Pretty Little Tree

 

Hey there friends!

 

If you really knew me at all, you'd know I adore the color purple.

For years, each classroom I had was decorated in purple. It was obvious to anyone walking in or by that the teacher in that room had a purple obsession. I spent most of my daylight hours there, so I figured it might as well make me happy and be a reflection of my style.

 

In my home, my laundry room is painted a dark eggplant purple and has white cabinets. It's got a nice window that lets in plenty of light and is a

room that I don't mind spending time in.

A few weeks ago, I redecorated my daughter's old room . She moved out just a year ago, so it was time to make this room mine! I painted the walls a warm beige and one big wall with a huge window is now a deep purple. I love it! We also re-carpeted and the room just makes me happy. This is my sewing room and on my days off, I spend a good amount of time in there. Over the weekend, I put up the little tree that was in my classroom for several years. It sits just to the right of my sewing table. I found a few more purply ornaments to  make it shine.

 

For some, it may be a little over the top. For me, it's just right.

It makes my heart sing.



It's Never Too Late (to be thankful)

 

 

Hey there, dear readers (all 3 of you)!

I had totally intended to write a post prior to Thanksgiving, but I downloaded a new blog template and it cut me out of making any new entries!! Argghhh! I was so upset that I sent two emails to the template site I used. No answer. So I played around, and finally downloaded another template through Blogger. Satisfaction indeed. It made me realize how much I really enjoy this blog!

Orange was my mom's favorite color, so I chose this template. It's in her honor. I lost her 4 years ago this past November and she enters my mind every single day. Tears still come easily.

Anyway, I thought I'd list 10 things I'm thankful for this December 1st.

1. God. He loves me and accepts me with all of my faults.
2. My husband. Ditto on "He loves me and accepts me with all of my faults."
3. My kids. My son is 26 and my daughter is 23. Both are independent, employed and turned out OK, despite the trauma they put they parents through in their earlier years.
4. Health. Yeah, I deal with borderline cholesterol levels and my husband has some blood pressure concerns, but otherwise we are healthy and hoppin'.
5. Employment. Basically, I'm talking my husband's job. I quit my full-time teaching job in the spring of 2012 and have never regretted it. Since we were close to being empty-nesters and the house had just a few more mortgage payments on it, we knew we could swing it. God takes care of His sheep and He's taken good care of us. This year, I've returned to teaching in the substitute way and am loving it. I work 2-3 days per week and it's just enough for me to get my kid-fix and earn a few $$$.
6. Friends. I've never been one of those women who have hundreds of friends. I have several and only a few of those I consider very close. Those are the people who know me best and I can trust them with the best of secrets!
7. My community. Nope, I don't live in a wild, fun, exotic place. Is this heaven? Nope, it's Iowa! We enjoy all 4 seasons and have nature at our backdoor. On quiet evenings, we can hear cows moo-ing and trains choo-ing. I wouldn't live anywhere else in the world.
8. My skills and talents. Sometimes I wish I could do more things, like play the piano or guitar. I wish I could act, or speak comfortably in front of adults. I wish I had some athletic ability...just a smidgen would be nice. Instead, I can cook and bake like Julia Child. I can sew like Martha Stewart. I can write like...well, like an amateur writer. I love to do most anything crafty. I also love to sing and am part of the local, largest choral group.
9. YOU! Lastly, I am thankful for having 3 blog followers. I started this blog privately, not telling anyone besides my husband about it. I wanted to find followers anonymously, not by advertising through facebook or telling friends. Perhaps when I reach a grand total of 5, I'll take piano lessons or something. Who knows.