Going Home

Nov 28, 2014

I have been living a pretty charmed life these days.  A trip to Ohio to see all of my Ohio family that I could see and now a trip to North Carolina to catch up with family and friends.  It is what I love the most---being with family and friends and just living in the moment. One thing that I loved was being able to go to church on Sunday to the church that Chris and I and the boys attended for almost 9 years when we lived in North Carolina.  It was at this church, Fair View UMC in Mount …

We Have a Winner!

Jun 27, 2014

As promised today I announce the winner of the signed copy of "Home" by Clear Lake author, Rachel Smith.  I am happy to announce that Becky Miracle is the winner.  Congratulations!  I hope that you enjoy the book!!!! …

“Home” with Rachel Smith

Jun 18, 2014

I have had the extreme pleasure to meet a lot of great folks in the past year or so in Iowa.  It is funny that it has taken this long for me to find some really great people but what it all boils down to is social media and my blogger friend Sara from It's All in An Iowa Mom's Day and Travel with Sara.  Sara wanted to get people in our area talking and connecting through various social media platforms and she has now built her own business (Social Connections, LLC) around what she has learned. …

Regrets? I’ve Had Very Few.

Mar 13, 2014

Regrets?  I am very happy to say that I have had very few.  I attempt to live my life daily by taking full advantage of what each day has to offer.  Oh I am far from perfect, let me just set you straight on that---but I have discovered that I live a fuller and better life if I live without regrets. That is one reason why I continue to place a high value on friendships (both real and imaginary) that come my way.  I strive to be a good friend and stay in touch with those who are no longer close to …

Teapot Tuesday

Mar 4, 2014

Another fun teapot today featuring the color red. This one is the perfect size for just a couple of cups of my favorite tea on a cold day.  The design on the pale yellow background is especially delicate and lovely.   While it is not a pot to be put into service when there is a crowd for tea it is perfect for an afternoon pot to share with the hubby.   The best kind of rain, of course, is a cozy rain. This is the kind the anonymous medieval poet makes me remember, the rain …

Puzzling Teapot Tuesday

Feb 25, 2014

I have to share this one today even though it is not ''technically" a teapot.  At least not one that can be used for tea.  And no----I have not attempted to take it apart and put it back together again. I am afraid I would be tea-rble at that.   The soil. The elevation. The climate. The sunshine. The rain. The tea. Body. Mind. Equanimity. Harmony. Water. Tea.     The Minister of Leaves …

Fridge Top 5

Feb 21, 2014

What do you ALWAYS have in your fridge?  Today I thought I would share the top 5 things that you can always find in my refrigerator. 1. Almond Milk.   I am not a milk drinker at all and when the hubby said we should try Almond Milk I was not impressed.  I figured it would be icky and not tasty. Boy, was I ever wrong!  Not only is it wonderful the shelf life is so much longer than regular milk that I don't waste it nearly as much as when we were buying the regular milk.  It is easier on the …

Teapot Tuesday

Feb 11, 2014

Today on It's Just Life I am featuring another "warmer weather" teapot hoping to warm us all up a bit from the chill of winter. This lovely lighthouse themed teapot fits right in with my lighthouse themed guest bathroom.  Because of course---every one needs to enjoy a cup of tea in the bathroom, right???  This one came from my favorite eBay seller who has 1000 teapots of her mother's to liquidate. tea leaves tea loves loves tea lives tea leaves tea? never. ~Uniek …

Teapot Tuesday

Feb 4, 2014

How cute is this set that my sister sent to me ???  A purrfect set of teapot and two matching cups for a purrfectly good cup of tea to share with a friend.  Come on over and I will put the kettle on and share.  If you are lucky I will make sure that there are no real cat hairs in the brew. Tea is also a sort of spiritual refreshment, an elixir of clarity and wakeful tranquility. Respectfully preparing tea and partaking of it mindfully create heart-to-heart conviviality, a way to go …

Older Is Sometimes Better

Feb 3, 2014

Sometimes older is better. I am just saying. It seems like that is a silly thing to say but it is true. In this case I am referring to cookbooks. I love cookbooks. I have a pretty massive collection and find great comfort in thumbing through the pages of the varied ones that reside in my kitchen. My collection ranges from church cookbooks, civic group cookbooks put out by various groups and clubs I have been involved with, handed down cookbooks, handwritten notebooks from my Grandma Bonnie …