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?