What Happens When I'm Bored

Since I have decided to stay in the house, I thought it was time to get back to decorating. I've been wanting to paint the guest bath, so I stopped by Lowe's after my nail appointment this morning and picked up this beautiful shade of garnet paint for one wall and a neutral taupe for the remaining walls. The towel bar was originally on the red wall where the picture now hangs. It was a cheapo, so I want to replace it with a new polished pewter one I saw at Lowe's. I'll hang it above the toilet.

I get nervous when I first start painting because it always looks so dark. This red really scared me but I got a semi gloss finish so it would have a little shine. Once it dried completely it looked perfect. The taupe looked dark also, but once again, it dried to a perfect shade. When I put all the pewter accessories back in, everything came together beautifully. I added a small lamp with a beaded fringe shade in the corner of the vanity to give an extra punch of illumination.

I love it, ya'll!

Go Eagles! Number One!

Birthday Girl

Like my hair cut?


Make a wish! Big brothers Jacob, 8 and Jared, 4 watch while Payton blows out the candles.

On The Road Again

Elvis and I are going to northeast Texas this weekend. I invited my sis and her girls, so it should be a fun trip. We will be celebrating Payton's 2nd birthday. I bought her two tops, a pair of lime green shorts and a darling pair of Stride Right sandals. Isn't she a doll?

Be back Monday, ya'll

"Medical" Road Rage?

www.Chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/nation/3940309.html


There is now a medical definition for 'road rage'. It's called intermittent explosive disorder.
This disorder involves angry outbursts that are way out of proportion to the situation. Threats, property damage and aggressive actions are involved in these angry outbursts.

I'll bet the pharmaceutical companies are happy with this news...They can sell even more pills.
Lawyers will be getting in on the money making action, too...They now have one more defense strategy to pull out of their hats when some IMD (intermittent explosive disorder) 'victim' winds up in court.

I find it interesting that most people 'suffering' from this malady have other emotional disorders or drug or alcohol problems. Consequently, could this type of behavior be the result of making poor choices? Even if a person truly has a mental illness or chemical imbalance, they make a personal choice to use illegal drugs and alcohol. What happens when anti-depressants are mixed with drugs and alcohol?

Not everyone who does these things is afflicted, so, what about taking responsibility for one's actions? Do we really need one more 'disease' to blame for bad behavior? Being stuck in traffic is stressful, but there are more positive ways to deal with it than to re-act like a two year old!

Remember the Golden Rule?

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"

Be nice, ya'll!

Happy Birthday, Andy

I found this picture of Andy, whom I spoke of in my previous post. This was taken on Thanksgiving, 2005, his 92nd birthday. I made him this little cake. He couldn't wait to blow the candles out and dig in!

Where's Feathers?

I have been blogging for several months now and have come to 'know' and read some interesting and entertaining blogs. It really does feel sort of like a neighborhood or community as one becomes familiar with other bloggers. We all have our favorites, our buddies that we visit regularly. We look forward to hearing what is going on with them, or just keeping in touch. Occasionally, someone will take a break from blogging for a while, maybe a week or a month, but they will let their buddies know that they will be "off" for a while. Even if someone decides to quit completely, they usually let others know. It's kind of like moving, you tell your neighbors, etc that you're leaving. Unless, heaven forbid, you have had to enter the witness protection program! So, imagine my concern when I check in with Tickle Feathers at http://featherstickle.blogspot.com/. After several visits to her blog the last week of April, and after reading comments to her last post, it seems that she has vanished into thin air. There's not a clue as to where she is or what might have happened to cause her to so abruptly abandon her site. In fact, her site is still up, with her last post on Monday, April 24. I just hope and pray that "Feathers" is safe and well. I certainly hope that she hasn't met with some sort of catastrophe or tragedy in her life. Even though I have never met her in person, I know that she is a woman of faith...I will continue to pray for her.

Miss Litzi at http://misslitzi.blogspot.com/ is on sabbatical from her blog, but she let everyone know that she wouldn't be posting for a while. I miss her and hope she returns soon. I trust that she is getting all the things done that she has on her agenda.

As for me, I'm staying busy, busy, busy in the world of hair, as always. Saturday afternoon I went to the funeral of a dear, sweet man, my sister's father-in-law. He was 92 years old and had a wonderful life. It was truly a celebration of great family man. His legacy is an inspiration to his children and all who had the privelege to know him.
He is now dancing with the angels...Rest in peace, Andy.

Have a blessed week, Ya'll

Riding the Merry-Go-Round

That's what I've been doing the last week or so...riding the merry-go-round of life. The hair show in Dallas was fun and interesting. Hair styles are still about the same...lots of straight, fringy hair. Lots of bold hair color and accent colors in jewel tones. It seems like the primary purpose of these shows is to sell and introduce new products rather than showing anything useful as far as hair cutting and styling. The 'platform artists' are interesting to watch, but there are only so many ways to cut hair, and I think I've seen them all. However, I still like to see the 'show' and hopefully pick up some new techniques. I think my clients like to know that I am interested in keeping up with the currents trends. It does motivate me to try new things and be more progressive and creative 'behind the chair'.

The show was held at the Gaylord Texan Hotel http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordtexan/. Check it out...it is awesome! I want to go back, just to stay at the resort and spa.

I had an extremely busy week in The World of Hair, but I had to race home Tuesday night to see the final showdown between Taylor and Kat on American Idol. I voted for Taylor! Then, I got home on Wednesday night at 8:45, just in time to see the results. When Ryan announced that Taylor won, I jumped up and let out the 'Taylor Howl' Woooooo! Scared poor little Elvis to death! He jumped back and looked at me like I had lost my mind. Now, we'll have to wait and see if Taylor can live up to the title. I think he has a good shot at it. He's cute, has personality and a unique voice. I'll buy his first CD. Go Taylor!

I got off work early on Friday so I could get on the road to College Station. One of my clients was getting married in Aggieland. Both she and her fiance just graduated from A&M and wanted to be married at their church in Bryan, Tx. I stayed at the Hilton Hotel, along with the other out of town guests. The room was very nice and elegant. I loved the cushy down comforters, fluffy pillows and thick, plush towels. After checking into my room, I went to the local mall and did a little shopping, then got a pedicure. I then stopped at a deli and had a Greek chicken salad before returning to my room and nestling into my comfy, soft bed. I had to get up early Saturday morning and go to the bride's home and do her and her attendants hair. After the girls were all done, I went back to my room and got myself ready to go to the two o'clock ceremony. The reception was held at 'The Kyle House', an old Victorian home turned 'event venue'. The wedding ceremony itself was beautiful and inspiring. These are two young people who are dedicated to each other and to the Lord. May God bless them abundantly and keep them in His care as they begin their life together. Her mom is also a dear, sweet friend whom I treasure greatly, as is her sweet little sister.
It was an honor to be able to share in their special day.

So, here it is Memorial Day week-end...a time to remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation and for those veterans who survived and came home to enjoy this great land we call America

Thanks Veterans!

Enjoy your time off, ya'll!

Random Acts of Living

I had a busy few days in The World of Hair after the Spring Tea last week, so I just came home and crashed every night after work. I did watch American Idol last Wednesday when Chris got the boot. Talk about a shock!

I had the most fun Mother's Day weekend. Since both of my kids live out of town, my sister's daughter had to work and our Mom is in heaven we decided to hang out together, doing what we love to do, which is shop and eat. After working a few hours Saturday morning I went to sis's house and we headed to the mall. We had lunch at Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant, then shopped till we dropped. I found a tiered print skirt and top at Foley's. Sis found an orange tailored jacket. As we made our way through the cosmetics department, it was crawling with prom girls having their make-up done. There were perfume reps all over the place giving out samples, gift baskets were lined up on the counters, all ready to be purchased and presented to some lucky mother. We were just passing through, so we made a bee-line for the exit into the mall. Dillard's was our next stop. We found Liz Claiborne earrings on sale and each bought a pair. It was time for a break, so went stopped at Starbuck's and had coffee and chocolate pound cake. From our table by the window, we had a perfect vantage point for people watching. After a stop into Kirkland's where I found a mirror and sis found a metal 'thingy' for the wall, we decided we had had enough retail therapy for one day and went back to her house where we both crashed and snoozed for a while.

Guess what we did Sunday? The same thing, only we went to Pappa's Seafood and had fried shrimp and oysters. They gave all the mom's a Pappa's coffee mug. We then went to the Woodland's to check out the Market Place, a new outdoor shopping venue. It was OK, but very 'high dollar'. The weather was getting stormy, so we decided to try and make it to Stein Mart before the bottom fell out. The sky to the north was black and lightening was flashing like crazy. I raced down the feeder road and into the parking lot, just barely parking the car before the first raindrops began to fall. With umbrellas in hand, we ran for the door. Outside the sky turned black and the wind began to blow as torrents of rain came down. The lights flashed a few times, but we never lost power, so we just kept on shopping. I found a white shirt with silver buttons and a pair of denim crop pants and sis bought an 'undergarment'. By the time we finished, the storm had blown over. Neither rain, nor wind nor flashing lightening could keep us from our appointed rounds to our favorite retail therapy places. What an adventure and a most memorable Mother's day my Sis and I had!

Monday I had my regular eye check-up and decided to try contacts again. I got the bi-focal progressive disposable lenses. At first they felt weird in my eyes, but I'm getting used to them. It is so nice not to have to bother with glasses. I mainly need them for working and close up, so I was constantly taking them on and off. Now, I'm free!

Ok, I watched Americal Idol last night. I'm afraid Elliot is going to be the next to go, but I hope it's Kat. Taylor was pretty hot, so he will be safe. The phone lines were overloaded, but I kept on until trying I got through. We'll see, later this evening what the results are.

I have a long 12 hour day tomorrow and a busy day Friday because I'm taking off Saturday to go to a Hair Show in Dallas with a friend of mine. We will be back late Monday, so I won't be posting for a few days. I'm sure I'll have a few good stories to tell when I return. When a bunch of hairdressers converge upon a city, there is bound to be something exciting happening. Of course, we do go to learn new things and see new products, but there is definately a 'party' atmosphere wherever we go. Woo Hoo!

My nails are done, my hair is colored and highlighted, I have some new duds, I have new contacts......

I'm ready to go to the Hair Show, ya'll

My Table

I made chair back covers to match the tablecloth. The ornament was made from gold metal medallions from an old belt. I glued two medallions together for the base then added beaded fringe along the bottom, glued a small mosaic medallion in the center and added a small jewel. I glued on a bar pin back to attach it to the fabric. I love it when I come up with a clever idea like this!
My friend and I designed and created this 'desert oasis' for the Spring Tea. We used a metal canopy frame and covered it with fabric. The striped tent front and other props were borrowed from the music department. The stage was covered with yards of gauze to get the illusion of sand.
Here is my table. This picture doesn't show all the fine details. There were smaller jewel boxes filled with jewelry and brightly colored glass stones placed between the red votive candles. The large hammered metal tray was filled with more jewelry and stones, along with a glass mosaic candle holder. Airy asparagus fern was nestled underneath the tray. The shimmering gold and green organza table squares were scattered with more glass stones and faux jewels, adding an extra sparkle. Copper gold glass chargers were enhanced by red and copper beaded napkin rings holding creamy sateen napkins. Candle light danced off the stones and jewelry, creating a casually elegant ambiance. We dined on a delectable array of salads, consisting of pasta with grilled chicken, tossed garden and fresh fruit. For dessert, we had our choice of chocolate or carrot cake. Yours truly chose the chocolate, of course!

These events take a lot of planning and work, but it is so rewarding to see the ladies come and enjoy an inspiring evening in a beautiful setting. It brings me joy to share my talents in this way, surrounded with friends, who delight in joining me at my table for an evening of fun, food and fellowship.

A good time was had by all, ya'll!

Tea Time

I am hosting a table at the annual Spring Tea at church is next Tuesday evening and I have been in decorating mode for the last several weeks. Being a table hostess is nothing new to me. I enjoy coming up with a theme, color scheme and then co-ordinating all the various elements that make a beautiful tablescape. In fact, I have ladies clamoring to sit at my table because of my unique, elegant settings. The theme for my table this year is 'Precious Jewels', done in jewel tones, of course. For the centerpiece I am using a metal tray on a pedestal, on which I have placed a gold box filled with jewelry, colorful glass stones and loose faux jewels. Greenery will be incorporated under the tray, along with red glass votive cups and a collection of smaller jewel boxes filled with more glass stones and jewels. I found some beautiful beaded napkin rings in shades of red and copper at Target. They will look stunning with my copper glass chargers and beige sateen napkins. I have been busy sewing moss green table cloths and chair back covers. The over-all look will be sort of 'Old World', but elegant. It is customary to give each lady a small gift. I bought tiny gold drawstring bags and filled each one with a red heart shaped stone and some colorful faux jewels. I'll make a place card to co-ordinate with the bag of jewels.
Doesn't it sound lovely?

Work is picking back up since every one has recovered from income tax time. I'm booked solid for the next three days. I have two prom up-do's this Saturday.
What fun!!

My work and decorating projects keep me sane, in spite of the 'domestic issues'. I am determined to 'have a life', no matter what 'the man' does. I am still keeping my distance.....I ain't going near that fire any more!

It is what it is, ya'll

The Latest Fashion Trend?

All the hoopla and hype about whether the Houston Texans would pick the hometown boy, Vince Young or Reggie Bush from North Carolina State is finally over. The shocker! They picked neither! Read all about it at: http://houstonchronicle.com.

I'm not a football fan, so I could care less who they pick. However, I don't live in a cave either, so I have been sort of keeping up with the story. The subject comes up at the salon occasionally and I need to at least know a little about what's going on in the sports world.

Anyway, as I opened the paper this morning, there, emblazoned across the front page, were the pictures of all three athletes; Vince, Reggie and Mario Williams. All three are handsome, clean-cut looking young men. I'm sure their mothers (and fathers) are extremely proud of them. Then something about each one caught my eye. All three were sporting sparkling diamond studs in both ears! I'm guessing they are at least 2-3 carats each. Which leads to my question(s): What is up with that? Have earrings re-placed gold chains? Are they the real thing or CZ's? Were they a gift or is that the first thing they buy when they start raking in the cash? Does anyone else think it looks weird for a guy, especially a big hulking football player, to wear big ole diamond studs in both ears? I'm not trying to be mean, just making an observation. I'm curious about this strange phenomenon purely from a fashion standpoint, that's all.

One thing's for sure, after signing a $54 million 6 year deal, you can bet Mario Williams won't be wearing no honkin' CZ's!

Go figure, ya'll

She's Gone

Well, Kelly Pickler, the "naughty little minx" finally got the boot after butchering the last two songs she sang. Check it out on http://www.americanidol.com . I'm sayin'...It's about time! I voted for the first time this week. I thought Elliot Yamin was fantastic, so he got my vote. I would like to see him win because he has a wonderful, soulful voice and he is so humble. Besides, his Mama would be so happy! Chris and Catherine are both unique and talented, but my money is on Elliot. Either Paris (hopefully) or Taylor ( he's cool) will be next.

American Idol is about the only thing I really get into and keep up with. I love Boston Legal also. William Shatner and Candice Bergen are a hoot. In fact, the entire cast rocks! I tried to watch Desperate Housewives a few times, but just didn't get interested. I stopped watching CSI and all those other 'who dunnits'. They're just too depressing. I have enough to be depressed about with my own drama. I don't need to see people getting shot, stabbed and dissected every night of the week! Now, I could watch Food network 24/7! Especially Paula Deen. That girl can coo-ook, ya'll! I've also been keeping up with the Next Food Network Star. I predicted that Guy Fiori would win...and he did!

The World of Hair has been a little off the last few weeks because of the dreaded income tax filing deadline. It will pick up soon because of Mother's Day, proms, graduations and weddings. I's a fun time, to be sure. And, I make mucho dinero! I'm traveling to College Station on Memorial Day weekend to do a wedding party and attend the wedding. I think this occasion calls for a new outfit.

Bye for Now, Ya'll

PS: A Toe Story

http://Texas Goodies brought up a good point in her comment about sanitation in nail salons. It is true that proper cleaning of equipment is very important. All kinds of funguses (fungi) and bacterial diseases can be transmitted from one patron to the next if precautions aren't taken. The pedicure spa tubs especially are a perfect breeding ground for all this yucky stuff. We've all heard stories of women getting severe infections because of poor sanitary practices. That's why The Texas State Board of Cosmetology has a very stringent set of rules and guidelines that must be followed. They also perform routine inspections on all hair and nail salons on a regular basis. Hefty fines can and will be levied if these rules are not followed. In fact, State Board doesn't care how we do hair or nails. We can stand people on their heads as long as we are clean about it. Hee Hee!

The women who came in yesterday did have legitimate concerns about the cleanliness of the spa tub, as do I. I frequent this salon on a regular basis and feel certain that it is being kept clean and sanitary. I have even seen the girls cleaning the spa tubs after finishing a service.

My 'gripe' was they way in which these two patrons came in and interrupted the calm aura in the salon and then continued to make their presence known by being demanding and loud the entire time they were there.

So, TXGoodie and all you other gals, go get them tosies done, 'cause it's sandal time once again. Why not live dangerously and get some little flowers or a palm tree painted on while your at it. Hopefully, you won't run into these two pit bulls or any of their militant sisters!

It's not what you say, it's how you say it. Or, like my mama used to say "You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar."

How's your 'aura'? How's your 'energy'? I don't care who you are or where you come from, some people just seem to go around with a dark aura, emitting negative energy. That's what I'm talking about!

Peace, love and good energy, ya'll

A Toe Story

I treated my tootsies to a spa pedicure this morning. That's not a bug on my big toenails, it's a little jeweled flower with black and gold metallic accents. And, check out the new thongs...er flip flops. I found them at DSW Shoes on the sale rack. Those are wooden beads on the straps, along with some shiny black ones in between. I'm ready for summer now!

I was all zoned out in the massaging spa chair while the technician was working on my feet. The music was 'contemporary soft rock', all was quiet and serene. Then, two 'sistas' came busting in, wanting pedicures. They immediately began complaining about the 'ring' around the spa tub and asking about the methods of sanitation used in the salon. I think the Vietnamese girls were a wee bit intimidated. In their quiet, gentle way they assured the two Big Berthas that the tubs were freshly sanitized, after which both hauled themselves into the chair and began soaking. Cell phones started ringing and loud talking ensued for the duration of my visit. They were also being very demanding and nit-picky with the techs. So much for relaxation! What ever happened to civility, sensibility and just plain old manners?

Ok, just one more thing and I'll be finished. At the risk of sounding racist, why is it that 'people of color' are usually the ones who behave in the way I described above? Why are the Vietnamese generally a quiet, reserved people? I'm just asking.

I know that God made us all, but some of his children just don't know how to behave in public!

Hope I didn't step on anyone's toes.. I really just wanted to show ya'll my freshly polished ones!

Oh well!

A Good Day!

I'm still OK, ya'll. After all the drama last week, things have settled down a bit. Now, I must 'stick to my guns' and take the next step. Even though this is want I want to happen and what needs to happen, it will not be with out a certain amount of pain. I must stay focused and strong. I have come too far to weaken and risk being sucked back in. Meeting with my pastor last week gave me encouragement and insight. I will heed his advice and do what I need to do.
I am so blessed to have my church family and friends to draw strength from and to pray for me. I even have a few blogging friends who have shown their concern for me, offering a listening ear and prayers...Thanks, ya'll. I will keep you all up-dated from time to time, but I won't allow this to completely consume my every thought. Like I said before, this is just one facet of my life that I need to deal with, but I won't let it define who I am.

Now, on to other stuff. Life goes on...I worked yesterday, but got off early because I had two cancellations. It was a beautiful sunny day, so I went straight to the car wash and had my car cleaned up, inside and out. Is it me, or does a clean car just seem to drive better? I opened the roof and cranked up the music! That shiny black 3 1/2 yr old 300M was lookin' good, ya'll!
I called my good friend S, to see if she wanted to go to Joe's Crab Shack and get some bar-b-qued crab legs. She turned me on to them a few years ago when I was staying with her (that's another story). She was game, so off we went. Yum!

I went to church this morning. It was great. The pastor was out of town, so his father-in-law filled in for him. It was a good message, one I've heard many times. It never hurts to be reminded of these basic truths that he expounded on, though. The praise and worship time was wonderful. A time of refresing and renewal for the soul, giving all my worries and cares to God. We all have our crosses to bear and only He can make our burden lighter.

I made lunch, then spent the afternoon puttering around the house. I planted some dill seeds and watered my herb garden. Elvis was right there with me, digging in the dirt and getting wet from the hose. He smelled like a nasty little dog, so I brought him in and gave him a bath in the garden tub. He freaked at first, but finally resigned himself to getting his ears cleaned out! I had just watched a few episodes of 'The Dog Whisperer', so I was in control! LOL!

'The Man' is still here, but keeping his distance. I'm OK with this arrangement for now, but it does make for a certain amount of tension. Arghhh!

Night, ya'll

Your Linguistic Profile:

55% General American English

40% Dixie

5% Yankee

0% Midwestern

0% Upper Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

5% Yankee???? I've never been any further north than Dallas, ya'll!

I've FINALLY Been Tagged!

I've been tagged by Texas Goodies. Sounds like fun to me, especially after the depressing junk I wrote in my last post. My relationship may be on the rocks, but I refuse to let it define who I am. I'm still me and I like to have fun and make new friends. So here goes!

Here are the Rules:

1. Write 6 weird facts/things about yourself in my comments box and on your blog, then tag 6 more people.

2. Leave a comment that says "You are Tagged" in their comments telling them to read your blog.


Here's my list, ya'll!

1. All my towels and washcloths are taupe and sage green to match my bathroom. I like them all folded exactly the same direction and stacked by color. I fold them warm out of the dryer so they don't wrinkle.

2. I am always 5-15 minutes early to any appointment or event. If I don't show up, I'm either dead or have been in an accident.

3. I will not ever leave the house with out my make up and jewelry on. I am always co-ordinated and matched, but I will wear a baseball cap whenever I am out running errands. It has to match my outfit, too.

4. I absolutely hate Pepsi and Dr. Pepper. It's got to be Diet Coke or nothing.

5. I never use an alarm clock. If I do set the alarm, I always wake up before it sounds.

6. I have ESP. I can 'think' of someone and they will call me, even if it is someone I haven't heard from in a while. This happens a lot with my clients. Also, if a particular person is on my mind for a few days, I will run into them while I am out shopping, etc.


OK, I'm tagging http://featherstickle.blogspot.com/; Lynda at http://lkscherf.blogspot.com/ ; http://tanlucypez.blogspot.com/ ; http://www.dietcokeisgreat.blogspot.com/

I'm only tagging 4 people. Thanks for playing along, ya'll

History Repeats Itself

It's deja vu all over again... the same old song and dance. I've been down this road before, and once again, I don't like where it's heading, which is 'nowhere'. It's my life and I'm in the driver's seat, so I'm thinking it's time to make a U-turn before I run straight into the proverbial brickwall.
It's true, I chose to take this route again. I've even heard it said that "The road to hell is paved with good intentions", now I believe it!

Today, I layed my cards on the table . To quote Dr. Phil, "It is what it is". "You can't change what you don't acknowledge". Well, the dream is over, I'm no longer in denial. At least I can say I really did all I could. I took all I could. It's time to move on....

At times like this, I always seem to think of songs that speak of how I feel.

Here's a few that came to mind today:

• 'It's Too Late' by Carole King
• 'The Famous Final Scene' by Bob Seger
• 'Get Over It' by Don Henley
• 'Dirty Pool' by Stevie Ray Vaughn

I won't go into all the gory details of how it came to this. Suffice it to say that my Mama didn't raise no fool. Although, lately I have felt a little foolish for being sucked back in, I have recovered. I'm OVER it! If you can't play nice, I ain't gonna play with ya no more! Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Mr. Man!

So, now that I've cleared the air around here and mailed off my taxes, it's time to make a plan. I've done it once and I can do it again.

Here's to a new song, a new dance and definitely a smoother road!

I'm OK,ya'll!

Easter

Easter is my favorite holiday. For Christians, it is a time to remember why Jesus was crucified on the cross and to celebrate his resurrection. The story can be found in Matthew 27 & 28.
We, as Christians believe that He died on the cross of Calvary for the redemption of our sins, that He arose on the third day and ascended into heaven. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, a day of celebration.


When I was a child, my mom or my aunt would make my sister and me an Easter dress. We always got a new pair of white sandals or black Mary Janes, too. One year our dresses were made out of pink taffeta with tiered ruffle skirts. We were so cute! We would get up early on Easter Sunday and go to sunrise service, then go home and see if the Easter Bunny had left any eggs for us to hunt. Daddy didn't ever go with us, so he hid the eggs while we were at church. My aunt would make us the most beautiful baskets filled with candy and little yellow (fake) chickies. She would put Wisteria petals in with the green plastic grass to make it smell nice. Later in the afternoon, after we had eaten lunch, my brother, sister and I would re-hide our eggs and hunt for them again and again. We used boiled eggs back then and by the time we got through with them, they were pretty much destroyed. Bubba liked to throw them at us. Of course, we would eat a few along the way, along with those big candy eggs with the colored outside and white stuff in the middle. Mix in a few chocolate bunnies and jelly beans and it became quite a lethal combination. I really hated those big marshmallow eggs, but I would eat them any way. I was usually the first one to throw up!

And guess what! We could have EASTER parties at school with real cupcakes and goodies made at home by our 'room mothers'! No one died from eating any of it, either. We could even talk about the real meaning of Easter and not be reprimanded, lest we 'offend' someone. Wow, how times have changed.

I carried on these family traditions with my children. I learned to sew and began making my daughter's Easter dresses. I even made my son a tiny little Easter suit when he was two years old. I still have their first Easter baskets, packed away in a box somewhere. Wish I still had their little outfits, but I can't remember for the life of me what I did with them. Probably gave them to my sister or put them in a garage sale.

After church, I will take my decorated sugar cookies, brownies and pork roast to my sister's house and spend the afternoon with her and her family.
I'm going to try really hard not to digress back into that little girl who used to stuff herself with too many candy eggs, chocolate bunnies and jelly beans. I don't want to throw up all over my new flip flops!

Have a Happy, blessed Easter, ya'll!