Merry Christmas!

In the wild

I'm really into old books. I like the way they smell and the thought that others have loved this writing before me. It makes me feel connected to the past. There is nothing like finding a first edition or early print of one of my favorite authors in a book store. I think they call that "in the wild". I happened into a store last week and almost squealed when I found a couple collections of short stories from Somerset Maugham and Joseph Conrad that I had been looking for. Merry Xmas to me.

Surprise!!!

My parents surprised us with a trip to Excelsior Springs this weekend for my 30th birthday. We stayed at The Elms, a beautiful historic hotel in the area, and checked out the local shopping and eateries. Ray's was a cool old diner with delicious hamburgers and interesting decor. Excelsior was known back in the day for its natural mineral springs that were thought to have healing properties. People would come from all over the country to take baths in it and drink it. I had a bottle of the mineral water. It didn't taste any different, but I can tell you this morning I felt curiously stronger:)

Bottle it up

I wish I could bottle up that special feeling I get when people compliment my necklaces and save it for those days I feel less than stellar. They will never know how much those sweet comments mean to me and make my day.

Let's all go to the movies!

Can anyone tell me where that quote is from? Crickets. It's from a childhood favorite-Annie. Anyhoo... Kate and I went to see Anna Karenina at the Rio last week. Great movie with an interesting take on the classic. What made it even better was seeing it at the Rio, which is an old theater from the 60s that they've kept going neon lights and all. 2 thumbs up.

This pretty lady

16 years since we met, and we're still going strong. Jessica-you are such an awesome person, and I treasure our friendship oh so much. Thank you for always being my supporter and always knowing just what to say at the perfect time. I can't express how much that means to me. If anyone ever reads this, Jessica has a stellar blog that you should check out at www.refiningjuhls2006.blogspot.com

Best visit

I love this lady!  Kate was in town this weekend and helped us feverishly put up Xmas decorations. We had a great time just hanging out and laughing about the old days. Apparently we've been best friends for a decade (since college). I can't be that old. Oh well. I have to tell myself it's a good thing to be older and wiser.  It was so much fun hanging out with her and just talking.  I'm thankful to have her in my life.  I just wished we lived closer so that we could see each other more.  I guess that's what makes these visits so special.  She always inspires me with her great ideas and determination.  Kate--you are awesome!    (p.s.she's also a fantastic sewer and made me the coolest makeup bag and card set.) 

Tis the season

The birthday party decorations took precedence over Christmas decorations this year. We hosted the dinner portion of our block's progressive dinner last Saturday, so we spent the whole day putting up decorations. We were stringing lights until the last minute. We will never be the type to be ready early. But it turned out festive and bright! The party was so fun. Sangria and grasshoppers. Yum.

I was here

Putting yourself out there is never easy.  That's how I feel about this blog.  I'm wary to write anything too personal or too revealing, because when you really put yourself out there, negative responses can be heartbreaking.  I'm not sure what I want this blog to be.  I started it because I like the idea of having a daily diary that includes my thoughts and pictures from little moments that happen throughout the year.  It's so easy to forget them, and I like the central repository.  I also admire a lot of bloggers and find inspiration in what they do.  I hear a lot of negative comments about bloggers "being fake" or only including the good stuff.  While I think it's important to be real, that is kind of the point of blogging--to keep a reminder of the good things in your life, not to air all your dirty laundry that may make you cringe when you go back and read it a year later.  Life is hard.  We should all support one another and recognize people for what they offer.  I don't pretend to know it all.  What I do know is that I want to be part of the blogging community, but I want it to be on my terms.  There are so many wonderful blogs out there and funny and creative people, that I don't expect my blog to turn into anything but me re-reading entries I posted a few months ago.  But it's my slice of the internet to design and do what I will with.  It's me telling my story, and for me, that's enough.  Even though no one may ever read it or like it, at least I know it's there and that I was here.

Keep the festivities coming!

After shopping, the hubster surprised me with balloons and flowers at home. In addition to the beautiful carousel he got me, he also got me a webcam do I can Skype with my sister in Chicago. Then we went to the Plaza and strolled around amidst the lights. Topping off my birthday was a trip to Winstead's. Delicious.

Real bday

For the actual day of my birth, I took a vacation day. Then my mom and I went shopping! It was a great day full of super sales, and a delicious lunch at the Trex Cafe. Awesome. Thank you Mom for the best day and my special gifts!!

Route 66

Another cool thing about Springfield, MO (besides Red Velvet) is that it's on historic route 66. We stayed at the Best Western right on the old main thoroughfare that's been around since the 1930s. Old timey history. Love it.

Sister Trip!!!

For my birthday, my sister flew in from Chicago so that we could have a sister trip. Just us. No one else. That is so rare these days, and I treasured every moment. She helped me decorate for the party and kept me sane. Then on Saturday morning we hit the open road and went to Springfield, MO to visit the Red Velvet store!!! I've been following the blog "A Beautiful Mess" for a while and have been dying to see the store. It did not disappoint. My sister even got me a vintage dress to remember my special day. Thank you Krista for the best sister trip ever!!

Love him

You always make me believe anything is possible and then help me achieve it.