they say

 that breakfast is the most important meal of the day~

if that is true, this day is fated to be rather nice.

Happy Valentines to all~near & far.

whimsy

 While the eastern bits of the U.S. are getting pounded with snow, we finally got a respite from icy days.  Say this whimsical mail box flag while out enjoying the rays.

And am not sure that there is a sweeter form of love than that of a child~got this fun dog-made-of-mums card from my little 10-year-old Billie Holiday belter. 

sunshine on my ceeeeent

California joy

Was zipping down the freeway and thought I saw a familiar logo...and after my errand, I went back to investigate.

What a delight!  The last time I was at In-n-Out was on my drive to Texas~think it was in Arizona.  It's been a long time.

simple instructions

glorious warmth

Even if it's for 24 hours, I'll take the sunny warmth we got today~the sleet is to return tomorrow.  My bones do not care for the frigid temps and grey skies we've had for the past several days.  As I have said~I chose Texas life deliberately.

Scored a gorgeous cocoa silk dress today~now I need a sophisticated outing (and a dry sunny day) for which to wear it.

differentiation

There's a large gap of difference in these two.

youthful fountain

Yes, we're skipping Poetry Friday because THIS is far too important for you to miss.  Amirite?  

And to top it off, please watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics for greater contrast of youth/vitality to your haggy self.

Happy weekend!

cold comforts

When the Texan temperature hits the teens, it is time to turn on the oven.  Today's gift is steaming hot cornbread.  The chili is simmering away and hours away from being done, but there's no waiting on fresh bread.

Jennsylvania came to town

Delighted that one of my favorite authors came to town last night.  Slipped out of the studio a bit early so that I could hear her hilarious self.  Just what this wintery week needed.  

And yes, after listening to this native Chicago Chick speak of her winter, I really cannot complain.  But still.  I choose to live in Texas for a reason.  And it didn't include icy roads.  End of whinge.

maybe mine

So far, in February, I have found a coin daily~one of which is a shiny 2014 penny!

Odd things, like a button drawer. Mean
Thing, fishhooks, barbs in your hand.
But marbles too. A genius for being agreeable.
Junkyard crucifixes, voluptuous
discards. Space for knickknacks, and for
Alaska. Evidence to hang me, or to beatify.
Clues that lead nowhere, that never connected
anyway. Deliberate obfuscation, the kind
that takes genius. Chasms in character.
Loud omissions. Mornings that yawn above
a new grave. Pages you know exist
but you can't find them. Someone's terribly
inevitable life story, maybe mine.

"What's in My Journal" by William Stafford from Crossing Unmarked Snow.

little graces

January was a long month~after having missed 14 work days due to holidays.  Rather glad to see the end of it~although, I will say that every single time things looked a little bleak, some kind of grace stepped in.  And while that's lovely, I would like to experience this some day.

Gong Hay Fat Choy

Although I am nowhere near San Francisco, I still shall welcome the Year of the Horse with my own Chinese New Year celebration~egg rolls will be involved.