Miscellany

{anything goes}

Kicking it off in style

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I’ll be heading to the office today. Seems a bit melancholy, that.

You see, last Friday my love and I played hooky (I feel compelled to add that we did so quite legally, in full, grow-up fashion, with approved time off) . . .

We slept in; we sipped coffee and tea and nibbled freshly baked biscuits; we played a rousing game (or two) of cribbage; we meandered a museum;
we read a bit, lounged a bit; we discussed story ideas, and holiday ideas; we ate by candlelight, with music to soothe the soul.

Of course, right on the heels of such delightful nothingness came the usual flurry of activity. We finally took down the tree (all other Christmas decorations had been safely tucked away, mind you, but the tree remained). There were chores to do, clothes to wash, meals to plan, groceries to buy–another hurried week for which to prepare.

But Friday? Pure bliss.

Needless to say, I highly recommend. Even if you’re unable to take a workday, find time that’s all your own; no plans: nothing you have to do, nowhere you have to be . . . just wide open hours with which to kick back, relax, catch your breath, dream, maybe stumble upon an adventure or two . . .

You just never know where it will lead you.

xo

PS. I don’t do well with electronic organizers (I’m sure that comes as a shock). This year, I’m trying something new: a Day Designer. One, it’s adorable; two, it has a full-month calendar + a day-by-day breakdown for the week (including Today’s Top Three). I don’t know; the year’s but a babe, but so far I think it a brilliant idea.

Getting started

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Whimsical bird print from PrintsArtPassion

Three days in and all’s well!

Not to brag or anything, but we actually stayed up to see the new year in. Something of a miracle, that. At the very least, I cannot recall the last time I stayed up past midnight without languishing on the couch in a rather dismal state.

And I’ll tell you now, 2018 did not exit stage left without its quirks.

I, of course, had to have one last {inappropriate} fit of laughter. We went to the home of friends, you see; we were playing a game of cards. It was all rather grown-up and subdued . . . except every time I moved a certain way, my chair made a most unfortunate noise. That was my chair, I finally exclaimed. Then it struck me hilarious. Our hosts did not seem to sense the hilarity; so I tried to apologize, which caused me to laugh all the harder. Sigh.

And my honey? Well, he was kind enough to take the Jeep and fill it up with gas while I got ready for the to-do. Whilst there, he was solicited {for a tryst, if you will} by another fellow. I can only imagine the look on his face was something akin to the eagle’s in this print.

Speaking of which, don’t you just love that handsome bird? I happened upon PrintsArtPassion quite by accident, and I’m smitten. One of these days, one of those prints shall be at home in my home. Just you wait and see . . .

In the meantime, I hope your year is off to a grand start. And may a hint of celebration carry through, all weekend long!

xo

Happy New Year!

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Nothing quite says ‘Happy New Year’ like a dashing fellow sporting a finely kept mustache, leaning ever so gingerly upon a vase of brightly hued blooms, holding a piglet.

Ah, vintage postcards . . .

The older I get the more I find solace in their quirkiness. It’s as if those of the past whisper, “Never fear, love–we had crazy, too.”

Speaking of which, if I had to choose a word for 2018, that would be it: crazy. From headlines to all manner of “offense,” it seemed positively batty. And rather than ignore it (as I’m wont to do), I chose to spiral down the rabbit hole . . . reading articles and posts from both sides of debate; scratching my head, shaking my head, and, occasionally, bursting forth in nervous laughter.

Here’s what I learned from the whole experience: that will never do.

So my goal for 2019 is quite simple. I intend to step off the crazy train.

To start, we’ve cancelled cable. We intend to fill those hours reading and writing, maybe partaking in a rousing game of cribbage, or hand and foot.

And I plan to be more intentional. To do what I can, where I am: to shake off excess; organize; have faith; keep in touch.

Do wish me luck. It certainly won’t be smooth sailing; after all, I spent a good year being appalled into inaction; and therefore, something of a flake. . . . also, I’ve already lost the address book I purchased.

But I’m nothing if not determined.

With that, I return the favor. Happy New Year, my friend–and best of luck to you!

Fanciful Fall

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Well, hello. Fancy meeting you here, and in autumn, no less . . .

Seems I’ve quite taken to months’long sabbaticals.

I’d like to say this last one was mindful–that I took the time to frolic, and lounge about, and pen a great American novel or two; but, alas . . .

Work has been nutty (much like the world, it seems). That means I’ve either been frantic in my attempt to catch up, or dogged in my determination to vegetate and otherwise forget about to-dos and deadlines.

There must be a middle ground, certainly.

And I remain intent on finding it.

Until then, I shall simply pop in to say hello; I missed you; and I hope this finds you well.

As we saunter into the first full weekend of autumn, may the days be gracious–a safe place to land, as it were: alight with color, and replete with good food, warm beverages, noble friends, and thoughtful conversation.

xo

Act two

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My, but the month of May did outdo itself this year . . . 

It began with a perfectly delightful May Day, leading right in to a lovely sixth month anniversary. For the most part, the sun shone, and the skies were blue; there were some spectacular thunderstorms, too. We enjoyed visits from friends and family, marked by good food and moments of hilarity. And it ended with back-to-back adventures–one with just the two of us, and one with a few of the people we love most of all.

Perfection, I tell you.

Seems this month has some mighty big shoes to fill.

Of course, I’ve long been a fan of the month of June. Perhaps it’s the anticipation of summer lovin’ or lazy afternoons; perhaps it’s the sight of trees and flowers in all their fanciful finery; perhaps it’s the fact it marks the mid-way point of the year. Whatever the case, it’s a month alight with promise. (We’ve still six months to get it right!)

So here’s to you, and the second act of the year. May it start out strong, with nothing but goodness in the days ahead; and may it build steam from there . . . so when it’s all said and done, you’ll find an ovation worthy performance, indeed.

xo