January Sunsets

The month of January has typically been one of my favorite months of awesome winter sunsets, but not this January for some reason. This month has been the month of moons, and those have been spectacular, so go figure. However, on this day, Mother Nature saved the best for last... day of January. And does 2018 seem like its flying by already? I’m going with yes as my final answer!

BSoleille!

Terri

A Skywatcher Bonanza!

Who would have ever thought that millions of people on earth this past year would get the amazing views of a total eclipse of the sun, plus this year, a super moon, blue moon and blood moon (and lunar eclipse too!) all on the same day; set for the East Coast around 6:45am to 7:10am on January 31st 2018? A skywatcher's paradise for sure. It will be a cold night tonight, but I am ready to set my alarm to get out and check out the celestial sphere in the Northwest sky and see the trifecta as "advertised" before the moonset by 7:15am. It should be a doozy and am looking forward to seeing  the super blue blood moon!

BSoleille! The bright side of any type of full moon...and hear those wolves and coyotes howl!!

Terri

Photos of my attempt of a "pre super blue blood moon" as the sun was setting. No filters used and photos taken only a minute a part as darkness ushered in quickly. 

Finishing Quilts for Show

The Southern Comforters Quilt Show for 2018 will be the weekend of March 10th and 11th at Samuel Ogle Middle School in Bowie, Maryland. So that means getting my quilts done and prepped and registered. I only have a few days for my "deadline" to get them done...Jan.31st. It's ambitious, but I think I can do it (though maybe not all the bindings will be on). There is only one more quilt to quilt and that is my photo for today. I really don't have a name for it other than grey and purple. Not clever, but maybe I'll come up with something better by the time it's registered.

BSoleille!
Terri

Books Galore

Raise your hand if you are sticking to a new year's resolution. For me, about the only "resolution" I wanted to fulfill at the start of 2018 was to read more. So far as we wrap up the last week of January,  I am closing in on seven books total. This includes hard-bound books; paperbacks, e-books and books on tape. By golly, right now I've got three books going (and hopefully will finish by the month's end) in three of the four mentioned ways to read 'em. I haven't done this much reading in January in at least four or five years, and am thrilled to be back at it. I can't believe how much I missed getting totally immersed in a good book. Nothing like it for sure!

BSoleille! The bright side of being a "bookworm" once again...

Terri

This book maybe my first read in February!

A Neat Eater

I don't know when our Loo-C-Loo puppy dog began eating very dainty-like, as it looks like she eats her chow in rows, you know, to keep the bowl looking clean and smart I suspect.  When we had two dogs in the house, she did eat rather slowly. However, she ate it all in one fell swoop less the little pipsqueak, Lucky (rest his doggy soul), even so much glanced at her bowl, that was not going to happen on her watch! So what goes through a dog's mind to eat chow in "rows"? I guess we will never know...but maybe a “call” Dr. Doolittle is needed. 

BSoleille!

Terri

#Celebrating Others - Jan Williams

I would venture to say we all know someone in our lives who buys the best gifts, or sends a card at just the right time, and even possibly writes newsy and "from the heart" letters to people they hold dear. For me, my eldest sister-in-law, Jan Williams, is that exceptional person. Jan disregards the "new" way of communicating by texts and emails (though she does those too), but really still values the art of good letter. This can be from sending articles of interest to people she knows well, to cards and notes to let folks know she is thinking of them.

For me, it has not gone unnoticed for the last 32 years that I've been a part of the Tomoff family on how Jan also thinks through each gift she buys, or makes (dog treats come to mind for all the dogs in the family) no matter the size. It's been quite amazing for me to watch how Jan; 1) single handedly keeps Hallmark in business, and, 2) keeps the number one in business because she never misses sending a birthday or anniversary card to members a very large family. She must keep impeccable records by the month not to miss a thing, and that is quite inspiring to me.

Remarkably, I think Jan has a knack for really tuning in to what other people like. Through the years, Jan has sent me several articles about quilting that she knows I love. They are always sent "out of the blue", and always treasured by the recipient! She makes my husband's and son's favorite cookies (oatmeal raisin) and sends them a couple dozen when she gets the chance. Again, unexpectedly, and we are all giddy when a box arrives with the sweet treasure...all compliments of Jan.

We can all learn from Jan's "habits" in sending more cards, or a thoughtful note or some small "treasure" to those we hold dear too. With the advent of technology, and most communication through email etc., who doesn't like to receive a thoughtful hand-written letter through "snail mail?"
There is something exciting, (and grateful that someone took the time write) about slicing open the envelope and examining its contents and reading the cursive handwriting that lies within....just to say, "hello!"

BSoleille! The bright side of celebrating Jan Williams!

Terri

My sister-in-law, Jan

Casper...It's White but Not the Friendly Ghost

It's day 69 for our Casper Mattress, and it's the kind you order online and it's at your door in a box in a couple of days. No mattress shopping for us this time around because ordering this way is very easy. It's another industry "disrupter". To tell you the truth, though, it all sounds good, and well, easy, until you stop and think, what the heck our we thinking? Don't we have to "check it out in person?" Jump on it? Get on and off several times and see how we like the "firmness?" Plus sleep is important, right?

So here we are on this 100 day "try-out" period which is all the rage with these type of mattresses. I guess the industry figures if you can muster 99 nights in without any problems, it's a go for the longer "sleep" haul. Now, of course, there is no way that mattress will go back into the jack-in-the-box box, even if we get to day 100 and don't like it. But, right now, at day 69, it's been great. Actually, pleasantly surprised, though there was a kind of 'break in' period for about a week or so. I must admit I was "hedging" a bit before ordering it, but my husband convinced me to go this route, and now I'm thankful I heeded the notion and ordered one 71 days ago. Here's wishing a Good Night sleep to all!

BSoleille! The bright side of a good night sleep!
Terri

Bellwether Dry Goods

This evening our guild (Southern Comforters of Bowie, Maryland) had the pleasure of hosting speakers/quilters Georgina and Dick Fries of Bellwether Dry Goods. They have been married for 57 years, and been in the quilting business for 37 years, developing relationships with Amish ladies across the nation to expertly hand quilt quilts. They displayed and exhibited many quilts in their collection, all quilted by the Amish in beautiful hand-quilting style. As many of you know, I am a Long-Arm Quilter, and love the speed, and the look, of my finished quilts using this "technology" as we have it today.

However, there is really something special in anything hand quilted, especially "heirloom or large detailed" quilts (which I used to do back in the day...); and from what the Fries's declared, there is a fairly large need to fulfill the many requests they receive for approximately 125 Amish ladies to do just that.

The Fries's are expert at their craft; marking quilts tops in preparation for the quilting; selecting the backing/batting to be used, and binding and laundering the quilts in process.

They can be reached through their website: www.bellwetherdrygoods.com

BSoleille!

Terri

Photos of Georgina and Dick Fries and some of their quilts

New Phone...

It is very exciting to get a new sleek phone, of course, but it does come with a wee bit of a learning curve. Ultimately, everything becomes quite intuitive. I am thankful for that! I didn't blog last night (rare for a Monday), because I was...flummoxed (I wanted to use this work for some time, and here was my chance!) in syncing everything, plus updating passwords and the like (seemingly, there are more than I remember on the old one). Since I did not have a case for it (I could be a huge klutz at times and have dropped my phones over the years many times... and worried I would drop this new one) that buying one was on high on my list for today. I am now all set to go forth and use it to its fullest potential. Isn't it quite amazing on how far these hand-held "supercomputers" have come? They have literally connected the whole world with a couple taps here and few clicks there...

BSoleille! The bright side of: a phone revolution...but remember this sleek one?  Too bad rotary phones are a thing of the past. We don't miss them, do we? Party lines?

Terri

Sunday Night Lights

It's mid-January, and luckily, the mid-Atlantic states are enjoying a short reprieve of Old Man Winter; enough so, that I got to referee the first two games of the year...and all outdoors (55 degree start, and 50 degree end).  The soccer was fast and furious for state cup "qualifiers", although they were actually "glorified" scrimmages. It did not matter, since the 35 minute halves went by super fast (lots of running, and I love that!). Two good things about these games in January; no mosquitoes and low humidity. I had a swig of water between games, but certainly did not "need" it. However, these games were refereed with only a center (no assistants), and that was tricky on a big wide field, but ultimately, both games worked out very well.

BSoleille! The bright side of everyone understanding the "mission" of the games and playing under the lights on a Sunday night. What's not to like about that?

Terri

Sunday Night Lights

The "Beautiful Game" ready to start!

"And we Sang Dirges in the Dark"

And if you guessed, "American Pie, you are correct! ...the day the music died...

So, while getting in a quick run around the Crofton Parkway due to pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, it's way easier to run, or pretty much do anything, to music. As the songs rolled through the queue, "American Pie" by Don Mclean came on. It's a favorite, no doubt, and even if you haven't heard it in awhile, the words flow back easily to the brain to sing right along with Don. I think it's one of those songs that even a 15 year old in 2018 may know the words...it's that kind of a 10 minute tune for sure. I ran (maybe floated) the last mile singing along and never missed a beat! Ha!

BSoleille!
Terri

Sun shining through this stain glass I obtained in Poland in 1995.

Long-Arm Bee

Learning new techniques and tips are the basis of continual schooling, even if you've been doing something for awhile. Today I am talking about Long-Arm Quilting, and I am thankful that fellow quilter and friend, Wendy Allen, started this very informative bee several months ago. Believe me, there is a lot that goes into making a quilt, and the last step, quilting the "sandwich", is its own entity. 

We only meet once a month for two hours, but the 120 minutes fly by since there is a plethora of items to discuss including batting, thread, troubleshooting and to get opinions on how to quilt something we've been working on. A big shout of thanks to Pilar Joy who hosted this morning. She has an awesome sewing space in her basement with great light, lots sewing stations and a separate room for her long-arm (quite typical because we need 9-12 ft. in width to "host" a behemoth machine).

BSoleille! The bright side of continued learning!

Terri

The gang today included Frank Rucky, Wendy Allen and Pilar Joy!

A Little Tote

I am happy to report my "brand new" sewing machine is now humming along once again. I did have to take it in last week for an adjustment, but it's thankfully, Okay now. I've been working on a lot of different projects, getting ready for the upcoming March 10-11, 2018 Southern Comforters Quilt Show, and working on T-shirt Quilts. However, I had two fat quarters that were "screaming" at me to put them together and make a cute tote, and that's exactly what I did! It's a good thing to "listen" to those fabrics...

BSoleille!
Terri

small tote made with 2 fat 1/4's

Celebrate Others - Tom Baker

I know it's Wednesday, and so far into this brand new year, I have "reserved" Fridays for #celebratingothers, but I "learned" there will be exceptions during the course of the year, and today is one of those exceptions!

Today the Winchester, VA community said good-bye to an incredible man named Tom Baker (1938-2018). He and his wife, Sheila, lost a daughter to childhood cancer in the mid 70's and they wanted to start a camp similar to the one Sheila saw in an article she was reading in the early 80's of a camp in New York catering to cancer kids. But hold on for a sec, as it goes much deeper than that. You see, Tom was a man of amazing faith which drove his entire life to serving others, period. He deeply loved his wife, children and grandchildren, but he was almost "possessed" in helping and serving others, whether on the job, at the Rotary Club of Winchester, in his business dealings,  his church, or guiding a young man or woman fighting the battle of their life with some crazy diagnosis of any type childhood cancer, he was there for them in his, quiet, tender and unassuming way.

As many of you know, the name of this brainchild organization of Tom and Sheila Baker is none other than: Special Love, Inc. Many of the programs I have highlighted over the years have been Camp Fantastic (the original program started in 1983 for the cancer kids), Brass Camp (for brothers and sisters of a sibling with cancer) and the Parents Get-Away weekend. Of course, there are many more sprinkled throughout the year, and those years have added up to 35 years of serving thousands of childhood cancer kids, siblings and their families. The love of this organization runs very deep...Special Love, that is!

Personally, I have only had a few conversations with Tom in the last 20 years of our family's association with "camp", but that doesn't matter, as I have witnessed the fascinating impact he has had on my son, Ryan, (and Brass Camper turned Counselor/Staff, daughter Olivia) and this entire community, (including the 4-H Center in Front Royal, VA; the staff that works there; the doctors, nurses, camp counselors, and anyone associated with camp). A mentor to many, Tom's inspiration is beyond measure, and his kindness, compassion and desire to serve others was the theme that everyone felt in the last day and a half, and was so eloquently stated by Special Love's CEO, Dave Smith, in his eulogy to Tom.

But one last comment Dave stated this morning that resonated with me, (any many others, I suspect), and I am paraphrasing here, is that: "You can transfer or transform pain". From the loss of their daughter Julie, they transformed the unbearable pain of her passing to co-founding Special Love. Their plan to help others has gone well beyond their wildest dreams, which has served this critical need of encouraging thousands of cancer patients through the years to be "just a kid at camp!" And that is no easy feat....

HOW-HOW!!!

BSoleille! The bright side of a man who has inspired a generation of folks on how we can help others; and maybe it's just as simple of reminding ourselves to help and think of others and do whatever we can to the best of our capabilities. That would put a smile on Tom Baker's face for sure!

Terri

Tom Baker

Parents Getaway weekend 2013: Shari Fisher, Maureen Lilly, Marilyn Eichner, Tom Baker, me, and Sheila Baker

Singing camp song led by John Dooley (in middle) "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"

McDonald’s Revisited

On our way to Winchester, Virginia, late this afternoon, my husband wanted to get some gasoline and a cup of coffee. Off the exit, he missed the gas station’s driveway, and turned into the “Mickey D’s” driveway instead. We really didn’t need the gas, but he definitely wanted a cup of joe!

So I decided to go in with him, trying to remember the last time I entered a McDonald’s in the U.S., and figured it’s been at least 15 years. Frankly, we were both pleasantly surprised at how nice it was. I’m still quite shocked, honestly. Warm and inviting with “nicer” furniture and a fireplace in the middle of this “restaurant-feel” made this road stop a true winner, even for a $1 cup of coffee!

BSoleille!

Terri

The Almighty Egg

I think it's great to like eggs in any culinary fashion; over easy, scrambled, and one of my favorites, hard-boiled. The only thing that's kind of "hard", is remembering to hard-boil them before you want to eat them. It is a process, of course, but oh so great to have them on hand for a snack (even breakfast), and super easy to transport! Over the years, I have tried to cook/boil them many ways; with salt in the water, or vinegar too, and even baking soda. Not sure any of them make a huge difference, but I'll still put something in the water as they boil up. The cooling is important so the shell comes off easily...and sometimes even doing all of the above, a tough to peel egg will emerge. 

BSoleille!

Terri

Our Kind of January Day

Cold, with some wind and bright blue skies plus brilliant sunshine was the perfect backdrop to take scoot around the Crofton Parkway with my hubby. The super long shadows was a giant reminder that we are still in the thick of winter, and we were able to slightly warm up while breaking into a run.

BSoleille!
Terri

Guinness World Record Holder X2 - Richard Flanagan

The amazing Rich Flanagan of Crofton, Maryland, has done it again, officially, breaking another Guinness World Record: The fastest bicycle wheelie over 100 meters in 10.86 seconds! I blogged about this feat on the actual date: October 1st, 2017 at South River High School in Edgewater, Maryland; but, gratefully, became legitimate this past week. Rich is truly a remarkable human being, and the many who know him personally probably think that's an understatement. Most folks are trying to figure out if the guy actually sleeps, since his family (wife and five kids and one grandson), his work, and his training regimen comprise many hours of the day...and, mind you, the training regimen "never" stops!

In addition to the above, his pursuit of passion in anything he touches is bar none. He is an avid learner and student on many subjects, but Rich takes it to the nth degree, and then remains humble about what he knows on any topic (bartending/photography/auto mechanics/bicycles of any color or stripe/computers/current events... to name just a few). Folks learn quickly from the moment they meet him that his infectious take on life and his sincere interest in others is also quite exceptional (and he never forgets your name!).

So, we all love to ride bikes (bicycles), right? And you know that great feeling with the sun in your face and the wind at your back while covering a lot of ground on two wheels, right again? Well, Rich does all of that, and way more...on one wheel! I say he's an "animal" when it comes to Rich and his bicycle; and when he rides, he becomes one with his bicycle. With two GWR's under his belt, you would think he would "retire", and take that bike on a long ride into the sunset, but that's not Rich. "Retire" is not in his vocabulary, and has sights on at least one or two more records. Can you fathom 100K (62 miles) on a wheelie, that is on one wheel?! Did you hear me? I did say 62 miles on ONE wheel! Can you imagine the focus needed to muster that? But if anyone can do it, it's Rich! Please stay tuned....

Finally, what is so inspiring to me about Rich is the incredible joy he derives from all his pursuits (in life and on a wheelie). In turn, his dedication and intensity of these quests inspire others with their own dreams and passions, making us all a little sharper, a little stronger and a little wiser each day! Cheers to the very impressive Rich Flanagan and wishing him the best of luck as he dons his kit and pedals toward his next dream!

For more on Rich and his incredible feats, please check these out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7BtidERbWM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ec4Z9sI04c

BSoleille! The bright side of a Master on a Wheelie! #celebrateothers
Terri

Rich's celebratory fist pump of his second Guinness World Record 10/1/2017

Rich's famous bicycle handstand (he can still do this!) when he was age 14.

Daniel H. Pink's New Book is Out!

Being big fans of Daniel Pink's work (six previously written books), this evening was the perfect timing for my hubby Bill and I to scoot down to the historic Sixth&I synagogue in Washington, DC to hear author Daniel Pink talk about his new book: When - The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing. 

Tonight's review of the book coupled with Q&A session in DC was the kick off on his "world book tour" of When. Thankfully, we were not disappointed in his thought provoking research and his"new way of thinking" about "big data" and the impact it has on our lives. With humor, candor and a plethora of stories, he "pinged" and "ponged" his way through the data to unlock some of the secrets of good timing to help his readers/listeners flourish at work, at school, and at home. He went on to discuss something we all know: timing is everything, but is it really? We assume that timing is an "art", but in When, he makes it clear timing is really a science.

Two other favorite books of ours by Mr. Pink are: To Sell is Human and Drive.

BSoleille! The bright side of a date night with an energizing crowd at sixth&i.

Terri

Moderator: Shankar Vedantam (NPR and Hidden Brain fame) and author Daniel Pink

Book signing with Daniel Pink and Bill

Sunrise Sunset

Maybe I’ve got you humming the tune from Fiddler on the Roof, but, no, it’s the wonderful sunrises and sunsets that has me excited in January. This is following some fairly cold and blustery winter weeks, not even days! I hope we can all enjoy them no matter where we are in the “big blue marble” called Earth. 

BSoleille!

Terri 

Juror #11 is Not Needed

Summoned last month to do my civic duty and report for jury duty today was very interesting. I was actually very impressed on how "our" judicial system works 'live' (civil, not criminal case, mind you); and not just what we see on TV with the plethora of courtroom dramas that are portrayed. Going in my group number was 129 out of approximately 140. Not bad I thought, and that I'd never get on a jury with that high of a number. Well, that was just because I was at the "end" of the alphabet. My "real" juror number was 11, and they took 35 back into the chamber to continue the vetting process.

The judge was great, as well as all the attorneys and the rest of the "players" in the courtroom, but alas, Juror #11 was not selected today, nor for the rest of the week as originally thought. I was this close, and everyone not selected got herded back to the waiting area. A few minutes passed as we began "settling" in once again to be called up, and without any "warning" or "fanfare", were dismissed. Just like that...go home! The comical bailiff lady said to us: "do not call; do not report, and do not pass go, at least for the rest of the week." I thankfully made my cool $15 and skedaddled right on home.

BSoleille! The bright side of a kicking judicial system we should all be quite proud of!

Terri

Following a New Recipe to the Letter

Raise your hand if you follow a recipe exactly. Raise your hand if you mostly follow a recipe, but not quite exactly. I'm in the second category...except for today! I followed a delicious recipe down to the right amount of salt and the lemon zest it "required"! First time in a very long while this has happened, but I had every single ingredient on hand, and dirtied up the kitchen quite well to make the "Crispy Spicy Turkey with Lemon and Herbs". That meant using two big frying pans, getting the Food Processor out from way back in the cupboard to pulse the cauliflower, and zesting a lemon! Whew!

Thankfully, the meal was "outstanding", and this compliment came straight from my spouse (he loves everything, by the way!). No really, it's was that good. I don't know if the cold weather had anything to do with it, you know, comfort food, but I'm still thinking about it 4 hours later...

BSoleille! The bright side of a lingering thought of a good hearty Sunday meal!

Terri

Just in case you wanted to take a peek at the recipe!

Possibillibee Epiphany

Today being the 12th day of Christmas, or the Feast of the Epiphany, celebrating with my sewing sisters by quilting, sewing, eating, chatting and exchanging our "Christmas gifts" is a great day. Our yearly tradition of an all day sew date culminates with our gift exchange of many "homemade" gifts that we each give to each other and get from each other between the eight of us (bee-mate, Mary Nielsen even sent her gifts from Florida). These very talented ladies out did themselves on the cleverness of their gifts. A big shout of Thanks to Carrie Casto for hosting this year...and now we are all back to the drawing board to think of something for next years exchange.

By the way, this tradition began as making something (or buying) for less than $2. The ante is up a bit, but not much more, and therein lies the great ideas and cleverness of each gift!

BSoleille! The bright side of hanging with the Possibillibees on a cold winter day.

Terri

Gifts: Susie - pipe cleaners and felted sewing machine; Carrie - Island Breeze Loofah Soap and homemade lip moisturizer; Janet - Big bottle of Shea Butter lotion; Shelley - 2 fat 1/4's; Cappy - handmade see through bag and fat 1/4; Mary - Notebook of graph paper with personalized front and back cover; Deb - Christmas dish towel, homemade bread, napkins and tea light candles and Terri - set of West River, Maryland photocards and a bee fat 1/4! 

Celebrating Others - Sophie Nolan

I think it would be only appropriate to begin my #CelebratingOthers with the woman who gave birth to me: Sophie (Zosia nee: Borkowski) Nolan. She was the fifth child (and last) born in 1931 of poor Polish immigrants in Cleveland, Ohio. She had a extremely tough upbringing (child of the depression/WW11), and life was not easy for her on many fronts, but she persevered and carved her own way in the world by working hard, getting married, and having a family of three daughters. Her style of parenting made each of her girls strong, capable and independent no matter what came their way.

I am truly grateful for the fortitude, resilience, and resolve needed to muster the last 21 years in dealing with my son's cancer and all that it entailed, and, of course, life in general. It's these attributes (plus others) that have kept me afloat, and I have my Mom to thank for these very precious life-saving skills gleaned and "honed" over my lifetime. It certainly has made a difference in coping with what life has thrown at me, and I work at it every day.

Unfortunately, the last several years have been especially difficult with her declining health, most notably, the dementia. But as I mentioned in a previous "Christmas Miracle" blogpost, she amazes everyone with the swift healing of her broken bones; probably a hallmark of her thick "Polish Princess" blood! What else could it be? At 86, she is still swinging for the fences! Now that is something to be thankful for...and celebrate!

#CelebratingOthers
Terri

Olivia, Grandma Sophie, me and Ryan (early 2000's)

Grandma Sophie and Ryan 2005

In Ocean City with the family 2002?

Paperwhites a Blooming!

While the several paperwhites I have around the house are in full bloom, I took liberties in photographing them when I thought the sunlight filtering through the window was just right. (I was supposed to be taking down the Christmas tree, but hey, that could wait...). I also wanted to see if my "new-to-me" camera lens could do the flowers justice, and I think it did in a big way. Of course many were taken, and only the ones I thought were good enough to share are posted here today. I'm now waiting for my amaryllis to grow and bloom as well (it's a big bulb..thanks Cathy!). The flowering paperwhites fill the house with happiness, and it's a proven fact flowers of any color and "stripe" have a positive effect of people's moods. I am grateful for the flowers and how they improve one's life's satisfaction. A "two-fer".

BSoleille! The bright side of "sticking our tongues out" at the frigid temperatures and possible snow storm with lovely and blooming flowers...all inside!

Terri

Couldn't resist a B&W photo

A tinge of pink!

Someone Else's Grocery List

Today I needed to restock my kitchen with groceries after a long hiatus of not shopping due to travel over the holidays. We all do it, staving off that trip by eating out of the cupboards and emptying out the freezer and shelves until we are back. When there is practically no fresh fruit left, it's time. So off I went with my list and a happy dance to buy fresh stuff and restock once again.

And as we do in our family, I gathered a "wayward" cart in the parking lot as I walked into the store. Within moments I saw a white paper peering out of the corner of the cart... a list...and it wasn't mine. I felt like I was peering into someone's kitchen and wondering what they needed. Well, in that case, it was all on the list. But since I also had my list, that "someone-else's-grocery-list" got crunched as my cart became laden with all the provisions I heaped on top of it. Not to worry though, after loading my bags carefully in the car, I took the cart back to its proper cart location and that "someone-else's-grocery-list was still intact on the side of the top basket, albeit a wee bit crumpled...but still quite readable! Ha!

BSoleille! The bright side of sticking to your grocery list!
Terri

The "someone-else's-grocery-list"

My list and provisions...

Happy New Year 2018!

Believe it or not, I still typed a "7" when typing out this post title; so, it will take a little time to truly usher in the new year, but I am excited to do so. And although I consider September the "start of the new year", realistically, January 1st is the day of new beginnings, new ideas, and more or less, gutting through some very cold winter days. Except for reading more books on a personal level, I have been thinking about mixing up my blogposts with: #CelebratingOthers. Thankfully, today also begins my seventh year with (almost) daily blogging. Woooohooo!

Over the course of this new year, my plan is to write about the "unsung" heroes that have and continue to inspire me each day. I had "milled" over this concept a couple years ago, and have done some individual posts on several people in the last six years, but in 2018 I want to devote at least one day a week to spotlight folks that are passionate in what they do each day, are role models and mentors to many, are creative and artistic, are not afraid of challenges, and are making a difference in my/our lives. The Celebrating Others Project 2018 or (COP2018) has a nice ring to it, I hope you will follow along.

Let's all fasten our seat belts for another trip around the sun; all 7 billion of us!

BSoleille!
Terri

Photos from the DC Lucky Bar while taking in an English Premier soccer game (Manchester United 2- nil over Everton).