Monday, July 27, 2009

Forging new paths

As I sit and ponder what exciting things I should tell you this week, I wondered to myself, why did I start this blog in the first place? Did I deviate from my original intent? What is my mission statement anyway? I then realized, I truly began this blog because I was in awe of all the great and loving blogs I have come across while secretly hiding in the shadows. I stalked some pretty intelligent women who were able to transform ordinary, items no longer loved or needed, into something extraordinary that looked like it came out of a home magazine! I read as women weathered the storm, and held onto their love of Jesus, who put their thanks in God and just Believed that things happen in due time, or if at all. I was amazed and inspired at how one can live without what the Joneses may have had, but live with so much happiness and thankfulness.

It is a path I have always wanted my life to lead, one that included much peace, happiness, simplicity and love. One that held my family together and had the opportunity to meet new, interesting and intelligent people who were on the same enrichment path as I. Lord knows, we all have our storms to weather, but instead of wallow in my losses, I was inspired to celebrate my "wins". I have lost a lot these past 2 years, it is no surprise. It's hard to waddle through murky feelings and not find them posted on this blog every now and again. For those that may not know, my family lost 3 members in 2 years. My Nonno (Grandfather dad's side), 10 months later, my Grandmother (mom's side), then we were blindsided when my dad passed away 9 months after my Grandmother, and 5 months after being diagnosed with cancer. It has been one hell of a roller coaster. Some days, the coaster just plummets straight down into sorrow, the next, it is on its way up into the belief that things happen for a reason.

Even though you may not know me, your blogs have helped me through these tough times. Your faith has restored my own, your love of family and life has given me back a glimpse of sunshine. So I thank you. And I hopefully honor you by taking these first steps to a blogging. I hope you enjoy my little blog, and I hope I can return the favor you have passed along to me. :)


~ Marcia

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Summer breeze

It's hot and humid, and a little grey. We haven't had a good downpour in a weeks, so although I prefer the sunshine, the clouds are welcome here today. Seems to me summer is just breezing by. My job keeps me at my desk for 9 hours a day, watching the world go by from my large window. I realize I am very fortunate to have a job, and as each bill I pay on follows a sigh of relief, that fortune is reiterated within me. Nevertheless, I do daydream that I have the summer off, to go exploring our new hometowm, to jump in the car and visit family and friends back home. To spend relaxing days out on our porch with a strong cup of jo' and a great book.

We eagerly anticipate weekends here in my home and we try to squeeze in as much summer fun as we can. So today I thought I'd share with you some of the fun we've had so far this summer.


We went to the zoo.







We received a visit from family. (She took her picture all by herself, no help from Auntie, thankyouverymuch.)



And we've explored some great walking trails with the pup.


So how has your summer been thus far?

~ Marcia

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Thrifty finds

Today I am participating in Rhoda's thrifty treasures! I hope I am doing this correctly, it's my first time :)

This weekend is proof, great things come in small packages!

I am in love with this frame. It cost $1 at a discount store and holds a picture of my Dad when he was in his 20's, that my Mom took on one of their first dates. It now sits front and center on my writing desk.



The little lamp base, I bought at GW for .99 cents awhile ago. I was looking for a small lampshade. I found this one at another discount store for $1.99. It matches perfectly my sofa's end tables and sits beside my Dad's frame.





This little caraffe was a gift. It was purchased at the same store as the lampshade. It was $4.99 and now sits on my bathroom counter, and will hold mouthwash.




I hope you enjoyed my little tour!


~ Marcia

Friday, July 17, 2009

Collection of sorts

Thought I'd share my Rooster collection. I *heart* roosters. It started off innocently enough, with one or two and has consistently grown in the past few years. My newest addition, the little silver rooster ornament for .50 cents. I hope you enjoy.

















Have a blessed Friday!
~Marcia


Tuesday, July 14, 2009

A whole bunch of......bill

I'm kinda slow this week. When its pay week I get out all our bills, line them up, and tick off what my pay check can get rid of for us. Today I'm a bit frustrated! I called our local TV/Internet/phone company who had confirmed a "locked in" price for us for a year. Turns out, they neglected to tell me, that it does not include any taxes and surcharges, nor the rental of the modem (more ranting on this later), nor the taxes if we choose to rent a movie! Now, what company puts together a bundle price, and then tells you, btw, in order to use our services, we do realize you must rent the modem, therefore, here's another nifty little charge. Arrrgh! I understand the supply and demand of the modem, however, why not include that in the bundle package rate?! I'd still be paying for it, but it doesn't have to be listed on my bill under,"Oh, you need us, oh yes you do". Ok, so it doesn't really say that but each month I see that charge that's exactly what I think.

We have been so tempted to cut the TV, phone and Internet, well not the phone, nor the Internet, but we're hoping to look around to find someone a little less $$ and a lot more helpful! I too work as a customer service rep, and I know you attract more bees with honey than vinegar, but when a rep tells my MIL (who was having her own issues with this co') that it is up to the reps discretion if they decide to tell you of their discounts and specials, I thought WHAT?!? What sorta company admits this, first, to a customer and second, even does this!!

So I'm off to pay some bills. And when I get to this bill I think I won't worry about my penmenship. Humph.

~ Marcia

Friday, July 10, 2009

Lazy hazy days

T.G.I.F!!! This work week has been a long one, after a 3 day weekend. My plans for this coming weekend? Relax. Ahhh, a plan free weekend. Morning coffee on our porch, taking the pup for long walks, visiting rummage sales are my idea of the perfect weekend.


My furbabies are already a step ahead of me, and in relaxation mode!





I hope you all have a great weekend!
~ Marcia

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Happy Birthday to my Granny

Today would've been my beloved Grandma's birthday. She was a beautiful, dignified soul. She was kind, loving, supportive, she loved animals and they were just drawn to her. She always looked great and dressed impeccably with matching jewelry. She was the sweetest soul I have ever known and my absolute favorite person.

She passed away a little over a year ago, joining her beloved husband in Heaven.



Happy Birthday My Granny!! No matter where you are, I will always acknowledge your birthday. I love you and miss you so very much.

~ Marcia

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Reconnecting

I had a friend that I made at the mere age of 12, one who I had lost touch with after high school, but then had reacquainted with when we both worked for a company of 4000 employees. She came and went throughout my life, and then suddenly, she was gone again. I moved, she moved, but I tried to keep in touch through emails but to no avail. I finally gave up trying in 2006. Then yesterday, I find her reply, to an email I sent 3 years earlier! She said she had tried to reach me but had lost my email address until finding the long lost email. What a surprise! We picked up just as we had left off, mind you, many things had changed. Chatting with her warmed my soul as I realize I had not made the same depths of friendships as I had when I was a child. My two closest friends are girls I met at the ages of 11 and 15. My best friend is my twin sister. It's not that I don't try, it just seems that people are so busy and uninterested (maybe?) in making new lasting friendships. I would love to make new friends in my area. It would be great to go for coffee, or peruse a few yard sales, or catch a chick flick.

Please don't get me wrong, I am deeply grateful to the sweet comments and the connections I have made here online. You girls are so kind with your time and your thoughts. And my hope is that this little blog opens the door to meeting some great new girlfriends.

Yet I do wonder, where do you meet new friends? Have you made good friends since leaving high school?

~ Marcia

Monday, July 6, 2009

Great finds on 4th of July weekend

I was sad to see the last of yesterday's hours tick by, and knowingly would wake to a new work day. Our celebrations started with hubby's birthday, and we had a fantastic holiday weekend. We went to the zoo, to some shops down main street, stopped at some yard sales, saw a few fireworks, went out to dinner, watched a couple of movies, took the pup for long walks in the park. It couldn't have been better! I finally had some luck at a couple of yard sales we hit. I am thrilled with what I got!!


This little beauty caught my eye right away, as did someone elses who called out, "what a gorgeous gravy boat you are holding" as I was examining her. Despite the owners, "firm" when we tried to haggle her, the $4.00 beauty came home with me!


This little jar my MIL found, but had no place to put it. It cost all of .75 cent, and even though I have no idea what to use it for at the moment, I was glad to snatch her up.




These jars my MIL had to talk me into getting. I loved them but didn't know where I would put them. They were $1.50/ea but we talked her down to $2.00/both. I had the tray already and was thrilled when they fit. They now sit above our toilet and hold cotton balls and qtips.




This was my absolute favorite find! I had seen it once before and the woman wanted $100/set, and $75 just the table. This time around we went at closing, she was asking $50/set, my MIL bartered down to $25 for the table and stool!! Sorry about the picture, I forgot to take a "before" pic, until I began painting! It will be perfect for my writing desk! (The stool is being used as a leg rest out on the porch).




How was your 4th of July weekend?
~ Marcia

Thursday, July 2, 2009

A birthday recap and a Happy 4th of July!!

We try to make a great deal about birthdays around here, despite that we haven't been children in a long while! Hubby is great at giving me a full day of "me" on my birthday. A day where I get to choose where I want to go, what I want to do and where I want to eat. For my past three birthdays in the US, he's even taken the day off work to celebrate my birthday with me, because I would've spent the day alone. Ain't he sweet? Well yesterday was his birthday, I didn't take the day off work (it would've been unpaid), but I did ask him where he wanted to go for supper. He insisted that he didn't want to go anywhere because today he had to get up early for work. Instead he just wanted to go to Rita's. Do you have a Rita's near your place? I haven't seen it anywhere but Pennsylvania, but already I am in love! It is so very good. They have great Italian Ice, and custard creams. So after I get off work, we head over to Rita's only for my sweet, indecisive hubby to say that he'd rather go out to eat! I had told him that I would've taken off of work early to take him out but instead worked till 8pm, but he had changed his mind so off to a late dinner we go. His choice, Red Lobster. I must say, it was a good choice! He promptly ordered the most expensive thing on the menu, the little stinker! We don't typically do that but for birthday's its a no holds barred.
So we came home, a little late and a lot full but I do believe he had a happy birthday!

One more day to go then we're off for a 3 day weekend! Is that a collective sigh of relief? Ah, I live for 3 day weekends. We're trying to find out what to do in our area for the 4th. I looove the 4th celebrations. Finding great rummage sales while a parade goes on behind you. The whole town comes alive in a "carnival" like setting. I feel very fortunate to be apart of the celebrations. My adoptive home puts on a good show ;) My MIL got me this cute little pin to wear on the 4th. I can't wait!


Wishing you guys a safe and happy holiday weekend!
~ Marcia

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Happy Birthday to my hubby and to Canada!

Today is my handsome hubby's birthday! He is turning 32 today, when I thought he was turning 33! LOL. He is a sweet soul, very protective, very fair and funny. He is a good man and I adore him! So HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE!!! Wishing you all the best this year and many years to come!


Today is also Canada's birthday! I was born and raised in Canada, and no matter where I am Canada will always hold a special place in my heart. Happy birthday Canada!!


Wishing you guys a great day!

~ Marcia