May 31, 2011

Rose waiting patiently for Mr. B to
start the car and turn on the A.C.

It's the last day of May ... where's the year going?

Mr. B accomplished the flower bed planting yesterday. We went to Buchanan's Native Plants in the extreme heat of the day and selected our plants. We had a coupon and a gift card and points with  Buchanan's from previous purchases, which brought our total from $100+ to $37. Too cool! It's fun to go to places in the Heights and run into people you know. Such was the case yesterday at Buchanan's where we ran into three people and had to stand around jabbering. Rose was with us and even people we didn't know were commenting on how she hasn't missed any meals. Poor fat dog! Yet every night Mr. B gives her "a little snack" before she goes to bed.

Today I'm creating the first issue of a monthly newsletter. It's always fun to get involved with a new project. Waiting on a call back with information, so it looks like I won't be able to finish the newsletter until tomorrow.

May 30, 2011

It's Memorial Day, which is the day of the year for Americans to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to our country. I'm thankful for all the men and women who have fought to keep America a democracy! I'm fortunate that no member of my family has ever fought in a war. My grandfathers was too young for WWI and my dad too young for WWII. My older brother graduated from Texas A&M just as the Viet Nam "conflict" was ending. He was in the Air Force, defending Omaha, Neb. for a couple of years. My nephew never served in the military. Mr. B was never in the military either, although his older brother was in the Army, but never in combat.

My uncle-by-marriage, Thomas George Jenkins, was in the Navy during WWII. I don't remember him ever talking about the war or what he did. He had a huge tattoo of an anchor his forearm. He made his two oldest daughters and me promise never to get a tattoo. As far as I know, the three of us have honored our promise to him.

Today I'm creating a long overdue colorful garden in the front yard with the help of Mr. B. We're proudly displaying a U.S. flag on the front of the house. Long may she wave!

May 29, 2011

Katie and Kendall celebrating Katie's MBA graduation.
They met in the 7th grade and have come a long way!

It's a lazy day in the Pettit household. We went to an MBA graduation party for Ms. Katie Lou Phillips yesterday afternoon. It was outside and I think the combination of the heat and the delicious sangria zapped my energy. Or that's my story and I'm sticking with it.

I wish we had a pool so I could do some laps this afternoon. I'm thinking a cool dip in the pool would be refreshing and energizing. I'd like to get to the plant nursery this afternoon before it closes. Since it stays light until after 8 p.m., hopefully I'll get some gardening done today when it's cooler.

Today I'm creating absolutely nothing, or so it seems. It's that motivation thing again ... see posting from May 27, 2011.

May 28, 2011

The "kids" are out of town.

Got my housework done yesterday, but the dining room is already a mess. Mr. B folded clothes and left them on the dining room table. Nice look.

My cubs are out of town, which makes me nervous. Maybe that's why I didn't fall asleep until 5 a.m. Kendall and Nick went to Dallas yesterday for the wedding of a high school friend. They'll be back this afternoon for a party celebrating another friend's MBA graduation. Evan is in Austin attending a protest rally at the State Capital Building. She's living the late 1960s/early 1970s, and frequently expresses her passion about the environment, education and people's rights.

Today I'm creating a plan of attack for cleaning the yard, and praying that the girls and Nick get home safely.

May 27, 2011

I'm trying to motivate myself for a weekend of cleaning, beginning with the inside of the house and moving to the yard. I used to love Fridays because they were the beginning of the weekend. Now I think of Fridays as house cleaning days, and there's nothing I dislike more than cleaning house. Well, maybe I dislike beets, cauliflower and football more.

Motivating myself seems to be a problem right now, whether I'm writing, sewing, beading or cleaning house. I dread the process, but like the end results. Same thing is happening with my healthy eating. I like the end results, but have gotten bogged down in the process. I need to motivate myself to focus on the goal and push through the task at hand.

Today I'm creating a clean house! As much as I dislike football, I like this quote from Vince Lombardi: "The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand." My task at hand today is a clean house!

May 26, 2011

There was a report on television this morning that the economy is not showing signs of growth. I wonder how many government scientists and how many millions of dollars it took to determine that? I suggest that next month the researchers just call a couple of people and ask them about their bank accounts instead of spending money on expensive polls. Off in the distance I hear the wheels spinning in Dr. Mac's head saying, "no, no, Mom, you can't have a scientific poll by just calling a couple of people."

Dr. Mac isn't pleased with my idea on
how to conduct a survey. But she's excited that
she has a four day weekend!

Did anyone else watch Oprah's last show that aired yesterday? It took me back to my Baptist childhood with boring Sunday morning sermons, wondering if they would ever end. By the time Lady O finished with her sermon ... I mean 44-minute monologue ... I was completely bored. In fact, I decided to take the dogs for a walk and didn't even see the last portion of the show. I predict her ego is so big that she'll miss the spotlight. In a couple of years will she start another show? Maybe not. After all, what does she need with a television show when she has a television network! Back to my first paragraph, I suggest that the government researchers NOT call Ms. O and inquire about her bank account. Her results might not be a good economic indicator. One message she delivered was good: follow your passion. Good advice!

Today I'm creating a fun lunch with four women I used to work with. They always make me laugh!

May 25, 2011

Cherry tree in Santa Fe with small,
probably inedible fruit.

I'm not a happy camper today. I feel both sad and mad, then back to sad again!

First, Mr. B got a call that there is a problem with the drip watering system in Santa Fe. Richard A. also told Mr. B that our Santa Fe garden isn't as lush as it should be, probably because of the lack of rain and the drip system is not working properly. It makes me very sad because I'm so far away and can't do anything!

Next, I have the feeling that someone is trying to push me out of something I'm doing. This makes me mad! I don't like it and I won't let it happen, but I have to calm myself down and get my thoughts in order.

Finally, I'm sad that the mother of Mr. B's co-worker died last night. Sandy will have a difficult time as she deals with the loss of her mother.

Today I'm creating a better mood for myself. Maybe I'll take a long walk with Rose or maybe I'll take Roz for a ride in my bicycle basket. Fresh air will help clear my mind, or so I hope!

May 24, 2011

I'm excited to have a new contract (as of today) to write a monthly newsletter. YES! For people in freelance businesses, monthly contracts and/or retainers are "bread-and-butter work" and project work is "icing on the cake." (Note the food references. It must be time for lunch.)

When times were good, before the recent economic downturn, I had project work from design firms and advertising agencies, as well as three contract/retainers with client companies: one for daily work, one for a bi-monthly e-newsletter and another for a quarterly e-newsletter. Currently I have two contracts and some project work that I do directly for client companies that don't have in-house marketing departments. Although I'd like to have one more contract/retainer job, I'm liking my current arrangement because it lets me work on my crafting projects.

Today I'm creating a headband for Kendall. She has a new dress to wear to a wedding in Dallas this weekend and she needs a fashionable headpiece to complete her look. Mom to the rescue!

May 23, 2011

Still dreaming of the sweet flowers
in Santa Fe garden.

Monday morning conference call complete. Check! Now I'm focusing on two great events tonight. First, Women of Wine (WOW) Charities event at Hugo's beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sipping wines, networking with women of all ages, and raising money to help abused women. Terrific! Then, Bayou City Art Festival is making check presentations to our non-profit partners from the money we raised during the Memorial Park Festival in March. Supporting local art organizations. Awesome!

Lots of people in my prayers today! Saying prayers for the thousands of people who are suffering because of flooding and tornados. Saying prayers for Evan to find a good job. Saying prayers for a woman Mr. B works with and her family. Still saying prayers for Kendall and Nick's beagle, Kirby, who is back in surgery this morning. In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust. Psalms. 31:1.

Today I'm creating another plan for organizing my craft area. Although it's better than it was at the first of the year, it still needs lots of organizing and cleaning!

May 22, 2011

Roz sleeping on the trip back to H-town. 

Back in Houston. If only the house in Houston was as clean as the one in Santa Fe. Sounds like a project for this coming week. Mr. B and I have pledged to work on our yard in Houston during the three-day weekend. The vacation home shouldn’t look better than the main home.

Mr. B drove most of the way back to Houston. Roz likes to sleep in his lap while he’s driving. Rose is the best traveler. She jumps in the back seat and sleeps. Between my naps I read a crafting magazine from cover to cover. Lots of ideas!

Today I’m creating a calendar for the upcoming busy week. The vacation is over and it’s back to work.

May 21, 2011

Found half of a tiny blue egg shell on the
ground under the big apricot tree.

Although it’s still quite cold in Santa Fe, or at least from a Texas-girl’s perspective, there are gardening shows and exhibitions all over town this weekend. A container gardening workshop and an iris show are on my radar for today. I lead a holiday porch pot workshop in Houston in December 2010, so I’m going to enjoy the container gardening workshop in Santa Fe. The plants are certain to be very different!

Speaking of gardening, I’ve heard that because there was a strong freeze in New Mexico this year, which destroyed the buds just as they were setting, there will be no fruit on the trees this year. What? I really enjoyed preserving the apricots from our tree last summer. I was already counting how many jars of apricot preserves I would need to make this summer to give to friends during the holidays this year. Guess it’s time to rethink!

Today I’m creating a full day of fun: some shopping, gardening, cooking and final cleaning of the casita before returning to Houston. Even in the summer when I spend six-to-eight weeks here, the time goes too quickly.

May 20, 2011

A beautiful iris blooming in the Santa Fe garden. 

I managed to get in a couple hours of yard work yesterday and my back survived. I hope that small amount of physical activity makes up for some of the food I've eaten. Mr. B is a breakfast person and has made a lumberjack breakfast every morning we've been here. Being the obedient spouse that I am (ha!), I've eaten bacon, toast and either eggs or cereal and berries every morning. All that food first thing in the day makes me sleepy.

I got a distressing message from a friend this morning. She has worked for a company in Dallas for a little more than a decade. This job seemed like a match made in heaven for her, but she wrote me, "I guess I aged out." It's shocking to me because she's 11-12 years my junior. What's with the business world that experience and dedication no longer matter? Is it only in the creative fields that this happens? So many of my friends in their 40s and 50s are being cast aside. I know my friend in Dallas will be fine after the initial shock. She has a great attitude and will always find success in her journeys!


Today I'm creating more magic in the garden. I'm hoping to find time either today or tomorrow to visit a few of my favorite spots where I find vintage fabrics.

May 19, 2011

Little Roz is ready to snuggle under a blanket.

I can't believe that it's snowing in Santa Fe. Sweet little snow flakes are falling, but not sticking to the ground. It was about 37 degrees last night. Today the temperature is supposed to be in the low 50s and back down to the mid-30s tonight. Burrrrrrr!

I brought two work projects with me to finish in Santa Fe. I'm proud to say that I completed both yesterday. Last night I was thinking about the yard work that needs to happen here, but I'm not sure today will be a good day for gardening. It's amazing that the garden can be so beautiful in the summer, spend months covered in snow, and then be beautiful again the following summer. Right now there are a few flowers starting to bloom, but most of the garden is still brown.

Today I'm creating a clean casita. The casita doesn't have dust bunnies like Miss Haversham's in Great Expectations, but dusting is in order. Any other English Lit majors who remember Pip, Estella and Miss Haversham?

May 18, 2011

Pettita Casita!

Hola! It's a beautiful day in Santa Fe, NM. Mr. B, Roz, Rose and I made the drive yesterday and are now relaxing. Or at least some of us are taking it easy. Mr. B was on the computer fairly early checking his emails and moaning. The dogs and I slept in. Good for us! Once I finish watching All My Children I plan to get moving.

We have dinner plans tomorrow with our friends, "The Richards." Richard Anderson is the Realtor who sold us the house in Santa Fe and we have remained friends. His partner is also named Richard, so we refer to them collectively as The Richards. They have a house in Eldorado (about a 30 minute drive) with the most beautiful garden and that's where we'll have dinner. Fortunately they have a covered patio and a fire pit. Last night when we arrived here the temperature was 47 degrees. Burr!

Today I'm creating a flier. Have computer, will travel and work. The flier will take about an hour or two, and then I think I'll cook Mexican food for dinner. When in Rome ...

May 17, 2011

Today, Mr. B and I are heading to the high desert with Roz and Rose. I know I’m supposed to love people (Mr. B, Evan, Kendall, Nick, other family and so many friends) and not things/material possessions, but is it OK to really, really like Pettita Casita? I hope so! 

In these difficult times, Mr. B and I have discussed selling our Santa Fe getaway. It’s VERY expensive to have a second home that’s out of state! As a Texas girl through and through, I never thought I’d have a home outside of The Loop, outside of Houston, much less outside of the great State of Texas, but I so enjoy the high desert. Unfortunately, Mr. B is correct. It would be so much less expensive to visit Santa Fe several times a year without owning property. Work full time and have a house out of state, or retire and rent out of state and travel out of the country. So much to ponder!

Today I’m creating a newsletter for a client (it must be Tuesday and I must be in my client’s office). Then Mr. B, the doggies and I are heading to Santa Fe. It’s so calming there and I can’t wait to get to Santa Fe! If you’ve never been there, you may not understand the relaxing nature of the Land of Enchantment! My wish for all of you is that you get to experience this magical place!

May 16, 2011

I took the weekend off from my blog ... did you miss me?

Flowers from Saturday night's dinner party.

Mr. B and I had an amazing time Friday night at the art benefit. One of the best gala dinners served inside a beautifully decorated tent. It was a 1970s theme and the music was great! I had a fun time dancing with girlfriends. Which brings the following question to mind – why don't men like to dance?

Saturday night Mr. B and I had friends at the house for dinner. I put short ribs in the crock pot first thing in the morning and let them cook all day. They were literally falling-off-the-bone good. Both Mr. B and I really enjoy have small groups to the house for dinner.

Today I'm creating a magazine article and writing an invitation and agenda. Then tomorrow, Mr. B and I are heading to the high desert for the rest of the week. Can't wait to get to Pettita Casita. It has been almost four months since we've been there. Time for some cleaning, gardening and relaxing (maybe not in that order).

May 12, 2011

I'm getting ready to take Roz and Rose outside for a walk. While they walk and take care of some "business," I'll be doing a rain dance. Who's with me?

Mr. B requested that I write a funny blog today. He told me someone he likes and respects very much, someone who reads my blogs every day, needs a good laugh. Although I always try to obey Mr. B, I just can't think of anything funny to write today. Instead, I'm sending a great big soothing hug across the airwaves, and three comforting words to remember: Change brings growth!

Today I'm creating some afternoon time to work on strategic planning for Bayou City Art Festival. You see, it's not only my family and friends who are going through transitions, it's also organizations I work with. As Billy Crystal said: Change is such hard work!

May 13, 2011

Painted my toes silver to match my fun sandals.

Not sure what happened to yesterday's blog. Blogger was having a problem earlier today, which is why I haven't posted yet. A notice said Blogger would recover any missing blogs, but not so (yet).

I've been having a busy day. I started at the sewing machine for an hour, then moved to the computer for about two hours. A delicious and nutritious lunch with Mitzie followed and then I was off for a mani/pedi in preparation for tonight's event.  I had my toes painted silver ... very special!

Speaking of special, Kendall and Nick are overwhelmed with the generosity of family and friends. So many people have made donations to help them pay for Kirby's surgery. Such love has been expressed for the young couple and their beagle. The kind actions of so many have totally renewed my faith in people (although I've always had faith in the goodness of people).

Today I'm creating a lovely outfit to wear to the art event tonight. I've found all my accessories (everyday I wake up and thank God for my unique ability to accessorize). ;-0 I have enough time for a 45-minute nap before Mr. B arrives home. Photos tomorrow.

May 11, 2011

Once a mom, always a mom! Both girls are in turmoil and I can't fix their problems. 

Kendall and Nick's beagle, Kirby.

Kendall and Nick's beagle, Kirby, has disc problems and is in constant pain. Several attempted remedies by the vet haven't given Kirby any relief, so Nick took Kirby to a neurologist today. Kirby needs surgery that will cost $4-$5K. Kendall and Nick are devastated! Then there's Evan, who is unemployed, broke and needs to get a new bicycle because hers was stolen. Where is my magic wand when I need it? My heart is breaking for all of them!

Today I'm creating a magazine article and the text for two invitations, and trying to suppress the urge to eat a pint of ice cream. I know, I know. Eating ice cream won't improve my mood or give me super powers to fix the kid's problems. I just need to put on my big girl panties and deal with the fact that I can't or shouldn't fix everyone's problems. Maybe some retail therapy would make me feel better?

May 10, 2011

It's about 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10. I could hardly keep my eyes open a few hours ago while I was watching Dancing with the Stars, and now I can't fall asleep. I'm in the guest room so I won't disturb Mr. B's beauty rest, but he just came out of the master bedroom and yelled at me for being awake. I would have preferred a cup of hot chocolate or a relaxing back rub. But no!

I’ve always liked Meredith Vieira and am sad to read she’s leaving Today. She says her leaving has nothing to do with the health of her husband, who's battled MS and colon cancer for years. She said she wants to enjoy life and refocus on her family. Good for her! I like that she's putting family first. Maybe if Arnie, the ex-Governator of Calif., had put family first, he and Maria Shriver wouldn't be separated (I also read about that tonight).

Today I’m creating a newsletter at my client’s office before I come home and either do some yard work or housework. Neither sound like fun, but both are necessary. If I can't fall asleep soon, I won't be doing yard work or housework, but napping.

May 9, 2011

The Mother's Day chefs Nick, Evan and
Kendall posing before the bounty. 

Vitally important results from a new survey: Red wine in conjunction with chocolate makes you smarter. WOW! To my sweet Kendall, who spent five years getting her Ph.D. in developmental psychology and now works in research and analysis for HISD, if you had gotten that Ph.D. in food and beverage interaction (?), perhaps you could have done research on red wine and chocolate instead of humiliation.

But if Kendall's current career doesn't work out, she could have another one as a personal chef. She, Nick and Evan made a great Mother's Day brunch. I ate so much yesterday  that I'm still not hungry! Not to take anything away from the sous chefs Nick and Evan, but Kendall always amazes me because she isn't afraid to try new yummy recipes.

Today I'm creating a day of unexpected work. I thought it was going to be a quiet day, but I've gotten two calls this morning about projects that need to be completed today. Better get moving!

May 8, 2011

Happy Mother's Day!

Today I'm posting a picture of Marie. I don't remember how many years ago this yellow stray kitten appeared starving at our back door. But since she arrived, all Marie wants from us is food twice a day, without so much as a thank you. We've never touched her although she was purring when I stepped onto the deck this morning to snap her picture. She has been caught a couple of times but has always managed to escape the trap. So like clockwork, every Spring she delivers a litter. I catch the litters and find homes for them. Three of her offsprings that I couldn't find homes for were fixed and now occupy the backyard with their surly mom. Mr. B told me that he saw her latest litter (or at least two kittens) yesterday. Let the fun and games begin with trying to catch them.

Today I'm creating cupcakes. I just finished baking chocolate espresso cupcakes and am moving on to the champagne pear cupcakes. I can't let Evan, Kendall and Nick have all the fun cooking! Brunch is at 1:30 p.m. and I can't wait to celebrate Mother's Day with my fellow moms: Heloise (my mother-in-law), Iris and Michele (Nick's grandmother and mother) and Sherry (Kendall and Evan's stepmother).

May 7, 2011

By the time I woke up this morning (10 a.m.), Mr. B had been to breakfast with his buddy Keith, washed both cars, filled up the Explorer, and ... something else I can't remember right now. Let's see. What have I done this morning? I ate a breakfast bar, drank a Diet Coke ... and ... I guess that's it. I'm movin' kind of slow at the junction! (Anyone else remember Uncle Joe from Petticoat Junction?)

This is First Saturday in the Houston Heights and there's lots of stuff happening on 19th Street. I'd like to ride my bike down there, but first I need to get a bicycle lock. When Evan returned my bike a week ago, she didn't return the lock. What good is a bike without a lock? Maybe I'll ask the "energizer bunny" to hop out and get me a bicycle lock. Oh Mr. B ... dear ...

Today I'm creating cupcakes for Mother's Day brunch. Kendall and Nick (not sure about Evan) are cooking for everyone at Nick's grandmother's condo tomorrow. I used to take a picture with the girls on Mother's Day, but then Kendall went to grad school in Denver and Evan went to UNT in Denton. Note to self: Take camera to brunch tomorrow!

May 6, 2011

So fun to see all the photos of moms on Facebook. It's amazing how so many people look like their moms, but I'm not one of those people. Mr. B didn't even recognize my mom in the pictures I've posted of her.

Delicious Mexican food made with fresh ingredients
at Bocados - 1312 West Alabama.

Speaking of Mr. B, he and I had a muy bien cena anoche a Bocados (I hope the English translation is "very good dinner last night at Bocados" and not "I ate rusty nails at Bocados"). From the eateries website, "The word 'Bocados' is derived from the Spanish language meaning tidbits, morsels, little bites or mouthful. We pride ourselves in preparing each dish with only the freshest ingredients daily. We want everyone to feel as though they are at home when dining with us, only the food is from our kitchen." They also serve "skinny ritas," although I'm not sure what that means calorie wise. Never mind. Chips, queso and margaritas were calorie free yesterday. I should have had some queso! Since the temperature was cool outside last night, the big doors at Bocados were open, so we not only had fresh food, but also fresh air. Me gusto.


Today I'm creating another afternoon of shopping. It's day four of my search for a blouse to wear next weekend. Some of you may be wondering why I don't make my own blouse, since I sew. Good question! I haven't sewn clothing since the girls were little, and I'm not sure this is the time to try to resurrect those sewing skills.

May 5, 2011

Feliz Cinco de Mayo.

Glamour shot of Mother (third from the left)
and some of her girlfriends.

I saw a posting on my FB Wall asking everyone to change his/her profile picture to a photo of his/her mom in honor of Mother's Day. The one posted as my FB profile picture was taken when Mother was 26 years old (thanks Mr. B for scanning). I don't look anything like Mother, who had dark hair and brown eyes. The photo of Mother I'm posting today on my blog was taken in 1945 or 1946, when she was a senior in high school. (Mother is third from the left.) I've always liked this photo of Mother and her girlfriends. She said they just decided to get dressed up and have a picture made for no special occasion. Very glam!

Today I'm creating some low-cal Mexican food for dinner in honor of Cinco de Mayo. But if my housemate wants to take me out to dinner and margaritas instead, my arm can be twisted (hint,  hint). Ole.

May 4, 2011

What's going on world?

Roz, who normally spends her days hidden under the bed,
made an appearance this morning to offer fashion advice.

Late yesterday I spent a couple of hours shopping for something to wear to an upcoming event. I had a semi good, but ultimately bad experience. It was a good feeling to be down from my former size, but a bad feeling that sometimes the items in the next size down were too tight. I left the Galleria empty handed. When I got home I pulled out some evening pants and a jacket I own. They fit fairly OK in the body, but the sleeves on the jacket were very long and so was the length of the pants. Am I losing weight or shrinking in height?

Today I'm creating an appointment with a tailor to see what can be done with my evening pants and jacket. I wish I could ditch the jacket and find a silk blouse to wear with the pants, but I'm becoming my mother who would never wear sleeveless tops because she didn't like her upper arms. Somebody shoot me!

May 3, 2011

Yesterday I listened to a portion of Oprah's show. Her guests were President and Mrs. Obama. Since the show was pre-recorded last week there was no discussion about bin Linden. I'm not really sure what they were talking and laughing about because all I could think about was how many millions of dollars it must have cost the American taxpayers for President and Mrs. Obama (and their entourage) to fly Chicago for personal reasons. During a time when the U.S. economy is in the tank, wouldn’t it be more appropriate for Oprah to interview the Obamas at the White House? The last time I checked, the costs to produce Lady O's shows were paid by private advertising and not by a nation of people who are heavy in debt and overtaxed!

I do remember Mrs. Obama saying that what she admires most about her husband is his ability to keep his "eye on the prize” and stay focused on the concerns of the American people. The President readily nodded in agreement. Really? If the President was as concerned about the economy as most Americans, he wouldn't be taking a joy ride to the Winding City simply to appear on a talk show. As Mr. B constantly reminds me: ALL politicians lie and you can’t trust them. Funny, that’s the same thing he says about teenagers.

Today I'm creating a newsletter (it's Tuesday and I'll be in my client's office). Since Mr. B will be tied up with the Offshore Technology Conference until after dinner, I'm also creating a meal for myself of something he doesn't like and then watching the results show for Dancing with the Stars. Fun!

May 2, 2011

As a Christian, I'm conflicted about the killing of Osama Bin Laden. On the one hand, I'm glad such an evil person is gone. On the other hand, rejoicing a brutal slaying doesn't seem the Christian thing to do, even if Bin Laden was an evil man. Another reason for my mixed feelings may be that sadly, even though Bin Laden is dead, it doesn't bring back the people who tragically died on Sept. 11, 2001, stop the suffering of those who lost friends and family during the tragedy, or end the threat of terrorism.


There are two interesting points that come to mind about Bin Laden's death. It was announced on May 1, 1945, that Hitler — another evil man — was dead. Also, I heard Bin Laden was shot above the eye after he refused to surrender, which makes me reflect on the Biblical writing about retaliation: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand (Ex. 21:23, 24).


Today I'm creating revisions to a draft I've been working on and making an apron or two out of old floral pillowcases. 

May 1, 2011

My royal wedding hat, complete with netted
veiling, was an homage to my love of shoes, the
great State of Texas, white roses, low-heat
glue guns, and all things silly!

Here it is, the unofficial photo of me in — ta da — royal wedding headgear.  As soon as this blog is posted, I know the phone will start ringing and the calls from Phillip Treacy in London will be nonstop. His "facinators" have nothing on my themed bonnet. Still waiting on the official photo of my hat to be downloaded from Mitzie's camera so – hold onto your hats – there's more excitement to come.

Mr. B and I went to a fabulous home concert last night. The highly entertaining Sarah Hickman performed. Guitarist. Singer/songwriter. Comedian. She's too fun! Her performance was benefiting Houston Achievement Place.

Then we went to a multi-layered celebration at some friends' home. They were celebrating his 60th birthday, their first wedding anniversary and the spectacular remodeling of their home. I spent more than an hour sitting pool side talking with girlfriends and wishing there was a refreshing "cement pond" in the Pettit backyard. Ended the evening walking down the street with a sparkler in each hand, humming "Hail Britannia." Oh those nutty Brits and their catchy tunes!

Today I'm creating a turkey and cheese sandwich before setting out on a bike ride. Daughter #2 Evan returned my bike, which she had for more than two months. I wonder when she'll be returning the bike lock?