Feelings, nothing more than...

Most of you are too young to remember that song spilling out of the car radio on a warm summer evening.  The song begins as mellow and pure as young hearts in love and then escalates to Albert's tenor wailing over "Feelings, whoa, whoa my life of feelings...".   Open a new tab and click below to listen while you read...

Here's the you tube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyBcHUe4WeQ

It sorta made those of us in the throes of youth feel like we were justified in all of our angst and pain over whatever melodramatic chaos happened to ensnare us at that moment.  So my question is, what about now?  I am an adult of almost half a decade and yep, sometimes I just want to wail and sing it out.  I might change the lyrics a little to suit my gloomy mood and make me feel just a little more sympathy for my circumstance.  Of course, I'm the only one who is going to sympathize because in actuality my life is beautiful and God has been very good to me.  But I know even He has a sense of humor and won't mind if I take one verse on the grounds of overworked mother; stressed out on homeschool and housework and Basset Hound puppy training, and sing it loud and long until I giggle myself back to reality.

Be sure to include nasal congestion and sore muscles when you indulge, it really makes for an unmatched performance!

Have a great day!

A Painter's tale...

So I've been painting.

I should explain that what I'm painting over was done by me as well.  I love all things Tuscan and my living room and entry way was painted a golden yellow with a glazed rag rub of mocha brown over it.  Since we have textured walls this created a really nice effect that resulted in my home looking warm and rich, with our deep red curtains and mahogany fireplace mantle.  And now?

Can you say creamy white?  For those of you who love clean lines and sparsity in decorating I am somewhat envious.  I want to be like you but find it impossible to embrace the day to day living of such a pale palette.  I was born to love the color red and deep, rich wood tones.

My house is now a blank slate for someone to fashion into their dream of home.  As I sit and gaze into the backyard I notice the stark contrast between the dark leather of the sofa and, well...everything else.  The red Syrian rug seems too bright suddenly and my skill as a decorator appears questionable at best.  Do realtors really know what they're talking about?  I sure hope so.

I am pleased that the painting process went so quickly, although I've still another large room to do.  But I've really enjoyed it which is a surprise.  I've prayed over every wall and taken care in my work to do an excellent job.  Surely someone will see this and fall in love with it. Please God, please!

In the mean time my mood has improved and my hope is returning.  I'm thinking this may have something to do with my attitude and my desire to focus on the family who will live here soon.  I don't know them, but may God bless them.  And I thank God for helping me find this way to transition peacefully out of a stressful situation. 

Next week the landscaping will be done and then watch for a for sale sign soon to be up at this location!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Minout

Back in September we noticed a kitten roaming our parts of the neighborhood.

She was pretty dog-gone cute.


So...after a few days we put food out and she would eat it daily and hang out in the bushes.  A friend of mine has a cat trap (I didn't even know these existed) so we borrowed it and embarked on a rescue mission.

We caught her in one day.

Thus began life with Minout.  

After three weeks our other two cats began to stop hissing at her.  She just wanted to play but they are all grown up and lazy now so any activity was received with an unwelcome "SSSSSSSSSSSS!"

She kept at them until first one, then the other relented.  They have become friends of a sort.

In the mean time, Minout has become my enemy.  Maybe she instinctively knows I am not a cat person?  Maybe she just looks at me with that all-knowing  knowledge that she can get away with murder because I can't EVER catch her.  Whatever the case, we have come to a crossroads and thank heaven for great friends who happen to also be cat lovers.

The other day my husband walks into the kitchen and says that his socks smell like cat pee.  Yuck.  "Did they pee on the laundry again?" I asked.  "I don't think so," was all he said.  This habit I was aware of and in the process of correcting.  Next thing I see him cleaning his shoe out with a wipe.  "You've got to be kidding?" I say, aghast.  He just smiles and nods. 

Poor Minout.  All that lovely litter in her cat box and she has to pee in my husband's shoe.  What has a cat's life come to?

I'll tell you what it's come to.  She is now going to be an outdoor cat and live with our dear friends who are gracious enough to adopt her, at least until we move.  Our neighborhood is not tolerant of cats prowling the streets.

My cat loving daughter is sad yet aware of the necessity of this decision.  It will also cut down on the house cat odor and vacuuming which (since we actually want to sell the house) - is good.

Any cat owners who've had a similar experience please feel free to help me out here, as Minout will be coming home again once we move.  Was it something I said?  Hmmmmm.

On Banners

So last time I tried to design a banner for my blog was two years ago.  At that time I could not figure out how to upload it (now it is so easy).  I am pretty pleased with my collage of lovely digital scrapbook files.  I hope you like it too.  Peaceful and calming is my thought on it, just what I was hoping for!

Blogging...

Well, this is my third attempt.  After reading some beautiful blogs and inspiring words I am hoping that maybe my thoughts might just lift someone's day too, or at least provide food for a smile.  I have learned since my first attempts that I am an artist first and that my love for beauty might just find a window here.  The words "be true to yourself" are everywhere and so I am pledging to myself to do so.

Here's to the journey!