Confetti

A storm was brewing and blowing petals from the crepe myrtle trees all over the yard. It looked like a celebration.

In a way, I guess it was a celebration. The garden needed water in a bad way.

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Took my youngest son shopping today for some things he might need for college. It is so hard to figure out what he'll need for cold, snowy weather. We are definitely on the low end of the learning curve right now.

"If ever there comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever." ~ Winnie the Pooh

The perfect ending to a day filled with long and boring meetings (that made me want to stab a sharp stick in my eye) is being allowed to accompany your child to see a movie. Even if that child is really an adult and getting ready to fly 1000 miles away to go to college.

I do love how the sunlight warms up a room and puts a glow in the honey (honey from my bee keeping friend).

Note to self: clean the windows soon.

Layers

I'm exhausted. We found out last week that we have to move two classrooms from one portable into another portable (don't ask why as it is way too complicated). So, today was moving day. Those teachers have so much stuff! And neither one of them were there to move - though they do have to unpack all that stuff.

Then a parent came in and took one hour and ten minutes to fill out a two page registration form. Seriously, I think my kids filled out college applications faster. My secretary and I got the giggles because it was taking so long. Then we had to act like *other* things were funny.

The best part of the day was going to give blood in honor of two kids in our community with leukemia. One is a student at my school. There was a tremendous turn out and it took a long time to move through the line. It was so worth it!

No umbrella necessary

The rain, rain, rain came down, down, down....

And cooled everything off. For a moment.

The Supreme Leader

We had an impromptu pizza party this evening for no reason at all. Unfortunately, Mili was very badly behaved and kept barking for people to give her food. Fortunately, I know how to make her be quiet.

She hates when I dress her up.

Tiny bubbles

Tiny bubbles

On the leaf

Make me feel happy

Make me feel.... like ground beef....

My apologies to Don Ho for messing up his song.

While washing the dishes, I saw this tiny bubble on the leaf of the African Violet. When my husband started singing the Tiny Bubbles song, I was unable to get it out of my hair.

Tonight, I will pluck out his eyebrows in his sleep.

Hip to be Square

Dang I hate my hips....

But I love cutting back the Agapanthus after they've gone to seed.

Oh summer... how I love your sweltering moments

As I made the coffee this morning, it looked like the water drops were jewels. I love how summer makes the dew hang around longer... and makes the flowers dance.

Great evening with some friends who were passing through. There can be nothing sweeter than the view of the world through a 2 year old's eyes. "Yes, please do take the refrigerator magnets to see Disney World!" Adorable!

Scarlett's Web

The long lost cousin of Charolette was found in the garden at my school.

She is an Argiope (Writing Spider). While I am extremely freaked out by her, I also love her because she likes to eat wasps. And wasps are Godless Killing Machines that deserve to be eaten.

Quick Science lesson: These spiders are called Writing Spiders because of the zigzag "writing" that can look like z's and x's in their webs. Maybe E.B. White got the writing in the web idea from one of these girls.

Sunny side up!

While growing up, I always heard the saying, "It is so hot you could fry an egg on the road."

So, I did.

Emotional

On the day of my oldest son's 18th birthday, I remember thinking about what I felt like when I turned 18. As I dried my hair, it all of a sudden hit me, much like a sucker punch, that he was more or less through needing me.

And I cried.

It was the first time I remembered crying at what is usually a happy event. I've never been one of those mothers who cried at all the various milestones.

When my boys were babies and they first walked, it was amazing. I didn't cry. When my sons first started school it was exciting. I didn't cry. When they lost their first tooth, it was fun playing the part of the Tooth Fairy. I didn't cry.

This evening, I worked on booking my youngest son's flight to college later in August.

And I cried.

Inspiration

The color of this "old-fashioned" hibiscus just makes me want to paint a room. It was the inspiration behind the color of my jazzy laundry room.

As I ease back into the routine at school, I realize I don't have a routine yet. And there are many teachers popping in to chat. I've put a few of them to work and now the office is really looking good.

I have great teachers who are awesome to volunteer their time to help out. It is going to be a great year!

Another clean slate

My favorite time of the year is when I get to go back to school and start making plans for the upcoming school year. I'm so excited about the kids coming back (I've really missed them!)! Due to the economy (and lack of money), we are sticking with the Western theme for another year.

Still, I have so many ideas rolling through my head. I'm thinking about starting a Photographer's Club that could meet a few times a month to take pictures for the Yearbook Committee. Also, I'm working on pulling in some new technology for the Technology Club (ning!).

This summer, one of the books I've been reading was The Happiness Project. Now, I've gotten this wild hair to start a school-wide happiness project. Basically, it would borrow (and twist) some ideas from the book. Throughout the year, the focus could be on getting rid of clutter, being positive (no complaining!), and building real relationships. It can't be a bad idea to be nice to others, can it?

So, to all you teachers out there.... any input?

The trail

We went on a little hike so that we could see the lake one more time.

It was a great weekend!

Tiaras and sunsets... it doesn't get any better than this

On our girl's weekend (tiaras were worn), we spent the afternoon and evening sailing on Lake Lanier.

It was a perfect afternoon.

And Betty Rae did her best to make sure that a good time was had by all.

Girl's Weekend

On Friday, I headed to Atlanta for a girl's weekend. We went to a friend's house who lives on a lake. We spent lots of time on the lake.

And that is a good thing because she doesn't have cable or internet.

Yep.... We partied like it was 1899.

It isn't about the number of breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away

Phillipe is a butterfly!

Isn't he beautiful?

As I was getting ready for a doctor appointment, I looked out on the porch and saw Phillipe flapping and drying his wings.

For a moment, all was right with the world...

Sometimes the best things in life aren't really things

I shamelessly stole that line from my friend, Daniel. He probably stole it from someone else.

After rabidly barking at the vacuum cleaner, the steamer, and the plumber with the jack hammer, Mili and I spent some time playing around in the yard. She even (accidentally) pooped outside.

It was a good day!

Fortune telling

Went to eat Chinese food with my mother and aunt this evening. The last time I went, my fortune said, "A carrot a day keeps cancer away." What kind of fortune is that? And does that mean I should seriously consider eating a carrot each and every day? And by "a" carrot, do they mean a baby carrot or a full-fledged carrot?

That fortune just left me feeling confused. And a little scared.

Tonight's fortune said, "You'll accomplish more later if you have a little fun this weekend." This one is spot on because I am leaving Friday for a mini-reunion with three of my high school girlfriends. The last time we were all together was about 25 years ago.

Obviously, we are going to have a "little fun" this weekend. And just to be safe, I will probably take some carrots.

Sunrise

After sleeping like a rock, I woke up eagerly anticipating the sun rising over the ocean. It so beautiful.

And the sand gnats had a nice little feast at my expense.

SOOC

Life isn't about surviving the storm but how to dance in the rain

An epic storm blew in late this afternoon. And I ate too much shrimp and grits.

I love being on the Georgia coast!

I'm at a leadership conference and I have many, many ideas running through my head. I need to start writing them down so they can begin to take shape.

Forever at her fingertips

We moved some furniture up to the new apartment of the youngest girl. She was so appreciative and happy and fun.

She is so darn grown up now!

It seems like just the other day she was sucking her thumb.

Lesson learned: Black waters reflects heat

I took my son and his girlfriend out on a canoeing excursion (I'm a pro now - this was my second time in a canoe). I have no idea what the heat index was but the actual temperature was 100 degrees (Fahrenheit... that is 38 degrees Celsius for my Celsius friends).

And we learned a very important lesson. Black water reflects heat.

We were almost served up with fries on the side.

It's not just taters that have eyes!

This is probably the best argument for me not needing an extended vacation at home.

See what happens when I find wiggly eyes?

Fish Kisses

A couple of months ago, I received these ceramic Koi fish as a gift. I love their color! As I was cleaning this morning, I got this wild hair to let them swim. In their separate jars (they wouldn't both fit in one jar), they looked like star crossed lovers.

"It is surprising how much of memory is built around things unnoticed at the time." ~ Barbara Kingsolver

A great quote from one of my favorite authors... I found this bottle a couple of weeks ago at a "junktique" shop. The minute I saw it, I had to have it as it brought back many happy memories of spending time with my grandmother on her farm. She loved Tab and because she loved it, I loved it.

It was totally worth the $1.50 to own rights to the memories.

Itsy bitsy or not, I prefer these guys to stay in their corner of the garden

Since I've been out of school for my short summer break, I've spent a lot of time in the garden. In that time, I've walked through many, many spider webs (which always ends in a little freak out and the question "Where is the *@%! spider?!"). I spotted this guy after a little morning rain shower. He is one of the few who built his web in an area where I don't slink around.

I think I like him,

Over easy

Just messing around with my son... We found this empty bird's nest last weekend and saved it. The emu egg fits inside it perfectly (thanks to the hubs for the suggestion)!

Actually, I wanted to put this on his head. He wouldn't let me. Spoil sport!

Now we are getting ready to go to a party! Good thing I ran off some calories this morning!

Survival of the fittest... knowing the right people edition

What a beautiful day it was today! My husband and I worked in the garden all morning and then went swimming at a friend's pool (so, why build a pool when you have the right friends, eh?). Tonight, we are going out for sushi.

On a sad note, two of the caterpillars were eaten by the *%@! wasps today. First, went Booger (though in hind sight, it was probably wrong to name him after salty mucous) and then went Fred. Now Martha and Phillipe are all that remain.

Instead of chancing Martha and Phillipe to the dastardly wasps, we moved the fennel plant (upon which they feed) onto the screened-in porch.

It should only be a few more days before they begin to pupate! :)

Memories by the wayside

It was time. I cleaned out my closet and parted with many items I'd been holding on to despite knowing I'd never wear them again. This was my senior prom dress that I wore 25 years ago. I can still get into it (though it is a little snug in the hips).

Farewell asymmetrical prom dress...

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I'm halfway through my 365! Yay!

So clean you can eat off of it...

Today, my husband and I sealed the tile floor and grout in the foyer, den, and kitchen. This involved me vacuuming and steaming the floor several times.

As the saying goes, it really is so clean you could eat off of it.

Truthfully, this picture didn't turn out as I envisioned. I probably should have put myself in it eating from the ice cream sundae on the floor - but that would have meant you would have seen me looking pretty shabby after cleaning all day. Instead, I slapped a texture on it. It will just have to do for today.