Wellness Wednesdays #5: Friends & Fall

May I suggest that you click on this link and just listen while you're reading the rest of this post.  What memories do you have from Septembers past?

My best memory would be my wedding that took place on September 4, 1965.  What an amazing 53 years of blessings they have been.

On September 5, five years ago, I began a year-long series that is still one of my favorite things I've done since blogging.  I highlighted a different friend each month and shared what made her special to me.

My first one was of my dear friend, Jean Anne Williams.  I had a good visit with her yesterday and learned that she is doing radiation for breast cancer.  They caught it early and she is very encouraged, but it made me thankful all over for our deep respect for each other and connection we've maintained through the years.  You can read about what a special person she is HERE

Are you getting ready for Fall?

I know some of you are already putting out decorations in hopes they will also bring cooler temperatures.  We are still having upper 90 degree days here in the deep south, so will do anything to inspire an early Fall.

Maybe these photos will inspire you if not the weather.

Although not your traditional Fall decor colors, this table setting would welcome Fall and cooler weather beautifully.

As I was getting ready to close this post, I received an email from my husband that I think is so appropriate to share on this day, especially as I have already written about my good friend, above.  And, my best friend these 53 years of marriage.

"A newlywed young man was sitting on the porch on a humid day, sipping ice tea with his father.

 "As he talked about adult life, marriage, responsibilities, and obligations, the Father thoughtfully stirred the ice cubes in his glass and cast a clear, sober look on his son.

"'Never forget your friends,' he advised, 'they will become more important as you get older.  Regardless of how much you love your family and the children you happen to have, you will always need friends.  Remember to go out with them occasionally (if possible), but keep in contact with them some how.'

"What strange advice!' thought the young man.  'I just entered the married world, I am an adult and surely my wife and the family that we will start will be everything I need to make sense of my life.'

"Yet, he obeyed his Father; kept in touch with his friends and annually increased their number.

"Over the years, he became aware that his Father knew what he was talking about.  Inasmuch as time and nature carry out their designs and mysteries on a person, friends are the bulwarks of our life.

"After 70 years of life, here is what he, I, and you will have learned:

Time passes.

Life goes on.

Children grow up.

"Children cease to be children and become independent.  And to the parents, it breaks their heart but the children are often separated of the parents because they begin their own families.

Jobs/careers come and go.

Illusions, desires, attraction, sex....weakens.

People can't do what they did physically when they were young.

Parents die but you move on.

Colleagues forget the favors you did.

The race to achieve slows.

"But true friends are always there, no matter how long or how many miles away they are.  A friend is never more distant than the reach of a need, intervening in your favor, waiting for you with open arms, or in some way blessing your life.

"When we started this adventure called LIFE, we did not know of the incredible joys or sorrow that were ahead.

"We did not know how much we would need from each other.

"Love your parents, take care of your children, but keep a group of good friends.

"Stay in touch with them but do not impose your criteria.

"Love those friends in your life who help make sense of your life."

"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

John 15:13

Now, that is all about WELLNESS!

Transitioning Seasons with Black & White

For the next several weeks, I will be showing you some amazing outfits to help transition from the heat of summer to the much looked for Fall season.

To accomplish this, I will be wearing some items from one of my favorite boutiques,

HUDSON'S, here is Shreveport, Louisiana.

If you see something you like, you can either leave a comment below for more information, or call Hudson's

direct at 318-865-2151 and tell them Libby sent you.

This first outfit is a real standout, and perfect for these late summer days or evenings.

Don't you love those beautiful flowers and the wings of this sheer tunic.

The camisole slip underneath is such a great length for these tops.  It comes to my thighs which I love.  It is so comfortable and doesn't ride up as you move.  

The beauty of this top is that it would be suitable for daytime activities as well as evening events. 

We paired this top with the most comfortable legging I have ever worn.

And look at that fancy little bow and pearl at the ankle.  These are a must for any wardrobe.

 This gorgeous necklace makes a statement without distracting from the beauty of the top.

Being clear, it takes on any color with which it is worn.  I love it, and think you will too.

Are you thinking about how to transition from hot summer to the much anticipated Fall weather?

Either leave a comment here or call 318-865-2151 if you are interested in anything you saw in this post.

More Black & White next Monday.

Linking with:

Amaze Me Monday

Turning Heads Tuesday
Wardrobe Staple: Fashion Should be Fun

Visible Monday

Saturday 9: THINK Back

Think (1968)

I'm THINKing back to 1968.

It was the day of the fancy hair styles and french twist.  We had been married three years and lived in Orange, Texas and it was the year before I conceived our first-born.  It was a good year as I remember it.

In fond remembrance of The Queen of Soul (1942-2018).

Unfamiliar with this week's song. Hear it here.

1)  As befits one of America's premiere artists, Aretha Franklin sang at three Presidential inaugurations. The first was Jimmy Carter's in 1977, when she sang "God Bless America." What's your favorite patriotic song?

The National Anthem will always be my favorite but a close 2nd would be 
"God Bless America"

2)  The daughter of a Baptist minister, Aretha grew up with church music. She told Rolling Stone one of her favorite songs was the hymn, "Victory Is Mine." What's your favorite religious song? 

I too was the daughter of a Baptist minister and there are so many wonderful old hymns that I remember that we never sing anymore.  What a shame.  Some of my favorite religious songs would be "How Great Thou Art!", "In the Garden," "His Eye is on the Sparrow,"  "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name,"  "Amazing Grace," "Great is His Faithfulness," "The Majesty and Glory of His Name," and the "Hallelujah Chorus."  There are so many others.

3)  She welled up a bit when President George H. W. Bush presented her with the nation's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. When is the last time you shed a tear?

I'm not much of a crier, but I did get teary watching this video of a little boy and his military dad yesterday.  HERE

4)  In 1980, the Queen of Soul sang for the Queen of England in a Command Performance at The Royal Albert Hall. Have you ever been to London?

No, I haven't

5)  Since Aretha had many honorary degrees, it would have been appropriate to refer to her as Dr. Franklin. Who is the last person you referred to by his or her title (Officer, Father, Sgt., Dr., etc.)?

I recommended my physician to a friend yesterday, so Dr. Mercer.

6)  In this week's song, Aretha tells her lover that it doesn't take a high IQ to understand what's going on in their relationship. Do you know your IQ?

No, and have no desire to be humiliated by an innocuous number.

7)  A sculpture of Aretha is on display at Madame Tussaud's in New York. Do you think wax museums are cool, or creepy?

I have only been in one wax museum.  I find them neither cool nor creepy.  Just not something I'm interested in.

8)  Aretha and Motown legend Smokey Robinson were literally lifelong friends, since they were playground buddies in Detroit. Smokey is one of the only people who can claim to have seen The Queen of Soul with a bucket in a sandbox. If we went to the playground today, would you head for the swings, the slide or the jungle gym? Or, like Aretha, would you play in the sand?

I would head for the swings.  Do we ever get too old to swing or be swung?

9)  Random question: Do you like pumpkin seeds?

No

Wellness Wednesday #5

If you have been following me for very long, then you know that one of the best ways I can feed my mind with the good, clean, pure, powerful and positive is by spending time with our family.

FIRST THINGS FIRST!

Forty nine years ago today this handsome guy made us parents.

John has been God's great gift to us for these 49 years in so many ways.  He is a devoted husband and father, and strives to be the godly man God desires him to be.

We love you, John and wish you a very

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!


Last weekend, I went back to Dallas to meet Dick on Saturday after his trip to Colorado.  Actually, Friday night was spent watching the live stream of a Rugby game our grandson played in.  It was a big game for the USA Rugby top 30 Collegiate All-American Team that had been selected the previous Sunday.  They had worked hard all week preparing to take on the pro team, Raptors, and competing for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd All-American Teams.

There was a great article published on our Jackson that you might find interesting.

Jackson Day Carries Banner

While Jackson was working hard, Granddad and Dad spent the week playing and exploring the area around Denver and enjoying their time together.

This has become my favorite picture of John and Dick.  They had so much fun.

Friday night, the All-Americans humiliated the Raptors 55-10 and Jackson was selected to the 2nd team.  We are so proud of his accomplishments.

Now, back to Western Michigan for his final semester and last year on the Rugby field.

On Saturday night, I got to see Granddaughter, Ava Grace in the final performance of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" with Dick this time.

She did so well, and I think you can see the personality she put into her part as Susan.

No words to describe this picture.

This was a picture of the whole cast and I just happened to catch this picture of Ava Grace as the girl opened the umbrella next to her.  So cute!

They loved their director, Mr. Black.

And we loved being with our girl for another great performance.

On Sunday afternoon, they had their cast party at a local restaurant and guess who was there.

If you are a Dallas Cowboy fan, then Quarterback Tony Romo needs no introduction.  These girls were ecstatic to see him and he was so sweet to pose with them.

On Monday, I went to Nader's Gallery.  It has been one of the most well respected businesses in our city since 1969, for art, accessories and especially framing.  And, I had never been there.

The wall of art upon entering, is actually a huge wall of frame options.  Unbelievable!

There was so much to see and I will be showing you some of the pretties on Instagram.

But, I want to share with you one of the most amazing pieces of art that I couldn't stop looking at.

This is very large piece and looks like glass.  But, upon closer examination, it appears to have been done in millions of tiny beads.

 One of the employees and I finally decided the canvas must have been painted, then completely covered with crystal sequins and beads and sealed with a clear epoxy or something.  I have never seen anything like it and would have brought it home with me if I had owned a bank.

And, who do you think our handsome man looks like?

That's it for my Wellness Wednesday this week.

I hope you enjoy being well as much as I do.

A Rerun

As I'm going to be in Dallas again this weekend to fetch my traveling Hubby from the airport and to also enjoy again Ava Grace's play, not to mention more time with our daughter and family, I am

re-posting a blog I did back in 2012.

This was one of the first blog posts I did and it remains one of the most visited.

This book was published back 1981 which explains the now outdated pictures; however, the concept has never changed and nor will it because it is basic to putting together a workable wardrobe for any lifestyle.

I hope you get some great ideas for planning your Wardrobe.

Image - Clothing Capsules

I first learned about clothing capsules from Janet Wallach's book "Working Wardrobe" many years ago.  In fact, her book was first published in 1981, and yet her ideas are still as applicable as ever, even if the fashions she illustrates are a bit dated.  I have used her information in all of my seminars and have tried to implement her concept in my own wardrobe.

 

Have you ever stood in front of or in your closet and thought, "I don't have a thing to wear?"  I think most of us have experienced this frustrating moment.  Our closet is full and yet, nothing really works.  I hope my introducing some of the basic concepts from this book will give you the principles for putting together a workable wardrobe of your own.

The basic premise of the Capsule Concept is really simple. To quote the author, "The Capsule is an extended set of mix and match pieces, created by you and for you.  It can consist of as little as five or as many as twenty pieces.  The purpose is to give you flexibility as your needs require."

 

The back cover gives a good summary of the book contents.

 Try to imagine how this Winter Capsule consisting of 12 pieces can make 48 different looks.

 This Gray/Brown color combination gives you an idea of color options.  Note that the beginning outfit may be the print skirt/blouse and all other pieces are taken from it.  This makes a great color inspiration from which to build.

Remember to always use the most appropriate color combinations from your Season.  For a Spring, this illustration would need to be the Primary Green and a true yellow or coral; Summers would use more pastel shades; Winters might want a Jewel-tone green with fushia or purple; Autumns would feel most comfortable in an olive with ginger, gold, or the new orange for the 2012 2018 season.

 

Remember your clothing personality when putting together your Clothing Capsule.  It doesn't matter whether the colors are perfect, if the style is not suited for you and your body, then it just won't work. 

 

This particular 12-piece capsule idea can have as many as 72 different looks. 

I hope these illustrations from Janet Wallach's book give you some ideas for going out and making your own Clothing Capsules.  There are other plans out there that you may find more useful, but the object is to realize that you can MIX AND MATCH your clothes.  This is how you expand your wardrobe and spend less at the same time. (Let me know if you have questions.)

BUT first, you want to start with what you have!!!!

So, next time, we will talk about how to SHOP IN YOUR OWN CLOSET! 

Have a great week and I'll see you on Wednesday for "Wellness Wednesday!"

Saturday 9: It's a Jungle Out There

It's a Jungle Out There

Saturday 9: It's a Jungle Out There (Theme from Monk) (2003)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song is the theme from the detective show that ran from 2002-2009. Were you a fan?

No, not a big fan, but we did watch it some.

2) The song warns us about the air we breathe and the water we drink. Does your home have an air or water filter?

We have A/C filters that help keep our air clean and we have a water filter on our refrigerator.  We also only drink bottled water.

3) The lyrics say, "People say I'm crazy to worry all the time." Are you a worrier? Or do you just take things as they come?

I'm not much of a worrier; however, I do tend to overthink some things.  For the most part, I want to put my own spin on things as they come.  In other words, I like to think I have some control.  I know, the Lord has His hands full with this child of His.

4) TV's Adrian Monk is known for his outstanding deductive powers, an homage to Sherlock Holmes. Have you read any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books featuring Sherlock Holmes?

No I haven't

5) Monk was also known for fastidiousness and precision, an homage to Hercule Poirot. Have you read any of Agatha Christie's books featuring Poirot?

No again.  But, I enjoy both these series on PBS.  Does that count?

6) This song was written and performed by Grammy and Emmy winner Randy Newman. Do you have any trophies or plaques? 

I have a couple plaques given to me for being an "Outstanding" state employee in the Louisiana Technical College System.  I used to have some trophies for various beauty contests I won, but they went by the way-side years ago.

7) Before winning an Oscar in 2001, Mr. Newman had the distinction of having the most nominations (15) without a win. Do you consider yourself a graceful loser? 

Oh yes.  My identity was never wrapped up in whatever contest or competition I happened to be in.

8) In 2003, when this song was introduced, Lance Armstrong won his fifth Tour de France. Later, he was disgraced in a doping scandal. Can you think of a time when a hero disappointed you?


Quite honestly, I've never had a human hero so to speak.  I have admired and looked-up-to individuals, but they have never been my heros.  But, yes, I have been disappointed by someone else's behavior or choices, but I've also been disappointed in my own many times through the years.

9) Random question -- We're catering lunch. Should we put you down for a burger or a taco?

Burger

Wellness Wednesday #4

Everything I am going to include in this post has to do with overall wellness.  Nothing makes me feel more alive than when I spend time with my family.  Let me share some of our time together this past weekend and what is going on in Colorado.

Dallas

On Monday's blog post, I showed how Granddaughter Cassidy and I spent our Saturday.  Check it out HERE!

Sunday, began by attending a wonderful worship service at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano.

That afternoon, we went to Willow Bend Mall for another performance of

"The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."

But first, I had a special lady to meet.

I first met Connie, or Nonnie as she is known on her blog, a few years back on Joyce's

Wednesday Hodgepodge.

I liked her immediately and knew we had a common bond in Jesus Christ.  We have continued to stay in touch through our blogging and talked often of one day meeting when I was in the Dallas area.

You will want to get to know her too on her blog, Nonnie's Random Thoughts.

It worked out that we were able to spend some time visiting before the play began.  It was like meeting an old friend.  She is as sweet and beautiful inside and out as I knew she would be.  This was such a special treat for me.

She was able to watch the first half of the play with me and meet my family.  I am so grateful for this opportunity and look forward to future visits with my new friend.

The play!

Ava Grace played the part of Susan, the older sister.

Of all times for me to forget my good camera, this wasn't a good one.

Queen Susan

Instagram

She and four of her classmates were all in the play and two of their fifth grade teachers came to see them perform.  Such a meaningful thing for these thoughtful teachers to do.

 With her director, Christian Black, who has been so supportive of Ava Grace.

 Her sisters and brother-in-law are some of her biggest fans. 

Afterward, we went to Frisco to The Biscuit Bar, which is a new establishment owned by friends of our daughter and her husband.  It is such a neat place and oh my goodness, the best biscuits you will ever eat.

There is a wide assortment of fillings for the biscuits and you can't go wrong with any of them.  And the tater tots are so good.

It was a great ending to a great day.

Colorado

Wonderful news coming out of Glendale, CO.

Our Jackson, played a great game on Saturday night and in fact made the winning points to win the game for the West.  You see his name listed above as one of the point scorers.

As a result, he was selected as one of the 30 2018 USA Rugby Collegiate All-American Team.  He is the big guy in blue on the far right of the picture above.

He is spending the rest of this week working hard to not only compete for 1st or 2nd Team All-American honors, but to play against the Raptors, a pro team on Friday night.  Geaux Jackson!

The game will be streamed live at 7 p.m. MT at this Link.

While Jackson is working hard, his dad and granddad are entertaining themselves by eating well, and exploring interesting places.

Today, they took a trip to Idaho Springs and enjoyed feeding some frisky chipmunks in their laps while waiting to go into the mines.

Literally in their laps!

 This duo is having the time of their life watching our Big Boy excel and spending time together.

Yes, being with family and new friends is what "Wellness Wednesday" is all about.

Linking up with
Wellness Wednesday Link Up
Sharing a Journey