NeLliE neLLiE dAy

Today I {cEleBRatE} you, Nellie. The first time we met I knew we were going to be friends. We have shared so much in such a short space of time and yet it seems like I've known you all my life. You have such a tender and deep heart and I LoVe that about you. You have pushed me in so many ways to grow as a friend and as a child of God. I am blessed beyond measure that God {brought} you into my life as my sister and my friend. You are genuine, encouraging, funny, inspiring and beautiful in so many ways. And, as if that wasn't enough, you are incredibly {aRtiStIc}. Your handwriting kicks butt!! Thank you so much for sharing with me your love, laughter, late night chats, scrapping sessions, Michael's shopping sprees, hot cocoa and ice cream runs, lung punches, and daily emails. But, most of all, thank you for just allowing me to be a part of your journey. HaPpy hApPY BiRthDaY, NeLliE beLLiE! {I heart you.}

How {happy} will you be today?

I have this little baby hanging in my kitchen right now. My first response to it was a chuckle and a smile. But, then when you think about it a little longer.....it really is very {simple}. Just be happy with your life, with what you have, with who you are. Stop looking at all the negatives and the could have beens and just find {joy in the journey}. Let God take control again and enjoy the journey He has planned for you. So, we all have a {choice} today. Will we be happy or not happy? Personally, I think I'll go with fRenCh frY bIrD today.

the 80's are alive and well...and so is Rick Springfield

So, my birthday was August 14th and my sweet husband got me tickets to see Rick Springfield on my birthday. [He felt pretty clever for that one. Way to go, honey!] I wasn't quite sure what to expect. After all, Rick is almost 60. [His bday is August 23rd - sound familiar, Nellie?] I didn't know if he would still be rockin' or not. He is. In fact, he is in extremely good shape and can play the electric guitar like nobody's business. Actually, he played like 5 or 6 different ones and threw some of them almost to the ceiling and cAugHt them. And, his voice? The same. When he sang Jessie's Girl...WOW! Sounded just like I remember. He totally roCkEd! He had more energy than I would've ever expected. Love his new CD by the way. Yes, that's right folks, he's making music again. Venus In Overdrive. Definitely worth a listen to. Oh yeah, Rick's still alive and well. :)