Category Archives: Hair

Nature and Fun Discoveries

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What a glorious day, filled with fun little treasures. I trust your week is moving along in a good direction.

I had to cut back to 1.5 hours in the garden this morning. I made time to water the potted plants and sprinkled a little love to the fishes too. And I had just enough time to shoot a few things that make me happy.

The orange rose-tree is a one of my favorites. But then again, all the roses in the garden are my favorite.

This is the gateway to the little table and chairs for two.

Just past the arch, at the foot of the second terrace, is this lovely spot for two.

The society garlic, is dotted on the hillside leading to the upper terrace. I’ve worked to populate many of these beautiful grass like bunches with deep purple blooms throughout the yard.

Time outdoors was cut a little short, due to an appointment at the salon. No haircut, just a color touch-up.

I took the liberty to add a fun dimension to this image, shot with my cell phone. This is a great way to pass the time.

While sipping this Coke.

Once home, I tried the new MAC lipstick I purchased. Where in the world have I been? This is the best brand of lipstick I’ve ever tried. Not that I wear makeup much, I really don’t. But still, This has my vote.

I was also in a pinch for some new foundation. Clinique has been my go to since my 20’s. Unfortunately, or shall I say fortunately, they no longer have a color match for me.

The Clinique department at Macy’s, introduced me to my new best (makeup) friend Estee Lauder. Hello Sweet Estee, I’m smitten with the coverage and overall feel on my skin. Farewell Clinique.

What a delight to stumble on a few little things that compliment the oh so little things in this wonderful life.

So my little thought of the day is “If we never try new things, we may never know what we’ve missed”.

Blessings – Debbie

The Best of Both Worlds

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Hey, hey peeps! Thanks for stopping by. Today I’m enjoying all things new and hope you are having a great day, wherever you are.

There are times we want the best of both worlds. And some days we can have it. And sometimes we only want the best of both worlds for just a bit.

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Take for instance the days I wish for both long and short hair at the same time. Yesterday was not one of those days. No, I was done with long hair. Completely done!

So I found the scissors and cut to the approximate desired length/favorite  bob of all time on one side, while I waited hours for my hair appointment to finally arrive.

Note: this is not the first time I’ve pulled a stunt like this. Teehee.

But what was I thinking? I had errands to run before my hair appointment. Oh well, I walked out the door with my head held high, knowing I was living the dream of long and short hair for just a day. And passers by may have looked at the half bob on one side and all the long hair and thought to themselves. “Could this be the new do for 2016?” I doubt it but it was fun to think when someone may or may not have looked my way thinking crazy lady right there.

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Do not do said mentioned above “IF” you have not given ample time to think about said decision. I gave it about 6 months of strong desires to get rid of it.

My reasons vary as to why I wanted it off. The heat of summer and hair on my neck do not get along. Which is one of the reasons I was trying to wait out the winter before cutting. It’s constantly in the way and I’m not a fan of wearing it up all the time, especially when I’m sleeping. Not an option. I became a slave to long hair and kept it around because I really like long hair.

My reasons for cutting it off are simple, I really like short hair too. And I’m certain in a couple of years, I will want the best of both worlds again.

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Until then, I’m enjoying the carefree days of short hair.

How about you, do you make quick decisions? Do you take the time to think things out? Do you make crazy decisions and jump head first into your decision before the desired help has arrived?

Good stuff to think about, No?

Blessings – Debbie

Early March – In Like a Lion

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Well good day! Finally, I’m back!

Yes, I’m back to bite off early March, bit by bit. I’m not so thrilled when I get this far behind, but I refuse to carry on as if nothing happened. There is so much to catch up on and there is no better time than now to start. Well, all of those yesterdays would have been a good time too, but they’re gone.

So here goes…

The date, March 2nd. – There was a crazy loud boom as March unfolded. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. We were blasted with hail.

Totally in like a lion.

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I don’t think the fish have ever experienced this much commotion. I know I haven’t.

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And I know the palms were probably in shock. This just doesn’t happen in So Cal. Or does it? It was a first for us in the 5 years we’ve lived here.

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It was a month of fire too. Nice evenings spent around the fire pit. This was another early March weekend evening. (actually, this shot was taken the morning after) I still remember the day, it was one of the many days I had spent 99% of my time outdoors. And looking up into the clear night sky peppered with stars and planets, was glorious.

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During late February – early March, we had the old plantings ripped out of the immediate left side of the waterfall. I had been working on transplanting things from around the yard to the area. It will be fun to watch the ground cover spread and the plants blossom. I also planted 4 roses in various areas on the upper terrace. Meals were also enjoyed on the patio. This is pretty much where I spent a good deal of time…

An early foggy Monday morning. Note the purple wisteria in bloom.

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As mid March drew near, I was beginning to think of all the stuff that needed a little sprucing before company arrived on the 14th.

So I started Wednesday, the 11th at the car wash, then salon.

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The hubs wanted a smile. Much better he said.

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Then we waited for our guests to arrive.

Oh wait, one more lil thing!

On the 13th, we had the electricians over to add LED lights in the kitchen and dining room. “What were we thinking” were my thoughts, when company was due to arrive the next day. So much dust, oh the dust…But in the end, we were so happy to have the job done. And all the dust bunnies were put to rest before company arrived.

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To be continued…

Blessings – Debbie

4/52 – A Part of Me

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So this week, our photography project was assigned. We are to shoot “A Part of Me”. I  wasn’t prepared to shoot another part of me, since I just shot my new frames for the “light” assignment last week. So I thought about doing an expressions collage to post as my shot.

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But the more I thought about it. The more I realized the part of me that has been my obsession since childhood, is my hair. From being able to sit on it, to cut up and over my ears. I still remember those High School years and mom saying to me “I think you got a little scissor happy”. Currently I’m growing it out, but on any given day I have the urge to cut it off again.

Shot yesterday with my iPad and played with (edited) in Photoshop by adding a filter.

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I wasn’t so sure about the process on the above shot, so I applied another filter and submitted the image below as my shot of the week.

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In other news:

I was back to my first book club meeting since last July. What a joy to see the girls again and discuss our good book Delicious by Ruth Reichl. There truly is a special wonderful warm feeling in our great group of ladies.

This my friends, is the hubs jalapeño plant from last spring. This guy received no love from us this winter, but look at it! I just noticed blossoms on his plants this week. Our tomato seeds from Burpee are on the way. Oh how we love to make this place home.

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My little succulent garden is thriving and I have plans to plant a few more this spring/summer.

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A Pretty Day For a Project – So the hubs and I hand-picked a few slate pieces (extra pieces left on the property) for a little path. Tuesday, the gardener buried the slate at ground level. Then he planted ground cover (around the slate) the hubs and I picked out over the weekend. The two old lights were removed but the electric left for a future lighting project. The after picture should be coming soon.

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And here it is Thursday. I find that I’m trying to keep the washing machine and dryer busy, a little cleaning around the house is in order. And truly looking forward to the hubs getting home this evening. As I get him for the next three days, it’s his Friday off work week. It should be a fun weekend packed with work, play, relaxation and rest.

If you don’t hear from me in the next few days, just know I will be back…Soon…Promise…

Blessings – Debbie

My To Do List is Shrinking – Or Is It

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Happy Friday! I hope you’re having a delightful day.

News Flash – IT RAINED TODAY! That’s big news out here in Southern California.

So this week is flying at record speeds for me. And I’m thankful my to do list is shrinking.

  • Finished editing (our nephews) Sr Pictures – will have CD in the mail tomorrow
  • Harvest tomatoes – I had a count of 78 ripe tomatoes (in the kitchen) yesterday. Big things are happening with our bumper crop!
  • The hubs ordered a food mill last weekend = we’re making a large batch of tomato bisque this weekend.
  • Spent 2 + hours each morning in the garden, it’s what I love.

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One of the things crossed off the list, is a “hair-cut” appointment (yes, I’m cutting it off) scheduled for next week. Truth be told, I’m having second thoughts. That means I have plenty of time to change my mind another 10 – 20 times between now and then, right?

The little breakfast nook is coming right along. From the succulent pots in the window, the painted fork and spoon and the hubs hung the valances for me last weekend.

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Afternoon Labor of Love – So we made salsa last Sunday afternoon. It’s something we could not wait to make with our fresh tomatoes, bell and jalapeño peppers from the garden. Good stuff right there…In fact, another batch is in the works.

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Since this is not the hubs Friday off weekend, it’s my day to play catch-up in the house before the weekend.

Cheers to crossing a bunch of chores off the list such that I can have a nice weekend of rest with the hubs.

I suppose that means it’s time to add more things to the list of thing to do. Isn’t that the way it goes?

Blessings – Debbie

Gardening + Beach + Root-Rot

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Just so you know (up front), the root-rot has nothing to do with gardening. And everything to do with “my” roots, literally.

This past weekend was one of those really nice three day weekends with the hubs. It’s the kind of weekend I love where we spend time gardening, living outdoors, cooking on the grill and eating outdoors.

The hubs picked his first round of jalapeño peppers.

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And our first round of corn. Actually, we had fresh corn a couple of times over the weekend.

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He seeded his peppers + added a concoction of cream cheese + spices + sharp cheddar cheese + bacon. He said they were yummy. I do know this, they had to be good. And I wish my tummy were able to handle these things like it used to. Oh well…

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The corn was yummy too! In fact, the hubs did a fine job serving up yummy meals over the weekend. Trust.

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Then Monday rolled around. First up, I had plans to visit the fair with my girlfriend. However, we learned (over the weekend) the fair was closed on Monday.

Then I made a plan to have my blood-work done. The reminder (see image below) was attached (Sunday evening) to the right source as a reminder to stay away until after my blood-work was finished. Somehow I forgot about my reminder early Monday morning as I was making breakfast and lunch for the hubs. And then is when I accidentally tossed some fresh watermelon my way while making his lunch.

Oops!

May as well bring on the coffee too after a stunt like that. So I did.

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And just like that, I made a new plan, while enjoying my coffee. It’s my philosophy, when one plan fails, make a new one.

Worked for me, as I went to the beach.

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Enjoyed a little sand between my toes.

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Truly enjoyed shopping along the boardwalk.

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Does shopping get any better? Well for me, I’m not much of a shopper to begin with. Should you see me at the mall, you know it’s one of those once every six month sort of visits, when I really need something. And once I nail what I need, I’m out of there.

However, should you see me in and out of old shops filled with antiques, or shops with pottery and art, or any sort of funky cool stuff. Look out, I could stay in places like that for days…

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Then Tuesday rolled around. I was so excited for Tuesday! Never-mind the image, I did some crazy stuff to it in Photoshop just for fun cause that’s the way I roll.

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But the reason I was so excited is…it was time to take care of root-rot! I love the fact that my hair is growing, but those pesky grays have a way of making themselves known. If you know what I mean. Now that that’s taken care of, I’m sure I’ll be sharing some more stuff soon. Stay tuned!

Blessings – Debbie

Hair-Raising

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Hey Peeps! How’s it going?

Well it’s been “another” hair-raising – slippery slope sort of drama going down over here the last few months.

But before I go off on that tangent, I have some special news to share on the blog about the hubs.

I would love to give a really big shout out to the hubs for his achievement at work. He was recognized as Employee of the Month and received a very nice award for his outstanding dedication and support to the team. Congratulations, My Love! You make me proud every day.

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Back to the hair-raising ordeal. For those who really know me, like the hubs, my mom, family, close friends and many of you who have read the blog over the years. You are already aware of my hair and the drama it creates from time to time.

For those of you who don’t know me well – it all started about 25 + years ago. And it has not simmered in the least. It still remains a battle over long vs. short hair. And on any given day would choose both. But it’s not that easy.

As of last year, I decided I wanted to go long again. As we all know, long hair requires patience – PATIENCE peeps!

So this time I asked the hubs if he would join the support team for the growing out of the hair. And I asked him to say no when I told him I wanted to cut it off.

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And just like that, my support “A Team” was formed. And boy did I ever need it. Just the time when it got to the yucky stage, I told the hubs I was thinking about going short again. He said “I forbid you to cut it” (I don’t think he used the term “forbid”, but it was something like that).

The rough patches came in waves. And the support “A Team” was all about providing the best support, when needed. And I managed to get thru the tough times.

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But one weekend, my hair got the best of me. And I recall hounding the best support system about getting it cut. You guys, I hounded the system for days on end. Totally not cool to do to the hubs as he knew what I really wanted.

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And then he replied something like this “I’m just doing what you asked and I’m trying to hold up my end of the support. But if you really want to cut it off, that’s fine. But I really want you to be sure that’s what you want before you do it.”

And for a moment I felt relieved. Off the hook and ready to call the gal to have it ALL. CUT. OFF!

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That feeling only lasted a moment.

Then, I felt awful for bugging Support “A Team”. And it made my heart happy that no matter what, he was truly trying to help.

And then I decided I wanted long hair again.

And so it goes, I let the hair grow.

Are you still with me? It’s exhausting, isn’t it?

However, I did just get a trim for the first time since before Thanksgiving = Makes me happy!

You know, the moment you’ve had a fresh cut and how nice it feels to comb thru it the first time. Yea, I totally love that moment. I feel like I have a fresh head of hair again.

But guess what I did? I cut my bangs again. Did you guess? Got them WAY too short again! But if you know me and bangs, I will always cut them. I just can’t help myself. Even if the girl cut them less than a week ago and I feel they need a trim, I cut. And sometimes I go too far. Luckily they grow back in a timely fashion.

And that concludes the hair drama…for now anyway.

One other thing. I can see CLEARLY again! I got my frames and new lenses back this week. Oh what a difference it makes. I feel like a brand new me marching forward.

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Sometimes, it’s the little things that make our days a little brighter. I gotta tell ya, seeing 20/20 contributes a lot to that.

Blessings – Debbie

All in a Week

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Thinking back over the last week, there are so many new and exciting things happening.

Perhaps “spring” has a lot to do with these things, and I love it! I love the time change and that our daylight pushes further into the evening hours. And the ever changing scenery around home sweet home gets sweeter as the days go by.

Like the first sign of our water lilies producing the very first bloom of the year, last week. I can’t express just how excited I was. And the pads are getting so big already! And the fish are loving the weather and spawning too! The dragonflies have returned and everything seems to echo – “it’s spring”!

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Picking roses from the garden is such a joy.

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And the excitement that comes while working in the garden. 11 of these bad boys (Boeing CH-47 Chinooks) flew overhead one day this week. I’ve never seen a sight like this before. And the rumble and vibration – was amazing – gave me goosebumps.

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I trimmed my bangs yesterday morning too.

I think the hubs has given up on me going in to have them done. It’s like I can’t help myself. I wake up one morning and realize they drive me nuts, so I cut them.

I may or may not have done a little fretting over the new Artisan Bread we girls whipped up yesterday.

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But I purchased my very first Dutch Oven this morning! All for the love of bread, a girl needs a dutch oven. And she doesn’t let a little fret stand in her way.

It was like Christmas unwrapping this guy today.

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And tonight we shall see how it turns out. I believe excitement wells more and more as the hours go by. Tick Tock – only time will tell.

Until next time…

Blessings – Debbie

Happiness Is

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Getting my camera out and finding a fun subject (the dandelion) to shoot.

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And blow the dandelion, then take another shot.

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And cutting my bangs right before my lunch date. Well, not in the parking lot, but about 5 minutes before it was time to head out.

I really don’t think I’m ready to grow them out. But the rest of the hair continues to grow.

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My girlfriend and I met (for lunch) at Panera Bread. Makes me happy.

And I was nearly half way finished with my lunch when I remembered to take a shot of my lunch. In case you did not read earlier, I’m doing my best to take images (this month) of  the food I eat when dining out. + I believe it will help to make healthy choices.

I had the turkey chili with an apple. And it was a delight to catch up with my dear buddy Sarah.

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P.S. The above photo was manipulated in photoshop by using tools in the filter gallery to give an artsy look to a not so pretty picture. I’m still not so sure it looks artsy, but I went with it. 🙂

As for the rest of the day, food shopping and house work are well underway.

Blessings – Debbie

Tiptoeing Through Temptation

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I don’t know about you, but I have such a difficult time saying no to temptation. Especially when my instinct is to succumb to it.

So today it was time to look into my root rot. By golly I haven’t had anything done to the roots since before Thanksgiving. *Gasp* In case you don’t know, that’s a long time for the grays to show themselves.

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And as you know, I’m trying to let my hair grow, but this terrible stage is driving me crazy.

So when the gal asked if I needed a cut, I muttered “no, I’m trying to let it grow out.” It was even time to throw a little pity party. She’s really good at listening.

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It seems “NO” is the only conversation I’ve had with myself all day. Not only at the salon did I encounter no, but at the mall today too.

I had some returns to make. And as I passed by Auntie Anne’s – oh the aroma was heavenly! And the cookie and cupcake joint made me want to hit the pause button. And there was Starbucks, and Panera Bread and a host of other places dotted through the mall. With a whiff ~ whiff here and a whiff ~ whiff there…

And since my girlfriend was sick and canceled our lunch date today, temptation struck again. Perhaps I could just hop into  Panera Bread for a bowl of soup or a little something, something.

Instead, I confronted my inner meltdown with a harsh “oh NO you don’t”! And just like that, I marched myself home.

No is not often the most enjoyable word, especially when temptation is everywhere.

But the aftermath of a no filled day = NO regrets.

Gotta love it!

Blessings – Debbie

Lately

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A couple of things have bugged me. It’s small stuff, really. Nothing earth shattering. But I decided to make a blog note of it, as the little things too shall pass.

Truth – I have not successfully picked up on my healthy eating habits as planned by the 1st of the year.

However, I did have a really good 2 weeks healthy run and had nearly lost the weight I gained over the holidays. And then I fell Flat. On. My. Face. A few days ago. For shame.

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What is it about this year and not being able to get control of myself?

Well I started back again today on the plan. And I plan to pick back up with my monthly health status next month. The truth must be told.

Another thing that’s bugging me is my hair. I decided a while back that I would like to let it grow out again.

But this crazy stage is driving me NUTS! Nuts, people!

And I think the hubs knows I really want to grow it out. So he’s been telling me no, don’t cut it, the last few weeks. This is not like him. It’s just not. As he could care less if the stuff is long or short or in between. He really doesn’t care.

And it’s kinda cool to see him tell me no, more like giving me support to get thru this crazy growing out stage. And it’s working, as it would have been long gone a few weeks ago.

I told you, it was little stuff, but I feel better now that I made a note of it. And I think it will help me to keep things in perspective, remind me that it’s just small stuff and to get a grip on the things that really matter.

That’s all for today.

Blessings – Debbie

The Good – Bad – And the Ugly

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There are times I struggle with a blog title. Like today. It’s the best I could come up with.

We got robbed Saturday night! That pesky squirrel robbed our fish of their food. GRRRRR. Words from the hubs. “I wonder how squirrel would taste smoked over apple wood on our Big Green Egg.”

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Speaking of the Egg, this is the beer can chicken we smoked (with the above mentioned apple wood) over the weekend. It turned out so juicy, flavorful and pull off the bone yummy!

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We worked a bit more with the wood pile. It’s the wood we saved from having all those trees chopped down 4 weeks ago. We kept the cedar and willow for the fire pit. Luckily, we are almost finished with the chopping and the stacking of the wood. The hubs chops and I do the hauling and the stacking. And it’s working out just dandy.

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Up To No Good Monday

For starters – I went to war with a rather large black and yellow snake. The stinker startled me (about three feet away from my foot) as I was on the upper terrace working. So I used the long metal pole that was in my hand and started beating at him all the while yelling “GET – GET!” He dodged my blows. Apparently I don’t have a good aim. And it seemed that he was zigging while I was zagging and just like that, he slithered away. And I held my ground and kept right on working.

Then late afternoon, I fell over the wood and managed to scratched up my arm, eye and gave myself a knot on the noggin. That’s when I decided to call it a day.

And then, of all things, I cut my bangs. And I got busted by the hubs when he walked in the door, yesterday. He will never figure out why I don’t go to the stylist. And I often wonder when/if I will ever learn. On the bright side, they will grow back in no time.

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And now I’m putting this post to rest. Later!

Blessings – Debbie

I’m All Better Now

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Something has bothered me for an entire week. And there was not one thing I could do about it.

That is, until today.

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The week of frustration was this hair on the back of my neck.

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I made a panic call to my salon last week and my girl was booked solid all week. Thoughts crossed my mind, more than once, to take matters into my own hands. Luckily memories  from times past kept me away from doing too much harm. I did some chopping on my bangs (I was trying to grow them out too) this week. I can’t help myself.

The hair cutting frenzy and frustration happened the moment the weather changed. When our temps reach up into the mid 70’s. That’s the precise moment I realized long hair and me do not blend in the spring and summer months. Not that it was hot, but goodness my neck was so hot from all the hair pooled around it.

I took these shots right before my appointment today. I’ll share the after shots tomorrow.

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True Story: I woke in the middle of the night last night and had a hard time going back to sleep. It all had to do with the excitement of feeling real fresh air on my neck again.

Another True Story: I told hubby this morning that I was getting this hair cut off my neck today. He said “you better”. I love that he rolls which ever way the wind blows.

Cheers to this amazing beautiful fresh air and the upcoming weekend! I’m all better now.

Blessings – Debbie

On Hair Washing

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What ever happened to the once a week hair washing? I still remember back in the day getting my hair washed each Saturday. It was truly a production it seemed. After getting all that hair washed and rinsed, I would wrap that towel around it just so and have a towel head for 15 or so min to get most of the major water soaked in the towel. Then I would sit for who knows how long in mom’s very ‘old-fashioned’ blow dryer. It was the gismo that was sort of like a shower cap, but the major heavy duty kind. That cap had this huge round long hose that attached to the cap from the motor if you will and from that hose would flow warm air. Mom would plug in that antique contraption, flip the switch and away I would go to get my hair dried. I remember it being a long drawn out and tormenting procedure lasting up to an hour, but it got the job done.



As I grew older, I thought it was the in thing to wash hair each and every day. And whoever invented the real blow-dryer I must say, they’re genius! Just 10 min of drying time and I’m done! So yesterday I was sitting in the salon chatting with my new hairstylist (Sonya) telling her that my hair seems to be taking on a different dryness and the ends look horrible. I thought this had to do with me not getting it trimmed/cut very often as I have been letting it grow out for almost 2 years. As of late I’ve had to use my chi flat iron every day just to smooth out those ugly ends. She asked me how often I was washing and I replied once a day. Sonya informed me that that is the problem and to quit washing my hair all the time. She said I’m not giving the natural oils a chance to reach the ends of my hair. She also informed that I should gradually start to wean myself from washing for up to 5 whole days! As a matter of fact, none of the gals in there wash their hair each day and they normally wait for at least 4 to 5 days but the one gal religiously washes her hair every 5 days. Yesterday this gal was on her 3rd day and her hair looked beautiful! She said that if her scalp gets too oily, she applies a little baby powder to her scalp and it really absorbs the oil! However, she told me that with my very dark hair that I could use ______ (I forget) instead of the baby powder. The goal is to allow the hair time to absorb the natural oils and not to constantly strip it each day. I’ll see how long I can start stretching it out. I’m definitely not going for the greasy look but I’m trying to achieve a healthier head of hair. Well I learned something new and I’m off without washing my hair this morning. We’ll see how long it lasts before I give in and wash it.