Stirring the Soul

What do these famous people have in common? George Washington, Elvis Presley, Ernest Hemingway...

...They all lived in historic homes:-)

Historic places are fascinating, particularly historic homes. Seeing how people lived and thrived over a hundred years ago while successfully changing the course of history without wi-fi and air conditioning is riveting. Historical voyeurism. But just like you and me, these folks worried about their country, the well-being of their children, their personal circumstances. They existed, survived, hoped to make a difference, prayed for rain and mourned the deceased. Walking along the beautiful Potomac exploring the grounds of Mount Vernon is akin to a religious experience. Strolling in George Washington's footsteps, seeing his view from the lawn, his stuff, things he touched and held dear, his graveside tomb - how could every American citizen not feel a bit more united?

Mt. Vernon

got mail?

I'm thinking of wallpapering our new Fayetteville bedroom in Pottery Barn/Williams Sonoma catalog pages. Or maybe using it to wrap presents for the remainder of my gift giving days. Or I'm certain I could make a door wreath from the glossy pages of J Crew catalogs and post the crafty picture to Pinterest.

The Tortoise and the Hare (with a modern-day twist)

At long last I had successfully removed all the oil-based paint embedded underneath my ragged cuticles and was ready for more quality time with my trusty paintbrush. Apparently the planets were in perfect alignment as Tate and I planned to drive back to Fayetteville the same morning. With both vehicles packed to the max, this was ideal timing. I was not looking forward to a 5+ hour drive with two schnauzers. Annabelle tends to get carsick, and Lucy likes to make frequent puppy stops. But convoying with Tate, things would be much easier. 

those random odd little things

Do you ever see something totally out of place and wonder what the heck happened? How did it get there? Why is that object in the tree? I just craft a plausible explanation in my mind so I can move forward with my day. 

What about shoes hanging from power lines? I see them everywhere and always wonder the significance. Is it some type of gang symbol? The mark of a crack house? Bully behavior? Or is shoe flinging just an odd sport like midget tossing? Some of those shoes look new and nice and EXPENSIVE!

You Can't Take it With You

Friday I went estate sale shopping with my friend Marcia. Not the plain-ole-run-of-the-mill-clean-all-the-crap-out-of-the-garage-type yard sale, but true estate sales handled by licensed companies, organized and advertised because someone died or went bankrupt or maybe just came to their senses and realized they were drowning in vintage tupperware. Marcia is great at picking the sales and mapping out our route for the day. Although we rarely buy anything, there's always that remote possibility of uncovering a brilliant diamond in the rough laying at the bottom of a musty box somewhere in Garland, Texas.

So far today...

So far today....

• up all night with one sick dog
• up early for John's flight to Vegas
• John's car got sick in route to airport
• I drove John to airport
• dogs didn't enjoy leisurely crack of dawn morning walk
• dogs ate Tate's Ray Bans and flip flops instead of dog food
• John made his flight
• dogs in doghouse
• John in Vegas
• dead car in driveway
• missed yoga class
• drinking coffee by the pool
• no one died
• life is still very good:)

Happy Sunday!

talya

Musical Pairings:

"Breathe", Michelle Branch

Lucy after trip to
Emergency Vet Clinic
Drugs!

in His Heaven

Nana
Frances Johnson Creecy

I believe places have energy left behind from memories of a prior time. Good energy or weird energy, happy or toxic. When we make our annual trip back to Norfork Lake, we always visit the little cove where our dock is still hidden. We troll the holy water there, inspecting the gravel road leading down to the lake, studying the rocks we explored as kids and trying to make out our cabin through the overgrown vegetation. Regrettably, Papa Creecy sold the house and dock when Nana was sick in the early '80s which made us sick too. The dock is still there, possibly abandoned, and although we don't own it any more, it will always be ours.