This morning Holly, Betsy and I all went to Freedom High School for the first of two Career Technical Education (CTE) teacher inservice days. Holly dropped Jack off at the sitter, came to our house for a quick slice of banana bread and we were ready to go by 7:15 a.m. (look at Holly's hand) Just as we were about to leave, I insisted the sisters pose for a quick "first day of school" picture. This time, no new backpacks, just teacher ID badges! I'm SO PROUD!!
You never know what you'll wake up and do today, I often say. This morning was the epitome of that comment! I was suppose to be at school by 8:15- teacher preparation days. Holly, who is at home with the flu asked me to stop by her school and pick up some papers and planning materials for her classes. I called my school to tell them I'd be a bit late. To confuse matters more, the auto glass repair was coming to the school parking lot to replace the windshield of Ben's car (we switched so he could drive himself to USC) between 8-12.
I glanced at the clock as I walked out the door...timing was good....my bags with school supplies were burdensome, so I opened the passenger side door of Ben's car and placed my three bags on the passenger's seat. I casually threw the key over to the driver's seat and shut the passenger door. I walked around the car and... yes...I was locked out. The key, my purse, my heavy bags- sat there smiling at me.
So here I am at the house, having made multiple phone calls to school, the insurance company, the glass repair people, Holly....waiting for the locksmith to arrive. (He's running "a bit behind".)
So I look at my favorite blogs and the Graphics Fairy had this posted:
Thanks! It's just what I needed today!
On a sweet note, today would have been my father's 91st birthday. This picture was taken when he was a year old in 1919. His legacy will live on in so many ways- so thankful we'll have eternity together.
It's funny what catches my eye. I've always noticed details and been drawn to old, "well-loved" things. So it always surprises me when I find myself seeking after a particular item or theme that I've probably passed by for years. I guess my taste continues to evolve.
For months now, I have been captivated by birds. I have been searching flea markets, e bay, and my favorite little antique stores for birds of all sorts....birds embroidered on tattered linens, bird shaped pottery in soft pastel colors and little blue bird butter pats.
The linens were stacking up so I held my breath and took the first snip. A few hours later, these little tweet birds had a new life. You can now find them here.
Ben left for University of South Carolina on Monday and Katie for Liberty University on Wednesday. There is always that rush to get everything together the last two days before going away. (It wasn't like we had all summer to gather their college necessities and I've already been to the post office to mail the "I forgot items") But we got it done and the dust has settled and it's way too quiet! We'll adjust here at home. We did last year with a completely empty nest. Ed and I learned how to go to the grocery store together just to have the company of each other once again.
This year Betsy flew back into the nest as she begins her teaching career. She's done well, adjusting to being at home again. I know it can't be easy for her, but her dad and I will cherish this season. I look back and it seems like yesterday we were getting 4 new backpacks for the new school year. I miss the confusion, the negotiating and the noise....
Lately, I've been inspired by old white linens and have been re purposing them with the taupe linen-like fabric for a new line of pillows. It's been fun coming up with different combinations and adding buttons and bling for a one of a kind piece. They are soft and sweet and looking great in the mostly neutral room Ann and Linda have created at The Cottage. I count my blessings each time I drop off products to their cute shop in Leesburg, VA. It's wonderful to be included in their amazing treasures.
The best part was that I was included in Nathan, Holly and Jack's vacation. I am anxious to get back (maybe next summer??) with the rest of my family! I thought I had lived long enough to have heard about most everything that is edible. Not so- as I was introduced to cheese curds! I took so many pictures. These are just a few of the highlights.
