Virtual Coffee

If we were talking over coffee today, I'd be having my Folger's Caramel coffee in my "Joy" mug that came as part of a set my mother-in-law gifted me on my birthday a couple years ago and telling you all about:

My fabulous Saturday that I posted about;

My lazy Sunday at home in my yoga pants;

My dear husband who rarely texts me, but sent me this message just moments after I was contemplating what to conjure up for dinner and not getting far in the idea department

and just one hour later came through the door from work with fresh, hot pizza from one of our favorite Italian restaurants;

The conversation I had when I picked my girl up at school yesterday and told her that "Poppy" (my dad) was in the hospital again and her response was, "but I know he's going to be okay" and how tear drops formed in my eyes when she continued, "I'm getting used to this. I should NOT be getting used to this."  She's right. She shouldn't be. None of us should;

How I had a Monday Funday post all typed up with pictures and as I went to hit publish it vanished last night, so I shut the laptop and went to bed;

How my dad's face lit up when I took my girl for a visit this afternoon...

Perhaps grand-daughters are the best medicine!



*Linking up for Virtual Coffee with http://amyluckynumber13.blogspot.com

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!