Say you are well, or all is well with you,
And God shall hear your words and make them true.
~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Today's Joy: A Quiet Evening at Home.
As my appointment book fills up with holiday-related engagements over the coming weeks, a quiet evening at home suddenly seems precious. So, Reader, here I am on the couch, enjoying the glow of the Christmas tree with a pleasantly full tummy. You'd never know it's bitterly cold outside my window. Tucked in safe & warm, I'm blissfully content and feeling very blessed.

When I think of all the things others are facing on this December night that (God willing) I will never have to, I'm deeply grateful for the life I've been given and the people I share it with. Am looking forward to praying tonight for those in need, those in pain and those who aren't as fortunate this holiday season. May God ease their burdens and dwell in their hearts during this blessed season.

I have found that if you love life, life will love you back. ~ Arthur Rubinstein

Quotes courtesy of the Quote Garden.

Today's Joy: Apologizing. If you're like me, Reader, and you suddenly realize that you've hurt someone by doing or saying something bone-headed (which I do with some frequency), that guilty feeling just hangs on and nags at you until you say you're sorry.
It's funny--the moment I acknowledge my insensitivity and remind the-party-in-question (usually Himself) that he is far more important to me than whatever irritation I felt, all is once again right with the world. He feels better too. Thoughtfulness = vindication? Or maybe it's just hearing that I've actually taken the time to see it from his perspective. While I can't exactly tromp around the house in his size 13's, I can at least make an effort to try on his point-of-view.
With any luck, my bone-headed moments will happen less often. That would definitely be a joy for both of us. :-)

Today's Joy: Lunch Date with Himself. As usual, we ate fabulously at Weinberger's Deli. He had the Stromboli (pictured) and I had the Wall-Streeter: the be-all-end-all for pastrami lovers. Soooo good! It was lovely to spend a little time lollygagging together before going back to the apt. and diving headlong into packing boxes. Can't wait until this move is over next weekend!

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...

Conquering Craig's List

Today's Joy: Success on Craig's List!

Happy Thursday, Reader. I feel great! Like a conquering hero! Have just completed my first successful sale via the North DFW Craig's List--a pine armoire for $20. True, it's not much. In fact, the buyer came to look at this instead, but decided it wasn't right for them. Regardless, this means one less thing Himself has to haul down 3 flights of stairs when we move in the next few weeks. Hurray! That will put a smile on his face.

Not sure how you feel about Craig's List, Reader. Prior to this, my feelings were ambivalent. Last fall, I attempted to give away a roll-top desk in hopes it would get a good home. Silly girl. My ad received dozens of responses. Over the next month, I emailed and even spoke with several responders on the phone. Set numerous appointments. But--mystery of mysteries--no one ever showed up to get the free desk. I'm now told this happens a lot.

Of course, that's hardly the fault of Craig or his list, but rather, a telling bit of info about the people who use it. I'm finding they are often (obscenely) oblivious. For example: even if your ad clearly states the buyer is responsible for moving the heavy-whatever-you're-selling from your 3rd floor apt., they will likely to show up alone, with a bad back, or with a very tiny 50-something woman who can't lift anything. They will then stare at you dumbly, clearly waiting for you to haul the thing down the stairs. They will not be impressed when you cheerfully walk past and say, "I'll get the door for ya!"

Also, don't expect people to read or use the item measurements you included in your ad. Instead, they will show up with no idea how tall 29 inches is. They also won't know what size they actually need and will stand there, looking disappointed and suspecting you're trying to trick them. This boggles the mind.

But, I believe in finding the positive. This is my daily joy, after all. So, here for your enjoyment, are some of the things I've learned from my Craig's List experiences:

If you're going to post an ad....

#1 Repeat yourself. A lot.

So you'll be here at 10 to carry that down the stairs? Isn't it a lovely piece you're going to carry down the stairs? Thanks so much for coming to carry that down the stairs!

#2 Be specific. Never assume anything is self-explanatory.

It is a table. You can use it for A, B & C. It is this big (hold out your arms). Is that what you need? Do you know how to use a measuring tape? Before you come out, please find out if this will work for you. I don't deliver. Please bring a vehicle big enough to carry it. And people to help. Please bring cash. Bring something besides hundred dollar bills. You must pick it up today. No, I won't 'hold' it for a week. No, it is not returnable.

#3 Always plan for the worst-case scenario.

What time will you be here? Ok, but if you don't show up, I have someone else coming at 11:30 and 12:15 and 12:45.... I'm sure you're a very nice scary-looking person. Yes, several people know you are coming by today and they all have your information. Yes, that's my cell phone in my hand. I have 911 on speed dial....

Have a wonderful day, Reader!

P.S. That table is still available if you want it!

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!

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: the renewing, centering of self. Am on a bus from Chicago, where I visited family: now headed for Texas across the frozen snowfields of Iowa. My thoughts are full of all the laughter, amazing cooking and togetherness we shared this week. These glorious cream puffs were the pinnacle of deliciousness as well as a great example of what we can accomplish by sharing recipes and skills, and by diving in to help one another create something richer than we thought possible. Having an overwhelming sense of peace & gratitude for this kind of tangible love--so present, you can breathe it in. Like an innoculation of joy for the soul...and the tummy!