Interior Decorating Ideas Kitchen: spirit of home

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PINthritis

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQ-hqQHAPDLt3H0Mpmp0sdefIdL-BGdrp77Ycf9PgLoYmKuSZORjbUAi5ALG9tOEm6qn8KAcuC8eCnU0enfss_wgPVhWtYcZlWishM6EV_32euwUo4Bc7KKaZglu60dNfHuNRZLiDV8ax/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+10.07.39+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQ-hqQHAPDLt3H0Mpmp0sdefIdL-BGdrp77Ycf9PgLoYmKuSZORjbUAi5ALG9tOEm6qn8KAcuC8eCnU0enfss_wgPVhWtYcZlWishM6EV_32euwUo4Bc7KKaZglu60dNfHuNRZLiDV8ax/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+10.07.39+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pinthritis:  a self-induced condition marked by a sore index finger after a long pinning session on pinterest</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've made this term up (or at least I think I have since I didn't get any google hits) to capture how my index finger felt this past weekend.  My husband and daughter told me to stop whining. They're right, I did it to myself.  My son at college is happy he didn't have to hear about it…</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">collage images, above and below, from recent pins on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mynottinghill/">my pinterest boards</a>  :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">head there for the original sources</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIq33QarnrMM4aDGPjXhxM602GeRK38NWGI8X0x9t1ud8QAaI8U-CvpMUtH-YWEMocmYViV1LQm6lgt-5dGDtX6D1GvGpEzFCymiyLs1W75sJDFVgkDVFld8ndKfvXr9xhBfNR0qSgctp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+10.21.33+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIq33QarnrMM4aDGPjXhxM602GeRK38NWGI8X0x9t1ud8QAaI8U-CvpMUtH-YWEMocmYViV1LQm6lgt-5dGDtX6D1GvGpEzFCymiyLs1W75sJDFVgkDVFld8ndKfvXr9xhBfNR0qSgctp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+10.21.33+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRb5lGCkr2jJYQ_YiW7yz5nFRWq4G0x8BfkxnyJdF4j59fMnvJ33tf3dtZ_kRzkIDXbd-DtoYirrpYOivX5h5lW9TRLkqdwawMfTDPzRseCXlQMWKInU9UpH9bwpeNSvc5_lBiv6ekL29A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+10.07.05+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRb5lGCkr2jJYQ_YiW7yz5nFRWq4G0x8BfkxnyJdF4j59fMnvJ33tf3dtZ_kRzkIDXbd-DtoYirrpYOivX5h5lW9TRLkqdwawMfTDPzRseCXlQMWKInU9UpH9bwpeNSvc5_lBiv6ekL29A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+10.07.05+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlF1yDgSu2MKNiMX6ZoxhJTt7Y1J8YZkH6f63FNkg9k7z1oq7iKH-ardRoQi-pOAMgN4HwhDzgTMd_V8_TMnqebEX012DyqmUhKCSCGAyBn4sBRRBSGbAudybuKXAwkLaCS1JMXpj7Ibw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+10.08.47+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlF1yDgSu2MKNiMX6ZoxhJTt7Y1J8YZkH6f63FNkg9k7z1oq7iKH-ardRoQi-pOAMgN4HwhDzgTMd_V8_TMnqebEX012DyqmUhKCSCGAyBn4sBRRBSGbAudybuKXAwkLaCS1JMXpj7Ibw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+10.08.47+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3iV-GuwwbrZ4jPZ7ADXuwGcdbyl48_arDhnPyoU85MhhrA3Qh-jO98hlnA3as2POlyizfXODxlwGi684_f39k-nYR50QY9GDGwXekE8AJwHUJMq3z4MuCpxCvisFzc40Pe_1LiKRAFip/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+10.09.02+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3iV-GuwwbrZ4jPZ7ADXuwGcdbyl48_arDhnPyoU85MhhrA3Qh-jO98hlnA3as2POlyizfXODxlwGi684_f39k-nYR50QY9GDGwXekE8AJwHUJMq3z4MuCpxCvisFzc40Pe_1LiKRAFip/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+10.09.02+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aQ1BYhyphenhyphenmkyg1U4A7WEhI_Pxxwhoe5OGShBrd0mugarFH1vdULQhT8mq8wercsNb1Q4wAsziwC9y5-xGIkvf8moaxB5X3FdnWR3xDxqTSdYJareC62zDP037oAzWpFHuPEGdsAfYtbLXg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+10.09.43+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aQ1BYhyphenhyphenmkyg1U4A7WEhI_Pxxwhoe5OGShBrd0mugarFH1vdULQhT8mq8wercsNb1Q4wAsziwC9y5-xGIkvf8moaxB5X3FdnWR3xDxqTSdYJareC62zDP037oAzWpFHuPEGdsAfYtbLXg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+10.09.43+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />

PINthritis

Pinthritis: a self-induced condition marked by a sore index finger after a long pinning session on pinterest I've made this term up (or...

7:24 AM

Small Town Love in CNY

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPxYlmxDklJt2247N5YcVmU83sOThpZZx8z2AR9bPgkQkxGPArp3Hk_C8Rnm74Cp7pD-kxKcMrqzhIh-VDno-_qQ851LU9a5okN2BhYypYGurU_2GgoAlFSJdquryZL0O6jguNN2imPMd/s1600/DSCN5740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPxYlmxDklJt2247N5YcVmU83sOThpZZx8z2AR9bPgkQkxGPArp3Hk_C8Rnm74Cp7pD-kxKcMrqzhIh-VDno-_qQ851LU9a5okN2BhYypYGurU_2GgoAlFSJdquryZL0O6jguNN2imPMd/s1600/DSCN5740.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm back from a long weekend in Central New York, the first night in the beautiful village of Skaneateles, a few miles from where I grew up.  Clift Park is full of flags, each one dedicated to a veteran by family and friends, sharing their gratitude with everyone around. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_z9tIKpmpQUC1S2ekauiKR7Ywla8cGdjFFW8wHbJR5K1AMzQ5GmYHYVilwjqxeX7aJkml_wlvraxQNMwCNEIroUVCxsMIuMnxc5ES2vLgFBr_k2W2DsZXYo8tcNz7XDIkP4qdxCwCS0k/s1600/DSCN5733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_z9tIKpmpQUC1S2ekauiKR7Ywla8cGdjFFW8wHbJR5K1AMzQ5GmYHYVilwjqxeX7aJkml_wlvraxQNMwCNEIroUVCxsMIuMnxc5ES2vLgFBr_k2W2DsZXYo8tcNz7XDIkP4qdxCwCS0k/s1600/DSCN5733.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Community shows up in so many ways.  My morning walk was full of Good Mornings, even one from the two women running on the other side street as me.  They shouted it over to me and it felt like getting a little package of friendliness.  I love greeting people in the street and am so happy it's still a part of daily life every place you go in central NY. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihil2ukMyEl6UZ2FUceW7zZ094MIGBwsLZsTgVbGp5nDyMU3Q8ZRrVighxw0kQkXZocwBvcNyw6pgdtzoD0-cumaP3j3UcoWtdQgNTX7uMz5S4CiY-LV1FYT9TCFIEMaphBlq6clZwxvRk/s1600/DSCN5731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihil2ukMyEl6UZ2FUceW7zZ094MIGBwsLZsTgVbGp5nDyMU3Q8ZRrVighxw0kQkXZocwBvcNyw6pgdtzoD0-cumaP3j3UcoWtdQgNTX7uMz5S4CiY-LV1FYT9TCFIEMaphBlq6clZwxvRk/s1600/DSCN5731.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6IEqo4BMfz-VaEc2Ax5FvwhZjtCOyjk1qkSYoUcJSWeOEfTpRluFciFXGtxPSDomoc8I7GER-FR8y1UrUP5GVGHGSZb84pG8GCcZEEeDvh2gUPSB5GeLiaHLYUCD3j8u-_WxpghHVfnn/s1600/DSCN5737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6IEqo4BMfz-VaEc2Ax5FvwhZjtCOyjk1qkSYoUcJSWeOEfTpRluFciFXGtxPSDomoc8I7GER-FR8y1UrUP5GVGHGSZb84pG8GCcZEEeDvh2gUPSB5GeLiaHLYUCD3j8u-_WxpghHVfnn/s1600/DSCN5737.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrKdOwY7oooNLTUS9qxG9Osc4suLOWQkmpl7VUAeBu1Vs1AX1Xo056jnwHeu06VMcfIDh4M6n57QcbRXIq8e6pLVNOTdiYBacqICEx81eWvuH_KPpho7kejqz1GvFJpBDia9l-G2il17t/s1600/DSCN5741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrKdOwY7oooNLTUS9qxG9Osc4suLOWQkmpl7VUAeBu1Vs1AX1Xo056jnwHeu06VMcfIDh4M6n57QcbRXIq8e6pLVNOTdiYBacqICEx81eWvuH_KPpho7kejqz1GvFJpBDia9l-G2il17t/s1600/DSCN5741.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The older I get, the harder and harder I find it to make the drive back to DC, and I don't mean the drive literally.  Someday I won't get back in the car - probably about 6 years from now :)   In the meantime, I need to remember to "love the one you're with" and keep saying hi to people here in the big city.  Maybe I'll even call it out from across the street.

Small Town Love in CNY

I'm back from a long weekend in Central New York, the first night in the beautiful village of Skaneateles, a few miles from where I grew...

4:00 AM

Home Decorating Humor!!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHGPHfm9dfkzMVt6uYwraknNGIr99N3TIbowtRcfvOd6meyzWsUx17O7a2d9ELcnLRTPkTaf5Xv4vT7jxlztkdWGJR4CTa4_slif7zdoH1hgDBE2sO8N_Gv9V5bkAAyu8NeAbk4LpWkO_/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-07+at+7.38.55+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHGPHfm9dfkzMVt6uYwraknNGIr99N3TIbowtRcfvOd6meyzWsUx17O7a2d9ELcnLRTPkTaf5Xv4vT7jxlztkdWGJR4CTa4_slif7zdoH1hgDBE2sO8N_Gv9V5bkAAyu8NeAbk4LpWkO_/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-07+at+7.38.55+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />My husband's cousin shared this on Facebook- they called him the Funny HomeGoods guys! If you'd like a good laugh watching Vic Dibitetto poke fun at various home decorating objects and don't mind the occasional "colorful" word<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_ZUQDc2sHQ&feature=youtu.be"><b>click HERE</b></a></span>.   Made my morning!   Have a great weekend.

Home Decorating Humor!!

My husband's cousin shared this on Facebook- they called him the Funny HomeGoods guys! If you'd like a good laugh watching Vic Dibit...

4:43 AM

Fessing Up Over at LBD!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgd7hB8QIoQwUoD2nhoSqmtbeokE9v6RtuIZ3xPpu1YIDe9N3TITBGIiBVAavIGl8OPs4FL4HHUIQeF2fMpIrVYGJdFkUp78rTo5rKDxs5lT0vl3p8_VazKknQTArNSO0EguKXR7vTUEz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-16+at+10.12.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgd7hB8QIoQwUoD2nhoSqmtbeokE9v6RtuIZ3xPpu1YIDe9N3TITBGIiBVAavIGl8OPs4FL4HHUIQeF2fMpIrVYGJdFkUp78rTo5rKDxs5lT0vl3p8_VazKknQTArNSO0EguKXR7vTUEz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-16+at+10.12.05+PM.png" width="236" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9t-j43bDUmbRY7aLp5VLOeDMn3sSw2_3qVnOKGII_eozbIduxM7bNeDJ-P-0L0bohbA6x11ceKaPivi1wtX23j9ZJ90l3zWP6mwX04TnF1QW7aRSyV7i6cbPDqYblQFWhJGnXPP30RMR/s1600/DSCN5722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9t-j43bDUmbRY7aLp5VLOeDMn3sSw2_3qVnOKGII_eozbIduxM7bNeDJ-P-0L0bohbA6x11ceKaPivi1wtX23j9ZJ90l3zWP6mwX04TnF1QW7aRSyV7i6cbPDqYblQFWhJGnXPP30RMR/s1600/DSCN5722.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Today I'm over at<a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2014/10/fess-up-friday-my-notting-hill.html"> Little Black Door for Fess Up Friday</a>. Thank you to Elizabeth for including me in the fun!  Above is a clue - any guesses?  Also be sure to head over and check out Elizabeth's great news - her charming and beautifully decorated home is featured in Better Homes and Gardens Refresh magazine!    Hope you have a great weekend. Michele<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdRCiOdxBWZ0dsIuDuo8LYUfjGHoNvliSZiu03jA7HsW0rrTrNyirmwonscVYir8FsH8LhOf1GbqasZfjJ1kD710k8YOC2uY1uNGOVNuSz8FaXN85sw6SkF91kF7jzXRfVDdCn5iDa1zY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-17+at+7.25.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdRCiOdxBWZ0dsIuDuo8LYUfjGHoNvliSZiu03jA7HsW0rrTrNyirmwonscVYir8FsH8LhOf1GbqasZfjJ1kD710k8YOC2uY1uNGOVNuSz8FaXN85sw6SkF91kF7jzXRfVDdCn5iDa1zY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-17+at+7.25.49+AM.png" width="486" /></a></div><br />

Fessing Up Over at LBD!

Today I'm over at Little Black Door for Fess Up Friday . Thank you to Elizabeth for including me in the fun! Above is a clue - any gue...

4:33 AM

4th of Julys long ago

4th of Julys long ago

My late Aunt gave this to Dan and I when we were in our 20's - an IOU for lobster at her place on the Cape. We used to go every year an...

4:30 AM

With a Roof Right Over Our Heads

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUg2w1N97DEjyQekZ557OWXTs0ad_qXC3cSyPhyphenhyphenTKzPa9iNfpftizd3hhLYRM2FrCmkmQ39bRLTIK3RWNKHIWu_kI3Oq-85BPaNf4Izv4FddH7CSLqe7zgUWgabmodc9jHN4WOlWxUpUA/s1600/DSCN4583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUg2w1N97DEjyQekZ557OWXTs0ad_qXC3cSyPhyphenhyphenTKzPa9iNfpftizd3hhLYRM2FrCmkmQ39bRLTIK3RWNKHIWu_kI3Oq-85BPaNf4Izv4FddH7CSLqe7zgUWgabmodc9jHN4WOlWxUpUA/s1600/DSCN4583.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We'll be together, with a roof right over our heads</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We'll share the shelter of my single bed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We'll share the same room, yeah! - for Jah provide the bread</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Is this love - is this love - is this love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Is this love that I'm feelin'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> ~ Bob Marley ~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOexrsgSP9pmWX2SxgEtOwAuubRtqEp0Rxn-sOE8RjH_mStsJb6D8_EChLcUV4DEk6u7yu3LRnjAtLnKlL0C32mJ8KsKceXiNVjIkGUW8BvVyTVtXt42vh9IJYSmJsgjHG9Gzpc2nFFri/s1600/DSCN4579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOexrsgSP9pmWX2SxgEtOwAuubRtqEp0Rxn-sOE8RjH_mStsJb6D8_EChLcUV4DEk6u7yu3LRnjAtLnKlL0C32mJ8KsKceXiNVjIkGUW8BvVyTVtXt42vh9IJYSmJsgjHG9Gzpc2nFFri/s1600/DSCN4579.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Lameshur Bay, St. John USVI  (April 2014)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This is my favorite spot on the planet</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSq2a1K_U1iaQpSv3UDBiarGyAG1Qhv3YZZ2aDmfESWkHwkFwwMpilJ-4T_SEZtRX4kotWYCgoLIF_TTYSo-jc_-dgcIVtpEC_UsMMzS7etTtdfk0dHVHWUGi4jkduN1poElmgk2InaME/s1600/DSCN4582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSq2a1K_U1iaQpSv3UDBiarGyAG1Qhv3YZZ2aDmfESWkHwkFwwMpilJ-4T_SEZtRX4kotWYCgoLIF_TTYSo-jc_-dgcIVtpEC_UsMMzS7etTtdfk0dHVHWUGi4jkduN1poElmgk2InaME/s1600/DSCN4582.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1I3Z4TnvsLeMbp3Ds_OKOcwH9FPtPnv4dmVLDheaveFF4lOMAG8cgIFqYYschr8mKfx5AH4pECvofr3Y1HDeKnZoYkU08o0hF-6iHlkzDtC2awhqFL3jLTNwBMzoPM_9etJTosFp7Usj/s1600/DSCN4584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1I3Z4TnvsLeMbp3Ds_OKOcwH9FPtPnv4dmVLDheaveFF4lOMAG8cgIFqYYschr8mKfx5AH4pECvofr3Y1HDeKnZoYkU08o0hF-6iHlkzDtC2awhqFL3jLTNwBMzoPM_9etJTosFp7Usj/s1600/DSCN4584.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckMDHFQb_eisuQWqxcdLeRnEtt8WstMTKSRFXbUnEYnXoq3ljaLSKV5jCHbEb-PwAU89gjxQASFAApLWFULgKTYz1sAIhkKc4Jssp_ARWHSnMY3Uf8oBQEhXg4tc2nrBhdYtUvuAttpHA/s1600/DSCN4585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckMDHFQb_eisuQWqxcdLeRnEtt8WstMTKSRFXbUnEYnXoq3ljaLSKV5jCHbEb-PwAU89gjxQASFAApLWFULgKTYz1sAIhkKc4Jssp_ARWHSnMY3Uf8oBQEhXg4tc2nrBhdYtUvuAttpHA/s1600/DSCN4585.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18aFLeA-3W6ODA3sQlntZcvhIifhmDBPCRyU7ERnOV7CaCnos2FesP3P3NuegI-yL8PpHBhMKomUJu8VAARFjz3cr3SumtigDOMjlHnm-jqnwcbyQmBntvRp1wrViJdB3DA-lWbMFcbsE/s1600/DSCN4586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18aFLeA-3W6ODA3sQlntZcvhIifhmDBPCRyU7ERnOV7CaCnos2FesP3P3NuegI-yL8PpHBhMKomUJu8VAARFjz3cr3SumtigDOMjlHnm-jqnwcbyQmBntvRp1wrViJdB3DA-lWbMFcbsE/s1600/DSCN4586.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> photography by Michele Ginnerty

With a Roof Right Over Our Heads

We'll be together, with a roof right over our heads We'll share the shelter of my single bed We'll share the same room, yeah! - ...

8:12 PM

Mother's Day: Grief as My Critic

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIh81ed0R0E6WMHZi_4b47kED7eyRt-tzVJtdTnCOSkOtc6Qrj6iOAeAPBwADLRsyol3FhzPPn6tLbUVsGMrkTHMkco_dKzy4SWHOyVRS-De2Vne6w8ZhFST-6vqr3DuD98Tc7dYG0nHip/s1600/DSCN4831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIh81ed0R0E6WMHZi_4b47kED7eyRt-tzVJtdTnCOSkOtc6Qrj6iOAeAPBwADLRsyol3FhzPPn6tLbUVsGMrkTHMkco_dKzy4SWHOyVRS-De2Vne6w8ZhFST-6vqr3DuD98Tc7dYG0nHip/s1600/DSCN4831.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />My mother died in April 2013 so this is the second Mother's Day since her passing.  Some mother - daughter relationships are blissful while some are full of conflict.   My relationship with my mom was closer to the latter.  Marked with misunderstandings and lack of appreciation on my part.  Better in the later years, for which I am grateful.<br /><br />If your relationship with your mom or daughter is not the best it could be, will you indulge me and let me share what I have learned in my grief?<br /><br />To Moms:  if your relationship with your daughter is not the best and you look back at shortcomings, just tell your daughter- "I did the best I could and I also know that my best wasn't always that good. I wished that those times could have been different."<br /><br />To daughters:  sometimes Moms do the best they can, and at times,  it's not as good as it could have been.  You need to believe, and know, it was probably as good as they were able to do.  They did the best they could - even if it wasn't good.  Let it go.  Make the best of your time with your mom now.<br /><br />My husband said I did the best I could.  I also know the best I could, many times, was not as good as it could have been.   It's time for me to let that go.<br /><br />Happy Mother's Day Mom.  I love you.  Michele<br /><br />

Mother's Day: Grief as My Critic

My mother died in April 2013 so this is the second Mother's Day since her passing. Some mother - daughter relationships are blissful wh...

8:59 AM

You are Not Special

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmX80B_qtc4gslajajkPk_YSIug9cguWxRoMoOv2NWC2h7MK04L55QzuXkcl3Ckx009VEcPQHMQF3eqm13-Sv0DgKto4oiD6WGeIX-zsmSDd4Ooa5kKRj1IEe3urtFgZ3jLf6Dm2q-k7m/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-25+at+8.52.14+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmX80B_qtc4gslajajkPk_YSIug9cguWxRoMoOv2NWC2h7MK04L55QzuXkcl3Ckx009VEcPQHMQF3eqm13-Sv0DgKto4oiD6WGeIX-zsmSDd4Ooa5kKRj1IEe3urtFgZ3jLf6Dm2q-k7m/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-25+at+8.52.14+AM.png" width="292" /></a></div><br />You may remember David McCullough, Jr., the high school teacher whose 2012 commencement speech to the students of Wellesley high school went viral.  He now has a book out that expands on the ideas in his speech and I found the the full title, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006225734X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=006225734X&linkCode=as2&tag=myno0ab-20">You Are Not Special: ... And Other Encouragements</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=myno0ab-20&l=as2&o=1&a=006225734X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, well, for want of a better word -  encouraging.    Yesterday on the Diane Rehm Show, he said something that I think might capture his main point.   (You can listen to the full show on WAMU <a href="http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2014-04-24/david-mccullough-jr-you-are-not-special?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WAMU885DianeRehm+%28The+Diane+Rehm+Show+from+WAMU+and+NPR%29">here</a>.)<br /><br />"Everyone is special, everyone is important.  If you think of it that way then, it kind of nullifies the concept of "specialness".  It's a statistical inevitability that most of us are kind of average and there's nothing wrong with that.  That's really a big part of my point...Let's get past that. One will be judged on who you are and what you do.  And, one should not assume that every success and accolade will fall into one's lap simply because you're a good person. Life just doesn't work that way…"<br /><br /><br />While the book is arguably targeted towards parents and teenagers, it seems there could be a message for all of us.<br /><br />Cultivating a culture of specialness can lead to feelings of entitlement and privilege.  While that's true and a bit unseemly, there's another cost.   Specialness can become debilitating, fostering fear of failure and feelings of inadequacy. <br /><br />Which makes me wonder,  how many of us aren't pursuing our real dreams because we're not feeling  "the right kind of special" ?<br /><br />OK, that's my philosophical moment for this Friday.  Hope you have a wonderfully ordinary weekend!

You are Not Special

You may remember David McCullough, Jr., the high school teacher whose 2012 commencement speech to the students of Wellesley high school went...

6:24 AM

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aq0fd98yqeQcaAHJPaGOrhTml8700yQndUkO4Ywg2qePrG2WBlWCfa2pWfaqSLT6DTbZZIm0DD1TA3wdnfwIHtTaqCBYN-74uAI8Juv3GAHzxz6FtnMLC8PBfMQ9YQTe3ekjGlNH2LTs/s1600/Ireland-cloud-free-sm.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720901031731010050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aq0fd98yqeQcaAHJPaGOrhTml8700yQndUkO4Ywg2qePrG2WBlWCfa2pWfaqSLT6DTbZZIm0DD1TA3wdnfwIHtTaqCBYN-74uAI8Juv3GAHzxz6FtnMLC8PBfMQ9YQTe3ekjGlNH2LTs/s640/Ireland-cloud-free-sm.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">These things I warmly wish to you- </div><div style="text-align: center;">Someone to love </div><div style="text-align: center;">Some work to do </div><div style="text-align: center;">A bit o' sun </div><div style="text-align: center;">A bit o' cheer</div><div style="text-align: center;"> And a guardian angel always near. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">  <b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #006600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Erin Go Braugh!  Ireland Forever. </span></span></b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #006600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Hope you have a great St. Patrick's Day!</span></span></b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> (Cloud free NASA image of the Emerald Isle, October 11, 2010 from <a href="http://www.maptd.com/rare-cloud-free-satellite-image-of-ireland/">here</a>.)<br /><br />  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilETCPFSA3Y01PCuaqzJx35lCJW1GclyfST769hIWATeKsK9KCzqWh04VEyqHrnJVqFZZgvBxF__FKt1LZubAtA1JCvbH3pp_AH69gccudowaq0jS8HZsySQS64PvqmwpAgOIpg_bAxKM/s1600/unclemick.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584879762383529458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilETCPFSA3Y01PCuaqzJx35lCJW1GclyfST769hIWATeKsK9KCzqWh04VEyqHrnJVqFZZgvBxF__FKt1LZubAtA1JCvbH3pp_AH69gccudowaq0jS8HZsySQS64PvqmwpAgOIpg_bAxKM/s640/unclemick.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My great Uncle Mick Griffin, Glenbeigh Co. Kerry - 1989</div>

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

These things I warmly wish to you- Someone to love Some work to do A bit o' sun A bit o' cheer And a guardian angel always near...

5:21 AM

What's Your Mental Age?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiyykTBfMcnisHSKi9gVbx7HLeR7CcklziNZwidvzIzOSqBgRbrtqO_lT-FWw32_YYapJ7Oj2Hn9eYE1QFMemqxnqQklkOFVDMzt5xpX4p2lONO-Oj5IPBo_AoBuWzS-r94-XKyuOhCBy/s1600/DSCN4144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiyykTBfMcnisHSKi9gVbx7HLeR7CcklziNZwidvzIzOSqBgRbrtqO_lT-FWw32_YYapJ7Oj2Hn9eYE1QFMemqxnqQklkOFVDMzt5xpX4p2lONO-Oj5IPBo_AoBuWzS-r94-XKyuOhCBy/s640/DSCN4144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />With all the craziness at the Holidays,  it's nice to take a break.  Sitting at my desk, my husbands yells over to me, "Hey, I'm 33!" <br /><br />"What to you mean?" <br /><br />"My mental age is 33!"<br /><br />So of course, I headed over to  <a href="http://mymentalage.com/"><b>My Mental Age</b></a> to see mine. <br /><br />"Guess what?"  I shout.  "I'm 33 too!"   <br /><br />After which, we proceeded to dance our 50 (his) and 49 year old selves around the room, chanting "We're 33, we're 33!"<br /><br />Now as a I write this, I'm not sure it was such a cause for celebration.   Don't they say, wisdom comes with age?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

What's Your Mental Age?

With all the craziness at the Holidays, it's nice to take a break. Sitting at my desk, my husbands yells over to me, "Hey, I'...

4:49 AM

An Owl, My Mom & A Poem

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-w_4QatIjN65yiCxWMOBaIgc5O3gqPJzKPP59BcxOZM0pfAGpE-L8zf3ZtSrGynnFAODC09oUeUf8M-rUge4_Bo9p_6HcBnX4AQeAoqvuQOCfEgvkLrmps68THDYm-ObsVbfnZbpE2Cx/s1600/IMG_3752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-w_4QatIjN65yiCxWMOBaIgc5O3gqPJzKPP59BcxOZM0pfAGpE-L8zf3ZtSrGynnFAODC09oUeUf8M-rUge4_Bo9p_6HcBnX4AQeAoqvuQOCfEgvkLrmps68THDYm-ObsVbfnZbpE2Cx/s400/IMG_3752.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><br />Do you see the owl up to the right? I've never seen an owl in nature, no less in my own backyard. Owls were my mom's favorite animal, she had just about every owl thing you could have.  Today would have been her 76th birthday and I am struck by the visiting owl who came to me the day before.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtN7_etpSF2nt9zF55SpYTLh3hJZvtGlLqwFSD9gD4dLguTGdvrKhuJOor0KPIhs9scAIbRrZs7PXkx6RhxFiIZTKAeC2k_yhnPumdMv5RO-d9T-FXW45vj5pAhtHRath4m5tows-wIOj/s1600/IMG_3753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtN7_etpSF2nt9zF55SpYTLh3hJZvtGlLqwFSD9gD4dLguTGdvrKhuJOor0KPIhs9scAIbRrZs7PXkx6RhxFiIZTKAeC2k_yhnPumdMv5RO-d9T-FXW45vj5pAhtHRath4m5tows-wIOj/s640/IMG_3753.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />When my childhood friend died, I was driving home from the airport after attending her funeral.  Her favorite bird, a cardinal, hovered in front of my car as it traveled 60 mph.  It hung suspended above the windshield for a time that seemed implausible and then flew away.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-gKxnruXnTxNUZ36GwCkspgWGFoJW7YGBlVFRCqrUJEkhQSQjwwkVXZG6m27wKpDOx7_aWC4MJXyUMLsDK4kg7nvetCL5uannJ6N_3LPmAA0TAHW6EwE-lvGhucngQP7Yk5hc3rSLqPz/s1600/IMG_3754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-gKxnruXnTxNUZ36GwCkspgWGFoJW7YGBlVFRCqrUJEkhQSQjwwkVXZG6m27wKpDOx7_aWC4MJXyUMLsDK4kg7nvetCL5uannJ6N_3LPmAA0TAHW6EwE-lvGhucngQP7Yk5hc3rSLqPz/s640/IMG_3754.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="color: #f77700;"><br /></div><div style="color: #f77700;"><span style="color: black;">After my mom's passing, my sister found a hand written poem among the papers on her desk.  We've checked and believe it is her original work.  It makes sense.  In her high school yearbook this tribute was written, "Her poetic mind neglects not a soul."   </span></div><div style="color: #f77700;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #f77700;"><span style="color: black;">Can you see the owl amidst the branches?  She had just turned her head.  Moments later she swooped away.</span></div><div style="color: #f77700;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #f77700;"><br /></div><div style="color: #f77700;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Howling Winds</span></div><div style="color: #f77700;"><span style="font-size: large;">by Mary Ann Ginnerty</span></div><div style="color: #f77700; min-height: 14px;"><br /></div>The Howling winds of autumn<br /> speak very loud to me.<br /> <div style="min-height: 13px;"><br /></div>To all who hear the bluster<br /> the message springs forth clear.<br /> As boughs break from the weight of the years<br /> and the leaves rip from the branches near.<br /> <div style="min-height: 13px;"><br /></div>Yet, knowing in the spring, new birth shall come.<br /> The howling winds of autumn<br /> speak loud to me of love.<br /> <div style="min-height: 13px;"><br /></div>The swirling winds play host to tantalizing memories,<br /> hopeful muses, deep despair<br /> with intermittent rain and sunlight that<br /> dances in the air.<br /> <div style="min-height: 13px;"><br /></div>Now in the autumn of my years<br /> the howling winds of autumn speak loud<br /> to me.<br /> <div style="min-height: 13px;"><br /></div>Come, listen too with me<br /> in the howling of the autumn winds<br /> and how they speak to thee.<br /><div><br /></div>

An Owl, My Mom & A Poem

Do you see the owl up to the right? I've never seen an owl in nature, no less in my own backyard. Owls were my mom's favorite animal...

4:30 AM

Lucky Girl!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQJiq8p6PXbQNVIu8MHOJnnhwFJjk0tr30oORCJQ6-ObTGB2TYrhTPEtMrsQOj7aM1L5mJwUR6WPbEQn8c2Rcj2mKb_4epDN_ifuAxtDYB6R6f0U9-K5nRR5KD5xYHKRRLzcd9m9STyPZ/s1600/DSCN0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQJiq8p6PXbQNVIu8MHOJnnhwFJjk0tr30oORCJQ6-ObTGB2TYrhTPEtMrsQOj7aM1L5mJwUR6WPbEQn8c2Rcj2mKb_4epDN_ifuAxtDYB6R6f0U9-K5nRR5KD5xYHKRRLzcd9m9STyPZ/s640/DSCN0192.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Last night at the Nationals Game the first basemen Tyler Moore tossed my daughter the ball from the double-play out when they headed into the dugout.  Smiles all around - for the ball and for these amazing second row seats!  It's great to have friends in high places, thanks M & A :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzL9OLvd1utYt8XFkxe-3yg7QCaIRRj5zthLHB3hUC5IyZ8ChjYcQvWPQou39qNwnHZp1jh_IYl08V1gwIQstbfH7slGJsG6iZ7eA7nKcGNqehWvvyL0J_tsCmxvHf69qwz7FAKyOo7yT/s1600/DSCN0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzL9OLvd1utYt8XFkxe-3yg7QCaIRRj5zthLHB3hUC5IyZ8ChjYcQvWPQou39qNwnHZp1jh_IYl08V1gwIQstbfH7slGJsG6iZ7eA7nKcGNqehWvvyL0J_tsCmxvHf69qwz7FAKyOo7yT/s640/DSCN0190.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> The Nationals rallied in the 8th for a 6-5 win over the Mets and...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uLZgjgfgGaz0exO-W6hzeFO39GJCQoguYjQphysKw47wddrjdVJ_ABTylgOAeVhuzV1647_Laumw9HEYZ-FOx-DiIPss88APB9HpA9DNBthofkerNTi5zga4VQN45PuO-0uULW-5MNIW/s1600/DSCN0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uLZgjgfgGaz0exO-W6hzeFO39GJCQoguYjQphysKw47wddrjdVJ_ABTylgOAeVhuzV1647_Laumw9HEYZ-FOx-DiIPss88APB9HpA9DNBthofkerNTi5zga4VQN45PuO-0uULW-5MNIW/s640/DSCN0195.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />our favorite Teddy won the race! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs8VfoC1xzG8pmZmn06CNV5d8KwYc4xGiAyc_Ctgp2DwgeypZjua0bEWBpqvuzCIq4euFwoSNUbsRtbu2Bmm4ncis1iqRY418Sb20M0XPNGvmnqyb4kt_jgC_hh-OgCp-HPRZLpre5xgK/s1600/DSCN0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs8VfoC1xzG8pmZmn06CNV5d8KwYc4xGiAyc_Ctgp2DwgeypZjua0bEWBpqvuzCIq4euFwoSNUbsRtbu2Bmm4ncis1iqRY418Sb20M0XPNGvmnqyb4kt_jgC_hh-OgCp-HPRZLpre5xgK/s640/DSCN0187.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Hope you're having a Happy Labor Day full of fun and play. Michele

Lucky Girl!

Last night at the Nationals Game the first basemen Tyler Moore tossed my daughter the ball from the double-play out when they headed into th...

8:20 AM

A 40++ Year Tradition

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRqJCIAwocQ6CRG4LuM4lJiY8qrpjinLympXvcu2aJjkrX48sYXVXEZCj8Ry9-spsSvqAB1xhiJ2s8CxGUP_HZctDSTTme1LxfmuqoOA6b3X8nu0zh2Pqi7i8E1eQ-zJINV7hPEg0agTx/s1600/IMG_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRqJCIAwocQ6CRG4LuM4lJiY8qrpjinLympXvcu2aJjkrX48sYXVXEZCj8Ry9-spsSvqAB1xhiJ2s8CxGUP_HZctDSTTme1LxfmuqoOA6b3X8nu0zh2Pqi7i8E1eQ-zJINV7hPEg0agTx/s640/IMG_0133.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For 40+ years my Dad, my Uncle Don and their childhood friend Ray have been driving from NY, CT and RI to meet-up at one of the most beautiful racetracks, Saratoga, for an early round of golf and a day at the track.  How did these three kids from the triple-decker houses of Providence learn to golf?  By catching multiple buses to the country club where they caddied.  The affinity for horse gambling?  Natural inclination :) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEnIeGGMroTamup6ywbGdRxVbbqiQEbAcWhiHes6pIgJcDx7vcfPgKtah-gDHewn6j2vOMsX1rVC0NF_QwhzLGcEsUXNO-N_CTcxwv5Bkz6b2F_HIqxPwFzr9REfm0Ths4LBQylPBs7rx/s1600/IMG_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEnIeGGMroTamup6ywbGdRxVbbqiQEbAcWhiHes6pIgJcDx7vcfPgKtah-gDHewn6j2vOMsX1rVC0NF_QwhzLGcEsUXNO-N_CTcxwv5Bkz6b2F_HIqxPwFzr9REfm0Ths4LBQylPBs7rx/s640/IMG_0130.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's always a one-day trip up early in the morning and back home late in the night.  There's routines and rituals - the same places for lunch (always take-out sandwiches) and dinner every year.  They still talk about "the year" when they went to their lunch spot only to find it had closed!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpGoCM0U-M9g0WVRwzYHVHliAWRCaN9Y-RnKsQeSPavW9bkRygq-kby5e2qVKSn7Yeuhg2O0Me8oCESd-9uS2tC-8ZodJz-9VAOcMBSKt5x4pAZTOG7XiyCbs4rGAvLPrYqeSTyZjwnn3/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpGoCM0U-M9g0WVRwzYHVHliAWRCaN9Y-RnKsQeSPavW9bkRygq-kby5e2qVKSn7Yeuhg2O0Me8oCESd-9uS2tC-8ZodJz-9VAOcMBSKt5x4pAZTOG7XiyCbs4rGAvLPrYqeSTyZjwnn3/s640/IMG_0127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Bob and Ray - If you knew them you'd agree that this picture  captures the essence of their 70+ year friendship, independent and connected.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS-Q5IGZHlGr2SILD1CTOE5U0WmU32iRFnUcRzBrqXRS9KcRMoDpe0E2GoVXYY0ajo7Age44fDaSVKoqVgf9QC9Fc8QRt_vZgKS_lwSTDILxcogsb1rnVlxf6sM_73MHbP4QSzHusSNcn/s1600/IMG_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS-Q5IGZHlGr2SILD1CTOE5U0WmU32iRFnUcRzBrqXRS9KcRMoDpe0E2GoVXYY0ajo7Age44fDaSVKoqVgf9QC9Fc8QRt_vZgKS_lwSTDILxcogsb1rnVlxf6sM_73MHbP4QSzHusSNcn/s640/IMG_0139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The ritual now spans three generations.  This year's trip had a total of 11.  Here's two younger generations heading out with the coolers and gear for the day in tow.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7Eow17H7nEW7Qydz7amYOHdNlefxvxN1NLvdCYVmaTq-w7OEMRs_YPvehLeFsDBMpg_fuKqYlHKhzLwtO_4Xt9S3iVHxzNrqffyqj6RnecwXVJHSsrQNSfhIfY1L1EFdpkDmMUzYNT6l/s1600/IMG_0143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7Eow17H7nEW7Qydz7amYOHdNlefxvxN1NLvdCYVmaTq-w7OEMRs_YPvehLeFsDBMpg_fuKqYlHKhzLwtO_4Xt9S3iVHxzNrqffyqj6RnecwXVJHSsrQNSfhIfY1L1EFdpkDmMUzYNT6l/s640/IMG_0143.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />While it's true that time marches on and things are always changing, <u>some things do stay the same</u>.  That's something Bob, Don and Ray know a little bit about.

A 40++ Year Tradition

For 40+ years my Dad, my Uncle Don and their childhood friend Ray have been driving from NY, CT and RI to meet-up at one of the most beautif...

4:45 AM

Rural Americana in the Good Old Summertime

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKguOyaRikHWbX-aeqwS7L8ngTyZ1oOa2khkPimPn1x-ZGy1W1EDr-_3cWIm7GGZKc2HkVZqUU5oVqImtSP9JMtcBHz0gysxEZHIKl3DHLXXjY-HZNcF4JtPxLLOkehtLpvxaqYGOeUqum/s1600/IMG_3493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKguOyaRikHWbX-aeqwS7L8ngTyZ1oOa2khkPimPn1x-ZGy1W1EDr-_3cWIm7GGZKc2HkVZqUU5oVqImtSP9JMtcBHz0gysxEZHIKl3DHLXXjY-HZNcF4JtPxLLOkehtLpvxaqYGOeUqum/s640/IMG_3493.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Mid-July I headed up to Ligonier, PA to pick-up my daughter from camp.  A long trip made more enjoyable by the sights along the historic Lincoln Highway- a part of Route 30 (the first road across America from New York City to San Francisco)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3p36F0xVH54v0kTz_XALd1yVJON4eTuvNLvPoIebPocFislJJYfWzdg44vzTnBcnwwgnAgo1C_ggOPFIbTGawswEKIskzU9mE2LUFJDI8EJBvbtISAOyeW2z2qqabEiy83Po2IU5pMglm/s1600/IMG_3494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3p36F0xVH54v0kTz_XALd1yVJON4eTuvNLvPoIebPocFislJJYfWzdg44vzTnBcnwwgnAgo1C_ggOPFIbTGawswEKIskzU9mE2LUFJDI8EJBvbtISAOyeW2z2qqabEiy83Po2IU5pMglm/s640/IMG_3494.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmayLN6Vo4fHDdOnJW4fEJg4x6tK108wCUmvxhjepgRIOLw0NKYDE-ubVYNbjUykAcdy0xMcC8TNBAWoXt6bRH_TQKhXiBRtjB_FAlPACQxI-DoEl94xOj59NYaG3wJnFIILBtf8sMPTzD/s1600/IMG_3497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmayLN6Vo4fHDdOnJW4fEJg4x6tK108wCUmvxhjepgRIOLw0NKYDE-ubVYNbjUykAcdy0xMcC8TNBAWoXt6bRH_TQKhXiBRtjB_FAlPACQxI-DoEl94xOj59NYaG3wJnFIILBtf8sMPTzD/s640/IMG_3497.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Town square in Ligonier, PA.  This town reminded me a bit of the lovely village of Clinton, NY near Utica.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvtu2ioaVesjhJwvYwfkGHyeTV3QZbiWeLTeBPcw6CotMenp9wP2QKqlIxEwklaJWl8sBEBl6Jy9NWh_AoTDG_CQR1_S1tc0rEcyHOocJ0JfGgttAJ1I6qb2wsy_jEwoWJLdLuJd9guBv/s1600/IMG_3498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvtu2ioaVesjhJwvYwfkGHyeTV3QZbiWeLTeBPcw6CotMenp9wP2QKqlIxEwklaJWl8sBEBl6Jy9NWh_AoTDG_CQR1_S1tc0rEcyHOocJ0JfGgttAJ1I6qb2wsy_jEwoWJLdLuJd9guBv/s640/IMG_3498.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPq0-IvYDbUq1bJ24c6xtt9-KgRFrlCerT1hLfFuSq9gzh8oyvaukiwd4nNkhcwLqgTChlCK3R1D2HBa_OmzTs_LFoNNRUxnzdHeah72pz9yyw_RN_zYaFsPo7mMaGue1s7FbgwUhxjLPL/s1600/IMG_3500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPq0-IvYDbUq1bJ24c6xtt9-KgRFrlCerT1hLfFuSq9gzh8oyvaukiwd4nNkhcwLqgTChlCK3R1D2HBa_OmzTs_LFoNNRUxnzdHeah72pz9yyw_RN_zYaFsPo7mMaGue1s7FbgwUhxjLPL/s640/IMG_3500.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />An 1800's  log cabin church set in a cemetery.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuV7Z5HZFgezwp_Jbb0_Psyu6Oa8RmowjTsAH5kgWpZulirls0-OEbbtMVGO1VDi3YgM1a2tjg4l6uvDcRcpO7E3kW56ovFy5De38y3f9uE1cx0JmviIHKkC4thkVp44GtreV2WkkiG902/s1600/IMG_3502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuV7Z5HZFgezwp_Jbb0_Psyu6Oa8RmowjTsAH5kgWpZulirls0-OEbbtMVGO1VDi3YgM1a2tjg4l6uvDcRcpO7E3kW56ovFy5De38y3f9uE1cx0JmviIHKkC4thkVp44GtreV2WkkiG902/s640/IMG_3502.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKMjCTGyifNvHdSsLsPbULHRR9EP2pI78Mb5NagoZAySA9r4me5JepBc2KA8n053PHr0vM5wZys_L5432swq-7ad0l4y6VuzYGonvt2KcCGbLSJMnT_juDRRecKDdd98IR95RiWsrPt8N/s1600/IMG_3503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKMjCTGyifNvHdSsLsPbULHRR9EP2pI78Mb5NagoZAySA9r4me5JepBc2KA8n053PHr0vM5wZys_L5432swq-7ad0l4y6VuzYGonvt2KcCGbLSJMnT_juDRRecKDdd98IR95RiWsrPt8N/s640/IMG_3503.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Who doesn't love a covered bridge?  Always a worthy detour off the main road.

Rural Americana in the Good Old Summertime

Mid-July I headed up to Ligonier, PA to pick-up my daughter from camp. A long trip made more enjoyable by the sights along the historic Lin...

10:17 AM

My 5 YEAR Blogiversary!!!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9vncj2DbHXuhOAhE8YDXEtRRfWMH6wSs7m4zi6YbGx-YduC2n-ld43KAVoEZv7S_KakhTrZRQ-_9kBusBkup2IcV8bvi8DuFIfJPuhDqlupQqaniYjl2LCg_EwnPlHozlKJ-jGoQcA4t/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-01+at+8.51.41+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9vncj2DbHXuhOAhE8YDXEtRRfWMH6wSs7m4zi6YbGx-YduC2n-ld43KAVoEZv7S_KakhTrZRQ-_9kBusBkup2IcV8bvi8DuFIfJPuhDqlupQqaniYjl2LCg_EwnPlHozlKJ-jGoQcA4t/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-01-01+at+8.51.41+AM.png" width="308" /></a></div><b>5 years ago</b> on New Year's Eve I started this blog, hard to believe that much time has passed!  This picture of our bar cart in the family room was one of the first pics from my house that I showed.  Of course, none of this is here now.  As all design <strike>aficianodos</strike> addicts know, things in your home are constantly changing.  Although this has me wondering where did I store those sconces and what would they look like sprayed matte gold?!  Anyway, I digress.<br /><br />Friends who don't blog, or read blogs for that matter, don't seem to understand why I keep doing it. Doesn't it take alot of time and energy?  Yes, I say, almost as much as golfing, minus the club dues and green fees.  They nod politely as I explain about the personal connections blogging brings, both in-person and virtually.  They share a strained smile when you start talking excitedly about the design event you were invited to or the newest book just published you can't wait to get your hands on. <br /><br />And all of that's ok because I know why I keep doing it.  It would take me more energy not to blog than to blog.   That's what hobbies and passions are about.  They're self-interested pursuits and this one, fortunately, brings with it connections with all kinds of wonderful people. <br /><br />To all the fellow bloggers and designers I have met over the years, thank you.  I would attempt to list everyone here but I know I would leave someone off and would regret that.  You are all amazing, interesting, fun and kind people, thank you!  To all the people who read this blog and boost my ego with page views, thank you!  Your emails over the years have been absolutely wonderful.  I am ever grateful that you spend a bit of your valuable time here at My Notting Hill.<br />  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XY47qK6xNm8QGAzQa82ifMDCt38qM4ASFOqY3oCUGinim2AE3tqu2CXeQloi7myxLtx7flp0f2Yrgpct1BvT07Bfop-hpoepTP3AN5PIWucE5qh1W_-wDOBO0yQqex8CHCrFehxctW64/s1600/P1130555.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5758870131211285250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XY47qK6xNm8QGAzQa82ifMDCt38qM4ASFOqY3oCUGinim2AE3tqu2CXeQloi7myxLtx7flp0f2Yrgpct1BvT07Bfop-hpoepTP3AN5PIWucE5qh1W_-wDOBO0yQqex8CHCrFehxctW64/s640/P1130555.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Finally a huge thanks to my husband and children, Ryan and Julia, for not just your support but your encouragement of my blogging hobby.  In particular, I'm nominating Dan for a Blogger Husband of the Year Award!  Back in 2009 while enjoying New Orleans (love that cabbage necklace), he took time out to...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19l9TjYOHYJvFskglpevAlkQi-aR1_n2RIkL3dgIOZ9oINUYJAAzmmAY642f81nyQRm-WbSIDmWSUOSi-iv-lOvdYEvSnQfIf-U94T4j2Y5CXl_n2jZv_3uLQXMF687lSr2geGAGozQBA/s1600-h/atlanta+319+(2).jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316421868723683826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19l9TjYOHYJvFskglpevAlkQi-aR1_n2RIkL3dgIOZ9oINUYJAAzmmAY642f81nyQRm-WbSIDmWSUOSi-iv-lOvdYEvSnQfIf-U94T4j2Y5CXl_n2jZv_3uLQXMF687lSr2geGAGozQBA/s800/atlanta+319+(2).jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>go to visit <a href="http://www.thevisualvamp.blogspot.com/">Valorie Hart</a> at <a href="http://www.perch-home.com/">Perch</a> and take pictures for my blog!  xo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTJElHFvKInTVeSWpheToF5yBwwu8JLvaxiIv93hHi0wPI1wO5Vdnk6zYq_kmLZrEbz3lS2zf1eTExVz8SJ0Myv19JFmxnwnI89shpp5C_fzhU_CCv3zULjMb1PUq04ZBJ2qKO2YUG2Rv/s1600-h/atlanta+239+(2).jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316416617967333042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTJElHFvKInTVeSWpheToF5yBwwu8JLvaxiIv93hHi0wPI1wO5Vdnk6zYq_kmLZrEbz3lS2zf1eTExVz8SJ0Myv19JFmxnwnI89shpp5C_fzhU_CCv3zULjMb1PUq04ZBJ2qKO2YUG2Rv/s400/atlanta+239+(2).jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="385" /></a>Well, I had planned to do a retrospective of some of my favorite pics and events from the last five years but I'll have to save that for another time.  It's a new year in 2013 and time to look forward!  Hope this finds you well and Happy New Year!   Michele xoxox

My 5 YEAR Blogiversary!!!

5 years ago on New Year's Eve I started this blog, hard to believe that much time has passed! This picture of our bar cart in the fami...

6:38 AM

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