Monday, November 30, 2015

Family is Everything

This is my family.  Ours has its moments.  Our family has its crazy and dysfunctional.  But amidst anything and everything, there's loyalty and unconditional love.  A special bond of love holding us all together.  Moments with each other are sweeter, lighter and funnier than ordinary moments. The opposing differences, unique personalities, and varying family backdrop are what balance us and provides stability.  Our souls are restored and healed by the love of this family.

This is my family.  This is it.  Everything.




Thursday, November 12, 2015

Strolling through Gardens



On a sun filled day in November, we gathered a picnic and made our way to Norfolk Botanical Gardens to stroll and take in a little nature.  We had no destination in mind but merely wanted to explore.  Senseless wanderings amidst the glorious gardens!

Monday, November 2, 2015

Halloween

In years past, I have been known as a Halloween scrooge.  I loathed Halloween.  My house was the dark house on the street.  Not a single light on in the house.  All the while, I'm camped out in the dark cursing the frolicking children on the street.  On a few occasion, I contemplated opening the door and letting Riley (aka Cujo) attack the little ghouls and goblins.


Friday, October 23, 2015

Random Inspo


For the Love of Riley

Despite the deep affection and adoration I have for Riley today . . . . it was not always that way.  In fact, when we first brought him home, I absolutely hated him.  And, I hated Ronnie a little too!  But, let me explain.  I am not a cruel heartless bitch.  On the contrary, my heart was so full of love for our Boxer, Shelby, that I couldn't quite imagine there being enough room in my heart for another.  And, for the longest time, I didn't allow myself to love him and I rarely gave him the chance to love me.


Friday, October 16, 2015

Autumn

Autumn is my favorite season!  F. Scott Fitzgerald said, "Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall."  And, I believe it!  While welcoming fall, instead of seeing life through rose colored glasses, I tend to see life through a calm autumny, orange-ish hue.  To me, life gets lighter and less serious in the fall.  A time to look forward to cooler weather, the light-heartedness of Halloween, and the anticipation of the Holidays.



Tuesday, September 15, 2015

The Paloma

My brother and sister-in-law gave me one of the best gifts ever when they gifted me with a copy of Shake: A New Perspective on Cocktails along with the most amazing Mason Jar Cocktail Shaker, Hardwood Muddler and Double Jigger.  The book is a must-have for anyone interested in engineering their own cocktails.  It provides what they refer to as Cocktail Crafting 101 - the essentials you need for stocking your bar, the appropriate glassware to pair with the right cocktail, provides pros and cons of cubed ice vs. crushed ice and even more!  I love the way the book is exceptionally organized into cocktails by season - incorporating seasonal herbs, fruit and spirits into artfully crafted cocktails.


Thursday, September 10, 2015

Clifton Inn - Charlottesville, Virginia

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.  Amidst the deep summer of Charlottesville, we found a respite from the hum-drum of our busy lives to find and respect a bit of laziness.  Clifton Inn is a hidden gem in the hills of Charlottesville, Virginia.  It offers 100 acres of southern charm and hospitality.