Antiques in the Afternoon

It's no secret. I love chocolate. I love coffee. So it should come as absolutely no surprise that a cafe mocha ranks high on my list of favorite things.

Saturday afternoon, I had the privilege of sipping a steamy cafe mocha while conversing with my husband and some friends around a little fireside table at a cozy cafe. It was the first time any of us had been there, but if I have anything to do about it, it will most definitely NOT be the last.

From the moment I started up the steps of the old brick building (circa 1854) I had a feeling I was going to love this little cafe within. It didn't disappoint. If I lived just a few miles closer I am fairly certain I'd be a "regular" there.

Photo courtesy of www.montourcoffeehouse.com

The delicious caffeinated beverage and treats, the friendship, the "homey" atmosphere, the cheerful owner...the entire experience just warmed my heart on that cold winter afternoon. As we exited the cafe, small snowflakes sprinkled about as the sound of rushing water drew my attention to the nearby Chequaga Falls.

We left the cafe and began the trek home. Just blocks from our house, my husband veered off and parked in Historic Hanover Square and announced we were headed to the antique shop because he hadn't been there in a while. I've never been much of an antique fan. Most items fall at one extreme end of the spectrum or the other, in my opinion. Either I deem them stinky, old junk or I fall in love only to find that the piece is COMPLETELY out of our league as far as budget or household space is concerned and it's just depressing.

But yesterday I was enjoying a little free time in the company of my hubby and decided to go along with his plan. So I hopped out of the car and we crossed the street.

We entered the shop and I was still in "smile and play along" mode. But then I spotted it. I fell in love...

Storage Trunk Lid with Vintage Letterhead, Postage, etc.

I inquired about the price only to find that it could indeed be mine if I desired. I spent the rest of our time there in the shop determined that I wasn't leaving without it.


And I didn't.

Five Minute Friday: ORDINARY

At time life can seem so mundane. The clock ticks. The tasks become routine. The days meld together. It all seems so ORDINARY.

Don't get me wrong. Ordinary can actually be a safe, comfy place at times. But what if I added a little EXTRA here and there? EXTRA + ORDINARY = EXTRAORDINARY!

There folks, is your English and spelling lesson for the day. You're welcome!

Seriously, what if I gave a little more? What if I put my heart into all those little tasks or took the time to notice the blessings sprinkled throughout instead of just mindless racing through my day or going in circles like a hamster on its wheel running, running, running and getting no where?

All too often I take the ordinary for granted. I get so wrapped up in telling myself that there has to be more. What if instead of just living, I started LIVING? Perhaps ordinary would become extraordinary and I'd realize it isn't so bad.

 Linking up with Lisa Jo

Wordless Wednesday

Tell All Tuesday: Alphabetically Me

I've seen this around on some other blogs and thought it'd be fun in case there are any inquiring minds out there.

A. Age: 37
B. Bed size: Queen (Seriously wish we had room for a King)
C. Chore that you hate: Dishes
D. Dogs: One beloved hound
E. Essential start to your day: Coffee
F. Favorite color: Green
G. Gold or Silver: Yes, Please!
H. Height: 4 ft 11.75 in
 I. Instruments you play: (Played) Piano, Flute, Oboe
J. Job title: Mom
K. Kids: One precious daughter
L. Live: My hometown in Upstate NY
M. Mother’s name: JoEllen
N. Nicknames: Gabby, Gabs, Mom
O. Overnight hospital stays: Only to bring my gorgeous girl into the world
P. Pet peeves: Do I have to pick just one?
Q. Quote from a movie:
R. Right or left handed: Right handed
S. Siblings: One awesome big sister
T. Time you wake up: 7ish?
U. Underwear: Comfy cotton
V. Vegetable you hate: Beets
W. What makes you run late: The snooze button
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Teeth, back, foot...?
Y. Yummy food that you make: Homemade mac & cheese
Z. Zoo animal: Giraffes...just LOVE 'em!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

I may be showing my age a little with that title. Yes. I listened to Cyndi Lauper growing up in the... ahem...1980s.

Anyway, today is Monday aka "Fun"day here. I had planned to share some great craft or game or some delicious cook together as a family recipe but came up a bit short in the inspiration department. At 3pm, as I headed out the door back to another store for something I had forgotten earlier in the day, my internal voice started up. "The end of the day and you've got nothing, again."

Thankfully, twelve-year-olds and Taylor Swift tunes are quite successful at winning my attention and blaring over top of those voices that try to tell me I'm not good enough and will never be.

Though I was singing along with the cd player and my girl as we drove towards Target (one of if not THE favorite store of mine) I was a bit cranky. I had already been to several stores including the grocery but somehow the coffee slipped my mind (shopping list, anyone?) and we all know what it's like when Mama doesn't get her coffee in the morning. So, back to Target for Round Two! This time with my helper. As I pulled into the lot, I gave her the lecture that we were getting the k-cups I like and right back out of there. The bank account and my patience were already spent and we just needed to get done and back home.

But, I guess there is something to be said for being with one of your favorite people in one of your favorite places that changes everything. Suddenly, it was as if my impatience, worries, bad attitude had all gotten trapped on the outside of that automatic door.

As we wandered the aisles of that store, we giggled, we tried on hats and sunglasses, we picked out crazy nail polish colors for her that I wouldn't dream of wearing, we reminisced over the baby clothing section, and I even kept my cool as she perused the shelves of the dreaded toy section.

In that moment (hour and a half, really) it was just her and I. No bank balances, no dog hair to vacuum off the carpet, no frustrations, no homework, no ticking of the clock...it was just me and my girl and we were having FUN!

P.S. I remembered the coffee, as well! :)