Giveaway Week of Jubilee- Day 2

If you missed my Week of Jubilee post, just click here to see the rules for the week. Remember that you get extra chances for Grand Prize Friday if you do a post about my giveaway by the end of the day TODAY and/or add me to a blogroll or followers list by the end of the week. Just be sure to let me know. All winners will be notified no later than Sunday, October 5.

Today's prize is a subscription to Southern Living or Real Simple, your choice. I really enjoy both of these magazines a whole lot and keep copies practically forever because I like to look back through them again and again. GOOD LUCK...

Giveaway Week of Jubilee- Day 1

If you missed my Week of Jubilee post, just click here to see the rules for the week. Remember that you get extra chances for Grand Prize Friday if you do a post about my giveaway by the end of the day on Tuesday and/or add me to a blogroll or followers list by the end of the week. Just be sure to let me know. All winners will be notified no later than Sunday, October 5.

Today's prize is the wonderful cookbook, SCREEN DOORS AND SWEET TEA. Leave a comment to this post if you want to win.

Check out Collage...It's Almost Giveaway Week

There's a new cooperative venture out there...a blog titled Collage-a collection of diverse opinions. Our good blog friend Jill, from Caffeine Court started it and I'm pleased to be a contributor. Our first assignment last week was the Presidential Election. Since I'm busy putting the finishing touches on my Giveaway posts for this week, I thought I'd share with you what I wrote for Collage. I encourage you to hop on over there and see what else is waiting...Jill is really challenging us to think!

The title of my post was Respect in Politics...and here it is for your reading pleasure.
--------------------------------------------------------------
I'm 46 years old (yikes, 47 next week), a wife, school district administrator, mother of two almost grown up children and lover of politics. My son, who is in his first year of law school, was a Political Science major and as you can imagine, we've had many a lively conversation over the years. In the small town I grew up in, most everybody was a believer in the "solid south." That has changed. Amazingly, in this same small town since the 1970's a number of the county offices like Clerk of Court and Probate Judge have been held by women...good solid women who were the mothers of my friends and who played a big role in the person I've become. The day I registered to vote, the Probate Judge hugged me and whispered, "If you can't vote democrat, stay home on election day." Sometimes I've followed her rule and sometimes I haven't, but I always vote, and have never voted a straight ticket ever. It's about the individual candidate and the individual issues as far as I'm concerned. I have my opinions as do you, but it has bothered me lately when I've read what I consider to be MEAN things on blogs in regard to the opinions of people who were contrary to that of the blogger...whether he or she be Democrat, Republican, or Independent. Can we not agree to disagree, and take advantage of the freedom we have to engage in meaningful discourse with respect for an opposing opinion?

In The Land of Belle (my little perfect world) people would always check things out before they passed along bad, negative, or just plain not true and out of context information about the candidate they do not like. Let's be POSITIVE and RESPECTFUL. The bottom line is this...either Obama or McCain will be the next leader of the free world and whichever one is elected, a lot of people will be disappointed. Here's the thing...I'll campaign hard for my candidate but come the morning after election day whomever has been chosen will be my President-elect and the campaign sign will be removed from the yard, the bumper sticker on my car will be in the trash can and I will be SOLIDLY behind the winner...MY President-elect, whether Obama or McCain. I encourage you to do the same.

Heading out for Clemson

It's Family Weekend at Clemson and I'm taking the day of from work. REJOICE!

Lorelai is playing in her first club softball game this afternoon and tomorrow promises much excitement as Clemson has a showdown with Maryland. Todd, the Trainer is a big Maryland fan and we have a little agreement that he's going to have to wear a Clemson shirt on Monday in honor our OUR victory. Of course, in his mind, the agreement is that I'm going to have to wear a Maryland shirt on Monday. Think good thoughts for me, PLEASE! Yes, even you Gamecock fans out there. I'm all for YOU as long as you're not playing MY boys. I've got an awful bad crush on CJ Spiller. I can't understand why he hasn't returned my calls or thanked me for the flowers and candy I keep sending. (YES...I'm joking!)

Keep my giveaway alive out there. If you missed it, check back with yesterday's post. It's going to be much fun...even more fun if you win! A bunch of people already have extra points for Grand Prize Friday for becoming followers...

We Interrupt Three Quotation Thursday for Five Days of GIVEAWAY - A Week of Jubilee in Honor of ME!!

It’s giveaway time (the first EVER) from Life of a Southern Belle because my birthday is coming up and YOU, my friends will be receiving the gifts!! How fun is that?

Monday through Friday of next week (September 29 – October 3) I’ll be offering a prize each day. To win, just leave one comment on any and all days that you’re interested in winning. If lady luck is on your side you might even win more than one day…there’s no law against that in the Land of Belle. Tell me Happy Birthday on Wednesday and we’ll throw your name in twice that day.

We’ll add two little twists to Grand Prize Friday. As usual, you can leave a comment to enter but if you are willing to feature my giveaway in a post by Tuesday night (just let me know) you’ll get an additional five entries. I’m shameless, so if you’ll also add me to your blog roll or become a FOLLOWER (or if I'm already there...just remind me), we’ll add on another ten. That means that for Grand Prize Friday you can have a total of 16 chances to WIN WIN WIN. Names will be drawn each day from a big old hat and I’ll post the winners on Sunday, October 5.

Here are the prizes:

Monday: Screen Doors and Sweet Tea--Recipes and Tales from a Southern Cook
Tuesday: Subscription to Southern Living or Real Simple, your choice
Wednesday: DVD of my favorite movie of all time…The Big Chill
Thursday: $25 Starbucks gift card OR $25 Target gift card, your choice

Grand Prize Friday:
$25 Target Gift Card, The Big Chill DVD, and subscription to Southern Living or Real Simple, your choice

Fun! Yes??

I'm IT---Tagged for the First Time

Mojito Maven over at Make Mine a Mojito has tagged me! So...I'm going to give you seven random/weird things about myself and then tag me some other folks.

1. I never spent a night in a house alone until I was a married 24 year old and my husband went out of town. Growing up, my parents would make me stay at my aunt's house if they weren't home...even after I went to college and came home in the summer. Weird, huh?

2. My brother Ned and I are seven years and one day apart in age. My mother put on a spaghetti supper birthday party for me on October 2, 1968, with a pretty good idea that she was in labor, cleaned the kitchen, put me to bed, told my daddy to call my aunt to come over, then went to the hospital.

3. Last year, I was on a team to interview applicants for a position in our organization. A woman I'd never met came in, and as I looked over her resume her address stood out but I couldn't figure out why. After about ten minutes it dawned on me. Her address in a nearby town was MY address 25 years ago for about 2 years. I asked the question and sure enough, she currently resides in the first house that we ever bought. How WEIRD is that?

4. I cannot eat an olive. If olives were the last food on the face of the earth I would be a goner.

5. I also cannot eat lamb. Maybe I could swallow it if it was a case of life or death but it would be a push.

6. One day I'm going to skydive...seriously, I am...

7. Don't judge me...I am not an animal lover.

SO...there you have it...or seven "its" as the case may be.

I tag...hmmm...how about some of my newer reads...

Buzzings of a Queen Bee

Shell in Your Pocket

Mrs. Preppy

Southern Daze

Madras and Martinis

Out on a Limb

Preppy Southern Princess

I Want to Dance With the Stars

I really do and there's no question who I would pick as my partner...Maksim...I don't usually get gaga over TV or movie types but oh My Stars (get it? Stars...LOL). Who would you choose?

Some of My Favorite Things...What Are Yours?

The Pink Owl and several others have inspired me to do a post about some of my favorite things right now. Some things are seasonal and some are not. For example, now that the weather is turning cooler, I'm again becoming addicted to (1) Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Lavender Body Creme. It's heavenly and helps me to sleep a little better also.I make coffee every morning in a french press and after trying many different coffees, the (2) Gevalia Costa Rica Peaberry seems just right to me all year 'round. I'm still a disciple of (3) Starbucks Pike Place Roast when I'm out and about, but the Gevalia variety is nice and smooth and just starts my day off right. Hank is an uncomplicated coffee drinker...whatever we have, he'll drink.

(4) Sharper Image Sound Machine. I can't find a photo to post because they've discontinued my particular model and apparently Sharper Image is undergoing a restructuring BUT...our sound machine set to "jet plane" is just the thing to filter out annoying sounds (like snoring). We thought it was broken last year and I had everybody I know searching for a replacement...turns out it was the electrical cord which was an easy fix. It wouldn't have worked for us when our kids were young and waking up during the night, but it is definitely a favorite thing now.

I adore (5) Bare Minerals make-up. I start with the primer, add the powder foundation and finish with the mineral veil powder. I high encourage you to try it...the finish is practically flawless.I don't love cleaning house but I do love (6) Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day products. All the scents are nice but the Geranium is my favorite.

(7) The Good Home Company also has some lovely cleaning products. I particularly like the laundry detergent and fragrances. They're great in combination but laundry fragrance alone makes bed sheets smell divine. You can buy it in bulk to refill the cute bottles.

I am not much of a wine drinker but Hank is, and last year Real Simple placed (8) Liberty School Cabernet on a list of things that never disappoint. He concurs...it's moderately priced and he hasn't been disappointed yet.

I do really enjoy a nice glass of port and friends of ours introduced us to the (9) Mayo Family Winery last Christmas. Legare and I made quick work of the bottle presented to us as a gift and quickly ordered more. At $35 per half bottle, it's a bit pricey but we only break it out on special occasions.

One last thing...the book that touches my heart every time I read it. I mentioned it several weeks ago when I read it yet again. It's my regular read

before each new school year begins. The Water Is Wide by Pat Conroy. Maybe it's the educator in me...maybe it's the southerner in me and the fact that I'm familiar with the setting. The movie version is Conrack (the children couldn't say "Conroy" and took to calling him Conrack instead).

Be a Follower of Belle...You can even call me by my first name if you want

I really like the new follower thingy on my dashboard. That actually sounds kind of creepy...like "the others" on Lost or some weird cult thing. Whatever...Won't you be my follower??

Oh...and this might make me sound like the biggest snobby woman in the world (and really I'm not) but in three different stores today, the salespeople walked up to me with hands outstretched and said, "Hi, I'm Sue/John/Ginger and you are...?"

I really do appreciate the people who help me when I shop, and in my favorite stores we are always on a first name basis. My favorite person, Weezie, in my favorite store, Gwynns of Mt. Pleasant, is on a pedestal as far as I'm concerned. I wear an outfit she picked out for me and I'm gonna get compliments. For general looking around though, I kind of like to live in my own little bubble when I shop...I'm not rude...I smile and speak to people...say excuse me and please and thank you, but I'm not generally out to learn the name of every person I encounter for five minutes. Maybe I should make a game out of it and give them fake names...

In yet another store, as I checked out and the 20 year old salesgirl handed back my ID she'd asked for with my credit card (I don't mind that what with all the dishonest people out there who try to use other people's cards), she said, "Thanks so much, Belle...I hope you have a great day." Yes, I appreciate the sentiment for the great day, but she does not know me and I'm old enough to be her mother...we are NOT on a first name basis. I've lived across the street from the same lady for 23 years and still call her Mrs. Jackson for goodness sake. Maybe it's a southern thing that I'm like this...or maybe I'm a very snobby woman and didn't know it, in which case this is bad...this is very bad.

Okey dokey then, perhaps I've gone a little bit around the bend here but does the "overly familiar" thing bug anybody else?

PS...don't forget to follow!! :)

I'm not THAT old!!!!!!!!!!

I've had a "crick" in my neck so I visited the chiropractor earlier this week. While there, I made an appointment to see the massage therapist for this afternoon. I put the appointment into my Blackberry calendar while standing there and headed back to work (incidentally, probably the reason that I have a pain in my neck).

I returned today for the lovely massage and once again, took out my Blackberry to see when I could schedule again for next week. The therapist, a couple of years older than me said, "You really impressed Susie (the receptionist) the other day. She said she'd never seen somebody so old using a Blackberry."

What ROCK has Susie been living under? I know lots of old people who use Blackberries...I'm just NOT one of them.

Three Quotation Thursday...What Do You Think?

We would worry less about what other people think of us if we realized how seldom they do. Ethel Barrett

Other people are worried about what we think while we're worried about what they think. Apparently, we're just one great big self-absorbed bunch of people. But REALLY, you do like me, don't you?? DON'T YOU!!!??!
---------------------------------------------------

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it well worth the effort. Herm Albright

I'm going to give this one a whirl for a week and see what happens. When somebody throws out a negative/pessimistic thought, I'm going to counter with a happy positive optimistic thought. Want to try it with me and report back in a week?? Comment and commit!
----------------------------------------------------

"Nothing gives a person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances." Thomas Jefferson

I've actually been trying to practice this for a while...sometimes I do better than others BUT, when I can stay unruffled, it can really throw the high strung person off their game.

Duh...Is that a legal term??

The day after I posted about the ungentlemanly conduct of the manager of the Atlanta Bread Company I received this comment...

"ABC couldn't serve you at 7:45 because it would be a breach of their franchise agreement to serve you anything before the opening time explicitly noted in the aforementioned agreement. Duh"

So I'm thinking "DUH"????? What the heck and who is this person commenting on my post with made up legal mumbo jumbo and a DUH!? I was about to get all BELLE on somebody...

It was Legare...

WICKED Swap

I'm pretty sure that I got the best end of the deal in the WICKED Swap hosted by The Pink Clutch. My partner Maureen from Mom Times Two outdid herself. Just opening the box was a treat...she even tied up the packages with orange ribbon for our Clemson family!

My gifts included a Wicked wood sign (and she didn't even know that Wicked is my favorite Broadway show of all time), Icky candy worms, Cute cat candies, Kitchen towels in fall colors, for Entertaining...a festive pumpkin plate, and Maureen's favorite Drink of the day...coffee (MINE TOO!!)

Thank you SO much, Maureen, for the wonderful box of goodies!

Week in Review

1. The Atlanta Bread Company across from the Lexington Medical Center right off of I-26 in the Columbia, SC area is the first recipient of the "You're Should Be Ashamed of Yourself" prize. We were sleepy and caffeine-deprived as we traveled up to Clemson yesterday morning and pulled into ABC at 7:45 thinking we'd get a little sustenance. There were cars...and people holding coffee cups and boxes of food were chatting in the parking lot. We got out of the car and walked right in the door ONLY to hear one of the voices in the parking lot yelling, "Folks...FOLKS...we do not open until 8:00 a.m...You can't go in there." Now let's review...people in parking lot with coffee and food, lights on, door OPEN! Would not selling us two little cups of coffee and a chocolate croissant been the gentlemanly thing for him to do? I say we boycott that particular location of ABC. BOYCOTT, I say! Thank goodness Starbucks a few miles further up the road did not let us down. Pike Place roast and a cranberry orange scone...very nice!

2. Lorelai made the Clemson club softball team. Yep, once again, we're pretty darn proud.

3. In one of Legare's law school classes last week, he had the distinction of being the ONLY person the professor called on for the entire session. Yes indeedy, the spotlight was on the boy! He survived and reports that he doesn't think he sounded "too stupid"; however, the fact he called to tell me about it as he was purchasing a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black might indicate that it was just a tad bit stressful.

4. If you've been following, you know that I took a minimalist approach to tailgating for the first Clemson home game. Here's how things looked this week...MUCH improved, if I do say so myself. We were so hot and hungry after the game that I neglected to get any photos of the food...chicken salad, deviled eggs, homemade pimento cheese, cucumber sandwiches, orange sprinkled sugar cookies, orange and grape soft drinks, Newcastle Brown Ale, and ice cold water. You know, the man next spot over ROLLED his eyes when he heard me say "cucumber sandwiches." Clearly, he's never had a cucumber sandwich...

I Want to Hold Your Hand

I was having a word of prayer (that’s belle-speak for a serious conversation) in a school hallway the other day with a teddy bear of a kid named Darnell. It seems that Darnell, an 8th grader, was having problems staying on task in a couple of his classes. He was daydreaming and annoying the students around him with his fidgeting. This behavior had to stop and since I had about an hour before my next meeting, my very serious question to Darnell was this…Do I need to go with you to your computer applications class and hold your hand so that you’ll pay attention, not bother other people and get your work done?

His reply…just as serious and heartfelt as he could be…Well, you can come sit by me if you really want to but you won’t be able to hold my hand. I’ve got to be able to type!

You can’t make this stuff up…

Todd the Trainer...Again

I suggested to Todd the Trainer this afternoon that if he was just going to stand there and look at me while I was being tortured by the confounded elliptical machine that he might fan me with his clipboard as it was hotter than the hinges of hades in that gym. I even offered to bring him a giant fan next time so that he didn't have to use the clipboard...seemed reasonable to me.

He declined!

AUTUMN Swap

Running Just As Fast As I Can organized an AUTUMN Swap (the first I've ever participated in ) and I just got my package from my swap partner, Preppy Chemist, over at Adventures in Grad School. As you'll see in the picture, I received Awesome candies (gummy yummy), Umber candle (pumpkin spice scent), Tailgating supplies (football dishes), Unique cookie cutters (fall leaves), Mitt (oven), and Napkins (orange, of course). Those dishes will be on my tailgate table THIS Saturday but the candy won't last that long. I just lit the candle and my family room is smelling OH so fallish. This weekend's Clemson cookies will be in the shape of leaves (with orange sugar) and the mitt will keep me from burning myself taking those cookies in and out of the oven. I'm saving the napkins for our October weekend at the Beaufort house with my college friends and their husbands. Life is GOOD! Thanks Partner!!

This is FUN!

Passing Along Awards

It's been a busy week but I'm getting there. Awhile ago Jillian, Inc. gave me this fab award that I need to pass along. I'll pass along the other awards from Zen Ventures soon. Here goes...

Recipients will need to tell us about six things that make them happy and then pass the award along to six other folks. This is what I said...

1. My job...while it can be hectic, I get extraordinary satisfaction from helping others. (
2. My Joe Muggs coffee mug.
3. Alone time with my husband.
4. Staying home on a rainy day.
5. Chai Tea Latte on a cold day.
6. A good book...

I'm passing the award along to six fab (yes, that's my word today...fab, fab, fab, fab) bloggers...You GO girls!!! I check in with you every chance I get.

Mamasphere

Pink Clutch

Happy Daily

A Little Piece of Heaven


MCC (Private Blog)

Classy Chaos

McMommy Wins the Life of a Southern Belle Award

Dang...McMommy is GOOD in case you didn't already know. Her $30 Investment post put her over the top to receive the Life of a Southern Belle Award. She managed to get her pediatrician's cell phone number in style...STYLE, I say! Hop on over there and read all about it.

Game Day...A New Obsession

Oh my goodness...we just had the most WONDERFUL time yesterday at Clemson's first home game. Hank and I are very committed to the institutions of higher learning that we attended but neither of them had a football team so our children did not grow up spending Saturdays in a stadium. Lorelai text messaged me in the middle of the game with this...I can't believe that you've deprived me of this experience for my whole entire life!!!!! So...it looks like we've become a member of the Clemson football family. I do; however, have a bit of "tailgate envy." Yesterday we went with a minimalist approach as I wanted to survey the situation, but give me few weeks and I'll have it ALL figured out by the Georgia Tech at Clemson game. You'll see a picture in my slide show of a really nice setup complete with portable satellite dish and television. We won't be going quite THAT nice...

Three Quotation Thursday...What Do You Think?

"Politics is not the art of the possible. It consists in choosing between the disastrous and the unpalatable. " John Kenneth Galbraith (1908 - 2006)

Perhaps I'm a little cynical as we wrap up the second week of political conventions. Last week was a blast (please don't call me an "eastern liberal elite"). I love conventions...it's like Super Bowl Sunday every night. I've been pretty hard on Sarah Palin this week but she just gave a pretty good performance...most definitely more appealing than Senator McCain. Too bad she can't be at the top of the ticket. I just worry about that sweet little baby boy of hers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's one more from Legare....

"The Palin family should have their own TV reality show."

Well, son....it looks like they've got it! Anybody who signs on to go for the goal at this level has to expect to live under a microscope...it's just a shame that their children have to endure it as well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Moving away from the political commentary...not being a fan of "The Wizard of Oz" this quote really hit home with me...LOL

Transported to a surreal landscape, a young girl kills the first woman she meets and then teams up with three complete strangers to kill again.
Rick Polito, Marin Independent Journal's TV listing for "The Wizard of Oz"

Whine and Cheese...Can a Man Measure Up?

How's that for a provocative post title? Hank and I went to a lovely "whine and cheese" gathering tonight. Everybody there sent a child off to college this year...some, like us, sent the baby of the family. We had a marvelous time and got to compare notes with several folks that we don't see very often. All in all each parent is holding up pretty well and our kids are happily settling in to new routines, as are we.

Blogging came up in the conversation and heavenly days, y'all know how I love attention!

The question of the night was, "Can a man get the Life of a Southern Belle Award?" I never really thought about it but I can't think of a reason why not. After all, it is MY award that I give when I feel so inspired. The award is named for ME, the southern belle, and doesn't necessarily imply that it is only to be given to women. I am inclined to declare that a man can indeed receive the award IF he can measure up. This is what I've said before about the award...Southern Belleness transcends geography....it is a philosophy...a state of mind...style and substance...wit and charm...joy and sunshine...grit and determination...love...respect, and so much more. The standards for receiving the award are high indeed. I kind of just have an epiphany when the time is right based on reading the magic words or seeing the magic photos.

OK MEN...bring it on!! I rarely run across a blog written by a man...I need recommendations! Blogging gals...whatcha got? Maybe I'll take nominations...we're going to have to think this through. Tell me what you think!

A Guy in a Gorilla Suit...Happy Holiday Weekend

We're headed out for a couple of days for some rest and relaxation. I haven't forgotten that I need to pass along several awards...

Several people have asked about Lorelai...she's loving college life but as expected, it has been an adjustment. Chemistry seems to be the class she's most concerned about and having been used to going to high school classes that met everyday, she's learning to adjust her study habits accordingly. Clemson is great in offering supplemental instruction for the tougher courses and she's taking full advantage of those as well as the parties and fun. She decided at the last minute not to rush as she didn't want anything to distract her from figuring out how to manage her academic work load. It would have been fine with us if she'd participated but I thought that it was very mature on her part to have such a good sense of herself that she made the decision on her own to opt out.

I had to laugh...looking at her Facebook page the other day I noticed she'd written..."Just saw a guy in a gorilla suit being escorted back to his dorm by the CU Police...no lie." I didn't laugh as much when I realized that she'd written this at 1:26 AM BUT...I'm old....what can I say!

We'll be headed that direction next weekend for the first home football game against The Citadel and hope that she'll be able to find a couple of hours to spend with her old mom and dad.
We're VERY excited even though as first year season's ticket holders out tickets are WAY up in the stratosphere!

I came across this photo of Lor and me taken back in April as we were leaving for our girls' spa weekend in Savannah with my college roommate and her daughter.

Everybody have a great, happy, and safe holiday weekend.

Fall Swap- All About Me!

Preppy Mama is hosting a Fall swap. She provided us with some questions that we could answer to help our swap partner decide what to send. Here are my answers...

Do you have any hobbies? Blogging is the latest and greatest. I love to read...enjoying cooking when I have time. This fall we're Clemson crazy.

Do you enjoy crafting? I piddle with scrapbooking and have been working on a yo yo quilt for two years...can't quite get there.


5 Favorite things you can’t live without. ONLY FIVE? That's tough...books, coffee, chocolate, my digital camera, computer.

Do you have any Children or pets? I'm not much of a pet person but we do have a little maltese named Precious (she's not) and an orange cat named Boo. Two children...Legare, age 22 and a first year law student at University of North Carolina, and Lorelai, age 18, a freshman at Clemson.

Favorite things to do in the fall. Organize (anytime seasons change I have an overwhelming desire to clean out closets and drawers), wrap up in a quilt and read or watch movies, eat fair food, start my Christmas list and shopping, wear sweaters.

What makes you think of fall? longer days, falling leaves, football games, the start of school

Favorite treats? Lindt truffles, Gummy Lifesavers, Harbro Gummy Fruit Salad

Favorite color combo. pink and green for sure, brown and turquoise,

Any allergies? No, thank goodness

Favorite autumn scent? apple, cinnamon, pumpkin....

Oh My WORD...I am overwhelmed but in a fabulously fantastic wonderful way!!!

Jillian, Inc (an inspiration to this new blogger) is passing along awards today also and has graced me with the Kreativ Blogger Award. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. (I'm feeling such pressure...what if I turn out to be a colossal blogging disappointment to all of these ladies who have passed awards along to me...NO....I won't even consider it....I can do this....I WILL NOT DISAPPOINT YOU, I PROMISE!)

OK...I'm better now. I need to list six things that make me happy and then pass the award along to six other folks. I'm going to go ahead and do the list (in no particular order) then I'll pass the award along next weekend after I've had time to think. (plus then I'll post the pretty award button again and make myself look ALL important.)

1. My job...while it can be hectic, I get extraordinary satisfaction from helping others.
2. My Joe Muggs coffee mug.
3. Alone time with my husband.
4. Staying home on a rainy day.
5. Chai Tea Latte on a cold day.
6. A good book...

and a bunch of other things...Thanks again, Jillian, Inc...I'm honored.

More Amazing Awards...I'm Humbled...

Maracris over at Zen Ventures made my day...The blog world has been good to me in the last week or so. She's passed along a couple of awards for which I am truly TRULY thankful. I never dreamed that blogging would be such a wonderful outlet and that I'd "meet" so many amazing people who share similar interests. Thank you, Maracris, for the honor and vote of confidence

I'm going to think on (that's belle-speak for consider, weigh my options, research the possibilities) who I'll be passing the joy on to for a few days and report out at the end of the week. I'm swamped at work what with the start of school and worked diligently to stockpiled several posts over the weekend to get me through the week. I'll find the time to read through my faves, comment, and moderate comments until the weekend rolls around.

And the next Life of a Southern Belle Award goes to...

Petunia in Paradise!!! It was her post "i heart" and these lines in particular that put her over the top..."I 'heart' this handbag which just arrived at Gucci this week. And just left Gucci this week. In my car." If those aren't southern belle words than I'll hush my mouth.

Petunia is a class act...a preppy wife and mother who loves living in the south, shopping, decorating, and just plain old enjoying life. We have a fair amount in common, including but not limited to a love for the movie The Big Chill and Lilly Pulitzer.

Jump on over there to say congratulations and see what is happening in Petunia's world. You won't be disappointed.
--------------------------------------------------------------

A few friends have asked how this award is given...For those of you who aren't familiar with the award, sometimes I read things that just inspire me or tickle me to no end and I say to myself....now that gal is a Southern Belle. Southern Belleness transcends geography....it is a philosophy...a state of mind...style and substance...wit and charm...joy and sunshine...grit and determination...love...respect, and so much more. The standards for receiving the award are high indeed. I kind of just have an epiphany when the time is right based on reading the magic words or seeing the magic photos.

Congratulations Petunia...

Cute Cute Note Pad Giveaway

These are so CUTE. Melissa at MCC Designs has created some great notepads. You can see samples at her Etsy Shop and you can enter the giveaway by e-mailing her of your interest at mccaligiuri@aol.com so that she can send you the password to her private blog. She'll even do custom design. CHECK IT OUT!

My First Ever Award from Petunia in Paradise

I'm speechless (but not blogless)...Petunia in Paradise has graced me with my first ever award! Ta DAH...It is a Diamond and "diamonds are a girl's best friend" after all. I'm channeling Sally Field..."you like me...you really like me!" (and I like you too, Petunia...you're cool!) Clearly, I'm carrying on so because I AM without words. This means a lot...A LOT to me. Blogging has helped me find my voice again...one that I had once a long time ago but that got lost for a little while in all of the busyness of raising a family and living life. I started blogging last spring, with the goal of keeping an online journal for my children. It helps me to be more centered...to some that will sound silly but not to you, my blog friends. I appreciate this award more than anybody can possibly realize.


Now, back to business...

Here are the rules:

1. when you received a diamond, make a post about it on your blog

2. name the blogger from whom you got it

3. award the diamonds to seven other bloggers

4. link them

5. and tell them, that they got one!

SO...wow, this is tough. I've looked back over comments from my very short blog life and have several gals who have been super-supportive for awhile now....new friends as well....can't give this to but seven....my head is spinning. Here goes...don't despair friends, if you don't get this today. I hope I'll be able to share more bloggy love soon.

1. On the Upside

2. Life Is Better With...A Cute Outfit

3. A Little Bit of Life On the Side

4. It's Toile, Y'all

5. Jillian, Inc

6. The Pink Owl

7. Mommy Cracked

Congratulations Ladies...lots of you already have more awards that you can count and there's a reason for that. You're fabulous bloggers and an inspiration to others. Thanks for that!

Check It Out As Fast As You Can

A GIVEAWAY! Go on over to The Pink Owl and enter the Gold Medal Giveaway. I like this blog a lot...it doesn't hurt that she's from Clemson...

Quotations this Southern Belle Favors...Share One, Why Don'tcha

Let's call this "Three Quotation Thursday"

Do you agree with my observations (in italics)? How about share one of your favorites with me...Please!!

"South Carolina is too small for a republic and too large for a lunatic asylum."-J.L. Petigru (I've lived here all my life...explains a lot, huh?)

“I haven't got the slightest idea how to change people, but still I keep a long list of prospective candidates just in case I should ever figure it out.”-David Sedaris
(We can dream, can't we? Isn't there at least ONE person out there you'd change if you could?)

"My theory is that if you look confident you can pull off anything - even if you have no clue what you're doing." -Jessica Alba
(Now I've never though of Jessica Alba as a great thinker BUT I think she has a point.)

I'm looking forward to lots of comments!!

Shuckin' in the Park

There is a park in our town and every year in the spring they hold an oyster roast (yum yum) event which is appropriately named Shuckin' in the Park. It's a pretty big deal...we love oysters in these parts and on this evening you pay a flat entry fee and get all the oysters you can eat. We don't go to socialize...no siree...oyster eating is serious business...SERIOUS business. We have our own monogrammed oyster knives and oyster eating gloves.

(Click here for info on How to Have an Oyster Roast)

A couple of years ago, my friend Ann and I were taking a walk through the park on Sunday afternoon after the Saturday night shuckin'. There is a boardwalk that meanders along the river. As you stroll you experience an abundance of wildlife and of nature's bounty. As we were nearing the end of the boardwalk, we rounded a curve and slowed down as we saw a young man snapping pictures ahead of us. We slowed...we didn't stop...and as we got closer we saw what he was photographing. First a pile of clothing and then his lady friend (wife, who knows) about five feet in front of him BUCK NAKED. She started shrieking and trying to cover herself as he motioned to us and said, "Oh, you can walk on by." My response, "Oh, I don't think so....GIVE HER THE CLOTHES!" in my best school teacher voice. Apparently this guy was a moron and the girl not a lot smarter...then again, maybe she was the moron...he wasn't naked in a public park in broad daylight. People take their children to walk around the park on Sunday afternoon.

The experience gave a whole new meaning to nature, wildlife and Shuckin' in the Park.

A Fun Giveaway...(I want it, I want it, I want it...)

Now that Legare and Lorelai are settled in their new digs, I have some unprecedented blog surfing time. I came across this giveaway over at The Fun House. I really REALLY want to win but I know I cannot be selfish and covet the Lush products basket (but I NEED it....NEED IT!!!!) I'm OK...really, I am...

Go on over there and enter the contest. See the pretty button over to the right of this post. Just click...

Maybe I should do a giveaway...stockpile some good karma for my own winning potential...

Moving Day...Mission Accomplished

Oh, Hank and I did so well. We didn't cry or anything. Everybody was calm and collected. Lorelai was just SO happy and everything went smoothly. We're 'bout exhausted but a good night's sleep in our own bed will do the trick. One of Lor's best friends, Lane (yes indeedy, another Gilmore Girls reference) moved up today also and I think the girls and both sets of parents have a better sense of well-being knowing they can rely on each other if they need to. The only downside was the SEVEN flights of stairs. The elevators were for the big things and the line was forever and a day long. At least it wasn't so terribly hot. I've made an attempt at a slide show...hope it works...

Enjoying the Moment

We're counting down. Tomorrow afternoon we leave for Greenville, where we'll spend the night and drive on up to Clemson on Saturday morning for the BIG DAY! If we haven't bought it I don't think they make it (yet I fret that we've forgotten something). I'm pooped!

I got to work this morning and said, "OK...I'm done here, see you on Monday" and left. Imagine life being more important than work...novel idea. Why do we wear ourselves slap out at work so that we're too tired to enjoy the sweeter moments in our lives...moving a child to college is a major milestone. I want to be rested so that we can enjoy the experience, not so tired and stressed that we spend the day snapping at each other. I'm proud of myself for walking away (to take vacation time that's mine to start with...go figure) so that I can enjoy the next couple of days.

Lorelai is ready...Hank and I are as ready as we're gonna get. GO TIGERS!

Lowcountry Kids and The Little Ghost Girl

Lorelai is trying to fit lots of activity into her last week before heading to Clemson. The other night, she and her best friends stayed out at Molly's house which happens to be located on the property of Mulberry Plantation. To people who don't live in our area, "plantation life" might sound like something out of Gone With The Wind but in our area which is so rich from historical and natural resource perspectives, well, it's not unusual to know any number of people who live and/or work on plantations that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

As an aside...it's important to note that lowcountry kids (note also that "lowcountry kid" is a term like "southern belle"....just because you live here doesn't mean that you ARE one and vice versa) grow up in a beautiful world. They are well-mannered, well-educated, and know how to entertain, but they also know their way around a deer stand, a dove shoot, how to call a turkey, ride a four-wheeler or tractor, throw a shrimp net, catch and clean a crab, etc. Not just the boys either...us girly girls put on our wellies and join right in. The lowcountry of SC is a great place to live.

Well...I birdwalked a bit there. ANYHOW...at Mulberry, there is a ghost...a little girl whose name, I believe, is Robin. She comes and goes and the way you know she's been around is a very strong smell of perfume. Lor and her pals were hunkered down in one of the cabins...several were watching TV....Lor and Ashley were in the bedroom talking. They walked out to see what the others were doing for about five minutes and when they went back into the bedroom the smell of perfume was overpowering...all around the bed the Lor had been sitting on. Clearly, the little one wanted that bed for her own so Lor QUICKLY moved her pillow and all of her things OUT of the way. When our girls went back in an hour or so later her glasscase was back on the bed. We're thinking Robin felt bad about scaring them. More likely than not, the little ghost girl just wanted to join in the fun, bless her heart.

I know what you're wondering...does Belle REALLY believe in ghosts or was some prankster just playing a practical joke? The answer is maybe...to both!

Book Swap

Creative Momma has organized a book swap. Thought I'd give it a whirl. I have two gently used books I'd be happy to swap. I'm providing the Barnes and Noble link so that interested folks can see what they're all about.

The first selection is Plato Not Prozac! Applying Philosophy to Everyday Problems. I haven't the slightest idea why I bought it! I've never taken Prozac and I'm not that into Plato. Go figure!

The second selection is The Appeal by John Grisham. Hank and I both read it and liked it quite a bit. We're partial to "lawyer stories."

As I understand the process, the first person to comment that they want the book gets the book. We'll see how it goes this week. I have stacks and stacks of books that I'd love to swap.

The Life of a Southern Belle Award Goes To...

KELLEN...of On the Upside and On the Flipside and soon to be On the Darkside.

I just am so inspired by the manner in which she multi-tasks and is so dedicated and maintaining two (almost three) blogs, and by how much she loves her children, extended family and her wonderful husband of 25 years. It's clear from all of the comments that she receives everyday that she is not just an inspiration to me but to many many others as well.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the award, I'm continually discovering new blogs that I enjoy reading and sometimes I read things that just inspire me or tickle me to no end and I say to myself....now that gal is a Southern Belle. Southern Belleness transcends geography....it is a philosophy...a state of mind...style and substance...wit and charm...joy and sunshine...grit and determination...love...respect, and so much more. The standards for receiving the award are high indeed.

Congratulations KELLEN...You're a Southern Belle!!

Dress Code

Not much time...been shopping for last minute school things for Lorelai and company is coming for supper; HOWEVER, I must say something to the multitude of "Glamour Don'ts" that we saw all over Charleston today. I would never take pictures but if I had, they would have looked like some of the ones you'll see if you click onto the Glamour link...except no bathing suits. Our day did not, unfortunately, include sitting in the sand or by the pool.

Attention Please, Some People of the Lowcountry: Just because they make it and sell it in your size...well...that doesn't mean that you should buy it and wear it. That goes for men, women, and teenagers... tall people, short people, skinny people, and fluffy people. HAVE MERCY (and a little dignity), please, I beg you!

SWOOZIE'S

Y'all!!!! Do you know about Swoozie's? I saw a feature in a magazine not long ago with these gorgeous glasses and had to order them. They're made of hard plastic...I got three pink and three green. Swoozie's suggests that they are for mojitos, but I smile every single time I pull one out of the cabinet, even if it's just for a drink of water. Not sure where all they have store locations but I know there's one in Greenville, SC and one in Durham. Check out the website...they're having a summer sale!! Go, go, go... as fast as your little fingers will type...

I'm a Fast Learner

My friends and I are getting to the age where our parents are getting older and more prone to illness. Let me tell you, if your parents are in good health fall down on your knees right now and count your blessings. In our case, Hank and I both have mothers (well of course we have mothers, we didn't just APPEAR....you know what I meant) who can be challenging, but I'll let him tell his own stories.

My 39-year old Downs Syndrome brother Ned, a delight to all who know him, lives with my mother who is 80 and suffering from dementia. They will eventually have to move to a different living situation but in the meantime, we have a wonderful lady, Tess, who helps mother out everyday and who I declare is an angel dropped right down from heaven to keep me from losing my mind.

I was seven when Ned was born and Mother loved and protected him fiercely as well she should. He was a very sick baby. She and my daddy would alternate 24 hours shifts at the hospital in Charleston (90 miles away from my childhood home), not once ever leaving that little baby alone until he was able to come home at around four months. My grandmother and assorted aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors soldiered on at home, keeping my little 2nd grade world moving along with nary a hitch. Mother gave herself and her life over entirely to Ned's care and it has been thus for almost 40 years now. She's done a wonderful job with him...he is a character in this world!

Mother, by her own admission, was distracted but nevertheless I was raised properly as all good belles are, with lots of attention from lots of people. I don't remember being unhappy one single moment and probably got TOO much attention, hence the reason I love the limelight so much as an adult!! One of our little old ladies, Miss Peggy, is the mother of my best childhood friend and was a tremendous influence on the person I became. Miss Peggy, along with my grandmother and my daddy's late sister Zoie, are the women from my youth that I have the most fondness for. Mother did not care so much for Zoie....as a matter of fact, in her mind, the worst insult she can level to this day is to say, "You are JUST like Zoie!!!" I take it as a complement...a HIGH complement.

As mother progresses further into the dementia, she has trouble remembering what we discussed five minutes ago, but can remember in vivid detail what happened 50 or 60 years ago. She is often anxious, and for awhile I would try to reason with her...that was idiotic on my part...she cannot be reasoned with on certain days when the least little thing can throw her into a tailspin. I try my best to go with the flow but it can be hard, and sometimes strangers get really confused (and amused) when they overhear our conversations. Here's one from a doctor's office waiting room recently...


B = Me and M = Mother


M: Did you see that man who just walked out of the door?

B: Yes ma'am

M: He looks like Frank Boykin? Do you remember Frank Boykin?

B: Now remind me who that is?

M: He was the school principal from Point Pleasant who I dated when I first started teaching school.

(I must interject here, that her first year of teaching was 1948 or 49. I wasn't born until 1961.)

B: No ma'am, I don't believe I remember him. (in a perfect world the conversation would have ended right here.)

M: Yes you DO...I dated Frank and then I met your daddy when I moved to Hamilton. Now I KNOW you remember Frank. We took all those seniors on their class trip to Niagara Falls and oh my goodness, they misbehaved shamefully. I was so mad because we were supposed to stop in New York City and Frank just told that bus driver to head straight for South Carolina...didn't that man look just like Frank Boykin??

B: (here I make a big mistake trying to reason with her) Mother, how could I remember him....I wasn't born....you hadn't even MET daddy. I've never heard you mention Frank Boykin.

(by now everybody in the waiting room is fully engaged in our little conversation...waiting rooms are boring, I really can't blame them)

M: You DO TO remember Frank Boykin!!!!!!!!! I don't know why you have to be so difficult...I don't want to hurt your feelings but you are JUST like Zoie. JUST LIKE HER...She was one of the most difficult people I have EVER met and you are JUST like her. I hope you're happy!

(I made every effort to look properly chastised and picked up a magazine...three minutes later...I SWEAR...)


M: Did you see that man who just walked out of the door?

B: Yes ma'am

M: He looks like Frank Boykin? Do you remember Frank Boykin?

B: You know, I was just sitting here thinking that he reminded me of Frank...Frank from Point Pleasant, right? Do you remember that trip to Niagara Falls?

(I'm a fast learner...)

UHaul...Apartment...Heavy Lifting...Shopping...More Heavy Lifting...

Historic UNC

Whew...Hank and I are back. Legare is happily situated in his new apartment with everything he needs but cable, internet, and a mattress. The cable and internet will be taken care of in the morning and the mattress will be in stock and delivered on Wednesday morning. The mattress store must have been having a slow day because when I declared in typical fashion..."this will not DO...he HAS to have something to sleep on besides an air mattress before THEN!" The little salesman hopped to it and gave us a twin mattress for him to sleep on in the meantime.

Chapel Hill seems to be a very nice place to live. We stayed at The Carolina Inn on the UNC campus...it's about time for them to do a little face lift in the rooms, but it's just so charming that we've always stayed there when in the area.

We located a very nice shopping area...Southpoint...and were able to purchased all of the things we didn't take. I came across a store not far from Legare's apartment that I can't believe I've never heard of...A Southern Season...it is MECCA!

Here are a few photos of his room in progress. One of the roommates is bringing the living room furniture so there isn't much to see just now except for his room, sans mattress. Things are still a little cluttered as you can tell, but it'll get there.

I don't think he really wanted to take the Wildlife Expo print of the puppies from back in the 80's but it was one of the first things we purchased for his "big boy" room when he graduated from a crib. I kind of insisted!

I found the neatest wall hanging at A Southern Season. It's a scene from a North Carolina vs Duke game back in the 1930's. Naturally, UNC won. Thanks so much for all of the words of encouragement I've received as we've prepared for the move.

Like I said before...it's bittersweet!

Finally, one photo of the law school building where Legare will be spending the next three years of his life and one of him humoring his mother standing outside of his new apartment. NOW, we're on the two week countdown for Lorelai's move to Clemson. Like I said at the beginning of this post...WHEW!!!

The Award I'm Going to Award

I'm so excited...Shannon over at EightCrazy Design designed a wonderful custom button for the new award that I'm going to give as I feel so inspired. Here it is!

I'm discovering new blogs that I enjoy reading everyday and sometimes I read things that just tickle me to no end and I say to myself....now that gal is a Southern Belle. Southern Belleness transcends geography....it is a philosophy...a state of mind...style and substance...wit and charm...joy and sunshine...grit and determination...love...respect, and so much more.

I don't know how often I'll give the award...but I can tell you that I'm going to give the first one....TA DAH....right now.

I read a post on July 17, by P over at Life is Better With A...Cute Outfit. She threw the most amazing birthday party for her daughter complete with a pink limousine, and they Partied Like ROCK STARS. I left her a comment then and there that she was going to get the first award as soon as it was ready so P...Congratulations on being the FIRST recipient of the Southern Belle Award. Readers...mosey on over and see what it's all about.

There are several contenders for the next round, but I'm going to have to sign off until Sunday night. We leave bright and early tomorrow morning to move Legare to his new apartment in beautiful Chapel Hill, NC.

Stay tuned! More awards to come soon!

Lost

We have a recurring problem in our house. We become obsessed with things...television shows mostly. We stay so busy that we record shows and movies on the DVR and then watch them a day or two later, skipping the commercials. We are still mourning the loss of West Wing and The Sopranos. If I ever need a lawyer I want Alan Shore from Boston Legal and if he needs a special investigator he can call Monk or Shawn and Gus from Psych. I want my next door neighbors to be the Gilmore Girls and the main street in our town to look like Stars Hollow. I want to go Dancing with the Stars with Max as my partner and take Paula Abdul's place as the middle judge on American Idol. I need Bree from Desperate Housewives to help me organize my home and I want to drink coffee in Nora's kitchen on Brothers and Sisters.

Sometimes, though, because we're so busy, we miss out on a really good series until a year or two (or three) after it has started. You should have seen us trying to catch up on two year's worth of The Sopranos. Then there was Deadwood and right behind that came Rome.

About a month ago, I kind of randomly put the first season of Lost in my Netflix queue. OH my goodness...Hank and I are hooked. Last night I was so tired that my eyes were rolling back in my head as we finished the first season and tried to get through the beginning of the second season. Jack, Kate, Hurley, John Locke, Claire and her precious little baby boy...then there's Charlie, Michael and Walt, Sayid...even Sawyer...they are now my friends and they're LOST! (I know I sound crazy...believe me...I know!) I'm having to force myself to stay off of the website so that I don't ruin the surprises to come.

Any other fans out there?

Coconut Cake and Wise Words

Trying to cheer up Lorelai AND make the most of our last weekend with Legare at home was something of a challenge but as usual, we were able to come to a meeting of the minds over a delicious dinner. Our friends, Tom and Ann and their two boys went with us to Peninsula Grill. If you live anywhere near Charleston you simply must go. As a matter of fact, I need to put it on the list of things that never disappoint. If you don't order another thing, go for the coconut cake. Heaven on a plate...that's what it is!

We made it a night of celebration...law school, college, first summer job, going into senior year of college, anniversary, birthday, retirement, and new job. Something for everybody!! We had a marvelous time. Ann won the prize for making the most profound statement of the evening. As she said goodnight to Legare, knowing she won't see him again before he moves, she left him with this parting remark, "Remember who you are and what you stand for." Wise words...I wish I'd thought of them.

Just a few photos below of our good looking children... Legare does not appreciate my enthusiasm for wanting to capture the moment. In the top photograph, he was about to tell me that I looked like a tourist.

God has a heck of a way....

Lorelai met a boy on the cruise with whom she has been corresponding quite a bit. He was going to come for a visit this weekend. I was leary, but she really wanted to see him again and we certainly were not going to allow her to go to visit his family, not knowing them or anybody who knows them. He stopped calling her the day before he was expected. When she called to inquire as to whether or not he was OK, he was "sleeping" and that was the end of that. No word since. It was kind of like prom weekend all over again. Devastating to her and maddening and exhausting for us.

I know that the characters on The Sopranos aren't real people, but I need to call my friend Rob and ask him to get his Uncle Vito to pay this young man a visit. I've never met Vito but I imagine that he looks kind of like Paulie, on the left there in the picture. I'd feel better if somebody could teach this fellow a lesson about living up to an obligation.

I guess my question is this. What in the world has happened to common decency? All this boy had to do was call and say, "I'm not going to be able to come for a visit." How hard is that? Given what we now know, I'm certainly glad that he did not come, but no mother wants to see her child's feelings crushed. Even though Lorelai invited some friends over to swim and hang out, it really put a damper on her 18th birthday and it brought out the worst in me. I can't figure out a loving way to convince her that who she is and how she feels about herself should not be contingent on the attention of a boy. (Any words of wisdom???) All of my attempts come across sounding hardhearted...then we argue and she stomps off and yells "I can't wait to get out of this house" and I'm thinking...."God really has a heck of a way of getting us ready to let go." We're on this wild roller coaster of emotion...everybody but Legare. He just watches and listens and I know he's thinking..."one more week....one more week!"

Yes indeed...God really does have a heck of a way...