Today's Joy: A Sense of Well-being. Ever have one of those days, Reader, when you just know God is working in your life and everything is as it should be--even if things seem uncertain? This is one of those days. I know when I go to bed tonight, it will be with a wonderful sense of peace. May you have the same!

Cups & Saucers
Originally uploaded by talekinker

Today's Joy: Packing up my little darlings.
Dear Reader, are you a collector? Do you have a hobby or obsession that you could gush on and on about until other people become nauseated? For me, that'd be teacups.

It started a few years ago, when I began going to estate sales and auctions with my family. We found the most wonderful array of antiques and--my personal cryptonite--vintage china. It was all over for me, Reader. I fell head-over-heels for serveware, dinner services and the most beguiling teacups. English Bone China, Limoges, wonderfully thin Japanese Nippon--I learned to love them all. Suffice it to say, that first auction saw me carting away teacups in 12 different patterns, as well as enough green majolica dishes to feed 20 people. It was pretty much down hill from there.

Anyway, today I am packing up all my lovelies for their half mile journey to our new apartment. If you could see the professional-grade packing material I'm using, you'd probably think these were museum-worthy pieces on their way to a stuffy exhibit somewhere. Many of them are rare and a few are in pristine condition. But the only audience they will likely have is little old me (they will be on display in my vintage-inspired office).

That is, unless someone requests a tea-themed lunch or garden party. Then I will bring them all out in a gala debut and set a gorgeous table. Hmmm...that actually sounds like a terrific idea. After all, why have something so pretty if you don't use it? Stay tuned, dear Reader. I think this will lead to other teacup-related joy in the future...

Photo: The heavy hitters in my collection on display at the 2008 Kane County Fair. Took 1st Place in the China Class.

Today's Joy: Recycled Boxes. Thanks to the retail nature of my job, there's plenty of used packing material for our move. Repurposing rocks.

Today's Joy: Teaching. Spent the day training a new associate. Forgot how nice it is to share all the knowledge I've accumulated.

Today's Joy: Feels Like Spring!

Good Afternoon, dear Reader. Does it feel like spring yet in your neck of the woods? I stepped out of work and couldn't help feeling giddy over the 70-degree weather, blue sky and glorious Texas sunshine.

On a whim, I stopped at our local Calloway's Nursery to see what's shaking. Walking in the door, my nose was immediately filled with the thick perfume of Cyclamen......ahhhhh. Bliss! Everywhere I looked there was flat upon flat of pansies and primroses--any color you want! Yep, spring has definitely arrived at Calloway's. So I shot some photos of all the wonderful flowers--had to share the joy with you, Reader. Enjoy!

Flower Shots: orange primrose, pansy, red primrose, Kangaroo's Paw & ornamental cabbage.

Today's Joy: Cooking Together. Himself and I squeezed into our tiny kitchen to combine our culinary skills and whip up this fabulous fried chicken. Normally, we both work solo in the kitchen--preferring to wow with grand splashes of culinary sophistication--but lately, we've been splitting the labor and enjoying the easy conversation that flows over the frying pan. (He's also teaching me a thing or two about flavoring.)

I have to admit, I really enjoy watching him get into the throes of culinary passion. Love the way he concentrates when he tastes things. It's also fun to watch him pause before he pronounces a dish edible or not. He delivers judgment in the stern manner of a seasoned critic. And he's usually right.

Feel very blessed that we can share so many things we enjoy...