Old things new and Seasonal Freedoms

Dearests,

I have enjoyed the company of my 2 besties SO VERY MUCH as of late. There is nothing like the laughter, love, and encouragement that kindred spirits give to one another.

Candygirl - You looked just fabulous today in your Purples and all! And Blondie we want to know what your new outfit looks like.

I think HATS are a fabulous idea... who gives a rats azz what others think?!I bought 2 fabulous Clouche Style last year. One is black and has a band I can attach flowers or pendants to. I am thinking about a bright red bunch of cherries, reminiscient of the 40's (spelling?)

My Darlings... read these words... and drink them in and ask yourselves... if we don't do it... who will?

We are the music-makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams;
World-losers and world-forsakers,
On whom the pale moon gleams:
Yet we are the movers and shakers
Of the world for ever, it seems ...

My treasures... we are the music makers of our generation. Just accept it and find the appropriate hat :)

love love love
Gypsy

Hats

Good morning, Girlies!
I hope this finds you both enjoying maybe your second or third cup of our beverage of choice...lol...well, I won't say it's the only beverage of choice, just the morning one..lol.
I have just come inside from sitting on the front porch watching the sunrise while a cat wrapped itself over and over around my legs ( why on earth do cats do that? they just won't let you sit outside in peace...lol...but, it's really sweet the way "Puppy" ( yes, you guys remember Puppy don't ya? ) always does this...it's like he is so in love with you that he can't contain himself...he reminds me of a whirling dervish...LOL. When Ringo and I sit outside and he does this to him, he will pick him up and toss him many times and he just keeps coming back..He calls him a few names, of course..I always say, "Awww, he loves you!..He always says, " No, he's just marking his territory!"...LOL....I have to disagree...I think Puppy just loves him...simple as that.
It's like Puppy is saying " Nothing is going to stop me from loving you!
Nothing! You can throw me 50 feet away and I will just come back!"
And so, this morning I am drinking a toast to Puppy from my owl mug full of Folgers....may we always be as relentless with the showing of our love to others as Puppy.
Girls, I am so wanting a new hat for the winter...looking up beautiful outfits for Blondie made me want one...:) I wish that people were more accepting of hats here... What is wrong with people here? Hats were the foundation of a gentle southern lady's wardrobe in days gone by...I can't tell you how many of them I found in my attic when we moved in here..They were beautiful! The little pill box hats of the 50's and 60's like Jackie O wore...They were damaged beyond repair, but it was so neat to imagine what they looked like on the lady of the house complete with smart little sleeveless dress and gloves.. It's like, if you wear a hat here now, you better have a reason. ( Ex: Your wedding veil, sun hat at the beach, baseball cap at football games..that's about all that is accepted here )... A beautiful, vintage hat will get you looked at funny, like " She's got to not be from here, look at that funny hat!"....and a redneck camo hat will not get a second look. Why is that? I think I am going to buy me a fabulous hat and I am going to wear it and if I get looked at like I am the eccentric old bag lady that makes cupcakes, then so be it! Are you with me girls?
And.....I have decided today to go with a more dramatic ( as Gypsy called it last night lol ) eyeshadow color ...purple!!! I am so stuck in a rut with my makeup colors... And so, I will leave you both with wishes for a wonderful day and I am going to go now and apply my purple eyes and get ready for the day...lol.
So excited....today is Mermaid painting class! :) LOL I made mermaid cupcakes to take to everyone...LOL...I know, I will probably be looked at strangely...may as well wear a hat and do it up right, huh? LOL
Love you both dearly!
Candygirl.

Resolutions, Hat's & "Scents" of Self

Good Morning My Sunshines!

Although it's night here, I know your days are just beginning and I hope you both have spectacular ones! Since my days & nights are mixed up I'm on the same schedule with you. I'm just having my first coffee of the day, getting ready to head to work. I awoke with a new strange sense of resolve... I find my days running into each other and I've simply gotten into the routine of sliding along with them. I find myself not taking time to put on makeup, or dress up, I practically live in my flannel jammies, and it has to stop! I miss my old "Pink" self, the one who use to be audacious and energetic. I miss feeling like myself. So, today begins a new stage for me, I've ordered a big honkin bottle of my Tresor, I'm going shopping for a new outfit, and tomorrow begins my new exercise routine. Hell, I may even buy a new hat! I know how CC feels about my Tresor and I also took on board everything both of you said in this regard, but I feel as if the last 4 years have been all about making sacrifices and I think I've proven that I'm willing to do this on the more important issues, but when it comes down to a little thing like perfume that makes me feel confident and self assured, then that is where I draw my line in the sand! I need that confidence and that determination to go, and do, and feel good about myself! I want to have energy and I want to feel like going snorkeling with my husband, and on hikes. I want to feel like doing for other people, making meals and having friends over, helping out when somebody is sick, or going through a difficult time. In other words... I'm sick and tired of feeling sick and tired! I mean this in the most literal sense! I need a make-over from the inside out! So, Girls... I'm enlisting your help, send me your thoughts, your ideas, your words of wisdom, cause I'm listening!

Candygirl, I'm so sorry about Muffy, but there's a pup out there just for you and when the time is right, you won't hesitate! And I would so love to able to drop by your beautiful little shop and have coffee and help with the candy and cupcakes! Hopefully, some day really soon!

Gypsy... I know your mind must be in a million different directions right now, but it's good to know that you feel confident about your future with TC & the Miss Muffets! :-) Your time is getting really close now, when exactly do you leave???


I love you both dearly and I know that each of you are going through your own emotional ups & downs so, I truly appreciate your always being there for me. Talk to you soon!

All My Love,

TOWFL

Coffee...4A.M. Wedding Reception Proposals and Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Good morning, girlies!
Happy Friday! ( Well, probably Saturday where Blondie is...lol )
This morning, I have been up super early typing and emailing wedding reception proposals and drinking lots of coffee! A busy day ahead complete with a wedding and groom's cake, 200 chocolate dipped strawberries and some early morning muffins thrown in the mix! Ugh!!! I will be glad when today is over!
Tomorrow, after work, I am driving baby sister E around to look at houses and land in the area! She is considering buying some land and building between here and Stapleton...I so hope they do! I would love to have her close by!
Gypsy, I awoke to terrible news on my facebook wall....Muffy was adopted yesterday!!!! I am so happy for her, but sad for me....I guess visiting her with treats and trying to win her affection didn't warrant a call from them to let me know someone wanted her...I am so happy for the little ragamuffin, but thinking that maybe that particular one wasn't meant for me...who knows....maybe I will go visit Mason...:) Anyways, I will continue looking for the perfect little dog to "mother"....I think it is just what I need at this point in my life. I so enjoyed our discussion over coffee yesterday about old boyfriends, Gypsy...LOL...OMG, there are certainly those I do not care to remember and so I will lighten up just a little on MB and her scruffy choice of a man at the moment...lol. I love when you come by the shop for coffee and to sample the latest cupcake creation:) My only wish is that Blondie could be there too. How great would that be! Blondie, we have a spot waiting for you....Take your beautiful winding Fall road home soon!
I loved that picture! I hope you are doing well today and have located a supply of Pelligrino :)
Well my girlies, I need to go for now and go bake muffins and tackle this day!
I will see you here again soon.
Love and hugs to you both!
Candy girl

Melancholy Chocolate and the passages of years

Hunny Bunnies!

Now SEE! This is the way it is suppose to be!! All of us visiting and sharing our bits and pieces that comprise the whole of who we are.

I am ready for fall too! LOT of changes coming and although I am mostly thrilled, I find myself carrying a little melancholy in a gunny sack these past few days (kinda like Candygirl carrying her headache in a bottle)

Seeing 6 of the 7 sisters yesterday was so grand but at the same time to some (like my momma and yours CG) getting older and their health declining, having a hard time getting to their feet and all a little shaky just reminds me of the passage of time and while I am so grateful, it's still hard sometimes - so bittersweet- to think of time. It is certainly gaining momentum as we get older, isn't it?
This stuck in the middle time - between young and old - we all seem to find ourselves is strange isnt it? Is it just me or do things seem off kilter? Maybe it's just old Aunt Flo (the she bitch from hell)and nothing that peanut m&ms won't aright... but how dear these days... and how we all need to be together... I still feel like we will all be in the same town or close by at some point. We are a unique bunch of women who see the world a little differently than most. I am sure once I get settled with TK and the Ms Muffets life will take off like a rocket but for now... that winding Fall trail you posted Blondie seems like the perfect place for 3 kindreds to walk down memory lane together.

Much love,

Gyps

PS CG... take the dog :)

Laughter, Tears & The Road Home

My Precious Kindreds!

I'm sitting here with my cup of coffee, in most my prized "Alabama" mug, and reading your recent blogs. I keep see-sawing between laughter and tears! Oh how I miss my Girls! :*-) This is just what what I needed today, a little "Girl Time!"

Gypsy, I'm so happy that things are going good for you, TK & Kiddos! I know you're going to be so very happy together, there is no doubt in my mind! I can just see you tucked up in your Victorian house, drying wild flowers, making smores, doll clothes, giving makeup lessons, and sitting around a roaring fire with your Honey at night after the house is all quiet just soaking up the day together... Among other things ;-) And by the way, I miss those Goozlebugs too! :-) I so loved seeing you today, even if it was just for a few minutes, it made my day! And I must say, you look so good in love, it agrees with you! :-) I truly feel for you and Candygirl, trying to cope with letting go of your Babies! It does just happen so quickly, there's no time to prepare your mind, or your heart. I do know this for certain, no matter how old they are, they never stop needing their Mama's!

Candygirl, I enjoyed talking to you today too! It was wonderful to catch up for a few minutes, I've missed you so much! Hope things went well with your new client today! Thanks for your sweet words, they meant so very much! I think about that day when I brought AB home and it just blows my mind to see him all grown up, married, and possibly having children of his own! Nothing prepares you for that. I think all of us still trying to come to terms with this, I'm not really sure you ever do. You said it Candygirl, "that desire to Mother never goes away." And we all have it in spades! I know you worry about MB & the "bad boys," but she'll find her gumption! Most all Girls, who were brought up right, feel the need to give everybody a chance to prove themselves and you know how it is when you first start being interested in boys, look back at some of our choices :-/ Until then, you can always send "Guido" to "breaka his kneecaps!" ;-) As for your sweet "Muffy" I think you should get her, it's obvious you two belong together! Who could say no to a face like that???!!! :-) Loved the mermaid pic & can't wait to see your own mermaid creations! Hope you're having fun!

I've been thinking so much about home today, I guess seeing Katie's video and all of My Girls just solidifies how much I miss it! I miss being where "the seasons click!" Here in Oz they simply wain from one to the other, there's no defining mark and I guess that's a bit how my life feels here, no defining mark! My life with CC is wonderful, I love him and we enjoy our life together, but our bliss is being carried out on the wrong background! It will be 4 years next month, and I'm ready to get back onto the road home. We've been here long enough! It's hard because I know that regardless where we live one of us will always have to sacrifice. That's the price you pay sometimes to find happiness, but I don't regret it, I wouldn't trade him for anything!

It's about time for me to head to work. Send me a FB message and let me when is a good time to call you both. We can always have our "coffee, tea, or Michalob" via the phone!

I Love & Miss You So Very Much!

TOWFL

"Muffy" Bad Boy Friends, Coffee and Candles

Hello my girlies! I hope this finds you both doing well....Here,tired! But, feeling a little better due to the cool spell ( LOL ) these last couple of days....You can just smell Fall in the air! I can't wait! Pumpkins, leaves, baking bread, bonfires! I adore Fall!
It was so good chatting with you today, Blondie! I miss you so very much!
I hope all is well with you and yours! I so wish we could get together and catch up over coffee or tea or maybe a good Michelob. :) And I teared up today, too remembering the day when you had your baby boy. Time has flown...but, I don't think I will ever forget the sight of him as a little boy with his bear and his tonka trucks. He has grown into a wonderful young man with a beautiful wife and it wouldn't surprise me at all if you get to hear the patter of little feet soon :) I know you are so looking forward to that time :)
Gypsy, I have been looking at that beautiful moon at night and thinking of you :)
Gypsy! The goozlebugs!!!!!

Well girlies, as you can see by the absolutely precious picture above of " Muffy" I am contemplating getting a little dog from the no kill shelter. She is about 3 years old and was just left outside the shelter in 103 degree weather a few weeks ago in a carrier...she nearly died, but has recovered and has learned to begin trusting people...I just don't understand how people can treat animals that way.
She is a little skittish and I have been going there and taking her treats to win her affection...bribery I know, but I hope it's helping....she and her pal "Mason" are the official Greeters....they get the privileged life of staying in the office lobby with free run of the place...lol...they are a hoot....I almost hate to split them up....and Mason is the most adorable thing ever...his face is so comical.
I have been asking myself this week why I want this dog or any dog so badly when I am not sure if I even have time with the business to give it what it deserves...I think I am suffering from a type of "empty nest" syndrome....I just want something to love and take care of that depends on me....Does this make sense? MB is so independent and doesn't need me so much anymore and Jess is gone and beginning her own life...does this instinct to mother ever fade? I don't think so. Maybe one day I will have Grand babies I can mother, but in the meantime, this really sucks! I know that taking care of this little dog will not be easy and I know that she is probably set in her ways and heaven help us when these silly cats around here react to her! LOL....Should I, girls?
MB has decided that she is " girlfriend" with the before mentioned "rude redneck boy with no shut-up filter" whom we gave the " Maude and Guido" eyes to at her birthday movie night here with friends! Help! I don't even like this boy and I so don't trust him because they were talking before she went to Nashville, and while she was gone, he didn't call her and started talking to another girl, but expected her to talk to him again when she came home...he knows just the right things to say to make her think he can " read" and he is playing her like a fiddle....and she just won't tell him to leave her alone! I wish my girls had a little "tee tee and vinegar" in them when it comes to no good guys and could dump them like other girls have no problem doing when they are done wrong. I am very concerned about MB believing everything a boy tells her....geez! I wish I could just spank this boy! I am not sure my nerves can take going through all of this teenage angst again...lol... Any advice on how to cope with this, girls?
I came home a little while ago to every candle in the house lit and a fresh pot of coffee brewing and I am just sooooo blessed to have my honey! He is so good to me. And so, I guess I better scoot for now and go snuggle with him on the couch and convince him to watch something nice instead of the military channel...lol.
I love you both!
Candygirl

Mermaids, Marshmellows, and Goozlebugs

Dear Hearts,

Boy do I feel remiss. Just peeped at the blog and I'm getting WAY behind.
CandyG! You didn't tell me about the mermaid class. I LOVE IT!! I am SO excited for you. You will be wonderful. Joanna loves mermaids ya know.
And Blondie... aka MS THANG!! what up? Runnin to and fro, hither and yon and leaving your besties hangin?? Know you're busy and missin' CC.
Maybe for once we will ALL HAVE GREAT fellahs at one time. And ain't that a blip? Kirby and I have turned a major corner and I just know things will work out ( with shoulders like his they just GOTTA) The girls I enjoy more every day. They are planning secret gardens and marshmellow roasts all sorts of things. Wild Angels had their hands in this one. I really believe that. We just all seem to fit. And my Nic will have brother and sisters. How hard it is letting your babies go... I can barely stand it sometimes... it was so sudden... just BAM!! And they are out the door and you're left holding tonka trucks and plastic dinosaurs saying... just not so fast.. PLEASE (tearing up here)

Life sure gets its' way one doesn't it?

And I guess we are all gaining some wisdom. Of course you know it is my fondest wish for all of us to be
in Maine together.

But until that time, the goozlebugs will pine for our lost girl, and the last lightin bugs will make promises of better things and more time to visit.

We are in our Summers... aren't we girls?

Much love,
Gypsy

Happy Sunday morning, Girls! Hope this finds you all doing well. I am working on my second cup of coffee and feeling the effects of a very long day yesterday. Nine cakes and 120 cupcakes! It was great having both girls to help me :) Although, poor MB was dragging around a little slowly because she slipped on a patch of water and bruised both knees at the Firehouse Friday afternoon while doing a birthday square dance with Jessie Hayes...didn't even try to figure that one out. Needless to say, she has milked sympathy from everyone about her poor little knees and I think Jessie may have even bought her " responsibility ice cream " lol.
Last night, we let her have a few friends over and it was so hard to stay out of the den and give her privacy...lol..I wanted to hang with them, but I think that would have been "uncool" so I put Jess and Marlee up to it. They all had 9:00 curfews ( which was wonderful LOL ) and I am realizing that once again, I will probably hear the sound of teenagers piled up in my den quite often...it has been about 5 years since that has happened here and it's just so hard to imagine MB having obnoxious boys over here watching TV that you have to give the "Maude" eye to. ( And yes, I did give him the Maude eyes and Ringo gave him the "Guido" eyes...LOL...and so, maybe he won't come back again...He didn't even get Jessi's approval, so that says alot. Ugh! I wish we could do the old goat swap thing and choose our children's dating partners/mates...anyways, MB can't "date" until she is 16 so we have a little while longer to teach her what to look for in a guy and what to run from...lol.

She had a wonderful birthday, except for the bruised knees...lol...she and Jess and I went to the beach....it was beautiful! I don't think I have ever seen the water so clear that you could actually see your toes and your shadow on the bottom. It was funny listening to Jess squeal every time a minnow would run into her or she stepped on a flounder....LOL....I hope we can go back again soon before the Summer is over.
I am hoping Summer will be over soon! I am so ready for pumpkins and cool weather! I have been hearing the "goozlebugs" Gypsy! I love that sound! It means that soon it will be here! And it's funny, that that noise can also give me butterflies in the stomach still, because I always put that with school starting back soon when I was a little girl....LOL. Don't you miss the days of school supply and new clothes shopping and laying out your "first day back" outfit? And how we nearly passed out from heat stroke because we had no air conditioning and the new outfit was usually jeans and a long sleeved shirt? LOL I registered MB for 10th Grade this week and it was just one memory after another! School is so different now. The high school kids are being assigned their own laptops to replace books and paper! Can you imagine that? I just wish I could stop having nightmares after all of these years of trying to get my locker open and literally begging Madge for the combination while wrapped in a wet towel stark naked, of course...LOL I should have that analyzed!!! LOL Do you girls have locker dreams?
Guess what, Gypsy...I signed up for a painting class at the gallery! It will be a study in, you guessed it, mermaids! ( Don't you love the sexy picture I found of us in mermaid form? LOL ) I am so excited! Ringo told me that I needed to do something that was relaxing and just for me ( I love that man! ) and so I signed up. I think it will be alot of fun...I just wish I had my two best tea party friends to come, too.
Well, I guess I better scoot for now...I have to rouse the kids up to get ready for MB's belated birthday meal...we are going to the Spot of Tea for brunch...We are all looking forward to it, but Ringo is grimacing a little over it...lol...I am not sure what he thinks will happen there...LOL

I love you both so much!
Candygirl

Fatigue, Continued Search For The Scent of Life & Tea Parties

Hello My Lovely's!


I know I've been remiss in writing lately... In my defense, I've been so terribly busy and tired, with little time for anything. Since CC's been working out of town the Jetty job has been a big undertaking for me and although I've had help, I've still had to do much more than normal. I work, sleep, eat and start the cycle all over again. Not much time for anything else, other a quick "Like" on FB! Doesn't seem to be a lot of relief in the future, CC's been offered another out of town contract that starts August 16th for two weeks, the difference is he won't be able to come home on weekends this time, it will be a straight run. :-( The money is really good and with us planning a trip home next year we really can use it. I'm hoping that after a while I'll find my groove and feel more alive, but right now I'm just really worn out and exhausted, the work is so physically demanding. I've had a young guy helping me, but he's not very conscientious so, I have to do a good part of his work as well, but I'm thankful for the help. Some young people have no idea how to really work, I'm so thankful our kid's all know how to give their best at whatever they do, it says a lot for the wonderful people they are! :-) Enough whining from me.

Thank you both so much for your insightful comments on my perfume search, I have to say, they both made me cry! You're such true Friends and I appreciate each of you more than words can say! I haven't made my mind up yet, but still experimenting with new fragrance. This past week, it was Chanel - No.5, Chanel - Chance & Thierry Mugler - Angel. I like them, but they're not me. Will keep you posted on the progress. My vanity top looks like the display counter at Macy's!

Candy, I've been thinking about you and I know how hard it is seeing your Baby grow up so quickly. I think as Mother's we want to see our children grow, prosper, and be independent... Yet, by the same token, there's this inane ability to always see them as Babies, no matter how old they are! We nurture those little lives inside our bodies for 9 months and bond with them in a way that ties us to that little person for all eternity. So, no matter how old they get, our Babies are just who they will forever be! I've been seeing the always amazing pictures of your creations on FB and let me just say, Wow! You're so talented! I know it must be hard work, I can only imagine the time that goes into such a work of art. You take care of yourself and have some well deserved rest, even if it's just an hour in a hot bath with a good book and a glass of wine!

Gypsy, I know you're having doubts about taking on such a big responsibility, 6 children is a huge undertaking, but I think if anybody can do it, you can! I think once you get to Maine and have some time with TC & the Kid's you'll know for sure and make the right choice... Either it will come naturally, or you'll know it's not for you. Either way, your bliss is out there, whether it's in Maine, or somewhere else in this big wide world and I know it will find you. Can't wait to hear about your projects an all of the news with your writing... Let us know soon what's happening!

Well, My Darlings, I'm going to enjoy my Man while he's here. Tomorrow I'll travel to the job he's been working on, just for the day, he has to do a couple of hours of finishing work and wants me to see the town. Even though we'll only have a week together before he's gone again, we'll make the most of it! :-)

I would love nothing more than to be home sharing a pot of tea and goodies with My Girls! I owe you both a long catch session via phone and will try to call next week. In the mean time, know that you're both always close in my thoughts and I love you dearly!

Always,


TOWFL

Catchin up.

Hiya Gals,

Hope this finds you all doin' well. Me? Pretty good I s'pose. Just waiting to go to Maine and asking myself if I REALLY know what I am doing... 5 kids... 6 every other weekend... sometimes I'm just don't know if I'm up to it. Tim is so great but sometimes... WOW! So a lot of internal juggling going on these days.

Other than that, creatively I am doing awesome! Lot of very positive things going on. I won't bore ya'll with details just yet, BUT LOTS of work and hopefully I will reap the rewards of years of work.

Candygirl I enjoyed out 3 hour pot o coffee and look forward to doing it again.
BLONDIE... why do I feel so detached from you. You HAVENT even written to your besties. What's goin' on in your world.

Tim and I found the perfect property. He went to see it and it's a GOTHIC Victorian. A lot of cutwork and nooks and crannies, bay window and such. BUT IT NEEDS a lot of work, still we love it and are debating the pros and cons. It has apple tree, cherry, pear, a raspberry patch, gardens, wild honey, a trout stream.. and 6 bedrooms... the list goes on and on... so we shall see. It might be a good investment if the world doesnt fall apart in the next few years:)

I miss my girlies. We need each other.

Gypsy