That's Amore'....

 Last night we hauled our cookies out to Armada! for a dinner date with friends that we haven't seen in a long while.  Life just somehow gets in the way of friendships but they reached out to us to keep it alive.  Hugs.

We entered down a long, tree lined driveway to a house that is anyone's dream.  Not just because it is amazing and filled with unique pieces, but because it is filled with love.  This warm home was built solely with a family in mind.  And that's the best 'design.'

The children greeted us in the familial Italian way with hugs and kisses and the Mr. and Mrs.  They were sweet, darling and engaged with us in indulgent conversation.  The wine and food were succulent as I knew it would be.  Roseann is the ultimate chef and dinner hostess and we ate-and drank until stuffed.  She also sent me out with a generous carryout that I can't wait to tuck into.  

I loved catching up with the Strong Patriarch, The R.N. Matriarch, The Bookworm!, The Lover, The Student and The Golfer.  And the Doodle doggo-can't forget him!  The respect, warmth and love of this family was as tangible and strong as the garlic in our delicious mussels.

Big thanks to the Cipriano's for sharing their world with us.  You all are amazing and remind me of all of life's best things.

Love and friendship forever.  XOXO

As I Wander...

 Is the universe trying to tell me something?  Dream along with me...

On a single day during two separate beach walks, I happened upon not one, but two dolls that I rescued from the waves.  What on earth?

To start with, one doll is a blond mermaid-Me, and the other is a wild haired redhead-my sister, Lisa!  Now I don't know if there is some odd doll symbolism I don't know about, but you must admit that this is a strange thing.  If you, DO know of a cosmic reason that explains two dolls that look like my sister and I, appearing in my path-please let me know!

As a child, other that a brief Barbie faze, I did not really play with dolls.  I loved her clothes but the real fun was creating her 'car' from a Kleenex box or her 'condo' from a larger box.  Since her body was rubber and rather sticky and hard to dress, you could see my Barbie driving her custom Kleenex box car dressed only in spike heeled slides and a feather boa. Clearly, the creative part of playing was my gig.

So, I wonder....Anscestry.com has my DNA on file so if  by chance there is a granddaughter or maybe another sister searching for me, there is a chance that they can find me.  Maybe she is currently sailing over from Norway, trying to find me.  What if!!

Have a dreamy fall, y'all. XO

Goodnight Sweetheart...

 Yesterday morning while on a beachwalk, I saw an orange leaf.  There was a nip in the air and I had to grab a sweatshirt. Yep, in the usual fashion, Memorial Day to Labor Day has sped by in a minute.  What's that saying?  The days are slow (thank God!) but the years are fast.  No complaints though, as the weather the past months were nothing short of perfection.  Our first summer in the new beachhouse was just as we imagined-sundrenched and lazy.  Fall will find me in the hammock with a blanket and a book, watching more leaves change color.

Last night we were treated to dinner at Vivienne's house.  No world stress, as we created a stepping stone for her garden.  We took baby brother to the swing set and watched his little face light up with glee as he sailed through the air.  We colored with some new-fangled (to me anyways) paint crayons and were pleased with our masterpieces.  After our dinner, bedtime hugs and kisses gave way to Vivi's dreams of kindergarten, which starts today. 

Thank you to Tom, Kara, Vivienne and Sebastien for the wonderful evening.  But especially Vivi who schooled me in living in the moment.  Through the eyes of a child, you get to be the most creative, the most athletic and the most artistic.  And I dare someone to tell us differently!  

P.S.  Shout out to birthday wishes to two of the best-Dayna and Gayle.  Have a day as wonderful as you are with all the good 'feels.'  XOXO 

Only a Shadow...

 

 I have never been a 'joiner.'  Other than the gym, I cannot seem to commit to a club or organization or even a class-long term.  I remember in High School loving to ski with the group once a week all winter, BUT I just couldn't get on the bus and join the others.  What if I didn't feel like it that week?  Who do I have to excuse to?  So, I forfeited the group discount and drove myself to the hill and met up with the gang.  My timing, my control.  And if I didn't feel like conditions weren't good enough for me to doll up and go, I could stay home and sip my hot chocolate.

I once took a tile making class put on by Pewabic Pottery.  I have long admired their work and was very excited to learn how to make tiles.  BUT...every Thursday afternoon, I would get a sick feeling in my stomach and dread going.  The ridiculous thing about it is, that I loved doing it-just hated the 8 week commitment.  

I also joined Families Against Narcotics a few years ago.  I stated right up front that although I loved the work they were doing, I wasn't sure I could commit to all the meetings.  I did for a few years, but now I am way happier in the background, doing things on my own time table.   So much more comfortable for me.

When I mentioned this feeling  to my therapist, she informed me that my fear of commitment is actually a bit of anxiety.  What??  Fear of going to do the things that I love.  Now that's screwed up!

So my big news is that I've joined a book club. Online!  How perfectly perfect!  All the fun without the commitment. No tummy aches as I click on whenever I'm ready. Thank you Allison, for the push I needed.

Now if I could just follow through and commit to those white strips!  (baby steps, baby steps!)  XOXO

Beachin'

 The first annual (we hope!) Dale/Adams Beach Bash happened on this past Saturday.  Three car and truck loads of Adams' came rollin' down the hill to set up for the day.  And what a day it was!  Out came the coolers and lawn chairs, the beach games and the Maui Mat.  The wave runners were launched and ready to play.  The stereo was set up. Beer and snacks found their way to coozies and bowls. 

And what a bash it was!  The waves settled down and the sky was a gorgeous blue.  Lake Huron has never been warmer-thank goodness or you wouldn't have found galpal Shannon and I floating on the Maui Mat!  After a long, sun drenched day, we feasted on pulled pork sliders with coleslaw, cowboy beans and cheesy potatoes.  And hot, gooey double chocolate brownies.

The day ended with sunkissed skin and the bonds of friendship being even further strengthened.  Such a sweet way to de-stress, decompress and enjoy simple things like sun, water, sand, food and drink, and good company.  

The beach is and will always be my medicine, my meditation as well as my happy place.  Thanks to the Adams family for bringing the party.  Y'all are the BEST!  XO

You Sad...

 Often, here at the jspot, I try to keep thinks frivolous and fun....BUT lately, I am finding it very difficult to stay positive while the negativity is rampant!

I am complying with the mask thing-but I honestly hate it.  I also hate how every day more doubts about the effectiveness comes to light.   Can I just hear some simple truth?  The numbers are just too subjective for me to believe.  It's a virus that will never go away.  Period.

I hate that our children will not be able to have a 'normal' educational experience.  We have created a culture of fear and robbed them of their carefree childhoods.  It's so sad.  It's awful that some of our favorite stores and restaurants will not survive.  Family businesses that will just be gone.  Depression, suicide, domestic violence, human trafficking, drug abuse-all by products of this situation.

I hate the rioting and looting and I don't care what the reason is for it.  Lives and people's livelihoods are ruined for no good reason.  Violence never solves anything and I can't believe this behavior that even an animal wouldn't do!  

I am sick to death of the political scene.  I believe the actual 'scene' is as it ever was but I hate that we cannot handle differences in opinions.  Name calling and ridiculing candidates is just bullying in it's basic form.  We all have different lives and different circumstances that make us choose our political affiliations.  And that's okay, but an we please just be respectful?  Golden rule applies once again!

Generally speaking, it seems that respect is an old fashioned notion.  No respect for anyone or anyone's property.  Judgement for everyone!  Division and entitlement!  Self-righteousness and indignation!  

And I HATE it.  Please, if you do not have anything constructive to say-please shut up.  You know what they say about opinions!  Be kind during these trying times.  XOXO

Freestyle...

As a high school student, I specialized in Art and Physical Education.  Shock, right!  I took every available class in both subjects from pottery to square dancing.  And I loved it.  I once did a mixed media piece that hung in the art department for years-one of my crowning life achievements.  I was passable in all artistic endeavors but not really outstanding in any of them.  I still have and art and craft supply cache with everything from oils and canvas to mosaics and clay.  I love to create-even if it's mediocre.  It provides a mindless escape.  That said, it's not too much of a stretch that I also love to paint walls and change mine up often.  On vacation, I haunt the galleries and admire all the fabulous and varied art and am always inspired by the vision and talent. 

  Sooo...this giant lead up and bit of history brings me to this past weekend when brother-in-law extraordinaire Mark needed his hunting blind painted. I was all in.  What else would I be doing on a hot August day?  The above pic shows me about to detail what I hope looks like an autumn sky in a heavily wooded area.  It was so satisfying and I loved it!  Most importantly, Mark was satisfied!

Lately I've been interested in taking an art appreciation course.  (Online of course-I have serious commitment issues!)  And I wish I could make what I see in my mind translate better to my canvas, but until then I'll just be happy painting walls and the random hunting blind.  

Happy August, Dollfriends and remember Earth without 'art' is just eh!   XOXO