National Lemonade Day

Did you know today was National Lemonade Day?  Yeah, me neither.  Until I saw a friend of mine who informed me.  Thank you.  I needed this today.

I think we will go home this evening and set up a little lemonade stand for Layla.  So she can begin to understand what entrepreneurship is all about. 

Here is some inspiration to get me going...

LEMONS

+ SUGAR

+ WATER

= LEMONADE

And if you + some STRAWBERRIES

= PURE DELIGHT

Now if I can just find a spot like this for me.  To kill some time relaxing and continue my reading of Little Bee.  {ah, more on that later.  I almost stopped reading last night because I was so disturbed my her thoughts.  Eeek!!!  I am glad I pushed through.}   

And maybe we could hook Layla up with this fabulous type of set up. 

Or maybe not!!! Ha!!!

And I KNOW it won't look anything like this...but I can explain to Layla that it could.  If she worked really hard...one day...that could be hers!!!  {This is the true purpose of National Lemonade Day anyway!}

But, in reality...I have no doubt it will probably, most definitely look somewhat like this.

{except we're charging $1.00!!!  Hey, don't judge.  Gas is almost $4.00!!!}

And of course it would also be an excellent time to teach her all about this! 

It's all in how you look at things folks.  It really is.  And what you do from there, of course. 

Stay sweet.  Or sour.  Whichever you prefer!!!  Toodles.

Go ahead.  Grab one!

You know you wanna...

{oops!  How'd that get in here!  Cheers!}

{all images via}

Fit for a Princess

With all the hype of "The Royal Wedding" and all of the buzz circulating and the build up for the big day tomorrow...and with Mother's Day just around the corner...

I thought it would be fitting to post about our most favorite Princess of all time.  A gorgeous lady that I just know will be absolutley beaming with joy watching her eldest son marry a lovely young woman tomorrow.

Princess Diana

From the lady...

...to the wedding...

{The Ring}

...to the beautiful baby William.

And an oh so lovely family.

And now to the future.

May God Bless their union and may their love transcend time.

I think like any marriage, especially when you've had divorced parents like myself; you want to try even harder to make it work.

~ Princess Diana

My Parents' New Mexico Home

I figured I would lighten the mood a bit. 

If you can believe it...I have not posted all I have to post on our New Mexico trip!  Crazy, crazy.  But, I am just about finished.  Maybe one or two more posts and that's it.  I hope you enjoy looking through all of my photos as much as I loved living it all.  And now re-living it all.

And if not...take a hike! 

I mean, go for a walk, but, then come back, okay? 

Carrizozo, New Mexico is where they stay.  Home away from home, I shall say.   

And now I will quit trying to rhyme....it was fun while it lasted, but it should probably be a crime.  Yeah.

Carrizozo is a cool, laid back, very small town...with quirky buildings and such.

We tried a couple times over to have some ice cream at the local ice cream parlor...like the old timey ones...at Mr. Roy's.  But, Mr. Roy opens when he wants to and well, we just never caught up with him.  Bummer.  But, that's his store.  I soooooo wanted to see the goodies inside that I have heard SO much about.  Next time.  I will get him next time.

These cute lil guys greeted me my first morning there.  Just walking along...grazing up my parents road...

It is truly gorgeous there.  I understand why New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment.  Because it is.  Very enchanting.  I was in awe.  I love being in awe.

From dawn until dusk...there is always a site to behold.  And so uniquely perfect.

This is the view from my parents backyard.  Not too shabby, eh?

And if you gaze to your right...you would see this.

This wee one was just happy the town had a playground. 

As was I....she needed to exhale some of that built up energy.  This was a good way to make her completely....

{how cute is that bench?!}

She got her first up close and personal meeting with a tumble weed.  I am pretty sure she said, "What the?" before I snapped that pic.  Yeah, I have to own that one. 

{please excuse the boogies!}

Carrizozo is "famous" {ha!} for their awesome painted donkey's.  Actually, it may be all of NM, but whatevs.  They were cute.  And this one Layla named London.  That was her pet donkey while we were there.

And while the trip proved to be lovely, and beautiful, and full of awe inspiring views...

...nothing beats moments like these!

{Layla and PoPo}

{Layla and MiMi}

silent and disturbed

{via}

I had a really fun Wordless Wednesday post in mind that I wanted to put together today.  But, I can't.  Because fun doesn't belong here.  Fun does not belong anywhere near what is stuck in my head. 

{via}

I have been blessed in my life to not have to deal with abuse.  The domestic and sexual kind.  But it hit home last night.  No, not because I was hit.  But, my neighbor friend was.  By.her.husband.  In front of many members of our cul-de-sac community.

I did not witness it.  But, I did hear what happened. 

Two punches.  PUNCHES.to.the.face! 

Another man intervened and broke it up.  And now I am broke up.

My heart and soul ache for my friend.  My heart and soul ache for their children.  Their children, who are innocent bystanders to the abuse at the hands of this poor, pathetic excuse of a man.  Their father.  I have no doubt they, too, have witnessed and experience this same abuse.  And that makes me extremely sad.

{via}

But, here I am silent.  Except to purge all of my overwhelming feelings here.  Where they seem safe and tucked away.  But, why?  Why do I feel the need to remain silent?

{via}

Growing up, I wasn't so much taught this - but it is what I learned and how I lived my life.  I STAY OUT OF IT!  Unless it affects me or those I love....I STAY OUT OF IT!  I mind my own business.  My mom, on the other hand, would be completely disappointed with me.  Because in this instance, she would NOT stay out of it.  My mom would have confronted that man.  That night.  Heck, she probably would have jumped in to break it up.  That is just my mom. 

But...I am NOT my mom. 

Still...something is telling me I am WRONG this time. 

But there is an element of danger and violence that could reign down on me for stepping up and saying something.  Is that a risk I am willing to take? 

Why does she stay?  Why would she put up with continuous abuse?  She feels there is no way out, I am sure of it.  I am so torn. 

Even though I did not witness this first hand, I know it happened.  And I cannot live with myself knowing this and still doing nothing.  And my neighbors too, right?! 

I am We are just as guilty as him if I we don't speak up.  And stop the violence.

{via}

So instead of being silent and disturbed....how do I become LOUD and CONFIDENT and JUST?!?!

just 1 (jst)

adj.
1. Honorable and fair in one's dealings and actions: a just ruler.
2. Consistent with what is morally right; righteous: a just cause.
3. Properly due or merited: just deserts.
4. Law Valid within the law; lawful: just claims.
5. Suitable or proper in nature; fitting: a just touch of solemnity.
6. Based on fact or sound reason; well-founded: a just appraisal.

For the love of Adele

I've had Adele's album, 21, on extremely heavy rotation for the last month.  I am in love with every.single.song!  That is an impressive feat, no?  When was the last time you could listen to an album from cover to end?  It's been a while for me...so I am simply in musical heaven.

I've tried to pick a favorite tune....but, I cannot.  I truly adore them all.  And sing them at the top of my lungs, like I have her voice.  Luckily, its usually only me and Layla in the car.  And you should hear Miss Priss belt her out...she was cursed blessed with my vocal range.  Rumour Has It is Layla's jam. 

But, all of the songs below make me jam.  Or cry.  Or recall...yeah...it's that good!

::

# 1 - Rolling In The Deep

Baby, I have no story to be told,

But I've heard one on you and I'm gonna make your head burn,

Think of me in the depths of your despair,

Make a home down there as mine sure won't be shared

 

::

 

# 2 - Rumour Has It

 

 

Bless your soul, you've got your head in the clouds,

You made a fool out of me,

And, boy, you're bringing me down,

You made my heart melt, yet I'm cold to the core,

But rumour has it I'm the one you're leaving her for

:: 

# 3 - Turning Tables

Under haunted skies I see you, ooh,

Where love is lost, your ghost is found,

I braved a hundred storms to leave you,

As hard as you try, no, I will never be knocked down

::

# 4 - Don't You Remember

Gave you the space so you could breathe,

I kept my distance so you would be free,

In hope that you'd find the missing piece,

To bring you back to me

 

::

 

# 5 - Set Fire To The Rain

 

But there's a side to you that I never knew, never knew

All the things you'd say, they were never true, never true

And the games you'd play, you would always win, always win

 

::

 

# 6 - He Won't Go

 

 

But I won't go,

I can't do it on my own,

If this ain't love, then what is?

I'm willing to take the risk

::

# 7 - He Won't Go

Maybe I should leave,

To help you see,

Nothing is better than this,

And this is everything we need,

So is it over?

Is this really it?

You're giving up so easily,

I thought you loved me more than this

::

# 8 - I'll Be Waiting

Hold me closer one more time,

Say that you love me in your last goodbye,

Please forgive me for my sins,

Yes, I swam dirty waters,

But you pushed me in

::

# 9 - One and Only

You've been on my mind,

I grow fonder every day,

Lose myself in time,

Just thinking of your face,

God only knows why it's taken me so long to let my doubts go,

You're the only one that I want

::

# 10 - Lovesong

{cover of The Cure}

However far away I will always love you

However long I stay I will always love you

Whatever words I say I will always love you

::

# 11 - Someone Like You

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited,

But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it,

I had hoped you'd see my face,

And that you'd be reminded that for me it isn't over

::

So, the long and short of it.  Although this did get to be quite the long post. 

GO PICK UP THE ADELE 21 ALBUM.

 

{like yesterday}

 

{all images via}