Thoughts of the Day
My life has qualified me as "experienced" on such topics as Army life, parenting, mental health, loss and grief, multi-tasking, and adapting to all things new (good, bad, or indifferent). I will share my thoughts on these topics and hopefully you will find some calm in the chaos knowing that others have been where you are.
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When Youthful Invincibility Departs & Spread The Kindness Link Up On the Edge #776
Remember the days of youth when your young healthy body never let you down or made you question your mortality? Ahhh, those were the days when hope abounded and worry wasn’t a daily activity. This week abruptly forced me to face the fact that I am indeed aging. Like old machinery, old bodies start to experience glitches and other malfunctions and don’t recover as quickly as young bodies. About 2 weeks ago, my 14 year old caught a coxsackievirus, the sort that causes that awful illness known as hand, foot, and mouth disease. He went to the school nurse on a Thursday complaining of painful blisters on his hands. She…
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Retro Floral Autumn Blossom Dress & Spread The Kindness Link Up On the Edge #774
Do you remember my burnt ochre dress from last summer? The dress that I loved so much I initially bought it in three different patterns/colors…the solid burnt ochre one, the black Batik Suns printed one, and this Retro Floral Autumn Blossom printed one. In fact, these dresses are so comfortable and so flattering that I have since added two more like it…a solid black one and my most recent addition called Bella Jaco Deep Black. But let’s talk about this whimsical retro floral print that I found completely irresistible. The vintage vibe of this bright orange and pink floral pattern really appealed to my old hippie soul so naturally I…
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Minimalist Home, Maximum Protection: Function-First Fixes That Matter
Tired of juggling endless home repairs, random upgrades, and visual clutter? You’re not alone. A lot of people are turning to a more minimalist approach at home—fewer things, fewer distractions, and fewer headaches. But that doesn’t mean you should skimp on home protection. If you’re living in a place like Huntsville, AL, where strong storms and sudden weather shifts are common, safety and durability matter just as much as clean design. Whether you’re downsizing your space or just simplifying your lifestyle, the best home upgrades are the ones that do more with less. Let’s talk about function-first fixes that keep your home protected and stress-free, without ruining your design goals.…
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In Memory of Patrick Weseman & Spread The Kindness Link Up On the Edge #762
Last Tuesday, I woke up to very sad news in my Facebook feed. My dear blogging friend Patrick of Adventures in Weseland passed away suddenly on June 16, 2025. I can’t even describe how I felt when I saw the post. I guess it was just pure sadness. I simply sat there and cried. Patrick was one of the kindest, friendliest, and compassionate people I have ever encountered in this life and the world was a better place with him in it. I sure am going to miss reading his lovely comments, checking out his adventures on his blog, and opening his unexpected emails that always brought a smile to…
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Is It Time for an Upgrade? Signs You Might Need a New Car
Life is a journey, and for most of that journey, you will require a car. Your trusty vehicle faithfully carries you to work, runs errands, goes on holiday adventures, and becomes a part of your life like a trusted friend. But just as in any aspect of life, there comes a time when change is good, and this extends to your vehicle. How do you know when it’s time to say goodbye to your old car and invest in a new one? Here are some signs you might need a new car. Frequent Repairs One clear red flag that might suggest it is time to get a new car is…
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Songful Style Link Party #37: “Need You Now” by Lady A
It was Suzy’s turn to choose this month’s songful inspiration. She chose “Need You Now” by American country music group Lady A (formerly known as Lady Antebellum) because it has been one of her favorite songs for a very long time. It is also a favorite of mine with a really special story behind it. The Lyrics "Hey, sorry I missed your call, just leave a message after the beep""Hey, yeah, it's me, just been thinking about everything tonightAnd I don't know, I just miss you so muchGive me a call back if you can?"Picture perfect memoriesScattered all around the floorReachin' for the phone 'cause I can't fight it anymoreAnd…
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Third Take on Tieks: Double Dotting & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up On the Edge #751
I wanted to share this third styling of my new vegan Tieks last Friday but Mercury was in retrograde and had other plans for me. Mercury’s effects have seemed to calm down now that it has exited its retrograde period and computer things seem to be going much more smoothly as a result. I used to fight against the impacts of Mercury in retrograde but I have learned that fight is fruitless and it is better to just put the computer down and wait for things to right themselves. Although the retrograde period ended earlier this week, it did not do anything for our weather. Not that I expected it…
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How to Run a Second-Hand Clothes Business
There are many ways to make money in the fashion world. If you have an eye for quality clothing and a can-do attitude, running a second-hand clothes business could be a viable option for you. While it might not sound like a lucrative type of business, the numbers do add up in its favor. The second-hand clothes market is already worth more than $70 billion and is expected to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.5% over the next 7 years. In other words, selling second-hand clothes for a profit can be a great way to earn some extra income. This post shares a few helpful tips…
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“January is for Resting” & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up On the Edge #739
I was talking to my sister Lori yesterday and we were both complaining about how mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted we are. It happens to us every January. The long, cold, dark days have tremendous impact on our moods and our energy levels. Thirty years ago, our father passed away on January 22. For the first fifteen years following his death, January was almost unbearable. It seemed like it would never end as we approached that dreadful anniversary every year. So fifteen years ago, Jeff and I decided to get married on January 23 because I needed something positive and happy to cheer me out of my January grief. It…
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The Thrifty Six: Shawls, Capes & Scarves
Welcome to the November edition of The Thrifty Six! We are a group of international fashion lovers who meet once a month in our little space on the internet to share our thrifty outfits. On the third Monday of every month, we will all share an outfit based on a specific theme that features preloved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling preloved clothing is so much better for the environment and you can find some of the best fashions in thrift or charity shops. The Thrifty Six are here not only to inspire you to shop second hand but to also get creative in your closets. Jane suggested we share our preloved shawls, capes,…
