settled...finally

We've lived in our little town two and half years. But so often I still feel like a newbie when others rattle off streets and landmarks. Recently a girlfriend needed some directions in town and a place for lunch - suddenly I was a wealth of resources. Overnight, I became a confident resident.

I know all the librarians and the women at my salon. The shop guys at the corner finally know me by my first name. All of my in town trips no longer require a GPS.

I love feeling settled.

pretty things

I own pretty things. They sit on my shelves, in my drawers, and hidden away. Last fall I bought an inexpensive pearl necklace. It feels fancy, whimsical, and daring. So I never wore it.

Then we were watching Sarah's House (HTGV - can you hear the Canadian accent I'm faking?) and she was wearing my exact necklace. And she was wearing jeans.

So now I'm determined to wear it once a month, even if I feel silly. Of course, every time I wear it, I get compliments. But feeling brave enough in the morning to put it on is still the struggle. Maybe tomorrow...

how not to take a compliment

I was with a lady friend the other day and she asked "Have I ever told you how much I love your hair?"

I of course responded with "Oh....I hate my hair."

At what age do we learn to take compliments?

the first of its kind

My first gray hair didn't last very long. Naturally, playing with it led to its falling out. I always said that when this day would come, I'd accept it. But now its here and I'm noticing all of my husband's stray grays. I wonder if they are contagious...

a quote to take to heart

To be interested in the changing of seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring. --George Santayana, Reason and Art

I heart goats

It could be my affinity towards goats that has my radar up at unusual times. When recently working on a large email project at work I came across an address that was goats@ ___.com. I couldn't help my giggles and excitement. The owner of the adorable email address had the first initial of G and last name Oats. I wonder if when giving it out, he says G Oats @ such and such dot com. Or if he enjoys it and simply says "goats". I certainly would boldly assert the name of the adorable animal who can either be fainting, mountain climbing, or just plain cute.

domestic goddess

Dinner is in the oven...
cornbread stuffing (my first attempt at stuffing)
garnet yams
thyme chicken breast (with the skin on)

This is a meal I've been waiting to make until I had all my ducks in order (husband had to put butter under skin the night before, must be home early enough to get it cooked before he gets home, get the nerve to try so many new things).

So now my house smells yummy and I'm feeling accomplished. No matter how it turns out (bland, burnt, or bad) I'm satisfied. I'm learning that cooking is all about trying, not succeeding.