Follow-UP

I posted a while back on a fab brand of products for the ladies...ahem...if you know what I mean (hey now, keep it clean!). A friend just shared this link with me so I had to post! I got a laugh out of it and I hope you do too. Enjoy!

Moral of the Story: Laughter is always right on time.

Sunny Friday

Today was such a gorgeous day, I have to tell ya'll about it. We have these two hand-made (by my husband, I must say!) adirondack chairs in our front yard that are perfect for lounging as our neighbors stroll by on the sidewalk out front.

Our charming adirondack chairs, made by Patrick and painted to match our front door!

I love chilling there and saying hi and just getting to know the people in our neighborhood. Well today, my hubby put up a little table for me out there, allowing me to actually work in that glorious spot. I kicked butt on some graphic design freelance while he was working away in "the shop" (aka our garage) on some more fabulous wood projects. He's really amazing when it comes to that stuff!

All the while the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the leaves are changing. I was completely content. And now tonight we are off to a Member Preview of the newest show at the Brooks Art Museum in downtown Memphis: Armed + Dangerous. It's a show all about the transformation of armor through the years. And get this...entertainment provided by Dueling Dragons School of Fencing...how cool is that?! I can't wait to watch my first fencing duel! I hope your Friday is just as lovely as mine is turning out to be!

Moral of the Story: Keep your eyes open, as you just never know when your day is going to become lovely!

One Word Wednesday

Newlyweds.

The Doubt Monster

It's baaaaaaaaaack...

Here I am, minding my own business, trying to expand my graphic design horizons by updating my portfolio, resume, etc. All of a sudden, as I'm looking through my portfolio, I hear this voice inside my head say, "You don't have anything in here that challenges the norm. Everything in this portfolio is 'safe.' No graphic design firm in their right mind is going to be impressed with your work." I know it's harsh, but it's seriously the exact words that I heard just a moment ago! How does this happen? And what is IT?!

I call it the Doubt Monster. Dun, dun, dun. it creeps up as soon as you begin to do something in your life that could actually be great. It makes you feel like you are nothing. And the sad part is, a lot of the times, I believe it! The Doubt Monster and I have a hate hate relationship. It hates me and I hate it. I've always struggled with self-confidence. I was hoping that in life you get to a certain point where you just believe in yourself. No questions asked. You're awesome in your own mind and no one can stop you. I look around, and it sure seems like other people are to this glorious point....but not this girl.

Is that really true, though? Is anyone to the point where they never doubt themselves? The more that I think about it, the more that I believe everyone struggles with doubting themselves at certain points. It's called sin, the Devil and the fallen world around us. I know it sounds Debby Downer, but you gotta trust me on this one. It's good stuff. I just had a revelation that all of this is because of the whole Adam and Eve eating the apple in the Garden of Eden thing (Genesis 2:15-17, 22-25, Genesis 3:1-10). We as humans are now born with capabilities of doing "bad" things...aka sin...aka doubting ourselves and how we were made. We don't just automatically pop out of our mother's wombs thinking happy confident thoughts and expecting the same of the world around us. Think about it. As soon as Adam and Eve were aware of the knowledge of good and evil, they felt the need to cover themselves. They were embarrassed. They doubted themselves. Before they ate that apple, they knew their Maker and had full confidence in themselves and their purpose in life. It's like we're Adam and Eve and we're constantly battling that feeling of wanting to hide...feeling like we're not good enough.

Now here's where it hopefully all starts making sense. When I start doubting myself it's like a terrible downward spiral. I doubt myself, feel bad about myself, realize I'm doubting myself, and then feel bad that I'm doubting myself...you get the picture...bad, bad, bad. Instead of letting the doubt control me, I need to realize this: There is sin and doubt in the world. Every one of us experiences it (even those who appear to not!). We cannot stop what we are doing and become discouraged when we experience this doubt. We have to rise above it, knowing that God made us exactly this way for a reason. Because Jesus suffered and died in our place, sealing our victory OVER sin, we are now perfect in God's eyes. I AM awesome and the only thing that can come between me and realizing God's full potential for me is, well... ME. Basically, I need to get out of the way and trust my Creator. I am beautiful. I am wonderful. I AM a great graphic designer! And I can do anything I put my mind to.

So, take that, Doubt Monster! You have no reign in my life. That's God's place and there's no room for you here!

Moral of the Story: You will more than likely experience doubt in your life. But don't let it rule your life. Every time the Doubt Monster comes around, you can confidently push it aside, because God made you and God loves you...just the way you are.

Lucy! You're Home!!!

Meet Lucy, the newest member of the Taylor family :D

She's just too cute to have a small picture!

Yes folks, that's right! Patrick and I just adopted/rescued our first puppy!
And here's how the story goes:

Ever since we long-term dog sat for our friends Katie and Mark we knew that we just had to have our own bundle of love; it was just a matter of time. Early last week we got an email from our friend, Kim, notifying us that a friend of a friend had found four puppies on her doorstep when she went to get the mail in the morning. Talk about a surprise that could rock your world! She graciously took them in to try and find all of them homes. Well, come to find out, there were actually three more puppies found in the field behind her house! Luckily her neighbor took on finding homes for the additional cuties. (I just have to give props to both of these amazing families. I'm so thankful that they had the means to find proper homes for the sweet little darlings...what a task!) So just to recap, SEVEN puppies total were found...one male and six females. As soon as I got the email, I forwarded it to P, and we took a look at the good ole' Taylor budget to make sure we weren't crazy to possibly take this on. We knew it would be a big financial commitment. In addition to making sure we were in a good place financially, we also had to consider the time and energy we knew it would take to properly care for a pet...especially a puppy pet! I knew it would be totally different from when my family had a dog growing up. This time I would be the one to feed, walk and clean up after our new furry friend. Another piece of the puzzle was that the puppies were found in Hernando, MS, which is about 50 minutes away from where we live. We're not just talking a quick trip...it would be more like a hefty jaunt. We had to make sure this feeling wasn't just a whim. After what seemed like forever, we finally decided to go "take a look" (haha...as if that's ever all we were going to do!) I called Deanne (who found the puppies) and told her we were on our way! She let us know that there were only two puppies left (both girls) out of the seven. Wow! That's awesome that five of the puppies had already found homes! (And now that I'm looking back on it, I'm really really glad, because it was hard enough just choosing between two!)

We had so much fun meeting both puppies and talking with Deanne about their personalities, mannerisms, etc. Like I said, it was SO hard to choose between the two sisters. Let alone leave one behind :( And if you know me at all, you know how much trouble I have with decisions... we actually got to the point where we literally had to stop and pray that God would give us peace and direction towards which puppy to choose! (it sounds silly...but I'm learning more and more about the power of prayer...even for "simple" things)

Here's Patrick with Lucy's sister...see what trouble we had?

We chose our little grey love muffin (I know, I know...gag!) because of her sleek/slender frame and spunky personality. Between the two, she definitely took on the dominant role when they were playing. Although now that she's in a new environment she is very timid. Gradually we see her building confidence, though, and it's super fun! Another reason we fell in love with her was her unique coloring. I always pictured us with a red haired dog (go figure), but now that we have her I can't wait to watch her grow into a beautiful adult dog. It's like a fun story that we don't know the ending to, and I just love surprises!

Our happy family :)

As far as her name goes, we tested out a few other options before we landed on "Lucy." We knew we wanted a people name. After all, it'd have to hold a candle to our cat's name, "Moses," so it was only fair. Our friend, Katie, suggested the name "Lucy" after she met her that first night we brought her home. Oddly enough, Patrick confessed that when he saw a picture of her, that very name had popped into his head. It also just so happened that the day after we got her would have been Lucille Ball's 100th birthday!! And seriously, who wouldn't want to be able to say, "Lucy, you got some 'splainin' to do!" to lighten the mood after one of the inevitable "puppicidents" we're going to have, right?!

Welcome home, Lucy! We're delighted you're finally here!

PS: She's having a puppy dream as I'm writing this blog...go get'em, girl!
PPS: I talked to Deanne today and she loves the name we chose. She also let us know that Lucy's sister was able to find a forever home on Saturday. Get this: the family that adopted her sister had a little boy and girl. When Deanne said, "Are you going to love your new little puppy?" the little girl responded, "I already do love her!" My feelings exactly!

Moral of the Story: Good things are definitely worth waiting for.

Unexpected Kindness

Patrick and I recently celebrated our One Year Anniversary...Yay Marriage!! You can see the happy couple below:

Happy Birthday to our Marriage!

We celebrated at the lovely Historic Fairview Inn in Jackson, MS (thanks to Living Social Escapes) with a romantic weekend just far enough away from the business of life. I do hope to go back again. But then again, who wouldn't after feeling like a Queen for a weekend?!

On the way back from our celebration Patrick was driving and I was trying to get comfortable in the passenger seat, but it just wasn't working. Something was missing...and it just so happened that the missing piece was a pillow in the trunk of our car. So, Patrick, being the knight in shining armor that he is, pulled the car to the side of the road to get it for me. The road we had stopped on was one of those "Highway" roads that are two lanes with a 55 mph speed limit. Luckily it wasn't too busy...otherwise I don't think I would've let him get out...no matter how uncomfortable I was! Not 5 seconds after we stopped, another car pulled up behind us. Now, I'm not going to lie, my gut reaction was, "Oh no! What do they want!" I guess that's just the world we live in today...with all the bad news I hear on the radio. Quite the contrary, though! He was a Southern Gentleman, and he wanted to see if we needed any help! I was astonished! And then I felt really bad because A#1) I had jumped to the conclusion that he was somehow out to get us; and B#2) His stop was in vain, because we were simply a doting husband getting a pillow out of the trunk of our car for an "on the verge" cranky wife!

His unexpected kindness was a breath of fresh air, to say the least. Honestly, it made me wish I was a big, burly, man for a second, so that I could stop on the side of the road to see if a weary traveler needed help. Thanks, Richard, for stopping to help us!! And thanks for re-instating my confidence that there are indeed kindred spirits all around us.

Moral of the Story: Look for the best in those around you and you just might find that it's right there in front of your face...even when you least expect it!

Who EVER thought this could be fun?!

All right folks, get ready for the ride of your life! Get this:

I had to stop at Target today after work to pick up some ho hum items. Patrick and I even came up with a little acronym to help me remember...TTPC...toothpaste, tampons, pads and cards (of the greeting sort). Luckily Target is on my way home...so no biggie. Get in. Get out. Get home. 'nuff said.

HOWEVER...to my great and wonderful surprise, the middle two items on my list turned out to be so much more! Ta da!!

I don't know who thought of this, but they are brilliant! BRILLIANT I tell you! I never knew period supplies could be so much fun. Look at the colors! Look at the packaging! There is cool funkiness abound! Maybe it's because I'm a graphic designer. Maybe it's because I normally hate spending mulah on things like this that are normally just a means to a bitter end. Whatever it is... this new, fresh take on "feminine supplies" makes me very excited! But wait...there's more! Not only is the packaging fun and exciting, but there was a GWP (aka Gift with Purchase for those of you who haven't worked retail...thank you Bed, Bath & Beyond ;) Check out these little pretties...

For every two qualifying kotex "U" purchases your received one amazing little clutch (yes, I had a lot of schtuff to buy!). AND do you see the little goody peeking out of the pink and black clutch? That, my friends, is a little tin...and inside the tin are brightly colored little liners that you can use on the go. I'm totally going to keep the tin in my purse for those "oops, I forgot it's Wednesday of period week" moments!

Okay...sorry guys...didn't mean to dwell, but I had to share my excitement. Go kotex! Go fun surprises! And of course, Go Target! ;)

PS: I just told my hubby about this happenstance and along the same lines, he suggested to me to plan a Girls Night Out or other fun event of sorts during the week of my period every month (thanks to good old birth control...sorry if it's tmi...I can predict these sorts of things). No one else would have to know the event is due to Aunt Flo being in town. But wouldn't that be a fun little pick-me-up? Hmmm...the wheels are turning...any ideas, ladies??

Moral of the Story: Things that are seemingly dull and terrible can be somehow turned into good and wonderful with a new perspective or fun addition to the mix! Enjoy!

I Want Feathers in my Hair!

I read about something in a fashion article, and now I have just seen it in real life. I'm talking about feather hair extensions. I don't know how you get them, and I don't know how long it will be a trend, but I do know that I want some! Just a few...nothing crazy...but something to show a little exotic twist, you know? Like this:

I think they're so fun and whimsical. They actually remind me of when girls used to put friendship bracelet type things in their hair...remember that? Like this little sweetie:

And I love anything that brings back memories of my childhood. (That reminds me of the amazing light up shoes that Patrick got me for my birthday last year...I'll have to share that later!)

So what's your take on the feather hair extensions? Like or dislike? I say like! As long as we don't go overboard with it like the great Steven Tyler:

Is that a raccoon tail?!

Moral of the Story: It's okay to jump on the bandwagon and join a trend...as long as the only reason you're doing isn't just because everyone else is ;)

One Word.....Thursday?

So I totally tried to post this yesterday so it would be legit, but my computer wouldn't have it. Here it is, a day late and dollar short! (but it's worth it!)

Moral of the Story:
Lacking.

One Word Wednesday

Moral of the Story:

Rock.

Family will always be Family

I just had the most wonderful week/weekend! Reason being...my parents were in town Wednesday through Sunday. I picked them up from the airport and immediately knew that we would have an amazing time. First off, we had quite a few fun activities planned. Most of the time when they're here we kind of just hang out and relax together...watch movies...play games...you know, the usual. This time, however we had THIS to go by...

Off the cusp you might think it's a little, shall we say, over the top? (me? over the top? never!) However, it was so wonderful to know what was next, when we had to leave, who was going where to work when, etc. Don't be jealous. As you can see we had a whole host of activities to get to, so an itinerary only made sense! It included a tour of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, (which I would highly recommend), a tour of the Air Traffic Control Center where Patrick works (now they can picture where Patrick is when he does what he does!), a new tribe memphis meeting (where M&D got to meet so many of our wonderful friends here in Memphis), a visit from our good friend John Hill as he drove from MI to TX, a visit to Shara's Paperie (where I work now!), breakfast at Capriccio Grill inside The Peabody Hotel, shortly followed by a viewing of the world famous Peabody Duck March, and dinner with one of our amazing friends Ron. Phew! We even snuck a couple movies and games in there. I'm tellin' ya, the Amermans sure do know how to have fun :)

All of the activities and itineraries set aside, some of my favorite moments were when we were doing "ordinary" things around the house, like cooking a meal together, putting make up on side by side at the mirror or even doing the dishes. It is these moments that remind me, that we are and always will be "thick as thieves" - family forever! Like Mom said, "When we're sitting on this couch together it feels like we're only 20 miles away." That's what keeps my chin up when I start to miss them and that's what will continue to help me through this time of distance - knowing that when we're together it feels like we were never apart.

Here are some of my fav. photos from our time together:

Mom & Dad opening the 32nd Anniversary gift we made for them.
Patrick prepared and put together the wood and then I painted a sign on it for their cottage in MI.

They LOVED it, to say the least :)

The finished product

The manly men after completing a Father/Son impromptu project

After our breakfast at Capriccio Grill in The Peabody Hotel

The meal we made together on Sunday...thank you Rachel Ray!!

We love you, Mom & Dad!!

Moral of the Story: Distance is relative: No matter how far away you are physically, you can still be close at heart. Thank goodness!

One Word Wednesdays

I just came across a GREAT idea! And guess what? I get to share it with you!! In my blog I'm going to take on a tactic called "One Word Wednesdays" I saw it on my friend, Tina's blog and I love it! The point is this: when Wednesday comes around I post a picture and then my Moral of the Story will be ONE word that comes to my mind when I look at that picture. Doesn't that sound like fun?! I hope you're as excited as I am...cuz here goes...

Moral of the Story:

Rush!

Boiling Blood

Blood! Boiling Blood!


You know that You Tube video with the kid who says "blood" in a funny and really cute way? Well if you don't, check it out here: Not Funny Blood


Even though, yes, this video is very funny to most viewers...the part I would like to highlight is that from the kid's perspective it's "not funny." It is very serious indeed.


Well I am in a "serious" situation now and my blood is boiling. It's one of those situations where I see things one way (one very simple and logical way, might I add) and someone else sees it completely differently, and is not responding how I think they should respond. My hairs are raised and my blood is "boiling." And I am not laughing, but I feel like everyone else is. (Well I can't say everyone...Patrick is standing by my side...it's one of those huge perks of this whole marriage thing...always having someone on your side. I do have to give him props. Thanks, Sweetie! :)


Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? I'm trying to talk myself down and it just doesn't seem to be working! I keep thinking, "If only they truly understood my heart in the matter and saw things from my perspective!" The tricky part is that I don't know this person very well at all AND we're in a professional relationship, so there's lot's of "cordialness" and "red tape" that are preventing me from saying what I really want to say. After a quick self-diagnosis, I would say I'm assuming way too much. I really don't know how this other person is taking what I'm saying, or why they're saying what they're saying. I have no right to assume that he/she is thinking negatively of me and reacting in this way out of spite. In all honesty, this sticky situation could be just that... an innocent sticky situation. AND heaven forbid, I take a moment to try and see things from his/her perspective! (what?!) Oh, and did I mention that this situation has mostly been in email and an occasional phone conversation? Another huge trigger for misinterpretation! Just what I need.


Speaking of what I do really need....that is your help. What do you do in these sticky situations? How do you talk yourself down? Are there Bible verses you bring to mind or prayers you say? It's bedtime and I need to lower my heart rate so that Patrick can get some sleep without a fuming wife at his side. (those air traffic controllers really need their sleep...let me tell you!) Thank you for listening and for your thoughts. I'm starting to feel better already.


Moral of the Story: If you're in a sticky situation and you feel misunderstood, take some time to step back, breath and really reflect on the situation. God will show you what to do...and if not immediately, He'll at least provide an outlet for your frustrations in a friend or perhaps a soul mate...or maybe even a blog ;)

I'm not in Michigan anymore

Here I am, sitting in the closet....again. This has been happening a lot lately due to the crazy weather affecting much of the Mid South these days. Talk about tornado alley!! I didn't sign up for this! In fact, I don't really like it at all to be completely honest with you. Tornadoes scare me, and here's something interesting. We barely had any tornadoes in MI when I was there and we had a basement to hide in when the time came. We have TONS of tornado warnings and actual tornadoes here and there's NO basement. Just a measly kitchen pantry that Patrick, Moses and I have to cram ourselves into when we hear the sirens. Our neighbor fears that the cans of food will hit us in the head if a tornado does come. I fear that we'll forget to grab a can opener in the case that we are, heaven forbid, stuck in there for a long period of time. How ironic would that be?!

Mo and I hiding out during a tornado warning

My view in the kitchen pantry

This time Patrick is at work so it's just me and Mo. I really don't think he minds at all, as he loves to be in small cramped spaces. Me, on the other hand...I think my butt is going numb and I worry about making sure I have "everything I need" in here in case something does hit ground in our neighborhood. How do you determine what you need, though? I mean if a tornado does really come, is there anything that would really help me in that situation (besides my faith in God)? Nonetheless it is our mission to create an "Emergency Kit" to store in the pantry so that we do have all the "essentials" without having to think about it in the time of action. Here's the list we came up with:

1. Can Opener
2. Flashlight
3. Blankets
4. Shoes
5. Granola bars
6. First aid supplies
7. What else?

Oh, and here's a list of what we'll grab on the way in:

1. Purse/Wallet
2. Shoes
3. Clothes (if it's the middle of the night of course)
4. Cell phones/charger
5. Moses

That is if there's time :/ But like I said, I have a feeling if a tornado really does hit we won't be so worried about having "everything" we need. I'll be happy if we survive together. I know God will take care of the details.

I just emerged to check the weather situation and it's eerily quiet, it seems. Siren is still going off.  I even saw a neighborhood cat in our back yard. Take shelter, Kitty! Apparently the bad storm is about to hit in 10 min. Nerves? What nerves? God is my strength and He is in control. NOT to say that these tornadoes are His will. No, no, no. However, He WILL make good out come out of whatever happens and He IS holding us in the palm of His hand.

Not to say I don't just wish it would stop. Please?

Moral of the Story: No matter what size of the tornado in your life, whether it be literal or psycological, trust in God and He will make sure you have everything you need...even if you do forget to grab the can opener!

What to do...what to do...

So I'm at a turning point in my little old life. It's nothing MONUMENTAL...but nonetheless, it is an action that needs to be taken that will change my day to day activities. Here's the thing...notice I said "needs" to be taken...not "wants" to be taken. If you know me (and now even if you don't!) you know that I despise change. Anything that requires me to move out of a particular zone of comfort makes me squirmy, makes my armpits itch (if you will) and makes me ultimately come up with any excuse in the book NOT to do it.

Okay..so this isn't me, it's my husband - but you get the idea. Are YOUR armpits itching yet?!

Here's what I've got so far in the way of excuses:

1. If I do this said "action" (which is not being revealed for security purposes of my livelihood) I will not have the chance to interact with as many people throughout the week. 

2. I will lose the relationships I have so lovingly created at this "said place." 

3. My husband and I will have to live a little tighter in the money region of our lives unless I am able to bump up my graphic design freelance activities.

4. I won't be able to bump up my graphic design freelance activities.

5. I will become a hermit who watches old Cosby episodes by day and yearns for human interaction by night while my husband goes out into the "real" world and brings home the bread.

6. Heaven forbid...I will have to earn a new clientele and build new relationships and new credibility and new self esteem in a way, because all that I have built up at "said place" will be non-existent.


Okay...that's limiting enough. And now for something completely different! I will address each excuse with the ever-present truth that lives within me (aka my crack at a Godly perspective) and let's see where we end up.

1. If I do this said "action" (which is not being revealed for security purposes of my livelihood) I will not have the chance to interact with as many people throughout the week.

 Actually, it is me who has complete control over how many people I interact with throughout my week, not my circumstances. If I want to meet more people, why not go to a cafe or a coffee shop or the grocery store or the bank or the gas station or the library...the list goes on. People are everywhere. All I need to do is get off my butt and go meet them!

2. I will lose the relationships I have so lovingly created at this "said place."

For each loving relationship I have so lovingly created I have a lovely phone number to go with it (and if I don't yet, then I can get it before "said action" takes place.) Would it really kill me to rely upon purposeful interactions with these individuals instead of the "oh, I just happened to run into you so I'll talk to you" method??? I think not.

3. My husband and I will have to live a little tighter in the money region of our lives unless I am able to bump up my graphic design freelance activities.

In all actuality we can handle living a little "tighter." The truth of the matter is there are a lot of people out there who survive on a lot less than what we would have even if I am not able to bump up my graphic design freelance activities. Which leads me to my next point...

4. I won't be able to bump up my graphic design freelance activities.

The only reason I haven't been able to bump up my graphic design freelance activities is because I've been too busy with "said action" to actively pursue these activities!! Problem solved.

5. I will become a hermit who watches old Cosby episodes by day and yearns for human interaction by night while my husband goes out into the "real" world and brings home the bread.

Again...I control the amount of "hermitishness" I become NOT the "hermitishness" (yes, I will say my made up word again!) controlling me. God put us on this earth to interact with each other (and, I believe, to also watch a Cosby episode here and there) and I will not let this change take away my ability to interact with others.

6. Heaven forbid...I will have to earn a new clientele and build new relationships and new credibility and new self esteem, because all that I have built up at "said place" will be non-existent.

This is the point of life! To create "new clientele," "new relationships" and "new credibility" at every turn; to have my self esteem based upon the rock that is Jesus (how He loves us!) and not what others might think of me. God did not put us on this earth to be comfortable, but to GO and love all types of people. Truth be known, I am using this "said place" that I am tied down to now as a scapegoat...something to cowardly rely on...because I am scared to have to create my own relationships from scratch. (or "from a scratch" as my sweet little second cousin would say) It's okay to be scared, but it's not okay to let my fear control my actions. No way. No how.

Hokay...I don't know about you, but at the conclusion of all of this a few phrases come to mind.

"Man up, Bambi!!"

"Just do it."

"Everyting will be ahrighy!" (my attempt to spell out how the Jamaicans say "Everything will be all right")

It's true. Everything will be all right if I just do it and man up, Bambi! I'm not saying my fear of change is gone. All I'm saying is that it should not be my focus in this matter of life. In fact, even as I contemplate what to type next and the consequences of those typings, my stomach is in knots and I feel the worry creeping up my backbone. Lord, only YOU can help me overcome this doubt. Only YOU can give me the strength to shut the mouths of these lions as you did for Daniel (Daniel 6:10-23).

I WILL pass through this turning point in my life and come out on the other side...armpits itching and all!

Moral of the Story: No matter what fears you face, our God is bigger, and if you seek His guidance you will find the courage to do what you knew you needed to do all along.