Oh what a beautiful morning....

Oh what a beautiful day.  I've got a beautiful feeling.  Every thing's going my way.

(well, with the minor exception that blogger is not letting me upload pictures right now and this is the only block of time I have to post today...so forgive me.  Tis' not my fault. I even tried it again just now and nope, it's not working.)

I have a busy, busy weekend upon me.  I will let you in on a little secret.  Ready?  Some of you already know.  In May 2009, I lost my job as a environmental research analyst during the fall of the financial world.  My position was driven by the mortgage industry and if there were no loans being produced, that meant I had no environmental reports to write.  This was a job that I loved.  It broke my heart to be laid off.  It tore me up, as you know many other people out there who went through the same thing.

I spent the better part of the last year trying to find stable and consistent work.  I wanted to do something I loved to do and since there are many things that fall into this category, it was hard to choose just one and focus solely on that market.

With the help of my good friends, I ventured forward and began reinventing myself professionally.  I even went so far as to leave the great state of Virginia, but something kept calling me back.  God kept whispering to me...

I listened.  I was obedient and came back.  He wanted me home.  He had a plan.

I begin my adventure today.  I have a full time job in the restaurant "scene" here in Olde Towne.  The scene here is eclectic, happening, stylish, hip, upscale food and I have a place in it.

I could not be more excited.  I am thrilled to be working again.  Working in a dream job...a passion.  It really doesn't seem like work.

There is also a picnic from Angry Adam's Wine and Cheese Spot for which we will be enjoying with friends before the Olde Towne Ghost Walks.  Last night, we sat outside and watched Colonel Crawford, a dressed docent who speaks in third person, give a wonderful tour in front of the house.  I am really ready to have some fun.

Thanks for all your prayers and good wishes...man, thanks for just hanging in there with me.  I could have done it without you, but having you along for the ride made it so much easier.

This is Home Girl and...I got a job!

This and That Thursday by Mental Pause Mama

Olde Towne Ghost Walks is tomorrow night.  I am beyond excited.  My love and I are meeting a very good friend and her husband for a wonderful dinner, al fresca before the walks begin.  I am bringing the camera with me and hope to take lots of photos.  The temps will be chilly and with the leaves falling, it should be a lovely evening.

This is one of my most favorite photographs I think I may ever have taken.  I don't know why, I just like it.  I am hyper critical of my photographic work, more so than my sewing, quilting, or baking.  Why is that?

I love how the majority of all the homes in Olde Towne are decorated for the Halloween or Fall Season. It is just so much fun.  I haven't even begun to share with you the really cool decorated houses.  There is a  whole street I am going to get to today.

I made Halloween Bark out of melted chocolate and chopped up candy bars and M and M's...it is really dangerous stuff.  I was going to include Milk Duds...but I have hidden all the little packages to help thwart any attempt at them being stolen.  There are candy thieves in this world and I know several.

My feet are just so happy to be back near water, where they belong.  This photo just makes me smile.  Really, if you understood me, you'd understand this picture.

I am finally getting comfortable with the Mac OS.  See, I don't like a lot of turmoil in my life.  I thought this sign was rather me.  Don't you?

This is Home Girl and I won't be home much this weekend.  I love Halloween!!!

The Secret Garden

I have always been rather fond of secret places...little coves where I could be alone.  I remember as a child, that I preferred to play behind the sofa, as it backed up to a wall and made a nice hideaway.  I remember spending countless hours in the depths of this serene space.  It made me feel safe, I suppose.

Once, my older sister made me a hide-out area in a closet.  It had these long, plastic jewels hanging down in the door way.  They made a sweet noise when moved like a swishing sound.  In an "autistic like" way, these places made me calm.  I learned at such a tender age, that solitude and small spaces created comfort for me.

I am still like this today, somewhat.  I need or crave space away from everyone and everything in order to recharge my own mental battery.  Living in Olde Towne affords me to see the beauty around me from a much different perspective than most.  I am able to find spaces where I can just be...alone and quiet.

No one else, but me.  In solitude.  Quietness.

This is one of the very special places that I go to when I need to refresh my brain.  It's lovely and quaint.  It rumors of lavender and pine.  The birds chirp.  The light wind rustles the leaves.  You can hear the Earth breath here.  It does my heart good.  I take in a deep breath and I exhale.  I smile.

There is so much to see in this special place I know.  I can picture beautifully draped tables in floral chintz, with cotton linen napkins, the daintiest silver settings, and crystal goblets set next to bone china tea settings.  I dream of long, leisurely tea parties here in my secret garden.

There is an actual crystal chandelier hanging from a tree in this glorious little hideaway.  I have a photo of it and it is so beautiful, but I have had some issues learning Mac OS and until, I go take another photo of this incredible outdoor lighting fixture, you will have to take my word for it.  It is stunning.

This is Home Girl and I love my little secret garden.  Do you have somewhere special you go to recharge your battery?

Olde Towne in The Fall

I am really busy today.  I have a full agenda.  FULL, but I am ecstatically happy.  I hope everyone has a great weekend.

I took some test shots with the new baby girl.  I think she and I will get along just fine.  I hope you will enjoy these photos.  I have missed taking shots of what I experience.  I really have.  I heard a saying very recently and it rings with so much truth.  "Cameras teach us "how" to see the world."  Thank you, once again to a very special someone.  You will never fully understand what you have done for me.

This is Home Girl and I gotta feeling....that today's gonna be a good day!  Woo hoo.

Guess What???

Someone has a new camera and she's going to be out in the gorgeous Fall weather practicing how to use it.

I hope to have some really cool photos to share with you later on.

Until then...enjoy your day.

I am just so friggin' excited. It is wonderful to have such good friends. Thank you to my special someone, you know who you are!!!

This is Home Girl and I will be shooting the rest of the day!! Maybe the rest of the month!

Thomas Jefferson would have loved this house.

I have been busy making meal plans for the next few weeks. I make the grocery list off of the meal plans. I like to be organized that way.

I am excited about grocery shopping. Really excited.

The house that I live in is in one word...Amazing. It is an old house, built sometime in the late 1700's, but is full of happiness. I live here with three men and one male cat. At times, it feels like a frat house, but I would not trade that feeling for anything. I enjoy taking care of the "womanly tasks". I am a care taker. I see a need and I fulfill it.

The ceilings are at least 16 feet in this house. The crown moldings are stellar. The wood floors are shiny and slick. If you get enough momentum, one can slide from the back hall all the way to the front door. Not that I have tried that or anything.

I have set up a small sewing/quilting design area in the formal dining room. There is a large fire place and a gorgeous chandelier. Williamsburg comes to mind when walking throughout this expansive home.

There are 3 fire places downstairs and several (some former) upstairs. The staircase is grand. It speaks about the house. At night, when its dark, the wooden boards creak. Sometimes, it can get a little freaky, but I have only sensed good spirits here. Not bad ones, like some of the other places I have visited in Olde Towne. If you do not believe in spirits, after living in this little village, you will. I can assure you of that.

We share a lot of laughs and love in this house. We share a lot of time throughout Olde Towne together. I will be sharing photos very soon. I promise!!!

This past weekend, the four of us walked the streets of Olde Towne experiencing Schooner Days. We looked at all the vessels and talked with many of the traveling sailors. We ventured into a Nautical Wares store. We savored the time together. Men walk very fast. I was rather exhausted after our adventure.

There are many more fun times to be shared...I am sure.

As I sit here typing, at a heavy, wooden table in the midst of this home's history, I find peace. I find gratefulness. I find joy.

This is Home Girl and I wish you Joy.

For The Love of Milk Duds

Halloween is riding up on our heels and with that, I have found myself obsessed with thoughts of Halloween and more specifically...Halloween Candy.

I love Halloween, not just because Ghost Walks is Friday, October 29th...and I will be right in the mix of things that go bump in the night at Olde Towne, but moreover it is one of the most enjoyable kid's holidays, like ever.

I am one big kid, too. I am not into the scary, scary stuff, although I have promised a certain Little Brother of mine that I would go to see Paranormal Activity 2 this coming weekend with he and Russia. There must be buttery soaked popcorn involved or I will not go. I'm serious.

Every evening, in Olde Towne, there is a certain select group that gets together for a "happy hour" of sorts. I call it "time spent in the tree house". We gather at an apartment that is on the top floor of a four story building. It's pretty high up there. No elevators, either. If you walk out onto the back porch of said apartment, you feel like you are in a tree house because there are literally tree branches all around. It's the best place to wind down one's day and it gives us all a chance to catch up. The group is one of my cores and I trust them all.

Last night, we watched "Scare Tactics", a show hosted by Tracy Morgan where "victims" are scared by different scenario's played by very good actors. Of course, the scenes are staged well enough to scare the bejezzus out of the victims. We laughed and laughed. Then somehow, someone came up with the idea that they should do something like this. Then the men looked at the women.

Oh, heck no.

I will not fall prey to their shenanigans. I better not or someone will be in big trouble.

If I do fall for their tricks, then said perpetrators will not get any of my candy or my Halloween goodies. My favorite Halloween Candy, besides candy corn, is the little packages of Milk Duds. Oh my absolute goodness. I adore those little balls of buttery, gooey, caramelly love dipped in a chocolate jacket.

I will share a wonderful recipe with you. This is great for Halloween treats for your family and friends. Never ever give these to those "stupid boys" who like to scare innocent victims. I swear, if I get caught in their trap, I will not be held responsible for their safety. I will kick the all and then they will not get my special Milk Dud Cookies.

I promise. But, for you...you get the recipe. I am good like that.

MILK DUD COOKIES...Oh, my....yumminess.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1 and 1/2 cups butter flavored shortening (Crisco Butter Flavored)

1 and 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

2 cups granulated sugar, divided

1 and 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

4 eggs

3 and 3/4 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 (10 oz) package Milk Duds

In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening, the peanut butter, and 1 and 1/2 cups of sugar, and the brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, stirring after each addition. Combine the dry ingredients and add to the creamed mixture until thoroughly blended. Chill in the fridge for at least one hour.

Shape 4 teaspoons of dough around a Milk Dud (Ball of Goodness) until completely covered. Roll ball in remaining granulated sugar. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes on metal racks.

Makes about 8 dozen cookies. I want at least that many for myself, so I double the recipe. I can be nice sometimes.

I said...sometimes, but in the case of these friends of mine...if I get scared, someone is gonna pay.

I swear.

This is Home Girl and I'm not playing ya'll.

Music; the fabric of my life

Like many of you, my musical heritage was influenced by parents and my grandparents; by the many people who waltzed in and out of my young life. I had older sisters and I was exposed to their thoughts on popular music of their peer group..which I was not a part of.

I have my own thoughts on what I like and dislike in music, but I am not bound by any set rules. I do not covet any one genre of notes. I have never been this way. Even as a little girl, I was very fickle when it came to my own musical selections.

If I had one of those Ipod things, here is a list of the first 25 songs I would have on it. These are in no particular order.

1. Sweet Baby James, James Taylor

2. Nessun Dorma, Pavarotti

3. Watershed, Indigo Girls...a song I can actual sing.

4. Like the Way I do, Melissa Etheridge

5. Whip It, Devo

6. St. Judy's Comet, Paul Simon...from the There Goes Rhyming Simon Album....my oldest sister used to sing this to me. She had a gorgeous voice. I do not, that is why I played the flute. I attempted to sing this song to all my kids when they were itty bitty...I bet they wouldn't have this song on their Ipods. Just say'in.

7. We've Only Just Begun, The Carpenters...there are just too many memories to recount hearing this song.

8. So Far Away, Crossfade

9. O Let's Do It, Waka Flocka Flame

10. Numb, Linkin Park

11. Rodeo-Hoedown, Aaron Copland. I have played this piece so much, I have it memorized permanently.

12. Welcome to the Family, Avenge Sevenfold~ I know, right? This surprises even me.

13. No Woman/No Cry, Bob Marley and the Whalers

14. I'm Not Afraid. Eminem

15. If I were a Boy, Beyonce'

16. Noctourne in E Minor, Opus 72, Frederic Chopin

17. Mi Mancherai, Josh Groban....like no one else can.

18. Unredeemed, Selah...a song that can make me smile.

19. Straight Outta Compton, NWA

20. Baby featuring Ludacris, Justin Bieber

21. 4 Minutes Featuring Justin Timberlake, Madonna

22. Bye, Bye, Bye., Nsync...yes, there has to be an Nsync song on my list and this one is my favorite.

23. Part of your World, Disney's Little Mermaid.

24. Meet Virginia, Train

25. Run Around, Blues Traveler...just such a cherry, friggin' song...how could you stay down after hearing this song.

There is the short list and you may notice there is no country on my list. I am not a huge country fan. I just never really got it...well, wait...there is one song I like.

I'll Pray for You, Jaron

Have a great Monday Everyone

This is Home Girl and yes...I do listen to Waka Flocka Flame. What? You got something to say?

Fall in Virginia

The area has been taken hold by much cooler temperatures and a brisk breeze. It's definitely hoodie time. I love hoodies. I love Fall. I cannot wait for a hot cup of something caffeinated to be in my hands as I walk the streets of Olde Towne on a Saturday. There is just so much to do and so much to see.

This weekend its Schooner Days. There are at least 40 schooner rigged vessels moored at the either the High Street Landing or the North Landing. There are historical displays to see, period dressed docents to talk to, shops to visit, Sea Shanty songs to listen to, and sea fare at more than 14 different restaurants. A Farmer's Market is set in the midst of the fun.

There will be Wine Tote making this afternoon. These fully lined, handled wine totes are made from the cutest all cotton fabric in Halloween and Fall themes. They make a great gift to Boo someone with a nice bottle of wine.

(Again, I apologize for the lack of pictures. It will be remedied soon.)

There will also be some baking. There is nothing I like more than baking in the Fall. I am making something I dreamed of. I don't know whether it will work or not...but I am making...are you ready for this...

I am making Sweet Potato and Cinnamon Apple Short Cakes with vanilla cream. Just like Strawberry Shortcakes but all dressed for Fall. Can you imagine? I will be drizzling a little caramel over the cream to give it that certain...Je ne sais quoi.

If all goes well, I hope to have a new recipe to share with you next week...it will be my little Fall gift to you and even if it is not Fall where you are, it will help bring Fall right to you.

I also might through some football into my day and definitely spending some time with my love and his brother. It's always fun when the boys are together in the house.

Enjoy your weekend!!!

This is Home Girl and I am going to enjoy this Fall day to its fullest.

I'm Baaaaccccckkkkk!!!!

Another one of my long time and great blog friends turned Facebook friend who I chat or touch base with on a daily basis, wrote after my status update..."Our Marlene is "Back"." I would like to agree with that statement and for the most part, I am...just in a different way.

I realized today that it has almost been one year since the End of the Great Depression...the death of a relationship that was just unhealthy for me in so many ways. In ways I, myself, could not even acknowledge. I can look back and see that now. It is true, hindsight is 20/20. Change is good even if we want to run and hide in the other direction, escaping its grasp. We get stuck in the mire and muck of life, we become complacent and comfortable. I never want to be that person again. I was a blob drudging through life, not really living. A part of me was dead.

Not any more.

Today, I grasp living and appreciate it. I love it with every breath I take. I enjoy and relish in the hustle bustle, but I can also endear myself deeply to a late evening walk and a peaceful dinner with my love. Living in Olde Towne affords us the opportunity to walk the quaint, cobble stoned streets with the lamp lights fluttering. We can smell the salt air and feel the gentle breeze off the riverfront. A boat horn sounds in the distance. We stop at our favorite restaurant for a respite. We laugh at our own nonsense...honestly enjoying each others company.

My creative endeavors also reflect this changed spirit. I am delving deep into marketing my talents and have now procured a retail store who wants to showcase my abilities. I am really excited about this pathway I am on.

I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy this process. There are so many wonderfully blessed things happening right now. I am realizing through strength of character and my conviction that good things can happen.

I will be able to share pictures of what's going on soon, but you must be patient. Remember there is a process. I have to take baby steps, but I will share with you some words.

The cutest wine totes EVER, a wine and cheese store, cupcakes and cookies, food, food, food, and all of it's the best. Top of the Line...because that's how this classy girl rolls.

I know life ebbs and tides. I get that. I can roll with the punches and move through the hard times. I am stronger now than I ever knew I could be. I have been through so much, but am able to traverse to the other side. I am able to look past the bull shit.

I have often told people...I have some street sense, I am book smart, but I was completely emotionally retarded. I knew that when I got all three components to where they needed to be, it would be time for the world to watch out.

That time is quickly approaching..."By George, I think she's got it". I'm ready. Let's get this party started.

This IS home Girl and "I'm Back".

Coffee Had to Be Created By A Woman

My good friend, from the great state of Connecticut reminded me that Paula Deen was my age when she just got started in her career as a Food Network Star. That gave me so much hope and faith as I wonder through the pages of the book, "What Does Marlene Want To Be". I have the courage to accept any job, even fast food, a dishwasher, the bottom chain of a professional ladder. I do not care. I just want to work. I love to work. I love money, but moreover...I love food and I love fabric.

If I could have any job on this Earth, it would involve good food. There is just nothing like it. If I was asked to put my two cents into a discussion as to what new variance in food would be needed to compliment the already vast array of establishments in Olde Towne...I would definitely say a restaurant with a true, southern, down-home menu...something with a Colonial Kick. Smoked, cured salty ham, fresh-made baking powder biscuits with lumps of cold and creamy local butter, peanut pie, spoon bread hot out of the oven, chicken pot pie with a sweet, brown, flaky crust and creamy interior, peach cobbler and home-made vanilla bean ice cream like my first crush, Thomas Jefferson use to make. There would be steamed shrimp in beer, fat crab cakes that make your mouth sing, fried turkey, and some real barbecue. There would be grits and hush puppies, there would be Sally Lunn bread...I can sit and close my eyes and smell the wonderful aromas emitting from the swinging doors to the kitchen. Table cloths would be gingham check cotton cloth, the silverware real silver, the plates wither pewter or bone china.

Barbecue...there is just something so wonderful about pulled pork that has been shredded with the tines of a fork and soaked in a light but spicy vinegar sauce. Mounded up on a soft bun with some cold, crisp cole-slaw and topped with a splash of Tabasco sauce. I honestly think it might be the answer to World Peace.

Vinegar Based Barbecued Pork Sauce

~

Ingredients

1 cup White Vinegar

1 cup Cider Vinegar

1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar

1 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper

1 Tablespoon Hot Pepper Sauce (i.e., Tabasco Sauce), or to taste

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Combine all ingredients into a jar or container with a tight fitting lid. Refrigerate for at least two days prior to using to allow the flavors to meld. Will keep for in fridge for approximately 2 months. ( This also makes a great Christmas present when dressed up in a cute mason jar with a ribbon and maybe little barbecue mop tied to the top!!)

Now, there are many different ways to cook pork and none of them are wrong. Sometimes, I get in the mood for sliced pork sammies as opposed to pulled. There are moments when I would love to play around with ground pork and make some "burgers" on the grill with this sauce. (Mmmmm...there's an idea for dinner tonight!) Just know, there is no wrong way to go about it, as long as the sauce stays true to it's ingredients. Good food and the creation of it, is all about feeling. It's about love.

This is Home Girl and I've got a feeling...this post had nothing to do with coffee. I still love you more coffee. You are my hero.

Monday, Monday

I love Mondays. They are so new and fresh, like crisp cotton sheets right out of the dryer. Fridays are fun and cheery, but by the time you get through to Sunday, the week is just worn out. Done, Gonzo, Over With. I was so exhausted last night. I fell into bed early. I slept like a rock. It was so needed and enjoyed.

This week will be packed with locating employment and continuing to settle in. It can take some time to readjust. I have wine totes that need to be cut out and stitched. They are the cutest things I have seen in a while. I wish I could share a photo with you all, but I do not have a camera right now. I know that makes you sad, but it makes me more sad. I adore shooting photos and being in a place where there are lots of images to shoot...it makes me even more sad...but, this too shall pass. God, will make way for an even better camera.

Sometimes you have to let go of possessions in order to make it and that is what happened in the case of my little camera.

If I had a camera, I would go down and shoot the tall ships. Schooner Days is this coming weekend in Olde Towne. More than 40 schooner rigged vessels will be on the AICW (Atlantic Inter Coastal Waterway at the Elizabeth River Mile Marker O. The shores and the stores will be a happening place. The beauty of the tall ships will astound, I am sure.

I would love to give walking tours through Olde Towne from different perspectives. There are at least 4 different views that come directly to mind, as I type. There is the Colonial Virginia/historical take on Olde Towne. The Nautical/Maritime View. The Artistic View. The Foodie Paradise View. For a nominal fee, I would be able to provide an insider's look into what makes this area so special. Share all points of interest from a vantage point few obtain. I might even pair restaurants with different interests so the walk includes some of the best dining found anywhere. Morning, afternoon, and evening tours are available.

I need a job, can you tell?

My services are available.

This is Home Girl and I just love the fresh start a Monday can give.

Something Refreshing

I was just out enjoying the afternoon in Olde Towne, walking with my love in the sunshine, feeling the warmth for these last few days before Fall grasps hold of us. We have had such a wonderfully peaceful and relaxing weekend...time spent with friends, enjoyable reminders that God is my cruise ship director, we really loved our weekend. The walk in the park was just a perfect way to segway into the week. A week filled with finding jobs and making things happen. Prayers for us are welcome and greatly appreciated.

While we were walking, we stopped at our favorite benches for a moment to watch Olde Towne as she lives and breathes through the souls of her people. I have spent many times on the benches in thought, in prayer, in hellos and goodbyes, and have relished every second. There have been rousing games of Corn Hole near these benches, building of snowmen during our recent winter storm; the benches are very special to me.

As we sat on the benches, we heard the commotion of a large group of people...adult people. All were dressed in casual, but nice Sunday afternoon brunch attire. Laughing and giggles were booming through the park. We watched to see what was going on...were they drunk? Fighting? My first instinct was to run in the opposite direction, because after what we went through...Marlene doesn't do crazy anymore, fo' real. But nothing in my gut told me to run...I felt safe, and realized there was a smile stretched across my face as they ran, laughed, and clapped their hand's. One of the non-running participant's was busy taking photos.

It made me smile and proved once again...I love where I live. It has a special magic to it.

This large group of adults...they were playing a children's game of tag. One by one, they each would be "it" running around the jungle gym and slides until they caught someone. We laughed and giggled right along with them. It was sweet. It was refreshing. These people had it right. They knew that loving the hell out of life and enjoying every second of it is the key to happiness.

This is HOME girl and my heart sings for those who have the heart of a child.

Where Am I Now?

I am home...no doubt about it. I am so happy to be back. Olde Towne, Portsmouth, Virginia is the place I call home and with it's plethora of Fall activities before me, it is the best time to be here.

The leaves in shades of red, yellow, and brown are beginning to fall serendipitously from the old, stoic trees...crunching under foot. The smells of first fires waft through the air as you walk past decorated houses for the upcoming season.

Walking past the 40 plus restaurants in Olde Towne makes one realize I live in a Foodie paradise. Various wonderful aromas beckon us inside to nibble and partake. There is never a disappointment. Evenings capped off with a hot java from The Coffee Shoppe make long, lingering walks a delight.

Olde Towne Ghost Walks will take place this year on Friday, October 29, 2010. Commencing at the Trinity Lutheran Church graveyard and proceeding through Olde Towne proper, costumed docents will scare, treat, and delight the masses with tales from the past. This will be my first attendance of Ghost Walks and it will be nice to see it from the vantage point of living here. Tickets are a mere $10 a person and all proceeds go to the Olde Towne Civic League to fund their various projects. The walk takes approximately 45 minutes, so dress comfortably. Hot apple cider refreshments are provided in Middle Park at the end of the walk.

If you are close by or would love to make a Fall trip to a magical place, this particular weekend will not let you down. Olde Towne is my favorite destination.

I can not begin to tell you how excited I am to be back home.

For the reader who is looking for a Vinegar Based Sauce for a Pulled Pork Barbecue, if you search in this blog...up at the top...there is one I have posted before. Let me know if you can not find it and I will get it to you.

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend. We are off to spend time with friends in Virginia Beach.

This is Home Girl and I love being home.

No, I wasn't abducted or other random gossip that was said...

I just took a much needed break...can you blame me? Oddly enough...as much as I love to blog and write, I quite enjoyed not feeling like I "had" to do it, but rather it was a choice "to" do it. I mean, I know I do not "have" to blog...I could just say screw it and stop completely, but then something always beckons me back...Like some sick and twisted relationship with someone who is not good for me. I have been down that road before in life and am so happy not to be that person today.

So...where do I start? Do I continue the elusiveness? I am sure you have questions or thoughts...will I ever entertain them? I don't know. I highly doubt it. I have changed so much in the past year that it stuns even myself. It's hard for me to fathom that a year ago this month, my life "on the spit" was torn upside down by the failure of my relationship. Do I miss it? Nope, not really. Well, maybe the prolific amount of seafood places, the sun, the sand, and the salt air, but I have replaced it with so much more.

It has been 4 days since returning to the most magical place on God's green Earth and I was greeted with the heralding in of Fall. Ya know, sometimes you have to leave a place in order to be able to understand it's beauty, it's ambiance, and why we choose to call it home.

I left, I came back, I know this is where I am meant to be.

I like seafood that is not Red Lobster or Long John Silver's...that is just not even close people.

I like being in a commonwealth and not a republic.

I am Virginian Born and Virginian Bred...I will be Virginian, until the day I am Virginian dead.

I like Pulled Pork Barbecue with a vinegar based sauce way too much to live anywhere else. I will visit other places in the world now. This is a given. I like to travel and immerse myself in varying cultures even if they are pitifully different from my own. Pitifully...different. Like, I can not even believe how some people live, different.

No, just give me the banks of The Elizabeth River, a boat horn sounding in the distance, a cool breeze filled with salt, the twinkle of the lights, and knowing that my feet are firmly entrenched right where they belong...

Home, there's no place like it.

~

This IS Home Girl...and I am happy to be here.