Purple Phlox

Practice is the best of all instructors. ~ Pubilius Syrus

What I've Learned: Practice Brings Continuing Joy.
Spent yesterday afternoon at the Morton Arboretum with my friend, LK, taking photos with my new lens. What a lovely day, Reader! It was hot--low 90's--but the Arboretum was not crowded, so we strolled leisurely through the gardens, stopping to shoot whatever caught our interest. I am quickly getting addicted to my new Zuiko 40-150mm lens (my DSLR: the Olympus E-420).

Of course, with my first wedding shoot coming up in a few months, I'll be practicing non-stop all summer. Which gives me the perfect excuse to drop everything whenever there's a chance to practice with my new gear. How great is that?! Below are my favorite shots from the Arboretum. If you haven't had the chance, Reader, it's a wonderful place to visit.

Use your gifts faithfully, and they shall be enlarged; practice what you know, and you shall attain to higher knowledge. ~ Matthew Arnold





Lilies


Big Talker


Waterlily


Lily Pond


Waterlily


Whoozy-Whatsit


Purple Phlox


Hydrangea?


Fuzzy


Dragonfly


Astor


Lake


Blush

Quotes courtesy of thinkexist.com.

First Snow of the Season at Our House (HGR Effect), Dec. 2010

Today's Joy: Oodles of Holiday Cheer.
What a wonderful day, Reader! We got our first snow of the season--4 inches of the wet, heavy stuff perfect for making snowballs. All that magical whiteness made the perfect backdrop for a holiday shopping trip to downtown Geneva, IL. Every store Mom & I visited was decked out in Christmas finery and smelled of hot chocolate or spiced cider. We had such a good time being out and about & sharing holiday cheer with our fellow shoppers. It's really nice to see the spirit of the season so prevalent this year. Would that peace, love & good will were always so common!


Mom & I Going Out Holiday Shopping

Carriage Rides, Downtown Geneva, IL

Mom & Brother

Reception under the tent.

Today's Joy: Love & A Wedding.
Reader, when Aunt was asked by a dear friend & colleague to do the flowers for her wedding, she was delighted to say yes. Today, weeks of planning culminated in a beautiful ceremony and reception for the lovely couple.

It was my joy to be able to help with the flower arranging and set-up and then to take photographs of this love-filled event. It was wonderful to see the couple so happy with their friends and family gathered around. You knew, being a part of their wedding, that it truly was a joyous moment for all involved. Such a blessing!


Bride & Groom listen to a reading by the Groom's Father.

The Kiss.

Nobody has ever measured, even poets, how much a heart can hold. ~Zelda Fitzgerald

Quote courtesy of The Quote Garden.

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!