Thanksgiving

It's the day after Thanksgiving, and if there is such a thing as a 

gratitude hangover....I have it.

I think it is wonderful to have a day to stop...

and take note of all the things we are grateful/ thankful for !

I think we ought to do it on a regular basis.

playing

Sometimes we get too caught up in the busyness of it all...

we try to cram to much into one day...

and we stress about everything being perfect.

We get upset with a family member for being themselves...

or we get down on our selves because we think we have 

fallen short of our own lofty expectations.

I know...therefore I speak. 

However...

at the end of the day...

when you really stop and take it all in...

we see that we are all perfect

in our own fabulous, jacked-up ways.

So lets laugh at ourselves.

Love ourselves & others.

Take delight in the unbelievably good, bad, crazy wonder of it all.

I am thankful and grateful 

for every bit of it.

*loving...

some of the crazy weird stories that are birthed at Thanksgiving

laughing over inside jokes

Brandon's laugh

Mom being mom

hubby's patience and understanding.

his willingness to try new things.

family being together

mimosas

that regardless of all the trash we hear....most people are still nice...and kind...and thoughtful.

Happy day after Thanksgiving !!

XOXO 

Big Wheel

What's better than getting out and enjoying the, I-can't-believe-it's-70-in-February-moments ?

The, OMG-YES !!! moments.

*loving...

  The kindness of strangers,

, fabulous February weather,

 being spontaneous and silly sometimes :) 

XOXO

Branson

Over the weekend we spent some time in Branson.

Gary was invited to attend some meetings, 
and it was a chance to get away.
We pondered the idea for less than a minute.
Time away is a luxury for us.

We walked along the boardwalk

savoring the live entertainment, and watching the people.

Young and old alike,were bouncing, swaying, 

and moving to the rhythm of the beat.

Some were really feeling it ! 

They just let go ! They were enjoying themselves ! I love that !! :)

Fountains gurgled and filled the air with a fine mist..

Splashes of color were reflecting off the water and dancing in the night.

Walking under the full moon & holding hands.

Sharing thoughts with my man...stealing little kisses every so often...

yeah ! It was dreamy ! *love

Saturday was a gorgeous day !

I had an appetite to explore and a

do-whatever-I -want-day !

With my camera thrown over my shoulder, 

and a few "essentials" 

I set out afoot, to investigate the territory.

I love old buildings and the rustic charm of downtown.

The candy store lured me in.

It wasn't because of my addiction for sugar...

but for the spark of imagination that

was triggered by the timeworn floor.

My mind wandered in thought.

What activities had garnished and chipped away at that one spot ?

If only the floors could share their story...

I tucked away into a couple of Flea markets.
Normally clutter makes me a little wonky...
but the jumble of antiques and keepsakes just beckoned 
my curious explorer side
to ...
well...explore ! :)

I discovered a few gems reminding me of my childhood.
Little finds that ignited memories of simpler times.
Games, dishes, music... all pulling at my nostalgic heart strings.
Bringing up thoughts of Grandparents, family, and  home. 

The strumming of a guitar and a gentle country tune

mingled with the gentle Summer breeze and the small town charm

warmed my spirit...

like a little God *hug.

I fumbled in my bag for something to give the entertainer.

I wanted him to know that he didn't go unnoticed.

I think the world would be a happier place

if more more people would stop and listen to the music...

appreciate the colors...

and delight in the simple things.

Bask in the gloriousness

of it all.

Be in the moment.

Let your mind wander.

Take time to escape routine,

and dream.

A little get away was like a salve to my weary soul.

A perfect combination of time alone to quench my wanderlust...

and time to have fun and  flip over my husband.

It was  just the fuel I needed !

XOXO