I Love Summer

Sure, there is a ton of work to be done in my office. I have so many papers stacked on my desk and in the file folders next to my computer monitor it's not even funny. But a few minutes ago I decided it was too cold in my office so I opened the window right next to my computer station. The breaze is blowing through and warming up my cold skin very nicely. A bird is chirping away and if I closed my eyes I could be anywhere but at work. So instead of permitting myself to stress out if my phone rings in the next few minutes, I am choosing to smile and be very thankful it's Summertime and I don't have to be in a cold boring office; I can be in a warm office, listening to birds sing along with Kenny Chesney and accomplishing many things!

Family Time

This past week we experienced the passing of a grandmother. Mrs. Ayers died on Tuesday. She lived a good life and we are all very thankful the Lord has taken her to be with Him for eternity. There is always divine timing in situations like these. Cary's brother Parker had been planning on visiting us from Washington state since early spring and there couldn't have been a better time for such a visit. After the funeral on Friday we (Cary, Parker and I) took some time to ride the "new" tractor and play around on the Ayers family farm. I had a fun time meeting extended family and getting out of town for a few days.

Friendly Neighbors

This weekend our neighbor Adrienne hosted an Ice Cream Social. She is one of my favorite neighbors and is a blessing to our small community, I simply adore her. Each family brought their favorite sunday topping and we all dug in. It was a great way to spend a hot Saturday afternoon.

We were able to meet several families who have recently moved in. One family is in the process of building a new house right across the street from Adrienne. Another couple have lived on our street for many years and have seen this quiet neighborhood burst with growth.

The kids met one another; but Victorias picture below sums up the afternoon. It was hot and humid but the ring of chocolate ice cream around her mouth shows she really enjoyed chowing down on her favorite sunday.

Mom Time

This picture was taken on Wednesday when my mom and I learned how to prepare a Simple Summer BBQ at Sur La Table. How fun?! We created BBQ sauces and rubs then grilled chicken, baby back ribs and flank steak. This was the highlight of my day, a little shopping therapy, good food and a fabulous mom. What girl could ask for more?

6 AM

I did it. I got up early and went for a run. When I got home Cary asked if I had seen anything, thankfully the answer was "no." As I left the front porch I prayed that a particular dog, who is usually allowed to run free, would be nice and cozy in the house. Having a barking dog chase after me with some serious determination was not my idea of a good morning run. The Lord heard my prayer and answered it. This morning, an uneventful run was a perfect run in my book.

Job Update

Well, my client loved the design idea; fabrics and wall covering. Now it just needs final approval from the husband and then we're off to the next phase-purchase materials and schedule installers!! She made a fabulous decision.

Why I Love My Job

This photo encompasses why I love my job. Here is the color palette for a guest bedroom I am designing with a client. She has a classic and gorgeous mahogany four poster bed and matching suite for the furniture. The wallpaper is the floral print. The stripe on the right is a silk cream on white which will be the panels for window with a beaded trim. Lastly the green and cream cascade of fabric is bedding. I am pitching this idea to my client this afternoon. Cross your fingers and hope she likes it as much as I do. This room will feel very serene and relaxing. :)

It's That Time Again...

Time to start waking up earlier on Saturdays than I do during a regular work week. Time to keep my toe nails really short and say "no thanks" to pedicures just so I can keep my caluses. No more Friday nights out with friends and enjoying a glass of wine. No, it's time to catch up with old friends and share life with folks whose paths I typically don't cross. Time to buckle down and get serious about nutrition and cross training. It's marathon training time!

Believe it or not I was really excited to get up this morning at 6:30 and get out to my training team. It was so nice to see old friends and to finally not be the new guy. I love group running. There is something about accumulating miles on my feet early Saturday mornings when the air is cool, the sun is low and I hear my feet creating a hypnotic rhythum with the road; this really starts the day off right. Somehow I need to practice discipline and be like Courtney, find a morning weekday group run and just do it.

This year my team color is purple. We are the "fast group of novice runners." When someone told me that this morning I couldn't help but chuckle. Fast is such a relative term. Personally I felt slow this morning, but I know I was faster than a year ago this time. Truly marathon training to me isn't about how fast you go but the relationships you build with new friends. It's about pushing yourself to a physical point where you don't think you have the ability to go one more step....and then you do. So whether we are the "fast novice runners" or "slow novice runners" who cares. I looked at my team this morning, composed of 30 some people and thought "now which ones of you will actually make it to the start line." Last year, those of us who did make it to the start line did it all together. There were maybe 10 or 12 who began the race together. I'm stoked to find out who will be there this year!

So here we go team Purple, the long road to run is before us now let's get it behind us!