I Can't Not Look

I am SO in the mood for Christmas this year. The fake tree is working out beautifully - with all the lights and ornaments, you can't really tell the difference. Rachel walked in last Sunday and said, "Hey you got the tree - did you go to Redondo Street?" Redondo Street is where the tree lot is located that we've been buying from for years. Since you can't have the real tree smell with a fake one, I bought really nice, scented candles. And Tony bought some mulling spices - they make the house smell fabulous!

As it's Saturday afternoon and he played golf this morning, Tony is napping. Afterward we are going for a nice, long walk. It's in the mid-60's here today and very sunny. Fred and Laura came over after golf with Tony and we celebrated Christmas together with a nice lunch.

So, you're asking yourself about this photo, right? Well, when I was visiting Mama and Daddy last month, Mama was showing me some of her pictures, and this one was quite fascinating. The story is that she went outside to take some pictures of flowers. (She makes her own greeting cards, and she likes to use pictures of flowers that she's grown - they really do make the cards pretty.) When she was taking the pictures, she noticed these butterflies. Yes, THESE. If you look closely, you will see that there are two, and they are mating. Have you ever seen anything like that, this close? For those of you that are thinking "why is Hope showing mating butterflies on her blog?", all I can say is - can YOU take your eyes off them? I thought not. And know this - you will think of them again.

Southernly,
Hope

A San Francisco Treat

Last weekend, Tony and I took a little trip up to San Francisco. We got to have dinner with Veronica and her friend, Annie, at Cafe de la Presse (one of our favorites in San Fran with nice French food). We also enjoyed a fun evening at Gary and Pam Elgaaen's house watching The Big Game. For those of you that don't know - The Big Game is Cal vs. Stanford. Obviously, we were cheering for the Bears, but we didn't get the result we wanted. The final score was Stanford 20, Cal 13. There's always next year.

This will be the first year that Tony's not been able to get the Christmas tree with the girls, which makes him a bit sad. As a result, we decided to go a different route, and we're getting a fake tree. It seems an economically sound thing to do, and fake trees look pretty cool now.

And I have to say that he's THE most romantic husband ever. He sent me beautiful flowers at work this week - red and green and white. Why, you may ask? Just because he's "my biggest fan." It's the most amazing feeling to wake up every day and have somebody like that who loves you. And it's reciprocated, as you might expect. Can I just say right here, right now - my husband is amazing and I love him dearly!

Until next time...

Cruella and more...

Every year in October, our office celebrates customer service week. We have a different theme every day and dress in costumes. It's always fun to play dress-up, and one of the days this year focused on cartoons. I thought this was one of my best yet. Keep an eye on your puppies, dahlings.

Referencing back two blogs ago, Run by Ann Patchett was enjoyable. It was an easier read than Bel Canto and less thought provoking, but it still keeps me wanting more of her writing. Overall, it was a nice story about how the most unexpected, imperfect families can be quite beautiful at the heart.

Veronica came home on Friday. After three months away at college in San Francisco, having her in the same vicinity and knowing that we can see her any time is comforting.

We're celebrating Thanksgiving as usual and in our most favorite way - at home with the girls. Christmas carols will accompany pumpkin pie, beginning with Little St. Nick by The Beach Boys (Rachel and Veronica wouldn't accept any other song to start the season).

In closing for today...may you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving and remember how much there is to be grateful for.

Silly in NC

After spending most of the day hanging out with Mama while Daddy got some rest, we had dinner with Dana, Austin, Dakota and Ivy. These pictures are basically how the night went. How much more fun can you have than a silly face contest, followed by a girl pirate competition?

Getting My Groove Back

I realize my shortcomings - one of which is my inconsistency in keeping up this blog. I suppose that Tony has it right, updating his once per month - he gives himself time to think about it, he keeps it interesting, and he's reliable. I, on the other hand, login and realize I've not even touched my blog since vacation, and that's been enough weeks ago that I can say it was over a month and two books ago. Well, I'm getting my groove back and will try to find a way to bring that reliability to my blog as well.

So, for anybody left that actually checks my blog who is wondering what's new and exciting...I'm reading a new book by Ann Patchett. She is an amazing writer, beautifully connecting you with the characters and story she tells. I'm just at the beginning, and it's my hope that her new novel is as impressive as Bel Canto, which captivated me.

Here's to good intentions and great writers.

Federico Garcia Lorca

I'm smitten. Lorca is eloquent, magnificent, and one of Spain's most acclaimed poets. He believed himself the descendent of Egyptian Gypsys, and most certainly exemplifies duende. If you don't know what that means and you like to do research, you now have your assignment for the month. For those of you who couldn't do research with the help of a 19-year-old computer whiz, I offer the following explanation, expressed by Lorca in 1930...

"The duende is a power and not a behavior, it is a struggle and not a concept. I have heard an old guitarist say: 'Duende is not in the throat; duende surges up from the soles of the feet.' Which means it is not a matter of ability, but of real, live form; of blood; of ancient culture; of creative action."

It is also explained by Goethe, when speaking of Paganini: "A mysterious power that all may feel and no philosophy can explain." Don't know Goethe or Paganini - you're on your own.

For good examples of duende American style, listen to Billie Holiday, Cassandra Wilson, Miles Davis, or John Coltrane. For good measure, really sit down and listen to "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke.

So there you have it...my latest crush(es)...Lorca and Sam Cooke.

Escape

Vacation can't come quickly enough. Both Tony and I are ready to be away from the day-to-day routine and spend some time together. Personally, I'm ready to escape. I'm ready to wander, to explore, and to let my mind unwind. At least this is a 3-day weekend, right?

Ivy & Daddy

A better picture of my pretty, pretty niece and her daddy.

My Brother's Family

Most of you have never met my brother, so here he is - Dana, with his wife Chris and their kids (also known as my nephews and niece). Austin is 7, Dakota just turned 5, and Ivy will be 3 in September. In case you didn't notice, Ivy loves to pose.

Mama

Mama poses like a queen in front of the handrangea bush, or is that a snowball bush? She's just as beautiful as her mother, isn't she?

Granny

This is Granny - my maternal grandmother. Her real name is Annie Ruth, but nearly everybody calls her Granny. I hope that I'm that beautiful when I'm 90.

Travel

I spent yesterday afternoon looking through travel photos. It's always exciting to look back at all the places I've been fortunate enough to see and experience. And I realized that the most fun and interesting parts of vacation for me are the times when we're just wandering about, not specifically focused on seeing any one thing. Sure, the well-known sites are a must; however, it's the little things that really stick in your mind when you get back home. This photo is one of those little things. In 2005 we were in Paris with Rachel and Veronica. Tony surprised me with a renewal of our wedding vows - 10 years at the time. We met Brandy in her neighborhood with the rain falling ever so lightly. We walked, slowly, straight uphill to an intimate and perfect spot to renew our vows. As we walked, I was overwhelmed by how blessed I was to have such an amazing husband, wonderful daughters, and fantastic family and friends. And then I passed by this door. For me, it represented all the beauty and wonder that was left to come - all the doors left to open. So, I share with you this photo, and this memory - of a girl wandering about Paris, not specifically focused on seeing any one thing, and filled with hope for an amazing future.

College Students

This is what college students do during the summer when they're not working, have no money, and need to occupy their minds. I'm certain I never did anything like this then, but I'm certain I would now. Parents of college students beware.

Mama & Daddy

How cute are my parents? This is a picture of them at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. I really miss them. Hugs & Kisses, Mama & Daddy!!

Fuggedaboutit

Who else but John Bonnet would be connected enough to snag THE table at Holsten's in Bloomfield, New Jersey?? For those of you that may not be connected, Tony and John are sitting at the same table as Tony, Carmella and AJ in the final episode of The Sopranos. Yes, they also had onion rings - the same famous onion rings that mobsters near and far crave on a weekly basis - see John holding one of those little golden rings of goodness. To be more specific, my Tony's sweet bottom sat in the exact same cheek spot as the other famous Tony. Fortunately, he has not picked up cigar smoking and not once have I heard him mention that anybody is swimmin' with the fishes. Fuggedaboutit.

Bad Girls

Bad Girl Elizabeth (second from left) had everybody over for Ice Cream Sundae Sunday a week ago. It actually turned out to be more of a Champagne and conversation Sunday, but we did eat ice cream with too many yummy toppings to discuss. Aren't my friends beautiful & awesome? And....we're already training Julianna at a young age to truly appreciate Bad Girlness (ice cream only). For those of you who don't know these fabulous women...clockwise from left: Kwanna, Elizabeth, Linda, Susan, Amy and Julianna. Brandy and Wendy are not pictured and were dearly missed.

Tea Time

At work today, the team had a surprise tea for my boss (Gabrielle - sitting beside me) and I to celebrate both our recent promotions. In a sneaky plan, that obviously worked, they convinced me to have everybody wear hats to work. Aren't we just fabulous?!

Saturday...A Total Vacay!

After a grueling morning at the Getty and the Grove, we decided to reward ourselves with an extravagant lunch at Mozza!

Femail Creations

All my bad girls should go to this website called Femail Creations. It has lots of cool items for women (just click on the link).

It's a First

So this is my first try at blogging. Rachel & Veronica are helping me stay current with the online communication. Now you can know what's going on with me and my peeps.