Book Look

While at the beach I had a chance to read 2 new books. The first one was the sequel to Revenge of the Kudzu Debutantes. I love sequels! The Secret Lives of the Kudzu Debutantes is a great, quick read. It picks up where the last book left off, with the 3 crazy, best friends, who are adjusting to their new lives, without the men in their lives that caused them so many problems. Now, all they have to worry about is a crazy ex mother-in-law who is set on revenge. Cathy Holton is a wonderful author, and she has several other books I am planning on checking out. The other book I read was by a new author for me.

It is called Driftwood Summer by Patti Callahan Henry. This one is about 3 sisters, who are very different. An accident involving their mother reunites them in the small beach town they grew up in. They have to work together through their troubles and to help save their family bookstore, heal old wounds, and get to know each other again. This is probably one of the most favorite ones I have read in a while.

My Louisville Friends

It has been about four years since I moved to Louisville. I can't even believe that. Were has the time gone? When i first moved here I remember I really didn't know anyone. Now, I am blessed beyond belief with all the wonderful girls here. They have been here for here for the fun times as well as here to support me through the hard times. I am so grateful to have them as friends.

My sewing endeavors

When I have free time in the summer I like to let my creative juices flow. I feel most comfortable painting but I try my hand at sewing as well. I have a sewing machine and try to teach myself how to use it (although I am not as good as my friend Alisha). I have made small things, like simple curtains, and burp cloths. My most recent endeavor is in the picture above- a bandanna for my beagle. It is made out of the left over material I used to make burp cloths and it is reversible. Really I just wanted you to see how cute she is.

Veggie Gardens are good

I would like to try and persuade you to try something. I would like for you to try and plant your own vegetable garden. I have done it for 2 years now and I get so much out of it. All you need is a little bit of time and a little bit of space. It is so fun to plant simple seeds and watch them grow into something you can actually eat. It is also good for the environment. A side benefit is that you know it was not grown with pesticides (I am even considering a small compost pile next to it). Finally, it is a money saver- the seeds are cheap and grow quick. I just have a small garden in the back of my yard but it produces enough vegetables for me to eat all summer. The pic is the first round of what I picked before we left for vacation. I plan on expanding it in the fall but for now I am growing carrots, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, green beans, sugar snap peas, strawberries, and squash (I know it sounds like a lot but it really isn't).

A Peek at this week

The history of the toe

I love my toes. They are unique and I think beautiful! I have long toes. Strike that- they are VERY long. My 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes are longer than my 1st toe. They are very useful too- I can pick things up with them and if ever I was without the use of my hands I'm sure my toes would fill in nicely. This is obviously a genetic trait bc my dad and my grandpa also have/had longer toes too. I have heard all the meaning of the long toes over the years:

1. will have a big family


2. smart- like genius smart


3. "good lover" (which would make sense along with #1)
   

I decided to do my own research and here is what I found:

• Classical Origins Any astute student of Greek or Roman art will tell you that long toes or longer second toes were definitely a plus in the eyes of the early masters; toe length had a distinct correlation with beauty and elegance.



• A long second toe (Morton's toe) shows you have great vision but can be self-opinionated and like to be seen to be in charge. However your gift lies with being able to instill confidence in others.



• If a person's second toe is longer than the others, they are dependable, conservative and keep their emotions in check.• If a person's third toe is bigger than the others, they're hot-headed and have a temper.• If a person has long toes, they're among the thinkers of the world.

Not sure if any of these things are true but it was fun to look. I also posted a couple of pics of my toes for your enjoyment.

Cake Ace

I have been watching the show Ace of Cakes for a while but I just have to be sure all of you are aware of it. Duff is the owner of the bakery (Charm City Cakes) and not at all what you would picture for a baker. He is a very laid back and has the spirit of a little kid. The best is he makes some FABULOUS cakes. The people that work there have so much fun and are uber talented. I have seen them make a fire truck, a huge Hershey Bar, and a helicopter. All so impressive. All I can make is a cake mix cake with a few lumps and messy icing. However, I am inspired me to be my own cake ace- although I am definitely going to need lots of practice. Be sure to check out the show on the Food Network or on the website below- you won't be disappointed!

http://www.charmcitycakes.com/

Yard sale-ing

I found a new joy last weekend. Yard sale-ing. I never knew there could be such pleasure in such a simple task. You save money and it is a bit like a treasure hunt. I went yard sale-ing for the first time looking for a shelf for Anthony's office at work. I had great luck (although I will admit I need to work on my bargaining skills). I came away with an old dresser ($30) that I refinished for the laundry room and a shelf ($20) for Anthony. I hauled them all by myself on top of it and was pretty proud of myself. I haven't had time to work on the shelf but I finished the dresser and I love it. I wanted to take a before pic but Anthony had my camera, but I did post the after pic. Not bad for a day's work.:) This weekend there is a yard sale in my neighborhood and I can't want to see if I will find any other bargains.

*notice the bottom drawer is Gracie's- my favorite part. The whole thing reminds me of beach shabby-chic: just my style.

No more meetings

I finished my meetings today! You can't see me right now so let me paint you a visual picture: I am grinning from ear to ear and sighing with relief. After 2 days of meetings my attention starts to sway so I doodle. My doodling keeps me focused and relaxed with all the conversation flying through the air. To celebrate my freedom from meetings I finally got my doodles out onto canvas for my classroom next year in the form of a crab, starfish and octopus.

Songs I learned from dad

I find myself singing from time to time; in the shower, in the car, getting ready in the morning- you get the idea (when no one can hear my off key tunes). The songs I sing are not the Top 40. They are songs I remember from my childhood. My dad used to sing them to/with me when I was little. Nope, they are not kid songs either. Here are some of the lyrics I keep myself amused with:

John Prine's Please Don't Bury Me:

Please don't bury me Down in that cold cold ground No, I'd druther have "em" cut me up And pass me all around Throw my brain in a hurricane And the blind can have my eyes And the deaf can take both of my ears If they don't mind the size Give my stomach to Milwaukee If they run out of beer Put my socks in a cedar box Just get "em" out of here Venus de Milo can have my arms Look out! I've got your nose Sell my heart to the junkman And give my love to Rose

Not sure who this is by but equally as good:

Drop kick me Jesus through the goal posts of life End over end neither left nor to right Straight through the heart of them righteous uprights Drop kick me Jesus through the goal posts of life.

Jimmy Buffett's Why Don't we Get Drunk:note we replace "for me and you" to "with Elmer's glue" and "screw" to "achooo"

I just bought a water bed, its filled up for me and you They say you are a snuff queen Honey I dont think thats true So, why dont we get drunk and screw

One more JB favorite:

Cheeseburger in paradise (paradise)Medium rare with mustard 'be nice (paradise)Heaven on earth with an onion slice (paradise)I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise I like mine with lettuce and tomato Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer Well good god almighty which way do i steer for my

Not at all what you were thinking for my found childhood memories huh? But don't judge there really are some life lessons in these songs and obviously they made a lasting impression with me:) Besides- I didn't turn out so bad. *Pic above from a Jimmy Buffett concert with my dad.

The small things

I always love this time of year. In the morning I hear the birds from my bathroom window. The sun is shining when I leave for work. Sigh. This morning I saw the prettiest morning sky and I had to capture it. I really want to appreciate the small things and this is one of those things we don't always stop to take the time for.

Fav new beach bag

I got this cute new back from one of my kiddos today. I love it! It has a saw grass mat, small basket and a small pillow all for my favorite place... the beach. I found the company website http://www.sunnsand.com/ . It has lots of other super cute things in it. Hope you enjoy. I personally can't wait to get mine out on the beach:)