Wrap it Up!!

Since there are only 25 shopping days until Christmas...here are some ideas for any last minute gifts. ;) Don't forget to put a few on your own Christmas list!!

Turbie Towel

Ok I will admit - I am hooked! After a shower, there is nothing like it to wrap up wet hair. And, at only $4.99, you can buy one for everyone on your list. Warning: there are only about three colors to choose from...play it safe with white or pink & blue for the kiddies!

Anything & Everything with a Monogram

Without giving away too many of my own secrets, nothing else says you care quite like the time and effort involved in a monogram. Good for men, women, kids & even doggies.

...Featuring Norah Jones

The new Norah Jones CD features nine years worth of duets, cameos and collaborations. I bought
mine at Starbucks, so if you hurry, maybe you can grab a few with your latte. Don't forget one for yourself ~ great for your holiday party. Check out my favorite tracks #15 and #18.

Marta Glasses from CB2

These beauties are thin, modern, and cheap. No worries about losing a few at a festive cocktail party!! I imagine using them for wine, cocktails, even a Shirley Temple. Give a set & champagne to a lucky friend. Cheers!

True Prep: It's a Whole New World

Lisa Birnbach has updated the cult classic from the 1980's. I wish I still had mine. If you want an original copy of The Preppy Handbook --> go to Amazon. A set of both books wrapped in grosgrain ribbon would make any prep happy this holiday.

L'Occitane

Almost everyone has dry hands in the winter ~ give the gift of creme mains / dry skin hand creme. I love the 30ml/1 oz size as it can be slipped into an evening bag or a stocking. The silver tube is as divine as the product.

Trader Joe's Lavender Salt

Credit here to my dear friend G who gave this to ME as a gift! Even worse than dry hands are dry feet... Put this pot of lavender salt in your shower and scrub your feet every day. Pure heaven! My tootsies have never been happier. The recipient of this treat will be most thankful, as am I.

The Week

Simple. A subscription to, in their own words, "The Best of the U.S. and International Media". I love the book reviews, art, recipes, homes for sale, etc. (I think my super sister received this one a few years back!)

Tie: Love Actually & The Family Stone

These classic flicks are perfect additions to everyone's "adult" holiday movie library. You can pick them up at Target for just a bit of $ - add some popcorn and you have a great gift!

Charity

Last, but not least, give the best gift of all --> a donation to a charity in your recipient's name. Love, love, love this.

tb

(You know I was hoping for a sneak peek of your card. And, with all of the above writing, you didn't expect a picture, did you??)

PS congrats to my dear friend, K!! She is in the process of pursuing a dream...I am so very proud of her. Much more to come about this!!!

UPDATE

Here you have it sister, I ordered my Christmas cards.  And it is only November!  Truth be told, there was a black friday weekend special ~ 20% off plus free shipping.  Had to be done.  Slight change after M reviewed draft.  Hmm, I hate that I am so indecisive.  It is almost 11:30 pm but tis' the season to be tired, right?

Sorry, no picture ... no sneak peak!

Tracy

Locals Only

In case you missed it, November 27th was declared "Small Business Saturday" -- a new day of holiday shopping nestled in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Apparently, American Express and other advocacy groups instituted the day in order to create jobs and boost the economy in neighborhoods across the country. Of course, everyone involved hopes this bump in business continues throughout the year.


Thinking about Small Business Saturday made me realize something about myself...I am passionate about small, local businesses. For starters, I relish the opportunity to purchase unique items, which are usually not found at malls and big box stores. On this same note, I feel the merchandise is often carefully curated by the owner. Next, I enjoy the relationship between the salesperson (sometimes the owner!) and myself. There are professional recommendations, a "back story" about an item, and, at times, some life stories mixed in. Once and awhile, the shopkeeper even knows the names of three out of my four children! ;) And, the best for last ~ these special shops generally offer a special way of gift wrapping their items!! (time saved on my end ~ heaven!)


I could go on and on, but I won't. What I will tell you is this --> yesterday, I did take a stroll through the independent shops in my neighborhood and start my Christmas shopping in earnest. Without giving away too many secrets, I found charming, thoughtful gifts for many people on my list. The gift to myself was the sights and sounds of Main Street USA on a brisk, fall day with a slight hint of Christmas in the air.


Hope your Thanksgiving was happy...gobble, gobble.


tb

Photo Friday No. 2

Awaiting Christmas

post Black Friday shopping
 

We Give THANKS

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them. - John Fitzgerald Kennedy

So much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving makes me pause and remember the many blessings in my life. A wonderful family, amazing friends, good health, a charming roof over my head, delicious food on the table, and warm (chic!) clothing on this brisk day. Thinking about JFK's quote stirs something inside of me. What can I do, with all that I have, to help others? Stay tuned. Happy Thanksgiving!

Tricia

Blessed are we and may we not take for granted that for which we have.  I am thankful for perspective and hope to never lose sight of it.  I heard a speaker recently who challenged us to choose one person to help and raise them up.  Even if it means making them greater than yourself.  I try to move forward with a humble step and silently help those around me.  I am thankful to everyone in my life who silently help me.  Happy Thanksgiving as well!

Tracy   

Thanksgiving 2009 ~ we often reflect back on this magical night.

BREAK

Say it with me, AH, the first real break of the school year.  It couldn't come soon enough.  I am spent.  And to think we just finished one of three marking periods.  I never realized as a mother I would have to repeat school again.  Didn't I already learn this stuff?  I know my ABC's, most certainly advanced calculus, history, not so much.

The homework routine in our household is pretty much the same every night.  Starts around 7:00 pm ~ the world of two working parents.  First grader does his worksheet neatly, efficiently and with ease.  Nothing distracts him.  Then we review spelling words.  Wow, he knows them all and it is only Tuesday.  Excellent. 

Then we open the agenda of the 6th grader.  Yikes ~ looks like alot of homework if only we could read what it says.  So we muddle thru each subject, check the progress of what has already been done, make corrections, teach some lessons (not sure how this got missed in class), study for a test or two and by 9:00 pm, sometimes 10:00 pm, we should be done.  Did I mention there are alot of distractions, kids fighting and bathroom breaks in between.  Sometimes yelling.

So here is the kicker.  Last week I studied math with said 6th grader in preparation for a test.  Husband handled social studies and more specificially helped to study for the map test (note: husband is a social studies teacher / prides himself on knowledge of geography).  We divided and conquered ~ great strategy.  6th grader takes tests.  A- in math.  Excellent, making progress as compared to beginning of the year.  D on map test.  Speechless.

But then at the end of a long week, you clean out the backpacks, check the grades and often times see the fruits of everyone's labor.  They may not be perfect, but you know they are trying even if it involves a little push here and there.  It starts again next week ... when is the next break?

Tracy

a turkey any momma would be proud of

   

Will & Kate

I will go on the record here. I am hooked. I can't get enough. I am totally addicted. The announcement of Prince William's and Kate Middleton's engagement has captured my undivided attention. As another news story about the couple appears on the television, I grab the remote to turn up the volume and, simultaneously, shush the kids.


The lovely Kate looking nervous in front of the press once the news breaks
Diana's iconic sapphire ring (so glad to see it again!)
The church ~ many fairy tale sites to choose from
The date...less chance of rain in July it seems
What will she wear??!! (jewelry already checked off "to do" list)


It seems like yesterday --- the summer of 1981, we were up early, getting ready to go the beach. I remember being glued to the television set (sitting inches away) watching the wedding of Charles and Diana. There were numerous lasting images...the dress & tiara, the horse & carriage, the kiss on the balcony, the nervous bride mixing up her vows, the small army of flower girls. It was magic to me as a young girl. I have never forgotten it and never will.


Everyone hopes for a happy ending to a "Once upon a time" fairy tale. Therein lies some of the reason why I am hooked. I want the royal wedding to have a happy ending this time around.


And, I hope, they live happily, ever after...


Tricia

my own fairy tale wedding

INDECISION

Hey sis, can't chat much tonight.  My eyes are crossed.  I spent a good part of the day looking on-line for my christmas card.  I usually do this 2 weeks before Christmas and mail my cards 3 days before Christmas.  Thought I would try to be ontop of things this year.  So after nearly draining my iPad battery, I came up with some options.  I narrowed it down to three.  Next step, I will let Mike take a look and give me his opinion.  I of course cannot decide (although I think this year I have a favorite).  Can I just say how far on-line photo cards have come.  There used to be a small handful of companies that had good designs.  Now, there are too many to choose from.  Let the craziness begin!

Out,
T

P.S.  Lehigh beat Lafayette today!

 

Photo Friday No. 1

a cup of heaven

New Jersey

beginning to feel like winter

Pennsylvania



Roots & Wings

Roots and wings. Tends to sum up the job of parenting in just three words. At this point, I seem to have the roots part down pat. Teach your children values, morals, manners, etc. Basically, "How to Be a Good Citizen 101". It is the wings part I have the most difficulty with.


Point in case...Grace was invited to join a classmate at the Justin Bieber concert last night. At The Izod Center, no less. I could hardly imagine my oldest "baby" at such an event...thousands of screaming fans at an enormous arena. The noise, the lights, more screaming. Hesitantly, I accepted the invitation and nervously worried as the day of the concert approached.


Upon confiding to my super sister about my anxiety, she simply told me, "Just don't dress her like a librarian." (btw I didn't) I realized Grace was ready for this small leap ~ it was me who wasn't. As I dropped her off at her friend's home before the concert, I wanted to give Grace some words of wisdom. I was at a loss, so I blurted, "Don't forget to have good manners!" (true)


Fast forward....Grace had an AMAZING time!! She loved every moment of it and couldn't stop telling me about every song and screaming fan. As I listened, I was proud of her new wings. I am proud of my new wings too.


tf


(hubby calls me tooth fairy now)


Note to sister --> don't forget - tomorrow is the FIRST day of our fantastic, fun, NEW TGIF project!!!!!!

"roots"

TECH"NO"

Ah, the list of things I'm not good at continues ... technology.  Technology is great, if only you can get it to work.  And no, I cannot.

Here is the latest and greatest sister.  Bluetooth!  So as you know, I buy this car and it has the built in bluetooth.  Beautiful, especially since the car is a 6 speed and it is pretty much impossible to drive stick while talking on the phone.  So my fantastic car salesman Jeffrey (who really was great ~ I highly recommend buying a car from him) spent about one hour going over all the bells and whistles of the car.  He even set up my bluetooth ~ I watched Jeffrey as he cruised thru the many steps to establish a connection.  It looked impossible, you even needed some passcode.  Yikes.  But my phone and car were connected and ready to go.  At that moment, I promsied myself NEVER to mess with the bluetooth settings because I knew I would NEVER get it to work again.

You guessed it ... it happened!!!  On Friday afternoon.  I was beside myself.  Slight panic.  Completely mad at me.  Long story on how it happened and I actually thought I knew what the problem was.  It didn't seem that major.  Minor in fact.  I turned the bluetooth back on in my cell phone and the two should have instantly been friends again.  As if.  Fooled with it Friday night and again Saturday morning, nothing.  Ahh!  What now?  Of course, email Jeffrey.  So how great is Jeffrey, he called me!  I explained that I messed it all up and after some back and forth and some trials he said the problem was most likely with the phone.  But he would have to see it in person to figure it out.  Suggested I stop in Monday afternoon.  Two more days?  Frustrated. 

So I turned to the internet.  Researched the bluetooth phone settings and probably for the first time ever ... success!  TECH"YES" ~ I rock!  I am once again connected!

:) Tracy

                                                        Shout out to my hand model Jack!
                                              

The Tooth Fairy Strikes Again

On a recent trip to my bathroom, I came up "empty" not once, but several times...there was a mere drop of shower soap left, an inch of floss couldn't clean my teeth, and some toilet paper had to substitute for a much needed tissue. What had happened?? As I marched to the linen closet to replace soap, floss, and tissues, I realized the offender(s) not only neglected to replace the empty products, but failed to alert anyone either. Did they expect the Tooth Fairy to fly in during the middle of the night and wave her magical wand? I think so.


It seems that in addition to being wife, mother of four, housekeeper, cook, taxi driver, and so on, I have become "The Tooth Fairy" ~ no, not the real one that gives out $$$ for lost teeth, but the other one who replaces practically anything that needs replacing in my house. I don't know how I got this job. I certainly didn't apply for it. Still unsure if wings are a requirement.


The boundaries of The Tooth Fairy are limitless -- she replaces food in the pantry and refrigerator, clean wash into drawers and closets, lightbulbs, stamps, batteries, tape, q-tips, and so on. It all happens, poof, as if by magic. As I find empty soap containers in my children's shower caddy, I wonder how long they've been showering with just water. And, as I pour a mere drop out of the orange juice container, I wonder if I should have chosen the thimble-sized glass for the not-so-thirsty. Right now, I'm hoping the mouthwash isn't on empty or I'm out of luck tonight.


I guess being The Tooth Fairy isn't all that bad. I certainly spread goodwill and cheer throughout my house. Maybe even a little peace on Earth. Wonder if they believe in me... Wonder -- are you The Tooth Fairy in your house??


Yours Truly,


The Tooth Fairy


P.S. "Here's a little magic for the never believer." - REM

MEAN

I know you are not a Taylor Swift fan but I think you know her new song with the lyrics "why you gotta' be so mean?".  Seriously, why are people so mean?

Set the stage:  Friday night football games, the band is playing, the cheerleaders are cheering and the fans are clapping.  Kids, young kids, are back and forth from the bleachers to the track to the snack stand and back again.  Then from the bleachers to the track to watch the cheerleaders up close and back again.  This pretty much goes on and on all game long, every game.  And I might add the kids are well behaved.  Just good ole' fashioned kid fun.

Infront of us in the reserved section sits a couple.  Presumably husband and wife.  They each probably go for 2-1/2 spins on the scale.  Their portable seats with the backs hyperextend way into the aisle behind them.  I might add I think they are too old to have high school age kids ~ I think they are merely spectators, which is fine.  So here it goes: early in the season, they called the Athletic Director to complain about all the kids running up and down the bleachers.  He diplomatically asked if they would like their seats changed.  No they said, and added that they know some of the kids belong to the Athletic Director himself.  Hmm.

Fast forward to this past Friday night.  We all know the grumpy couple infront of us hates the kids.  The moms seem to be on eggshells gingerly coaxing the kids not to get near "the couple".  Observing this couple for awhile, I really think they are crazy.  So Kate and her 4 year old friend "run" down the bleachers and someone overheard the lady say "I hope the little bit**es fall".  Really?  Who says that?  Mean people. 

The second story comes even closer to home, actually in my home, where we have the "frienemies".  In this instance I know she doesn't have mean intentions but quite the opposite.  Although it does end up being daily torture for him.  Somehow though he takes it and always goes back for more.  I think he might actually love her as evidenced in the picture below.  She's not mean, she is just his friend.

So sister, may we look to surround ourselves with good, nice people.  And may we act accordingly.

 Tracy

She = Kate     He = Cat

Green Acres is the Place to Be!

Better late than never...today we piled in the minivan for our annual pilgrimage to the farm! The best part about going AFTER the Halloween crush is that it is......... E-M-P-T-Y!! We practically had the entire farm to ourselves. Score one for Team Brown.


After a blissful, unseasonably warm day in Chester, New Jersey, we asked each family member to say what the "best" part of the day was.


This is what we heard -->


William ~ moon bounce & corn house
Emma ~ pony rides & climbing the haystack
Henry ~ petting the adorable bunnies
Grace ~ (not sure)
Ed ~ spending day with family (in lieu of watching fball)
Tricia ~ watching Ed argue with woman who cut our kids in pony line


Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!!


xo tb

REVIEW

Did you watch Grey’s Anatomy last night?  I have been watching that show for how many years now and I have to say last night’s episode was one of the best in a long time.  Here’s why (in my opinion):

a.)  Bailey & Avery’s high drama over their patient.  She is always right but seems defeated.

b.)  Dr. Teddy Altman’s resolve and confidence about doing surgery on the secret patient.  And standing up to Derek.  How pretty is she?

c.)  Cristina’s shopping trip.  Nice escape from all the hospital scenes.  Did you see the super cool metal chair with the blue cushion in her place ~ someone please tell me she picked that up at IKEA after her trip to the mall and that it is affordable and I can buy one just like it!  And so glad nobody broke it during the fight!

d.) Karev & Meredith’s conversation about his family & sister.  How sad.  Meredith is one of the few people who understands him.  You can't help but to feel bad for both of them.    

e.)  And of course, Cristina and Derek sitting on the roof.  He knows nobody can fix her but herself.  After talking about the hardwood floors, they both got up to leave and he asked if there was anything else she wanted to talk about (i.e. her job situation) and she paused and said “what are you doing for bathroom tile”.  And they sat back down and continued talking.  How great was he?

TGIF Sista’

T

This & That

Here is a collection of things that have been floating around me lately ~ thought you may want to think about them too! Happy reading...


Stella McCartney just launched her own children's line of clothing after being a "guest" designer for The Gap. Everything I looked at was super cute ~ especially a pair of shorts to be worn over tights or leggings. (for Grace) Loved the boots in her print ads. I wonder if I can squeeze into a girl's size 12? Wishful, but doubtful. You can check it out www.stellamccartneykids.com


Next stop, Stella's GOOP friend (and your fav!) Gwyneth Paltrow. A little birdie, or my sister, reminded me Gwyneth sang last night on the CMA awards!! (my DVD is set) I learned she will sing the theme song from her latest movie, "Country Strong." Did you know she learned to play the guitar for her role and rocker hubby, Chris Martin, wrote songs for the movie? Mark your calendar, "Country Strong" is slated for release January 7th. Maybe we could go together!


A movie of a much different type ~ the acclaimed documentary "Sins of My Father" premiered on HBO in October. I finally got around to watching it and, to be honest, I can't stop thinking about it. It was that good. The film explores Pablo Escobar, who was, at one time, the most successful cocaine peddler on earth. His son, Sebastian Marroquin, painfully tells the riveting story of his father and family after many years of silence. Even the subtitles can't detract from the film's powerful content. Tuck the kids in bed, pop some popcorn, and watch it. I know I will be watching it again.


After a busy day filled with all of the above, I always end my day with my nose in a book. Recently, I finished Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese and loved every page of it. The author is not only a gifted writer, but a professor of medicine at Stanford University!!! Cutting for Stone was his first attempt at fiction ~ he obviously succeeded, as it lingered with me long after I sadly finished the last page. Imagine my surprise when the owner of the bookstore in town told me about The Tennis Partner. It is Verghese's memoir about his relationship with a mecial student - tennis, medicine, and life intertwined. I'll give you my copy to borrow when I'm done. Honestly, like the last book, I never want it to end.


Tricia


{photo of William included just to make you smile. Kids love shopping!!}

FAVES

My turn, a few of my favorite things...


Cleaning product:  Citra Solv - Valencia Orange  
Beauty item:  Bobbi Brown gel eye liner
Scented candle:  hmm
Clothing brand:  J Crew
Store:  Target
Cocktail/Wine:  Margarita (on the rocks with salt)
Vacation:  exploring any place new to me
Magazine: Better Homes and Gardens
Music:  Counting Crows
Color:  pink
Ice Cream:  caramel sundae from McD's ($1)
Artist:  Taylor Swift (songwriter)
Item I Own:  photography
Season:  fall & winter (tie)
Number:  twelve / 12
Toothpaste:  Colgate Sensitive

Tracy

A Few of My Favorite Things

These are a few of my favorite things...


Cleaning product ~ everything Mrs. Meyer's
Beauty item ~ Bobbi Brown face balm (yellow!)
Scented candle ~ any by Kobe
Clothing brand ~ J Crew
Store ~ Target
Cocktail/Wine ~ Sauvignon blanc
Vacation ~ beach
Magazine ~ House Beautiful
Music ~ Dave Matthews
Color ~ gray
Ice Cream ~ peanut butter chocolate
Artist ~ Rothko
Item I Own ~ photo book of my children
Season ~ fall
Number ~ four / 4
Toothpaste ~ Marvis (whitening mint)

What are your favorite things sister??


tb

PICKS

So how much fun was our outing?  How nervous was I when we arrived at Salvage Goods promptly at 12:00 when they were supposed to open and the store was dark?  And looking thru the window everything looked fantastic.  Taking a quick lunch break at one of our faves, Valenca, was probably a good idea.  Always a little embarrassing when the shop owner unlocks the doors and there we are ready to run them over.  Remember we did that at the Summer House in LBI a couple of years ago?


You know a store is good when you can't stop thinking about what you left behind.  I can't stop thinking about the blue metal industrial floor lamp. There has got to be a place in my house for that.  And that huge wooden locker unit.  Loved it!  It is funny how I see my style changing over the years ~ rustic antiques to vintage to modern industrial.  I just love all that metal. 


In case you forgot, here were my picks: vintage crown pin, block letter "3" and the metal basket.  How did I leave with just three little items?  Sometimes it can be alittle overwhelming.  I really can't wait to go back.  


So sister, when and where should we go next? 


T

Come Flea with Me

You know me ~ I could never pass up an invitation to "flea" somewhere with my sister. (especially at a newly opened shop!) As we met in Easton, on a brisk fall morning, we pressed our noses against the glass waiting for Salvage Goods to open. Even in the store's dim light, we spied some treasures awaiting our interest. Shoppers, take your mark.


Once inside, Salvage Goods did not disappoint. It was an interesting mix of vintage/flea market meets industrial cool. There were many unique metal desks, table, and carts with endless purposes. I especially loved a blue metal stand that would be a fabulous bar cart. The walls surrounded us with a variety of mirrors (one with wavy glass) and sweet paintings. On the tabletops, a variety of eclectic metal objects found new purpose. There was even an array of jewelry and handbags. There was much to take in, and after several circles around the shop, I wondered what might come home with us.


There it was. We almost missed it. The PERFECT ottoman for my little library! Nothing is quite like finding a treasure to make one's heart skip a beat or two. I have been searching for something round, modern, and leather to put in between my chairs. And, finally, the search was over. The funny part is, I almost didn't buy it!!! (yes reader, this is true) As luck would have it, sisters always help each other make good decisions when it comes to flea markets and fashion.


FYI...


Salvage Goods
24 South Third Street
Easton, PA
www.salvagehomegoods.com


Tricia

SPEED

Tomorrow is the 41st running of the New York City Marathon.  Haile Gebrselassie from Ethiopia holds the marathon world record with a time of 2:03:59.  Amazing!  I ran a half marathon in 2:17:00.  Keeping perspective I suppose I jogged the half but it sure felt like running to me.  

I was a spectator at three marathons:  The Marine Corps Marathon the year that Oprah Winfrey ran and yes we did see her.  The New York City Marathon to watch my friend Denise run.  And in May of this year I watched Mike run his first in the Pittsburgh Marathon.  One might think it is boring standing there just watching runners go by but it somehow sucks you in.  It somehow looks easy.  It somehow makes you want to run.  Some of the top runners in this year's field (both men are women) are not in their 20's but rather in their mid to late 30's.  Amazing!

I am pretty sure that I will never run a marathon.  I know it is great to set goals and that would be quite an accomplishment.  So my hats off to everyone running tomorrow ... I have great respect and amiration for your task at hand.

We were at the Philadelphia Zoo this summer and one of our favorite animals is the cheetah ... did you know the cheetah is the fastest land animal.  I always wondered why their enclosures seem so much less secure and are very open.  Turns out they have poor climbing abilities.  They are amazing too.

So sister, in the spirit of inspiration, what races are we going to "run" in 2011?

T

Santa Baby

"Santa Baby, slip a Hermes blanket under the tree, for me, I've been a awfully good girl." (hope you are singing along with me sister! And hope my dearest husband noticed the gift hint) As I was out and about this week, enjoying a wonderful dose of fall, I noticed something besides fall was in the air...


As I popped into my favorite store in town (The Farmhouse!), I noticed it immediately. There were baskets and baskets filled with the most unique, handmade ornaments. A sparkly tree in the front window was getting decked with the mentioned ornaments, as an enormous wooden/metal/painted angel smiled down from the tippy top. All that was missing was the holiday song playlist keeping us in the groove (that will start next week, I was told.) I did buy a Christmas gift for my super sister (!) and a super cute octopus ornament.


Next stop, the mall. I must admit, I rarely go to the mall, expect in case of an emergency. This trip was for a much needed pair of sneaks for Henry. As we walked in, my little ones and I came to a dead stop. The magical Christmas village where Santa "lives" loomed before us. Hesitantly, we peeked around a tree. Was the big man here?? Not yet. Just his throne and a few workers putting on the final touches. Whew. I did buy a pair of tall, snow boots because if Santa is on his way, that means the white stuff is coming too.


Last, my amazing photographer sent me an email regarding my Christmas cards. It is time."The card" is one of my favorite projects of the season. I view it as a tiny, flat gift with a stamp that I send to pretty much everyone. And, I, in turn, love receiving the "gifts" my family and friends send to me. In addition, it is a creative process involving my children ~ a winning combination for me. As I imagine my card, something graphic and modern this year with a quote, I smile. It IS beginning to look a little bit like Christmas.


Tricia


RSVP Thanks for the invite ~ I accept. Yes!!!

INVITE

Dear Sister,

I hope it can be ... come flea with me!

Do you have plans for Sunday?  It could be a fun day.  Your style, my style, vintage or old, whatever we find our stories to be told.

RSVP ASAP!

Fondly,
T

The End of a Friend(ship)

Friendship. I think about the daily doses of wisdom I dole out to my children regarding their friendships. "Treat others the way you want to be treated." "It takes a friend to be a friend." and for the three year old, "Share, share, that's fair." Sometimes, I feel like a drill sergeant in the army of life repeating my commands over and over. And, as I help my little soldiers navigate their social situations, I begin to reflect on my own.


Friendship. I wonder...is it the same at forty as it was when I was ten? Is it more complicated because I'm older or are the principles the same? At times, I do remind myself to listen to the same advice I share with my children. Life's instructions are pretty much universal. They will serve you for a lifetime. Young or old, it takes enormous time, energy, and effort to maintain a friendship. However, once you have a dear friend, there is nothing else quite like it.


Friendship. Perhaps, it isn't until things get a little murky between adult friends that I expect a difference. Most of the time, young children simply end friendships and move on to new friends after some troubled times. Maybe it is survival on the playground or just a short
term memory. I expect adults to use their wisdom, compassion, and grace to preserve friendships when things get rocky. At our disposal, we even have email or text messaging to make things easier. Still, we are usually no different from our ten year old counterparts ~ often, we simply walk away from difficult friendships.


Friendship. I must admit, I am disappointed by the end of a friendship - by a friend just walking away. With so much invested and shared, there must be something worth fighting for. Shouting would be better than silence. How can a bond that took years to create be undone so quickly and easily? As I pass by a former friend, like strangers, it becomes clear. "Friends who don't treat us well aren't worth having." Tomorrow, I'll have to add this one to my drill.


tb


ps I had the privilege of meeting your Helen, over the phone, when I called you ~ she was a special lady indeed. You were lucky to have her friendship.

FRIEND

Yesterday I had the mundane task of cleaning through my closet.  Putting clothing away, organizing shoes and a pile of jewelry that slipped to the ground and sat in a mini pile of bling.  But what started out as mundane turned quickly to something much more pleasant.  Sorting and organizing my jewelry brought me back to a very special person who touched my life.

For just about 9 years, I worked with a wonderful woman named Helen.  When I first met Helen I think she was about 70 years old and was working part-time.  She was nothing short of a tough cookie and funny enough we called each other "Cookie".  Helen loved to work because she loved people.  And people loved her. 

More often then not, I would wear to work vintage jewelry I had bought while shopping for antiques.  Helen and I ended up sharing an unexpected bond over costume jewelry.  The one day she was wearing this great chunky gold chain with a row of oversized pink pearls.  I loved it!  What did Helen do, she took it off and gave it to me.  Do you remember the necklace sister, I wore it last year for Thanksgiving.  Once I wore a pin with a cluster of diamonds as a necklace and she gave me a much more beautiful vintage one.

Helen often greeted me with a hug if I was just getting back from vacation.  She always gave the kids $1.00 when they came to visit.  Her decorating offices for a holiday was a given and she wasn't shy when it came to singing.

So the simple mundate task of cleaning out my closet brought me back to someone who touched my life and to someone I loved, Helen.  If just for a moment.  Helen retired about a year ago and sadly passed away this summer.  I miss her.  At her funeral, I wore the vintage owl necklace that we found while shopping in Lambertville because I knew she would have loved it.

Tracy