Day 23 of Pinterest ~ Home Sweet Home

Day 23 of  …….

 

 

……. is for my parents, LOVE Y’ALL!!!!

 

My Dad said this ALL THE TIME!!!!

AMEN!!!!!!

Supporting KY wineries!

 

Home is where the heart is.

My heart’s in Kentucky.

 

 

Day 22 of Pinterest ~ Party with Jason Aldean

It’s Day 22 of

 

 

Because I’m in my hometown in Kentucky.

Because I have an accent.

Because I love country music and Jason Aldean.

Sweet Baby Jesus. Did I mention how much I adore this country cutie Jason Aldean? I’d take a ride on his big green tractor anyday.

Ahem, let’s continue this blog post.

Around these parts, there’s always something to celebrate. Always a reason to party. Always a need to be with loved ones.

And, because if people are gathered around ……. you need a cooler full of ice cold drinks.

And, if you have a cooler with drinks, you need some country music playin’.

I think we can all agree that I am 100-percent, certified, pure bred country.

I just defined myself as if explaining cattle at the sale barn. Geesh.

I mentioned earlier that I love Jason Aldean, right?

I am head-over-heels in LOVE with his latest song, “Tattoos On This Town.” It doesn’t matter where I go, what I’m doing, or who I’m with, my hometown is in my heart and always with me. I will never have the ba…..kahoonies to get a tattoo (I’m squeamish with blood and faint when I see needles), but memories are forever stamped in my soul.

 

Day 21 of Pinterest ~ You can bet your Bluegrass

Welcome to Day 21 of

 

 

This post is extra special. Why? Because I said so.

Actually, by the time most of you get around to reading this post, Husband and I will be on our way to DFW Airport to hop on a little puddle-jumper air-o-plane en route to Ken-Tuck-EEEEE.

Please excuse my exaggerated accent …… I’s gots to practice fore I git thar!!!!!!!

 

I told Husband that I really needed this necklace and pendant. His response, “tell Santa.” 

Wait, I’m very confused.

 

There’s nothing better than a cool, crisp, foggy morning in Kentucky. 

 

This “pin” makes me laugh out loud because it’s so true. When somebody asks me where I’m from, I don’t hesitate with “Webster County.” This Kentucky-ism comes naturally. I represent the WebCo proudly ……. including the hoodie sweatshirt from Webster County High School.

 

Nothing screams Louisville, Kentucky more than the Twin Spires at Churchill Downs. Unfortunately, I won’t have time to visit this Kentucky icon. In years past, my family has always gone to Churchill Downs the day after Thanksgiving (otherwise known as Black Friday) to watch the last live races of the season. Husband and I will miss out on this standing tradition as we’re flying back to Texas next Friday.

 

Four words ……… Aunt. Kathy’s. Bourbon. Slush.

Second only to sweet tea, my “other” favorite beverage (the adult variety) is Aunt Kathy’s bourbon slush. It’s the only time I drink bourbon. It’s a delicious (dangerous!) mix of lemonade, tea, ginger ale or Sprite, and grenadine. It doesn’t matter if its hot and humid or frigid and cold, it’s always a good time for bourbon slush!

 

It’s been a long, long time since I was actually in Kentucky during college basketball season. I’m really looking forward to watching the UK game this week.

Which reminds me, SANTA, will you bring me a new UK t-shirt or hoodie sweatshirt? Please? Thank you.

 

 

 

Day 18 ~ TGIF, it’s been a rough week!

Welcome to Day 18 of …..

 

…… there’s only one way to showcase the past week:

 

Yeah, it’s been one of “those” weeks ……. complete with an allergy reaction (still happening). I’m so thankful for a kind, caring, and compassionate Husband. He knows it hurts for me to talk, so he doesn’t ask me lots of questions. Hand signals and eye contact is good enough for him. I love that man. He’s awesomely wonderful.

On a brighter note, it’s Friday. Which means tomorrow is Saturday. Which means the next day is Sunday. Which means the next day is Monday. And Monday, Husband and I leave for Kentucky for our annual holiday trip to see my family. I really, really, really, really, really hope my allergic reaction has cleared (or improved a bit) by the time we reach The Bluegrass State. My daddy’s homemade wine and Aunt Kathy’s bourbon slush are gonna burn like a son-of-a-gun on these ulcers – please clear up!!!!

In all honesty, I feel (and probably look) like the chicken in that photo. I should probably take a shower today …… BEFORE our overnight guests arrive at the house.

Sweet Baby Jesus.

 

 

Day 17 ~ Sweater Lovin’ For Two

It’s Day 17 of ……

 

 

 

…… which means another “pin” from Pinterest!!!!

This one cracks me up. It’s hideous. It’s ridiculous. It’s hilarious. It’s perfect.

Not only am I elated that I’m spending Thanksgiving in Kentucky, but I’m super-excited that it’s actually AUTUMN there too. Here, in Texas, it’s 40 degrees one day and 90 the next. Me no like-y.

I do like (no, LOVE) this sweater for two:

 

 

 

 

I. Am. In. Love.

hahahahahaha

Two people happily in love wearing the most ridiculous piece of twisted yard known to man.

Epic.

 

Happy Thursday, love y’all!!!

 

 

Sunday: A Day to Catch-Up

If it seems like I’ve been M.I.A., you’re right. I’ve missed y’all!

Sunday is a day of rest, so I’ll sit on the couch, watch football, and write this catch-up post. A lot has happened in a short period of time …. plus, there’s lots more coming up!

1. While watching the national news (I prefer NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams) one night, I realized that the birth control pills I take were involved in a national recall due to incorrect packaging. Well isn’t that just wonderful. Thankfully, I called the company that provides my prescription medications and spoke to a sweet old lady that explained the five packs I had in my possession were A-OK. Thank you, Sweet Baby Jesus.

2. A week before I left for Kentucky, I received my first-ever Jury Summons. Excited does not even describe my emotion, I’m such a goofball!

3. Husband discovered a water leak in the yard between the house and the barn. Three days later it was fixed. I don’t even want to count the number of times we visited the local Home Dee-Pot. They know us on a first-name basis now.

4. I hosted a book club introduction luncheon and ten, yes TEN, ladies attended. It was great fun and the ladies are all wonderful and very excited to read and discuss books.

5. I went to Kentucky.

6. Nana (that’s my mom’s mom) fell and broke (fractured?) her shoulder in three places. At first, the doctors thought her injuries would require surgery, but they changed their minds and sent her home with a sling and pain meds. She’s as comfortable as an 80-year-old blind woman who can’t sit still for two seconds can get. Crazy woman. I’m giving her bubble wrap for Christmas. I love you, Nana!

7. I personally congratulated the new couple, Mr. & Mrs. Steele …. their wedding and reception were just wonderful and beautifully decorated. I’m so glad to have attended the joyous celebration of two wonderful people who are going to have lots of babies. I told them to practice on their honeymoon in the Dominican Republic!!!!!

8. Fall is my favorite time of year in Kentucky. The hot and humid days of summer are over and autumn is approaching with its beautiful colors and cool, crisp air. It’s also the busiest time of year for farmers. That means, if I want to see my loved ones I have to be willing to get in their environment. So, I went to the farm and captured fall in a whole new perspective.

9. The day before I returned to Texas, I received an email explaining my civic duty of serving on a jury had been cancelled. I’m still bummed about this.

10. The morning after I returned, Husband and I discovered our kitchen floor was flooded from a broken water/ice dispenser on the refrigerator. A few hours later, Husband purchased a new one. For a moment, I felt like a professional chef with two fridges and two freezers. Then I realized the ridiculous scene in my kitchen. Plus, the stainless front is not magnetic and this is the first time in my entire life the front of the fridge is not covered in pictures, mementos, and magnets from various cities. Sad. So very sad.

Gourmet Kitchen ..... Redneck Style!!!!

On a positive note, if you’re nearby and interested in a fridge that’s in perfectly working condition (except for the water/ice dispenser), send me a message …. I’ll make you a super-duper deal!!!

11. Went to book club’s first “official” gathering where we discussed The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It was a loverly day!

Geeesh, I’m tired just thinking of all that I’ve done in a short period of time. But, alas, there’s more planned…..

I need to work (substitute teaching) more often ….. I’m draining my bank account. Quickly. That’s not a good thing. Fortunately, I’m meeting with a local middle school social studies teacher who’s pregnant and she’s asked me to be the long-term substitute during her absence. That’s a very good thing.

Later this week I’m going with a group of retired men (and some women) to Perkins School of Theology on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas for a tour of the Wesley Foundation and Museum. I love history, I love the United Methodist Church, and I love old men ….. this “field trip” is going to be a blast!

There’s a slim possibility that I will go to the State Fair of Texas for the first time this week too. I’ve never been to this “world wonder” so it should be fun. Of course, the day we’re planning to go is also Senior Citizens Day …. the old folks get in cheap, Husband found me a discounted ticket, and the crowds won’t be insane.

I’ve also been invited to a young adult conference, sponsored by the United Methodist Church and the Central Texas Conference, to Austin later this month. I don’t turn down an opportunity to visit Austin, it’s the closest thing I’ve found in Texas that reminds me of Kentucky. I’ll have to make sure my standing reservation at Kimberly and Sabbath’s Bed & No Breakfast is available!

I think that’s all for now. Plus, I need to peel myself off this couch and fold the clothes in the dryer. I also need to clean the shelves inside the old fridge and get ready to sell it. Seriously, if you need a fridge let me know!

xoxo,

Nicole

Weekly Photo Challenge ~ PATH

It’s Friday and that means another photo theme from WordPress.

Update: I retract all of my references to CHODE as it related to WordPress as the really smart computer people have repaired the issues associated with adding and editing links. Thank you, whomever you really smart computer people are. You rock my socks. Thank you.

Anyway, my PATH photos are below and you can The Daily Post  to see photos from other bloggers.

Enjoy!

 

Nothing like a Kentucky sunset over fields of corn.

 

My parents riding their primary form of transportation around the homestead, garden, and visiting neighbors … a Kawasaki Mule.

 

My favorite: when’s the last time you looked down the “path” of a high-powered sniper target rifle?!

 

Happy Friday, Y’all …

 

Peace, love, and big guns,

Paint Your Own Pottery

If you read this post, you are familiar with my favorite local business, The Art Barn Studio. I had so much fun last Saturday that I returned for another project.

This creation was made especially for a sweet couple getting married next month in Kentucky. I’m excited to attend Josh and Lindsey’s wedding and personally deliver their gift…along with a batch of homemade secret BBQ sauce for Josh ~ but that’s a different post.

I know Josh and Lindsey both read my blog, but I am the world’s worst at keeping giftsa secret. I am “Fort Knox” when it comes to keeping secrets, but presents make me happy and I want to share them immediately If I ever become a parent, I’ll be the worst Santa ever.

I decided before I arrived at The Art Barn that I would use the couple’s last initial as the focal point. I found a beautiful scroll border online and selected a 15-inch square platter as my “canvas.” It had wide rim too, perfect for a decorative border. This particular platter is perfect for displaying on a shelf or piece of furniture.

Once I had an item, I needed paint. I chose four colors: Basketball (burnt orange), Deep Purple, Dark Olive, and Chocolate Brown ~ all beautiful, autumn, and earthy tones. Of course I had help selecting these colors when I talked to Lindsey and she willingly answered all of my specific questions (i.e. what are your wedding colors? What colors are in your home?) without hesitation!!!!

tee hee hee

I just realized something: Josh is a former basketball player and current coach. I didn’t think about this when I chose the paint named Basketball!

 

I used Publisher to place a font inside the scroll image (for spacing) and carefully traced the design onto the plate. I didn’t use any magical measurements or even graphite paper (which is a suggestion and can be purchased at any craft store). I used a plain ol’ pencil…with an eraser. You see, when the pottery is “fired” inside the kiln, all particles ~ including pencil lead and rubber eraser marks ~ burn off. I wrote the letter “S” by hand. Handwriting is about the only artistic ability I have. I can’t draw a straight line WITH a ruler. Seriously.

I learned from my friends at The Art Barn (hey Hilary, Katie, Lindsey and Adriene!) that a minimum of two coats, preferably three, are best for intense color. The above photo shows the scroll design painted in Dark Chocolate and the “S” is Basketball (burnt orange). I applied three really thick coats of paint to ensure proper coverage and reduce streaking, or brush lines. I’m pleased how this turned out.

No, it’s not perfect but it’s handmade. Love it or leave it.

Here’s the platter as it looked when I left the studio. It’s ready to be glazed and then it will spend 24-hours in the firing kiln. When complete, it will have a glossy finish.

I promise to post pics of the final-final platter!

Whether you live in Texas or Wisconsin (don’t ask where that came from!), I encourage you to find a paint-your-own studio in your area. I’m fortunate to live less than five minutes from The Art Barn Studio.

Before the end of the year, I want to create “something else” at The Art Barn. In fact, I’ve added this to my 2011 Bucket List.

If you are in the Fort Worth area, I encourage you to visit The Art Barn Studio in Joshua. Tell them I sent you! If you’re located elsewhere, find your own creative sanctuary and have fun getting your ART on!

Peace, love, and custom wedding gifts,

 

 

 

 

 

p.s. Congratulations, Josh & Lindsey! Please don’t hate me because I couldn’t keep your gift a surprise. Love y’all!

Top 10 Reasons I’m Happy

Reason #10 I’m Happy:

Tomorrow is Friday. Tomorrow is also an “off” Friday for Husband.

Whoop – Whoop!

Not that we have anything planned, but it’s nice to hang out and three-day weekends totally rock.

Reason #9 I’m Happy:

I’m going back to Kentucky in September.

Photo from Rachel Mathew Photography

My cousin, Lindsey, is getting married to Josh. They are an adorable couple. Josh is a genuinely GOOD guy and he fits right in with our crazy family. Josh has made it clear for many years the reason why he LOVES me so much………my family’s secret recipe barbeque sauce. This almost-seven-foot-tall Good Guy literally drinks the stuff with a straw.

On September 24, I will present Josh with several gallons of the liquid gold.

He will love me even more than he already does.

Smile.

Reason #8 I’m Happy:

The Hooter Hider

Right now, my evil, immature, and sarcastic twin is laughing out loud.

Until today, I had never heard of a Hooter Hider. Thanks to B, a childhood friend of mine, she introduced me this baby-necessity. For the record ~ again ~ I’m not pregnant. But I still want a Hooter Hider!!!

Reason #7 I’m Happy:

I know my Mother is reading this in horror. I bet she’s giving me the dreadful Mother Eye Roll.

It’s totally worth it!

Reason #6 I’m Happy:

Margaret Feinberg is totally awesome.

Earlier this week, she added my blog ~ 27 & Counting ~ to her blogroll. Celebrate!

I received another surprise from Margaret this afternoon……she’s invited me and a guest to a women’s conference in January where she’ll be speaking about her book, The Sacred Echo. I’m really excited to attend this event, and even more excited to share the experience with a friend. Thanks, Margaret!

If you’ve not read Margaret’s books, here are my favorites:

• Hungry For God
• The Organic God
• Scouting the Divine
• The Sacred Echo
• Twentysomething

Reason #5 I’m Happy:

I’m semi-employed as a substitute teacher.

There is peace, tranquility, and sanity in a flexible schedule.

Reason #4 I’m Happy:

I have three ~ yes 3! ~ ladies interested in starting a book club with me. This is monumental. This is pure awesome-ness. I’m still waiting for others to RSVP, but I’m already planning our first meeting and luncheon on September 17.

Reason #3 I’m Happy:

I know really talented people. Most of them claim me as their friend. I’m a lucky girl!

Visit “The Wood Shop” on Facebook ~ these front door monograms are made by Brandy Sutton

Visit Lindsey’s Etsy shop, Petit Cadeau Boutique (that’s French for Little Gift Shop), for these custom textiles…..you can also save 15-percent if you visit right now!!!

Visit Jan at The Diamond E for custom tile gifts.

Reason #2 I’m Happy:

I’m finally going to learn how to use Photoshop. Well, that’s my hope at least. I purchased a Groupon deal today for a five-hour Photoshop class in Arlington this fall. This class is limited to five people so the personalized attention is guaranteed. I think I could be the cover model for the book, Photoshop for Dummies. Obviously, I am the dummy!

Reason #1 I’m Happy:

I have a GIVEAWAY going on and YOU should enter RIGHT NOW!!!!!!

Seriously people, this is the Big Kahuna of Giveaways. Click HERE to visit the giveaway post and enter by simply posting a comment with your name and email address. It’s really easy. Pass the word along to your friends and foes ~ the more the merrier! Contest ends this Sunday at midnight.

Peace, Love, and Giveaways!

 

 

 

 

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge – WATER

Thanks to Jan over at The Diamond E, I’ve been introduced to another photo blog site, I Heart Faces. Each week, they invite amateur and professional photographers to submit their photos that fit a particular theme. If you’ve been following my blog, you’re sure to have noticed the Weekly Photo Challenge hosted by The Daily Post (a sidebar of WordPress.com). Now, I get to add another one of these to my blogging schedule.

So let’s get to the photo.

This week’s I Heart Faces theme is WATER. I’ve been in Kentucky the last two weeks (returning to Texas tomorrow) and I captured this photo of my dad with Emma (one of the neighbors along Shady Grove Knoblick Road) as they were feeding the fish.

While Emma’s face is hidden, Dad’s is visible - I hope this counts in the contest…..guess I’ll find out if my entry is deleted.

I think it’s a great shot of these two in action, especially the pellets in the air and Emma’s little fingers. It’s definitely turning my maternal clock a bit faster, as I know my parents would love to become grandparents. Besides, my own grandmother is instructing me to “get on it” so she can see her only granddaughter become a mother and embrace another great-grandbaby. Yes, my grandmother is encouraging Husband and I to hurry up.

Anyway……….I hope you enjoy this photo and I look forward to participating in future I Heart Faces events. Check out their site, there are lots of great photos for this theme, as well as others.

Thank you, Jan @ The Diamond E, for introducing me to this site. You’re the best blogging friend a blogger could ask for ~ now if we could just meet in person, considering we live so close to each other!

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