Beauty

Spending my Sundays

Posted on May 5, 2019 by emjayandthem

Sunday ~ windows open, birds chirping and lawnmowers buzz in the distance.

3 weeks ago ~ snow; today ~ 70F.

Hubbs hurried around earlier as he readied for golf; I slept in, savored coffee and started a pot of soup. He’ll be back later, wind burnt and sore, happy and tired. We’ll visit over soup and smile at the day.

It really doesn’t matter what season it is, there’s something about Sundays that I love most.

It could be the quiet stillness of the house.

It could be the smell of supper lingering on the stove.

It could be meandering phone conversations with my sister or cousin or none at all.

It could be me starting a new book or reading 5 magazines or sitting on the floor sorting .shoes.

It could be towels tumbling in the dryer and fresh warm sheets on the bed.

It could be me that I spend my Sundays doing whatever I choose.

“Spend your free time the way you like, not the way you think you’re supposed to. Stay home on New Year’s Eve if that’s what makes you happy. Skip the committee meeting. Cross the street to avoid making aimless chitchat with random acquaintances. Read. Cook. Run. Write a story.”― Susan Cain, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

How do you “spend” free time?
- Do you feel compelled to be productive and get things done?
Are you able to let the day lead you?
- When’s the last time you had nothing to do and a whole day to do it?

Random 5 Saturday ~ rooms, fasting and fools

Posted on April 27, 2019 by emjayandthem

It’s nearly May and *gasp* I’ve hardly been here. As in, on the blog. I’ve driven to and been in meetings all over this state – an excess of 2,500 miles logged in the past 5 weeks. I’ve woken up and thought Monday was Saturday. I’ve wondered where I was – hotel or home? Too much, too much. I’m ready for some down time and soon. So, with that, I do believe it’s time for 5 Randoms from my world. You ready? Let’s go.

1 ) This room: I can feel myself, coffee in hand, meandering my way to that white patio chair ~ birds signing and me humming, you?

2 ) I accepted a last-minute speaking request Monday for an event on Wednesday. 150+ in the audience in a City I’ve never been with people I’d never before met. One had been in the audience for a presentation I’d given at a neighboring conference so that happenstance created the opportunity for this one ~ Motoring there, tunes up, I remembered this quote:

“Great things never came from comfort zones.” …

And I smiled at how much I welcomed the “break” in my ‘routine.’

3 ) Miss Kitty Kitters (neighborhood cat) visited us earlier in the week ~ Spring’s arrival means she moseys by and stops in for a pet or five. I don’t know where winter holds her, but she sure is happy to be out walking ~~the~~ her beat again.

She looks like this and is even cuter!

4 ) Something I’ve noticed working 5 days a week – office or home – I tend to eat on schedule. And sometimes, I think I eat because it’s time to, not b/c I’m hungry. ( It’s that old fear of low blood sugar shakes returning that causes me to do this, I know.) On weekends, I’m up early – between 6 and 7am – but I don’t eat until ~1pm… I mosey through the house, straightening this, cleaning that, and sipping coffee all the while. I eat around 1 and again at 6 or 7pm & then I am done for the night. And I’m just fine, not starving. Not one bit.

An epiphany — I’ve been “Intermittent Fasting” without even realizing it – this. is. how. my. body. prefers. things. to. be. A light bulb went on – I’m gonna give IF a go during the work week, too — for more info on the benefits of Intermittent Fasting (eating in a window only), read Gin Stephens’ “Delay Don’t Deny” – reading now .. and yeah, wow!

Most of a fast happens when you are asleep … hence break-fast

5 ) At a meeting several weeks ago a seemingly mild-mannered individual suddenly turned. Red-faced and angry, he snarled, looking for a fight. I didn’t take the bait. In that moment, I remembered these words, and I might have even said them out loud, I’m not sure. See I get angry, too, and I refuse to be bullied or talked over. The meeting soon ended, he’s likely still angry and Jimmy Cracked Corn!

And how was your week? Any AHAs recently?

Categories: Animals, Attitude, Beauty, Growth, Joy, Life, News, Opinion, Personal, Relationships, Self Discovery, Uncategorized | Tags: arguing with a fool only proves that there are two, coffee, Delay don't deny, Donkey, dreamy rooms, eating, fasting, food, Gin Stephens, great things never came from comfort zones, health, healthy, Intermittent Fasting, Kitty Kitter, public speaking, tunes up | 12 Comments

Random 5 for Sunday ~ Good-bye March

Posted on March 31, 2019 by emjayandthem

It’s March 31st ~ Robins hopped in the snow today – their reappearance makes me hopeful even when the weather hasn’t caught up to the calendar.

5 Randoms from my world, here we go ~

1 ) The photo of this bed took me right back to my Grandma’s house ~ to starched sheets, sheer curtains blowing in a summer breeze, and the abject thrill I felt being able to spend the night there. So lucky!

2 ) Someone raved to me about a new bakery that opened and I considered ordering some of their treats for an upcoming event I’m planning. And then I remembered a southern family recipe I’d been given by a Texas colleague – for 7-Up pound Cake – and I do believe that my $6 cake beats a $20 professional one. I might have to triple the recipe.

not my picture

3 ) Saw this and thought, yep ~ that’s been me this winter .. tucked in, books stacked, cozy, don’t bother me 🙂

4 ) Haven’t pulled a muscle but I have fallen over putting on socks. And I draw the line at KALE 😀

5 ) Yes, this, fur-ever and a day ❤

What random thing happened in your world this week?

Categories: Attitude, Beauty, Blogging, Home, Opinion, Personal, Seasons | Tags: 7-Up Cake, aging, Books, dogs, falling over putting on your socks, furry friends, Grandma, Grandmother, humor, introvert dream home, kale, life, March 31st, pets, Reading, seasons, sheer curtains, spend the night at Grandma's, Spring, star gazing, starched sheets, the best therapist has fur and four legs, winter | 13 Comments

When the soul weeps

Posted on March 26, 2019 by emjayandthem

I still miss her.

Mom.

This July will be 3 years.

She would not want this, she’d chide me, give me sh*t and push me to “get on with it, for Heavens sake.”

She’d even snort once or twice.

She in her cat-eye glasses and pedal pushers.

She.

All 100 lbs of her.

I miss her.

I long for our conversations.

I suppose I always will.

The depth. The breadth. The range.

The absurd, the large, the small, the swing of it all.

I see her face in little old ladies faces at the grocery story, except they don’t carry a red purse or possess the spunk she did.

You know what I miss most? Our friendship.

How lucky was I?

I know I should just “deal” and be grateful, and I am.

But her name was Gay, and she epitomized the word fierce.

Mom on Buck, an Emjayandthem (C) photo

And I miss her.

“The worst type of crying wasn’t the kind everyone could see–the wailing on street corners, the tearing at clothes. No, the worst kind happened when your soul wept and no matter what you did, there was no way to comfort it. A section withered and became a scar on the part of your soul that survived. For people like me and Echo, our souls contained more scar tissue than life.”
― Katie McGarry, Pushing the Limits

Who are you missing tonight?

Categories: Beauty, Determination, Family, Grief, Home, Love, Mom, Personal, Quotes, Thoughts | Tags: adapting, Books, crying, fierce, friendship, growth, Katie McGarry, life, loss, loss of a parent, love, love lives on, Mom, no way to comfort it, Pushing the Limits, Reading, Sadness, survival, tears, to everything there is a season, when the soul weeps | 20 Comments

on Sunday drives, friendship and Chocolate

Posted on November 11, 2018 by emjayandthem

Three and a half years ago I signed up for a women’s workshop across the state. Intuitively I was hoping for a positive experience and, looking back , I still am reaping the benefits.

Yes! Google.images.com

A two-hour drive there and back gave me time to prepare – and – time to reflect on all I’d learned.

I remember my nervous stomach lurching as I entered the Inn. Soon my worries fell away as the facilitator wrapped me in a warm embrace. Before long I was chatting with others and shyly stepping forward to share experiences.

One woman spoke to what we’ve all endured ~ the cattiness of other women.. and her fears about attending: would we be any different? Could we be trusted? She spoke of her losses and her triumphs and how those experiences had prepared her to be exactly where she was right now … and we found ourselves nodding in agreement. Church was in session and I was in the front pew!

Across from me sat Diane, a bubbly and energetic woman with very expressive hands – she patiently listened to everyone but when I asked her our table’s question: “what are you naturally good at” her eyes firmly met mine and she confidently said, “I’m very creative.” When women speak their truth, have you ever noticed body language shifts and they lean into the answer? I l-o-v-e that.

Well, flash forward a few years and today, a work event scheduled for tomorrow means I need to travel across the state today – to the same general area where the workshop was held.

And who am I meeting for dinner?

Diane, my creative friend with the very expressive hands, who now runs a successful home decor business!

We’ll hug and laugh and share our stories, updates and dreams and, for just a little while, we’ll savor being in the sacred space where friendship lives. And it very well may be accompanied by some chocolate.

“There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.” ― Linda Grayson

What’s the last adventure you said YES to?

Categories: Attitude, Beauty, Blogging, Confidence at any age, Faith, Family, Friendship, Growth, Home, Joy, Life, Quotes, Thoughts, Women, Work | Tags: ambition, chocolate, comforts for your home, creativity, future, goals, Happiness, Linda Grayson, on saying yes, relationships worth cultivating, Say yes and you'll figure it out afterwards, saying yes, simple pleasures, Sunday drives, super hero dreams, there is nothing better than a friend, Tina Fey, what does your next look like, workshop | 4 Comments

Random 5 – Suppers, Sparks and Wonky Donkeys

Posted on September 28, 2018 by emjayandthem

It’s the last Friday in September (how’d that happen!!) so it’s time for 5 randoms from my world:

1 ) Had Hubb’s Step-Dad, Grandpa John, over for supper last night ~ we’d been planning to do so for a while but our weeks are jammed & weekends are often full, too ~ so a week night seemed like the best choice. The roast went into the crock-pot before I left for work with Hubbs commenting how he had to smell it all day. At no surprise to either of us, Grandpa arrived early with a bag full of Glad Ware (I know how you cook), sporting a fresh haircut, a new shirt and a whiff of after-shave. The visit lasted several hours and we sent him home with leftovers, peanut butter cookies and more. Upon his arrival he announced how he doesn’t eat much anymore … but after the meal he commented that “he hadn’t eaten that much in a while!” 🙂

It was another reminder that sharing a meal around a table is good for all and that small things mean so much.

2 ) As I often do at this time of year, I took today off. I had every intention of cleaning out my closet, organizing and more. Instead I slept in, drank a pot of coffee, made my bed and am still in my jammies 🙂

Sometimes the best “to do” list is the one in the trash.

3 ) While answering questions from Grandpa about smart phones Hubbs deferred to me as “the Lover all things Techie” and he’s right, I do love me some Technology. A hearty conversation followed about the pluses and minuses, pitfalls and pointers, apps and trackers. In the spirit of tech fun, I showed him my newest gadget ~ the FitBit Charge2, in purple, of course. (( I’ve had the FitBit Flex for years but it’s starting to lose mojo – and with my recent foray into rebounding, I wanted a better tracker plus I missed having a watch )) By the end of the conversation he’d settled on keeping his flip phone (the one that’s rarely with him or charged. )

Everyone has their own interests and we can learn from each other ~ Grandpa’s into guns (Military Man) I’m not, but if I ever had questions I know just who to go to!

4 ) Next week brings October and, at work, we’re setting meetings into December and January. Time has a way of racing ahead, doesn’t it? I chatted yesterday with Pat, our UPS driver, who shared the exciting news of his retirement November 1st. “Not doing another Holiday Season” he announced. His glee was as broad as the smile on his face. As much as I try to be in the “now” and be ready for what’s next, I do think sometimes you just have to Namastay – see below:

Namastay in my cozy clothes all day 🙂

5 ) And then there’s this ~ a wee Scottish Grandma reading “The Wonky Donkey” — be ready to laugh … hard.

Laughter makes everything better!

Thanks for reading my Random 5 this week ~ care to share yours?

Categories: Attitude, Beauty, Faith, Family, Food, Home, Humor, Men, News, Opinion, Personal, Seasons, Thoughts | Tags: 250 lbs, Bellicon, cozy, day off, do small things with great love, Donkey, exercise, family, find your spark, Fitbit, fun, Grandpa, jammies, joy, Laughter, life, meals together, namastay on the couch, rat, rebounding, Scottish Grandmother, supper, to-do lists, watches, Wonky Donkey, workouts | 2 Comments

Pearls, pigs and passages

Posted on September 9, 2018 by emjayandthem

From my earliest memories, our Grandmother Pearl wore pearls -pearl necklaces, drop and button earrings, bracelets and brooches. Some were real and others were fake, bought from the Avon Lady or the Sears catalogue. Mom and Aunt Irene also had a “set” that they each broke out for fancy occasions, like weddings, showers or baptisms. I’m sure they were influenced by First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s famous pearl style and later when First Lady Barbara Bush brought them back again.

Pic taken in 1923 ~ ❤️ Grandmother Pearl was 19. An Emjayandthem (C) Photo

I’ve had these pearls since the 90s ~ classic, they never go out of favor. an Emjayandthem(c) photo

I have always loved pearls. I love their softness, strength and imperfections; I love their luster, warmth, and radiance, too.

A few days ago I read this passage and was reminded how important it is to “learn to discern” – to learn we don’t have to intervene in other’s life lessons, even when you can see the train coming from afar. As hard as it is, it’s true that stepping in can only delay the learning for another. And doing so may make future lessons more difficult.

Some lessons are meant to be learned the hard way.

Matthew 7:6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

Do you relate to this passage?
- What lessons have you learned the hard way?
- And how hard is it for you to “learn to discern?”

Categories: Animals, Beauty, Faith, Family, Fashion, Forgiveness, Growth, Joy, Life, Life Lessons, Mom, Personal, Relationships, Thoughts | Tags: Avon, Barbara Bush, classics, do not give dogs what is sacred, do not throw your pearls to pigs, Jackie Kennedy, learn to discern, lessons learned the hard way, letting others learn their own lesson, life lessons, Matthew 7:6, Mom, pearls, pigs, Sears catalogue, what I know now, wisdom, women | 2 Comments

Random 5 for Labor Day ~Dishes, Empaths & Amazon

Posted on September 3, 2018 by emjayandthem

How is today is September 3rd and Labor Day already?

It seems like 5 minutes ago we turned the calendar from April to May ~ and while we didn’t have a typical summer, we still enjoyed many high points — beach days, good books and BBQs. To that end here are my 5 Random 5s for Labor Day:

1 ) Good friends enjoyed shared birthdays this weekend so a celebration was organized, pot luck style. I don’t know about you but, around here, “bring a dish to pass” gatherings offer the b.e.s.t. food. Why’s that? Because everyone makes (or buys) their one “best” thing and, when you put everything together, it’s amazing. Examples of what was offered include the following:

Deviled eggs, home-made pickles, olives and various cheeses & crackers
7 Layer Salad (mine), Oriental Coleslaw, Pasta & Potato salads – all home-made – yummo!
Pastry-wrapped sausages, Sloppy Joe’s & baked beans (with bacon and enough brown sugar to carmelize an apple, yum!)
Veggies & Dip, chips & dip and Fruit salad
And birthday cake — not just any cake – but a local bakery’s marble cake with a creamy custardy middle and fluffy whipped icing — OMG.
- There was more, but the above is some of what I sampled and YES I enjoyed a small piece of cake — it was sweet and creamy and a little bit went a long ways 🙂

2 ) I’ve been reading a book that I can’t stop thinking about. Normally when I land upon a good book I’ll tear through it like a starving wolf. Not this one. I’m savoring my way through. See, I’ve always known stuff I shouldn’t know, and I’ve had a feeling (good or bad) about a person, more than once. I trust it. I just didn’t know how to use it or how to protect myself from absorbing other’s “stuff.”

A sample includes:

Being an empath is different from being empathetic.
Being empathetic is when your heart goes out to someone else. Most of us do this – especially after a tragedy.
Being an empath means you can actually feel another person’s happiness or sadness in your own body. You can feel it so deeply that it can make you physically sick, sad or drained.
- You may have been told to “not be so sensitive,” maybe you are, like me, sensitive to caffeine, startle easily, get overwhelmed in crowds, have a strong sense of smell and touch (sour odors and prickly clothes, no way).
- These can all be indicators — so tell me — Are you an Empath?

3 ) I just realized that my Amazon cart always has something in it. I love the “save for later” feature. Because my internet wanderings can take me into some deep valleys, it’s nice to know I can save an item for a more rational purchase point later. Between books, vitamins, and skincare/beauty products, I enjoy new-to-me finds and repeat favorites. For someone who doesn’t enjoy shopping, I sure enjoy Amazon 🙂

4 ) Speaking of books — I did a lot of not laboring this weekend ~ I putzed, cleaned, cooked a little, read a lot, fiddled with the hot tub & read some more. Yep, definitely did. Not. Labor.

5 ) And with that, here’s September! Bring on bright sunshiney days, College Football, autumn leaves, cooler nights and less humidity. Because even though it’s Labor Day, the reality is it’s still warm, humid and summery … and that’s OK. Put down the pumpkin spice and turn on the fan!

Autumn colors are arriving (scenes from the old house)

What signs of Autumn are near you?
Could you be an Empath, too?
Are you laboring to NOT Labor this Holiday weekend?

Categories: Attitude, Beauty, Family, Food, Fun, Growth, Holidays, Home, Life, Life Lessons, News, Opinion, Personal, Products I love, Seasons, Share, Thoughts | Tags: amazon, autumn leaves, beauty products, birthday celebrations, Books, college football, dish to pass, Empath, empath vs. empathetic, Fall, gift of insight, Holidays, inner wisdom, intuitive, Judith Orloff, Labor Day, potluck, pumpkin spice, seasons, Second Sight, sensitive people, shopping, the gift of fear, traditions, trust your instincts | 7 Comments

Summer just opens the door and lets you out

Posted on July 21, 2018 by emjayandthem

It’s summer ~ we’re in the throes of the season now, temps hovering in the 90s with the % of humidity matching.

In no particular order are just some of the summer delights we’ve been savoring:

Morning coffees on the patio
Fireflies fluttering at dusk
Strawberries, corn-on-the-cob and 7-Layer Salad
Anything grilled ~ steak, chicken, shrimp and more
Hubbs golfing later and me reading later, all to summer’s golden light
A soft serve ice-cream, half chocolate & half vanilla, with half of it running down your arm
Stray cat visits
Kids playing in the sprinkler and Yellow finches mining my flowers
Couples walking together and dogs walking owners
The joy of a new book and the laziness of summer magazines
The smell of fresh limes on my fingers after squeezing into a margarita, the kiss of summer on my shoulders and the tangle of beach waves in my hair

+ + + + + + +

“Summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people. For those few months, you’re not required to be who everyone thinks you are, and that cut-grass smell in the air and the chance to dive into the deep end of a pool give you a courage you don’t have the rest of the year. You can be grateful and easy, with no eyes on you, and no past. Summer just opens the door and lets you out.” -Deb Caletti, Honey, Baby, Sweetheart

Sunset on Lake Michigan

What have you indulged in this summer?

Categories: Attitude, Beauty, Faith, Family, Food, Fun, Gratitude, Growth, Holidays, Humor, Joy, Life, Opinion, Personal, Thoughts, Uncategorized, Writing | Tags: Deb Caletti, home, Honey Baby Sweetheart, life, living, no past, quotes, relaxation, seasons, summer, Summer just opens the door and lets you out, you can be grateful and easy | 10 Comments

Sunshine, questions and a big juicy life

Posted on July 15, 2018 by emjayandthem

A while back, a blogging friend Dor, awarded me the “Sunshine Blogger Award” – this award is as special as sunshine on my shoulders, sunshine on my toes… Or saying my future’s so bright I just gotta wear shades!

taken yesterday

Thank you Dor for your kindness & for including me. The rules are to do the following –

Give a Big Hearty Thanks to the blogger who nominated you & link back to them (Check!)
Answer the questions the other blogger asked you (See below)
Nominate a host of others (rules suggest 8-11) but I’m just gonna leave this open whomever wants to play along and 😀
List the rules/display the Sunshine Blogger Award on your site. (done)

Here are the questions Dor posed for me:

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Do you wish you were the other and why?
- Gemini ~ both, depends on the day and situation. I can work the room at a conference or cocoon myself away with my books ~ it all depends.
Are you an animal lover? What pets do you have and love?
- Yes, no pets right now but our Grand-Dogs and a Stray Cat warm my ❤ regularly
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
- Mr. Corbett; he was smart, strict and fun
Have you ever had a bad habit you broke? What was it and how did you change it?
- I’ve stopped asking for permission to enjoy myself!
What is your favorite place to relax? Explain where it is and why it helps.
- Home or outside / outside at home / the beach! I’m cozy at home and comfy outside, provided it’s not 95F+
What is your favorite movie of all time?
- One I watch every time it’s on is “Something’s Gotta Give.” ~sigh
Do you love to travel or do you hate it? Why?
- Love to travel for vacation and I tolerate business travel.
- I love the coming & going, but I don’t love impatient flyers trying to fit a couch into the overhead compartment. Remember when flying used to be fun?
Are you an organized or a disorganized person?
- Organized. My grocery list is typed in the order of the store. I admit it 😉
Are you always late, early, or right on time? Are there any advantages or disadvantages to your timing?
- Always early. A disadvantage is that not everyone riding with me is ready on time!
Do you create lots of blog posts in advance of publishing or do you do one at a time?
- As they come to me
What inspires you to create a blog post?
- see answer to #1 😉

And here are your questions, friends:

What’s a scent or fragrance that takes you back to summers as a child?
What dessert item do you remember savoring at family reunions, parties or weddings?
Name a song that makes you want to get up & dance.
What ability do you wish you had and why?
Who do you wish you could have a conversation with?
And lastly, what are you looking forward to?

Categories: Animals, Attitude, Beauty, Blogging, Confidence at any age, Determination, Family, Food, Friendship, Fun, Growth, Home, Joy, Life, music, News, Opinion, Personal, Relationships, Seasons, Thoughts, Travel, Wisdom, Women | Tags: abilities, animals, Annie Lamott, bad habits, blogging, desserts, Diane Keaton, don't wait, early or on time, extrovert, family reunions, fragrances, fruits, home, imagination and radical silliness, introvert, Jack Nicholson, looking forward to, missing someone, movies, music, organized or not, pets, questions, relax, scents, Something's Gotta Give, songs, summer, sunshine blogger, teachers, travel | 4 Comments

Random 5 Monday ~ Bourdain, Beaches and Ducks

Posted on June 25, 2018 by emjayandthem

It’s Monday and it’s time for some random thoughts from the ever-swirling mind of yours truly. Ready? No. Well get set, let’s go!

1 ) Still reeling over the loss of Anthony Bourdain. I’m not even a foodie. And I wanted to be one … watching him. I wanted to walk into his kitchen, sit at his table, have him flirt outrageously with me, tell a clever joke and have him lean in for the punch line. Young, middle-aged, older – there was something about him that drew us in. And kept us there. This blogger sums up our loss beautifully – https://atypical60.com/2018/06/09/the-anthony-bourdain-i-knew/ #LOSS.

Help is available by calling 1-800-273-8255 or at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

I hope he has peace now. 😦

2 ) Last week I took a couple of days off ~ I was, once again, up against the deadline. Time to use vacation days. Darn. Thursday I packed tea, sunblock, my books and a beach chair and drove myself to Lake Michigan. A place where stress does not thrive. I read for hours, enjoyed other people’s children, watched a wedding, dug my toes in the sand and came home with beach hair & freckles. And yes, I aim to repeat this many times over the summer. #SUMMERGOALS.

~~~ ahhh ~~~
An Emjayandthem(C) Photo

3 ) The days are longer now that summer is officially here. Celebrating my birthday I reflected on changes. Much much stays the same ~ the work load, schedule, and expectations. But I’ve changed – I’m a bit easier on myself than I used to be. I’ve said “no” to others so I can say “yes” to me. I’ve slowed down. I’ve leaned in. I’ve savored. There’s a shift and I like it. #SELF-CARE

4 ) Something I’ve realized – getting older – is that I’m a lot like Mom: I don’t mind time alone, I crave it. I get a little bit cranky with too many people and too much noise. Yes I enjoy good conversation, music and such but I can – and will – easily spend days by myself. A few nights back I imagined taking a week off and never leaving the house. I found myself day-dreaming of how that would go:

Sleep
Read
Putter outside
Read
Write
Chat on the phone / visit with Hubbs
Sing/dance to music
Read
Putter outside
Read
Exercise/stretch
Sleep

I even had a fantasy food list ready. It came to me immediately and goes something like this:

Strong coffee with cream
Grilled anything & Fresh veggies
Strawberries and watermelon
Iced Tea
Bacon & eggs
Fajitas
Avocados
Chinese Coleslaw
Margaritas and Fresh Limes

I realized that this exercise was really me manifesting my summer “wish list.” Yep, time to book more days off. #SUMMERGOALS

5 ) Saw two ducks on my walk earlier tonight … made me think of this:

#CORNYJOKESMAKEMELAUGH

~~~~~~~

Your turn:

Did a celebrity death ever leave you reeling? (recent or not)
Are you making a summer wish list, too?
Got any bread?

Categories: Animals, Attitude, Beauty, Blogging, Confidence at any age, Food, Grief, Growth, Home, Humor, Joy, Life, Life Lessons, Men, News, Opinion, Personal, Self Discovery, Thoughts, Women, Writing | Tags: Anthony Bourdain, beach hair, beaches, being alone, Books, bread, duck walks into a bar, fantasy food list, foodie, goals, Lake Michigan, loss, Mom, nail your beak to the bar, personal growth, self-care, stress-free, suicide, summer goals, summer vacation, summer wish list, toes in the sand, water | 12 Comments

Travel, change and solace

Posted on January 24, 2018 by emjayandthem

Readying for another road trip later today, I thought about how much things have changed over the years:

Remember paper maps? Maps that unfolded with landmarks and highway intersections? You’d need a companion to help navigate. Now – I rely on an iPhone or car navigation system. I prefer the phone because one can listen for upcoming turns and still enjoy the radio. My car system talks over the radio and I end up missing sing-along opportunities, political updates, and advice from Dr. Laura. 🙂

Packing for an overnight requires just as much effort as packing for four. Vitamins, hair stuff, makeup, jewelry, pajamas/robe, in-room clothes, work clothes, travel clothes, computer, portfolio, shoes, phone charger and more. And coffee, don’t forget the coffee.

I don’t sleep well in hotels. Part of my packing routine involves a good book and essential oils; most times, I average 4 hours of flipping & flopping vs. the 7 solid Zs at home.

As much work as it is, I still enjoy going. Meeting new people and getting out of my comfort zone. Example, tomorrow I’m one of several giving a presentation to company peers and executives. Now I make presentations on a regular basis but usually before total strangers. Peers are far more daunting. So I do what I always have: prepare, know my stuff, and nail it! (And a little self pep-talk never hurts.)

And as much as I love the going, the coming home is even better. 🙂

“Home is where you go to find solace from the ever changing chaos, to find love within the confines of a heartless world, and to be reminded that no matter how far you wander, there will always be something waiting when you return.” – Kendal Rob

What do you enjoy about the going? What do you never travel without?

Categories: Attitude, Beauty, Confidence at any age, fear, Fun, Growth, Home, Joy, Life, Life Lessons, Love, Men, Personal, Thoughts, Travel, Work | Tags: comfort zone, coming home, corporate, encouragement, fear, go for it, Kendal Rob, maps, Minions, music taste, navigation, opportutniy, radio, seize the day, sing-a-long, sleep, solace of home, songs, travel | 9 Comments

Beauty

Spending my Sundays

Random 5 Saturday ~ rooms, fasting and fools

“Great things never came from comfort zones.” …

Random 5 for Sunday ~ Good-bye March

When the soul weeps

on Sunday drives, friendship and Chocolate

“There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.” ― Linda Grayson

Random 5 – Suppers, Sparks and Wonky Donkeys

Thanks for reading my Random 5 this week ~ care to share yours?

Pearls, pigs and passages

Summer just opens the door and lets you out

Sunshine, questions and a big juicy life

Random 5 Monday ~ Bourdain, Beaches and Ducks

Travel, change and solace

Peeps Poppin' in

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