Today's Joy: a job well done. A crazy busy day at my day job--helping dozens of shoppers find great bargains & decorate their homes with fabulous finds. Love to make a difference!

Back Yard, Feb 2008
Originally uploaded by talekinker

Today's Joy: Warmth!!
All right, Reader. I know cold. I'm from Chicago. I've even spent a handful of winters up in New England. I know the joy of a good Nor'easter and relish the occasional white-out (when equipped with the appropriate chains and snow tires). I've been known to do donuts in an unplowed parking lot. Whilst living in the northern climes, I rarely complained about below-zero cold; didn't grumble too much about vehicles getting stuck or ice on the roads. 'If you can't take the weather, move south!', I'd say. I didn't mind shoveling boat-loads of snow, as pictured here at our IL home in 2008. And I always considered myself a hearty, northern girl.

But I have moved on from that phase in my life. Himself & I have braved our first sweltering summer in Texas, and through all the heat and perspiration, I held on, complained minimally--thinking of how lovely the winter would be. What a treat to have 50's & 60's in December. Maybe the occasional 70 degree day. Shoot, even if the temp hung around freezing all of January and February, wouldn't that be a delightful step up from the 30-below wind chills of Chicago?

Yep, I was all ready to become a thin-skinned, hot-house flower. Trouble is, here we are--all thin-skinned--and the temps have plummeted to single digits! We had snow before Chicago did this year! Granted, nowhere near the volume, but still! Everybody is saying this is practically the worst winter in Texas history! I am freezing my unmentionables off in a drafty apartment, ill-equipped for this kind of cold, and driving around on roads where they follow the wing-n-a-prayer philosophy of snow removal.

So....my (hoped-for) joy today is warmth. And hopefully, when I go home, turn the heat up and grab a steaming cup of cappuccino, I will actually find some. Under a blanket. Wearing fuzzy socks. Where are my dad gum mittens?!

Maxwell Street Polish
Originally uploaded by talekinker

Today's Joy: Unexpected Opportunities. Took this shot of a Maxwell Street Polish at the fabulous Weinberger's Deli in downtown Grapevine, TX in early December. While having lunch there again recently, Himself and I had the opportunity to meet the owner, Dan Weinberger--a kind & delightful man. Was very pleased to share with him some of the shots I've taken of his magnificent sandwiches. I do love supporting a great, local business!

Today's Joy: Matching fuzzy bathrobes. 2 cups of cappuccino. Taking a moment to wake up together. I heart good mornings.

Dear Reader, Today's Joy comes to you from the waiting room of our local Urgent Care center.
While I was away last week, Himself re-affirmed his "Man of the Year" status by cleaning every inch of our home. He even bought Easy-Off and scrubbed the oven! Unfortunately, his gallantry resulted in several chemical burns that are now red, puffy & infected. Chemical burns are not a joy for anybody. But I would like to take a moment (while Himself fills out a huge stack of insurance forms) to thank all of the dedicated partners everywhere, who risk life and limb and unprotected forearms--all in the name of doing something thoughtful for the one they love. Three cheers for the Practical Lover! And yes, Honey, chicks dig scars.

Today's Joy: Himself. Due to a financial crux, I went home to see family in IL over the New Year, while he stayed in Texas. That time apart turned out to be productive for both of us. While I missed him terribly and re-affirmed what I already knew (that he is, in fact, the ONLY man for me), he spent the week caring for our home and vehicle and thinking out a plan for how to improve our lives in 2010. Which he then presented to me in clear detail once I arrived, with much relief, back into his arms. Add to that the beautiful Love Knot ring he presented to me on Christmas morning--his promise that we will make this journey together--and I could hardly be happier.

It's an amazing thing, love. A gift and a blessing from God. The one intangible that can become tangible. A verb that turns itself into a noun. The only act I know which, when practiced, infinitely multiplies both the amount you are capable of giving as well as how much you are able to receive. Ah, dear Reader, isn't that a lovely thought?

(Photo of us was taken New Year's Eve, 2008, at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City.)

Today's Joy: spending an afternoon with Himself, planning concrete ways to improve our life in 2010. Can't wait to see what we accomplish. Best part: it was his idea!