Gettin out of my comfort zone

A lot of good can be said about hovering around in a secure, safe and predictable life. It is comfortable and self expectation-less (that is a word) just maybe not all put together... but, non the less.. you get the idea. I never really had an "A" game or a "Plan", I have always just accepted what came along and always made the best of most situations... I have decided to make some changes. Changes that would enhance what is already pretty darn good. I am going to take those trips I kept saying one day, I am going to take a night class, (not quite ready for toastmasters) but, definitely ready to learn something new. I may be joining a womens fitness club ( still deciding on that one) and inviting new people into my life.. It is exciting to realize, "It's all about choices"....

decade-gifts.com

“If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.”

Sandy

~The day begins at 5 a.m. at our house~

My day begins super early 5 a.m. to be exact...it is sOo dark and quiet, and I hit snooze on the alarm at least twice, then i hear the pitter patter of big paws at the bottom of the stairs..

This is the master of the house "Rocky".

I always push the brew on the coffee maker while Rocky and I go for our morning walk. It makes it a little nicer to smell the coffee when we come back inside.

One cup of coffee and upstairs I go...hair, make up and dressed... all in 40 minutes (I might add). My breakfast is always eaten on the drive to school, all the while jamming to "journey's greatest hits" or "Van Morrison"... no talk radio for me at 6:30 a.m.  I am always singing while sipping on my (to go coffee) one for the road every morning...

.... and make it to school before the morning buses are released or I will be stuck in traffic for 10 minutes, just trying to get into the parking lot.

Enjoy Your Day!

~My new colour love is White~

I have always loved white, but there have been times when I thought I loved color more. I am going back to white, more and more.  I have been painting things white here and there and everywhere lately.
And yet for all my love of white, I will never have one of those ‘all white’ houses, – I love color too much for that.......But I am lovin the "white" additions!.......

The beautiful pumpkins were a gift from my sweet friend Kim...aren't they pretty...and the little sister plate is from my sweet sister "Cheryll"   enjoy the weekend.
Till Next Time,
Sandy

~Follow your heart~

I heard a quote once "Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” and my heart has been worn proudly and vulnerably outside my body since the day they were born. I have been their teacher, their authority and most of all their biggest fan. I have had sleepless nights awaiting the visit from the tooth fairy, helped santa build doll houses, held them when the mean boy they had a crush on didn't feel the same.  I have been a requested spectatur in their personal lives as they grew into young women, and I wouldn't have changed a thing. I learned as they learned, I grew as they grew and I found me as they were finding themselves.
Till next time,
Sandy

~We don't see things as they are, We see things as We are.~

10 things I have learned about myself....
1. I am a morning person.
2. I love biographies, and movies with happy endings. Never ever scary, thriller movies.
3. I'm a bigger control freak than I realized or perhaps have been willing to admit
4. I long to simplify my life....
5. I am NOT a fan of overhead lighting..
6. I have an inexplicable desire to make homemade preserves...
7. When life feels chaotic I have a significant need to retreat, in solitude ...
8. I adore the lingering smell of all laundry that has been hung outside....
9. I'm changing...my interests and goals are shifting- ...I welcome the new...
10. You can't go back and expect it to be the same, I'm not even sure you can really ever go back.....

I think I am taking the time for self-discovery, and as Martha would say "that is a good thing".

Till Next Time,
Sandy

~Nice Surprises~

Someday's are just special, the days that make you just stop for a moment and look around and really see the beauty in someone. Two of my sweet girls (Cori & Erin) ..really hit a homerun with me today. Cori called me today just to let me know she was thinking about me, and what she had learned in philosophy class and wanted my thoughts, because she respected my opinion.. woah! It didn't matter what she said after that....I was one proud mama. :) then Miss Erin, surprised me and painted an old wicker loveseat that I have wanted to put in our kitchen...she said " I knew you didn't have time, so I thought I would do it for you"... is that sweet or what? Yep! I am one lucky mom..

Sandy

Wood plank floors

The Frugal Farmhouse Designs. I just Love this floor...visit her website for the DIY instructions. Have a wonderful evening... http://thefrugalfarmhousedesigns@blogspot.com





can you believe that this is inexpensive plywood?

~You Are What You Love~

We create our lives by our thoughts and aspirations. Aspire for greatness !!!

Who you are isn't passive or unchanging. It is a vital sign that needs to unfold and express itself, through your entire life and so that unique pattern of talents and gifts that lie hidden in the things you love is also the map to your life path.

The beautiful life collage above is fromhttp://outofhandart.blogspot.com/ I absolutely love her work.

~Beautiful Candles~

Don't you just love these re-dipped candles? Such an easy project too. You can also add your favorite essence oil to make scented candles....

Embed flowers onto a candle by affixing dried flowers to the surface, then over-dipping in clear wax. This technique works especially well with interestingly shaped leaves and flat blooms.

Use a dab of Stick-um to affix the dried flowers or leaves to the candle. Do this to each flower until the arrangement is complete, making sure the flowers remain flat against the candle.

In a 9-inch dipping can, set in the bottom of a double boiler over medium heat, melt the wax. Heat to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. (Be extra vigilant at these temperatures.)Holding the candle by the wick, carefully dip it in the wax. Hold for 5 seconds. Remove and make sure the flowers are flat.

Dip again for 5 seconds. Remove and leave to dry for 2 hours. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch and you are ready to light your candle.

~Beautiful Weekend~

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend !!
Did you try the yummy potato soup? I hope so, it was so warm and delicious.
I put the final touches on the trim paint, I just love fresh painted woodwork, in a bright white gloss, everything just looks so fresh and bright.
I also found the time to catch up with some friends this weekend too, which is always the sunshine of my week. A little girl talk, soothes the soul. You ladies are definitely my sunshine.


Till Next Time,
Sandy