A little story about a little girl...

One Saturday, right before my birthday, LB and I were out shopping. At this point in time it was January, I was sick of the cold and I was convinced that I was old and very un-attractive. Somehow we ended up at Wendy's (I really have no idea why) and as we sat down to eat I noticed there was a little girl, who was about five, and her parents sitting next to us. As LB and I sat there I over heard the mother say "shh, eat your food" and the little girl say in what she thought was a whisper "but mom, she's beautiful". So I looked over and this little girl is staring at me. Her mother then said "why don't you tell her that" to which the little girl replied, again in what she thought was a whisper "oh no, I'm too shy!" I smiled at the little girl and she excitedly exclaimed "mom, she smiled at me"!

This little girl made my day - her sweet complement could have not come at a better moment. I can't imagine what prompted this little one to say what she did - but I am grateful that she did so.

Lucky for you I took a picture of my beautiful self that day so you could see just what I was wearing - but also as a reminder to not be so hard on myself when it comes to my looks. Got to love insecurities, right?

Yes, those are cowboy boots, vintage in fact - they were my grandmothers!!!

25 Things my mother taught me...

In honor of the upcoming holiday:

1. Be it November or June, a dress or a skirt, proper ladies wear a slip - even if you have to barrow one from the mortician at a family funeral (true story), it is not appropriate to go with out. 

2.  Original Star Wars + Popcorn = Perfect Friday Night

3.  Take your time - especially when it comes to having children.

4. Read - as often as you can and more then one book at a time.

5. In the summer the best way to drive is with the windows down and the AC on.

6. Dinner in a pinch - cheese on bread under the broiler, and a paper towel will suffice as a plate.

7. Dangly ear-rings and high-heels are for adult women, not little girls.

8. If you love an article of clothing don't dry it, it will last longer and keep its shape - also a spritz of water and a tumble in the dryer will take the place of an iron for most clothing, but not all.

9. Good hair products, makeup, and skin care are worth the money.

10. Don't be a rug - know when to say no.

11. Keep a clean house - it will keep you from being embarrassed and reduce your stress.

12. No matter the setting if the lettuce in your salad is the wrong color do not eat it.

13. What other people think of you is none of your business.

14. Bring a change of shoes and a jacket, you just never know.

15. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

16. Red is not my color, I may wear it on my feet and on my nails or as a hand bag but that is all.

17. One should always carry theses items in ones purse: tissues, painkiller, lipstick, identification and a credit card, oh and a snack - again you just never know (I once entertained  a 3 year old and a gaggle of ducks for an hour with a crushed granola bar from the bottom of my purse).

18. Always answer the phone correctly, when the caller asks for you, your reply is "this is she/he" not her/him.

19.  All girls need silly frivolous things from time to time.

20. Buy the good toilet paper, even if you're poor, and keep the house well stocked.

21. Know how to play cards, specifically Pinochle, Hearts, Scum, and Texas Hold'em. 

22. Take a big purse and a sweater to the movie - stop at the grocery store candy aisle on your way.

23. It's better to be feisty, strong willed, and blunt - but keep it in check.

24. Cookie dough should be enjoyed both raw and cooked.

and above all remember...

25. God helps those who help themselves!