unique and creative gift wrap.

I'm sitting on DK's couch reading this afternoon and feeling so inspired by the new Christmas tree. It's stunning, creates such warmth and makes this place feel so cozy!

Sitting in front of a tree like this, I can't help but think about Christmas and get excited about gift giving and gift wrapping. So I called my friend Martha (checked out her website :) and she gave me some great ideas... check these out!

Paper - Easy to find and work with, vintage and repurposed papers add pop to presents. Layer several colors and textures, or add vintage beads for a finished look. Try using vintage wallpaper, Chinese newspaper topped with colored paper, a recycled map, grocery bag with Japanese beads.

Cloth - In Japan, the art of wrapping gifts in cloth is called furoshiki, and it's brilliantly ecofriendly. Secure open ends with a button, safety pin, or knot. Try using vintage scarf, burlap rice bag, wool scarf with a knitting needle, tea towel with rickrack, scrap from a vintage kimono.

Natural - Birch bark and fresh leaves are surprisingly pliable; just roll and secure with twine. Find them in Asian markets and outdoors. You can use banana leaf with cinnamon, bamboo leaves with hemp twine, bamboo leaves with star anise, banana leaves with reeds, birch bark with a feather.

Fillers - Biodegradable stuffing cushions small, fragile items just as well as plastic bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts, a recycler's worst nightmare. Try using used shredded wrapping paper, unsalted peanuts in their shells, air-popped popcorn, a pine bough.

old time christmas tree farm!

I'm convinced that unless you have serious allergies, everyone on earth should create a family tradition of hiking out, choosing and cutting down your own Christmas tree! DK and I had a blast and it was everything we hoped it would be and more.

Old Time Christmas Tree Farm is far enough out (from where we live inside the loop) that it felt like a big trip, long drive. We loaded up the dogs (I'm watching Katie, my brother's dog who now resides with my brother's in-law's - Ma and Pa Olden) and headed out, still giddy with excitement. 

Once we arrived, DK , Katie and I adhered to instructions of the lady at the gate and chose a measuring stick, a saw and then loaded up on the the hay wagon. (Kenai had to stay in the car because she's a little less predictable in large crowds) Everyone is bustling about, trees being prepared by workers to load on top of the SUV's, photos taken with Santa, everyone in great moods and so friendly. I think the sudden chill in the air was helpful too - Christmas tree festivities are just odd in warm weather? Heehee.

The hay wagon took us out so far amidst the forest of trees and then dropped us off. "Everybody off, dogs too!" the driver yells with a chuckle. He was quite a character, I'll tell you what. And then we hiked out inspecting trees: the shape, the height, the fullness. I was surprised to see so many in tact after Ike! Katie was dashing around, making friends and playing with kids. I loved too that never once did it feel too crowded or even competitive in selecting a tree. Either it was the people or just the amount of trees and variety available. Maybe both? :)

We chose a couple trees but finally came upon the one that we knew would be ours. It had all the right everything and DK got to sawing away. He loaded it up on his shoulder and we headed back to the trail to wait for the hay wagon. It was an awesome experience and we will for sure go back next year! 

From there we went to Hobby Lobby to get ornaments (you'd be proud of DK's color coordination) and other supplies. Everything was 50% off too - thanks David and Elizabeth Anderson for the great idea!

We came back to DK's place - what an adventure getting that tree up the stairs, (!!) put some dinner in the crock pot and turned on National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation while we decorated the tree. I think we agreed this will become another tradition as well... 

So now my question is: When are you going to cut down your tree??

For my photos and video, click here!

For DK's photos, click here!

bye bye little Buddy.

Apparently having a microchip put in your dog is a brilliant idea. I'm truly a believer now! After finding a beautiful Basset Hound wandering around the street near the station and seeing how easy it was to reunite with his family who lived MILES away all because of a little microchip placed under his skin, I'm all in. 

His real name was Doby. I almost ran him over on my way to work early Saturday morning shift and held on to him till I was done at noon. I'd called all the vets and clinics in the area to report that I'd found him and every 15 minutes would go outside to play with and run around with him. He was a hilarious dog! Tammy at Eastex Clinic around the corner said to bring him by so they could scan him. After my shift, we drove over - Me and Buddy - and with one wave of a wand, a beep and a phone call, "Doby" was reconnected with his family! Here's the strange part: I found him in Humble and he lives somewhere off of Loop 610!! 

He's either quite the traveler or has an incredible story of adventure and mystery that no one will EVER know... What a guy!

christmas tree day!

This is one day we've been talking about for months now. In fact, we act like goofy kids when we talk about it.

And today is finally the day we are going for the full experience - driving to a Christmas Tree Farm, riding on a hay wagon, picking out a tree and cutting it down with our very own hands.

Wooo!!! I'll be posting photos later to show you how it turns out!!

We are going to the Old Time Christmas Tree Farm and are so excited!! Where do you go? What are your tree decorating traditions and creativities?

WikiHow totally hooks you up too - check out all these important need to know details!

How To Choose a Living Tree
How To Decorate a Tree Elegantly
How To Decorate a Tree

a family portrait!

l-r: andy the pup, pa olden, casey the pup, mark, erik, danni, dk, me, katie-beans, ma olden and bubba the pup.

so thankful.

I've been so busy with Thanksgiving, that I haven't really had the time to stop down and state what exactly it is I'm so darn thankful for. (It's why I love this time on Saturday mornings in the studio - it's so quiet, chill, great time for talking to God and writing... that sort of thing, ya know.)

I'm thankful for my faith, for my health. For my brother David and his love of adventure, his appreciation for culture and his high standard for living life. I'm grateful for my one and only sister, Kim, for her creativity, her beautiful laughter and for her friendship. I'm thankful for Andrew, for his ability to follow through and not fear big dreams, for teaching us that within everyday there's a chance to do something great, and for being such a sweet tender-hearted man. I'm grateful for dad and his never ending support and love of each of us and his persistence to seek out creativity in everything. I'm so thankful for DK, for his love of me and my family, for his hopes for our future, for being the most inspiring influence and love of my life. I'm grateful for Ma and Pa Olden, for setting a wonderful example of faith and love, I can't wait for my children to learn from them. I'm grateful for Domenica, for her consistency in our friendship, for her example and patience, for her belief in me, for her desire to be healthy and teach and love others. I'm thankful for Kristen, who makes me laugh and brings Jesus everywhere she goes. I'm thankful for KSBJ and everyone there, who work hard to use the gifts God has placed within us for His Glory. I'm grateful for Kenai, who teaches me everyday about love, simplicity and the need to cuddle. I'm thankful for my roomate Stacey who breathes such peace into our home and is a wonderful encouraging friend. I'm incredibly grateful for Jen, who is not only a sister and friend in the Lord, but a confidant and running buddy.

I'm thankful for new family - Kilgores, Yanos, and Merlinos. For Barkers, DeGroots, Gareys, Kaisers, Perrys, Seays. I'm thankful for new friends - Lori, Sarah, Abby and Jason, Brandi and Jacob, Cassie and Taylor, Cody and Jess, Bob and Darcy, Nick and Jennifer, themanilow, Annetta and Craig. For old friends - Tiffany, Sabrina and Chris, Amanda and Greg, Kristal, Cindy and Ed Seay, Carson, Danni, and so many others.

I'm thankful for hope of a big future full of LOVE and children, health and deep breathes, beautiful scenery and adventure, warmth and creativity, gratitude and friends.

buddy the basset hound.

I'm at the studio for my once in awhile Saturday morning shift. It's early and I wish it were more cold outside. This morning while driving in, I'm groggy but reminded how life is full of unexpected surprises. On Wilson Rd. as I neared the station this morning, I almost ran over a beautiful Basset Hound whom I'm temporarily calling Buddy - he has no tags!
The road was dark and quiet in this early hour as I stopped the car, got out and called to him. He stopped his bouncy hop, looked at me and in the glow of the street light I could see his heart soar as he dashed over to me, bounced into my arms and felt so loved again... I loaded him up in the backseat and together we headed to the station, only a coupel blocks away. He is so cute!!

I called the Emergency Vet - they are the only ones open at this hour and they said to contact all the vets in the area. Starting at 8 a.m. I'll be on the phone trying to find this little guy's real home. Thing is, the more I daydream about having to actually keep him until finding his home, I'm growing more attatched to the idea of him. How cute would be be with my Kenai? Think of what an odd and funny pair they would make!

Hmmm... maybe I'll start practicing my sweet puppy face speech for DK. "Can we keep him?"

she made my day.

I call her "OMG Lindsay" because I pretty much learned the phrase from her and since I've worked at KSBJ she's emailed me, encouraged me and not only remembered my birthday, but also shows up with my favorite cake and balloons. She's a consistent friend and makes me laugh... makes me wish I'd have been so mature when I was in high school.
She wrote me this note for Thanksgiving and I wanted to share with you...

"I'm thankful for the ways you help me and guide me. You set an incredible example for me and you are an amazing role model. You are always challenging and encouraging me to be the best person I can be and to live to my full potential. You always remind me that God has a plan for my life and that I can do anything in Him. You're there for me whenever I need a friend most and you always seem to kick my butt back in line when I mess up... Haha. You tell it how it is and I appreciate that more than you know. You don't tell me I'm crazy when I tell you my goals of becoming a Christian artist and you support me. I really appreciate that too because sometimes people just stare at me like I'm crazy. Hahaha. But most of all I'm thankful for the friendship we have and the sisterhood that we share. I'm soooooooooooo incredibly blessed to know you. You truly are amazing, Liz. My life would be so boring without you in it... hm I just can't even imagine. Hahahaha. You know what? We are crazy. Haha. A lot of my friends tell me all the time they are so jealous because I know you and that I'm so lucky. I agree. I'm lucky to be your friend and your little sis. Haha. Told you I was a dork. Hopefully I made you smile. I LOVE YOU TONSSSS. Have a good Thanksgiving gorgeous!"

stuffing or dressing?

Apparently it irritates DK when people refer to the goods inside the Thanksgiving Day Turkey as "dressing".

"Dressing goes on a salad, stuffing goes in a turkey" he argues.

This morning we shopped for Thanksgiving feast supplies and here he is, explaining this to me.

"People in the South call it "Dressing". Up North we call it "Stuffing". Stuffing just makes more sense. Here I am pointing out that even on the package is clearly labeled as Stuffing."

Isn't he the cutest?!

for real.

(i stole this from my friend abby's honeymoon photos and it was so beautiful, I had to share.)

displaced thanks.

I was just reading my friend Lori's blog about being far away from family on Thanksgiving and felt challenged to write about my own situation. I like having Lori as a friend lately, she brings out the grit in me and moves me to be less fluff and more real, more truth, more honesty and more transparency. I like grit. Thanks Lori.

Kenai is on patrol at the front window, I'm in my room getting ready for work. It's a beautiful day outside and has already proved a productive morning. All I have left to do is straighten my hair, stop by the dry cleaners and hit the road. DK and I talked about the rest of this week's plans which are, as expected non-stop for us. Plans with friends, there's the big CostCo run for Thanks prep and then the big day itself, driving, arranging and cooking. It's been in the back of my mind for a few weeks now and it wasn't until I read Lori's post that I started really feeling it. I miss my family. I'm on the brink, if I start to think about it too much I start to tear up. Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite day of the year - within it there is warmth, gratitude, fellowship and most importantly my family.

This year though, I'm feeling empty nest syndrome. David and Kim are gone to Malaysia, Andrew just found St. Croix with his sailing crew, dad is spending the day with his wife and her family in Detroit, my mom lives in Detroit and we haven't spoken in months... And I just MISS everyone being together. It's a terrible ache, I tell ya.

Thing is, I grabbed on to it visually, mentally, emotionally and physically while everyone was here. In the last few times we were all recently together, I knew this time was coming. I didn't expect it to come so soon and feel so owww... but is that the price you pay for loving them so truly? Ohhh, we have so much fun together. We are a crazy bunch and my favorite memories of my entire life are those spent with my brothers et al.

This morning I again am reminded how it's not my family that is displaced, but my gratitude. I look around and see the amazing friends God has put into my life at just the right time. I see how DK is very much my family, I have Kim's (my sister-in-law) family who are absolutely the most generous and loving people on earth. They've adopted DK and me for Thanksgiving and I am truly grateful. Ma and Pa... the best!

And see this is what happens when you shift your attitude. I think mom always called it an "attitude adjustment". The places you felt such emptiness become filled with more beautiful things and you learn to appreciate the things you had to a whole new level.

Happy Thanksgiving! me, andy, arwyn, david, kim - thanksgiving 2006 farmington, new mexico

sony phones.

Again, having together but separate time, I hooked up the Sony Phones to my ipod and let my inner Missy Elliott flow freely while DK worked on some photos. 

Within seconds my amazing boyfriend had camera in hand, lights set, snapping away images of his dorky girlfriend as the music make you lose control... And to me, this is a perfect example of the beautiful way he loves me. I get to be ME and am not made to feel dumb (or as nerdy as I look and sound) but instead am treated like a supermodel, super adored and super loved.

 

It feels good, I tell ya what. More DK brilliance. 

let the drooling begin.

why hello there...

yikes, stripes!

I've been thinking a lot about New Year's resolutions, about collaboration, about creativity... and a lot about the ways God is moving me outside of what I feel are "great heights". Funny how in our feeble attempts to be awesome and revolutionary, when we open up to let God stretch us, He takes us to whole new levels of awesomeness. But for His glory. And that's totally rad.

DK and I have been pretty diligent about our 365 project in the last year. Everyday together we take a photo representing us on that day. I can't stress to you enough how the creative boundaries within me have been threatened and shoved, broken and further realized. When you are forced to think, plan, anticipate, look for newer and greater set-ups, etc it really stretches you and I feel it all, I feel it all.

In fact I feel it so much I'm morphing into a new dimension of a photo a day on my own, in addition to DK & LIZ 365.

I want to do one on my own and I want to have a theme... I love stripes so much and feel it would be a great stretch of creativity to look for and expect stripes all around me within my day.

So starting January 1, 2009 I'm launching my "Yikes, Stripes! 365 Days of Stripes" campaign. This is gonna be good.

artcrawl 2008.

Photo taken in Ron Gordon's studio. My favorite wall in Houston.

houston happenings this weekend!

So much going on around town this weekend! Check it out...

Via Colori - Via Colori ®, a Street Painting Festival benefiting The Center for Hearing and Speech, is a unique event celebrating an artistic journey. The festival, presented by AIG, will showcase more than 150 artists who will paint original masterpieces directly on the street during this two day festival, free to the public. Gourmet cuisine, entertainment, children’s activities and a Saturday Night Street Party will round out this spectacular fall weekend at Sam Houston Park and Allen Parkway.

Art Crawl - ARTCRAWL Houston is a all-volunteer, artist-run committee devoted to providing the community with an opportunity to explore the artist’s creative process and urban lifestyle. This open studio event assists the audience in understanding contemporary art by directly involving the visitors in a dialogue with Houston artists in their living and working spaces in the Artist Warehouse District of downtown Houston. Major warehouses include Mother Dog Studios, 720 Walnut; 2315 Commerce; and Houston Foundry,1712 Burnett. 10am -8pm.

The Original Greek Festival - November 20 - 23, 2008 Come and join The Original Greek Festival, now in its 42nd year, and be Greek for a day! Growing attendance over the years continues to create excitement as the word gets around, so bring your family, friends and co-workers to enjoy the festive atmosphere and our new expanded festival site. Facilities, children's activities, Athenian playground & seating capacity have also been expanded. OPA!!

7 years old.

Do you remember what you looked like when you were 7? What your interests were, what you spent your time doing? Who was your best friend? What was your favorite food and what were you most excited about in your day? At age 7, we were in what, 2nd Grade? What were you learning, what were your fears?

In all your innocence, in all your exuberance, in all your joys and seasons of life so far, can you imagine fearing terminal cancer?

I got a call tonight from a guy who has a co-worker with a 7 year old daughter. She's been battling cancer for the last 2 years and has been in remission, but after receiving some test results this afternoon, learned the cancer has returned. And there's nothing they can do. Nothing they can do.

But how... tell me HOW ON EARTH do you receive news like this? How do you accept that it's her and not you? And you so desperately desire for this monstrous cancer to invade you, not your precious little girl?

I think being people of faith, knowing and having received the greatest Love of all, you don't accept it. What you accept is that science is science, that doctors are just human, and that the God you serve is a powerful and mighty God, that He didn't bring 7 year old Elise into this world without purpose and intention. What you accept is to speak His Name alone brings healing and that it's not done until He says so. And I don't believe He's said so yet.

Pray for Elise. Pray for her life here on earth, that God shines His light so bright from within her. That laughter and life and love and breathe overcome this cancer within her. I believe it.

this is where i sit.

Think about the places you spend the most time. In your car, in the office, in the classroom.

This is where I sit everyday except weekends, for several hours a day. One day I won't sit here anymore. I'll move on to a new place to park it and spend the majority of my time. So I thought today I would document myself, as is, in the places I spend the most time. You should do it too. Make note of the things on your desk, what you decided to hang on the walls, etc. It's basically a representation of you, as is.

As a side note, I thought it might be inappropriate to document myself in the other place most visited, my sleeping quarters.

This is me at my desk. This would be Jen's view of me...
And this is me in the studio, where I spend 4 hours a day. I found an excercise ball to sit on and thought I'd try it for a bit. Not so great, it doesn't roll. In fact, here's what it looks like:


Document / archive / capture your life...

the best part of waking up.

She's usually curled up in a ball within the bend of my knees when I wake up. Sometimes she migrates to the couch in the sunroom for a headstart on the neighborhood watch.

I just love her so much... and this is what I snapped with my camera this morning after I woke up :) And then she caught me. * note the shifted blinds and the Halloween chicken suit :)

I put my shoes on, threw on a sweater and it was out the door for a romp around the neighborhood. She's hilarious in this weather, so bouncy and frisky! Oh I just love my girl... and I wonder if I love her this much, how much I will love my (human) babies?!

date night at indika.

Indika on Westheimer - check it out. 

We've driven past countless times and I think were unsure about what type of clientele this place appealed to. However, it kept appearing on DK's top 10 lists on food ratings apps on the ol' iPhone and tonight we got dressed up to give her a whirl. 

We gave it an overall 8.5 out of 10. 

We judge on decor, lighting, service, serving size and love at first bite. 

He ordered the Grilled marinated Venison Chops with Vindaloo Spiced Onions, roasted Fingerling Potatoes.

I ordered the Garam masala rubbed chicken, slow-cooked with a fall vegetable stew, white beans curried, spinach puree.

advice from 100 year-old man.

I saw this on CNN today:

"Jimmy Shaw, of Johnston, R.I., just celebrated his 100th birthday in the town where he has spent his whole life, WJAR reports. He still works at his family-owned business, Shaw's Garage, and he has two tips for a good life - don't smoke and stay out of debt.

His advice for financial security? "If you ain't got it, don't get it, nevermind them credit cards."

i <3 garage sales.

DK and I went to the grocery to pick up a few items for dinner and on our way back, noticed Last Concert Cafe was having a garage sale! We stopped and I got a "new" piece of luggage - a retro Samsonite bag for $4 and a cool weathered leather purse for $1!
You never know what you're going to find when you stop at a garage sale...

the power of encouraging words.

Yesterday was our scheduled 15 mile run and I was ready, both mentally and physically. It was a GLORIOUS morning and the weather could not have been more beautiful! Seriously, my love for this city has grown through and through from touring areas I've never seen before and my appreciation has grown, my perspective broadened. It's amazing what happens when you tour scenery by foot. You notice things you wouldn't otherwise when zooming past in a car.

The run was going well and around mile 13 I was enjoying the massive canopy of trees covering South Street in West University when an older gentleman catches up to me and as he's passing me, says "It's a great day for a run! How far ya going?" I told him I was on mile 13 and had two more to go. And then he says "Wow! You're looking really strong at 13 miles! Keep up the great work!"

I cannot even begin to express to you how this effected me. As if I was back at mile 1 again, a new spring filled my step, my posture was again upright and I just laughed out loud!

I will never underestimate the power of a simple encouraging word, ever again.

breaking news.

i ran 15 miles today.
i ran 15 miles today.
i ran 15 miles today.
i ran 15 miles today.
i ran 15 miles today.
i ran 15 miles today.
i ran 15 miles today.
i ran 15 miles today.
i ran 15 miles today.
i ran 15 miles today.
i ran 15 miles today.
i ran 15 miles today.

holy smokes.

the jetsons.

"Pentagon Clears Flying Car For Takeoff."

To read the full story, click here.

cassie, taylor and stella.

I met them through DK and just adore this family. Cassie and Taylor are getting married next weekend and DK shot these photos of them. I had to brag, aren't they a beautiful family?!

Congrats Taylor, Cassie and Stella!
To view more, click here.

20 years later.

Photos from last night's concert in The Woodlands... Meet Sabrina Lewis... we grew up next door to one another and actually went to the original Lead Me On Tour together in 1988! What a treat to have her and mom Chris there, singing along the songs we STILL know by heart!

The following photos are from David Jantzi, thank you!! To see his photos of the original concert, click here!

Meet Abby and Jason - they are my 365 friends! They started doing a 365 project and I'm constantly left stunned and motivated after seeing their photos. Check them out here. Maybe you should start your own too? Look how much fun they have!

Tonight we actually met in person for the first time and it was crazy because after following our photos, it was as though we already knew one another so well!

Send me any other photos from the event! If you went, leave a comment and tell me how much you enjoyed the show!!

amy grant ~ lead me on!

KSBJ listener David Jantzi sent me photos he took of the original Lead Me On Tour, cool huh?

I was 7 years-old when the tour came through Houston at the Summit (now Lakewood Church) and 20 years later I'm on stage, introducing her.

*editor's note: Just re-read what I wrote - freaking out now. Really? No way. Wait, what? Really? There's no way ...(re-reading)... gulp, seriously? Wait a second, reallly?

See you there?

malaysia blog!

Dave and Kim are blogging from Malaysia! I couldn't be more proud. 

Check it out here!

catherine.

She's become one of my favorite little friends and I always look forward to the next time I get to see or hang out with Catherine Tarrant. She's the 8 year old daughter of a co-worker and we have a unique bond. She's got more exuberance and zest than any other kid I've met and her honesty leaves anyone desiring the simplicity of childhood through and through. She tells it like it is.

In fact, her dad Sterling tells me she expressed some concern the other night over dinner.

Catherine: "I don't want Liz to get married"
Mom and Dad: "Why not?"
Catherine: "Because then she'll have to do things for her husband."

Mom and Dad: "Well... like what Catherine?"

Catherine: "Like... get him a beer."

Where this came from I don't know, but I can't tell you enough how greatly I appreciate her concern for me... what a gem, ya?!

My stomach still hurts from laughing so hard!!

he get it from his mama.

While DK's parents were in town last weekend, I was overwhelmed (the pleasant kind of overwhelmed) by realization, clarity, and understanding of who DK is and where he came from. I do realize that I've only spent a weekend with them and trust that Christmas in the house he was raised in will bring forth so much more discovery!

Facial expressions, posture, creativity and so much more, I understand it now. He gets it from them. The ability he has to think outside the box yet stay grounded and in touch, the way in which he's confident and comfortable with himself, his sense of humor, his ability to build and create, his love and concern for Kenai the dog, all comes from them. His love for photography, his understanding of the importance to archive and capture memories, the desire to travel, his contentedness, his ability to commit as though his life depends on it. I'm so blown away.

I noticed little things too like the way she asks a question and nails it like a statement. It's about the inflection in the last syllable of the last word in the sentence. He does that too. (It sounds really cool, unique.) I understand how he's so consistently pressed and presentable. Watching home videos, I see what effort she put into dressing her boys, making sure they were dressed to the nines and photo ready. Unreal. I love how his father, like a phantom, gets things done and is able to repair anything. Where do they find the time? I'm constantly left in awe of how well he manages time and gets things done. He gets it from his dad. His father is so generous, I felt like a princess all weekend! I see this now too... DK is just like his dad.

What traits do you see in your love that so obviously come from mom and dad?

And check out this blog from Keri, who also obviously loves her boys to no end. Have a tissue handy :)

the dreamy thunderbirds.

Since my flight with the USAF Thunderbirds, I keep having dreams about them. And I didn't realize until this morning when I woke up how often they've been making appearrances in my dreams, how each time there's cheering and excitement... and they arrive solely to take me on another ride!!

The first time they showed up in my dream, they landed near my house and had flowers for me. As they piled out of the jet, the pilots and crew launched into a Thunderbird song and dance number. Their harmony was impeccable and their dance moves were so in sync. Seriously though, would you expect anything less from the United States Air Force?

Another dream worth mentioning happened last night. In the dream I'd just finished eating at Royer's (DK and I are visiting there next weekend and I'm giddy excited) and came outside looking out over a festival taking place on the boardwalk. Don't ask, it's my dream. When out of nowhere, Thunderbird #8 lands like a Harrier right on the beach and everyone bursts into uproarous cheering and dancing! Flags are waving in the wind, music is pumping and everyone felt a rush from the sudden appearance of this streamline jet. The canopy opens and the pilots wave right at me! It's my turn again?! Oh you guys shouldn't have! But ok... After all, I am an honorary pilot.

Aaaaand that's all I remember :)

christmas gifts for the ladies.

Clementine is my favorite... she makes everything by hand, uses only the finest materials and is afforadable enough that I am hooked.

Want to see more? Click here!

times square kiss.

NEW YORK - A 90-year-old who says she's the woman being kissed by a sailor in Times Square in one of World War II's most famous photographs reunited in town with the Navy on Sunday _ days before she is to serve as grand marshal of the city's Veterans Day parade.

Click here to read the rest of the of the story!

decorations for the holidays part 1.

It's by far one of the best parts of the holidays, decorating your home and prepping for events. I'll be posting more and more ideas as they come in - today it was Martha at marthastewart.com that caught my eye with these fun, homemade placecards for Thanksgiving dinner!