I think. I can.

the past two days I was in the big city. learning. cramming. note taking. I went to a conference sponsored by the Texas Commission of the Arts. and I am glad I did.

you know that feeling you get when you're surrounded by energetic people? well. the building pulsated with life. ideas. accomplishments. and all that knowledge is contagious. and whether. or not. it applies directly to you. it does. in one way or another. the power of interpretation. association. imitation.

so I am full of ideas. projects. possibilities. for my little non-profit. oh. the places we can will. go.

'if I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passionate sense of the potential, for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible.'

on the ottoman

when I am in need of a good read. I consult a red-haired beauty. she is a wealth of knowledge. a talented graphic designer. a delightful literary critic.

I've been in a slump finding good books lately. before the Tour I had many on my reserve list. and no time to read. and now. PT (Post Tour). as they trickle back in. none spark my interest.

I happened on this book. on some reading list. somewhere. and it looked intriguing. so. when it popped up. ready to check out. I was excited. but. not nearly as excited as when my co-worked said she had just finished it. enjoying it immensely.

I am drawn to YA books. they can be frivolous. deep. romantic. innocent. cataclysmic. apocalyptic. but. somehow. I thoroughly enjoy them all.

Ms. Apple was no exception. thank you very much.

'the minute I heard my first love story,
I started looking for you.'

oh. what. fun.

if you follow me on FaceBook. you know of my adventures. life is sweet. and. dare I say. even sweeter since a certain gal has come into my life. my car, Evangeline.

ever since I got my license. I've wanted a Jeep. and my wish came true earlier this year.

she is impractical. two doors. a comfortable, yet difficult to access back seat. but she is cute. she sparkles. and. boy. oh. boy. so. fun. to drive. a very good ride. I love her so.

she's been on several adventures. to the Hill Country. to California. and. everyday jaunts around town. and today. as it is gloomy and cold outside. and I thought I'd sing her praises. and. share some pics. because. she makes me happy.

'she who leaves a trail of glitter is never forgotten.'

additionally

yesterday we ventured out to Austin Boxer Rescue's Adoption Day. and we did.

prepare to be smitten.

meet Omar.

losing our last boxer was simply devastating. as. you know. it always is.

so we waited. and waited. we talked and talked about when to get another dog. and Friday night. we decided. we'll try tomorrow.

it was heaven. and hard. surrounded by 25 dogs. all wanting a forever home. but the minute we saw him. sitting with his foster mom, Emily. we knew. he was the one.

and now. hearing the pitter pat of an additional four feet in the house. I wonder. why did we wait so long? I guess we were just waiting for him.

'the journey of life is sweeter when traveled with a dog.'

begin again

music soothes. savage beast or not. and if. I ever. doubted. I no longer do.

why? two words. begin again.

we watched this lovely movie last night. and it just. soothed me. warmed my heart. made me believe. remember. hope. persevere. simply. made me happy.

I won't spoil the plot. or the delight. I would just encourage you. to watch. no. not quite right. experience. that's what it is. to love life.

'sing like no one is listening. love like you've never been hurt. dance like nobody's watching, and live like it's heaven on earth.'

today 2015

rang in the new year til the wee hours. I love the sound of my house. filled. with voices. with laughter.

been a lazy day. rainy. quiet (whispers & squeeks fill in for my voice. this cold has taken it's toll.). mindless television. football. glorious naps. endless snacking from the fridge.

how I adore you, first day with no to-do list.

we'll be back to normal soon. and I'm looking forward to returning to a schedule. but. for now. thoroughly enjoying the nothingness.

'and now let us welcome the new year. full of things that have never been.'

today 2014

at the end of a cold. delightfully caught from two adorable kiddos. happy to sacrifice a few hundred kleenex for the cause.

home after a road trip. a few extra days spent on the way. conversations in the car. the beautiful images of the southwest landscape. the days there were non-stop energy. adventurous. happy. loving. wonder full. restful. romantic.

C calls Evangeline my 'monster truck'. makes me smile. and now he and his brother grace the video screen on her dash.

a lovely trip. bittersweet. but oh so good. to be home.

preparing for tonight's celebrations. New Year's Eve. our tenth in this house. friends. who are family, really. so much love in this happy home.

looking forward to a new year. and oh. the glories. to come.

'start the day with a smile and end it with champagne.'