In The Heart of Happy

There's A House Warming Going On!!!

2011-03-15T12:51:00.000-04:00

Come see me at In The Heart of Happy DOT com. I am mostly moved in and happy as you know what about this transition. It will be my pleasure to see you all there. I will still be keeping this blog live, as well as reading and commenting through my google reader...so don't worry.

I know it's not a super sticky sweet post, but it was the one in my head that came out and I hope it leaves you feeling grateful.

So...what are you waiting for??? Come see me!!

This is Home Girl and I got me some new digs....

You Want This Easy Recipe For A Divine Dinner, I Swear.

2011-03-14T12:34:00.001-04:00

What happens when you take three good friends who are all going through a few relationship problems and add good food and wine? You get three good friends who were much calmer together, than we would have been apart.

What could have been disaster turned into a wonderful day. Do you ever have those pivotal days? It could go either way, but in keeping a Happy Heart...all is well.

My BBFF, also known as Thing One, made the most incredible dinner last night. It was simple in it's elegance, but let me tell you right now...this bad boy is decadent.

Pecan Encrusted Chicken Breasts stuffed with fresh Spinach and Colby/Monterrey Jack Cheese which was served over rice. It was paired with Black Box Chardonnay. A perfect meal for whatever (and whomever) ails you.

Thing One began by crushing about a cup of chopped pecans. He placed the pecans on a few folded paper towels and then rolled an empty wine bottle over them until they were good and crushed.

He performed the same rolling task over large chicken breasts until they were thin and flat. Take one chicken breast, dip into an egg wash comprised of 3 eggs scrambled well and a dash of milk... a layer of fresh spinach leaves and a heaping handful of shredded cheese onto the flattened chicken breast. Roll up. Dip the rolled breasts into the crushed pecans until covered, place onto a broiler pan, and then spear with two or three tooth picks to stabilize the perfect pockets of wonderment. Take whatever pecan crumbs are left and sprinkle on top of the chicken. You will thank me later when you taste the toasted pecans on the rice.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Peek on it occasionally and let the aromas dance around your kitchen. Make your favorite rice dish to accompany the chicken. Notice all the cheesy goodness coming out??? That's what I'm talking about, baby.

Serve the chicken breasts on top of the rice and call "All the Churrin' " to dinner. You know those meals where everyone is silent because the food is THAT good...it was one of those nights.

Yes, it really was. The wine was great, too. Have you ever tried Black Box Chardonnay? I was impressed.

This is Home Girl and I loved it when Star Jones (on Celebrity Apprentice) said, "If you are trying to take out The Queen, you better kill her first." My thoughts exactly.

Crazy Times We Live In

2011-03-11T15:28:00.000-05:00

My heart just breaks for those dealing with the earthquakes in Japan and abroad, the Tsunami's around the world, and the volcanic disruptions currently taking place. The images are mind blowing.

This all leaves me weary of our future for some reason.

It makes me pray even harder for salvation for not only myself, but for those I love.

I went on a walk to ease my soul and to spend some alone time with Him. It helped. I looked at the bounty of Spring growth around me and it made me smile a little...

even in the midst of bad news coming in from around the world.

This is Home Girl...does any of this scare you???

Spring Cleaning

2011-03-10T10:01:00.000-05:00

It's raining here today. It's one of those "stay inside because it's too yucky to go out" days, but sometimes those can be the best kind. There is Spring cleaning to be done and this does not exclude In The Heart of Happy. I am just so excited about this news I am going to share with you...right here, right now.

In The Heart of Happy is moving!!! Yep, I have become quite frustrated with Blogger and their inability to provide photo hosting without charging huge fees.

It will take me at least one more day, maybe two to get everything packed up and moved, but it will definitely be for the better.

I am getting my own domain and will be using Wordpress, so I am pretty excited to say the very least. I hope that this move will allow me to continue to grow and to bring you content I want without having to make sacrifices.

When the blog goes live, you best believe I will come here and let you know...and if you have a hard time finding me after it's all said and done, please feel free to leave me a comment here and I will connect with you. Promise. I will be leaving this blog open as well, because I have a lot of my favorite reads on my dashboard and well, I am not a fan of Google Reader, either.

Hopefully this move will be permanent for a while. It's with some mixed emotions that I say goodbye to this "house"...I have lived here through so much, but there comes a time when we must get bigger digs when we are ready for them.

I am ready...ready for In The Heart of Happy Dot Com!!!!! Yeah!

This is Home Girl and I moving on up...

I Promise More Tomorrow!

2011-03-01T16:45:00.000-05:00

I really do. I finally have a clear and unscheduled day where I can write and comment on my favorite blogs. I know those that have been reading for a few years now understand and most know what I have been up to on that social platform called Face Crack, but for those that have missed me, I do sincerely apologize for my absence.

I got it excused from the principal. It was worth it. Trust and believe.

I have missed you all terribly, though. My heart would ache at times, I missed you all so much. I had my lap top with me, but apparently Virginia does not believe in 4G wireless and well...

3G coverage does not like large photo files, so I needed to wait until I got home.

It was a great adventure that is turning into some more adventures in my near future. Great things are happening.

God is just SO good!

This is Home Girl and I missed my Homies more than you'll ever know!

My First Wedding Shoot

2011-02-15T12:09:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday, I had both the privilege and the honor of attending the wedding of two very good friends. Like myself, they have a unconventional relationship, but the love they share far outweighs the obstacles they face.

I not only watched this day unfold before me, but was thrilled to photograph it as well. I know from a technical standpoint there is much work I need to do, but I am very pleased my my first attempt results.

Wanna take a peek?

It snowed the day that A and Z became a couple and it snowed on their wedding day, as well.

We're here!! Nervous happiness filled the air.

Such a stunning venue.

A and his stunning mother...so thrilled for this day!!

Not a dry eye in the house!! Such a touching ceremony.

Capturing the love and excitement as two, become one.

It's official!! Love their smiles!

A great day in D.C.

Wedding Reception in The Cavendish Suite at The Renaissance, Portsmouth, Virginia. The waterfront view of Norfolk, VA through the window.

Red Velvet Wedding Cake paired with opulent wines, champagne, and prosecco.

United as One

This is Home Girl and I am house sitting while these two are honeymooning in Aspen, CO. No, I'm not hating...not at all!

A Day of Wine and Roses

2011-02-14T09:43:00.000-05:00

Love in a Look

by Henry Van Dyke

Let me but feel thy look's embrace,

Transparent, pure, and warm,

And I'll not ask to touch thy face,

Or fold thee with mine arm.

For in thine eyes a girl doth rise,

Arrayed in candid bliss,

And draws me to her with a charm

More close than any kiss.

A loving-cup of golden wine,

Songs of a silver brook,

And fragrant breaths of eglantine,

Are mingled in thy look.

More fair they are than any star,

Thy topaz eyes divine --

And deep within their trysting-nook

Thy spirit blends with mine.

This is Home Girl wishing you, today and forevermore, hours filled with abundant love.

Yes, I have Pink Hair

2011-02-11T17:15:00.001-05:00

Before:

I was in desperate need of a cut and color. I have very ethnic hair. It is terribly difficult to find people who are capable of understanding how to cut my hair and of course there's the coloring issue. I wanted something a little wild, sassy, and free. A new hair style that says, "Home Girl".

After:

Pink hair in graduating shades from bright to dark which is not staying after Valentine's Day, but is really fun and a super asymetrical cut that is short, short, short in the back and long in the front...next week I am having mocha layers added in.

Ya know...so Home Girl can do her thang! (I do have amazing natural curls)

Yesterday, I photographed a wedding in Washington, D.C. It was amazing. I was so thrilled to be a part of the wedding as the photographer. This is my favorite shot. I promise to share more in the next few days.

This is Home Girl and I believe in love that knows no bounds. To me, that is real love.

This and That Thursday by Mental Pause Mama

2011-02-10T08:08:00.000-05:00

~It snowed for what is likely the last time this year, and it's okay and all, but even I am over it. Come on Spring!

~Gender has nothing to do with love and marriage.

~My favorite food experience this week is Key Lime Cheesecake with Strawberries. Oh yeah.

~I don't know how I feel about my hair, right now.

~It's pink.

~It's pink, like remember Pink's hair when it was pink. I love the cut though. I might have to get some darker layers put in to find a happy medium, but the cut is awesome.

~I am wondering how close the wedding venue will be to Red Velvet Cupcakes in Downtown D.C. and if Russia and I can sneak down there and get back without anyone noticing. Hmmm.

~Russia and I have the same mutual attraction to designer cupcakes.

~Have you ever had Sweet Dreams, Chocolate Caramel Covered Popcorn??? I had a cupcake moment after eating this tempting treat. Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake with Caramel Creme that has been dipped in Chocolate Ganache (or Chocolate Shell) and sprinkled with the Chocolate Caramel Covered Popcorn. Sweet and Salty and Chocolaty and Yummy.

~I seem to have cupcake moments a lot.

This is Home Girl asking...What would be your cupcake moment??

Crazy Busy Week

2011-02-09T08:57:00.000-05:00

I had a feeling that this week would be insanely jam packed...and it is.

I love it though. I really do. I am having an absolute blast. Today is the lull in my week. It will be a day filled with making a baby quilt for a shower I am attending on Saturday, creating a surprise for friends who are getting married in Washington, D.C. on Thursday at The Washington Court Hotel, and then...

Home Girl's getting a complete makeover tonight!!!! Yes, I will be sipping on some nice wine while getting completely pampered. The whole deal...new color, new cut, new style. New Me!!

I might do a before and after. I said, I might. Don't count on it though. I don't know. I am still deciding. Not questioning the makeover part, but the showing you a before photo. We shall see.

I had a great food photo shoot on Monday. I will get to that later on this week after I finish processing all the photos.

I mentioned that we got to sample all the food I shot, right? I will also tell you I am not eating today...at all. Opulence and stellar food are wrecking havoc on my caloric intake and Home Girl has a wedding to go to on Thursday where she is not only a guest, but the wedding photographer.

Where there will be even more wonderful food, cake, and wine.

Then there's Valentine's Weekend, Daytona Speed Week, and last, but not least...My Birthday Weekend.

Also, I can NOW tell you, Home Girl is going to the South of France on a two week, Blogging/Wine Barge Tour in September.

And you wonder why I have a princess complex???

This is Home Girl and I love the way my tiara fits.

A Whirlwind Weekend

2011-02-07T09:05:00.000-05:00

Sorry to be in a rush, but I am trying to get out the door for a food photo shoot...and I wasn't home at all over the weekend. The few hours I was home, were spent napping.

I love a good nap. Don't you? I love Sunday Morning Pancakes, too.

I will catch up with everyone later on tonight and tomorrow when things calm down for me, for at least two days.

I love my life.

This is Home Girl and yes, he ate it all!

Maybe The Groundhog Wasn't Lying

2011-02-03T08:53:00.000-05:00

While a greater majority of the United States was going crazy with Winter weather yesterday, I enjoyed a breezy and balmy Wednesday near 70 degrees.

I know...don't hate.

The glorious temperatures provided a much needed chance to walk about Olde Towne as much as I pleased...and it was wonderful. For those of you that aren't familiar with me, I live in the historical district of Portsmouth, Virginia. It is simply called Olde Towne and it's a magical place. I have left and come back and this quaint little sea village is still able to thrill my heart. It captivates my soul.

I guess that's when you know you really love something. That feeling is your sign, that you can bloom where you are planted.

As I was walking, I noticed something coming up from the dark brown soil...could it be? "No, seriously...is that what I think it is?"

Yes, Virginia...here's your sign!!! Spring is actually on it's way!

Where man sees but withered leaves,

God sees sweet flowers growing.

~Albert Laighton

Maybe we should rely on animals to predict the weather more often??

This is Home Girl and I wish you beautiful green buds to brighten your day.

Project Me at The Maddy Chronicles

2011-02-02T07:41:00.000-05:00

It is my sincere honor to be guest posting over at The Maddy Chronicles today for the inauguration of Project Me. Please click the button above to go see me there.

You can come back here and give me hugs and kisses, because you know I like that kind of stuff...so, scoot...what are you waiting for...

CLICK that button!

Yes, that's brownie bites sitting next to Chocolate Covered Cherry, Sweet Bliss wine. Just another great way I celebrate Me!!

This is Home Girl and I am so happy for today!! Welcome to the world Project Me.

Happy First Birthday Communal Global and Some Me Time...

2011-02-01T11:02:00.000-05:00

Going back to The Spit was great...despite any fears I may have had about what I would feel. My love for The Spit has changed and although I rather enjoyed myself, I knew deep in my heart, I love Olde Towne more.

It was a relaxing weekend filled with lots of laugh, great food, and even better friends. I even managed some "Me Time", walking alone along the beach on a cold morning, shooting photos.

I want to wish Communal Global a Very Happy First Birthday!! What a great group of people from all over the world to be a part of. It truly gives you a window to the world and I am so glad I joined this group...not only is the photography stunning, but each of the contributors has an amazing soul.

I hope this image warms your soul today if you are dealing with less than stellar weather and temperatures. Don't be fooled though...it was so cold and windy when I shot this, but it brings hope that warmer days are ahead. Hope springs eternal!!

Tomorrow is a very exciting day. Project Me at The Maddy Chronicles begins and I will be the first one to post!! I am rather thrilled about it all! I hope you join us.

This is Home Girl and I dream of warm days on the beach. And you?

i heart faces ~ Favorite January 2011 Photo

2011-01-31T11:54:00.000-05:00

Song for a Fifth Child

Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth

empty the dustpan, poison the moth,

hang out the washing and butter the bread,

sew on a button and make up a bed.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?

She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue

(lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).

Dishes are waiting and bills are past due

(pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo).

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew

and out in the yard there's a hullabaloo

but I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo.

Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?

(lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).

The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,

for children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.

I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton

I was reminded of this much loved poem when I shot this stunning photo of my best friend dozing off while rocking her youngest son. I thought it to be a sweet sentiment that is all too fleeting...to forget about the things we think we "must" do and to remember the things we "ought" to.

Like spending the time to cuddle our little ones, before they are not so little anymore.

Please go visit all the other entries in this weeks, i heart faces challenge. Just click on this button to go see some of the most amazing images on the web. You will not be disappointed. I never am.

This is Home Girl. Deuces.

More Secret Garden Love

2011-01-29T11:07:00.000-05:00

Today marks a very momentous occasion for Home Girl. Today, I am going back to The Spit for an overnight slumber party with my favorite four year old boy, Lil'A. I am looking forward to spending some time with him and his Mom, but it struck me that in the past year, I have never returned to my former home. I think it's time...I think I am ready, ready because I am going back on my terms...and well, let's be honest...when I last left The Spit, things weren't so wonderful in my life.

A lot has changed in a year, huh??

I should have trusted some of you more when you told me that things would be okay...that things would work out the way He wanted them to, but ya know me...ye of little faith and all. I think one of the biggest things I have learned since last year is that, I am not the one driving the big bus called life. He is. I have learned to trust a whole lot more. I still have issues trusting "people", but I have gotten to a serene place in my life where I completely trust God. I look for the fruit growing on a vine that I might have looked past before.

I also recognize another huge change for me and that relates to happiness. Use to be...I would equate happiness with what I was doing for others and what I was creating for others and there was no real fulfilment in that. I was miserable, because ya know what...we can not make others happy. They have to make themselves happy and then throw the collective pieces into one big bucket called happiness.

There are still bad days. There are still bad things that happen, but it's in our approach that we seek the freedom from being miserable. Sure, you can sit there and say, "blah, blah, blah...my life is so crappy", but what is the sense in that? Turn it around and force yourself to focus on the moments of joy and your mood will lift.

There is beauty, even amongst the dead leaves and darkness of a cold, dreary day.

There are moments when we get to see the sparkle of an old chandelier in a unique location.

A home is just four walls that have found it's happiness. I am so glad I found mine.

This is Home Girl and I hope you focus on happiness today...pure and simple.

Lunch Date; Baker's Crust in Short Pump, Virginia

2011-01-28T11:26:00.002-05:00

Last Thursday, my Boy BFF whisked me off on a day trip adventure! I was more than ready and over the moon with excitement. We were driving approximately two hours to our West to visit someone special, at Baker's Crust in Short Pump, Virginia. Short Pump Town Center to be exact. Short Pump Town Center is this most amazing concept of a huge shopping mall...it is like dining Al Fresco because everything is connected outdoors. Go ahead and take a few minutes to look over the array of stores and dining experiences one can find while visiting Short Pump. I know!! It's truly an amazing place. I heart it there whether or not there is Baker's Crust or Boy BFF Time involved.

Boy BFF was excited to take me to his new "I'm in love" place and I was equally excited to accompany him on this trip. Our destination for the day was the incredible "Virginia's Own" Baker's Crust. We were greeted by smiles and hellos which was really welcoming right from the get go. It wasn't too crowded as we arrived after the lunch rush, but before the dinner crowd started to come in. This time allowed for lingering and much enjoyment. The smell of baking bread wafted through the venue and as soon as we were seated, one could feel their heart rate slow down. A much needed respite with a more than loved friend.

We started the libations with this yummy little number. Hess Select Chardonnay was a lovely beginning. I am typically not a chardonnay drinker, but Boy BFF, who is also studying to become a Master Wine Sommelier has broadened my perspectives. It seems as if my palate veers towards the more expensive wines. BBFF always knows what to order for me and I always love it. Isn't it wonderful when you have a friendship like that?

Our first course quickly arrived and despite the fact that we were both really hungry, we took our time inhaling these. There are eight different bruschetta's available at Baker's Crust. You can mix or match your selections, but I will warn you now, the selection process is grueling. Pictured above is the Riesling Poached Pear and Gorgonzola with watercress finished with a house-made vinaigrette, grapes, and diced buttery walnuts...then there is Prosciutto Di Parma which features fresh sliced prosciutto, oven roasted tomatoes, fresh "made in house" mozzarella, sprinkled with basil...and finally the Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese with oven roasted tomatoes and capers. All three choices were outstanding. My favorite was the Riesling soaked pears...OMG, never in my life have I dreamed of such decadence. The Smoked Salmon did not arrive as the menu stated, as it was paired with fresh parmigiana and not the stated cream cheese, but it still sailed with high praises. Then we had another glass of Hess Chardonnay...

Baker's Crust is warm and casual with an upscale vibe, but seriously reasonably prices. The staff is wonderfully accommodating and well trained. I felt like I was being spoiled...it was much needed and appreciated.

For our main course, we decided to go with salads considering we just polished off three of the above bruschetta selections and still wanting to leave room for the dessert course. C'mon now?? You know me better than that. Home Girl has to have dessert and I will not admit to asking if we could start our foodie adventure with dessert. Nope, not me.

Boy BFF chose this stunning tee peed salad of Skewed Shrimp and Fresh Avocado. The artistically divine plate arrived with mixed greens, bacon, tomatoes, and toasted bread points. Honey mustard dressing was served on the side while the shrimp and avocado were bathed with a Cayenne Aioli. This salad was both captivating in presentation and taste. It is one of those dishes that you never want to get full of.

While on the subject of dishes you never want to get full of...this right here...this crispy fried nugget of loveliness...yes, this one..right above you...(don't look down yet...we will not discuss dessert until you hear about this dish). I chose the Old Fashion Warm Spinach Salad, which was plated with large amounts of fresh baby spinach, hard boiled egg slices, crispy bacon, and sliced mushrooms. It was served with a "made that day" sweet cider and bacon dressing that should be bottled and sold. It could be the answer to the world's financial crisis. The crispy nugget in all it's creamy sexiness...was fried goat cheese, and let me TELL you, this shiz was mind blowing. I have become a fan of goat cheese in various forms over the past few years, but "homie up there" sent me through the roof. I almost had an orgasm. I could have eaten more...I could have eaten a whole plate of these suckers. But...

there was this waiting for me. Yes, hold on to your hats...we had Cheesecake on a Stick. Go ahead and hate me now, but this dessert is to the moon and back again. Thick slices of velvety New York Style Cheesecake dipped in a coffee and mild chocolate ganache. You pick it up and dip it into the fresh made, real whipped cream. Yeah, the true to one's soul stuff made with heavy whipping cream and scented with vanilla bean.

You would understand why there was little in the way of conversation during this episodic moment. I had died and gone to food heaven. The dessert course was lovingly seated with a Badger Mountain Riesling and once again my Boy BFF knew it was the perfect pairing. Badger Mountain Vineyards produce completely organic wine. I was very impressed. Now, you could have called me done and sent me on my way, but that's NOT how Boy BFF rolls...

You must try these sometime. Say hello to Gummy Bears. Yes, you read that correctly. This was the perfect ending to our wonderful afternoon of love and festive food. It was the closing act. Sweet and tart, but smooth to the finish. I am including the recipe here for you to enjoy...consider this my consolation gift to you should you not live near Richmond or the Southeastern side of Virginia.

White Gummy Bears
~

   1/2 ounce Raspberry Vodka
   1/2 ounce Peach Schnapps
   1 ounce Sweet & Sour Mix
   1 splash Lemon Lime Soda

Shake together vodka, schnapps and sweet & sour mix with moderate ice. Pour into a martini glass, top with a splash of lemon-lime soda and serve.
~
I can honestly not begin to thank everyone involved, for the joy this day provided me. I thank Boy BFF and his love...I commend the staff at the Baker's Crust at Short Pump for an amazing meal served with incredibly wonderful skill. Bravo!!

I will be back. I promise.

This is Home Girl and I love to share my favorite places with you. Shake together vodka, schnapps and sweet&sour mix with moderate ice. Pour into a martini g

Gloomy Winter Day

2011-01-27T18:20:00.000-05:00

I had originally planned to have this gleeful, stunning, and salivating blog post for you today, and for some reason or another, I just could not get it together. I woke up with a sore neck, there was no coffee in the house, it's dreary and cold outside. I had a bad case of the "blahs" and I was not in a good mood.

I then posted on Facebook that I was in a bad mood and within seconds I got a message from a friend letting me know that a mutual friend of ours had just lost her 16 year old daughter to suicide last night.

My heart literally sank and suddenly my grumpiness felt so unwarranted and immaterial. I felt guilty for being in a bad mood. I do have so much to be thankful for. It could have been me that was mourning the loss of a child.

I cried...for a long while. I hurt for this mother and the little brother she left behind to pick up the pieces of her hurting heart. There is nothing that could make sense of it all.

I decided to take a walk with my camera. A winter day, with it's bite in the air and the grey, sad clouds above. It was if the day matched my mood, but as I walked around my secret garden where I go to think and reflect, I noticed that even amongst the darkest of days...the saddest of days, God provides glimpses of hope and love. From vines bearing fruit, and the port holes of leaves that resemble hearts, I was left with a hug from Him.

He never leaves us, even when we want to turn around and walk away.

He is always there to provide us shelter from the storm.

Deaths of Flowers

I would if I could choose

Age and die outwards as a tulip does;

Not as this iris drawing in, in-coiling

Its complex strange taut inflorescence, willing

Itself a bud again - though all achieved is

No more than a clenched sadness,

The tears of gum not flowing.

I would choose the tulips reckless way of going;

Whose petals answer light, altering by fractions

From closed to wide, from one through many perfections,

Til wreched, flamboyant, strayed beyond recall,

Like flakes of fire they piecemeal fall.

Edith Joy Scovell

1907-1999

Please join me in prayer for this family and for the little girl lost, who felt she had no one to confide in...to trust with the secret that she wanted to end her life so tragically early.

This is Home Girl and I love to focus on happiness, but sometimes the sadness of a day overwhelms me.

Q and A; Let's Ask Home Girl.

2011-01-26T08:49:00.006-05:00

I apologize, but I am posting without photos today because I am away from my computer babysitting many small children. I stress the word many. I will be back to my regular shenanigans tomorrow and boy, do I have some wonderfulness to share with you. Be prepared. As a warning I would suggest that you do NOT read my post tomorrow, unless you have eaten...and I do mean a full meal.

It will be tortuous if you you don't take heed in my warning. I'm serious.

In the mean time, let's play a game.

You get to ask Home Girl any question you want and I will answer each of them on this blog post. I will be checking in several times throughout the day, so feel free to be nosy and I will try my best to reply.

Of course some subjects are off limits and I don't have a problem stating that certain parts of my life will not be discussed. This includes anything to do with my children.

So let's begin the interrogation.

Sorry, no questions from anonymous commenter's. I like to play fair. You wanna know me? It's only fair I know who's asking.

You ask...I answer.

This is Home Girl and I ain't scared.

~
From Laura-Peach..."what is your NUMBER ONE most favorite thing to cook and why... and of course share the recipe :)."

Such a tough one for me. There are so many things I love to cook and it depends on many factors such as season, mood, time of month, and economical availability. Forgetting any financial concerns, I love to cook Italian and more specially Northern Italian. I adore rich cream sauces over ricotta tortellini with prosciutto and fresh peas topped with fresh parmigiano-reggiano. I normally serve this with a hand-made Cesar salad and just baked, buttered croutons. This is a comfort meal that is both sublime and surreal. I would pair this with a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Of course, I cheat with store purchased pasta, but I do make my own white sauce. The recipe is as such:

North Italian White Cream Sauce or Creama di Salsa Marinara
~
Ingredients
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese

Directions

In a medium saucepan combine whipping cream and butter. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until butter melts. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, grated provolone cheese, and grated Romano cheese. Reduce heat to low, and continue to stir just until all cheese is melted.
Serve immediately, sauce will thicken upon standing.

Enjoy!!

From April..."If you could spend one entire day with someone famous, who would it be and why? What would you spend your day together doing?"

Great question. This is an easy one. I would honestly want to spend the day having good ol' girl time with Hilary Clinton.

There is no political mandate for the reason why..it's just that I have always thought of her as this stoic, take no prisoners chick, who was also incredibly intelligent and kinda cool in a dorky/nerd sorta way. I like that in a woman.

I get her. Instinctually.

We would spend the day talking over great food and then I would love to shoot photos while mirroring her the rest of the day.

From MPM..."Can I STOP the snow??"

Hahahaha.....ha. Ummmm...No. I have gotten really good at predicting it and yes, it will stop eventually...then Spring will come and you will be so grateful for the lush green and colors around you that your heart will sing the Snow King's praises.

Just try to enjoy it while it's here. Snow is such a miracle and it makes me feel so inadequate to know that each snow flake is special and unique. It can be a pain, but when sitting in the heat and the humidity of late July, you may recall the beautiful snow and then won't feel so completely miserable.

Besides if I could make it stop snowing, don't you think that I would hog it all for myself and never let it stop in Southeastern Virginia??

Are you still thinking Bali??

Awesome Questions....keep 'em coming!!!!
~
From Marlene, not me...but my homie, Marlene..."Do you have naturally curly hair? :) (And if it wasn't naturally curly before - is it curly now because of watching a bunch of kids?!!!) heehee..."

No, the many, many children did not wreck havoc on my hair, although I was called a punk by a two year old. I will admit I felted punked.

Yes I do have naturally curly hair. I was born with these awesome, silky brown curls. I was a stunning child, but when I hit puberty, those lushcious tufts became a curly, frizzy mess. Before the time of hair products (i.e. gel, Bed Head, Frizzease, good conditioner, and mousse) I kept it very short, but then I said, "What the heck" and let it grow out.

It looks permed, but natural...I like it, but I am struggling with two things now...grey hair and well, the ease that short hair provides. Chemicals and curly hair = bad.

I love my hair...I hate my hair...it all depends on the day.

If I don't condition and oil my hair daily it starts to dreadlock and well...that just puts me in a very bad mood.

I can usually be found with a scrunchie on my hair or on my wrist. I have a basket of "Hair Doodles" and hair jewerly. I love to play around creatively with my hair, but then there are times I wish I was bald.

C'mon...who's next? Don't be chicken to ask the good stuff...

I Think I'm In Love

2011-01-25T09:32:00.001-05:00

It's more like, I know I am in serious love and it has to do with photography. I have always been a big fan, but from the moment Russia put this new camera into my hands, my world has literally changed. I have had a difficult time explaining just how I feel, but when I posted on Facebook last night that I admitted to being in serious love with photography, Jenni responded,

"I think what I like best about photography is that it's a way to show what *you* see, your own unique vision of your world, and to hone that vision until you are more observant and more aware of the beauty and intricacy of the things too many of us overlook on a day to day basis. Each of us sees the same things differently, and a photograph says a lot about the photographer. A photograph tells what sort of things a photographer notices, shows what things are beautiful or important to her, conveys her unique perspective on each object and on the greater world, and in each face or flower or landscape we see not just the subject of the photo but a slice of the photographer's soul."

After soaking in what Jenni wrote, and yes, I read it more than once to absorb the totality...I found myself shaking my head in agreement. YES!! This is why I love photography and photographs. I can take what is inside my brain and transverse it into something tangible. There really are no limits as to what can be achieved through photography.

Jenni was one of the first bloggers to expose me to high quality photographs, the likes of which I had never seen before. I felt connected to her view. I enjoy the things she loves to shoot. I especially love it when she goes out and about on her beloved Kansas prairies and captures it's varying beauty. Her work is amazing.

I have got a few other favorite photo bloggers now and I love and appreciate each of their individual work. Some like hard lines and gutsy shots...some like heavenly, soft toned nature captures...and some provide me with stink'n cute baby toes for me to salivate over. There are even those that give me a daily dose of farm and country life...then there's those foodie photographers. Well, you should know who I feel about them. Each one is equally special to me. I hope to be able to feature some of my personal favorites in the future, not just to provide them exposure in the blogging world, but to document why their blog keeps beckoning me back.

I know there's a whole new world out there for me with my camera. I am enjoying the learning process and am taking the time to grow. I believe that if we stop seeking knowledge and personal growth than we become stagnant and stop living life. There's absolutely no way I am about to do that. You? What do you see through your lense?

This is Home Girl and I am truly in love...

Please go visit all the other stunning entries in Communal Global...it amazes me to see how different, yet the same, we all are. It truly is a small world.

Innocent Wonder ~ i heart faces

2011-01-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

There is nothing better than the innocent wonder one feels when a relationship is just beginning. When after ending a bad long term relationship has left you forlorn and battle weary, you never think that you will experience happiness and bliss again...

but then it happens...a chance meeting turns into a special time in your life. It provides the innocent wonder of one's heart.

I captured this in a photo of a dear friend of mine.

So this is love....la, la, la, la...so this is love. So this is what makes life divine...

Please go visit all the other incredible entries for this week's theme on innocent wonder. I know it will warm your heart and be food for your soul.

This is Home Girl and I am so happy for my friends when they feel the magic and wonder of love.

Take A Walk To Starboards Coffee Kiosk With Me; Olde Towne Adventures

2011-01-21T12:10:00.002-05:00

I really enjoy my walks through Olde Towne, Portsmouth, Virginia. Some days there is a purpose in my walk and yesterday was one of those quest type days. I wanted a large cup of hot coffee with a Caramel Cappuccino flair. I thought it might be nice if you enjoyed the walk with me. Wanna come along?

You will notice the lovely well designed gardens peppered about. No matter what the season is, these stunning gardens can put a smile on your face. This garden is one of my favorites.

After walking three short blocks, we arrive at the Elizabeth River waterfront and Ferry Landing where commuters and tourists alike can catch the paddle wheel ferry to Waterside Festival Marketplace. The USS Wasp (LHD-1) is visiting in the dry docks to be serviced. It is a great reminder of all the service members that risk their lives, on a daily basis to ensure our freedom.

Please take note of our wonderful architecture that abounds in Olde Towne. This is One High Street and is home to Riverview Art Gallery and assorted business offices.

Are you cold from the chill of the river breeze? Well, then let's go to Starboards Coffee Kiosk and see what Betsy has to warm us up!! Sweet Betsy and her husband David are not only the owners and operators of this little bit of coffee love, they also provide the heart beat of Olde Towne. Want to know what fun activities are planned? Just ask, because they always are in the know. David also writes a blog for the Virginian-Pilot called, A New Day in Olde Towne.

For being such a small operation, the menu and coffee offerings are huge. There are fresh baked goods offered daily, as well as sandwiches and other assorted knoshes available. It's nice when you can just grab something tempting and delishious before you head to work or off onto the ferry to Norfolk.

Here's a peek inside Betsy's busy office. She makes the best coffee drinks and her evervesant smiles are always free.

Do you hear that? It's the horn on the ferry alerting us that it's about to leave. It's okay if we miss this departure, the ferry runs back and forth on a half hour schedule. I hope that if you live nearby, you will come down to visit my friends at Starboards Coffee Kiosk. (I included the link to their wonderful travel in Olde Towne Website.) It is businesses such as this that make Olde Towne so special. If you plan on making Olde Towne, Portsmouth, Virginia a travel destination in the future, there is no better place to stop and get all the good "insider" information. You can become their friend on Facebook...that would really make them happy!!

Thanks for joining me on this Olde Towne Adventure. I am glad you chose to come along. I hope you enjoy your special Starboards Coffee Kiosk treat.

This is Home Girl and everyday is an adventure living in Olde Towne.

This and That Thursday by Mental Pause Mama

2011-01-20T11:19:00.000-05:00

First off, I am in serious need of coffee, so please just wait right here...I am going to run down to the waterfront, near the ferry landing and go grab some java...plus I heard it's free from 10am until 1pm with a food purchase because today is National Coffee Break Day or I Am Too Addicted To Coffee To Function Without It Day...anyway, just wait here. I will be back. Okay? Okay. (At this moment, I left to actually go get coffee...no, really I did.)

See, I told you I would be right back. I love living in Olde Towne, Portsmouth, VA. There are few places in the world where one can stroll in a historic district, steps away from their home, to go get fresh yummy cappuccino or latte. I can choose between three different coffee loving venues, too. Jealous? You should be.

There is one that happens to be my most favorite. I am going to feature it in a blog post tomorrow and no, it's not because I happen to adore the owners and in no way do they compensate me with free coffee, although my coffee today...in all it's wonderful deep roasted javaness with a hint of caramel...was completely free. I won't lie...I have some of the best friends in Olde Towne and even if they did not leave me free coffee waiting for me at coffee shops, I would still love them.

I know this post sounds hurried and I apologize. I am rushing because I am getting ready to go to the big RVA today. RVA for those that don't know, is Richmond, Virginia. It's not too far from Olde Towne. Just a big hop, skip, and a jump across the little pond.

(Darn it, I forgot to get a cookie.)

It's just a day trip with a good friend and I have been rather looking forward to spending time with this person. There will be great laughs, good food, divine wine, Short Pump Towne Center, and who knows what else. I am down for the task. I am ready for the day.

I hope you have a great day, as well.

This is Home Girl and Coffee makes everything better, but Free Designer Coffee makes everything heavenly. It's just another way I celebrate "me".

That's Olde News; Tell Me Something New

2011-01-19T10:10:00.001-05:00

I read an article yesterday in The Virginian-Pilot, our local newspaper, that featured a article by Steve Hendrix for the The Washington Post. I encourage you to waste several minutes of your life in reading "said article". This article struck a chord with me for some reason and I feel the need to defend my view, so, here we go. Home Girl vs. The Washington Post.

Look at me being all "letter to the editor" like? I must be growing up.

I am assuming that you have already read the aforementioned piece, by now. Correct? Good. There are several key points that I would like to address.

Dear Mr. Hendrix, kind sir from The District of Columbia, I do hate to inform you, but Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia have never been considered "southern". Not in my book, at least and this comes from a truly Southern lady who has spent more than forty years living in Southern Virginia.

Yes, it is under the Mason-Dixon line, but that line was installed for geographical purposes, not to describe the lifestyles of it's people. Washington D.C. and outlying Northern Virginia is a hodge podge of nationalities, it's people coming from all over the United States of America and other countries. That is the way it was planned to be. Of course, with the invention of modern transportation over the last 100 years, the numbers of influx have dramatically inclined..and yes, I will assume at some point D.C. was quite Southern and genteel, but to say that Virginia is losing it's Southern~ness is just...well, it's stupid. Northern Virginia has historically been the little sister of D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. Southern Virginia is just that Southern..we ride or die with Richmond. You can not live in this Commonwealth and not know there are two definite sections to the state...well, even three, least I forget Southwestern Virginia.

True Southern Virginians know that Northern Virginia never has been and never will be Southern. It did not take two scholars wasting time with a phonebook researching business names to figure this one out. The true line dividing the North and the South has always been Richmond. Duh. When coming in from D.C., driving South on I-95, one can feel their heart rate go down, smell the sweet breeze of southern goodness, and inherently begin to talk slower, taking the time to pronounce each syllable. It's an unavoidable act of nature.

By the way, I wonder if tax payer dollars were used to fund this scientific research. Gah. Seriously, they based their findings on the number of businesses that had the word Dixie or Southern in them. Are you friggin' kidding me?

The south is not losing it's accent due to the Mason-Dixon line being moved. It has been losing it's accent because people have got to move away in order to find long term, meaningful employment. Others move into the area to feed the large contingent of military bases. I know plenty of people that speak with the same accent as I, but even that accent has evolved and changed over the years. Evolution happens and while I plan to protect my little portion of the Southern Virginian Sub Culture, I know life will continue to alter to the point where one day, there will be little Southern/Northern cultural diversity.

Instead of spending the time and effort to research something we have already known about for years, why don't you figure out ways to preserve the benefits of being Southern...those wonderful things that make us who we are...

Southern Americans, we're more than just the words Dixie and Southern. We are Ham, Peanuts, Nascar, Colonial, Barbecue, Bourbon, Quilts, Cornbread and that's just naming a few...we have pride in our Southern ways and I doubt any of us are ready to throw in the towel on our Southernality. Yes, that is a word.

This is Home Girl and I know who I am...I am Southern Born and Southern Bred, I will be Southern until the day, I am Southern dead.

Southern Fried Spaghetti ~ Yes, You Read That Right!

2011-01-18T12:07:00.001-05:00

I apologize to the American Heart Association for what I am about to show you. I regret that Curves will be furious with me. I am sorry Weight Watcher's that I am about to blow your whole day's worth of points on a single dish, but I have to.

I have held it in as long as I can and I just can't stand it any longer. This needs to be exposed.

Have you ever had or heard of Fried Spaghetti? I have and let me tell you, it's all kinds of wonderful. This dish was created sometime before I was twelve years old. It came about one day when my older sister (I called her Lala, no seriously, I did) and I were hungry and there really wasn't anything "good" in the house except for this big pot of leftover spaghetti and meat sauce. (My mother was not really into the whole being a housewife deal, so many days were spent in creative search of edible food.)

I can't remember whose idea it was to fry it, but I am grateful just the same. We put some oil in a skillet and dumped in the leftover spaghetti. It began to sizzle and smell all good. Pepper and salt was added to the mixture and then....

my wonderful sister, my incredibly intelligent and wise older sister, got some sliced Velveeta cheese from the refrigerator, as well as some grated Parmesan. We chopped up the cheese and sprinkled in the Parmesan. Steamy and melted gooiness ensued after stirring the mass of noodles. It was if the skies parted and we heard angels sing.

Aaaahhhhhhh.....

We sat down with big bowls of happiness and pride in our culinary accomplishment. There were bits of fried cheese, there were soft and sweet noodles, there were bites of meaty, tomatoey goodness and we devoured.it.all.

For years after this fateful event, I have craved Fried Spaghetti. In fact, I will make more spaghetti than I think I will need just so I will have enough leftover to make Fried Spaghetti for lunch the next day. It is a special "me" treat. I mean me, unless someone else figures out there is noodles available for the makings of Fried Spaghetti.

Go ahead, don't be scared...give it a try. Think Tomato Soup paired with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. It is like that, but with noodles.

Think Spaghetti Casserole, but reheated the next day, ya know after all the flavors have had a chance to meet and greet.

Fried Spaghetti...it will change your world.

This is Home Girl and I am grateful to have some "real sister" memories to hold dear. They are few and far between, but I'm good with that.

What I Did This Weekend, Me Time!!

2011-01-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

I had a nice, relaxing weekend here in Olde Towne. It was much needed and well deserved. It started off with sweet wines and cheese inspired dishes and ended with a lot of football watching and stitching. I have been really dedicated to spending at least two hours a day, if not more, creating with my fabrics.

Remember when I said, I need a shirt that says, "Will Work For Fabric"?? Yes, I babysat many small children for fabric...who wouldn't? Well, I finally got the time to actually see what was in the haul and I love it...all.

Wanna see what I got?

There's some baby boy fat quarters that are going into a sweet lil' quilt for a dear friend who is having her 4th baby soon. Bestie and I are just so excited for her!! There are also some co-ordinating civil war fabrics and some florals.

There's a huge stack of various fat quarters to go into the stash. I have had to start from scratch on my available stash, because I erroneously got rid of all my back stash before I moved to Texas. I know...I know. Live and learn...and that will never happen again. Trust me. (Yes, I use my cutting mat to death...hoping I get a new one for my birthday!!)

This huge stack of fat quarters were bundled up together and it didn't take me long to realize it is a quilt kit, but no directions or pattern was indicated. I was stumped and even though I am great at research, I just could not figure out where to find the pattern...I asked two of my favorite quilty friends if they could help me locate it.

That is why I love these ladies...why I am partial to the Quilty Blog World. They both answered me within minutes of each other with the Free PDF file to make this quilt. It will become The Baltimore Museum of Art Collection Album Quilt. Making this quilt will be a huge endeavor for me, both technically and in patience to finish it, but I have vowed to work through it. I have heard that you really aren't a "quilter" until you have finished a Baltimore Album historical reproduction quilt. I also think it will look gorgeous in this grand home I live in.

I also made some Valentine's Day Buntings for the fireplaces. They were easy mindless sewing for me and made me feel all hearts and roses. I need to pick up some red taper candles for the mantel and finish putting bits and pieces of Cupid Day decorations here and there.

I also made some great progress on my God daughter's Blue's Clue's quilt. This quilt has such a funny history. When it is finally finished and given to her, it will have traveled many miles back and forth between her mother and I. I can not wait to see GD's face when we give it to her. She is three years old and thinks that Blue and Magenta are the best. I like the scrappiness to this simple nine patch quilt. Matching pillow cases are planned, too. Isn't this just adorable?

This is Home Girl and I love me some serious stitching time.

Cheese Curds, Sweet Bliss Wine, and a Contract Renewal

2011-01-16T09:16:00.003-05:00

Good Morning Everyone! How are ya'll doing?

Have you ever had Cheese Curds, raise your hand?? Okay, then you know what kinda love I am talking about. These little lumps of fresh cheddary goodness squeak when you chomp on them. They are slightly salty, go great with almost anything you would use regular cheese on, but the taste...OMG, the taste is stunning. Now, they are exceptionally expensive, especially in the South of the United States because fresh Cheese Curds need to be eaten within a few days of being made. The fresher the better...and true cheese curds usually come from places that have lots of milking cow operations and cheese production plants.

We have pig farms and ham processing plants down here, not cows and cheese. I seriously wish we did though. If we did, then I would have more creamy wonderful love around me...like butter and heavy whipping cream.

My favorite Wine and Cheese shop, Angry Adams, is currently featuring Squeaky Bee Fresh Cheese Curds, made by Beehive Cheese Company in Utah and as soon as I had heard the news of their arrival, I got all kinds of excited!!! I beat tracks to get down there to try some. Those little bad boys did not disappoint either. Creamy, squeaky, salty, and pure yumminess greeted me. I took some home and proceeded to make this, Ground Sirloin Burgers with sliced tomato and chopped cheese curds melted on top...

and this, Real Canadian Comfort Food, Poutine, which is french fries, brown gravy, and melted cheese curds...

Disclaimer: These two meals were not consumed at the same time. The poutine is a meal in itself.

While we were in Angry Adams Wine and Cheese Spot, we sampled a taste of these lovely libations, Sweet Bliss by Cascade Creek Winery in Washington State. Yes, I am a fan of sweet wine and with Valentine's Day approaching either of these wines would fit the starring role. (They are also carrying my full line of Wine Cozie Dresses and are available for sale.)

Both wines had me at hello. I preferred the Caramel Apple over the Chocolate Covered Cherry, but that changed when Adam offered me a brownie bite as a pairing with the sweet red wine. There are really not enough words to describe the total decadence of either of these wines. They are both definitely going to be on my table to be served with a side of romance for Valentine's Day or my birthday, the following week.

And speaking of romance, Russia and I are celebrating our one year anniversary today. We sat down last night and discussed the pros and cons of renewing our relationship contract for another year and the consensus was that we are staying together!! I think it's important to review things between two people and to honestly say whether it's working or it's not.

For us, it works...and that makes me more giddy than wine and cheese curds.

This is Home Girl and I wish you a blessed Sunday.

Shooting Kids But Not With Firearms

2011-01-15T09:52:00.001-05:00

Disclaimer: No children were harmed in the process of capturing these shots. The person shooting "said shots" may have been though. Like being a grandmother, which I know absolutely nothing about, I knew that I would be able to "give these little boogers back" after a while. That was the thought that fueled my existence during my "Adventures in Babysitting" episode of, Life With Home Girl.

I am sure it would have been much easier to take better pictures had I (a) not had so many small children around me at once and (b) had a baby helper, but I was nothing but pleased with the results.

I know this shot is a tad bit on the blurry side, but I still love it anyway. This little man is such a sweet love. He is all boy, but has this wonderfully caring soul. Here he was with his rendition of, "Cheese!!"...and it doesn't get cheesier than this.

Well, maybe it can get cheesier...this is my God daughter and Little man. When you combine these two little ones, you are sure to laugh. They kept me in stitches the whole time. Three year old children are my favorite age group...they are just so candid, full of their emerging humor, and completely unguarded. You never know what to expect when you are in a room with three year old monsters...

that goes for a two year old, as well. My God daughter's younger (Irish Twin) brother is his Mama's boy. He is a paradox of emotions. I just love his sweet smile and angelic eyes. He gives great big, tight holding hugs...and he loves to eat. I just wanted to hold him and kiss his cheeks the whole time I was there, but two year old boys don't like all that mushy gushy, baby love crap and wanted nothing more than to play with his array of cars and trucks.

It was a great day spending time with all these wonderful faces. I had a blast taking photos of them and getting to practice using certain techniques. My dear best friend, who had to have the Gastric GES study performed, heard back from her doctor yesterday that she has been diagnosed with Scleroderma and Gastroparesis. Neither of us know a lot about this disease yet, but in doing research I hope to be able to help her walk through the process of finding solutions. One thing is for sure...I will never stop being there for her.

She can use all the prayers that she can get if you are a prayer and if not, then please just send up a good vibe or thought for her. She is the mother of four young children and was just beginning the process of leaving an abusive marriage. I will be praying endlessly for her. Nothing has ever broken our bond in the past 15 years and we aren't about to let it happen through this.

She is more than my best friend...she is the sister of my heart. I love her unconditionally with an unabiding spirit. That is the way it is suppose to be with sisters.

This is Home Girl. Deuces.

It's In a Female's Genes

2011-01-14T11:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I courageously volunteered to babysit for a dear friend who needed to have a medical procedure performed, called a Gastric GES study. She runs an in-home day care and the time away from her business would have caused numerous problems for many, so being a champ I accepted her plea.

Plus, she greeted me with a whole pot of coffee with designer creamer at the crack of dawn and before I left, she gifted me with many wonderful pieces of quilting fabric. I need a shirt that says, "Will Work For Fabric".

I figured it wouldn't be "that" bad and it was only for a few hours. I brought my camera so that I could practice taking baby face photos. I did get some awesome pictures from the 200 plus pictures I shot.

Did I mention there were 7 children, all four years of age and under??? Oh, she may have forgotten to tell me this information as well when I agreed to the gig, but it ended up being a wonderul experience. I had a lot of fun.

We sang songs, we played with toys, we watched Dora the Explorer and Sponge Bob, we even played "Home Girl is a Jungle Gym"...it was a great day.

Yes, we all survived unscathed.

When I was editing the photos last night, before I fell into bed from exhaustion...I giggled when I got to these particular shots. I think it is so typical of females. We want "what we want"...and we will get "what we want", no matter the costs.

or at least we try...

This is Home Girl and I'm still exhausted, but I thoroughly enjoyed my day!!

This and That Thursday by Mental Pause Mama

2011-01-13T08:30:00.051-05:00

It has been so difficult to let go of Christmas this year. I wanted it to last forever. I really have a difficult time expressing how much I enjoyed the holidays, but I think you all know just how magical it was for me.

Slowly, but surely we are packing up the last little bits of the decorations and putting them away until next year. I hope we can carry the spirit of joy in our hearts all year long. I thank God for all His wonderful blessings that he generously bestows upon us each day.

I am honestly not having a hard time wanting Winter to be over with this year. It felt like we went straight from Halloween into the depths of Old Man Winter. I am absolutely obsessed with snow, but even this Winter has been a little much.

I dream of warm, Spring days sitting in My Secret Garden, listening to the birds chirp, and sipping an ice tea with lemon, basking in the muted glow of the Sun.

I wonder what kind of hellish experience it would be to live here...with "this" staircase. Can you imagine carrying grocery parcels up this??

Why is it I seem to have a penchant for taking photos through windows??

I do have this quilt to work on and that will keep the Santa Spirit in me whenever I get to work on it. I certainly hope I can get it finished soon and then off to my local shop to be professionally quilted. This started out as a lap quilt and by the time I am finished, it should be a large twin size. It will be perfect for Russia's grandmother.

This is Home Girl and I want to know what it is that you are pondering today? Deuces.

I Feel Ya, Girl

2011-01-12T09:21:00.000-05:00

This sweet baby girl is a kindred soul to me in so many ways. She is spirited and feisty. She loves to dance and sing, but is also reserved and shy. She lives in a home with lots of boys and is constantly dealing with their mayhem and madness. (When I shot this photo, it's as if her eyes were saying, "Please, take me with you.")

What's a girl to do?

She runs away to spend some time with her best friend.

This is Home Girl and I learned to always have an escape plan handy. Deuces.

Wine Glasses Deserve New Clothes Too

2011-01-11T11:21:00.005-05:00

I woke up this morning in a mental fog which is not so different than the usual morning, but it's just so wet, and nasty outside, that it makes me want to go back to bed...under my piles of quilts and snuggles, buried down deep in my five pillows.

Those five pillows do not include the one that belongs to my love. Yes, I allowed him at least one. Since our one year anniversary is quickly approaching, I might be nice and increase his pillow allowance by one. I said, "I might".

I had some "cowboy coffee" because I wasn't going to venture out in sleet to go to the corner coffee shop and the whole coffee machine issue is still a problem. Long story. Might be a blog post one day soon though.

Cowboy coffee is not that bad. It's actually stronger than normal "home brewed" java, but deeper...more flavorful. The flavor of my coffee seems to bloom.

I now feel like I can conquer a busy day without succumbing to the desire to take a nap. I have to finish an order for my local wine shop buddies.

I was searching for quick and easy "something" for Valentine's decorations and somehow I found Wine Glass Cozies. I looked at all the available patterns and tutorials, found one that sparked my interest and made it.

Isn't that so cute and functional? You pop one of these heavy weight dresses on your wine glass and then you (a) always know which wine glass is yours and (b) it's a coaster!!

They take five 5" squares of fabric...also known in the fabric world as Charm Squares or Quilter's Square Cuts. I have this "thing" for Charm Squares, just so ya know. I like the weight of these Wine Glass Dresses. They have a high quality feel to them while still being hand-made.

One thing led to another and Bing Badda Bang...I made a lot of them. I also made them with some Amy Butler fabrics for that whole Pottery Barn/Ikea look, but haven't taken photos of those. Sorry. Shoot me now.

This is Home Girl and I am happy I could help Wine Glasses feel better about their fashion crisis. I felt it was my duty.

i heart faces ~ Smile

2011-01-10T08:12:00.000-05:00

I would like to introduce this incredible smile to you.

This is Colonel William Crawford, who fathered Portsmouth, Virginia where my beloved Olde Towne sits perched upon the shores of the Elizabeth River. Founded in 1752, on sixty five acres of Mr. Crawford's extensive plantation lands, he carved out the plans for what would become the home to the United States first naval shipyard. The square where he mapped out a jail, a courthouse, a church, and merchant shops is still there today.

Colonel Crawford is portrayed by the wonderfully intriguing Eric Price. His vast knowledge of colonial history mixed with his articulate accent, transport you back in time. He is available both for group and private walking tours throughout the historic district. He is a treasure to Olde Towne. (He makes me smile everytime I see him...and sometimes he makes me blush.)

We recently found him meandering through the shops visiting with First Friday participants, saying hello to the shop keeps, and adding to the ambiance that is Olde Towne. How could you not love a smile like that?

Please go visit the other entries linked on the i heart faces site. There are really the most amazing photographers out there capturing something we all need to do a lot more of....

Smile.

This is Home Girl and I hope today brings you something to smile about.

Since The Holidays Are Over...

2011-01-09T08:37:00.002-05:00

it's time to get ready for Valentines Day! I know, I hear you moaning and getting ready to click off this post, but hold up...just wait a minute. Give me a chance to explain, please.

Since most of you, not all, are experiencing brutally cold temperatures, snow, ice, or a combination of the three...then I am most positive that you can use a smile. Right? Right.

To me, Valentines Day has less to do with romance and relationships than it has to do with my love for all things red...and well, if I have to be honest...chocolate.

This past weekend, while Russia and I were out and about for First Friday Festivities in Olde Towne (for those that don't know, Olde Towne hosts First Friday and First Saturday each month with special events, restaurant and pub crawls, art shows, music, and assorted other fun activities). All the shop windows were still sparkly, but now dressed in their various shades of red for the coming of Saint Valentines.

It made me really happy.

Of course, I do not expect you to hop on your favorite mode of transportation and bestow yourself upon this quaint sea village that I adore, although I and the city would definitely welcome you. You can do the same thing all by yourself.

Decorate a little bit...not much. Take a glass bowl and put all your red holiday ball ornaments into it. Fill another bowl with red and silver kisses. Just a little sign here and there will be enough to keep a smile on your face. February is also Heart Health month, so you can always celebrate that if you so choose.

Was it a resolution to get "just a little" crafty?? Now is a great time to start. There is a terrific blog tour going on which is featuring some easy and wonderfully happy craft ideas specifically for Cupid and all his pals. All you have to do is click on the link below and you will be off learning how to make fabric hearts so you can turn your holiday tree into a Valentines Day tree.

"

Or you can just wimp out and not do anything...yeah, you heard me. I said wimp.

I told Russia recently when he went to take his college placement tests for the upcoming semester that "Everyone has got to start somewhere". (I am just so excited for him!!)

This is Home Girl and I send you a happy heart today.

Everyone's A Critic

2011-01-08T09:33:00.001-05:00

We live in an artistically rich environment. There is a constant stream of artwork featured at numerous locations, in and around Olde Towne. I appreciate this art from numerous standpoints, both as a creator and in appreciation of all art forms.

Waterside Festival Marketplace, in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia is currently showcasing the artwork of Mike Bell. What was once a vastly popular business venue is now basically defunct, spare for a few surviving operations. Mr. Bell has been featuring his eclectic array of art in the empty spaces since June 2010, both on canvas and in sculpture. I thought this pirate sculpted out of Styrofoam was full of whimsy and happiness, albeit the face kind of creeps me out slightly.

I like this grouping of thinking faces.

This canvas painting makes me nauseous...like I just got off a roller coaster. It really annoys me. Art is subjective and I am not afraid to share my opinion. Please do not take offense.

Sculpted piano with violins flying out of it. I like this piece, but in a Beauty and the Beast kind of way. Looking at most of his work, we stood there thinking, "What the heck kind of medication is he on?", but all in all, it was rather enjoyable. You felt like you were in a nether world and at times it was overwhelming for me...I don't feel comfortable around confusion. Most of his work felt angry and I personally, enjoy artwork that is calm, happy, and inviting.

This is Home Girl and I want to know...what kind of artwork do you prefer?

Bubble Gum Machines

2011-01-07T08:47:00.001-05:00

Remember when you were little and the best part about going to the grocery store with your parents, was getting a surprise from the bubblegum machine after checkout.

Well, that is, if you were good.

I was always good when I was little. I was a quiet, little angel with a mop of brown curly hair. I never gave my parents any trouble. It wasn't until I reached the age of twenty-something that I became a handful.

I have migrated back to being that good girl. I have made peace with her.

When I recently found this grouping of machine ball treat heaven, it brought me right back to that time when I was little...standing there in the grocery store with my shiny coin, patiently deciding which round sphere I wanted.

Did I want something sweet? Sour? Gum? A small trinket like a ring or a sticker? The decisions were often nerve wracking?

Do children get the same enthusiasm over gum ball machines or is it something of the past? The ability to choose a small prize with just one coin...

This is Home Girl and I hope today is like these fun dispensers...colorful and sweet. We get out what we put into it, huh? Deuces.

This and That Thursday by Mental Pause Mama

2011-01-06T10:13:00.001-05:00

Why is it so difficult to have mood swings and PMS in a house with nothing but men? I mean seriously...I felt like I was slightly homicidal last night. Someone was gonna get hurt.

So I hid the remote to the television in the sofa cushions, curled with the snuggle blanket I stole from Russia and watched Food Network for a few hours...

then one of them had the gall to ask me to cook something...

at 10 o'clock at night. Oh.hell.no. I promise, nothing got cooked because they got scared.

Why is it that the dishwasher can be completely EMPTY, but still you leave the dishes in the sink waiting for me to rinse them off and put them into the EMPTY dishwasher??? Seriously, are you FRIGGIN' kidding me, dude? (and yes, friggin' is a word...especially when I am hormonal.)

Why is it, my men wait until I am concentrating or working on something that requires my complete attention and then they feel free to interrupt me. I need a big hat that says, in blinking lights...Leave Me Alone Right Now Or You Will Die.

And does this make much sense?? The Prosecutor comes home for lunch some days...yesterday was one of those days. I had just pulled that lovely Apple Cake out of the oven and finished drizzling (okay...it was more like dumping) caramel sauce over that warm yumminess. I offered him a small bit to accompany his lunch.

He puts his hand up in a stopping manner.

"No, no thank you...I am on a diet and am going to lose this extra weight, but thanks just the same."

He is a very gracious, but rather imposing prosecutor. I shrugged it off and did not take offense until he asks...

"Is all the spaghetti and meatballs gone that you made?" (Think fat laden, home-made spahetti and meatballs that make you want to nap afterwards.)

"No sir, you son polished that off for breakfast" was my reply. Around here, ya snooze/ya lose...simple as that.

I was getting ready to exit the kitchen when I heard The Prosecutor say...

"That's okay...I will eat the rest of the Honey Baked ham."

Excuse me, your honor, but I beg the court's permission to find The Prosecutor IN CONTEMPT. (Translation: Seriously Dude...are you friggin' kidding me?)

Men

This is Home Girl and hormones or not, I wouldn't have it any other way.

I Got The Look and Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce

2011-01-05T15:57:00.001-05:00

I loved my little part of the blogging world before "she" came into my life, but now...I am enthralled. I love that word. Enthralled. It even sounds like it means. It's a classy word.

On the opposite side of the spectrum and not so classy, I was severely craving Hooter's Boneless Wings today. I had it bad...I could smell them in their buttery, medium, hot sauce. I wanted them and an ice cold glass of Mountain Dew...

and then I made this...

because I have an over abundance of these...

Southern Apple Cake with Home-made Caramel Sauce

Wings? What wings? What's a Hooters...this cake is "that" good. I hadn't been planning on doing a food post, but I took this opportunity to see how things would go with the new girl and using my tri-pod which makes food pictures much easier. Can you tell I have become very attached to my new camera?

I wish I could take credit for this wonderfully delightful and super easy recipe, but I can't. I found it on Tasty Kitchen, my most favorite place to find recipes. You can find the recipe here. Cinjam on Hun...What's for Dinner has a blog post all about this cake. I won't post the recipe here because that would be redundant and I would rather you just get to see my photos of the process.

The verdict on this cake...it is moist, light, and just cinnamon apple goodness. The only change I made was I splashed the apples with orange juice to prevent the apples from browning.

Also, try not to upload pictures when you are making the caramel sauce...yeah, that doesn't really work out too well.

Trust me on that one.

Cold day plus luscious apple cake equals one happy me, even without Hooters wings.

This is Home Girl and I hope you are happy where you are.

Wordless Wednesday~ Angles and Light

2011-01-05T08:51:00.000-05:00

Photos taken at MacArthur Mall and Monticello Arcade in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia.

This is Home Girl. Deuces

I Did It All By Myself

2011-01-04T15:03:00.001-05:00

I gnawed at my brain, I threw many temper tantrums, I refused to get help to physically come here and do it for me, I read, I read, and I read some more...and then I sat there and watched this water stream back and forth for about 20 minutes. Nothing changed in my brain. Nada, zip, hellllloooooo..anybody in there??

I had some Starbucks, calmed down, and went to work on getting my blog to stretch...to expand into something that would feature my photos in a way I liked. I might mention I had a Skinny Caramel Macchiato to off set that donut which I did share with someone.

I felt like a puny little kid without it. I felt like this seagull. If sea gull's growled, this one certainly would have.

Not any more....because I did it all by myself with a little encouragement from some commenter's. Thanks!

Now I feel like Simba from Lion King. I feel like a big kid and I'm happy with that. There is still some tweaking I want to do, but it's getting there.

This is Home Girl, hear me roar....Rawwrrrrr.

Best Face of 2010 at iheartfaces

2011-01-03T21:37:00.003-05:00

I have absolutely no clue as to the rules for iheartfaces, but I promised myself I would get out there and jump into learning. So here it goes.

Picking one photo to be the Best Face of 2010 is very easy for me. It's a shot I took recently when he wasn't looking...it's my Russia, my love.

Russia isn't a fan of having his picture taken but through his love for me, he tolerates my constant picture taking.

He doesn't bat an eye anymore when I take food porn photos in restaurants.

He instinctively understands that my camera and her charged battery go every.where.with.me.

He doesn't worry when he turns around and I am no where to be found...because I have aimlessly walked off in search of a shot that has peaked my interest.

He will sit and look at all my photos after I am done processing them. I smile when he lingers on the one's of himself.

I love him with all my heart and I know without a doubt that he loves me, too.

This is Home Girl and I heart this face.

Thoughts On A New Year

2011-01-03T15:08:00.003-05:00

Feeling wonderfully pensive this afternoon for some odd reason. I don't know, I guess I am enjoying the warm afterglow that the holidays left me with. Christmas meant so much to me this year, and it wasn't so much in the awesome camera that Santa brought me (although I will reiterate that it is the best present ever), but more so in the togetherness of people whom I have grown deeply attached to.

I got another present today, when I was allowed the great honor of spending a lunch with a dear blogging friend. We had the best time over a Margarita pizza fresh from a stone oven, sharing laughs, and acting as if we have known each other forever. When she mentioned family, I knew each and every one. She equally knew mine. This is one of the things I have grown to love about blogging, one of the concepts I want to carry into the New Year...I want us all to realize that in some ways, we are the deepest of friendships. Blogging allows that, as we share our deepest thoughts, our joys, our loves, our sorrows, and our fears. We expose our selves in a more authentic mask then we allow the other world to see. Our blogs are who we are and who we want to become.

I guess this past year has been a difficult blogging year for me...I have gone through so many changes that sometimes I feel dizzy, but it's all been worth it. The ups, the downs, the good, the bad...there is very little that I would have changed, as the lesson was worth the learning. Today I feel shiny and new, like anything is possible. I know I can handle anything with grace...and prayer.

I am blessed that my blog encourages my creativity in life. There have been so many times when I would see something in my mind and think, "That would make an awesome blog post." I attend more events in and around the community so that I can capture in pictures the way I would see something. I am fascinated with decorating schemes, architecture, color, and angles. I am not afraid to step out of the box. I also see that in my quilting, which I profess to be doing more of in the next year. I am trying to dedicate at least two hours a day to stitching.

Thank you for indulging me with a sappy, thoughtful post today. I am hoping that after reading this, you can feel the same warm glow I feel.

Auld Lang Syne

This is Home Girl and I wish you nothing but beautiful doors to open in 2011.

Any Quilters that can help me, please???

2011-01-01T12:05:00.001-05:00

So, I have an issue and I need some help. I am sure that it isn't a huge problem and I think I know how to work myself out of this situation, BUT I wanted to get your help and insight into how I should go about it BEFORE I screw it all up and thus causing havoc and mayhem in my brain...

because we all know how fabric obsessed, people feel about their goods and I have been holding on to these gems for quite some time, trying to find the guts to cut into them...

Well, I did finally...and I decided to take all the fussy cut rectangles and make a lap quilt to be a present for next year...problem...I have all these built up rectangle blocks and I need them to be square so I can make them into rows, right?

I like the split rail fence blocks I made to off set the fussy blocks, but I want those blocks to be bordered, as well. I have more than enough yardage to keep on going...I just need some help in what will be my next step.

Of course, I am not using a pattern. I am just randomly making this up as I go along.

Do I build up my fussy cut blocks one more time in white and then cut them back down to equal the height and width of the rail fence block once that is bordered in white?

Help me...please.

I am going crazy and I made myself a promise that I would not sew with any other fabric, but my small Christmas stash until it is all gone.

This is Home Girl in need of Starbucks and some guidance from the more experienced quilters out there. So, guide away...

FYI: The fabric featured above is a combination of Holly Jolly Snowmen by Kathy Schmitz for Moda and Dear Santa, by Diane Knott for Cloth Works.

Happy New Year From Olde Towne

2010-12-31T17:57:00.002-05:00

Here's to welcoming in 2011 with much love and wishes of goodluck for you all.

This is our wonderful and colorful Colonel Crawford leading the parade!!

We got to see The 13th Annual Scottish Walk through Olde Towne as it passed by our house. A Hogmanay, as it's called is a parade in which everyone participates, sings Auld Land Syne, and to hear tales of colonial history. The last photo is a riot. Only in Olde Towne.

This is Home Girl and I wish you peace this coming year.

White

2010-12-31T08:31:00.001-05:00

No better time to jump into learning photography than the present, so here I go taking a great big leap off my little tri-pod. I am not afraid of critical review since having grown up with a hyper critical mother where nothing was ever good enough...so critique away.

This particular group of photographers are varied, from beginner to professional. I said that I wanted to learn and a few of my photo friendly friends suggested I start with online photo challenges and Blogger's Community Photo Challenge is the very first!!

Hi, my name is Home Girl and I am a total newbie when it comes to a camera. Aperture? Shutter speed? Bokeh? I have no clue yet, but I am a eager student. I think I have an artistic eye when it comes to transposing what I see in my mind to a digital print. I can "almost" get there.

So, without further, ado...I present to you, my very first entry into any photo related review group. The subject is "white"...

The photo above was taken during our most recent snow extravaganza...and it was white. This particular shot is from the area where My Secret Garden is, it was stunning, all crisp and quiet with the snow falling down. I felt like I was in a movie, it was so wonderful. I am glad to have the picture.

I wish I could figure out how to change my blog so that I can post larger photos, but I got frustrated last night and stopped before I ended up screwing something up really badly.

I am sure I will get it eventually...I was in the right direction...just not close to win a cigar...it still needs some tweaking.

Please go to the Blogger's Community Photo Challenge Main Page and visit all the contributor's or enter in the fun, too. I would love to see you there. This month's photo needs to be entered by January 7th.

I will be back later on with a more "Home Girlesque" post later. Deuces.

This and That Thursday by Mental Pause Mama

2010-12-30T11:16:00.000-05:00

Today is a very special day for my good friend and someone I consider to be my mentor in this crazy thing called life, Mental Pause Mama. Please go over and say hello, show some major love, tell her I sent you, I want to win that coffee maker because I live in a house with all men and I really need the coffee for my sanity and brewing Cowboy Coffee really sucks in the morning...anyway, Mama is celebrating her three year blogging anniversary!!! And in doing so, I am having a special This and That Thursday where all my random and totally off the top of my brain quips will be about this very special lady and I mean them from the bottom of my heart, whether I win that Cuisinart Coffee maker or not.

Mama, I can not believe it's been three years. It has been hitting me in a weird way since you mentioned it to me. All I can think of is, WOW. Three years. In the scheme of things, three years is not such a long time, but looking back, it amazes me how much we have all been through...how we have been a part of the ups and downs of each other's worlds through our daily and sometimes "not so daily" writings...

I remember when you didn't think you would make it through the twins senior years of high school and then graduation...it's hard to believe they are now in their 2nd year of college. My, how you have grown with them.

In the past three years, you have grown a deep attachment and affinity for Virginia, both the Tidewater and Piedmont areas, both having your heart deeply entrenched.

We have been there with you through moving, birds leaving the nest, a new job, ups and downs, through losing a dear fur family member, and all your fun adventures.

I am still jealous you went to Italy and Spain.

I miss seeing "those boots".

Times on the Chesapeake Bay...sigh.

Helping me to realize that the walls would not fall down if I went to worship at a Catholic church and soon I will be taking my conversion classes.

We share a deep love and affinity for, all things Monticello, Williamsburg, and Thomas Jefferson related.

I will never forget you holding my hand, from far away, when I moved to that other country called, Texas.

Parentexting Tuesday...BEST blog post out there to date. Will it ever evolve into Grandparentexting Tuesday???

Clapping for joy with me when I came back to Virginia.

For always loving me and for being there, whether I was needing it or not.

I love how I can make you laugh and frustrated at the same time...you never, ever, stopped loving me and that is what a "real mama" should do.

I love how you trust my weather predictions...and we each see the magical beauty in snow.

I am so grateful and thankful to God for guiding me to your blog three years ago...you have forever enriched my life and I thank you profusely.

You taught me the word, Gah!

I aspire to be a woman like you. You have taught me so much and I am eager to keep learning from you.

Audrey Hepburn...you changed my world forever and I got major love fo' ya. I consider you to be a "stick girl" and those I can count on one hand. Seriously. If you ever need me, call me...I'll be there.

This is Home Girl and I raise a glass of Chardonnay in honor of Mental Pause Mama and your blog. Here's to three more years!

Wordless Wednesday ~ The Best of Christmas 2010

2010-12-29T08:59:00.001-05:00

This is Home Girl and I bid you all a wonderful day.

The Woes of A Winter Snow Storm

2010-12-28T18:49:00.001-05:00

I often forget there is a negative side to having a big snow storm come through your neck of the woods. It reminds me of giving birth to a child, it hurts like heck and you swear you will never do it again and then you hold a baby and...well, the rest is history. That's the same thing that happens with me and snow. It's pretty coming down and then the quiet stillness of it at night...the pretty sights and then somehow a few days later, you feel like maybe this wasn't such a fun thought after all.

See the various hats, gloves, and assorted winter garb stacked around the headlines from the local Tidewater paper. It says "buried" in case you did not read it correctly. That's right, this area of Virginia received more snow on December 26th than it has in more than 20 years. I also heard this storm was the third strongest on record.

The jackets hung on chairs in hopes of getting dry. "All this hoopla over some snow", says Benjamin Franklin.

More shoes lined up in the mud room.

Hats and scarves corralled in the bin waiting for the next time someone has to venture out into the great white.

Blankets, comforters, snugglies, and pillows are piled high into a chair. Waiting for the next victim of the frozen outside to come in need of warmth.

"Okay, whose big idea was this anyway?" I am standing in fear and horror trying to gain the courage to go down the "stairs of death". At this point, these stairs are nothing but ice. Dangerous and scary, I tell you, but ya know what makes me come back to the bright side and know this was so very worth it?

When I trapse across the frozen walkway sliding and nearly killing myself....do you want to know what reminds me "why I crave snow"???

I get scenes like this to etch into my brain. I know how truly blessed I really am.

This is Home Girl and it's all good with me.

Can You Be Emotionally Attached To A Camera?

2010-12-27T23:43:00.001-05:00

Houston, we might have a little, itty, bitty problemo...Home Girl is having serious emotional attachment issues with her new camera.

As in...she does not want to put it down.

As in, she is driving everyone crazy by spending hours taking photos, walking aimlessly away from the group, asking people to remove themselves from a shot, and making her people wait for her while she takes the time to get the perfect shot.

As in...she is really diggin' this photo shiz, yo.

No, seriously...I am. There is a whole new world opening up to me and I want to learn as much as possible. I heard that photo walks do that...you learn by shooting many, many photos.

I am learning. I am really loving the process though. It's as if I look at these photos and say, "finally, you get to see what I see in my mind." Can you tell I am really, really, really pleased with my new camera.

Russia asked me if I was going to sleep with "her" tonight. (My camera is a "her" and I call her my baby...yes, I do.)

I said, "I just might...don't tempt me." The only other time I felt like this about something, it was my Easy Bake Oven when I was like eight years old. I would have slept with that too, but it wasn't feasible. There were light bulbs and crumbs to get in the way of comfortable sleep. I suppose sleeping with my camera would be a little much, but I did momentarily consider it.

He has made me such a happy woman this holiday. I tell him every hour or so...just to remind him. I think it is important to really let our loved ones know when they get it right...ya know, so they'll be more apt to do it again when it's required.

This is Home Girl and I really do love this camera.

I Believe in Santa!!!

2010-12-27T10:14:00.002-05:00

A most wonderful Christmas was had here in Olde Towne. There is just so much to talk about that I feel somewhat overwhelmed...where do I start?

After the holidays began with me getting the flu and then being slow to recover, I felt like things would never get finished...I was fighting with stress taking over and the anxiety the holiday's cause grabbing me by the neck, strangling the last breath from my body, but then...

I had a couple of glasses of wine and things calmed down. I was able to relax and then...

Santa came and he definitely made up for any mishaps caused along the way.

Russia and I went to his mother's home for Christmas Eve Dinner and to hang out with that side of the family. We had a lovely dinner and enjoyed the company of many. Momma Santa gave me new Ugg boots, white chocolate, and not just one Starbucks gift card, but two!!! She adored her holiday table runner and other surprises. Russia received the most yummy blanket that I have been trying to steal for a snuggle. He also got winter clothes, sweet treats, and gift cards to go shopping with. Exhausted and with tummy's full we went home and passed out. It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, smiles, and love.

When we woke up on Christmas morning, Santa came! (No, really...HE DID) Someone got a new camera, 4 GB memory card, camera bag, and tripod. Someone is beyond excited and has spent the past two days playing with said camera with amazing results. I just keep on telling everyone how much I am in love with this camera. It is a brand new one out on the market and even though it is a "point and shoot", I am beyond thrilled with the results. My camera (that Santa brought me) has something called Smart Camera Technology. It actually scans the area being photographed and sets up the right solution for the best photographic quality. I think it was the best way for me to continue to strive towards excellence in this art form. I really love it. I really do.

The men and myself got ready for Christmas Day Mass (which I had never been to) and we were out the door early to get good seats. Mass was beautiful and heartfelt. It was such a special time to reflect and remember the true reason for this holiday. It made me feel close to my Daddy, whom I miss dearly and deeply this time of year. It was a present I had not even expected and those are often the best ones, don't you think?

After mass, we left for Grandma's house. Along with a huge Christmas Day feast, we enjoyed yet more surprises that Santa had left for us all.

Russia and I played outside by the river, where there were Canadian Snow Geese honking their news that Santa might have brought us "something very special" but we would have to wait until the latter part of the evening for his surprise gift.

Naps filled the late afternoon and then we all piled into the car for a trip out to "the country" where we celebrated a birthday with cousins until late into the evening. There was home-made egg nog that was extra noggy with Kentucky bourbon, buttery pound cake, Smoked Smithfield ham biscuits, and the most beautiful outside decorations.

As we were leaving, Santa gave us his last gift. Yes, Virginia got a White Christmas and I must say he certainly out did himself. I could not have asked for more.

I am still just stuck in the awe of it all...

This is Home Girl and I do believe.

Starting to Feel Much Better

2010-12-23T09:17:00.000-05:00

I went ahead and made the papal decision to stay out of the restaurant until at least Monday because this flu bug has been slow to exit my system. God knows when I just need some down time. I have learned to listen to Him.

There is still so much that I still need to finish up before the big day arrives, but I am not stressing over anything because I have also learned that there is no use in that. Stressing over things is just not productive. I do what is feasible and it is what it is...

I have a nice winter storm to track for the later part of this weekend which may or may not include measurable amounts of white stuff falling from the sky. That makes me very happy, because if you knew me well you would understand already just how much I love weather, especially when it involves words like "snow" and "Winter Storm Warnings"...for which I foresee being posted by this Friday evening for the Mid Atlantic Seaboard and points North.

I have Christmas presents to finish up today and tomorrow. I am loving this down time where I can just sit and stitch to my heart's content.

Two more runners, three neck warmers, four stockings, and six sets of towels are on the "get finished" list. If I get past that, then I might make a few totes, too....but that is wish casting right there.

I made some Sugar Cookie Cut Outs last night and got them frosted and decorated...they are all gone this morning. I now know that I can not leave treats out on the counter because "the boys" will get to them and EAT THEM ALL. So, in addition to sewing, I will be baking some more this evening. Ask me if I mind???

I hope you are enjoying the last few hours before the holiday, but please promise me you will not stress about what isn't done.

This is Home Girl and I'm Straight Chillin' this year...with a big smile on my face.

I Hate Being Sick!!

2010-12-20T11:49:00.000-05:00

I have not been sick with a cold or anything since December 2008 and I hate it even more now, then I did back then. I can not stand it one bit, but the flu bug has found me and now I am a not so happy person.

I don't do sick well, at all. I just hate taking medicine, because all I can do is just lay there and it's right before the holidays and there is still so much I have left to do. I am terribly allergic to medication like Sudophed (sp?) I am just too cranky to even look up the correct spelling and that is sick.

I know there are a few other people that are feeling the same way I do. I am right there with ya! Yucky, sicky, grossness. Go away and leave us alone.

I am home today bundled up in my flannel jammie pants, a UVA t-shirt, a hoodie, and my cashmere socks. I am hoping to sweat this crud out of myself.

The only food that I am craving is hot wings and ice cream, but not together. That would be disgusting.

I am drinking flat Coca-cola because that is what my Nana use to give me when I was all icky. I doubt she would have given me the ice cream, but it does feel good going down my throat. She would have also given me some Bella Donna, but you can't get that anymore. It made my world all lovely. It was an OTC medication when I was little. She would mix a small amount into my Coca-cola to drink with ice chips.

I am going to go sammie a table runner and get under the covers on the sofa in front of a fire. I will make the "quilting ghost" happy because I am going to lay there today and hand quilt it for Russia's mother for Christmas.

It is made with Sherry Berry that a very special blog friend sent for me. She also sent me this wonderful bunting for one of the many fireplaces in this grand home. That is Benjamin Franklin up on the mantel. He is keeping watch over me.

If I felt better, I would be baking cookies or I would be at work...but that is just not happening today.

This is Home Girl and I want to know, what do you do to make yourself all better?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-15T19:19:00.000-05:00

No explanation necessary. It's on like Donkey Kong.

Getting More Than You Ask For

2010-12-15T08:13:00.000-05:00

I am going to preface this post with, "I have not been praying for snow".

I have been drinking hot chocolate from my snowflake mug and Russia is about to take that mug outside and smash it ceremoniously, in hopes of breaking whatever strange weather hold Mother Nature has on us right now because....

Tomorrow is going to be another "event" for us on the Southeast Atlantic Coast.

According to all available data and resources (which are numerous) and in agreement with the National Weather Service, Southern portions of Virginia (up through Richmond) and Northern sections of North Carolina are going to receive up to 4 inches of new snow and or ice on Thursday. The most recent white stuff falling from the sky was measured here in Olde Towne at 2 inches...so a lot more than what is photographed here, okay?

These same powers are also predicting a fairly large system that will move across the area this coming Sunday allowing more wintry weather to traipse through.

Ho, ho, ho...Merry Christmas.

I didn't do it, I swear.

People are funny when it comes to me and weather...they act like I have some ability to make it snow. I don't and if I did, then I should definitely be making a lot more money than I currently am. That only seems fair, if "I am THAT good!"

I just tell it like it is, and the fact of the matter is...Virginia is going to get some snow. Virginia deserves this as it has been some time since we have had wintry weather two years in a row. I mean, we got some snow in February last year, but this current pattern has eluded us for the past...say, 50 years!

There is no doubt, I am a snow baby. I love snow. I crave snow. It makes me uber happy and I think this is because every time it snows in the Southern portions of Virginia, it is quite a miracle. It takes the right conditions...the right set up, to make for a snow day here in Tidewater. I get as excited as a school girl about it, too.

La, la, la, laaaaaa...it's snowing. Well, not yet, but it will be. Our neighbors will all get some snow from this first system, too. We like to share here in Virginia. We are nice like that.

This is Home Girl and I'm getting excited!!

Christmas In Olde Towne

2010-12-14T11:03:00.000-05:00

This will be my first Christmas in Olde Towne and I am very much enjoying every moment. I love to walk about on the streets and see everything, hear the music, and smell the holiday treats for the senses. I do not want to miss a single thing. There are times however, like today, when I am struck with a migraine that immobilizes me. The extremely cold temperatures we are left with, force me to stay inside and try to get the pain to break. I am not a medicine taker, therefore I am trying all my homeopathic solutions with not much success. I am hoping a hot shower and a nap will do the trick because "Home Girl" does not like to feel crappy.

This past weekend was suppose to be a wonderful time to be in Olde Towne. Saturday was to host The Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival, a day filled with singers and musicians in all forms from young to old. Old Man Winter had other plans and the festival was a wash out with rain and wind. I was lucky enough to get out the night before to snap a few photos during the set up.

There are these wonderful chimneys set up through Olde Towne where one can warm their hands or have a roasted marshmallow from a city fireman.

Homes are dressed in traditional holiday greens. From an environmentalist's stand point, going green is beautiful and Earth friendly; from a historical stand point, it is proper to honor the traditions brought forth by the colonists. God Save The Queen.

I have a serious "thing" for this style of decorating. I naturally gravitate towards it. It must be from all those years visiting Colonial Williamsburg during Christmas time, hearing the tales of glorious food from the Groaning Board dinner at the Williamsburg Lodge, or the smell of fresh cut pine wafting about.

Olde Towne is so festive at this time of year, whether you walk through the streets during the day or see the candlelit homes at night. It is such a special time and I know how blessed, I truly am.

There are more cookies to bake making the house smell so yummy...there is hot chocolate to drink from a snowflake mug, in hopes of more snow.

The most wonderful part is when we get decorations like this!!! I seriously could not want for more. It still strikes me sometimes, when I will stop and smile and think..."I am the luckiest girl in the whole wide world".

This is Home Girl and I love calling Olde Towne home.

This and That Thursday by Mental Pause Mama

2010-12-09T09:29:00.000-05:00

We got the fourteen million strings of lights onto the 10 foot tree last night without anyone needing emergency care.

Well, there was one episode when we couldn't get the 17 year old monster off the floor and then when I almost broke his texting thumbs because every time we went around "said tree", he would have to stop to text again.

Teenagers and texting...Gah.

The stockings are all hung as well.

I make all the flour less chocolate tortes for the restaurant. They are beyond decadent. I am making another today and I promise to take photos and provide you with the recipe. I call this cake PMS medication. It is seriously yummy. One slice per month, ladies.

The pizza we had before the lights extravaganza was hot and yummy and pepperoni~y. That is a word, you know. Is too!

There will be firemen roasting marshmallows in Olde Towne on Saturday. There will also be Santa and the Snow Queen.

I honestly think and feel very deeply that I should be crowned Snow Queen for next year. I deserve it and I already have my very own tiara and proper princess and queen training.

I think Santa is being VERY good to me this year.

This is Home Girl and pepperoni~y is too a word.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like....

2010-12-08T09:28:00.000-05:00

the holidays....

well, except for the fact that I have no photos to post today because I have serious time crunch issues, as in...there is still not enough time in my day.

There is a 10 foot tree in the front room that will be getting massive amounts of holiday lights this evening, with the help of Russia and Monster.

I am bribing them with Pepperoni Pizza and Coca Cola.

I hope I will have photos to share.

It should be hilarious.

It usually is.

I have also been doing copious amounts of sewing and I am now convinced that there is a certain female ghost in the house that hates me machine quilting. She never bothers me when I am piecing or straight sewing, but every single, blasted time I begin to machine quilt she comes over to my machine and wrecks havoc. She must think that I should hand quilt everything. Well, that is just not happening. Seriously, I am not making this up. Benjamin Franklin, the cat...can even attest to these happenings.

That is, if Benjamin Franklin could speak "people", but he doesn't. It's a good thing too, because then he would know there are reindeer antlers in his very near future.

Benjamin Franklin makes me miss Thomas Jefferson so much. It makes my heart hurt.

This is Home Girl and I wish you a blessed day. (oh, and I hope John Edwards rots in hell. RIP wonderful Elizabeth.)

Sometimes Change is Good

2010-12-03T13:01:00.001-05:00

There is a small fire storm of controversy in Olde Towne right now and it centers around the expansion of a restaurant, Brutti's, located in the 400 block of Court Street. The Mansion at Brutti's is planning to open close to the New Year...merely weeks away. I have a love affair with this restaurant. I have for some time now. It is a food and wine paradise.

I think it's awesome when a eating establishment does well and expands. It means that things are being done correctly and I am so happy and excited for the owners. There are some others that are not so happy.

The owners of Brutti's have partnered with the former owner of The Entourage, a now closed nightclub in Norfolk, VA. Unfortunately, The Entourage had a less than stellar reputation locally. There were some issues which required it's closing. The issues may have been warranted, stemming from the clientele, which was mostly fans of hip hop and followers of the urban music culture. The reality is there is always a few bad apples in every bunch, but we don't go chopping down the tree because a worm got in an apple, right? Would you feel the same way if there was a bar brawl among older women over Josh Groban? Give me a break!!!!

The main question I have for those opposing the opening The Mansion at Brutti's is "why"? Why do you fuss over the influx of dollars that will ultimately be centered into the small business community of our town? Old Towne, as small as it is, is home to more that 30 restaurants and small shops. We need this business to thrive to increase the foot traffic into our stores. Point Blank. Period. It is a no brainer.

Yes, this new business is a "night club"...entertainment venue and yes, there will be hip hop, but not all the time. This venue will host other genres of music besides the type of music you ( the opposition) are fearful of. Seriously, not all aficionado's of hip hop are gun toting, drug dealing, criminals.

Have you (the opposition) been into a biker bar, a country music bar, a grunge bar...there are potential problems associated with different tastes in music. There always has been and there always will be, but my point is...if Norfolk can have their "night life" district and Virginia Beach can have Town Center...then why should Portsmouth remain the evil step child and not have a nice venue of it's own?? There are night clubs in The Fan, a historical district in Richmond, Virginia and they are surviving. No harm, no foul.

I understand that it is very easy to judge an idea by the colors of the past, but as a community, we should not judge the success of The Mansion based upon the history of The Entourage. Do you not think that this former owner did not learn a lot of lessons into "what and what not to do"? Do you think these business owners would be so stupid as to sink multi-millions of dollars into a space that would fail?

Hello? Let's not judge with ignorance. Give this club a chance and before we start condemning a potential successful business venture, let's see what positive things it can bring for Olde Towne.

Will this club bring in the wrong element to Olde Towne? It might, but it can happen anywhere...at any business, that is just the simple reality, but to blatantly say that this is wrong based upon the history of a different venture is immature and ludicrous.

I am hopeful and I do believe that the lessons learned by The Entourage staff will be taken into account when operating The Mansion. If not, the proper authorities will close this venture as well.

We are a magical community...we are very special and yes, Olde Towne needs to be protected. There is no doubt about this fact, but in order to survive and to create a community where there is growth and prosperity, we need this club.

Hip hop might not be your cup of tea...go on another night, but please...stop the fighting, the name calling, the lies and instead, let's help our neighbors in the creation of bringing something fun and innovative to Olde Towne and that is...a night life.

More tax dollars means better schools, a bigger police department, more stores, and increasing the historical preservation funding for Olde Towne. We need The Mansion...and there are some of us that want this business here. So, I invite you to pull your head's out of your asses and extend a hand of welcoming to The Mansion. Be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. You may even learn something...expand your horizons. Relate to the younger generation that is completely entrenched in hip hop. Did you know that more caucausions listen to hip hop than African Americans anyway? Just a little food for thought there for your ignorant minds...

I am in complete support of The Mansion and I trust that a business such as Brutti's knows what they are doing.

Hello? Bagelnutz?

This is Home Girl and I will be there on opening night...getting jiggy wit it.

“He who does not feel me is not real to me, therefore he does not exist. So, poof... vamoose, son of a b.” ~ Jay Z

This and That Thursday by Mental Pause Mama

2010-12-02T08:32:00.000-05:00

Wow...I am actually getting to post This and That on it's proper day. I am pretty excited about that thought. I usually think about it while I am at work and say to myself..."Darn it, I will have to post T&T tomorrow....", but then I forget to do it and have to do it on another random day which never makes sense.

I am ADHD like that. No, really...I am. I can control the AD part, but the HD part takes control sometimes and has to be beaten into submission. I beat it down with a stick. It's even hard for me to sit still enough to watch movies in theaters.

My love is ADHD, too. He is more AD than HD...we are a perfectly balanced act, the two of us.

I made this stupid decision to try living gluten free for two weeks. Why? I thought it might give me more energy and bust up these remaining 20 pounds I want to drop. I have discovered that I am seriously carb addicted and gluten obsessed. That's all I have left to lose since I embarked on serious weight loss, 2 years ago this coming January. I have already lost 151 pounds, down from 331. I feel amazing. I have no clothes right now, but I do feel wonderful. I promise to post some pics as soon as I get an outfit that doesn't just hang on me. I do still have a pair of jeans that I once wore...that were way too tight...I can now fit both legs into one.

I do have clothes...they are just all huge on me and I figured out that is where I get into trouble. Wearing clothes that are too big allows your brain to be fooled into eating crap that you know you shouldn't...like flour less chocolate torta (Oh my yum) or Coconut Milk Creme Brulee.

I hardly ever get political on my blog...I usually keep my political opinions on local and more global policies to myself. Tomorrow, I will be posting my opinions regarding a new nightclub that is opening soon in Olde Towne.

I know this issue doesn't affect most of you, but maybe there is something similar going on in your town...in your city. You might agree with what I have to say tomorrow or you might not, but I would appreciate your feed back. It is proving to be a heated debate and in this particular pit bull fight, I do have some strong things to say.

I need a day off...I am completely worn out. Seriously. The only day off I have right now is Sunday and it's wearing...me...down. I can feel my "personal space/well meter" becoming very low and that is usually when I start to get cranky. I need that introversion to combat the extroversion needed to be nice to customers on a daily basis.

No, seriously...lately I have been having dreams that I walk up to tables, in the fine dining establishment that I am managing...and I am like,

"What the F do you want?"

Table guests look at me in horror...

"Take you and your bratty kids to McDonald's...that is where you belong. Don't bust my bubble into thinking that you are going to appropriately compensate me for my service, because we both know that's NOT going to happen...so just do me a favor...guy with Little Man Syndrome...get up and leave now and no one will get hurt."

Then I wake up and I'm scared that this actually happened.

But it didn't, so I'm good.

This is Home Girl and I think I might have a very vivid imagination...must be from being around all that garlic.

I Want More Hours in a Day!!

2010-12-01T09:03:00.000-05:00

There just never seems to be enough time in my daily schedule anymore. Seriously. It frustrates me so much. I mean...I love to sleep, but there are so many things that I want to do any given day and there never seems to be enough time to work on them all.

Big sad face.

I had the best time on Sunday visiting with my "stick girl" and my God Babies. I just love spoiling them. We had quite a few hungry, football watching men to feed, so we planned a "Make Your Own Sub" station. It was simple, fun, and ever so yummy. Great food to watch the Redskins completely screw up a ball game against the Vikings. Gah!

I am sewing again. It makes me "sew" happy. There are 14 bizillion projects on my mental list. I have also decided that I will be going back to college in the Spring. I am only going to take maybe one or two classes and both are art or design related.

One of the classes I want to take is glass blowing. I am super excited about learning this skill.

I also want to take a Fundamentals of Design class. I live a mere three blocks from the college. It's a perfect fit.

There goes more of my time.

I know there are lots of other people that feel the same way I do about the lack of time in their lives.

Maybe if I gave up Farmville or Frontierville or spending so much time on Facebook...but, I doubt that will happen.

Oh, I forgot to mention...there is a huge, new night club opening up next door to the restaurant in a few short weeks. It will make our business go through the roof...which means that I will have to work more and have even less "me" time, but the trade off...more money.

Then I can buy more fabric for which I will not have time to sew with...

I know...this post is "Blah, blah, blah...boring", but I must go get ready for work.

This is Home Girl and I'm not complaining...I just want more time in my day.

This and That on a Saturday

2010-11-27T12:57:00.000-05:00

UVA needs to beat Virginia Tech today...not that it'll probably happen, but it would make an excellent ending to their "so so" season. I mean, you beat Miami, so beat Tech, okay? I have my UVa hoodie on and everything.

Some parents really need to spend more time in home training their children on proper table etiquette so that when "these parents" take "these children" to upscale dining establishments, they do not act like rabid monsters.

I had my very first Woodchuck Hard Cider last night. I had the Granny Smith Apple on draft and I paired it with pit cooked, pulled pork barbecue. It was divine.

This morning I am having a hot raspberry tea. It is also yummy and warm. It is not warm outside, although the sun is out.

I am starting to itch for snow. I can feel it.

The boys and I will be putting up this humongous Christmas tree up in the front living room, which should not be confused with the back living room. I am thinking about making one of those fabric banners for the fire place that is in this room, which should not be confused with the other two fire places on the first floor.

There will be no use of tinsel this year. I used enough last year to pay for a small country. I still relish in the vindictiveness that I ensued from that sparkle event.

I get to have some "Bestie Love" tomorrow. I love it when I get to spend quality time with my Joyful and my God babies!

I love it when Russia and I have these romantic "walk and talks" through Olde Towne together. They mean so much to me...especially when they end with hot chocolate and a warm cookie.

I am getting excited for "my other bestie". Her husband serves in the United States Navy and is returning in December from their first married deployment. I know the roller coaster of emotions she is on, but I know she is gaining excitement with each and every passing day. They are going on a two week snow boarding adventure to Oregon upon his return. She's my physical inspiration. Myzz runs marathons and is training for triathlons. She is a beast.

I am really feeling the Christmas spirit. Are you?

This is Home Girl and I love the twinkling of holiday lights.

Turkey Overload

2010-11-26T08:13:00.000-05:00

I hope you all are having a great holiday, long weekend, weekend, just about whatever it is that you might be doing right about now.

I have to go to work today, I don't mind one bit. It's a rainy kinda day and I need to go work off a few plates of Thanksgiving goodness serving incredible Italian food to those who are out shopping in the Black Friday Madness.

I had such a wonderful day yesterday. Russia and I shared the day with his family and it all began here...on the boardwalk in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This photo is looking North towards the King Neptune Monument. It was brisk and a little windy, but a lovely day to walk a bit after a huge feast of traditional and non traditional favorites.

Looking South towards the Virginia Beach Pier. The beach is all decorated for the Holiday Lights Festival where you drive down the boardwalk in your own vehicle looking at the lighted displays. There was nary a soul out there, but we enjoyed it all just the same.

After feast number 1, we went to Russia's grandmother's home to visit for a bit longer. She lives in an English Tudor home that was constructed in 1910. It sits here on the water behind this great big tree on the Elizabeth River.

Feast number 2 was equally as wonderful in Chesapeake, Virginia...just a short car ride away. We ate until we could not eat any more...I don't think any of us made it to dessert course all day because we were so full. It was really a fun and love filled day.

After all the feasts, the boys (Russia and Monster), their father, and I went to see Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows...AGAIN. I am a HP fanatic as is everyone else in the family, so we all agreed it was worth seeing again. There were only a dozen people in the theater. We sat in the middle of the balcony all by ourselves. I might have to admit seeing it again was even better than the first time!!! After the movie was over, Russia and I strolled the quiet and empty streets of Olde Towne...stopping at The Winter Wonderland at the Courthouse Museum. This is a very special exhibit featuring some of The Colman Nursery Christmas displays from so many years ago.

I just love this particular photo. I think it's beautiful.

I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

This is Home Girl and I don't want turkey for a while.

Giving Thanks

2010-11-25T09:04:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all my wonderful family and friends. I hope you spend some time today reflecting on what it is that you are thankful for. I am very grateful for the many blessings in my life.

I am thankful for the ability to make yummy cinnamon rolls which rose so high this morning...so high, they overflowed from the pan! Covered in sweet icing, these pillows of fluffy dough were the perfect beginning to my day...of course, they were accompanied by a French Vanilla Cappuccino.

I am more than thankful to be back in my homeland of Virginia and for the quaint streets of the Olde Towne Historic District. I pass by this adorable home everyday on my walk to work...which is approximately 513 steps (not that I have counted or anything). It is one of my many favorites. There is a little screened in porch off to the right of the main structure. I just love little sun porches.

I am thankful for cobble stoned streets with fall leaves dancing and swishing about. I love to wear my Uggs while taking a leisurely walk in the evening...I scuff through the leaves making them fly.

It is my greatest hope and prayer that each of you remembers that gratitude is wonderful and that we should all spend a few minutes each day remembering the things that He has blessed us with...not just today, but everyday.

This is Home Girl and I give thanks.

What a Great Night I Had

2010-11-20T08:59:00.001-05:00

Last night, I went HERE to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1. We had such a wonderful time. Russia and I met Monster and their mother at the historic theater in Olde Towne to see this show. Russia stood in line for 3 hours just to make sure we got reserved dining room seats. I just love him for doing sweet things like that. It was just so magical because the Courthouse is all decorated for Winter Wonderland. There were twinkling lights, music, and the ambiance in OT is right on point for the upcoming holiday season.

The movie was awesome, as expected. The food was delish. The time spent with family was priceless.

Today, I am working a 12 hour double. There is the Grand Illumination Parade in downtown Norfolk, just a short ferry ride from Olde Towne. I love a good parade and I am a little miffed that I will miss it...but duty calls.

Tomorrow, it is a sew till I drop kinda day. Literally. I need to sew all day long.

Well, and maybe make a cheesecake, bake some cookies, and make a nice romantic dinner for myself and my love.

I am craving some rare roast beast.

This is Home Girl asking...what are your weekend plans?

I'm Still Here, I Promise

2010-11-19T08:04:00.000-05:00

It is so much harder at my advanced age to get re-adjusted to working a physically demanding job such as running a restaurant from the Front of House. It has been kicking my butt.

I'm not complaining though. I love it. My knees still hate it, but they are at least speaking to me again in a civil manner.

I wish there were more hours in the day. I have so much to get done and so much I want to do. Do we all feel like that?

Dear Santa, can you bring me some bionic knee braces for Christmas?

This is Home GIrl and I will try to post some more this weekend. Love you all.

There Once Was A Squirrel...

2010-11-12T08:42:00.000-05:00

who ruined my day. Well, not really "ruined" my day, but made it complicated.

See, said squirrel, who MUST have been a male...climbed into an electrical substation in the business district of Olde Towne...I am guessing to "get a nut"...and he died by electrocution, thus taking out the WHOLE DARN GRID with him.

This mishap occurred at 9:27 am yesterday. The power did not come back on until 1:30 pm. It takes approximately one hour to heat a brick pizza oven to the precise temperature needed for amazing pizza.

Lunch service was gone yesterday. Completely DONZO.

Damn Squirrel.

True Story. It only happens in Marlene's World.

This is Home Girl and I am praying for a Squirrel Free Day.

Where has My Extra Time Gone?

2010-11-08T20:02:00.000-05:00

This is my one of my favorite chandeliers in this grand home. I think there is something eerie going on in this room, too. I don't mean eerie in a bad way...just odd. I know there are spirits all over Olde Towne and most are "good spirits". The vibe in this room is very feminine and calming. This is the room where I sew. I feel welcomed and I like that.

There is also this lovely fireplace right next to where I stitch. I know....right? I have plans on sitting here every evening for the next few weeks sewing my little hands off. I have lots and lots of things planned and I will share them with you as I go. I can not believe that Christmas is quickly approaching. It will be upon us before we know it.

~

Life is good. I am so happy to be working in a career that I adore. It's hard work, but I have never been shy of doing what I need to do to make it. I may not have had the self confidence that I do now, but that's okay. I have accepted that life is a constant learning process and sometimes it's lessons come quickly and sometimes I must repeat them several times in order to grasp the concept.

~

I listen to my teachers. I really do.

~

This is Home Girl and I am a great student of this thing called life.

This and That Thursday by Mental Pause Mama

2010-11-04T09:07:00.000-04:00

It rained yesterday. That usually mean a slow day in a restaurant, but not for me. We were super busy and it would. not. stop. That's a good thing for money, but not so good when you can not even take a break to go to the bathroom or something. It does make the day fly by though. My knees are completely disagreeing with me.

It's going to rain again today.

It will be at least another week before my knees are talking to me again. They are really not happy that the restaurant's kitchen is upstairs from the dining room.

You read that right...the kitchen is upstairs from the dining room. Our store is in an old Savings and Loan building. It is the coolest thing ever. The original bank vault is still there and operational.

The food is amazing. I will have some photos to share with you soon. Neo-classical Italian or Nouveau Italian main fare, but authentic New York / Sicialian Style, hand tossed, pizza cooked in a tiled pizza oven. The toppings are varied and unusual. Ever had a duck con fit pizza? Eggplant Rollitos? Spinach and Ricotta Empanada's?

The newest Harry Potter movie starts on November 19th. Can't wait!

Have you ever had a Barbecue Pizza? I have. It makes me laugh because it is named a Texas Pizza on the menu, but having been in Texas recently, I "know" barbecue means "beef", not honey glazed, pulled pork tenderloin, which is what ours is. I think a name change is in order.

I am working my way through the Olde Towne Dessert Menu's. There are more than 40 restaurants in a 2 mile radius, no franchised stores...I felt it was my personal quest to try them all. Last night, I had an apple cobbler, baked hot with oatmeal crumbs buttery and crispy on top. There was this sublime Frangelica and Caramel sauce and cream. Yes, there was. I think it will be one of my winter time favorites.

I may even be able to copy cat this dish and present you with a recipe. It will require more testing. It would be my honor to do this for you.

This is Home Girl, wishing you a happy Thursday!

Fun Filled Weekend!!

2010-11-02T08:49:00.000-04:00

I wanted to quickly post some pictures from this past weekend. I am exhausted, no doubt...from working full time again and having a jammed packed weekend. There was working in this amazing restaurant where the food really is top notch, Ghost Walks with a bestie/blister of mine, there was relaxing with the boys on a Fall evening, there was wine called Playmate by Fetish (such a yummy Moscato), there was Pumpkin Maple Cinnamon Rolls made from scratch, and more than 300 trick or treater's in one night to cap it all off. I love it! I remembered some time this morning... that last year, on Halloween, was the day that Hard Working Man and I broke up. I didn't give it much thought, really...just sort of a remembrance.

I have learned so much in the past year. Break ups can sometimes be the best thing for a person. I get that now.

Notice all the Milk Duds are g.o.n.e

Getting ready for the onslaught. Olde Towne is the place to be on Halloween!!

The House Witch...the little rat was "the boys" suggestion.

Would I do it again?....bet your life on it.

This is Home Girl and those Wahoo's beat some Miami butt!!!

Oh what a beautiful morning....

2010-10-29T09:26:00.000-04:00

Oh what a beautiful day. I've got a beautiful feeling. Every thing's going my way.

(well, with the minor exception that blogger is not letting me upload pictures right now and this is the only block of time I have to post today...so forgive me. Tis' not my fault. I even tried it again just now and nope, it's not working.)

I have a busy, busy weekend upon me. I will let you in on a little secret. Ready? Some of you already know. In May 2009, I lost my job as a environmental research analyst during the fall of the financial world. My position was driven by the mortgage industry and if there were no loans being produced, that meant I had no environmental reports to write. This was a job that I loved. It broke my heart to be laid off. It tore me up, as you know many other people out there who went through the same thing.

I spent the better part of the last year trying to find stable and consistent work. I wanted to do something I loved to do and since there are many things that fall into this category, it was hard to choose just one and focus solely on that market.

With the help of my good friends, I ventured forward and began reinventing myself professionally. I even went so far as to leave the great state of Virginia, but something kept calling me back. God kept whispering to me...

I listened. I was obedient and came back. He wanted me home. He had a plan.

I begin my adventure today. I have a full time job in the restaurant "scene" here in Olde Towne. The scene here is eclectic, happening, stylish, hip, upscale food and I have a place in it.

I could not be more excited. I am thrilled to be working again. Working in a dream job...a passion. It really doesn't seem like work.

There is also a picnic from Angry Adam's Wine and Cheese Spot for which we will be enjoying with friends before the Olde Towne Ghost Walks. Last night, we sat outside and watched Colonel Crawford, a dressed docent who speaks in third person, give a wonderful tour in front of the house. I am really ready to have some fun.

Thanks for all your prayers and good wishes...man, thanks for just hanging in there with me. I could have done it without you, but having you along for the ride made it so much easier.

This is Home Girl and...I got a job!

This and That Thursday by Mental Pause Mama

2010-10-28T11:08:00.000-04:00

Olde Towne Ghost Walks is tomorrow night. I am beyond excited. My love and I are meeting a very good friend and her husband for a wonderful dinner, al fresca before the walks begin. I am bringing the camera with me and hope to take lots of photos. The temps will be chilly and with the leaves falling, it should be a lovely evening.

This is one of my most favorite photographs I think I may ever have taken. I don't know why, I just like it. I am hyper critical of my photographic work, more so than my sewing, quilting, or baking. Why is that?

I love how the majority of all the homes in Olde Towne are decorated for the Halloween or Fall Season. It is just so much fun. I haven't even begun to share with you the really cool decorated houses. There is a whole street I am going to get to today.

I made Halloween Bark out of melted chocolate and chopped up candy bars and M and M's...it is really dangerous stuff. I was going to include Milk Duds...but I have hidden all the little packages to help thwart any attempt at them being stolen. There are candy thieves in this world and I know several.

My feet are just so happy to be back near water, where they belong. This photo just makes me smile. Really, if you understood me, you'd understand this picture.

I am finally getting comfortable with the Mac OS. See, I don't like a lot of turmoil in my life. I thought this sign was rather me. Don't you?

This is Home Girl and I won't be home much this weekend. I love Halloween!!!

The Secret Garden

2010-10-27T15:15:00.001-04:00

I have always been rather fond of secret places...little coves where I could be alone. I remember as a child, that I preferred to play behind the sofa, as it backed up to a wall and made a nice hideaway. I remember spending countless hours in the depths of this serene space. It made me feel safe, I suppose.

Once, my older sister made me a hide-out area in a closet. It had these long, plastic jewels hanging down in the door way. They made a sweet noise when moved like a swishing sound. In an "autistic like" way, these places made me calm. I learned at such a tender age, that solitude and small spaces created comfort for me.

I am still like this today, somewhat. I need or crave space away from everyone and everything in order to recharge my own mental battery. Living in Olde Towne affords me to see the beauty around me from a much different perspective than most. I am able to find spaces where I can just be...alone and quiet.

No one else, but me. In solitude. Quietness.

This is one of the very special places that I go to when I need to refresh my brain. It's lovely and quaint. It rumors of lavender and pine. The birds chirp. The light wind rustles the leaves. You can hear the Earth breath here. It does my heart good. I take in a deep breath and I exhale. I smile.

There is so much to see in this special place I know. I can picture beautifully draped tables in floral chintz, with cotton linen napkins, the daintiest silver settings, and crystal goblets set next to bone china tea settings. I dream of long, leisurely tea parties here in my secret garden.

There is an actual crystal chandelier hanging from a tree in this glorious little hideaway. I have a photo of it and it is so beautiful, but I have had some issues learning Mac OS and until, I go take another photo of this incredible outdoor lighting fixture, you will have to take my word for it. It is stunning.

This is Home Girl and I love my little secret garden. Do you have somewhere special you go to recharge your battery?

Olde Towne in The Fall

2010-10-22T09:38:00.001-04:00

I am really busy today. I have a full agenda. FULL, but I am ecstatically happy. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

I took some test shots with the new baby girl. I think she and I will get along just fine. I hope you will enjoy these photos. I have missed taking shots of what I experience. I really have. I heard a saying very recently and it rings with so much truth. "Cameras teach us "how" to see the world." Thank you, once again to a very special someone. You will never fully understand what you have done for me.

This is Home Girl and I gotta feeling....that today's gonna be a good day! Woo hoo.

Guess What???

2010-10-21T13:45:00.003-04:00

Someone has a new camera and she's going to be out in the gorgeous Fall weather practicing how to use it.

I hope to have some really cool photos to share with you later on.

Until then...enjoy your day.

I am just so friggin' excited. It is wonderful to have such good friends. Thank you to my special someone, you know who you are!!!

This is Home Girl and I will be shooting the rest of the day!! Maybe the rest of the month!

Thomas Jefferson would have loved this house.

2010-10-20T12:41:00.003-04:00

I have been busy making meal plans for the next few weeks. I make the grocery list off of the meal plans. I like to be organized that way.

I am excited about grocery shopping. Really excited.

The house that I live in is in one word...Amazing. It is an old house, built sometime in the late 1700's, but is full of happiness. I live here with three men and one male cat. At times, it feels like a frat house, but I would not trade that feeling for anything. I enjoy taking care of the "womanly tasks". I am a care taker. I see a need and I fulfill it.

The ceilings are at least 16 feet in this house. The crown moldings are stellar. The wood floors are shiny and slick. If you get enough momentum, one can slide from the back hall all the way to the front door. Not that I have tried that or anything.

I have set up a small sewing/quilting design area in the formal dining room. There is a large fire place and a gorgeous chandelier. Williamsburg comes to mind when walking throughout this expansive home.

There are 3 fire places downstairs and several (some former) upstairs. The staircase is grand. It speaks about the house. At night, when its dark, the wooden boards creak. Sometimes, it can get a little freaky, but I have only sensed good spirits here. Not bad ones, like some of the other places I have visited in Olde Towne. If you do not believe in spirits, after living in this little village, you will. I can assure you of that.

We share a lot of laughs and love in this house. We share a lot of time throughout Olde Towne together. I will be sharing photos very soon. I promise!!!

This past weekend, the four of us walked the streets of Olde Towne experiencing Schooner Days. We looked at all the vessels and talked with many of the traveling sailors. We ventured into a Nautical Wares store. We savored the time together. Men walk very fast. I was rather exhausted after our adventure.

There are many more fun times to be shared...I am sure.

As I sit here typing, at a heavy, wooden table in the midst of this home's history, I find peace. I find gratefulness. I find joy.

This is Home Girl and I wish you Joy.

For The Love of Milk Duds

2010-10-19T13:39:00.002-04:00

Halloween is riding up on our heels and with that, I have found myself obsessed with thoughts of Halloween and more specifically...Halloween Candy.

I love Halloween, not just because Ghost Walks is Friday, October 29th...and I will be right in the mix of things that go bump in the night at Olde Towne, but moreover it is one of the most enjoyable kid's holidays, like ever.

I am one big kid, too. I am not into the scary, scary stuff, although I have promised a certain Little Brother of mine that I would go to see Paranormal Activity 2 this coming weekend with he and Russia. There must be buttery soaked popcorn involved or I will not go. I'm serious.

Every evening, in Olde Towne, there is a certain select group that gets together for a "happy hour" of sorts. I call it "time spent in the tree house". We gather at an apartment that is on the top floor of a four story building. It's pretty high up there. No elevators, either. If you walk out onto the back porch of said apartment, you feel like you are in a tree house because there are literally tree branches all around. It's the best place to wind down one's day and it gives us all a chance to catch up. The group is one of my cores and I trust them all.

Last night, we watched "Scare Tactics", a show hosted by Tracy Morgan where "victims" are scared by different scenario's played by very good actors. Of course, the scenes are staged well enough to scare the bejezzus out of the victims. We laughed and laughed. Then somehow, someone came up with the idea that they should do something like this. Then the men looked at the women.

Oh, heck no.

I will not fall prey to their shenanigans. I better not or someone will be in big trouble.

If I do fall for their tricks, then said perpetrators will not get any of my candy or my Halloween goodies. My favorite Halloween Candy, besides candy corn, is the little packages of Milk Duds. Oh my absolute goodness. I adore those little balls of buttery, gooey, caramelly love dipped in a chocolate jacket.

I will share a wonderful recipe with you. This is great for Halloween treats for your family and friends. Never ever give these to those "stupid boys" who like to scare innocent victims. I swear, if I get caught in their trap, I will not be held responsible for their safety. I will kick the all and then they will not get my special Milk Dud Cookies.

I promise. But, for you...you get the recipe. I am good like that.

MILK DUD COOKIES...Oh, my....yumminess.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1 and 1/2 cups butter flavored shortening (Crisco Butter Flavored)

1 and 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

2 cups granulated sugar, divided

1 and 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

4 eggs

3 and 3/4 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 (10 oz) package Milk Duds

In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening, the peanut butter, and 1 and 1/2 cups of sugar, and the brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, stirring after each addition. Combine the dry ingredients and add to the creamed mixture until thoroughly blended. Chill in the fridge for at least one hour.

Shape 4 teaspoons of dough around a Milk Dud (Ball of Goodness) until completely covered. Roll ball in remaining granulated sugar. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes on metal racks.

Makes about 8 dozen cookies. I want at least that many for myself, so I double the recipe. I can be nice sometimes.

I said...sometimes, but in the case of these friends of mine...if I get scared, someone is gonna pay.

I swear.

This is Home Girl and I'm not playing ya'll.

Music; the fabric of my life

2010-10-18T11:50:00.002-04:00

Like many of you, my musical heritage was influenced by parents and my grandparents; by the many people who waltzed in and out of my young life. I had older sisters and I was exposed to their thoughts on popular music of their peer group..which I was not a part of.

I have my own thoughts on what I like and dislike in music, but I am not bound by any set rules. I do not covet any one genre of notes. I have never been this way. Even as a little girl, I was very fickle when it came to my own musical selections.

If I had one of those Ipod things, here is a list of the first 25 songs I would have on it. These are in no particular order.

1. Sweet Baby James, James Taylor

2. Nessun Dorma, Pavarotti

3. Watershed, Indigo Girls...a song I can actual sing.

4. Like the Way I do, Melissa Etheridge

5. Whip It, Devo

6. St. Judy's Comet, Paul Simon...from the There Goes Rhyming Simon Album....my oldest sister used to sing this to me. She had a gorgeous voice. I do not, that is why I played the flute. I attempted to sing this song to all my kids when they were itty bitty...I bet they wouldn't have this song on their Ipods. Just say'in.

7. We've Only Just Begun, The Carpenters...there are just too many memories to recount hearing this song.

8. So Far Away, Crossfade

9. O Let's Do It, Waka Flocka Flame

10. Numb, Linkin Park

11. Rodeo-Hoedown, Aaron Copland. I have played this piece so much, I have it memorized permanently.

12. Welcome to the Family, Avenge Sevenfold~ I know, right? This surprises even me.

13. No Woman/No Cry, Bob Marley and the Whalers

14. I'm Not Afraid. Eminem

15. If I were a Boy, Beyonce'

16. Noctourne in E Minor, Opus 72, Frederic Chopin

17. Mi Mancherai, Josh Groban....like no one else can.

18. Unredeemed, Selah...a song that can make me smile.

19. Straight Outta Compton, NWA

20. Baby featuring Ludacris, Justin Bieber

21. 4 Minutes Featuring Justin Timberlake, Madonna

22. Bye, Bye, Bye., Nsync...yes, there has to be an Nsync song on my list and this one is my favorite.

23. Part of your World, Disney's Little Mermaid.

24. Meet Virginia, Train

25. Run Around, Blues Traveler...just such a cherry, friggin' song...how could you stay down after hearing this song.

There is the short list and you may notice there is no country on my list. I am not a huge country fan. I just never really got it...well, wait...there is one song I like.

I'll Pray for You, Jaron

Have a great Monday Everyone

This is Home Girl and yes...I do listen to Waka Flocka Flame. What? You got something to say?

Fall in Virginia

2010-10-16T10:24:00.002-04:00

The area has been taken hold by much cooler temperatures and a brisk breeze. It's definitely hoodie time. I love hoodies. I love Fall. I cannot wait for a hot cup of something caffeinated to be in my hands as I walk the streets of Olde Towne on a Saturday. There is just so much to do and so much to see.

This weekend its Schooner Days. There are at least 40 schooner rigged vessels moored at the either the High Street Landing or the North Landing. There are historical displays to see, period dressed docents to talk to, shops to visit, Sea Shanty songs to listen to, and sea fare at more than 14 different restaurants. A Farmer's Market is set in the midst of the fun.

There will be Wine Tote making this afternoon. These fully lined, handled wine totes are made from the cutest all cotton fabric in Halloween and Fall themes. They make a great gift to Boo someone with a nice bottle of wine.

(Again, I apologize for the lack of pictures. It will be remedied soon.)

There will also be some baking. There is nothing I like more than baking in the Fall. I am making something I dreamed of. I don't know whether it will work or not...but I am making...are you ready for this...

I am making Sweet Potato and Cinnamon Apple Short Cakes with vanilla cream. Just like Strawberry Shortcakes but all dressed for Fall. Can you imagine? I will be drizzling a little caramel over the cream to give it that certain...Je ne sais quoi.

If all goes well, I hope to have a new recipe to share with you next week...it will be my little Fall gift to you and even if it is not Fall where you are, it will help bring Fall right to you.

I also might through some football into my day and definitely spending some time with my love and his brother. It's always fun when the boys are together in the house.

Enjoy your weekend!!!

This is Home Girl and I am going to enjoy this Fall day to its fullest.

I'm Baaaaccccckkkkk!!!!

2010-10-13T10:59:00.003-04:00

Another one of my long time and great blog friends turned Facebook friend who I chat or touch base with on a daily basis, wrote after my status update..."Our Marlene is "Back"." I would like to agree with that statement and for the most part, I am...just in a different way.

I realized today that it has almost been one year since the End of the Great Depression...the death of a relationship that was just unhealthy for me in so many ways. In ways I, myself, could not even acknowledge. I can look back and see that now. It is true, hindsight is 20/20. Change is good even if we want to run and hide in the other direction, escaping its grasp. We get stuck in the mire and muck of life, we become complacent and comfortable. I never want to be that person again. I was a blob drudging through life, not really living. A part of me was dead.

Not any more.

Today, I grasp living and appreciate it. I love it with every breath I take. I enjoy and relish in the hustle bustle, but I can also endear myself deeply to a late evening walk and a peaceful dinner with my love. Living in Olde Towne affords us the opportunity to walk the quaint, cobble stoned streets with the lamp lights fluttering. We can smell the salt air and feel the gentle breeze off the riverfront. A boat horn sounds in the distance. We stop at our favorite restaurant for a respite. We laugh at our own nonsense...honestly enjoying each others company.

My creative endeavors also reflect this changed spirit. I am delving deep into marketing my talents and have now procured a retail store who wants to showcase my abilities. I am really excited about this pathway I am on.

I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy this process. There are so many wonderfully blessed things happening right now. I am realizing through strength of character and my conviction that good things can happen.

I will be able to share pictures of what's going on soon, but you must be patient. Remember there is a process. I have to take baby steps, but I will share with you some words.

The cutest wine totes EVER, a wine and cheese store, cupcakes and cookies, food, food, food, and all of it's the best. Top of the Line...because that's how this classy girl rolls.

I know life ebbs and tides. I get that. I can roll with the punches and move through the hard times. I am stronger now than I ever knew I could be. I have been through so much, but am able to traverse to the other side. I am able to look past the bull shit.

I have often told people...I have some street sense, I am book smart, but I was completely emotionally retarded. I knew that when I got all three components to where they needed to be, it would be time for the world to watch out.

That time is quickly approaching..."By George, I think she's got it". I'm ready. Let's get this party started.

This IS home Girl and "I'm Back".

Coffee Had to Be Created By A Woman

2010-10-12T09:49:00.004-04:00

My good friend, from the great state of Connecticut reminded me that Paula Deen was my age when she just got started in her career as a Food Network Star. That gave me so much hope and faith as I wonder through the pages of the book, "What Does Marlene Want To Be". I have the courage to accept any job, even fast food, a dishwasher, the bottom chain of a professional ladder. I do not care. I just want to work. I love to work. I love money, but moreover...I love food and I love fabric.

If I could have any job on this Earth, it would involve good food. There is just nothing like it. If I was asked to put my two cents into a discussion as to what new variance in food would be needed to compliment the already vast array of establishments in Olde Towne...I would definitely say a restaurant with a true, southern, down-home menu...something with a Colonial Kick. Smoked, cured salty ham, fresh-made baking powder biscuits with lumps of cold and creamy local butter, peanut pie, spoon bread hot out of the oven, chicken pot pie with a sweet, brown, flaky crust and creamy interior, peach cobbler and home-made vanilla bean ice cream like my first crush, Thomas Jefferson use to make. There would be steamed shrimp in beer, fat crab cakes that make your mouth sing, fried turkey, and some real barbecue. There would be grits and hush puppies, there would be Sally Lunn bread...I can sit and close my eyes and smell the wonderful aromas emitting from the swinging doors to the kitchen. Table cloths would be gingham check cotton cloth, the silverware real silver, the plates wither pewter or bone china.

Barbecue...there is just something so wonderful about pulled pork that has been shredded with the tines of a fork and soaked in a light but spicy vinegar sauce. Mounded up on a soft bun with some cold, crisp cole-slaw and topped with a splash of Tabasco sauce. I honestly think it might be the answer to World Peace.

Vinegar Based Barbecued Pork Sauce

Ingredients

1 cup White Vinegar

1 cup Cider Vinegar

1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar

1 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper

1 Tablespoon Hot Pepper Sauce (i.e., Tabasco Sauce), or to taste

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Combine all ingredients into a jar or container with a tight fitting lid. Refrigerate for at least two days prior to using to allow the flavors to meld. Will keep for in fridge for approximately 2 months. ( This also makes a great Christmas present when dressed up in a cute mason jar with a ribbon and maybe little barbecue mop tied to the top!!)

Now, there are many different ways to cook pork and none of them are wrong. Sometimes, I get in the mood for sliced pork sammies as opposed to pulled. There are moments when I would love to play around with ground pork and make some "burgers" on the grill with this sauce. (Mmmmm...there's an idea for dinner tonight!) Just know, there is no wrong way to go about it, as long as the sauce stays true to it's ingredients. Good food and the creation of it, is all about feeling. It's about love.

This is Home Girl and I've got a feeling...this post had nothing to do with coffee. I still love you more coffee. You are my hero.

Monday, Monday

2010-10-11T12:12:00.002-04:00

I love Mondays. They are so new and fresh, like crisp cotton sheets right out of the dryer. Fridays are fun and cheery, but by the time you get through to Sunday, the week is just worn out. Done, Gonzo, Over With. I was so exhausted last night. I fell into bed early. I slept like a rock. It was so needed and enjoyed.

This week will be packed with locating employment and continuing to settle in. It can take some time to readjust. I have wine totes that need to be cut out and stitched. They are the cutest things I have seen in a while. I wish I could share a photo with you all, but I do not have a camera right now. I know that makes you sad, but it makes me more sad. I adore shooting photos and being in a place where there are lots of images to shoot...it makes me even more sad...but, this too shall pass. God, will make way for an even better camera.

Sometimes you have to let go of possessions in order to make it and that is what happened in the case of my little camera.

If I had a camera, I would go down and shoot the tall ships. Schooner Days is this coming weekend in Olde Towne. More than 40 schooner rigged vessels will be on the AICW (Atlantic Inter Coastal Waterway at the Elizabeth River Mile Marker O. The shores and the stores will be a happening place. The beauty of the tall ships will astound, I am sure.

I would love to give walking tours through Olde Towne from different perspectives. There are at least 4 different views that come directly to mind, as I type. There is the Colonial Virginia/historical take on Olde Towne. The Nautical/Maritime View. The Artistic View. The Foodie Paradise View. For a nominal fee, I would be able to provide an insider's look into what makes this area so special. Share all points of interest from a vantage point few obtain. I might even pair restaurants with different interests so the walk includes some of the best dining found anywhere. Morning, afternoon, and evening tours are available.

I need a job, can you tell?

My services are available.

This is Home Girl and I just love the fresh start a Monday can give.

Something Refreshing

2010-10-10T14:58:00.002-04:00

I was just out enjoying the afternoon in Olde Towne, walking with my love in the sunshine, feeling the warmth for these last few days before Fall grasps hold of us. We have had such a wonderfully peaceful and relaxing weekend...time spent with friends, enjoyable reminders that God is my cruise ship director, we really loved our weekend. The walk in the park was just a perfect way to segway into the week. A week filled with finding jobs and making things happen. Prayers for us are welcome and greatly appreciated.

While we were walking, we stopped at our favorite benches for a moment to watch Olde Towne as she lives and breathes through the souls of her people. I have spent many times on the benches in thought, in prayer, in hellos and goodbyes, and have relished every second. There have been rousing games of Corn Hole near these benches, building of snowmen during our recent winter storm; the benches are very special to me.

As we sat on the benches, we heard the commotion of a large group of people...adult people. All were dressed in casual, but nice Sunday afternoon brunch attire. Laughing and giggles were booming through the park. We watched to see what was going on...were they drunk? Fighting? My first instinct was to run in the opposite direction, because after what we went through...Marlene doesn't do crazy anymore, fo' real. But nothing in my gut told me to run...I felt safe, and realized there was a smile stretched across my face as they ran, laughed, and clapped their hand's. One of the non-running participant's was busy taking photos.

It made me smile and proved once again...I love where I live. It has a special magic to it.

This large group of adults...they were playing a children's game of tag. One by one, they each would be "it" running around the jungle gym and slides until they caught someone. We laughed and giggled right along with them. It was sweet. It was refreshing. These people had it right. They knew that loving the hell out of life and enjoying every second of it is the key to happiness.

This is HOME girl and my heart sings for those who have the heart of a child.

Where Am I Now?

2010-10-08T12:09:00.003-04:00

I am home...no doubt about it. I am so happy to be back. Olde Towne, Portsmouth, Virginia is the place I call home and with it's plethora of Fall activities before me, it is the best time to be here.

The leaves in shades of red, yellow, and brown are beginning to fall serendipitously from the old, stoic trees...crunching under foot. The smells of first fires waft through the air as you walk past decorated houses for the upcoming season.

Walking past the 40 plus restaurants in Olde Towne makes one realize I live in a Foodie paradise. Various wonderful aromas beckon us inside to nibble and partake. There is never a disappointment. Evenings capped off with a hot java from The Coffee Shoppe make long, lingering walks a delight.

Olde Towne Ghost Walks will take place this year on Friday, October 29, 2010. Commencing at the Trinity Lutheran Church graveyard and proceeding through Olde Towne proper, costumed docents will scare, treat, and delight the masses with tales from the past. This will be my first attendance of Ghost Walks and it will be nice to see it from the vantage point of living here. Tickets are a mere $10 a person and all proceeds go to the Olde Towne Civic League to fund their various projects. The walk takes approximately 45 minutes, so dress comfortably. Hot apple cider refreshments are provided in Middle Park at the end of the walk.

If you are close by or would love to make a Fall trip to a magical place, this particular weekend will not let you down. Olde Towne is my favorite destination.

I can not begin to tell you how excited I am to be back home.

For the reader who is looking for a Vinegar Based Sauce for a Pulled Pork Barbecue, if you search in this blog...up at the top...there is one I have posted before. Let me know if you can not find it and I will get it to you.

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend. We are off to spend time with friends in Virginia Beach.

This is Home Girl and I love being home.

No, I wasn't abducted or other random gossip that was said...

2010-10-07T11:27:00.003-04:00

I just took a much needed break...can you blame me? Oddly enough...as much as I love to blog and write, I quite enjoyed not feeling like I "had" to do it, but rather it was a choice "to" do it. I mean, I know I do not "have" to blog...I could just say screw it and stop completely, but then something always beckons me back...Like some sick and twisted relationship with someone who is not good for me. I have been down that road before in life and am so happy not to be that person today.

So...where do I start? Do I continue the elusiveness? I am sure you have questions or thoughts...will I ever entertain them? I don't know. I highly doubt it. I have changed so much in the past year that it stuns even myself. It's hard for me to fathom that a year ago this month, my life "on the spit" was torn upside down by the failure of my relationship. Do I miss it? Nope, not really. Well, maybe the prolific amount of seafood places, the sun, the sand, and the salt air, but I have replaced it with so much more.

It has been 4 days since returning to the most magical place on God's green Earth and I was greeted with the heralding in of Fall. Ya know, sometimes you have to leave a place in order to be able to understand it's beauty, it's ambiance, and why we choose to call it home.

I left, I came back, I know this is where I am meant to be.

I like seafood that is not Red Lobster or Long John Silver's...that is just not even close people.

I like being in a commonwealth and not a republic.

I am Virginian Born and Virginian Bred...I will be Virginian, until the day I am Virginian dead.

I like Pulled Pork Barbecue with a vinegar based sauce way too much to live anywhere else. I will visit other places in the world now. This is a given. I like to travel and immerse myself in varying cultures even if they are pitifully different from my own. Pitifully...different. Like, I can not even believe how some people live, different.

No, just give me the banks of The Elizabeth River, a boat horn sounding in the distance, a cool breeze filled with salt, the twinkle of the lights, and knowing that my feet are firmly entrenched right where they belong...

Home, there's no place like it.

This IS Home Girl...and I am happy to be here.

Flashback Friday: Football Coach Motivation

2010-08-27T12:35:00.004-04:00

I often talk about my beloved father, who went to coach a great football team for God three years ago. I miss him a lot at this time of year, when football programs all over the country are gearing up for their seasons. A new year to motivate potential greatness.

So lately, I have been feeling kinda blah and needed some attitude adjustment. What does any awesome Daddy do? Even after he is no longer with us? He comes to you in a dream and reminds you that he has given you so many opportunities to listen to not only his motivational talks, but to many of the football greats from his life. He reminds you of one in particular.

My Daddy was a season ticket holder to The College of William and Mary football program since before there were season ticket holders. Until his death, there were not many games that he ever missed. He was a fixture. He had the pleasure and the honor to get to know all the coaches who passed through this highly academic athletic program. Yes, there are schools where academics come before athletics and W&M is one of those.

From 1969-1971, one of those coaches was the great Lou Holtz, former Notre Dame University and South Carolina University football coach. The College of William and Mary was where Mr. Holtz would essentially begin his coaching career. My father got to know the young coach and followed him through his career. Dad would not only introduce me to Mr. Holtz, but repeat many times the quote that Coach Holtz would impart to those that needed to hear his words.

Those quotes have played an important part of my life numerous times over. When I need a pick me up or a kick in the rear, I recall the pearls of wisdom that Mr. Holtz spoke.

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song."

"Coaching is nothing more than eliminating mistakes before you get fired."

"I think everyone should experience defeat at least once in their career. You learn a lot from it."

"It's not the load that breaks you down. It's how you carry it."

"Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it."

"The man who complains about the way a ball bounces, is likely the man who dropped it."

"No one has ever drowned in sweat."

I feel a lot better, don't you? Don't you want to just get out there and get the job done now? I never would have imagined that a little girl hearing the ramblings of those men would carry them in her soul for so many years...but I did. The legacy of the words imparted on me is worth more than anything material I could have received after his death.

Thanks Dad. You will never know how much I was really listening. Hey, by the way...can you send me down a couple of lines of any upcoming games?

This is Home Girl and I just love college football.

This and That Thursday by Mental Pause Mama

2010-08-26T10:37:00.004-04:00

Have you seen this Geico commercial? It is one of my current favorites and I get the giggles every time it comes on. I love it when innovative and creative advertisement staff come up with something so simple, yet outstanding.

Wee, wee, wee, wee, all the way home! Ha...I love it.

Of course there is a commercial that is starting to rake on my nerves and that would be the contact lens commercial...you know the one..."Look! Look with your special eyes." "My Brand!!" It makes me want to find a high gage shot gun and shoot the television. Seriously, take that off the air.

I forgot this morning that I was out of coffee, so I am pretending my hot tea is coffee.

It's not working. I want coffee. I have a serious "thing" for coffee.

I had fried okra yesterday. I don't have a "thing" for fried okra. In fact, fried food isn't so appealing any more to me. I mean, I get the occasional craving, but then I regret it because I feel so gross afterward. I will never return to the monstrosity I once was. I am so much happier now than I ever was in years past.

I am making Pasta Putanesca this evening for my love and friends. It's always a great time when we get together with our little group. Each of the ladies makes a dish and the guys...well, they are guys.

I love that Trisha Yearwood song, "How Do I Live". I have wonderful memories of Boo Boo Girl (aka Sarahboo) at the age of 5, standing on the coffee table in the living room belting this song out and hitting every note perfectly. She has such an amazing voice.

This is my favorite time of year, weather speaking. I am tracking all those goodies coming off the coast of Africa. My personal opinion on Hurricane Danielle? If I were in the Upper NE United States, I would be watching and preparing if I were you. Right behind her is, "My Name is Earl"...and anyone from Southern Georgia to Virginia should be aware this storm.

I have a heart filled with respect for Michael Douglas and the way he is dealing with the incarceration of his son, Cameron. I pray for this family and for all those dealing with similar circumstances. Addiction is a disease that affects everyone.

This is Home Girl and I wanna go Wee, Wee, Wee, Wee, all the way home.

His Russian Heritage: An Adoption Story Part 3

2010-08-25T14:38:00.005-04:00

In Part 2 of His Russian Heritage; An Adoption Story, Russia was kept away from seeing his baby brother, he was told he was to be adopted, he was hurt, confused, and alone. He was a nine year old little boy. He just wanted to die...at least that way he could be with the mother he had tragically lost.

The adoption system in Russia, at the time of his placement, was a complete shamble. By American standards, it was appalling. There was no therapy provided for these children...no counselors that could help these children process what they were going through. There were no bright engaging colors, no exciting toys, and very little in the way of happiness. Russian orphanages operate on very little funds and still to this day, much needs to be done to reform the system. I feel that anyone adopting a child from this country is an angel. The outcome for the un-adopted children of Russia is horrific, most of whom at the age of sixteen are dispersed onto the streets to fend for themselves.

When Russia's adoptive parents travelled to Tver Oblast to adopt his baby brother, they purchased the requested presents for all the staff they would meet. It is customary to bring items from the United States that are hard for the Russian people to acquire "to make the process" move in a satisfactory way. I liken this to bribery, but what were they to do? What would you do? You would bring what was asked. They were told that the baby boy they were to adopt had an older brother and they were asked if they would be interested in adopting him as well. They thought long and hard about this and decided that they would leave this country not only with one child, but two. They would not split the boys up. It was divine intervention that the boys remained together.

At first, Russia had refused any thought of being adopted. He wanted nothing to do with the idea. He was then told that these people who spoke not a word of Russian would also be adopting his baby brother. Russia thought long and hard about this decision and decided if he was to be reunited with his brother, then he too would be adopted. He met these strangers and only tolerated the process. He was given presents by the strangers. He could not understand what they were saying, but the thought of having a new toy and possibly seeing his brother again were enough for him. Per adoption requirements, several visits had to be made by the strangers before they could leave with him. He went back to his ward and the toy he had received was taken way by the staff to be sold on the black market. It seems as if this is a normal practice. (To me it says, "Let me reinforce loss and heartache for you some more".)

Soon, the adoption process was concluded and "Gotcha Day" had arrived. Russia was loaded into a car with a Russian speaking interpreter and for the first time in many months he was reunited with his baby. The reunited boys, the driver, and the interpreter were to meet up with the new parents. There was excitement and fear for all. Russia and the baby now had new parents. The new family spent a few days in Tver Oblast before permission was granted to move towards Moscow before returning to the United States. There was so much to do and so much to take in.

Russia has very vivid memories of this time and shared them with me with mixed emotions. He was terrified and confused. He wanted no one to touch his baby. He did not hate this new person he was to call "Mama", but he did not want her to cuddle or love on his baby. He was not open to bonding and of course there was a major language barrier to overcome. The new family did the best they could to understand and work through the mountains of emotions coursing through their veins. The parents wanted Russia to return to his childhood and not feel that he was responsible for the baby, but Russia wanted nothing to do with that thought. There was no way that the new parents could be prepared to understand what this little boy had been through or even how to help him, but to love him through it. They needed to find a common ground, something they could use to connect with Russia.

Upon arriving in the United States, by way of Washington, D.C., they discovered they had found something that caused severe happiness for Russia. They found something that would finally put a smile on the face of the most adorable blond haired, blue eyed child. A child that at the age of nine weighed a mere 32 pounds (which is the average weight of three year old in the United States). The new parents uncovered Russia's love for American food. Fast food it seems, is a universal language and bridged the communication gap. To this day, good food can calm him and believe me when I say, Russia can eat some food.

A fire storm of sensory deprivation was unleashed and now Russia was more preoccupied in learning about all things American. The new family traveled from Washington to Norfolk, VA. The first place they went to upon arrival in Virginia, was a place that I have a deeply bonded connection to. They went to Doumar's, a locally historic barbecue and hamburger "drive in" and upon eating his meal, Russia's first sentence in English, was..."Good, f~ing food."

Really, it was and the laughs that this brings back to everyone showcases what the future held for this tow headed little boy. A boy so full of life and heartache. A boy characterized by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder...a hurt and confused little boy from Russia who now had to acclimate himself into a whole new world...one which he had no understanding of. He needed to blend his past with his future.

There would be numerous ups and equally as many downs. It would be a tumultuous roller coast ride, but unbeknownst to all, the ride would prove the fortitude in this little man. They would showcase Russia's spirit and the deep love of his new parents.

The new family was to embark on their life together...a family that never gives up and is always there for one another through anything. This idea would be tested over and over again in the years to come.

In the next segment we will delve deeper into the transition a non-English speaking child makes when coming to America. How a new life affects the child and the lives of the parents. How a child learns a new language and all the discoveries he makes. Can you imagine what happens when a child goes from having nothing to having everything?

This is Home Girl and I love good f~ing food, too.

Russia wants to thank you all for reading his story. The above photo is of him and his baby. Boy, do we love and miss that little man.