Tracy Porter Blog… be inspired!

Salt, glorious salt! I have been craving John’s margarita with a salted rim for a week now. I think I am well enough to have a few! With Olives!

How timely! My girlfriend and I just last night enjoyed what we call the salt lick party. We took a tray out on the front porch with a mix of olives, spicy hummus and chips, stinky salty cheese and almonds. A nice cold sauvignon blanc from New Zealand and life is good. Salt is good and I don’t even feel bloated this morning! My only regret is that I didn’t try Tracy’s anchovies wrapped around cherry tomatoes. I have the can of anchovies in the pantry waiting patiently.

I didnt think I would see you this AM….what a wonderful suprise….I had a crisis this AM and handled it…..but I thought of you….and only wished I was surrounded by more positive people….God…. thats why I come here….to get the vibs…..sometimes its hard when you send them out to all but cant get any back……now understand Dear….no pressure….you do what you have to do…..and like I have told you I always have anther plan…so I just watch your video again and again….lololo….and will even if its only on once a month!!!!! Or never again…..I will just to reruns!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for your spirit my Dear Lady!!!!!!

Oh TRACY…..my kind of snack….anything with salt and a JP Margarita (had several again this past weekend) life’s great!!!! MONICA….my kind of girl with the New Zealand SB….lots of great ones to choose from and the stinky cheese a must:-) MARY ANN….you know it sista. Anytime you’re headed up this way you and your family have a place to plunk Congrats to DON on his retirement!!!! DESIREE….I keep chuckling to myself about the “throne”….when I was a kid the throne was the toilet….twisted family huh??? No royalty in my blood….LOL!!!! Have a glorious day everyone

Good morning girls! Tracy, I love how you make something so easy look so pretty!….so much better than my kids walking around the hood with the Costco size bag of popcorn. MONICA and CLAUDINE…..yes!!! My Hubby is a Kiwi and out of a wierd sense of loyalty to everything New Zealand we almost always buy NZ wines….what a nice surprise when I realized they’re REALLY good! Try Brancott SB from Marlbourough(sp?)…..YUUUUUUMMMMMMM!
We’ve been in the rain in Denver for the last couple of weeks and are ready to gat out and play…….wouldn’tcha know it my 4 year old came down with STREP!!!! No pool today. Bumma.
Oh well!
Make it a good day,
Lisa

Funny story about salt (and sand):
When I was pregnant with Anna, I had a distinct urge to eat sand. That’s right, I just said “eat sand.” At the end of the pregnancy the dentist discovered a cavity, and my doctor, who specializes in holistic medicine, recommended that I take homeopathic silica. Then it hit me – sand is comprised of silica, and the wisdom of my body was actually causing a craving for the sand! How cool is that?
So now I’m past the sand and into SALT – can’t get enough of it these days. And it turns out that infants need salt for the glial cells in their brains to develop properly – I just read that in one of my favorite cookbooks (http://www.amazon.com/Nourishing-Traditions-Challenges-Politically-Dictocrats/dp/0967089735). Again, my body is telling me to eat what is needed, which just makes me further appreciate the amazing vessels we’re all walking around in – if we will only listen to them!
My favorites are Celtic Sea Salt – straight from the ocean off the coast of France, dried by the sun – and Himalayan Salt – from ancient, long-dried up oceans in that mountainous region – I mix them together and sprinkle liberally on practically everything.
Thank you so much for the chance to sing the praises of salt, Tracy!

By the way, I just received the Fish Wish Box and the Frog Wish Box, as well as the Birds of a Feather – and if you think they look darling on the website, you will be absolutely DELIGHTED with them in person!
The colors are scrumptious, the creatures are so sweet, and the price is just a no-brainer! I can think of about a dozen people to whom I could give any one of these lovelies, but part of me wants to horde them all for myself! May have to order multiples!!

Hello TP and Sisters!!!!!! Summertime,……..Summertime,…….Oh how I love the feeling of being free………..no pressure………just love, swimming, lemonade, fresh cut grass, picnics, and crisp cotton white sheets!!!!!………..relax……….ahhhhhhhh!
TRACY,……….love your idea of bringing along MUSTARD for the pretzels!!!!…Honey mustard, Wasabi mustard…..going to do this this evening!!!!!!
DURLS,…have missed you sooooooo, but a busy week for me………DEMI,……with her pajama parties,…….swimming, and baking Chocolate cakes….. also have a client that i needed to sew curtains for……..PAM love,……..glad to hear that you are packing…………oh how I remember this time you are in right now……….I was addicted to Key Lime pie,…..Christopher Edwards……ate an entire pie over the course of three days……….bought so many that the supermarket went up on the price!!!!!…….good stuff!!!!!
Happy B- day precious little MAX and FIN…….I hope your summer is grand and you catch the “big one” from the pond……and find a taxidermist to mount that baby and make Mama hang it on the wall,…. with the antlers!!!!!….. My brother is a taxidermist……graduated from Taxi school in North Dakota,….he does the BIG stuff……..that hunters bring in from Africa and Argentina…….I need to get a photo of his work on the community for you boys to enjoy!!!!
SANDI love,….. I hate to tell you this,.. but if i were a bunny,…..my abode would definitely be on your property…….just would want to be near SAINT SANDI!!!!
Will email you this weekend love,……definitely want you to paint a few stones for DEMI….for her school desk……
REBECCA, PAM and GRETCHEN…….so glad everyone has their MEN back in their life……. It is just not the same without them………..KELLY G Happy June to you Gorgeous Soul!!!!!!!!….KIM IN CA,….love I am worried about you….if you are not better by the weekend,….you need an XRAY,…..or if you get better and rebound,…..you need an XRAY……..i don’t want to hear any excuses love….listen to me……..
MARY CLAIRE,…love I have got to try TP Rustic Tomato SOUP in the processor, and over Chicken Parmesan…….sounds divine!!!!! Thank You for sharing!!!
MAISIE,……the only Herb I know,…is Herb Albert……..sorry angel…………it’s erbs………crazy isn’t it???????… I can be that way you know!!!!!!
MYISHA love,….now you know you named those earrings after me…………..ARTIST had nothing to do with it……….
DESIREE,……Joy Rapture you found a throne!!!!!! Thank You VALERY!!!! Now go sit your sweet little self down on it this weekend and have your servants prepare you a Porter Margarita……….if you start experiencing golf course withdrawals, send your servants out to get the golf ball ice cube tray,….freeze a few and plop them in your drink………that should do the trick love!!!!!!
ARTIST,……..Where are you love?????? Out lunching with HIGH SOCIETY????????………flew the coop perhaps……….without my permission………. I am going to have to clip those feathers……..
Gotta go DURLS…………chat later!!!!!!!!
PS HAPPY B-DAY……SHAWN…..left you a message on your blog love……..
KELLY and VIRGINIA,…..where the HAY are you sisters……….??????
Cameoxoxoxoxo

TRACY ~ thank you for the new clip!
YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUM!
we do this, too…
my kids call it “snack dinner” (their favorite).
popcorn {with butter & salt & nutritional yeast – yum!} is always included, and sometimes i’ll put out some leftovers & bits big enough for me to feel as though i’ve served dinner.
here are 3 of my favorites:
1. GRABER OLIVES – unlike any other…they are the buttery-est olives ever. pricey, though, $4 – $5 a can, so we bring them out for special occasions & holidays.
here’s a link: http://www.graberolives.com/
2. HUMBOLDT FOG CHEVRE – this is my all-time favorite cheese. 2 years ago we lived just down the road from Cypress Grove and could buy this cheese at a local price. lucky for me, i can still get my fix at the boise co-op.
here’s a link: http://www.cypressgrovechevre.com/
3. FORNINI crackers – found these at our local WinCo store. imported from italy…they are long & skinny & sort of segmented. with sesame & sea salt. (made my fattorie & pandea)
HAPPY SNACKING!
~xoxo~
catie
p.s. TP, can’t wait to see the new catalog!!!

My favorite source of salty snacks is
http://www.snacksnoop.com
I hope this is helpful.
Lisa

Hey SISTA’S, I need to catch up with you all, but Oh my, Rebecca, craving sand…all I craved when I was pregnant was Hostess chocolate cupcakes. I would eat the whole box! My body must of needed it. TRACY, love the little containers with the snacks and a cocktail… I have a great EASY DIP for pretzels, bananas and apples from Weight Watchers…A 6-8 oz. vanilla Yogurt mixed with a couple heaping tbsp of Peanut butter mixed together. Try it, you will be in halfway healthy heaven!
PAMELA, and I had the best walk at our local Arboretum yesterday. We saw so many beautiful things and were able to get a well deserved dose of Wide Open Fresh Air. PAMELA, thanks for listening, and walking and sharing your sweet spirit with me. I found a MANDARIN AZALEA at Home Depot and bought it! HAVE you GIRL’S seen one. This Azalea was big and beautiful and Orange. It is a spectacular plant for sure!
I received yesterday the VIVACIOUS PRINT TUNIC. EVERYTHING TRACY is more loved and appreciated in person…probably including TRACY if we ever get that pleasure! The TUNIC is definitely gonna bring me to the top of my SASSINESS..
GIRL’S, as I struggle with my hormones and words drop from my mouth sometimes as I am speaking…I don’t always remember all the details of calling you out by name. Some of you are so good at that…Anyway, you know I continue to cherish each and every one of you.
ARTIST and CAMEO, thank you for your e-mails. When I am done procrastinating I will e-mail you for an address. E Kelly, Desiree, Rebecca, Maisie, Sandi, Gretchen, Artist Pamela, sorry if I forgot anyone, thank you so much for your support again and your prayers
for my brotherd~he has not shown much improvement so keep “stormin heaven” o.k. (Rebecca)
TRACY, sometimes I feel like a stalker. Do you feel STALKED by us? or are you feeling the LOVE? I hope that you continue to know what a BEACON OF LIGHT YOU ARE!. Thank you, thank you for your sweetness and your kind heart and your much loved creative soul!
I cannot wait, wait, wait to see the new catalog!
Oh, Happiest Day to you All
kelly g 000

Girls, I am here…..have been reading your comments but I am “chillaxin” and taking a summer break. CAMEO scolded me in a private email that all I did was tend to my piggies and my roots and lunch with society. LOL She is ALMOST right….I have earned this state of affairs…hubby is golfing, kids are grown and I am cooling it on the coast!!!!! Kisses to all of you and PAM, keep us informed love….want to know when baby arrives.
What’s that I hear?….could it be Cameo’s sewing maching crying for mercy!!!!!! OMG!
TRACY…I hope I see SANDI in that new catalog!!! I’m just saying.
xoxo

Salty snacks are my favorite – I think I even prefer them over chocolate. Salted pretzels. Salted peanuts. Oh, and don’t forget to toss in a few M&M’s and raisins. Yum!

TRACY!!! I am a salty girl! So is my mom!!! My sis ia all about the sweets but not us!! I’ll take a salty snack over a sweet brownie any day! But, that doesn’t mean i am not SWEET as a person, just saying!
CLAUDINE,…I was afraid someone would point out that perhaps my throne is to be found in the powdy!!! HA, HAAA!!!! YOU!!!! HA!!! I have a very good memory and I won’t forget YOU!!! Kisses to that gorgeous JACK!!!
KELLY g,..I am stormin Heaven right NOW!!! Prayers of the sweetest kind going up to your brother!! SANDI!!!!! Need a prayer here!!!!
Artist, I should be at the spa today!!!
CAMEO,….so good to hear from you!!! Kisses!!
xoxo Desiree

VALERY,…..You can handle sooo much! Then you give and give and give some more!!! Well, sending you a ton of love and happiness!!! I hope it works out for the lady you are trying to hire. It sounds like everyone could benefit from that arrangement. I’ll keep you tucked in my heart (Hellooo Anne Marie!!!). May strength and grit and softness follow YOU!!!,…..now, I need to tell you, I am not queen or queenie,….TRACY is the queen!!! I am a mere princess,…a follower of the queen,…a queen wannabe– (Tracy wannabe)……You will get a name when something sticks and somebody declares it,…usually CAMEO. That is how Mary Ann became the PIRATE….her machete madness and loss of earring in the garden,….go back and read……(like you have nothing else to do)… it is all there!!!….I hope you feel better soon! Take it easy when you can……
KELLY g…and Tracy,…. no stalkers here,….just admirers and supportive sisters!!…me for one!!!
REBECCA…I am going to get the fish and frog wish boxes….thank you for the recommendation!! You are so helpful!!!
PAM?????…………I’m so excited for you!!!
KELLY?????? I hope all is well with you and Chatelaine Ranch!!!
VIRGINIA???? I’m making the Mexican pileup tomorrow!!!!…….where ARE you???……. OK …I really do have a life and I must run!!
Blessings to all!!!
xoxo Desiree

Hello Sweet Souls…
Just saying hello and holding several of you extra close that need prayers today…
CAMEO~ I look forward to hearing from you this weekend in email about the Serenity Sea Stones. I heard from sweet PAMELA today about some…and she gave me a wonderful idea about creating ones for a Fairy Garden. (love that).
I also did not mention yet, that with my all sales from anything I create, I donate a very generous portion to cancer research. I have been doing that for many years now…and it feels ‘good’…. it is my opportunity to ‘give back’ after my healing journeys…
Sending a smile and a warm hug to each of you. Hoping things worked out for you and your sister in law and her neighbor Valery…
Love, ~*~*~*~Sandi

Love, love my salty snacks too!! My favorite, with red wine…. Just buy a wedge of REAL Parmigino Reggiano. Use a sharp knife to chip away and create bite size chunks. Heaven!!

Oh Praise God….Michele was here and signed papers and will start tomorrow to watch Reba….we have to take it little by little. Reba is 90 pounds of dynamite….she lives in the moment…and will forget 5 minutes later….she cusses and has not forgotten to smoke…shes 79….and will not bath and I take care of all bills,grocerys, laundry etc….last time she bathed was 4 weeks ago….I brought her over to my house and this last time she wouldnt get in the tub….she would just sit there and say NOPE….I will bath tonight. I spoke with her Dr. and he said dont worry about it…so guess what Im not going to worry…at first I was in a tither….not any more…cant control everything. I may just spray her with the hose when I am over there…… and then douse her with shampo…..lolololol

So thank you Princess Desiree, and Sandi Angel….. especially….for your kind words….it matters and helps!!!! Onward and upward!!!!!

Artist the more you harp on getting Sandi in the pictures the more the girls will come back on you…..lololo be careful…..you know how they are!!!! llolololo But I would love to see it tooooooo…..

Have a good evening ALL…..headed home…..Just talked to my Son who is flying to Texas to see his Dad who may not live anther day…..His Father has never been good to him and all he ever wanted was for him to love him….and hes still reaching out for it…..wow life is something isnt it…….but we must not get weak…..I never will….I will survive cause I am W-O-M-E-N AND I AM ABLE!!! and I have my GOD who is my salvation.

Love the salty snacks! Mustard in a sweet little bowl is a divine idea…

CLAUDINE – I don’t know you but you are my hero! Several JP margaritas??? Wow! I had one last weekend and was nearly under the table! Does that mean I need to drink more or less????? I know what I would prefer…

REBECCA, after reading your comment I am feeling so guilty about eating that chick-fil-a sandwich and fries I just had for dinner!!!! I feel certain that is not what my “vessel” was asking for!!! KELLY G, I’m stormin heaven for your brother right now. PAM????? are we all aunties yet?!!
Love to you all tonight…xoxoxxo

Evening girls….LADYEM, I’m with you on the parmigino front…love it… but don’t know when to stop …REBECCA …FOOD CRAVINGS !! I eat stacks of dry roasted soya beans and I’m NOT pregnant…must be because they contain plant hormones???? …and my body sure needs some of those these days ….but…then again I also crave chocolate and cheese and cream and wine ….well the list is endless actually.
CAMEO …H…erb Albert eh…..yes I remember him …..We just don’t admit it over here. ….My Mother always told me off for
‘dropping my aitches’ so I wouldn’t dare say ‘erbs……no one argues with my Mother.

Do you chaps eat PORK SCRATCHINGS ? Yes, I know, disgustingly unhealthy but utterly irresistible.

CATIE thank you for your snack ideas and the links. I’m going to check them out…..everything sounds YUMMY!

Hello DURLS…Friday morn here…a week without blogging. I only WISH I was chillaxin’. Sis in law & I are moving her folks (from La. to TX)…working like dogs from sun-up to sun-down. BUT! We are Tracy-fying the place: London wall with all their original art. Looks fab if I do say so. And, w/Patty, everything is done with giggles. Did chillax for 10 min. w/my legs up the wall. So…needed it.
DESIREE…enjoy that mexican pile up: yum-o!
Off for the day. Cheeseburger Friday, TRACY!
xoxo

VIRGINIA,….You go durl!!!! Keep on keeping on!!!! So much!!! So worth it!!!
VALERY,…I am weeping over the story of your son…..and so as I storm on heaven for KELLY G’s brother I will ask that your son receive the love and approval from his father this very day!!!,….stay strong and carry on!!!
Blessings to ALL!!!!
xoxo Desiree

HAPPY FRIDAY….I just had a apple turnover and coffee….headed to work and my Beamer light came on and said service engine now….well now is not the time….so pulled into the BMW dealer and they can take me Monday….heading out of town on Sat….so I hope I dont have to call a tow truck to come and get me…oh well if I do I will make a party of it!! As soon as I get off work today will go to the nursery and finish getting the plants for my planters that came in from Charleston Gardens catalogue, NC. They are divine, just what I wanted…look like concrete with a aged moss look….but will never crack etc….at my age I am done with the clay potter, mexican pottery etc out side…I have spent a fortune thru the years…and our winters are very harsh and things dont last long and I am not going to bring them in anymore. Will take pictures later…oh and I got a bust of a greek god, then will fill it with a cool plant that will look like its his hair…fun, fun.

Missed you Virgina……..oh I know you will just make it look beautiful…..work never hurt anybody…..and we all need to help our fellow man….good for you!!

Maisie…..sure have had them pork scrathings….yum….been known to eat a whole bag myself!!!!!!!

Cameo….dont get sew…ers craps….and tie those double knots!!!!

Artist…..you break for as long as you need……you deserve a rest.

Desiree….Princess girl….I bet when you sweat…..you sweat suger!!!!lolololooll

MARY ANN and SANDI, I had to tell you how precious your bunny photos are!!! Our “middle” sister is a bunny lover…they have 2 bunnies that they keep inside as pets. I’m going to try to get her to come over TO THE COMMUNITY and look at these pics. She’ll love it. No bunnies are brave enough to come into our yard with this crazy cat we have stalking around!
Everyone have a great Friday….sure miss our IF videos and Sarah too!!! xoxxo

TRACY: Ya know I went to the pictures of the community and saw our Phoenix Cameo in the vamp shoes again….and thought to myself, hey I need those….so bought them and the wonderful star ring…..Now Cameo and I can do the Mexican Vamp dance together!!!! lolololo She will probably want the center stage…..but never fear she will share with me….or I will step on her toes….and tell Artist, and Desiree….lololololol

WENDYm2….I laughed so hard about the several margaritas….I meant over the weekend, not in one night…I’d be on the floor drooling….lights out sista Any more than my three JP Margarita limit the next day can’t quite get my wheels going like they should. LOL!!!! I guess I am talking about cocktails and wine too much, but I only partake in moderation, so it won’t kill me (I hope) VALERY….saying so many prayers for you and your Reba (BMW, too…don’t want you to break down on the road). You are such a dear and strong person to help and yes, don’t worry about her hygiene, it’s not the end of the world and probably not worth the battle. Hang in there lots of loving thoughts your way!!!!

Desiree……….xoxo<xoxoxoxo, you are so kind…..I never fear as God is in control of things…..some people just need to grad hold of the brass ring he provides!!

Loves!! Happy cheeseburger Friday!! It is supposed to be in the 80’s today!!!! It has been downright chilly…let me tell you! when i put on the seat heater in the car in June this is not a good sign! So CLEARLY you love your salt…and sand:)…REBECCA….i have read about this but had not yet met someone…and low!! Here you are! Well, delighted aren’t you that the sand cravings have subsided! Darling MAISE….I don’t eat many pork scratchings ( pork rind my loves) but i will admit that beef jerky (YES! ) puts me over the edge! LOVE IT!! I could down a whole bag….mmmmmmmmmmm!! ARTIST..hope you are feeling better these days?!!!xo
CAMEO… I keep missing you, are you trying to do the bump with me as MARY ANN always does! My hips are getting sore my loves! Anyway, glad to hear the update on DEMI. T. home schooling, so cool…where will your travels take you….?
PAM…any news….any labor?…..xxxxo CLAUDINE….I always knew you were my girl….yes, several is a must with JOHN’s margaritas….though a long good sleep afterward is also a necessity! VALERY..what a picture you have painted for us! REBA…..hello…xoxo….
It is so early and already am I ready for my cheeseburger…..i must be on my way…lots to get to…..( besides you beautiful souls!!)
We’ll chat later!
xoxo
T.

Hi Ladies,

This is MaryAnn’s sister in law from Portland, Kristin. I just got online and saw your comments from our photo last weekend. Thanks for your thoughts! I’ve never “blogged”, nor do I have the chance to get online that much because I’m in a car all day for my job.

However, MaryAnn turned me onto Tracy’s clothing and home line this past weekend. Love her style, and the concept, and so nice to see the community of like-minded people.

And I told MaryAnn she should wear the shirt inside out. The thing I liked best about all her Tracy Porter shirts were the linings. I’m a sucker for hidden surprises and details.

Hope you all are having a lovely day!

Kristin

Good morning, everyone!
It’s Friday!
I’ve been telling PAM about the Blessing Way some friends held for me just before Anna was born – it’s a Native American tradition to honor an expecting mother, and give her encouragement and support while she waits for labor to come:
http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com/blessingway.html
One of the things my friends did for me was to tie a piece of red yarn around their wrists, which they then wore until they heard that the baby was born. It was a wonderful way to feel connected and supported.
I asked Pam if it would be OK for me to do this for her, and to invite all of you in this Sisterhood of inspired and inspiring women to do the same. She said yes!
So, if you like, find yourself a piece of red yarn, ribbon, raffia, thread – anything that feels comfortable and will stay on. You can let it be known here that you’re doing it (by blogging, posting a photo, etc.) – or not.

It will be a Virtual Blessingway!

Hi Durls….just a quick stop in to say hello,
and see what everybody’s up to. It’s been cold here too, TRACY….I had to turn the heat
on in the house….but hubby loves the window open in the bedroom at night….hot, cold, sweat, freezing…kicking covers off….pulling
them up to my chin….I don’t know if it’s the weather or the hormones…probably both! PAM..
sweetheart, you’re on my mind every single day.
Keep us posted! Hope you’re feeling well these last days! xox to you! I’ve had several of Andrew’s friends here all week, they are a joy!! They all get along so well, and are so
polite….and so funny! They crack each other up constantly. Fun to watch! Laying low this weekend, general chores and such and just chillaxing, as ARTIST and VAVA say…..TRACY,
I may have to adopt your cheeseburger Friday
and get a little grease in my belly today. Tee
many martooneys last night (just 2)at dinner,
but feeling a bit slow today! CLAUDINE…I’m with you on the margs…CATIE…I love that you’re such a foodie…and thanks for the links to the snack sites! I LOVED shopping at the co-op…have you tried Basque Sauce? It’s a red wine based marinade that is delicious…
best for chicken and pork. They make one for fish too, but I don’t care for it. You must try it! I have to buy it on line now, but at least I can get it! Email me and I can give you the link if you want: kelkarnes@gmail.com
KELLY LEA, email me too darling…want to catch up! Did you do the big reveal and tell
the girls whose house you bought in Boise?
xoxoxo to all of you…make it a great weekend!

KELLY G – You Vivacious lady, you! I have my eye on that shirt too – is it great? And by the way, Hostess cupcakes work too!! (GRETCHEN – so does Chick-fil-a – must treat ourselves once in a while, right? Don’t go feeling bad!!) We’ll continue to storm heaven for your amazing brother…
Oh CAMEO – looking so vampy in those violet numbers! I KNEW you would do them justice!!
DESIREE – you will love the fish and frog! Glad you got them – I noticed that the little flock of birds is back to its original price – have to grab these treasures when we can, don’t we?
VALERY – you are quite the woman – so full of life and love…helping so many. Did you ever read the inscription from the breastplate of St. Patrick? It reminds me of you:
May you be blessed with the strength of heaven
The light of the sun and the radiance of the moon
The splendor of the fire
The speed of lightning
the swiftness of wind
The depth of the sea
The stability of earth
And the firmness of rock.
MAISIE – must be a reason for your cravings…I think it makes sense to go with them, within reason (and sometimes abandoning all reason)
TRACY – yes, I’m over the sand craving, thankfully – never actually took a bite – salt is much easier to fulfill without getting weird looks…glad you share that one with me!
DAWN – got my Urban Jacket – WOW! I love it! It’s a statement piece and a real eye-catcher, but it has such classic lines and details that it’s not over-the-top. Another winner; thanks for your modeling – it definitely sealed the deal for me!
KRISTIN – I’m WITH YOU on the linings – they make me squirrely for the same reasons as you (surprises and details…)!
PAM – Thanks so much for your email, and may you be filled with comfort and relaxation on this soft grey day.

My Red Ribbon is ON!!!!!,….PAM…xoxox
REBECCA,….you are so sweet and thoughtful and WISE!!!!
CAMEO,….love those shoes and white piggies!
It’s FRIDAY!!!! Listening to Mo-town! Making Mexican Pile UP,…..and CHILLAXIN!!! Have a sunshiney day!!!…….”Talkin ’bout My girl”,……My durl”…..
xoxo Desiree

REBECCA~ I LOVE this wonderful BlessingWay traditon! (Thank you for sharing it with PAM and thank YOU PAM for allowing us to be a part of this supportive, loving circle of the sisterhood with you!)
My red satin ribbon is tied on my wrist as I write this….
Going to ask John to take a photo to post on the Community….
Looking forward to seeing some of you there as well… with love and a happy heart~*~*~*~Sandi

DESIREE~my dear, you are crack’in me up all the time lately…what SASS got into you?
REBECCA and PAM~I am looking for a “cute” red something to tie on as we speak…if we are going to wear it, it needs to be cute, right! All good thoughts coming your way dear PAM.
VALERY~you are something! I don’t know if I could give Reba a bath. It is so great that you are able to be there.
GIRL’S~oh man, should I even admit this…The VIVACIOUS TUNIC is truly VIVACIOUS, but I can’t even get the XL over my fat arms or my boobs! Can I say that? VERY frustrating for me. I think I will hang onto it as a goal piece. It must run small, don’t ya think?! I am going to put a picture of TRACY wearing it on my VISION BOARD that I am starting. When I am SASSING in that TUNIC is when you will see the next picture of me on the Community. Until then, I am having fun sporting the TP jewelry.
E KELLY, I forgot about the Eagle House story. I started gathering pictures and then forgot about it. I will do that soon. Thanks for the reminder.
TRACY, how is that pointer finger? Are you getting done what you need to? We miss you and SARAH. Will you tell her for us. I hope you both are getting some good gardening and boxed wine therapy in.
000

KELLY G~ I am laughing at your post… (and Yes… You can say that!…)
I totally understand your frustration about the XL size…. etc.
One of the very first thing I ordered way back when (actually only a few months ago)…was the Gossamer Long Shirt in a medium… but when I tried it on, it was small for me through the upper back and arms… I was like “What?… I need a LARGE?….” Oh well… I ordered the large.. and now have that to enjoy…. but sometimes know, that the sizes sometimes run smaller through certain areas… (like the arms and the chest and back)
TRACY is teeny-tiny, so everything looks good on her form!
Hoping this made you feel just a little bit better. with love~*~*~*~Sandi

DESIREE, SANDI, and KELLY G – Thank you for taking up the “red” suggestion so readily – what a great photo of you with your ribbon on the Community pages, Sandi!
And KELLY G – I too have some TP pieces that don’t yet fit, but WILL in a while!! Keep the faith! I’m actually off to do my ab workout – hope it helps…

KELLy g,…I really don’t know what you mean. I am not being sassy! I am being sincere! I really weeped about Valery’s son,..isn’t that so sad! I have been praying for your brother and Valery’s son, and for many others…and I do have a big red ribbon around my wrist…..if I sound sassy I am sorry! I mean every word….
maybe I should lay off the exclamation points!
Love you all!!!!
xoxo Desiree

We just love great little salty tidbits like these. They are so fun and so yummy!
Have to admit I am really missing my Friday dose of Tracy and Sarah. I had no idea how addicted I had become to those videos!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
~Lora~

Hello all!
Welcome KRISTIN!! (My S-I-L)
She called me this morning and was so excited about all the nice comments about her picture!
Thank you for being so kind:)
She asked how everyone would know that I had the Boho jacket on inside out without having mentioned it in the picture and I said that’s because everyone else has Boho too! She can’t get over all of you:)
TRACY — I will BUMP gently now…we can’t have any more injuries! All this salty snack talk makes me want to take a sip of an ICE COLD beer:) That freezy weather was hovering down this way too! I was telling KELLY that the chill prompted my 5 yr old niece to ask my sister if SUMMER WAS CANCELLED!!! Let’s hope not! It’s so pretty today! My son, Kellen,(my Gus:)just left for prom and I posted his picture in the Community. He looked so handsome…..We even took a picture with two other kids he went with to PRE-SCHOOL!!
….I think it was just last week…….:(
…CLAUDINE, TRACY, REBECCA, PAM, CAMEO and everyone else with young ones….MISS SHIRLEY is SO right….it will FLY by. Squeeze it for all it’s worth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!PAM??? How goes it! Those nuns are praying for you:)…
VALERY — You are unsinkable!!! My(tri-cornered)hat is always off to YOU!…CLAUDINE — We may have to stop calling you the shopping queen and start call ing you the JPM Queen!! And thanks for your kind words to my hubby:)…REBECCA — There IS a name for that!! It’s called PICA!!:) You are so sweet to tell about the red ribbon tradition! Mine will be on before the night is through!!! Also! Please tell me how the sizing runs on the Urban Jacket!!(or DAWN?) I have been considering it:) …Darling CAMEO — We have missed YOU too!!!! Sounds like big fun by you. If the sewing is keeping you from us I will come and stitch with you! We can’t have you away so long…Like SARAH!! We miss her too! Now about that jean jacket…I’m not sure I’ll ever give it up put perhaps it could go out on loan??? It would be spec-tac with those violet vamps!!…VIRGINIA — Londoning Texas? Good show!!…KELLY G — I will add your brother’s name to the prayer book at Rosary Hill. Those Polish nuns will storm heaven too — and I’m pretty sure they know a shortcut:) I’m sorry the tunic doesn’t fit:( Some of the TP clothes do run tiny. I have talked to Esther in CS and she said they are working on more consistent sizing. The Winsome top seems to run a little large but the style makes it work either way. The trim is heaven:) Don’t forget about the secret celebrity story! We’re all waiting!!… and PAMELA — Your walk with KG at the park sounds like you were swallowed in sweet, supportive sisterhood:)…ARTIST — So glad to know you are still recharging and enjoying your southern weather…DESIREE, My Girl, — More brownies for ME!!! Have you pushed the purchase button on your throne? We simply CANNOT have the only throne in your life be the one CLAUDINE speaks of!!!!!…SANDI — Once again your kindness blooms for all of us to see – donating to cancer? I think there is not part of your generous life that doesn’t impact someone, somewhere in a positive way:) How DO you DO it??…GRETCHEN — Don’t fight the chick-fil-a!!!! Most assuredly you have earned it!! Tell your sister I will save a bunny for her:) Well, maybe not, but I WILL crouch down low and tell them she sends her bunny love:)…MAISIE — I want to hear more about YOUR mom!!:)…Sweetie KELLY!! IT’S THE HORMONES!!! And I think I’ve found a raised bed spot! Hopefully it won’t be August by the time I get them in!!!:)
Love to the ladies!
Mary Ann

Oh…REBECCA! Touche! I WILL have to see about a picture of me WEARING the jacket:)
And those brassy robins built their nest in my lilac bush on top of a 4′ fence! I just go and hold the camera over the top of the nest..But only when the parents aren’t around…do NOT want to mess with Mother Nature!!!
About the bunny pics…SANDI! Does this make us Grandbunnies??? PAMELA and NICKI — I LOVE and agreed with your names for those bunny babies BUT who are we to argue with Ms. CAMEO?? She, being a type of woodland creature herself!
DESIREE — Of COURSE I would be sharing my shoulder with a Phoenix…Parrots are FAR too common:) Just as YOU should be sharing your TUSHY with a less common household-type of THRONE!!! Let’s GO my girl!!!
MA

Oh Durls, I received THE MOST FABULOUS package today from our sweet SANDI!!! Please go to the community and look at the photos of the lovlies she sent me….BEAUTIFUL handpainted notecards, bookmarks, beach pebble, magnets, heart shaped tin….it was like CHRISTMAS opening that package…wrapped in beautiful yellow tissue and tulle!!! And the calligraphy will have you drooling! Even the outside of the box was decorated in gorgeous calligraphy and watercolors…You should have seen me trying to get into the box without tearing the MAILING LABEL because I wanted to save it!!!! We all knew Sandi was special, but now I want you to know how talented she is as well. Thank you dear Sandi for sharing your talents with me. I am honored!!! xoxoxox to you my friend.

KELLY g,…oh dear! (SO not a redhead!),…. I went back and read a few of my posts and I see NOW that I have gotten a wee bit sassy!,…I think it is THAT Diva chair,…THE THRONE that Victorious VALERY found for me. I am NOT a DIVA,…..I am a demure princess,….what was I thinking???…. SO, I am sending them (I have two—Mary Ann, thanks to you),…I am sending them on to CAMEO and ARTIST!!!,…maybe the thrones will help to ground those birds a bit. I think they’ve been off fluffing their feathers a bit toooooo much!!!….I had to create my own sass!!! I need you back here!….Also, I need to rethink this throne idea,….I mean REALLY, who DO I think I am???……..Now,….if you’ll excuse me I will be on the sun porch, on my three legged stool watching for coyotes! Could somebody PLEEEEEESE bring me a BIG bowl of mashed potatoes,…..with a spoon????
P.S… TRACY,…..I will forever be indebted to you for providing a forum for me to end my writer’s block!!! I am now off to create MY dream!!! Best wishes to all you DURLS and may all YOUR dreams come true!!!
Blessings in Abundance to all!!!
xoxoxox Desiree

Oh my lovely DURLS!! I know I haven’t been here in a few days…NO BABY yet!! STEVE has been working from home..so I have been resting quite a bit. THANK YOU ALL so very much for you comments, prayers, red ribbons!! I just went to the community and saw all the beautiful pictures of you wearing red ribbons!! You all have no idea what that means to me. I have never felt so connected to a group of women that I’ve never even met before! It’s as if we’ve been old friends forever! I promise to keep you all posted and to not go so long with out contact!!…….So at my last appt. my doc said I was 2cm. dialated and I have been contracting for a few days. With every pain I think..is this it? I need to get my mind on something else for a bit I think! Thoughts of labor are consuming me!
I know that I joked about (or rather Steve did!) listening to “world in my arms” during labor…but I think I’ll bring my ipod with me! Don’t you think that it’s a fitting song? I know that’s how I’ll feel when I hold this little babe for the first time…and I’ll feel that much more connected to my DURLS!! Much much love to each of you…..xoxo

MARY ANN – the Urban Jacket’s sizing is similar to that of the other sale items – a bit smallish. I wear a large in some; an extra large in others, and a medium in a few (the ones that I wear open).
I have a large in the Urban Jacket – XL was out of stock. It’s just a wee bit snug but it doesn’t look it, and I think it might have some stretch in it because of the fabric. I can get it buttoned without endangering anyone’s eyesight (from popped-off buttons ), and it looks great that way, but also when it’s open. As I said, it makes a bold statement but it’s got classic lines, and the combination is great together!
Let us know if you decide to go for it!

Just to let you all know, I heard from Pam today – she’s still pregnant, and resting up. I’m not trying to speak for her, but I know you are all wondering and thought I’d put your minds at ease. She may be chiming in soon herself!

DESIREE~you misunderstood…SASS in my world is A GOOD THING! I was loving every part of it. I was just saying that in getting to know you better, I was thoroughly enjoying YOU! YOU are a QUEEN! Now go get that THRONE!
GIRL’S~my HOUSE/ACTOR story is now on the Comm.
LOVE TO YOU ALL.
thanks for the hints on the sizing~I feel a little better now!
000

PAM???,…just checking in to see if there is any news…..all the photos on the community of the red ribbons is sooo touching! A few people have asked me about the red ribbon bow around my wrist that I am wearing. Do you know what a joy and an honor it is to tell them that it is a blessing for MY FRIEND who is about to have a baby? Thank you for this honor, PAM and REBECCA!! …sending you prayers and all sweet thoughts at this time.
xoxoxo Desiree

Sweet and Precious PAM~
Yes… yes.. yes.. I think we all agree, that having “World in My Arms” playing while you are in labor… giving birth to Precious Little Griffin… would help you (and us!) feel SUCH a loving connection). Gosh… I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY hope you Do this. (I thank Steve for originally having this wonderful idea!!)
I wrap you all in a blanket of gentle love….
~*~*~*~Sandi

I have had so much FUN reading these comments lately! What can I say — you all are so darling!!! I wish we could all be neighbors! … …
Well, ladies, I was having garage-sale withdrawals today because it’s the first Sat. morning I haven’t gone since the season started! Besides the fact that hubby requested that I “refrain” today, I ended up with a cough (possibly bronchitis?) that I’m on meds for. So it was just as well that I sleep in today. (BUT — son & I are planning to go to the flea mkt. tomorrow, with hubby’s blessing.)… … Tonight we went out for Mexican food with son & STEPH… … Hubby might be “indoor camping” with Sabrina (watching a Ninja Turtles movie), so I’ll watch my own movie upstairs, eat flan (Mexican dessert take-home) and catch up on my mag-o’s. Fun! … … …
Tomorrow, I’ll be finding a red ribbon to wear in honor of our dear PAM…
I’m loving that there’s more going on in the photo community too! Gotta go over there to make some more comments! TTFN

PAM DARLING, you are on my mind and in my heart….please know prayers are being said for you and Griffin over the next few days.
VALERY, I do hope your son had a good visit with his father…thinking of him too.
Love all you sweet precious girls.
xoxo

PAM! So good the hear from you!
If cloudy skies seem to be whooshing around your area it’s just the blessings and good wishes of all your friends enveloping you and your family in anticipation of little Griffin’s arrival:)
REBECCA — Thanks for the info on the jacket. I wish there was an extra large available! Some of TP clothes run too small through the shoulders on me. It looks so cool though…I may have to press the buy button after all:)
SANDI — GRETCHEN’S treasure trove is wonderful! You two TOO creative souls were destined to cross:)
DESIREE — Are those potatoes for YOU or the COYOTES??
And darling, I’ve caluclated the Sass/Princess Ratio and yours is coming in at 50/50…..JUST RIGHT!!:) If you mess with the delicate balance WHO knows what will happen?!!!!! We just can’t chance it! But to be on the safe side you will be allowed to keep the three legged stool and ONE throne. Be creative in splendor but keep your tootsies on the stool:) That should DO it!
TO ALL, Thank you for the kind words for Kellen! Tomorrow is the BIG day:) Pray for blue-ish skies:)
Mary Ann

Hi everybody, I hope you are all having a great weekend! I just finished posting some pictures on the community gallery (hopefully I did it right!).
As NICKI said, we had dinner tonight with them and it was yummy!
PAM, your time is so soon… Ipod for childbirth sounds good to me!
GRETCHEN, I love chick-fil-a too…. I worked there for my first job at 16, and got to eat there nearly everyday for a year… now I have random cravings for chicken sandwiches. I could live off of it!

I’m hoping to go to the Flea Market with mil NICKI tomorrow, but we’ll see! I’ve been a little under the weather lately with headaches/earaches/toothaches, so praying that it’s not a problem tomorrow!
Happy weekend to everyone

Hope you’re all having a great weekend! Just checking in for a bit. Busy here with LAX, volleyball, visiting MIL and keeping DD on task with studying for finals! Found some pretty red satin ribbon to wear in your honor PAM! Very unique and meaningful way to connect indeed ♥. MARY ANN what a busy weekend with prom and graduation!?! Thought of you on Friday as it was such a gorgeous day here and I heard in IL as well. Although it started out cold and rainy here today, the sun is just peeking out so I hope you’re getting the bluish skies you were hoping for! Lots going on in the community! STEPH, your wedding pictures are gorgeous and thanks for sharing your other photos as well you talented gal! And SANDI, your calligraphy is outstanding and I love how you incorporate your art with it. OK, off to take down all window treatments…..getting new windows tomorrow…..MUCH needed as this is an older house. What really got the ball rolling though (pun intended) was the LAX (lacrosse) ball that my son put through our upstairs front window. (Reminds me that I need to take a picture!) It looks exactly like a cartoon would with the small hole and all the cracked lines radiating out from it!!!!!!
Ciao! ♥ Mary Claire

Sunday evening,….played golf,…now watching golf,…..anyhoo—-PAM??? Don’t you love all the durls wearing red ribbons! This is so awesome!
MARY ANN,….you are such a doll! A real live DOLL!!!,…Congratulations to Kellen,…what a handsome CUTE guy!!,….do the girls fight over him???,… No wonder you are a pirate!!
KELLY g,..my dear sweet friend! Love you so! I must say MY hormones are taking me on an emotional rollercoaster ride!!! WEEEE!!!! I want to thank you doll!!! You are wonderful!!!
MARY CLAIRE,….new windows!! Yeah!! they are also on my list!,….my long long list,….
STEPH,…Love all the photos!!! Your wedding pics are TDF!!!,…and that gorgeous sweater you hand knitted!!! WOW!!
PAM??? I’m starting to pace!,…
xoxox Desiree

Oh MARY ANN….
I MUST take a moment to write and say.. HOW MUCH I LOVED what you wrote to Desiree!! Oh, what a GIFT you have my friend. You said it SO beautifully… and with your OWN bit of sass and wit… oh you are such a delight to all of us~… thank you for being wonderful YOU~
~*~*~*~Love, Sandi

Thanks for the picture comment, DESIREE I really feel like we lucked out on our wedding photographer- I found him on craigslist (back when there weren’t many scary things happening on there like there is now!) for about 15% of what he charges now (just one year later!). I love all of our wedding pictures and have been (slowly) working on a scrapbook (that reminds me, I need to finish!).

Tonight, my FIL came over to help DH finish spreading the 6 cubic yards (A LOT!!) of mulch that we got a month ago and have diligently been spreading around the yard since then… it got late, so we had the whole rest of the family come out and try our new grill! It was a great evening that ended with making s’mores in our firepit.

I love nice weekends, but so sad this has to end and I have to return to work (and giving poor children their shots tomorrow. Can’t wait until next weekend…