Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Hello & Goodbye

Hey, strangers y'all!

It's been a while since I last posted, and even longer since I've featured regular postings and updates, which depending on how you look at it, has the potential to put me in the running for Worst Blogger of the Year. But with my lack of postings, I've had a lot to time to focus on other endeavors and in the process learn a little more about myself and my priorities.

Last week, on April 19th, this little blog of mine celebrated its second blog-a-versary. There were no balloons. No throwing of confetti. Not even a colossal giveaway or sentimental post to reflect on the past 24 months. In reality, last Tuesday came and went without so much as a single thought to this blog.


Instead the 19th, played out like any old ordinary day. There were errands that were tackled, hurdles that were cleared, and battles that were both won and lost against an ever formidable adversary, my precocious yet always lovable, Sweet Bean. There were moments of rest, amid the piles of chores, and the health scare of a beloved family member thrown in the mix, just to keep us on our toes. The sun still rose shedding light on our day and sank slowing in the evening sky despite my lack of postings.


Imagine that…

Even with the most cursory of glances at post dates, it has become apparent that I've been headed toward a major blog-related change for several months now. Webbisodes has been my own piece of cyber real estate for the past couple of years. And as most blogs do, mine began simply.

At the urging of a friend, I started Webbisodes as a way of keeping family and friends current with the big news of the day, which at the time was the impending arrival of Miss Gillian Grace.


With a following of a staggering six people (4 of which were immediate family), I could've never imagined that anyone would want to read, much less follow, something specifically about us and our nothing short of average life. Because despite the junk in my trunk, the Kardashians we are not!

But you not only read, you visited often, always leaving words of support and endless compliments about Sweet Bean, her smile, and least I forget, her extensive wardrobe.



And just like life, a blog will ebb and flow until one day, you find yourself faced with a choice---continue following the tide or change directions completely.

So go ahead and call me dramatic, or perhaps even egotistical, when I say that like all good things, this blog must also come to an end, at least for now. And since I don't know what would be considered worse---filler posts or truly wearing out my welcome, I know that it's time. Time to stop feeling guilty for not posting as often as I think I should. Time to move on with my life and truly devote all my effort to being the best mom, wife, friend, and daughter I can be. And finally, time to be content within my own life, and to quit comparing myself to others, their things, and lifestyles.

With a change like this, you know what they say, Once a blogger, always a blogger. Okay, maybe "they" don't say that, but I do. So, needless to say,  between my little design shop and my desire to continue journaling our escapades, I'll still be around---just much less publicly. And knowing that you'll have to pry the camera away from my cold dead hands before I ever stop snapping away at the one subject that always makes me smile, there will always be an abundance of Sweet Bean photos to share.

Though I will miss the daily affirmations and the boost it gives my ego to read all of the thoughtful comments, I hope that many of you choose to stay in touch. And, it is said with the deepest of sincerity that I hope all the true friendships made through this very blog, will carry on. But since I'm still one of the last remaining people on the planet that doesn't have a Facebook account and still considers a tweet a sound that a bird makes, it means turning back the clock and keeping in touch the old school way---though emails, texts, and yes, even phone calls.

And for lack of a better closing sentiment, I'll borrow one from the once most trusted man in America, Walter Cronkite, and sign-off for now by saying quite simply, "And that's the way it is…"



Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Home Tour Tuesday---Home Office

Howdy, y'all! Here it is, another week and one more installment of Home Tour Tuesday with Miss Daphne and yours truly.

This week's theme: Working hard, or hardly working---Show us your home office, has me drawing a big fat blank! I got nothing!

And as much as I'd love a home office or space to call my own, I'm going to have to sit this one out, with no pictures of my own to share. But just because I don't have an office of my own, definitely doesn't mean that I'd miss an opportunity to share a few of my favorite working spaces.



Speaking of working spaces and craft niches, have you seen or heard about this trend in modern design---the mom cave?


Now the man cave has been around for years, but apparently women across the country are jumping on the bandwagon, claiming a space of their own.

A mom cave functions under a few basic principles:
{courtesy of Lian Dolan}

You dream of a place with no toys on the floor. The rest of the house belongs to them, the other people in your family who toss their backpacks in the middle of the living room. Your concept of home decorating doesn't include posters of the Green Bay Packers or Hello Kitty. Honor your style. 


A recharged mom is a happy mom.  Our cell phones need recharging. Our laptops need recharging. So do Moms.  In our non-stop world, we all run out of energy.  Power-up with a half-hour of "me time" in your own personal space. 


Silence makes the heart grow fonder. From morning to night, you are there, Mom, listening to your children, from the cute stories to the not-cute whining. Think of your Mom Cave as a place to enjoy an intermission from all the drama—you're not leaving so much as just taking a break, just like at the opera.


Your minivan or SUV is not a Mom Cave.  Moms relish alone time in the car, music blaring and the seat heater turned on.  Some days, ten minutes of wait time in a carpool lane is tantamount to a spa visit. But, the car fills up with kids and has no facilities. You deserve a special spot with access to running water. 


You are not just a mom. You're also a writer, a blogger, a crafter, or a voracious reader. How about your dreams to organize your grandmother's recipes or research the family tree? Every mom is multi-faceted. Create a place for those other facets.

Sounds great, right? I don't know about you, but unlike jelly sandals, hammer pants, and swatch watches, this is one trend I don't intend to let pass me by!

And in this family, we all live by the motto: Work hard, play harder! Sweet Bean even likes to pretend to work hard, putting on her lensless spectacles to better study her blocks. Wonder if we have a future engineer in our midst? Gosh, wouldn't that just make her Daddy's day---following in his footsteps one equation at a time!




Now don't forget to grab our badge and link up! But most importantly, don't forget to let us know whether you're working hard, or hardly working?


{Don't you just love this sign? With literally hundreds to choose from, find one that suits your lifestyle at the Keep Calm Shop on Etsy!}


Happy Tuesday, friends!





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Monday, March 21, 2011

Miscellany Monday

one. license to drive

Sweet Bean's got a new ride, thanks to a Sunday trip to Toys R' Us and one unnecessary, but still greatly appreciated, monetary donation from Gammie. Needless to say, Gillian Grace's new Little Tikes Cozy Coupe is a hit!






On another note---How long does it take and engineer and accountant to put together a children's toy?


Answer: So long, that a 20 month old felt it was time to lend a hand.


two. it's how we ROLL

Just as darkness began to fall yesterday evening, Bret came to me with an idea for playing a practical joke on our friends (and neighbors) who also happen to be some of the biggest Alabama fans around. Apparently their car, with vacant front license plate, was just screaming for a little team spirit!

We've got spirit, yes we do!
Now, thanks to us, they do too!



three. it's springtime

Saturday we ventured across the bay for an arts and crafts festival. Not only was the event jam packed with people, great for the local economy, but it was hotter than blue blazes. Of course this was the day I chose to sport my fully lined Lilly dress and wear my hair down and straightened! Ummmm, miserably uncomfortable party of 1, your table is now ready!!

Despite feeling as though I was going to spontaneously combust at any moment, the heat didn't seem to bother Sweet Bean one bit as she thoroughly enjoyed herself. When we took a respite from the sun underneath a shady shop overhang, Gillian Grace once again became the center of attention as she moved and grooved to the nearby tunes of the jazz band.










four. sweet bean

The name Sweet Bean is a familiar one, to family and loyal readers of this here bliggity blog. And now, I'm pleased to share that sweet bean is now the name of my new design company. My design shop, complete with new name and products is finally up and running! If you're in need of a design, whether it be stationery for a special occasion or a new look for your blog, I'd be glad to help! Just like my little Sweet Bean (and the inspiration behind the name), I hope you'll find my designs simply sweet!




five. yadda yadda yadda

It's Monday and the first week without The Bachelor. What will you watch instead tonight?

Is your team in the NCAA tourney? Who are you cheering for during March Madness? Go Gators!


I hope that your week is off to a wonderful start! Make it a great one, y'all!


Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters