Just another Weekend in the Mountains

One of my besties Brenda and her husband Mario from Atlanta spent the weekend with us here in Blue Ridge, GA.  Their pup Loddy also stayed with us, she was a perfect doggy house guest. 

Brenda joined my monthly bunco group on Friday night for a potluck dinner, a few rounds of bunco, some laughs, and of course lots of wine and chocolate.  Mario and my sweetie Chuck went into town for dinner and a few adult beverages of their own at Treo.

On Saturday Brenda and I worked most of the day in my Metal Clay studio, creating jewelry. We used Fast Fire Bronze; I did not like it much. I think I will stay with the Goldie Bronze brand for future classes.

Saturday night we went to a new restaurant "The Flying Trout" in Blairsville, a town about 11 miles from Blue Ridge.  The food was very good, but the service was awful.  It seemed they were understaffed for the large crowd people. The restaurant was previously a biker bar and some of the regulars from the past were still fixtures at the bar. It was a fun mix of people: aging bikers, city folks up for the weekend, lake people, and locals like us.  We will definitely give it another try in the near future.

Today (Sunday) Brenda and Mario made breakfast for us and we finished up the Metal Clay projects. Our friends headed back to ATL and our cats came out from hiding. I think Buddy and Ghost were ready to get the house back from the the furry invader Loddy the dog.

It was a great weekend with friends!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Kaboom!

From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

What a fabulous night we had on July 4th.  We went with our good friends Dee and Larry to the beautiful Brasstown Valley Resort for a very enjoyable celebration of our nation's independence. 

A tasty barbecue and steak picnic dinner was served in the Sunset Pavilion overlooking the rolling hills with a view of the Appalachian Mountains in the distance. The setting was breathtaking and the weather was perfect, cool with gentle breezes. 

Activities for the kids included face painting, a watermelon seed spitting contest, a pie eating contest, lawn games, and giant sparklers for after dark.

As the sun slipped behind the landscape, the guests gathered on the hilltops and the Sunset terrace in anticipation of the private fireworks display.  We did have a few minutes of rain, but it quickly moved out as dark descended in the valley.  

The fireworks were fabulous! Better than many city displays that I've seen in the past. It was 25 minutes of the really "good" fireworks...you know what I mean, the really large ones that make you go ooh and aah and sit on the edge of your seat.  Here is a little video of my favorite kaboom! - cool white swimming sparkles.  It was magical.

https://www.facebook.com/dee.catallo.92/videos/425310011301515/?t=1

This event was so much fun that we have already decided that it's a must do for next year!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge. GA 

Crazy Cat Lady Day....

I'm not a crazy cat lady but sometimes cats are the answer to everything. 

Having a bad day? Cats. Having a bad week? Cats. Having a bad year? Cats. 

They can somehow make everything better... How?  Because they're cats, that's how. 

These made me smile today......

"His arrival was foretold in the ancient murals!" 

"The Slippery Struggle of Ice Fishing..."

Hope your week is going well, If not I hope the kittens helped!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 09/21/16

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. Thursday (September 22) is the first official day of autumn in this part of the world...how will you welcome the season? I know some of you have been celebrating way too early, but it's official now so permission granted. House Beautiful recently listed ten ways to make your home smell like fall (you can read the list here) What's a scent you love this time of year and how will you add it to your home? 

I always decorate the house for fall....wreath on the door, hay bales, pumpkins, and a Halloween themed mini village.  I love my little village; Halloween has been my favorite holiday for a very long time.  I also celebrate my birthday and anniversary in October. This year we will be going on a cruise to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.  My sweetie is very scent sensitive so we don't add any additional scents to our home.

2. Apple pie or pumpkin pie? Apple cake or pumpkin bread? Warm apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte?

Hard Question, I like them all, but if I need to make a choice:

    Pumpkin Pie (with whipped cream of course)

    Pumpkin Bread

    Warm Apple Cider (I never drink coffee...blah)

3. Do you suffer from what is sometimes referred to as an afternoon slump? What helps ward it off before it hits and/or tell us what helps you shake it off once it's here?

Yes, I do suffer from afternoon slump...I usually have a little snack...some nuts, cubes of cheese, dried fruits, or apple slices. It gives me a little sugar boost that jump starts my energy for the afternoon.  I'm usually in the studio working on jewelry in the afternoon.

4. Ladies-how have your friendships with women inspired you or made you a better person? For the men here today- how have your friendships with men inspired you or made you a better person?

Brenda Sanders, Lori Dorrington, and Belinda Burke

I cherish my girlfriends and the lifetime relationships we have built. They inspire me to be the best "me" I can be. They make me feel braver than I feel, stronger than I am, and smarter than I give myself credit for. They encourage me to follow my dreams and support my business aspirations.  We've helped each other through good times (weddings, adoption, promotions, adventures) and bad times (illness, loss, disappointment, breakups) with prayer and caring.  I love my girlfriends and would not be the person I am today without them. 

5. Are you a people pleaser? If you said yes, do you think that's a good or bad thing? If you said no, do you wish you were more of a people pleaser?

No not really, I've learned that people pleasing puts a lot of extra stress on my health and causes me to overcommit my time and limited energy. Keeping everyone happy causes me to lose sleep, become anxious, and get very grumpy. I now set priorities for myself, if pleasing someone is important today, I do it.  I don't stress if everyday is not filled with people pleasing tasks.  I need to take care of me and then everything else.  

6. The seasons are a-changin'...share a favorite song relating in some way to change (not necessarily seasonal change, it could be change of any kind).

From the master of change: David Bowie's - "Changes" - R.I.P. 

7. What do you wish would never change? 

My memory! As I age my memory has become less than stellar...it scares me to think my memories may be lost forever someday.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

This weekend we went into the city to visit two of our favorite restaurants: Bone Garden Cantina and Local Three.  It was so nice to be recognized by the staff, and feeling that we had been missed. We LOVE living in the mountains, but do miss our local favorites in the city.  We decided that at least quarterly we will spend a weekend in the city and enjoy our favorite dining spots. 

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Making Friends as an Introvert...

Those who know me well know that I’m an Introvert and totally shy around new people. Making “friends” as an introvert is always a difficult task for me.  Soon my husband and I will be moving to a new town; the idea of making friends again is daunting.  To combat my fear, I’m doing a little research on the new town and planning some ways to make this “challenge” interesting and more adventurous. Below are some possible ways to make friends as an introvert in our new town.

1. Find a cafe, bar, park, or bench that is “mine”.

The new town has a main street filled with interesting shops and restaurants. It is close to home, and will take minimal effort to get there. I plan to visit it often, same time, and same place. After several visits I will emerge as a regular to the staff and other regulars. This won’t take too long to accomplish.

2. Take a jewelry making class.

The new town has a little independent bead shop that offers classes. I’ve found that classes are a good place to connect and relax. Letting go of control is challenging as an introvert. However, that is the point. After 2 hours of watching others working on the same project, conversation is easier, fun, and just flows.

3. Go to upcoming creative lectures.

Lectures are a major draw for introverts. Several artists are scheduled to lecture at one of the galleries on Main Street.  I can sit and listen to big ideas and new concepts. I can look around the room, observe the curiosity of others, and simply enjoy a close-ended experience. There’s plenty of time to ask questions in an orderly fashion, and pinpoint others I’d like to get to know. Afterwards, there should be an opportunity to strike up a conversation or engage with a group of people.

4. Go walking at the same time every day.

There’s something about taking a walk on a quiet morning and seeing other members of the community in their daily routines. You see familiar faces by following the same route. This provides me a sense of security, comfort, and community. It’s great practice for talking to strangers, and maybe making a new friend.

5. Start a meetup group

Starting my own community gives me the chance to “hand-pick” the people I want in my new circle of friends. Maybe a dining group or artists who want to start a co-op. I can create events, and cap it at 10 or even 20 members. As the group leader, I’ll be in charge of picking events and communicating with people.  This will push me to get out and socialize.

Hopefully these efforts will give me a sense of empowerment as I try to make new friends as an introvert. I want to create new social connections that will enhance my life.  Wish me luck on this new adventure!

Cheers!

Waiting for the "Right One".....

Brenda and Mario - 03/07/15

Spring wedding season is beginning in Georgia.  I just attended the wedding of one of my best friends in Charleston SC.  It was a lovely wedding with all the trimmings…beautiful wedding dress, fabulous tabletop décor, and a stunning location overlooking the beach and Atlantic Ocean.

During her father’s toast to the happy couple, he mentioned that he had asked Brenda to take her time and wait for the “right one”.  Dad also mentioned that he never imagined that would mean walking his 55 year old daughter down the aisle when he was 82 years old… 

Brenda did wait for the “right one”; she did not settled for less than the absolute best match. Single friends may be wondering, “Will it ever be my turn?” “Will I ever meet the One?”  I’ve been in your shoes and I can say without a doubt, yes you will!

 “When you stop chasing the wrong things you give the right things a chance to catch you.” ~ Lolly Daskal

It may feel like torture to attend one more wedding, buy one more bridesmaid dress, or spend one more year alone–but your time will come. Until then? Meet as many new people as you can. Make that your goal this spring. Try out a new meetup group–give online dating a try–attend more parties–whatever ways you can find to meet more people. Most couples I know met their “right one” through a mutual friend (don’t be opposed to blind dates); or they met through a website like Christian Singles or Match.com.

“Only I can change my life. No one else can do it for me.” - Carol Burnett

Being single can feel never-ending, but it doesn’t have to last forever. Use this time to examine areas of your life that need a change, get out of your comfort zone; start now preparing yourself for marriage.  If you want to make a change in your life, you have to be the one that provides the energy, takes the steps, and draws a line in the sand that says you’re not going back to your old comfort zone again.

“My advice for girls who are waiting for their Prince Charming is to be open for anything. Be open to new experiences, be open to the idea that it may take longer than you planned, but if you're open to meeting new people and new adventures, then the right love will come along.”  - Lily Collins

You are worth it: Don’t settle for less than the absolute best!

Cheers!

Lori in Atlanta

25 Signs That You Are Officially On The Right Track to Being “Old"....

I've always considered myself pretty level headed, fairly intelligent and having a pretty positive outlook on life, but things are changing.  Oh no…. I’m getting old and, oddly enough, I seem to like it! There are far fewer hangovers, considerably fewer terrible decisions being made and many more meaningful friendships.
Life is still fun, but it seems to be a different type of fun.

How do you know you are officially on track to being “old”?
Well your life may look a little something like this:

1.  A massage is literally what you need right now.
2.  What doesn't hurt is currently numb.
3.  That sparkle in your eye is from the sun hitting your bifocals.
4.  Your mind loves to make deadlines your body can't complete.
5.  You wake up early on days you can sleep in.
6.  You consider going to the Costco a “busy weekend.”
7.  People call at 9 p.m. and ask, "Did I wake you?"
8.  You had a brief moment when you literally forgot how old you are.
9.  Teenagers exasperate you.
10. You no longer know every song on the radio…
11. …but you can sing along with the elevator music.
12. You finally know all the answers, but the kids have stopped asking you the questions.
13. You have reached the top of the ladder and find that it is leaning against the wrong wall.
14. You no longer care what you look like when going to the Quickie Mart down the street.
15. A fine wine is your new beer.
16. You turn out the lights for economic rather than romantic reasons.
17. You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
18. You know to avoid certain drinks/shots…
19.  …and you actually avoid them.
20. You know what the word "equity" means.
21. You have a “dream home” board on Pinterest.
22. A fire in the fireplace makes you happy…..
23.  … and so do new socks.
24. You firmly believe that the Dyson Ball vacuum is one of the greatest inventions of our time.
25. You’ve had to look up internet slang…. HAND, TTYL

Cheers!
Lori D.

Grown Up Spring Break…

Do you remember your college spring break?

Did it look Something like this...

I believe the wish to escape from frosty locales and cut loose for a week is one that never goes away, even for grown-ups. If there was any group that most needed a mid-season break from the daily grind, it would be those who have long since graduated.

Are you in this group; the individuals who have worked too hard to have their spring break ruined by a bunch of rowdy collegians who aren't your own? Like me, you've probably already been there, done that, and now you've earned the right to celebrate the rites of spring your way — a more tranquil way.

Is it possible to take the classic spring break experience and make it a bit more grown-up? The answer is…yes!  Turns out, there's more to spring break than just Girls Gone Wild— think luxury accommodations, soothing spa treatments, serene beaches, and handcrafted jewelry that you'll want to wear long after your tan has faded.

It can be a bit scary for grown-ups to imagine a vacation in a warm place during the peak drunken revelry times of March and April, but it’s by no means impossible—if you know where to go.

My picks for a “Grown Up” spring fling:

Savannah, Georgia

Historic Savannah is a beautiful and warm city to visit in the spring. Remarkable architecture from centuries ago mingles with trendy downtown boutiques, bistros and microbreweries. Visit the local art galleries and antique shops, stroll through the peaceful historic squares and parks, and sip sweet tea at a sidewalk cafe with your sweetheart. While not directly on the coast, the city does have a riverfront district that comes alive in the evening with street performers, many dining options, shops, and bars.

One hotel that I love is the Mansion on Forsyth Park, a grand 125-room restored Victorian Romanesque mansion. When you stay at the Mansion, you can stay busy or find a peaceful spot to relax. Instead of spending an afternoon tanning on the beach... you can be pampered at the Poseidon Spa, take a hands-on cooking class or simply lounge poolside. Throughout the Mansion there is an impressive art collection of more than 400 original pieces to be discovered.  Once you venture out, cross the street and explore the beautiful Forsyth Park and the surrounding Savannah Historic District.

The city is also filled with amazing bed and breakfasts which offer the best of her charm and Southern hospitality. Most of the inns are in the historic district and furnished with antiques and period pieces. Many offer romance and spring packages.

One word of warning – do not book your visit to Savannah on or near St Patrick’s Day; the city does have one of the largest green beer celebrations nationwide. 

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

If you long for a week at the beach, Santa Rosa Beach may be your perfect spring break destination. Tucked away along Florida’s “Emerald” Gulf Coast, Santa Rosa has become a luxury escape for those looking for a vacation destination to unwind and indulge in a natural paradise without masses of spring breakers.

Known for its sugar white beach and beautiful turquoise water, Santa Rosa also has hiking trails, beautiful bays, and state parks to explore.  Or maybe a round of Golf at one of the many exquisite courses found in the area would fulfill your grown up spring break travel plan.   

With warm Southern hospitality, the intimacy of a bed and breakfast, and the fun of a classic beach house, the WaterColor Inn & Resort creates the ideal setting to relax and unwind. Freshly redecorated beachfront rooms bring the beach within footsteps of your door. From the soft linens to the spa-inspired toiletries, every well-appointed room has been furnished for the full comfort of its guests.

Offering everything from local produce and dairy to baked goods and other local specialty items like handcrafted soap, the Seaside Farmers Market on Saturdays is a fun way to get to know the locals. Instead of buying a “Spring Break 2014” souvenir T-Shirt or a Wet Willie’s Slushy Mug, you can pick up a locally handmade necklace, a fragrant exfoliating sugar scrub, or maybe some organic orange blossom honey to remind you of your grown up spring break in Santa Rosa Beach.

Ashville, North Carolina

Known as “The Paris of the South” Asheville is a good option if you are not looking for a warm waterfront vacation.  The weather in March is variable; you could be tubing downhill in the snow or relaxing in the same tube on a spring float trip down the French Broad River.  If you are weather flexible, Ashville has an eclectic downtown with 30-plus art galleries to explore. The town is framed by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains which offer many opportunities for outdoor adventure.

If you enjoy touring castles, sampling local wines, or visiting spring gardens in bloom, a visit to the Biltmore Estate is a must.  The main house, built by George Vanderbilt, is America’s largest home. Designed to rival the castles of Europe, the 8,000 acre estate boasts an award winning winery, a working farm, amazing formal gardens and the Vanderbilt home. The estate is open daily for visitors.

Asheville restaurants run the gamut from Mediterranean to vegetarian, four-star cuisine to down-home cooking. The city's vibrant restaurant scene goes well beyond its Southern cooking and roots. You can expect the extraordinary in Asheville.  Instead of raucous upside-down tequila shots, order a tart Appletini or sparkling flute of champagne and be blissfully at one with your grown up spring break.

Notable accommodations in Ashville include the Historic Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa and The Inn on Biltmore Estate. The Lion and the Rose is a good choice if you are looking for elegant, B&B ambience; tell their friendly house pup Cedric hello for me.  

Tulum, Mexico

If you really want to get away from it all this spring, grab your passport and head to the sunny shores of Tulum, Mexico. It's quickly becoming the "it" beach destination for the stylish crowd, with its eco-chic hotels, fantastic dining, gorgeous beaches, and the only major Mayan ruins along the coast, but still remains less developed (less student appealing) than Mexico's other resort areas.

I can't imagine a more perfect beachfront hideaway than Encantada Beachfront Boutique Hotel. The small, intimate, family owned and operated hotel is situated on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. It is an environmentally conscious hotel in a remote jungle location. The palapa style buildings were built by Mayan craftsmen incorporating the traditional high thatched roofs using hardwood from the jungle. The rooms do not have air conditioning but were designed to take maximum advantage of the natural ocean breezes through 3 walls of floor to ceiling, screened sliding glass doors. The friendly staff is dedicated to making you feel at home, schedule activities, provide bikes, offer advice on local restaurants, shopping, and yoga classes, or they can also help you schedule tours and activities to make your grown up spring break extraordinary.

If your perfect vacation includes cenote cave diving, sailing, off-shore snorkeling, fishing, golf, exploring a wildlife preserve or Mayan ruins, all are accessible during your stay in Tulum. If you enjoy listening to live music, check out the Luna Maya Hotel on Tulum Beach- Sit back and take in the sounds while enjoying tapas and a killer margarita.

No matter what your taste this season, there’s a stretch of sand, a tranquil mountain town or even a historic southern city that won’t be clogged with collegians. Yes, even during spring break.

Cheers!

Lori

A letter to my friends...

My Friends, 

We all lead very busy lives, our days are jam-packed with work, family, hobbies, study, and many social and service obligations.  The gift of your time and loving support has been a blessing throughout the years. Today I dedicate this blog post my friends past and present. I want you to know how grateful I am to have you in my life and how much you mean to me…

Thank you for not letting time or distance affect our friendship. (You know who you are, my long distance friends)

Thank you for asking how I’m doing, and actually wanting to hear the answer. Thank you for making time for me, even on your busiest days.

Thank you for being there for me through some of the most difficult times in my life. (My father’s emergency lifesaving surgery, abusive relationships, difficult career choices…)

Thank you for being genuinely happy for my success & good fortune, as if it were your own.

Thank you for forgiving my faults and lapses in judgment, and for tolerating my idiosyncrasies (e.g. my zero toilet paper phobia; don't lie, I know you want one).

Thank you for always being my friend, not just when it was convenient.

Thank you for being honest with me when I really needed you to be. (Does this make my butt look fat? giggle)

Thank you for hugs, smiles, inside jokes, and adventure memories. (Especially while camping)

And….

Thank you for understanding that I could never write a long enough blog post to express how much you all mean to me.

  

I firmly believe that friendships are the greatest earthly treasure we have, and unlike material possessions, friendships may follow us into eternity. 

If this message has sparked any memories of friendship, please share by commenting below. :)

Cheers!