It’s that time of year, again. I must get back to school and lesson plans. So how much can we cram in a weekend?
Spent time on the beach with George and Connor . . . Attended an outdoor soireé featuring Alison Glass with her handcrafted fabrics and quilt sample ideas . . . And made a tiki bar beer bottle opener for my friends. This was a very easy and quick project.
Supplies: 1″ x 6″ pine wood, drill and screws, drink bottle opener, 4 bottle caps, staple gun and staples, paint and brushes
How:Cut wood into 1) 22″ length for back, 2) 4.5″pieces for sides, 1) 4.5″ x 4.5″ piece for bottom and 1) 4.5″ x 5.5″ piece for the front.
Attach front to sides with screws. Drill holes into the bottom for drainage. Then, screw through the back into each of the side pieces. Screw on bottom piece (from bottom-side up).
Add decoration – there are a ton of design ideas online. I painted a clock face and attached bottle caps using a staple gun. Lastly, attach the bottle opener (ours came from Total Wine).
Remember, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere ; )Have a good week! – – Joanne
George and I traveled to northern Virginia to visit Old Lucketts Store. Yep, THAT Lucketts you’ve seen in Country Living, Flea Market Decor, Southern Living and other magazines.
The drive there was quite picturesque; the Blue Ridge Mountain Range in the distance and the burbling Potomac.
Styled as “vintage hip,” Lucketts is full of unique treasures and antiques.
I’m not sure when it happens, exactly. But, one by one we all grow up and the magic seems to slip away just a bit. Why is that?
While I was sweeping up the sugar granules crunching under my feet on the kitchen floor, Connor decorated Christmas cookies this past Saturday. It made me recall how delighted my own daughters, nieces and nephews were “way-back-when” as they participated in Cousin Cookie Day. As I put everything away later that night I realized how beautiful his over-decorated, bumpy cookies were.
Sunday, we attended my husband’s family holiday gathering held at a meeting hall. Afterwards, in my haste to clean up and get home, I threw out my car keys. Without complaint, George and my brother-in-law went on a dumpster-diving rescue mission.
I was in a hurry to get to school on Monday as there was a lot to do. School-wide Advent wreath lighting. Carol Night and Live Nativity rehearsal. Santa Sale. Tic-Toc! I rationalized as I cut in front of another driver in the fast food drive-thru lane on my way to work.
I was late for the second time this week, when our neighborhood lost electrical power during the wee hours of Wednesday morning. I threw on clothes in the dark, cold silence and raced off to work. Because of my rude behavior on Monday, I chose a different drive-thru on the way to school. 😉 “Are you ready for the holidays?” asked the cashier. “Nope.” She responded with, “Well, I’m asking everyone today. I’m letting them know that I’m not and that’s ok.” She admonished me to have a great day and genuinely wished me a wonderful holiday.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Then, it hit me – this stranger’s wisdom was exactly what I needed. Slow down. Be kind. Why rush? What’s the point of it all? I needed to slow down. It’s not about checking off lists. It’s about wonder and dreams and enjoying what we have. With wonder sparkling in their eyes, the little ones help keep us focused on what’s important.
Children, sleeping. Snow is softly falling. Dreams are calling, Like bells in the distance. We were dreamers, Not so long ago. But one by one, we All had to grow up.
When it seems the magic slipped away… We find it all again on Christmas Day.
Believe in what your heart is saying, Hear the melody that’s playing. There’s no time to waste, There so much to celebrate. Believe in what you feel inside, Give your dreams the wings to fly. You have everything you need, if you just believe.
-Believe, Polar Express. Written by written by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri
I’m reminded to slow down and enjoy my family’s health and happiness. Have a great holiday (whichever holiday you choose to celebrate)! – – Joanne
Another quick year gone. Is it because I am growing older that the years are flying? 😉
All the same, 2013 was a decent year. I dipped my toes, left my comfort zone. I was encouraged and I learned. I was inspired by some very clever folks, homegrown and professional. Here are just a few. Hats off and thanks to all of you (check them out!):
Joanne Inspired 