Wednesday Hodgepodge

I’m joining the fun this week…. 

Sitting on the porch and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. It's officially summer (in the northern hemisphere anyway). Which summer month is best and why? 

I feel that Summer starts in June, for me it's the best month Sweaters are packed away and swimwear moves to the sweater drawer. The water in the brook behind the house is warm enough to go tubing and the lightening bugs come out at dusk. The days are warm and the nights are still cool. Love summer nights in the mountains!

2. Can you swim? How did you learn? June 27th is National Sunglasses Day. How many pair do you own? 

Yes I can swim! I don't have the best form, but I can get to the floating dock and back. I learned to swim when I was 8 years old at Camp Good Fellow in Northern Indiana. The camp was developed by US Steel for their employee's children. I went to camp each summer for 5 years. 

I own three pair of sunglasses. One pair is prescription, one pair is used when I have my contacts in, and the third pair is always in the car. I have very light sensitive eyes so I'm never without a pair, rain or shine.

3.What characteristic do you judge most harshly in yourself? How about in others? 

In myself? Shyness - my friends would dispute this trait; I'm good at pushing myself  to interact with others when I'm 'out there', it's not easy for me.  In others? laziness to the point of making a living by abusing some one's good nature and generosity.

4. Robert Frost wrote the now well known poem entitled The Road Not Taken. What's a road (literal or figurative) you've always wanted to travel, and where do you hope it takes you? 

From my Pinterest Board: "The Path Less Traveled"

The road not taken I most regret is not going to an out of state college.  I had many acceptance letters to colleges all over the USA, but I chose to stay close to home because of my High School boyfriend...he wasn't worth the sacrifice...we broke up during my Freshman year.

I have a pinterest board called "The Path Less Traveled" that showcases beautiful paths from all over the world...I'd love to visit many/any of the paths highlighted. You can visit the board by clicking here.

https://www.pinterest.com/lorisglassworks/the-path-less-traveled/

5. Popsicles-yay or nay? If you answered yay, what's your favorite flavor? 

NAY! I can't stand the wood stick in my mouth, this is also a problem at the doctor's office.

6.Brexit-on a scale of 1-10 how knowledgeable are you on what's involved here? (1=very knowledgeable and 10=what's Brexit) Is this news you'll follow or is it something you think won't impact your life in any way shape or form? 

I'm probably a 4 because I don't understand it completely. My husband follows what is happening and is in tune with the effects on Europe and the rest of the world. He tries to keep me informed, but after a few minutes of discussion, my eyes glaze over and I start making lists in my head.

7.Share a favorite song on your summer play list. 

"Hot Fun In The Summertime," Sly & The Family Stone (1969)...In the tune, each member expresses a line about what they love most about summer, however they all agree, "That's when I had most of my fun... those summer days." I agree!

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Happy Fourth of July Y'all.....

Cheers!
Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

The yard needs some TLC...

Our new home needs some gardening TLC.  The house had not been occupied for over a year and had been used as vacation home only.  The yard has amazing potential, but no effort has been made other than basic mowing and edging so it would sell.  We have zero curb appeal and a lot of weeds and trimming to deal with.  I'm considering hiring some help to get a good foundation in place that I can build on. Here are some fun decorative ideas that I found on Pintrest....I love them!

1.) Hostas are one of my favorite plants, they are very striking when used as a potted plant. I'd love to do something like this for the front porch.  It is covered and shady...just what hostas love...shade.

"Hostas in a pot! every spring they return...in the pot! Add geraniums and ivy."

2.) Another favorite of mine are succulents in a big low profile pot.  Not sure where I would put this, but I love it!

"Love this container, looks like floating water lily. Of the blue-glazed birdbath pictured here, Baldwin writes: "Purple and pink echeveria suggest water lilies. White-webbed Sempervivum arachnoideum rosettes sparkle like sunlight on the surface of water, and in their midst is a flat green Aeonium tabuliforme (lily pad aeonium). A topdressing of green and blue florist's marbles enhances the illusion." Baldwin took the photo at the California Cactus Center in Pasadena, and the design by Arree."

3.) The previous owner left a old wine barrel and a lot of old galvanized buckets and tubs, I plan to do something creative with them, this is a good example of what I want to do.

"Love the bright colors of this impatient mix, it will brighten up a yard that is a sea of green grass and trees."

4.) Last but not least we have a significant slope that has been sliding down to the driveway with every rain storm. WE will be putting in a retaining wall, but I would also love something like this.  I absolutely love the different textures, the rocks and plants will satisfy that craving for texture. Love it!

If you have any ideas or photos of fun landscape installations, please send them my way.

Cheers!

Lori 

Join the Fun....

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I’m joining the fun this week…. Sitting on the porch and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why?

Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA….We just moved to Blue Ridge three weeks ago, due to all the unpacking, office/studio set-up, trips to the Home Depot, and donating stuff to local thrift stores, we have not had time to enjoy the beautiful mountain lake just a short trip from our house. Looking forward to dipping my toes in the cold mountain water sometime soon!

2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink?

I love Sangria with a lot of fresh fruit floating in the pitcher. We purchase a great bottle of sangria from Costco and add our own fruit to jazz it up.  It’s so refreshing on a hot day.

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simplify your life. They were - clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead. Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month? 

“Forget multitasking” has helped my scattered brain cope during this massive multiple phase move we just completed.   The one thing I should do this month to help simplify my life would be “write down your daily goals”.  This would help keep me on track and not forget any of the tasks that still need to be completed at the new house and for my upcoming craft show events.

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school?

I worked at the Dairy Queen in Merrillville Indiana.  I made hundreds of Dilly Bars and Ice Cream Sandwiches that summer.  To this day I can still make a perfect cone with the curl on top.  Ice Cream has always been my guilty pleasure.

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite?

I’ve only listened to a few; they all had to do with increasing sales and customer service on Etsy. 

 6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?

Not harder or easier, just very different. This generation has its challenges with all the social media and pressure to fit in. Parents toady have to keep up with the latest ‘fads’ and ‘scams’ just like our parents did; the goal is the same for every generation…keep your kids safe and well provided for.  

7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier?

I’ve been called “Jim Patton in a skirt”; we are alike in almost every way. He is determined and driven, a hard worker, he believes in God, and has a tender heart for all God’s creatures. In those ways I think I'm like my dad. I also inherited his height (I’m 6’ tall) and his blue eyes. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m reinventing myself (center); I left the corporate world after 33 years to pursue my creative dreams.  We moved out of the big city (Atlanta) to a small mountain town with a fabulous artist community. I’m booked for my first juried art event and I have the loving support of my husband Chuck, my girl friends, and family …Life is good!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

She's so excited....

Our granddaughter Kyra (6) lost her front tooth...she was so excited to tell us her big news. She is so Cute!

Cheers!

Lori

New Location... New Life!

Moved to the Mountains....

For many years I dreamed of moving to the mountains...it's now a reality. I left the corporate world (33 years) and I'm beginning a new chapter....I'm reinventing myself.  Below are some photos of our new home in Blue Ridge, GA.  A dream come true!

"Brookwood Manor"

The Brook

Kithen

Master Bath

Screen Room

Master Bedroom

Looking forward to making this home ours and embarking on all the new adventures in store for us in our new location.  Loving the new life so far!

Cheers!

Lori