excuse me, ma'am.

{loud ear piercing sirens blaring}
I pull over.

Officer: It would appear that you have been going way too fast on this highway of k.Mac.

Me: I am so sorry sir. There's just been a lot on my mind with orders to complete and all the configuring work it takes to do a new website. I guess I haven't noticed the speed limit signs.

Officer: Well, allow me to point out one in particular to you. You see this one? It reads "Snow Day. No schools in Hamiton County." And this one beside it says, "I want to watch a movie with my wife today."

Me: Do you think we could play "Cops and Robbers?" {snicker.grin}

Have a great Friday, everyone!

.mac :)

Saturated

This would be the color on my nails as we speak. I have been wearing this color for about 4 days now and am in love. It's OPI's Greenwitch Village.

I don't normally get all jazzed about wearing funky colors on my nails (now my toenails...that's a completely different story), but I specifically wanted to start 2010 off with a little edge.

Are you a nail girl? I can remember from the time I was just a little pip squeak in pig tails watching my mom maneuver loading and driving us in the car with her nails tacky wet! I can see her taut, slender fingers enunciated from any and all objects. It never failed, that sister always waited until 6 minutes before it was time to leave to paint her nails. And somehow, she always seemed to work it out. The color above resembles a color my mom would always choose only in a Revlon shade. This is OPI's Innsbruck Bronze.


Purple is supposed to be a really hot color in fashion this season. I am contemplating making OPI's Purple on Purpose my February signature shade. And this color is HANDS DOWN a must have in your nail polish library. The perfect anytime red. I particularly love it for my transition from summer to fall. This is OPI's I'm Not Really A Waitress.OPI's Baby It's Coal Outside.

And that's the kicker for me. Not only are OPI's nail colors great as far their durability and easy application, but they also have the coolest names.

OPI's Glamour Game.

I like this one too. Looks like a great winter shade as well as the perfect change up shade from all your razzy brights in summer.

Not gonna lie. These thoughts have always been a-swirl in my noggin:

1. I would secretly love to work for OPI.
2. I would love to be the one who named the polishes and collections.
3. I wonder if I could be a tester for new colors and then write up summaries on my opinion.

And here's my latest obsession. This hue was from 2009's Holiday Wishes Collection. It's called Dear Santa. It was sold out in all area stores, but I have coveted it online and actually spotted it on 2 different ladies out and about.

Don't think for one second I didn't skeedaddle on up to these complete strangers only to confirm that they were, in fact, wearing "Dear Santa".

Cause a girl's gotta know.

So nail color fanatics unite! You just have to go check out OPI's website. I mean whoa. Completely and totally over the top fun. They even have a cyber hand model where you can try on all the colors and even decide what nail length she should have.

Cyber hand paper dolls....EEK!

And don't EVEN get me started on the whole advertisement regarding coordinating your next DELL computer in your favorite OPI shade. Brilliance. Sheer brilliance. My new DELL would be Cajun Shrimp, no doubt. But alas, my next computer will be a MAC.

Initials vs. Nail Colored Computers

You know initials win out.

OPI's Cajun Shrimp (MY signature color)

Lacquer feens, like myself, go peruse this site. It has a great deal on shipping if you plan on ordering larger quantities. I love the high end organization all of the shades to maximize your shopping experience. Placing an order with them this week! Yep, Dear Santa will be on my packing slip.

So whether it's nail color or not, go on. Get saturated something you lOvE!

.mac :)

Dancing Queens

I'm a dancer. You know this, right?

Evidence to support this statement can be found here for those doubters.

Well, it turns out, Mollye is too. You MUST go see this girl in FULL SWING here.

{MUST}

Matter of fact, leave that sweet S-I-L of mine a comment if you want. She is ready to take blogging by storm and could use a little comment-love for inspiration!

I cannot tell you how much fun this little Mollye is.
She is FULL of personality and strong will.

I eat her up everytime I am around her.
That prissy little walk-waddle of hers just melts me.

And if you think for one second that Aunt Meg won't be going out dancing with her when she's of age and ready...YOU.ARE.DEAD.WRONG!

Yeah, I might be like 50 something, but I am pretty sure I will still be able to shake it.

Oh for the love of the dance.

.mac :)

p.s. One of my new year's resolutions is to join a square dance club. Yes, alone. Kenny would not even think of doing something like this. And that's okay. This sister can rock out all by herself. I'm torn between a clogging group or a square dance club. You think I'm joking, don't you? Nope.

It's a tricky decision, girls. Tricky.

They BOTH have the most imortants to me:

• music
• dancing
• short uber ruffly dresses

The square dancing advantage:

• PARTNERS!
• TWIST AND LOOPS!
• SWINGS AND SWIRLS!

The clogging advantage:

• TAP SHOES THAT MAKE THE PERFECT CLICK-CLACK SOUND!

Which one would you go with? Do tell.

p.p.s. I am fully aware that my header is still "ode to Christmas 2009". My Photoshop has a huge ailment unidentified. My tech support (Kenny) is working dilligently to perform the appropriate doctoring needed. Hang tight and each time you click on my blog find nostalgia for Christmas past. Grrr..PC...muffle...%$##...hmph.

Simply Seven

I just recently read an article in the latest {Real Simple} magazine. The article stated that there really should only be 7 things on a daily to-do list.

On a side note here, they also had a super-fine article on how to know if your bra is too tight. I was quite intrigued with my personal discoveries. Seems the back fat you see from a bra is actually due to 2 factors:

1. You kinda have a squishy back.

2. You are actually wearing your bra too loose in the back. Cuh-razy.

Anywho, back to the ole #7.

For all of those list makers out there. Yes, I am talking to myself here too. Seven is all you need per day. Now, I realize there a lot of self-fulfilling listers out there like my S-I-L Kim who actually makes up stuff to check off her list. You know tiny tasks that she just completed. Well, she writes them down just so she can check them off. She willingly admitted this to me over Christmas and well, I just had to share.

Or perhaps you are like my good friend Stella. Stella is the guru of order and multi-tasking. This woman, I kid you not, has a color coding system complete with all the bells and whistles per day to keep her life more peaceful and progressive.

Then there's me. Remember, the steno pad?

Whether you are intricate or ignorant to the world of tasking, this article promotes 7 things per day.

I like this number as it seems peaceful though odd.

{I usually lean nicely on even numbers.}

I am working on a daily checklist to use in my life. Once complete, I hope to create it into a pdf download for anyone interested in using this too.

This daily checklist also includes my own personal twist on ready rest reminders and projecting tomorrows.

I am hopeful this list will keep me more accountable to myself, my family, my friends and my community. I will be sure to keep you posted on its completion!

So, 2010 is here. WOW.

What's in store for you?

Come on, resolutions abound.

Share a little of your light here!

.mac :)

The Plunge

A receptacle of necessity.
Dumped on.
And in.
Stagnate and Dingy.
Stained.
A container of waste.
It.
Me.
{One in the same.}
Clogged and compacted.
Full of poison.
It overflows.
So do I.
Plumbing problems are always internal.
And sometimes you just have to sit in your own stink.
Sit and Smell.
Cold and contaminated.
Then with a quick repetitious suck.swirl.flush...
You are clear.
{A few sprays and swipe downs later.}
Fresh.
Disinfected.
Sterile.
An alabaster white vessel.
Vacant.

I can't quite tell you why the toilet has been on my mind today. Perhaps it is because I live with 3 boys. Yes, let's blame it on that. Constantly preaching for a steady aim and clean no-drip finish, I do. Results don't always end up that way though.

And isn't that life?

There are so many facets of my life that I strive for that steady aim and clean no-drip finish. But alas, the stench lingers. Potent and pungent is the aroma of my shortcomings and mistakes.

How I long for a life as crisply breathtaking and inspiring as what you see here.

Manicured.

Perfection

Vivid colors saturated and complimentary.

Yet, no.

And why is it that we all seem to think that life, in fact, should be that way? And that if and when it is not, we are the ones loosing it, cooky, or just not up to par.

Progress.

Change.

Dedication.

Desire.

Pattern sculpting.

The heart of the matter.

That's what life is really about. And least I am leaning towards this mental mantra right now.

I am adamant that my toilets will not reek of urine. No sir. Not in THIS house.

But, I go at it all wrong. And this just occurred to me today. You see, I stock up on cleaning supplies with all the best advertisements and guarantees. Then multiple times a week I spray all 3 toilets from top to bottom with these magic chemicals.

And then...

I let them soak in.

I do.

The spray turns into sticky residue and then a cloudy dried film on my johns.

Why?

Because my intentions aren't matched with my actions.

I over plan and under-achieve.

And before you know it, I have waisted countless 1/2 bottles of disinfectant and still have only dirty potties.

Does that sound like life to you?

I'm gonna attempt to stop that right here and right now.

I am plunging.

Can you see me?

My plungers:

1. This book and this book. I will read and take notes. I will let the words soften my heart and speak to my spirit.
2. This book. I will make changes to brighten and bring order to the world where I create.
3. I will run. With music loud and air drums jamming.
4. I will fill my belly with goodness for me.
5. I will rest.
6. I will listen to Kenny's dreams and wish for them to come true.
7. I will drink more water, damnit.
8. I will wipe down my toilets everyday.
9. I will paint my fingernails more. It's something I like to do.
10. I will call my favorite peeps more. I need to hear their voices and just maybe they need to hear mine.
11. I will romance my husband more.
12. I will write on just exactly what my heart needs to say.
13. And most of all, I will pray and thank God more.

Yes, I will strive to live for the transitions and gain from their place in my life instead of aiming for the perfection of a bathroom that doesn't exist.

Because there is no such thing as a clean no-drip finish.

.mac :)

Loopty-Loo

You have a presence about you. You do. A catchy charisma bred into you like a long line of Kentucky Derby Champions has their strong, swift legs. When I was little I was enthralled with each and every visit you paid us. I would study your thick reddish orange hair taking special note of any subtle changes that might have occurred since our last encounter. I can still remember exactly the way your shampoo smells. With a head full of cowlicks, my green & golden sunburst eyes studied you. I noticed not whether your hair was fixed or fresh washed out-of-the-shower dried. Your hair, to me, was just another expression of your overwhelming personality. Flowing full or dripping doused; it moved with flair.

The details of life have been a constant for me. Details in my memory. Feelings completely hitched to these observances of mine; I do not forget. And these feelings? These feelings were ones of "I want to be like that" and "She is so cool".

Your necklaces were always tiny and delicate and short. Usually a 14" chain length I would guess. An intricate patterned design I remember. Yellow gold never silver. And just like peanut butter and jelly, your necklaces were paired with a dainty charm dangling. A sand dollar I can recollect. But my favorite was the bear. The little golden bear. 4 paws out and little eyes. I think even the belly was a bit convex so to give a 3D effectiveness to it. Parts were shiny polished and parts were matte finished. I see this necklace on you now. The way that sweet chain would catch and lie just a bit lopsided on your smooth faintly freckled neckline would allow this golden bear a loopty-loo this way and then that for a bit.

And your fingers. Like Lady Slippers in the most manicured of gardens. The way your hands ebbed and flowed as you spoke was melodious and sweet to my little child mind. Fingers so long and tapered. Your nail beds would edge out at the last possible second before the tips of your finger pads leaving your nail length a mystical illusion of long and sometimes longer.

Revlon Red.

Sandstone Sable.

Complete oxymoron's of one another. These were your rotating hues. I loved this. My innocence as a child could hardly handle the anticipation of which was in lead rotation before your arrival. And like the juxtaposition of sandy brown soft and a loud pop of red, so is your personality. Calm and gentle your hazelnut brown eyes would share with me sweet reports of my cousins afar and then quick witted and tempered, at times, your stories would be grandiose and full of vigor. A storyteller you are.

Revlon Red and Sandstone Sable.

Legs. Legs for days. Picking you up from the airport I can remember your pumps. You were a fan of slingbacks. I walked behind you on the way to luggage claims taking note of the graceful flex of your perfectly shaped calves with heels bare. Tapered, like your fingers, from slender ankles to muscles full. You are a hard worker. You deserve legs of this design. For in a time when women in the corporate world were only found behind a desk taking memos and answering phone calls, you and your legs pushed past this mark. A single working mother of 3, you carved out your success. Exceeding limitations and slowly making your presence known. Yes, legs like this you deserve.

Conversations with you were full and at times so empty. Full of laughter and juicy details like your hairdresser "Jobear" and tales of your cocktail parties and wardrobe selections. You never neglected to be specific when it came to colors of the choice of heels to match suits. Each adjective you used be it "peacock green" or "brazen yellow", I remember them all. When conversations to turned a softer venue of "I love you" or "goodbye", your words became antsy and removed. Oftentimes skipped over just to find solace in an end.

I anticipated you. Your zest wooed me. I adored your femininity and knack for moving a room each time that you entered.

As years passed by and time moved its sneaky little way, you have been a backdrop prop to my life's painting. I can't help but find tiny snippets in me that were stellar WOWS of you. And that is by no accident.

I honor you as my own. A lady who has helped sculpt me into my now. Although you were not my everyday, you were my every heart. Your hand prints have manipulated and molded this feeling organ of mine in ways you will never know.

You and your "peacock greens" and Revlon Reds. Your slingbacks and hair with a life of its own. Your story telling fingers are the most delicate ballet on the stage of my mind. Your love of the water and the beach. Your caring nature and quick tempered soul.

And so, I love you too. As the details you have given me are the 3 little words I needed most. For life happens so much faster than one realizes. Faster still if you don't stay connected with the little things around you.

And you, Gramma, are so much more than a little thing.

Thank you for your strength, your pizzazz, your heart, and your style. It is on this Christmas Day that I give you this cross to remind you that God's glory and love is alive and so-very-present in your life then and your life now. He has woven together a grandmother and granddaughter through His wonderful design. And what is yours is now a little mine. And for that, I am so very grateful.

Yes, connected.

My snippets are but shadows in the beautiful woman you are, but woven in God's full beauty, we are the same. Sisters by His hand. So, I too, will have this same cross in my home to remind me of the pieces He has woven between us, His sacrifices for our salvation, and His intricate handiwork in making us grandmother and granddaughter.

Thank you so very much for the brushstrokes you have given my life. Like the little golden bear, my 4 paws loopty-loo around your heart.

Your granddaughter,
Meghan Alicia

Making a List

You see these toes?

These are OPI's Cajun Shrimp toes.
My all-time favorite nail polish color.
Just look at them. All flirty-flirt with the waves as they cascade ashore.
I bet those toes even bounce up and down as the white caps crash at their tips.
{Splashin and makin a regular rowdy saltwater ruckus.}

And those thighs just above the knee?
Sportin' the opaque sand skirt.

Who me?
Do you think that's just what I've been up to lately?
Forgetting all about this ole blog?
Neglecting to even keep up with my suber-fab favorite blogs that I LOVE reading.
Leaving this space naked of any December posts.
Almost all of November too for that matter.

Do you think I just threw another notch back in my sand covered chase lounger and twirled the tropical toned umbrella in my fruity concoction when I received almost 50 emails concerning my whereabouts in blog land?

Do you think I just looked the other way in my Jackie.O. shades as my very own mother-in-law interrupted me in mid-sentence when discussing my business with her to say, "Do you know the last time you posted on your blog was November 4th. November 4th to be exact."

NO.

No to all of the above.

The truth.

You want the truth do you? Hmm. Okay, I'll give you the truth.

1. My toes (I have 10) only have polish on 3 of them as pointed out by my 2 year old to me yesterday. He then went on to express that they were also "Really, really long, mama."
2. In the last month, I have fallen asleep at night not once but 3 times IN MY CLOTHES. 2 of those times my shoes were even on. Each time I woke around 3 or 4 in the morning to discover that I had been asleep!
3. My home is a Christmas winter wonderland. Really it is. Complete with the newest addition of wreaths on the outside of every window. (Wreaths I paid a whopping 20 cents each for including the bow at last year's after Christmas sale) Yet my back porch is still all decked out with my fall lights of orange and yellow. Yep, it's true. I shutter that I just admitted this. Truth hurts.
4. Since my last post (11.04.09. Thanks for the reminder, Carlene) I have mopped my kitchen floor once.
5. I had all of my Christmas shopping done by December 1st, but have wrapped nothing.
6. I have left the house not once but 4 times WITHOUT curling my eyelashes. (Angie and Stella Blue, you girls know what curling my eyelashes does to my moral and overall beauty mantra. Yeah, 4.)
7. The dish washing liquid container in my dishwasher is broken and will not stay closed. As a result of this faulty device, my dishes come out cloudy once washed. And what do I do? Just squirt more liquid in this faulty device and re-wash the dishes. {Like do I really think they are going to turn out crystal clear a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th time? Really, Meg.}
8. In my downstairs closet, I house an arsenal of my craft supplies, homeschool gear, and some of the boys' larger toys. Over the course of just 2 weeks, I have managed to topple almost every basket over in several mad dashes to grab something. What did I do? Grumble ugly things under my breath each time and just shut the door. Kenny was in for a real treat the other night when he opened this closet door to get the cat food out. Marriage really is for better or worse.
9. I have had my Christmas cards printed out and ready for mailing since December 5th. I mailed them just 2 days ago.
10. I have eaten 2 bags of Hostess Sweet Sixteen Chocolate Donuts that I bought for my boys and Kenny for a breakfast treat on the weekends. These would be the big 13 oz. bags. Just hoarded them away so that no Cobble man or boy could even see that we had them in stock.
11. I have had a wonderful response this year to my Sunshine for the Soul Home Goods Line. I have gone through over a 100 pounds of soy wax making candles this Christmas season. 100 pounds of wax and I make each candle in quantities of 4 at a time. That there, my friend, equals a lot of wonderful donations to The Susan G. Komen Foundation and The Special Olympics.
12. My fingernails do not have dirt under them when you see me in person. That would be paint. Paint from handmade sign orders.
13. I have gone through 25 needles on my sewing machine. I change needles every 2 designs made. I think my boys think that Christmas music is just supposed to have the humming of a sewing machine in the background.
14. I made 15 appliqued Christmas t-shirts with names embroidered and doused in ribbon trim in one week. {mollyemade} is gonna be so much fun!
15. I have enjoyed every minute of un-made bed impromptu snuggling and book reading with my boys. They are growing way too fast.
16. I ordered $350 worth of fabric for spring bags! Not to mention 12 new embroidery fonts too! And, there are 4 new bag designs in my trusty Steno pad as we speak.
17. I have piddled around with a new blog header design, added an extra column, and figured out how to increase the size of my posting photos too.
18. I have 2 bags left to finish and send out tomorrow and my Santa workshop is closed for the next 12 days.
19. I am overjoyed to be back in posting action! Thank you to all of you checking in on me. It was so kind of each of you. Yes, even you, M-I-L Carlene.
20. I CANNOT wait to kick back with my feet up and catch up on all of you from the past month and a half. And I will. Just you wait and see!
    

I got my eye on you. Well, maybe not from here, but a girl can dream can't she?

7 more days...

.mac :)