My Grama's Soul

I certainly don't do as much Christmas decorating as I used to when I was younger.  In fact, since my son passed Christmas is always a bittersweet time for our family.   But this year it has been easier to get in a festive mood, so we got out all the old Christmas things and tried to use them in new ways.  The above wreath is decorated with clear bulbs that my sweet grandson and I tie-dyed to be pink in color.  They turned out lovely and I was able to use them in this old wreath.  I have it mounted on an old bird stand and it is proudly displayed in our living room. Our tree is only about three and a half feet tall and it sits on a desk and the end of our main room in the house.  My sweet sister in law gave me a Christmas book a few years back with all kind of handmade papers and cards.  This year I took it apart and used it to decorate my little tree.   When you retire ...

Mother's Day is always a bittersweet day for me.  I lost my own beautiful mother many, many years ago and miss her still. However, I had been fortunate enough to have many other wonderful women in my life who have filled this need when necessary.  My beautiful Aunt Ruth, my best friend Jan, my sister-in-law Sandy, friends Mary, Lainey, Marilyn...just to name a few.  All these women have been there for me when needed and helped me tremendously through happy as well as difficult times. The other side of this coin is my son....SCOTT.  Scott was born on Mother's Day...51 years ago.  He is no longer here and on this day I can remember with complete clarity his birth and all that it entailed.  I MISS HIM....it is just that simple! Not trying to be maudlin or sad, it just is what it is. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS AND THE OTHER MOTHERS OUT THERE. Here is sending all of you a big smooch. xo Jo

It does not matter what age one is......you can still have fun with color. I have lived in 10 houses during my lifetime and I have pretty much decorated everyone of them myself.  Now, mind you, I am NO DECORATOR.....but I do know what I like and how I want to live. Each time I have moved, I certainly have not been able to afford new things....so I just keep recycling them same old things I love. Getting out the paint and changing up my color scheme to match my mood is something I have done in each home.  Lately, my mood has been pretty lively if I do say so myself. Little table above used to be a boring brown...lamp...a navy blue..got tired of both..so changed the color on both. Yellow chest below used to be red....then a rusty orange and now sunny yellow. Have used all the art from my other houses in new rooms and in new ways...just to mix things up.  I like shopping from my own home to change my feel. My beautiful husband accuses me of ...

TOO FUNNY..... xo Jo Photo:  Style Carrot

I have been very fortunate and have done many, many wonderful things during my lifetime.  Yet, I find, there are still a few things I yearn to do.  One of these was to take an OUTDOOR SHOWER.  My current home is certainly not plumbed for such a thing..so this summer I went looking online. Found this at World Market.  So I knew it would work for me and I could even take it to our new home when we move. It hooks up to the outside hose bib...and since the water temperature in AZ is ALWAYS HOT coming out of the faucet here in the summer...at least at my house it is...I knew it was my solution. We have used it all summer long before and after getting out of the pool....and I have been able to sneak out late at night and take a little rinse off under the stars. (O:(O:(O: The is something so uninhibited about being able to shower outdoors surrounded by nature (BTW I do live in the city).   I have a table with my coffee cu...

Cute......huh? Have a fabulous upcoming week. xo Jo Photo:  Style Carrot

When I read the news around the world......my heart aches.... Sending loving kindness thoughts through the universe.. This wonderful painting of the Buddha is by the very talented Brenda Ferguson...titled HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD......let's keep that precious and wonderful thought. xo Jo

It is a cold and rainy day here in AZ.....this is a cheery thought.  Let's all stay warm this weekend. hugs, Jo

I know that much of the country is digging itself out of snowdrifts of varying heights....here in AZ we are cold....but.....NO SNOW.....at least where we are. Just wanted to send a little springtime to all of you....these tulips were at my local greengrocers and couldn't pass them up.  I love it when tulips drape themselves lazily over their vase.  Perfect gift for myself (and the house) for the upcoming holiday. This year my beautiful soul mate and myself are going to a musical downtown in celebration of the holiday. Songs that we remember...although a few of you might not.  (O: Our dearest friends are going with...and we plan on a romantic dinner before the show.  Ahhhh..romance.....so important to keep it alive and well!! I  know  Valentine's Day is fast approaching....so from our house to yours.....Happy Valentine's Day! hugs, Jo

XOXO Jo