We’re Baaaaack!





Things Learned During Our Weekend Getaway:

  • When surprising the hubby with a “Happy Anniversary” script instead of the standard “Happy Birthday, Cathy” on the cake, be sure to first alert the clerk at the bakery when he’s present for the pick-up. The surprise fizzled quickly.
  • If there are specific things that would enhance your vacation, say — space, windows, ample lighting, a table, or stricter enforcement on the “no smoking” policy indoors, don’t settle for pictures alone. Ask questions ahead of time. Upon arrival, what I initially believed to be a cute but quaint tool shed was, in fact, our getaway for the next three nights. Brian was relieved I’d made those reservations.
  • Wear comfy shoes even if you think you’ll only be shopping for a short period of time (I’m not a shopper!)
  • Wear comfy shoes (it bears repeating).
  • It pays to talk to the locals. While in an antique store, we were invited to a large local inn for an evening of music. And then it happened. The owner of the inn shared how it’s haunted by a little girl who likes to pull on skirts. Green River BBQ, my new book, and a Law and Order Criminal Intent marathon never sounded so good.
  • And last but not least, never underestimate the hubby—or the joy of preparation. He surprised me with an Ipad 2 for my birthday/anniversary and being the prepared person that I am, i.e., hard-hitting-hint-dropper, I went ahead and purchased a manual, tucking it in my luggage just in case. 🙂

Overall, it was a great time away, but there truly is something sweet about coming home… and leaving the tool shed behind.

Small Steps, Right Direction

Things do not change; we change.
~Henry David Thoreau~

Living less than an hour away from my dream destination leaves one baffled as to why we wouldn’t trek up to the mountains more often in October.

Three years ago.
Baffled.

Two years ago.
Baffled.

One year ago.
Baffled.

This year.
Changed.

Life is busy. Honey-do list bulges. Hobbies frown from neglect.
Things haven’t changed.

I have.
For years, I’ve allowed a past car accident to hinder my traveling to places I never imagined I’d avoid—but no more. Each weekend in October we’ve chosen a different leaf-laden location to visit and have loved every minute of it.

Small steps, indeed—but the size of the step matters not—only the direction.

My Friday Fave




Stampington & Company has done it again.

After spotting the premiere issue of Mingle…Creative Ideas for Unique Gatherings in Brevard NC last weekend, I snatched it up quicker than a Mocha Frappe at McD’s.

Inviting doesn’t begin to describe it. Weighty, farm tables, robin egg blue vintage chairs, worn benches, and plentiful table tops. And that’s just the cover!

Each page, framed in charming photographs and brimming over with…well, unique excuses to get together with friends—that is, if you need one.

  • Birthday Breakfast Bash
  • Pen & Paper: Bonding By the Seaside
  • Be Present Retreats
  • Thankful for Friends
  • Etc.

Needless to say, this bookazine has been tucked away for our soon-to-be mountain getaway!



-cover photo courtesy of http://pamcarriker.com/

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