The End of Summer

It's a quiet morning on the golf course. The overcast weather fits my mood. With only two weeks to go before school starts, my heart hurts every time I think about having to leave Grandma's house. I'm not sure if it is the house I have grown to love...or the laid back schedule. All I know is that the thought of waking up at 6:20 every morning and doing the "school routine" makes me want to crawl back into bed in a fetal position...

But there are still a couple of weeks to go and I will focus on the fact that we are headed to the beach this week for one last fling. We have a short stop-off on the way, because the boy is playing in yet one more baseball tournament...but the pressure is low in this one...and then we are on our way to the beach...

The Boy has been in weight and work out training this week. He was walking around last night, stiff as a broom, declaring "I can't feel any part of my body", yet he was till capable showing his arms to everyone we saw and asking them to "take a look at these guns"...As he crawled into bed last night, he asked "Can I please sleep late in the morning?"...and Little One chimed in in agreement...so I get peace and quiet this morning....and all of the morning chores...but it is a fair trade off.

Today was meant to be a review of some beauty products that were tried and either loved or hated, but I am going to have to save that for later. I normally don't blog on weekends, but since this one will find me spending several hours in a car, I may go ahead and "weekend blog".

This morning, there are uniforms to wash and bags to pack...and rooms to say good-bye to...because when we return from the beach, we will be back home to try and get into some kind of "school mode". So this morning as I drink my coffee and wait for the first of the golfers to reach the 9th hole, I will say a prayer of thanks that this is where I got to wake up most mornings this summer. A few streets from Big Sister, a few minutes from The Husband's office, ....and sitting in this lovely room where writing has been a joy...

So until later today or this weekend...when I will discuss the fact that I ran out of Flirty Mango shaving cream and gave the Alba Organics a try....

Jenna's Picks for Fall

Ok, so in continuation of yesterday, J Crew's Jenna says that this fall is all about the mix. Tomboy references with feminine flourishes. And pile on the jewelry. (This will please Big Sister who is creating new jewelry designs as we speak...she has also discovered the fine art of "copying" high end at low end prices...)

Jenna's first pick is the Schoolboy blazer. I love this little jacket, tailored slightly with bold gold buttons. I can see it with pencil skirts and jeans...and everything in between. It's $189 because it is well-cut and wool flannel...but the upside is you would have it for years. Definitely a classic item, not trend.

Second pick is the silk strapless evening dress. At $158, it's reasonably priced for silk...but for fall and winter, you would definitely have to wear some sort of little jacket over it. And I love strapless, but it means you had better be working out those arms if you are going to brave it in the winter without a tan...

Third...merino cardigan. I love this little sweater...$68...fine material..slightly gathered in the middle which is really flattering...a nice length...dressy or casual...(in fact, it would work paired with pick #2)

Fourth. Skinny tortoise patent-leather belt. These skinny belts are definitely trend items, but at $39.50, it's not a bad buy. You could wrap it around the cardigan, belt it through jeans...or use it over your favorite LBD for a funky look. I would buy this in a minute...

Number 5...Crystal necklace...It ties with a ribbon...and it has a definite victorian feel to it...I can see it looking great with a white t-shirt and skirt....but at $98, I think it is over-priced, because it will be "out" next year. $98 jewelry needs to be more classic in my modest and budget-minded opinion...

Sixth...Golden-orb Ring....$50...and lovely..faux pearls and gold beads....an eye-catcher...trendy, but not so much that you couldn't mix it with other things...

Seven...jeweled garland bracelet....again, interesting and trendy, but $95....and so busy that you would have to wear it with something simple...and then leave it in the drawer for awhile before the next wear.

Eight...Oh the Lexi tote...a gorgeous smooth leather bag with tassled pieces and a long skinny strap in the most gorgeous color of light, light lavender that you can imagine...I will keep watching the sale section for this one...because at $325...it is probably worth it for the quality, but too much for me...

Nine...my favorite on the list....Nottinghill Ankle boots...$250...classic...stylish, yet understated,..moderate heel....I will be staring at them all fall...

And finally, #10...Vintage matchstick cords...I love them....soft cordorouy in pretty pastel colors...paired with the schoolboy blazer they would be perfect....The fit on these are a little tricky, but they are worth the extra time on the treadmill. At $79.50, they aren't a steal...but the material is a step above the norm...


So that's it for today...as I said yesterday, half of the fun of this catalogue is the layout and styling...but I will also say that most of the time, the stuff looks just as good, if not better, in the dressing room.

And until tomorrow, when we stay on the subject of fashion and beauty products...and do a quick update on what has worked...and what hasn't....

On Dream Jobs and J Crew

Several years back, when I was in working-mom mode, my official title was Director of Retail/Buyer. The core duties of this job included doing the buying for several shops at a resort, and staffing and managing each shop. But my favorite part of the job was the merchandising. This was my love. It was actually the part of the job that I could have hired out...and I did a few times, borrowing the talents of a couple of girls from Crate and Barrel...but all in all, I took this part of the job on out of sheer enjoyment.

When The Boy was a baby, I would tuck him in his little papoose, and head to one of the shops either before of after hours to merchandise. I'd often bring with me my rip sheets from magazines...ideas about a story or scene I wanted to create...and I would work for hours trying to create the picture I had in my mind. Often times on buying trips to New York, I would spend hours window shopping (especially at Saks) to gather ideas. The windows at Saks are true masterpieces...especially at holiday time. One glance at them, and you immediately want to enter the store. This is the mark of terrific merchandising....the ability to tell a story and get your customer to understand it and buy into it.

Yesterday, my beloved J Crew catalogue arrived. I had been expecting it because Beloved Niece had warned me that it was out. She and I share a love for anything and everything J Crew. When the catalogue arrives, I generally stare at the cover for a few hours before I let myself open it. You see, this catalogue is a merchandiser's dream. Whoever styles it is brilliant. After all these years...my dream job would be to merchandise the J Crew catalogue. It's a lofty dream...but one that makes me happy...and also gives me ideas to write about...a winning combination.

The catalogue has come up with a page called "Jenna's Picks". Jenna is suppose to be a style editor who picks 10 or so items that she deems "important for the season" I happen to know that Jenna actually exists, because I read an article about her in Vogue. Jenna has my dream job. Not only does she pick the items, but she puts them together in a creative way...and then picks a location to photograph them in order to create her story. This season's story takes place on the beach in California. It all has a very victorian/cozy yet modern/ vibe.

With apologies to my male readers, and anyone who hates this sort of thing...we will spend tomorrow analyzing Jenna's picks for fall. Because this is my true love...and if i can't actually do it...then I can at least write about it.

I would also like to add that Big Sister has inherited similar genes, because the key to many of her sales on www.thelittlejewelrybox.blogspot.com, is her ability to tell a fashion story...

So until tomorrow, when I we will take a stroll through the catalogue and see what we wish we were buying for fall...

On Eating Paper and Wrting Letters

We left off yesterday discussing the art of flirtation as it relates to eating paper. The Boy was treated to a late birthday extravaganza last night by Big Sister and SIL (son-in-law). This included dinner, sports, a movie and a spend-the-night. As he hopped in her car, she asked if he had read my blog for the day. "Nope, not today. What is it about?" ....""Eating paper to impress the girls!" she replied. I had to remind him of the reference, and he burst out "Mom!! Why did you write that?" But the goofy smile was intact. So today, I feel compelled to say that The Boy's technique has grown and matured...instead of eating paper now, he is more likely to subtley let someone know how many games he won pitching, or how many home runs he hit. Maybe not as visual...but surely as effective...

When I was 10, I began a 2 year- long crush on a boy named John Cannon. He had blond hair, cut in a bowl cut...and he was what was referred to as a "hood". Looking back, I'm not positive about what this meant, except that it had to do with the fact that he wore a jean jacket everyday, and if offered a cigarette, he probably accepted. Now I never spoke a word to him...ever...so I do not believe there was any flirtation involved, unless you count staring at him on the school bus.

My first encounter with The Husband was typical Husband. He walked up to me at work one day...we had never formally met....and he asked if I wanted to attend a work function with him that evening . He was carrying a tux over his arm...and one of his co-workers had just scuttled upstairs giggling in an evening dress. "Don't you already have date?" I asked. "Yeah, but she doesn't really want to go." .....Well, it didn't look like that to me. So I politely declined, explaining that it was too late to find a sitter. The Husband's eyebrows rose at this comment, because this was a little tidbit of information he had not known, but he recovered enough to ask if we could attend another "work function" the next night. I accepted this offer....and the rest is history...albeit an interesting history...but the subject for a whole 'nother blog. The point is, The Husband is being honest when he says he does not flirt...it is just not in his genetic makeup. He orders, he commands, he yells...but he doesn't flirt.

Big Sister smiles and blushes, so any attempt to flirt would have been counter-productive. She is sincere and sensitive...not really a game-player, unless you count stalking...and that is the story for another blog, too.

Little One has written lovely flirtatious letters over the past few years, but I have had to intercept them, because lines like "You are just adorable" or "I could kiss you" seem good on paper, but they might come back to haunt her...

The Rebel (who I am working on another nickname for) is really the only flirt in the family. She can bat her eyes with the best of them...all the while shooting pool and singing karaoke. There was a whole episode with a Russian boy that backs up this assertion...but no time today to explain...

So until tomorrow, when memories of love and flirtation continue to make us smile...and I get closer to a few days at the beach....

On The Art of Flirtation...and Whether or not That Involves Eating Paper

I was watching the trailer for the movie Julia and Julie over the weekend. It was such a good book, and I was thinking about how my blog motives are similar. Not that I expect a movie to be made from my humble blog, but I always had the idea that after a year or so, I could put together kind of a "best of" selection and publish a book called "My Year in Blog". I guess that means I have several months to go...unless I decide to quit again...

The difficult thing about writing this blog is trying to balance privacy and truth. I have to pass up so many good stories because it would just be a total violation of my family's (Husband's) privacy...so often I am left with the watered-down version...

As previously stated, last week we kept the center-fielder from The Boy's baseball team for the week. This was done for several reasons..mostly convenience...but he was just a joy to have. He pitched in with chores, minded his manners, and participated in everything. But the most interesting part of his stay was the reaction of Little One. Now anyone who knows Little One knows that she barely speaks outside the family. Inside these walls...total pill, but outside, really shy. So imagine my surprise when she walks into the family room one night last week and asks The Boy and Center-fielder..let's call him X for short, to vote on which pitching motion she should use. The Boy was watching the Braves game, so he ignored her. But X, being the nice kid he is, pretended to be totally mesmerized by her pitching motion...he even voted on his favorite.
At first, I thought this was just the Little One respecting the opinion of X. Afterall, he is quite a good player, and I figured she viewed him as an expert opinion. However, the next morning, when she walked out of her bedroom with her hair brushed for the first time in history...it dawned on me that perhaps it was something else...

Last year, at Little One's end-of-the-year basketball party, The Boy entertained the girls with his antics. He had been a quasi-coach all year, and being 2 years older than them, he took on an air of both superiority and condescension. However, at his party, both Boy and team seem to let their hair down...and before I knew it, The Boy was eating his napkin in order to impress...kind of like a peacock and his feathers....This was a technique I had never seen...and so I asked The Husband if he had also used the "Paper-eating" flirt technique. The Husband reminded me that he had never flirted in his life...and I had to agree with him. He is much to blunt for flirting.

I grew up with 3 brothers, so I never flirted either. Every male I have ever met is just a "brother extension"....I would say that the closest I ever got to flirting was complete silence.

When I discussed this with Big Sister, she reminded me that she was not a flirt, but that her little sister (who I am no longer referring to as The Rebel), was and is the Queen of Flirt. I had to agree with that. Though I had never witnessed her eating paper to impress...I have seen her put on a pretty good show.

I have to wrap up for today...so until tomorrow, when we will continue the discussion about the art of flirting...and whether or not it includes eating paper...

The Fat Lady Has Sung

And so it was over. We came, we played, we lost. In the end, I think we were the better team, but they had had 3 days of rest, and we had played 3 nail-biter games. It showed. The effort and desire were there, but not enough. The final score was 5-3.

There is always drama in Little League and this year was no exception. Last year, I wrote an essay for the local paper detailing our Little league experience. I waited about a month after everything was over to write it in order to regain perspective. The article came out in October, and by that time. it was easy to focus on the fact that we had had a great group of boys, a wise and wonderful head coach, and a good group of parents. I'm hoping that this year will be the same. I'm hoping that time will fade the memories of bad attitudes, embarrassing displays of disrespect...and the following silence that ensued.

The Boy was disheartened on the long car ride home last night. He had played well defensively, but his bat had been silent. He asked for the video camera (The Husband always tapes his "at bats") so he could review his game. The Husband joked that "there isn't much to see", but The Boy made me proud by responding "Well, let me see what I should have done differently". I listened to his comments, and was surprised to hear The Boy, who like his mom, will defend anyone, lash out. "I'm sick of ......." he began. "He made us look bad. He made us feel bad. I'm just sick of him." And at that moment, I too felt that way. But somewhere in my heart, I tried to remind myself that these are children...and compassion and forgiveness must always come into play. After three games of watching bats slam, helmets thrown and disrespectful words fly...there was very little sympathy to be found anywhere. A collective group of parents and players shook their head in disbelief and hung heads in shame, because it is one thing to lose, but another thing all together to play like a "loser".

But hey, as I said, bad memories tend to soften and fade. By next month, I will be able to focus on the fact that The Boy had a great season. I will remember this as the year that he learned what it takes to be a player. I will remember that he did his push ups nightly to get stronger, hit his hurricane daily to hit better, and asked The Husband to throw with him daily. I will also remember the player who broke his arm in district play, yet showed up at every practice and game to help and cheer his team on. I will remember the fact that The Husband continues to amaze me by devoting so much time and effort to helping The Boy...and other boys. I will remember getting to know one player in particular whose raw talent was amazing, but whose attitude and effort was even more impressive. And I will remember for the most part, a terrific group of parents who loved and supported their boys...

And so that does it for the week...and for baseball...at least until the fall. I am thankful, yet sad, to have no uniforms to wash. I am thankful, yet sad, to have no extra players in my house to feed and care for. I am thankful, yet sad, to have no long drive to make tonight. And I am thankful, yet sad, that a trip to the beach now looks possible...

So until next week, when we will finally be able to discuss crushes and love and flirtation at it's best...

Lessons We Learn

I was glad to sleep in my own bed last night. After another barn-burner (win) of a game Tuesday night, The Husband and I have agreed that our hearts and nerves cannot take much more. We decided to stay at a nearby hotel that night since we played the next day. This was meant to give us more sleep...or not. The Boy and Center fielder had to sleep alone in the adjoining room. This thrilled them, but not me. The Boy is fairly responsible and reliable...but he is 12...and 12 is 12. So when The Husband told them that ESPN had to be turned off at 12:15, (and then he promptly fell asleep), I had to lay awake and pray for silence. At 12:30, just as I was nodding off (with sqirmy Little One beside me), I heard a burst of laughter which I quickly recognized as The Boy. I quickly dressed and stomped next door, pounding on the door. He opened up, and the lights and TV were indeed off. "What is going On?" I demanded. Giggles errupted from within, while he explained that Center fielder had tried to maneuver to the bathroom in the dark, only to trip over the bed and fall splat on the floor. Ok, I explained...but since you are surrounded by sleeping parents...go to sleep. And they did...so until 5:30 in the morning, when a team of 5/6 year old players ran up and down the hall screaming, we slept....

After a day of trying to keep 12 12 year olds quiet and entertained, we returned to the ballpark in hopes of having an easier game. We were playing one of the "weaker" teams, but we, too, were out of pitching. It was not a pretty game. More like football than baseball. The Boy was hit twice at the plate, and at first, a ground ball took a bad hop and knocked him in the face. When I saw him spit, I thought it was a tooth, but luckily, he was sore, but ok. We were up by 2 in the last inning, but the cards were not with us, and we lost. The Boy had another homerun...and we had some good plays scattered throughout, but we were tired...and gave up too many walks.

So tonight we head back to play in the semi-finals...and who knows what the outcome will be. It has been a long season, full of excitement and fun. But lessons have been learned too. The Boy continues to learn how to improve and endure. The Husband has learned patience under fire. Little One has learned that the ballpark can be boring with no friends, so you have to bring your own ball and start a game...and new friends will flock to you. And me...I have learned that the best part of my season came before yesterday's game when The Boy came up from behind and gave me a hug...and a kiss...and said he loved me. I had to go into the dirty restroom and sob in a stall for a moment, because I was reminded again of what is important and what is not. There are moments of clarity in life...and this was one. I wanted to win the game...but the big picture was so much clearer.

As a sidebar here, I have to say one thing. These boys are still growing and learning. Moments of immaturity are to be expected... But as parents, we have to expect kindness and courage and grace. If we allow them to throw bats, yell at fellow players, and disrespect coaches...all in the name of "competitive spirit", then we do them a dis-service. The old adage, "It's not if you win or lose, it's how you play the game" surely comes in to play. The Boy knows that regardless of what happens, he is to carry himself with grace and kindness. I remind him to treat others the way he wants to be treated. Ok...lecture over for the day.

So we head down again tonight to the ball park...and win or lose...it has been an amazing season, full of friends and family and fun...

And until tomorrow, when I promise to eventually get back to more "romantic" matters...but first things first....

It Doesn't Matter If You Win or Lose...Ok, Maybe It Does...

You'll have to bear with me here. I really want to write about the love in the air, and the art of flirtation from different viewpoints...but it has to wait. Because the object of said flirtation is still with us, and writing about it at this point might be embarrassing to all parties...I hope that is sufficiently explanatory yet enticing...

I spent the weekend in Warner Robbins with Little one and her team. They lost both games of their softball tournament...and to say it was not close would be the understatement of the century. In fact, Little One has demanded that I keep the score in a locked vault somewhere and never reveal it to anyone. She played very well...a great hit and some good pitching. But unfortunately the other teams were just ...better. She called me over to the dugout halfway through the second game and declared...We Stink!!....I rambled on about "learning experiences" and "good attitudes"...But Little One just gave me the look that only she can give and replied..."We Stink!"

The Boy's team also lost Saturday. They were up 6-0 thanks to a homer by the boy...but with each call I got, the news got worse and worse. In the end. they lost by 1 in the 8th...a real heart-breaker.

Last night was a different story though. the Boy pitched...and listen...just in case one gets the impression from this blog that The Boy wins these games by himself...let me clear that up. It was a true team effort...and they really hung in there until the end, coming back from behind in hero-like fashion. BUT, The Boy pitched a beautiful game...and he did put them back ahead with a 2 run homer...that is a proud mother's right to reveal in her own blog, right??

This morning, The Boy and the center-fielder still sleep, as does the Little One. And as I enjoy my coffee and silence, I revel in the fact that all is good with the world. The Boy is happy and excited, Little one has recovered enough to cheer for him, Big Sister is a creative genius with her new jewelry line (go to www.thelittlejewelrybox.blogspot.com) and The Rebel is thriving...and I believe has earned a new title...which is the story for a whole 'nother blog.

So until the day after tomorrow, since we will spend the night away due to the late game...and hopefully the news will be as good as it was today!...

It's Not Over Till The Fat Lady Sings

I can't say I didn't enjoy waking up last Friday without the pressure of having to find a subject. The last 2 weeks have been busy, and the blog was feeling like a big weight on my shoulders...not the fun 30 minute outlet that it started off being. So I did what I often do in many situations...I possible over-reacted. The Husband was the first to question me. "Could you not just take a break? I mean, I think you are making the rules, right?" Well, he had a good point. Next was the e-mail from Big Sister. "What??? It feels like someone has died." A tad over-dramatic, but right in character. And little by little all weekend long, I received thousands of sweet notes of disappointment from all over... ok, hundreds....ok, maybe 50. But I was still feeling relieved. Until...

The Boy came in my bedroom Saturday night, visibly disturbed. "I can't believe you are a quitter. I just cannot believe it." Now this came out of the blue...I had no idea what he was talking about. ' Your blog. Why would you quit?" Well, I explained, I had just run out of things to say...and besides, I was too busy lately and it felt like a burden. "Oh come on mom...there are plenty of things to write about. You haven't even written about the All Star game...or (Little One's) All Star game." He was seriously upset. He turned and walked out shaking his head, and for the next 2 days, he continued to shake his head in disapointment at me. Finally, last night, he snuck away from his friend who was spending the night and once again pleaded with me. "Come on, mom. You just can't quit. Please." And his sweet face was so sincere that in the blink of an eye, I knew I was back...

So this morning, I am back with a fresh sense of purpose...and like a cat who has nine lives...I am aware that since I have "quit" twice now, I only have 7 left. I am giving myself a new rule. If I have nothing to say...then I won't say anything. This means I may post twice a day during "interesting times" or not at all for a couple of days. I already feel a little less pressure...

And so until tomorrow, when I am back with a vengeance due to some happenings over the weekend. There is love in air around our house...yet I must find a way to discuss it discreetly...

All Good Things Must Come To An End

I think 110 is the magic number. After several months and 109 posts, I think it's time to end the blog. It's been a lot of fun writing it, but it's time to get back to work.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to read and follow and comment. You all have made my day so many times. But I think at this point, I have said all I have to say.

For those of you who know me, I'm not going anywhere, so keep in touch. For those of you I don't know, thanks for reading each day...

So until tomorrow, when it will be very strange to wake up without trying to come up with a subject....but on with life....

I Was Wrong About Sarah Palin

10 months ago, Sarah Palin was thrust to national acclaim by being nominated as John McCain's running mate. Though she was Govenor of Alaska at the time, she was little known...a blank page so to speak. I was totally enamoured with her at the time. Here was a mother of 5, one of whom was challenged, who was accomplished, energetic, charming and seemingly capable. I was strangely touched that this woman with whom I felt I had so much in common, was being considered for one of the highest political positions we have.
I was appalled at the way he press went after her. Before she even had a chance to speak at the convention, word of her teenage daughter being pregnant was being blast all over the papers and TV. My heart went out to the family, though I was privately curious as to why the campaign would have not just "put that out there", knowing full well that there are no secrets in politics.

Her convention speech was amazing, so I wasn't even put off when the patronizing and condescending Charlie Gibson tried to trip her up with the "Bush Doctrine". I mean, I am fairly aware politically..and I had no idea what the reference was...there were even some news commentators that said they probably couldn't define it...so no big deal.

As time went on, I became nervous whenever she had to speak, because it felt like her understanding of deeper subjects was not thorough. But I chalked it up to lack of experience...and hey, our President was saying we had 56 states and calling Iran a "tiny" country, so there was plenty of "knowledge deprivation" to go around.

After the terrible interview with Katie Couric, I was disappointed. It was obvious that Couric was just looking for a crack...but Palin showed her a huge whole. The whole "You can see Russia from my house" thing was embarrassing, but the fact that she could not articulate what she read bothered me even more. I mean, let's face it, if someone asks you what you read...it is like being asked what you eat...no brainer. I read the Wall Street Journal every morning...and sometimes the local paper. How hard is it to say that?...unless you do not read anything. Now at the time, I made excuses for her...she froze, she got defensive...I was still willing to stand behind her. I was just waiting for her to "get up to speed". Unfortunately, it did not happen before the campaign ended.

In last weekend's Wall Street Journal, Peggy Newnan once again skewered Palin, albeit in a gentle way. She never liked her...the feminist journalists can never like anyone who is conservative or attractive. But she did allow that Palin was charming and energetic, with loads of potential...potential that was just never achieved.

I held out hope that after the election she would just go home and study....read...learn...so that she could answer questions with a depth of knowledge that should be expected from our leaders. But I don't think she did it. And listen, half of the senate and congress can't do it...but they would not be subject to 1/10 of the scrutiny that she is. She has been more unfairly attacked I believe than anyone who has ever run for office...I mean the attacks have been ugly, personal, vitrious and appalling...but in the end, if you cannot take the heat, you have to either get out of the kitchen, or learn how to ignore it, And I don't think she can do it.

I am always an optomist, so I will take exception to Newnan's assertion that Palin is hopeless...but my hopes are fading.

And on another political note...can our President please learn how to speak without a tele-prompter?....speeches should not have to end because it breaks...
And please ...LEARN HOW TO THROW OUT A FIRST PITCH!...He threw like a girl at last night's All Star game....very embarrassing.....Bush had his problems, but he could throw a ball...

So until tomorrow, when I will continue to hope for the best in our politicians, but expect very little sometimes...

Happy Birthday to The Boy

Where does the time go? One day you are craving Mexican food in your sixth month of pregnancy, and the next thing you know, your son is turning 12. In what has become a sort of annual event, The Husband has taken the day off, and he will take The Boy and a few friends on a fun-filled day of sports, swimming and eating. Mom is not really included in all of this, and has been asked to remain on the periphery for the day.

When I woke him up this morning, he was all smiles and jokes, reveling in the fact that this is HIS day...and mom is not around to edit or discipline. I would be happy if I were him too, because you know, even I get fed up with myself at times when I here the words "No more cokes" or "It's time for bed" or even "Turn that channel"coming out of my mouth. Being mom is a real pain at times...so even I am glad to have the day off. Little One is spending the night at the BFF house so she will not be "in the way"...so as it turns out, I am semi-free for the day....except to do stuff like find tennis shoes, retrieve sunscreen, set up sleeping bags, pick up the cake, etc.....

In an extremely enlightening discussion yesterday, The Boy, The Little One and the BFF had a discussion as we were driving down the street, on what careers they would pursue as adults. BFF told the Little One that they needed to be professional tennis players, as she had heard that if you decide to be one, you go to this place in England, sign up, and immediately receive one million dollars. Now the Little One agreed that she would do this in order to be "rich", but that she was going to also follow her dream of being an "animal helper". We have never really determined the specificity of this career. We only know that is is not a vet, as that is too yucky. It has more to do with rescuing and grooming....but she also claims that it is highly paid.....Now the BFF, in addition to being a tennis player, also wants to be a doctor, and possibly help Little One at her "animal place". ...I was so impressed by their ambition. Then The Boy, with all of his 12 years of knowledge, informed them that as an MLB player, he was going to make about "130 million". This seemed to stop all conversation...and Little One and BFF looked at him with a new-found respect, oohing and ahhing over his value. They did however agree that "The Queen still makes more than that"....???? Little One said, "But are there still Queens?" And BFF answered, "I think in England". ...so it was all solved. The Boy of course looked over at me and rolled his eyes...because everyone knows the Queen could never make more than 130 million...

And so today, I will marvel at the fact that my little boy is 12, enjoy a break from being "mom", and look forward to the day that I can watch The Boy play for the Braves...and relax, secure in the knowledge that he will be making 130 million , and well able to take care of the rest of us...

So until tomorrow, when my kids will be older...and I will hopefully be wiser...and I might also head to England to become a professional tennis player and collect my million dollars...

If You Want To Know How Your Girl Will Treat You After You're Married, Listen to How She Talks to Her Brother

I was lucky enough to spend the weekend with my 3 brothers. After our mom passed away 7 months ago, we promised to get together as often as possible. But life and distance have made that difficult, so what a thrill it was when we all were able at the last minute to come together at my big brother's place on the lake in Tennessee.



I have the best three brothers in the world. It sounds like a juvenile statement, something a 10 yr. old would say, but it's the truth. I was the only girl in a house of baseball and basketball...and I loved every minute of it. My brothers treated me like one of the guys, always including me in everything. But they also appreciated my feminine side, and were generous with compliments and protecti0n.



My oldest brother is almost 10 years older than me, We didn't do a lot together growing up due to the age difference, but he did teach me to be a switch hitter, which was extremely important in our nightly neighborhood baseball games. When he was a senior in high school, he wanted to go to FSU on a basketball scholarship. I prayed every night for him to get it, and then when he did, I cried every night for a week, knowing he would be gone. The best gift I ever received was a musical jewelry box that he sent me from college the year he left. I still have and cherish that box, never forgetting how special I felt when I got it.


My next brother is a a few years older. We were basically together all through school. He included me in anything he did. In fact, when I was asked to my first dance at 14, and my mom said I was too young to go, it was my sweet brother who volunteered to take me and my date with he and his girlfriend. It was above and beyond the call of duty, and something he would do time and time again throughout our childhood. We spent hours together playing the guitar and singing...and I could talk to him about anything. Years later, during a time in my life when I was floundering a bit, he did his best to convince me to move near him. A job offer prevented me from doing it, but I have never forgotten his love and concern.


My little brother was my partner in crime. The older two seemed to figure out how to work their way around my extremely strict parents...but we younger two never did. We were always getting in trouble for pillow fights, riding our bikes too far away...or other similarly silly stuff. Our personalities are very similar...so much so that The Boy said we could have been married to each other (I really have to have a talk with The Boy).


So this past weekend, we came together with families and friends, nieces and nephews, and we found out that however sad it feels to be alone in the world without parents, we still have each other...and that is not so bad. I also learned that no matter how old we are, I will always be the little sister, which means that they are allowed to make fun of me all day every day...(although The Husband was the butt of his fair share this weekend for getting us lost...but that is a story for another blog).


I am thankful for a lovely weekend, visiting with the boys, meeting the new girlfriend, getting to chat with my wonderful sister-in-law (who is so special that she makes up for me not having any sisters)...and the chance to talk fashion and diet and exercise face-to-face with my lovely neice, who has inspired me to step up my workout routine...


So until tomorrow, when I will reflect on a great weekend, and prepare for the birthday of The Boy...

There Is Never Enough Time To Do Everything, But There Is Always Enough Time To Do The Most Important Things

So I sat down last night at 10:00 after putting the Little One to bed, and asked myself why I hadn't gotten more writing done during the day. I mean, here we are halfway through summer, and I have yet to finish two articles that were started a month ago. I decided to review the last 24 hours and examine what the problem was.

The previous night, Little One had a friend over to spend the night...now not the BFF...just a regular friend who had never spent the night before. So she did not quite understand the unspoken "house rules". You can laugh, play, scream, giggle...whatever, up to 10:00. But when I put you to bed at 10:00...I go for my jog...and when I come back, you have to be asleep. Now the BFF knows this rule, because she spends hundreds of nights here a year...but she was out of town, and her "sub" was sweet, but clueless. So when I returned from my jog at 10:40...and there was still noise coming from the room.. it was a sign that nothing else would be accomplished that night.
Yesterday morning, I woke all 3 (The Boy, Little One and friend) up for basketball camp. As I dropped them off, I was relieved to have 3 full hours to write...until The Boy reminded me that I had promised that HIS friend could spend the afternoon with us. (Any moms out there know that sinking feeling you get when you have to admit that you did agree to something last week...and now it is this week, and you have to do it). So I gave the ok and headed home to straighten up a bit, because you know, his mom would be coming to pick him up and the house was a wreck after 2 ten year old girls had spent the night....To The Boys credit, he had made a small attempt to clean his room. This means there were 42 piles of "stuff" stacked around the room. I decided to help him out, and spent an inordinate amount of time dusting and cleaning....when I finished an hour later, the room looked great. (And I will say that The Boy whispered to me "Thanks for the room clean" sometime during the afternoon.)
After this, The Husband called and reminded me that I had to do some banking business for him...which required a wardrobe change. I did the banking...and it was time to pick up the kids. Ok, no morning writing accomplished.

Picked up the kids and headed to the agreed-upon fast-food joint for lunch. When we returned home, boy and friend played the Wii while listening to their i-pod music on loud speakers. Though I tried, there was no writing to be accomplished while listening to Kanye blaring from the speakers. I gave up and agreed to help Little One paint her fingernails. What this means is that she does it herself the first time, makes a complete mess, and then I come in for the save...which requires removing everything she did and starting over again. An hour later, the BFF returns from out-of-town and joins us, which means there are 2 sets of nails which now have to be painted...

Ok, so half an hour before The Boy's friend's mom is due to arrive, they decide to go swimming. So we (The Boy, the friend, the next-door-neighbor boy, the Little One and BFF) pack up and head off to the pool. I am asked to keep watch at the gate for the soon-to-arrive mom....so after about 10 minutes of swimming, 4 wet towels and bathing suits...she arrives. I'm home-free...or not...
The Boy has baseball practice and I have forgotten to wash his pants...which causes some turmoil. Little One has softball practice, and in order to avoid another melt-down by mom, dresses herself and puts her hair in a ponytail all by herself. At 5:45...15 minutes before Boy is suppose to be ready to leave with The Husband...he is STARVING...which means last night's spaghetti has to be heated up...but then the debate begins, because The Boy wants to eat the whole thing, but Little One has decided she wants some too...

4 hours and 2 practices later...we are all home, bathed, fed...and Little One is tucked into bed. The Boy has another hour to go before bedtime...and he is going back and forth between his Wii and the Braves game. The Husband and I get a quick 15 minutes to catch up on the day....

I ask myself once again, why aren't you writing more?...and I think I have my answer..

So until next week, when I am going to have to adjust my alarm clock waking-up time so that I can come up with 5 minutes of peace...but I will also remember that these days of summer are to be cherished, because I know that once school starts up again, I will miss the chaos....

"Careful. We Don't Want To Learn From This."

There is a great article in this morning's Wall Street Journal entitled "Of Birkins and Blackberrys: Essential Reading on Style." It is basically a discussion of books on style that teach us how not to embarrass ourselves. Now I love some of these fashion style books...you know, Tim Gunn's Book of Style, Nina Garcia's Top 100...anything by a so-called expert that purports to tell me what is stylish is fun to me. I take no offense to it, and when Tim calls me out for wearing black boots with a brown skirt...I make note of it and move on. (Unlike the reader of yesterday's blog who told me that "#16 is so mean!", this being in reference to my statement that white jeans are not advisable if you have extra weight. I felt guilty about that statement all day...even started to go in and edit it out....)

What I found really interesting in this article is that there are also books that teach us how to be young and hip. Evidently, in a book entitled "How Not To Act Old: 185 Ways To Pass for Phat, Sick, Hot, Dope, Awesome, or at least not Totally Lame"....we get instruction on how to text. Now I don't text...so this totally eliminates me from any of the above adjectives, but evidently, if you don't text with your thumbs, you are old. (Very proud of The Husband who I know uses his thumbs). The next issue discussed is "facebooking old". First of all, I have never heard of Facebook being used as a verb...so I am immediately worried that I am guilty of this. What the heck is "Facebooking Young"? I feel like I need to go out and buy the book to make sure I am "facebooking" correctly. What would be worse than someone looking at my Facebook page and thinking "Wow...really old and out of touch"?

And speaking of Facebook...I had to get off for a few weeks...As I noted early on, my original group of "friends" were added because I had evidently sent them an e-mail at some point in my life. This resulted in a very interesting group of people....small, yet interesting. Rather than deleting anyone, I just kept them there...and they became my "family"(except for one friend of a friend of a father of a friend, who took up too much space and time..) Now little by little, I added a few friends...but I prefer not to expand this little family. I like my privacy...and even though some very nice people have "requested" to be added, I can't bring myself to do it. I am well aware that this is some sort of weird part of my personality....but I'll take small and personal over large and impersonal all day long...So....I got off for awhile to get my bearings...but I am back on, happy to see my little 'family"....

But I digress...back to the article. There is also a rule in the book...#54...called "Don't Fear Rap". The author has listed a few 'easy listening" raps which you can throw out when people ask you if you like rap. These will evidently prove that you are hip, yet discerning.

There is also a rule about which famous dead people you can mention...You are allowed to say Abraham Lincoln and Coco Chanel, but you have to mention Kurt Cobain in the same sentence to maintain "dopeness". I'm thinking you can now substitute Michael Jackson for Cobain, but maybe we'll have to wait for the second edition to make sure.

Lastly, there is a list of "cool gear' that you can wear...Ray Ban sunglasses make the cut, as do Birkenstocks (really??)....but there is no mention of the no-no's...I guess I'll have to peruse the book in the bookstore to make sure I am not sporting any of the "aging" gear....

That's it for today. After reading this article, I'm thinking I should delete yesterday's blog, because the idea that anybody gets to tell us what is "in" and what is not, is really pretty ridiculous....However, I did spot the new Bazaar on the newstand, and I'm dying to see their new "in" list...

So until tomorrow, when I will be sure to wear my Ray Bans, hum along to Soulja Boy, and use my thumbs if I ever text....

Only Great Minds Can Afford A Simple Style

I guess I should have stipulated yesterday that the Top 20 list is in WOMEN's Vogue...therefore, there will be no men's items. I thought this might be self-explanatory, but evidently, by reader response, it was not...



I would also like to briefly respond to the brother-in-law sarcasm by stating that the last 10 daily entries have been sports-related, so a brief sojourn into the fashion world should have been expected...NOW on with the list...



11) Black Pants. This is a very non-creative addition to the list. Black pants have been on every list since the beginning of time. I guess that is because when all else fails, you wear the black pants. I have a pair of Joseph black pants that I bought in New York 8 years ago. They are quite plain except for little ties on the sides about halfway down the outside seam. If I can't figure out what to wear somewhere, or nothing seems to look right, I wear these pants with a white blouse and call it a day.



12)Classic Button-Down. Another no-brainer. These are terrific with just about anything. I especially like to wear them with a more dressy skirt...kind of like when Sharon Stone wore that long black skirt with her husband's white button-down to the Oscars...it was so chic. They also make terrific swimsuit cover-ups.

13)Textured Skirts. I love skirts. They are the true "staple" of my wardrobe. I collect them in any length, pattern or color. I have a beautiful cream-colored lace prairie skirt that is 15 years old. It sounds hideous, but paired with a blue button-down and a tweed blazer and boots, it is gorgeous. My favorite is the pencil skirt. I can never get enough of these. My last 2 came from J Crew. They are cream colored at the top, then ombre at the bottom. One in yellow and one in blue. I LOVE them. I can dress them up or down. I bought one in a smaller size because the tighter fit looks better with high-heels. The looser one looks better with a lower heel.

14)Boyfriend Blazer. Again, I don't have to be sold on the merits of a good blazer, boy-friend or not. They pair up with so many different things, which makes it versatile in a wardrobe.

15)Two-toned Oxford. These are nice, but again, more of an extra than a staple, for me. If I am trying to keep my wardrobe paired-down..I won't be buying this one.

16)White Jeans. I agree with this one, but it is hard to find the right pair...and if you have any extra weight, they are not a good choice. The key is to find a heavy enough denim so that you cannot see through them. That said, if you find the right pair, you can wear them with a hundred different tops and jackets, so they are truly versatile.

17)Bold-Shouldered Tops. Well, not for me. I have narrow shoulders, so bold shoulders are ok, but this in not a wardrobe staple. This is a trend...

18)Pastel Cardigan. Very Jackie Kennedy and very elegant. Cute with jeans, skirts..or over a sleeveless dress...J Crew has them in cotton or cashmere, according to what you want to pay.

19)Print day Dresses. I don't buy dresses by trend. I buy them by fit. If a dress fits me well, I don't care if it is in or out of style. So this one could go either way for me.

20) Tuxedo Vest. I love vests. I collect all different kinds...so I actually have a tuxedo vest, and I love it. But I don't really see it as a staple...especially if you don't like vests.

That's it for the Vogue list, but let me add one item....I don't think you can have a "list" without mentioning the trench coat. It's a boring addition, but nothing looks more chic than a really cool trench. I own 5 that I have collected over the years. A pink linen that is rarely worn because it is so beautiful that I am afraid of messing it up. A purple velvet from Boden that looks great with dressier clothes. A metallic grey that works with anything, especially when it is raining. A patterned Singrid Olsen that I bought for a song at TJ Maxx that I get compliments on whenever I wear it...and my favorite...a cream-colored Boden with navy and chocolate trim and frayed seams....perfect with jeans.

So until tomorrow, when I will scour Men's Vogue and GQ and see if I can come up with a list for men...

"Fashion Fades, Style is Eternal"

A few times a year, Vogue puts together a top 20 list. This list includes the top 20 pieces you should have in your wardrobe. Though interesting, it can range anywhere from enlightening to ridiculous. I can't imagine that anyone would run out and buy the 20 recommendations, but I guess it never hurts to hear what Anna Wintour (Vogue editor) thinks will be in style this fall.

June's issue, with the ever-lovely Cameron Diaz on the cover, has the "21 Pieces that go from day to night." We'll take a couple of days to examine these pieces.

1) Tailored Blazer. The "anchor" of the season. I totally agree. I am always adding blazers to my closet when I find them on sale. My old-stand-by, J Crew, has some well-cut, beautiful blazers. They are pricey, but if you watch, you can catch them on sale occasionally. The good thing about them is that they never really go out of style. They may tweak them a bit from season to season, but a good one will always work. I like black, but I've had a brown tweed for about 15 years that goes with everything from jeans to dresses.

2)Romantic Blouse. Ok, I know these are in right now, and they can be very beautiful. But they never work on me. I'm too tall for anything fussy. Having said that, nothing is prettier than a pair of jeans, heels and a flowy, bohemian blouse.

3)Dressed-Up Shorts. No. Never. I just do not care for dressy shorts. I think shorts are meant to be casual. Remember the next-to-last scene in the movie Pretty Woman where she wears the coral -colored shorts and matching blazer. It was the only outfit in the whole movie that I didn't like. I mean, Julia Roberts looked gorgeous in it, but I just think: shorts: baseball field.

4)Floaty Tunic. Let's put these up for awhile. I think Tory Burch started the whole tunic thing, and they can be very pretty. But now that they have found their way down to Target, they have just lost their appeal to me. If they are cheaply made, they look shapeless. And really, how often can you wear it? Just doesn't seem like a wardrobe staple to me.

5) Sequined T-Shirt. Cruise or rock concert. Enough said.

6) Sleek Bustier. I love these, but honestly, again, not a staple. Very pretty and sexy under a blazer...but not work-appropriate.

7)Sporty Tank. Absolutely. I have a million of these. they are great by themselves on a really hot day at the ball park, but mostly I layer them with other things. The important thing is to invest in a decent quality tank...not too thin or low...or it just looks...bad. Once again, J Crew has some terrific ones, but Target has some that are fine, and Walmart has the new Norma Kamali line that sports some terrific tanks.

8)Cropped Khakis. Ok, now there are some things that I cannot wear because I am so tall. So I feel comfortable saying that cropped khakis are just better on someone with leg-length. Otherwise, they make your legs look even shorter. Gap makes the perfect cropped khaki for a reasonable price. And the cargo-cropped pants from JCrew are fabulous. I have them in every color and I live in them. They are cute with flip-flops, but really cool with heels and a more dressy top.

9) Metallic Jacket. I don't know on this one. I don't have one...I like a bit of metallic, but a full jacket is too much for me. However, if someone offered me the Balenciaga that they are showing in Vogue...I'd wear it everywhere.

10) Dotted Blouse. Again, not really me, but The Little One has one that is very cute. Maybe that says it all.

Ok, that's enough analysing for today. Again, all opinions here are personal and totally based on my wardrobe and experience. These days I am more likely to be sporting jeans and a tank, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a great skirt and heels occasionally...

So until tomorrow, when we will cover the next 10...

They Came, They Played, They Won

And so they won. In a game that played out like something from a movie, The Boy's team became the Little League champions. The Boy pitched like he was possessed with the ghost of....well, he would want me to say Tim Hudson. Strike out after strike out, fast ball after fast ball, knuckle ball after knuckle ball...it was amazing. He also stepped to the plate and blasted 2 home runs and a double. As fate would have it, Grandpa was there to watch. Having been a baseball coach himself, Grandpa is usually ready with many suggestions and much advice for The Boy. Even Grandpa was speechless. After the big celebration, The Boy walked out with the goofy grin on his face, not sure himself what had just happened. We stopped to eat on the way home...and also re-live the game inning by inning. I looked at The Boy and felt so happy for him. He will remember that game all of his life.

Fourth of July was a lovely day. With Grandpa still visiting and good friends over too, we ate and talked and watched the lovely fireworks from Grandma's deck which overlooks the golf course. Except for one tree which blocked some of the lower ones, it was a perfect view. (The Husband and his BFF have decided to covertly get rid of that tree during the winter so that next year's view will be perfect...) Little One was in seventh heaven with her sparklers, but I have decided that more attention needs to be paid to history in our house, since when asked what the Fourth of July was all about, she answered "something to do with Abraham Lincoln."

So this morning, Little One and Big Brother head off to basketball camp...and back home for baseball and softball practice in the evening. Summer continues to be one long sporting event, which gets me down a bit until I realize that one day I will miss all of that terribly...so I choose to be thankful for all the chaos. But this morning, after the baseball uniform is washed, and the softball uniform is laid out, and the reservations are made for the upcoming tournament...I will pull out my pictures from Paris and allow myself to dream about how it felt to spend summer days in my favorite city...

As a forewarning to the guy readers, the next few articles I am writing are fashion -oriented, which means thoughts and deeds will be all about clothes, shoes, bags...etc. Baseball and such will go to the back-burner, and a discussion of safari jackets as opposed to trench coats will be more prevalent..

One more sports note.. the tennis match between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick yesterday was amazing. 5 sets, with the last set becoming the longest in Wimbledon history. I have been a Federer fan since he began...so I had to pull for him. The Husband and the Grandpa were shaming me on this, reminding me that Roddick was the American. But that has never been my reason for cheering for someone. When I was a little girl, I cheered for Bjorn Borg against everyone...he was my hero. So my hats off to Roddick on an amazing effort...but after his 15th major win...Roger Federer is just the best there has ever been...

So until tomorrow, when the summer sports continue, but the fall fashion preview begins...

What Are You Doing Up?

In what may added to the seven wonders of the world, The Boy is up and going. The sprinklers have just started on the golf course and the lawn mowers are out, but it is too early for the golfers. On a typical summer morning where we have nothing to do, I usually don't see The Boy until 11:00. He is a true night owl, and he comes by it honestly, so as long as he accomplishes all chores and responsibilities, I am fine with this. So imagine my shock when I head into the kitchen to make coffee and see the goofy smiling face greeting me with a "Yo, what's up mommy?"

He won his game last night. When it was all said and done, the score was 18-6. There were some tense moments, but all in all, it was an easy one. For anyone interested, and because I am his mom and this is my blog, he had 2 doubles, one single and 2 walks. This was a good game for him...and much needed after the previous night. The great news is, his team lives to see another night. The tough news is that they have to beat the team that beat them the other day twice to win the championship. Now this is definitely doable, but it will be a challenge.

Back to this morning...I sense that The Boy is up because he is nervous/excited. Chances are, he will pitch tonight. Last night, he said "What if they tee off on me?" And dad wisely answered "So what. You fight. You battle. You tee off on them." This seemed to appease him, but I have a feeling he thought about it all night. So this morning, I will sit here and come up with something fun and distracting to do today so that all thoughts are not on tonight's game. I will break my cardinal rule of healthy breakfasts and go pick up some 1,000 calorie biscuit so that he will smile and enjoy it. And I will say a little prayer that win or lose, he will come home tonight with the same goofy smile on his face that greeted me this morning...

Meanwhile, the Little One sleeps....an unusual occurrence past the crack of dawn. Go figure...she will wake up and say to her brother, "What the heck are you doing up?" And then she will say to me "I'm starving" ...

So until tomorrow, when I suspect that win or lose, schedules and life will return to normal...but I'm keeping my fingers crossed...