My "Bucket" List

It has been a while since I posted anything. It was such a busy Christmas season! My husband was off work for two weeks, so I tried to use that time to spend with him, not posting blogs.

I have been thinking a lot about things I want to do or experience, and decided that if I am not intentional about achieving those goals, they will never happen. Hence, the list was born.

So, here goes. These are in no particular order.

1. Finish my novel.
2. Be a published author.
3. Be on Wheel of Fortune.
4. Go on a mission trip to a Spanish-speaking country.
5. See the Grand Canyon.
6. See Flyleaf in concert and meet the band.
7. Co-author a book with Ted Dekker
8. Meet and interview Stephenie Meyer.
9. Run a marathon.
10. Vacation in Montana.
11. Go to Europe.
12. Start a new civic club to make a difference in my hometown.
13. Finish the children's book that I started.
14. Have said children's book published.
15. See one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
16. View a taping (live) of So You Think You Can Dance.
17. Go to Disney World with my husband and daughters.
18. Go to New Zealand.
19. Be on the set of a movie production.
20. Meet and visit with the Duggar family.

That is it for now. I will add as I think of other things that I want to do, and post when I am able to strike something from the list. I can't wait to get started!

Gravity

I am a big fan of So You Think You Can Dance. Especially the clip below. It is awesome when they use dance to tackle tough issues! Mia Micheals, the choreographer for this piece, is brilliant!

Things I Love

1. Ted Dekker books--Just recently read my first Ted Dekker thriller, and I loved it! He is a brilliant author. It took me a bit to warm up to him, but the more I read, the more I liked it. About to read book three in the Circle Series---White. Read Black, and Red already. Looking forward to White and Green. He also wrote House with Frank Peretti, which has been made into a movie, and Thr3e.
2. Peppermint Mocha coffe creamer. Mmmmm. So good this time of year. It's like Christmas in a cup.
3. The look on my three-year-old's face when she talks about Christmas---priceless.
4. My husband's unbridled enthusiasm for Alabama Football. I think he has nearly had three heart attacks this season, but he is ecstatic about the Tide winning the SEC championship!
5. The fact that my husband never complained about me dragging him to watch NEW MOON. I think he secretly enjoyed it.
6. When my husband gets uncontrollable hiccups when he laughs too hard. It happens every time! We've been married nearly five years, and it still cracks me up! The most recent incident was while watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation! Enough said.
7. Church Music by David Crowder Band. Awesome!
8. Christmas decorations!!
9. Christmas music!

My Christmas Decorations Part 2

Outside, I added fresh Magnolia branches to traditional garland for texture.


Another view of the "New Year's" decor.


Present garland. I saw this idea in the 2009 Christmas with Southern Living Book. Wrap presents, then string up with twine or cording. Beautiful!



Another couple of views of my Christmas tree!

My Christmas Decorations Part 1

I went with a red and green theme this year! I am always drawn to the traditional red and green, and am pleased at how mine turned out.





My TV Armoire got a holiday boost with the same red/green/white polka dot ribbon that I used on the tree. I also accented with fresh magnolia branches for texture (right out of Granny's yard.) I used magnolia branches quite a bit this year, and I LOVE the way it looks!


This tree is smaller, and in my dining room. It is for the kiddos (and my husband)! A candy theme was carried in the dining room with candy and gingerbread ornaments, and playful colored lights!




The candy theme was taken to the buffet with the same playful colors and a Nutcracker. I used and old window, which I painted, distressed, and added window screening to, to add some weight to the room (and it was also a nice place to hang a wreath)!




This is my tribute to New Year's Eve. The black, white, and silver always remind me of a formal New Year's Eve Party. I spay painted magnolia branches and large pincones silver for a dramtic effect, then arranged them using black and white bowls to add height, then black glittery sprays to add a glitzy effect.

More Christmas decorating ideas in the next post! I just couldn't fit it all into one! Hope you enjoy!

Don't Be Shy

I am humbled that readers from all over the country and even abroad read my blog. It blows my mind each time I look and see where in the world my readers are. Wow.

So, I am a bit curious. I'd like to pose a question and, hopefully, receive some feedback.

I grew up in a small town in South Alabama. For the majority of my life this is where I have lived. I have had the privelege to do some traveling and live other places (NYC, Oklahoma City, and a three month stint in Ewa Beach, Hawaii), so I am always curiously astounded by the differences in culture in each place I have been.


I grew up and now currently reside in Opp, Alabama. It is a small town, population around 6,000, in south central Alabama. It is only about twenty minutes from the Florida State line--I can reach Ft. Walton Beach/Destin, FL area in about and hour and a half, give or take a little, and Panama City Beach, FL in around two and a half hours. I love the close proximity to the beach! Opp is a tight-knit community, proud of its' town, and a great place to raise a family. I will have to be honest and say that it took me leaving and experiencing other things to truly be able to appreciate where and how I was raised.

I love being from the south. There is just something about that southern drawl, manners, and way of life. Simple and slow. I loved lots of things about each place I have lived, all unique and distinct, but after I took flight, I ended up attached back to my roots.

So, my question is to you, dear reader, what was it like growing up where you live? What is it about your hometown, about where you live now, that you just love?

Okay, now, don't be shy. Let me know what you think! Hey, who knows, maybe you will convince me where to plan my next vacation!

I Might Squeal!

I have tickets for New Moon, and I can barely contain my utter excitement! Along with my husband, and some good friends, I am making the trek to Destin, FL to watch at the Rave at Destin Commons. (I wanted to see the movie at a really good theatre, and any excuse to go to the beach is enough for me.)

I don't consider myself a "Twi-Hard," nor do I have fits over the actors, but the books were some of the best I've ever read, and I can identify with Stephenie Meyer, the author of the Twilight series, and, obviously, the story is both compelling and delightfully impossible.

I can't wait to see the pages of the book come to life on screen. I wonder if the pictures I had in my head as I read are anything close to the movie portrayal. I guess I will have to wait and see!

I am counting down the hours, and the excitement within me is building like a pressure cooker! I really hope I don't embarrass my husband and friends, because when the lights go down, I just might squeal!