.

Legoland

2010-03-25T08:47:00.000-04:00

I have to be honest. I am not a fan of theme parks, and Disney is my idea of hell on earth. I have taken my two- twice and I am officially done. Check. Check. Now to totally contradict myself, I am kind of excited about yesterday's announcement of Legoland coming to Cypress Gardens. I have always wanted to go to San Diego and visit Legoland and their zoo, plus it is California. I have always been fascinated by the life size renditions of Darth Vador , Chewbacca, and Harry Potter made entirely of Legos. Unfortunately, my boys have never been with me, and pictures just don't do them justice. I have never been to Tampa either, so another bonus. Legoland is slated for 2011 and I am so there, at least once, maybe twice. Check. Check.

A little Happy for me

2010-03-24T10:14:00.000-04:00

I came across this site on one of my random blog searches and immediately ordered one for my boy's bathroom. The french freak in me paused on the Paris map. Yet, as a serious lover of NYC, I knew what to do. I want my boys to know New York City like the back of their hand. I grew up with poems framed in our bathroom, and guess what, I still have them memorized. So now I need to come up with some great poems, to go along with this map. I love poetry, so this task is a little daunting. I would seriously love to know your favorite childhood poems. The ones that make you dream. Here is one, of the poems I memorized, from my time sitting on the LOO.

The Swing

How do you like to go up in a swing,

Up in the air so blue?

Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing

Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,

Till I can see so wide,

Rivers and trees and cattle and all

Over the countryside-

Til I look down on the garden green

Down on the roof so brown-

Up in the air I go flying again,

Up in the air and down!

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Yellow

2010-03-23T16:42:00.000-04:00

I love the color YELLOW. It just makes me smile and then some. Today, I could use some smiles and then some. These just arrived a few minutes ago, from my sweet friend Amy. I love tulips and the pine- yummy. I had already planned on posting these other pictures that I came across this morning, because they were light, happy, and YELLOW. Thanks everybody for the well wishes. They have helped a lot. Here is to brighter days and to Spring, Nan

Rebirth

2010-03-18T07:53:00.000-04:00

As you probably don't know, I had a miscarriage this week. I went Tuesday for a prenatal checkup and the midwife was unable to find a heartbeat and ordered an ultrasound ASAP. Luckily, I wasn't alarmed as I should have been, as I am a little too laid back at times, and don't freak out until I have good reason too. I asked the ultrasound technician if she saw a heartbeat. Her response, "I'm sorry, you will have to talk to your doctor." At that moment, I have never felt so literally alone, and raw. I welled up with tears. Unfortunately, my sweet husband, was on his way home from a business trip. Then I had to wait and wait. Finally I was called back to the midwife, who had seen me earlier that morning. She sat down immediately and the first word out of her mouth was, "Unfortunately..." That is when I really cried. I appreciated her directness, her obvious concern, and the wade of tissues she supplied. She asked if she could call my husband, and I said, "No, he is out of town." She wanted to call someone, but I assured her that I didn't want anyone. Again, I am somewhat of a loner, and definitely needed to have my space. She then said that my Doctor wanted to see me in his office. This is when you realize how important a good doctor is and how nice small towns are. Anyway, Dr. Stubley made a sad situation feel a little better. He ordered a D&C for the next day and assured me that he would be there every step of the way. His nurse is also a rock star and filled out my paperwork and asked if I had a preference for anesthesiology . Of course, I did, and she said she would call him personally and see what she could do. Yesterday, as I waited in the waiting room, Dr. Bragg, the anesthesiologist, came out and shook my husband's hand and hugged my neck, saying how sorry he was and that he was going to take good care of me. He and Dr. Stubley did and then some. I can't express enough, how at peace, I was, knowing I was in such good hands- their hands and ultimately God's. Father Buechner, who I like to call FB, because he is so human and sweet, came back and visited with us too. He was just right and exactly the spiritual food I needed.

Last night I didn't sleep much. I feel like I have been asleep for months, with pregnancy and all the yuckiness that seems to come my way. I couldn't turn my head off and physically I felt so much better. Although, I am sad, I have to say I am really at peace with this. I kept thinking how FB, in his more formal, Episcopalian way, said that I was GREAT WITH CHILD, when he heard my news of expecting. At the time, I kind of chuckled at the formality, but I did understand what he was saying- Kind of. I am no longer Great with Child, but I am GREAT with renewed purpose. I now want to be a Greater Mom to my precious boys, a Greater Wife, a Greater Christian, and ultimately a Greater Person. I don't think I would have gotten that, if I had not been Great with Child, and for that I am truly blessed and thankful.

Liberty of London

2010-03-14T18:35:00.000-04:00

I appreciate good fashion, but I live in South Georgia, so it is not a high priority, by any means. Also, I can't afford my taste, certainly don't have the time, and hate, loathe, despise, dreaded, trying on clothes. Basically, I am screwed. However, I did bee line it to Florida this afternoon because Liberty of London for Target debuted. Hip Hip Hooray! It did not disappoint. I am going to use my new purchases for maternity clothes, because I don't have a lick of clothing, from my last pregnancy seven years ago. That is probably a good thing. Anyway, the price is right, with really fun summer prints, so GO, GO, GO! The girl's dresses are also precious. Good thing I have boys, because I did enough damage on my own.

2010-02-23T19:19:00.000-05:00

I just bought and ate this. I feel like I just licked this. So much for trying a new granola. Supposedly, no artificial flavoring, whole wheat oats, and it can be yours minus one serving.

You know is it is bad...

2010-02-16T15:50:00.000-05:00

You know it is BAD when you scrub the toilet before you get sick, hoping to make it a more pleasant experience...

You know it is BAD when never want to see or smell a cup of java ever again!

You know it is BAD when you have to drive around with Tupperware...

You know it is BAD when you pause for quite a while on a show called OBESE and PREGNANT!

You know it is really, really BAD when you opt for staying in BED and let your husband meet with the architect for the first time on the expansion of your home... Now I am scaring myself.

HOLY...!@?*

2010-01-25T08:49:00.000-05:00

I am officially on the wagon. My husband is officially OFF the wagon- dazed and confused...I, for the first time, in a long time, I'm at a lost for words. Wow, Are you kidding me! ARE YOU KIDDING ME. Sweet Jesus. HOLY COW! Really? YES, REALLY. Go ahead and FREAK out, because I certainly am and will continue to be. I am officially pregnant!

Don't Mix

2010-01-23T10:17:00.000-05:00

Getting dressed yesterday, I realized lotion and clean jeans don't MIX. Now, if you need a little comic relief then by all means!

On the same page?

2010-01-19T08:41:00.000-05:00

I like to think that the Hubby and I are on the same page for the most part. Yet, we are clearly experiencing a huge disconnect, in the food that comes in our household. This past weekend, he went to Walmart to buy hanging supplies for a house project. He came home with hanging supplies, Nacho Doritos, Chex Mix, guava pineapple sugar crap juice, yogurt smoothies, and for the first time ever in the raising of our children, processed Kraft American cheese - those individually packaged slices! What the hell? Really?! Really. Are you trying to get my goat? Well, I refrained from saying anything. Seriously, I refrained. Freaking out was not an option. Seriously, scratching my head was. How long have we been married? How long have our boys been drinking organic milk? Yes, since they got off the tit at 14 months. How long have we been eating organic vegetables, meat, and yogurt. Did you look at the folks in Wal-mart? Did their voluptuousness inspire you to buy crap? I clearly didn't get it. He clearly doesn't either. Clearly. I just thought we were farther along than we apparently are. My bed time reading material has not registered- EVER. Clearly. My current reading material/bible is Nourishing Traditions, which is hard core stuff, but right on. Yes, it is available at Firefly and should be required reading for all parents. Yes, by the time you read this, I will have donated a copy to our library. Apparently none of my bedtime reading has. Clearly. Ina Garten, Jamie Oliver, Chef Bobo, Alice Waters have been singing and preaching to the choir- moi and only moi. Now, I am not a food nazi, because I don't want my boys to become food freaks or afraid to put anything in their mouth. I will be afraid for them and therefore, try to provide healthy food. I need my partner to be on board with that. If it comes out of a box or package then it is probably crap. I know that, so that food is limited. Fruits, nuts, vegetables, dairy (limited), and meat. Organic. Simple. Yes, it is more expensive, but so is obesity, cancer, heart disease, and hospitals. I like to think of it as preventive medicine. I like to think that it is common sense. We are so removed from our food that it is frightening. Clearly. Next time my husband needs a nail, he is going to Tru-Value or Lowe's. Clearly. Stayed tuned for more...I'm just getting started. Clearly!

Doing the right thing

2010-01-18T18:08:00.000-05:00

I think it is fair to say, that Haiti has been heavy on lots of hearts and minds lately. I know it has been on mine. I hope it makes everyone realize how fortunate we are and how lucky we are to live in such a rich country. It also reminds me of Hurricane Katrina and the folks up and down the Louisiana and Mississippi coastline, and what I recall, as a slow response from our government. In fairness, the death toll of Hurricane Katrina was 1,723, whereas, Haiti could be as high as 200,000. Yet Life is Life, and I do wish our government had responded with a little bit more gusto. I wished I had too. It is very easy to become "dehumanized" when we see the horror of natural disasters. I think it is a natural, defensive response to kind of shut down emotionally. Natural Disasters put everyone on the same page, and that can be a hard pill to swallow. It is also easy to turn off the idiot box and forget about it. Anyway, I don't mean to get on a soap box, but I do hope everyone realizes that they can give monetarily and should. It's called doing the right thing. My sons have given me their saved money. They are seven and nine. They get it. I hope you do too.

Gracias Amigos

2010-01-01T19:11:00.000-05:00

Gracias everyone for the kind words about the lost of our dog, Jack. He had been in kidney failure for the last couple of weeks, which for us meant getting up a couple times a night to let him out. He slept in our old hallway, (hardwood floors), so we also had to listen to his pacing up and down trying to get comfortable. Needless to say, our house was awful quiet last night, and his absence was very present. Here is the funny thing. I had asked HIMSELF to go and get some crickets for the frogs that also live in our hallway. We were officially out and the ones we had gotten for Christmas, must have been on the way out, because they never made a sound. After HIMSELF bought the crickets, we left for the beach. I swear I probably laid my head down last night for about two minutes before the crickets started to serenade. REALLY? I mean REALLY! I don't know why I found it so humorous...It couldn't have been all of the bubbly, but I did. I just couldn't stop giggling. HIMSELF was not as amused as I was. Nor was he as bubbly as I was. After about ten minutes, I was no longer amused, so I got up and confined the confounding crickets to the laundry room. I was appreciative of the laughter and the noise though. It was like a sign from GOD to me. He had turned a very somber moment into a very funny one. I was able to go to sleep peacefully and at peace. The bubbly didn't hurt either. Happy New Year Everyone and Gracias for reading, Nan

New Year's Eve

2009-12-31T17:11:00.000-05:00

I did a quick trip(24hrs.) down to St. George, with the boys, and we had a great time. Today was a glorious day on the beach- seventy degrees. Unfortunately, our sweet dog, Jack passed away, while we were gone. That is him on my main header- beloved, sweet and true. We could not have had a better dog to raise our boys. You were unconditional love, so thank you sweet friend, and yes, I might have to go have a good cry in the shower. Tonight with a heavy heart, appreciation, and peace, I will raise my glass to YOU!

P.S. That cute dog is George, and yes, it was bittersweet to watch him today...even though I didn't know Jack was gone. I just knew it was close. However, I love the cycle of life and watching this young dog whip up and down the beach chasing sea birds was comforting and it put me at peace. Adieu.

Awesome

2009-12-28T10:52:00.000-05:00

Did y'all see the sunset the other night? I think the word "Awesome" is overused, but not in this case. I was driving back from the pet store with two new frogs and a beta fish, and just kept driving off into the sunset until the show ended. I was sad that I didn't have my camera, but glad that I was having one of those"One with God, One with Nature" moments. The next day my friend sent out an email about Glorious Thomasville Sunsets with a picture. Awesome!

Pixie Dust and Love Actually

2009-12-17T09:55:00.000-05:00

Last night my son lost his second tooth. I, again, got the pleasure of pulling it out. Yes, I really enjoy pulling teeth and I am quite good at it too. My method of choice is dental floss, minty. Anyway, I had put them to bed and had sat down to my computer, when my son appeared and asked if he could write a note to the Tooth Fairy for some Pixie Dust. I thought for a nanosecond, realizing that there was not a speck of glitter in my house, and replied, "No, just go to BED." A moment later he appeared, "How do you spell -SOME?" Alright, lame ass mother of the year. Get your ass up and go compose a note to the Tooth Fairy with your cute son...Then go make some Pixie Dust HAPPEN. So I found some curling ribbon and divided into thirds and started cutting. I realized that our hole punch is heart shaped and starting punching. I heart punched our coffee bag because it was gold on the outside and silver on the other side. The new J.Crew was quite handy too- beautiful shades of red on both sides. I even used the glassine envelope from the Post Office and broke out the magic markers. I sprinkled it in his hair and bed. I put the rest in his little ziplock bag with his dollar bill. No, I don't believe in crazy amounts of money from the Tooth Fairy. Yes, I do believe in Pixie Dust and Love. Love is all you need.

Love at first sight

2009-12-15T19:07:00.000-05:00

Love at first sight and the boy ain't bad either. My friend posted a link to this local talent that literally took my breathe away. His vessels are gorgeous. I majored in sculpture and to make wood do this is a trick. You should see the bedside table I made from a rough piece of cherry. Imagine four cherry legs, that look like wooden baseball bats from the Stone Age,with a top maybe an inch thick. Pathetic really, but it represents an amazing experience, that I had at Penland School of Crafts. As well as the realization, that furniture making was not my thing. It was way too much math and way too much work using way too many expensive machines, that I could never afford. I think I am going to have to take my boys down to see this guy. I think that a kayak hung down my hall would be great looking... Dreamy on all accounts.

2009-12-04T08:20:00.000-05:00

The elves are back and they are bad... Check out my store's blog for Elves behaving badly.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2009-12-04T08:16:00.000-05:00

Star Wars vs. Eiffel

2009-11-28T17:48:00.000-05:00

I'm looking for some feedback people...Here is my question. My boys have asked Santa for Star Wars Legos- MORE Star Wars Legos, because we have a plenty! Would they be mortified, scarred, and emotionally wronged, if Santa brought them the Lego Eiffel Tower instead? I'm thinking worldy instead of out of this world, and since my fine custom,bookcases have now become the Star Wars landing zone...Well, I much rather look at the Eiffel Tower. Please don't get me wrong, I heart Star Wars, but they asked Santa for the expensive sets, thinking they are doing me a favor. It is hard to spend over $100 bucks ... really hard to spend over a $100 bucks on Legos. So, if I am spending over a $100 bucks, then I would much rather spend it on the Lego Eiffel Tower. Hell, I'll help them make the Eiffel Tower all day long. Star Wars not so much. I use to think the Eiffel Tower was SO CLICHE,(Eat more Crow), and then I saw it! I couldn't stop looking at it. I only took a thousand pictures of it. I HEART THE EIFFEL TOWER. Alright, already. I know the answer, I just had to vent a little. However, I do think Darth Vader and Luke could have a very effective battle scene on the Eiffel Tower...Oh Snap, who am I kidding?

P.S. The picture of the Eiffel Tower was taken by my FB friend Carolyn. Yes, I stole it off her page. The Yoda Mouse, along with Emperor Mouse, are handmade by a very clever artist in the Netherlands I believe. They were a huge hit in my boy's stockings last year. An Ewok and Chewbacca Mouse are on their way to add to their collection. It's all relative right!?