Show & Tell

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I’m sure I’m not the only one thinking; “I really need to quit reading ALL of the news.” There has always been a part of me that believes that if I completely understand something , then I will have some control over it… but, no matter how much I read, or analyze, I cannot understand . It is incomprehensible.

What I am searching for now, is the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change.

I usually post earlier in the week, but this week disappeared, taken up by trying to schedule a series of MRIs for my son. You’d think it would be a simple phone call, wouldn’t you? And for someone with good health insurance, and no special needs, it would be – but to make this appointment required coordination between his nursing home, his insurance, the imaging schedulers, two different hospitals, an anesthesiology department… and me. Nine days and sixteen phone calls later, Mission Impossible turned into mission accomplished!
To celebrate, I baked myself a delicious gluten-free/non-dairy sour cream coffee cake. And I gotta tell you, it was delicious!

I wasn’t sure whether or not the non-dairy yogurt I eat (which has the texture and tang of sour cream) would work, but it did, and deliciously so. I’ve made two, in as many weeks, and I know that it’s a keeper. Speaking of non-dairy yogurt, they have improved to the point where they are actually tasty. The one I buy has 12g of protein in a serving… and it’s the store’s brand. If you have trouble with dairy, products, do a bit of exploring. I was pleasantly surprised.

In between all the calls, and waiting for return calls, I decided that our entryway needed some sprucing up, something we’ve talked about for years. When we were in Costco they had beautiful ceramic pots on sale. Front porch worthy pots. We hauled one home, then went to the garden center and bought a Hibiscus that should thrive in the bright morning sun and indirect afternoon light. Her tag says she’s a Cecilia Hibiscus, with red double blooms. So, she came with her own name… and now when I water her I can’t help but sing the Simon and Garfunkle lyrics; “Cecilia, you’re breaking my heart, you’re shaking my confidence daily…oh Cecilia, I’m down on my knees, I’m begging you please to come home, come on home.” She seems at home in her new space, don’t you think?

I know… the tag’s showing on my cushion. Blame the bad prop stylist. I also bought a Star Jasmine which has been planted under the kitchen windows, but since that bed is still a work-in-progress I will take some photos after I get it in order. I came home from the grocery store with an Oregano plant the other day. I’m going to put it in a side bed where I tried to grow Basil for the last three years – it was like hitting my head against a wall – the soil wasn’t appropriate and the sun was too intense. The Oregano should do well next to the Rosemary and Thyme. (Another Simon and Garfunkle song in there.)

I’m focusing on bright spots where I can find them, or make them. And that leads me to my appointment this afternoon – two weeks ago I had my nails done. My illness, perhaps my restrictive diet, and certainly my meds had taken a toll on my nails. And I hadn’t taken care of my cuticles in a while. I’m embarrassed to show you, but I felt like I was hanging on by a thread for a while. Have you ever just had a spell where you were over it all? What did you do?

I chose to do this frivolous thing for myself, and asked one of the women I play Canasta with -she had a particularly well-done American manicure (a french manicure has white tips, an American is more subtle, creamy) – where she got her nails done, then booked an appointment there.
Helen, the owner of the salon, did a wonderful job; she was gentle and very efficient, and has a good eye. All qualities I really appreciate. I loved the results!

The new nails have necessitated gardening gloves, which also feels nurturing… another small layer of self-care.
So although everything else is mostly beyond my control, I am grateful for these small things. For the lovely vignettes I have made, for the fact that I have creative outlets, and because you are all here.

Please take good care of yourselves, okay?

XO Donna

No Resolutions

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New Year’s resolutions have always had a negative connotation to them, at least to me. Something must change… and it’s something that needs discipline, willpower, and maybe a bit of punishment to accomplish.
In reality, the origin of resolution is Latin: resolvere – loosen, release. Let go. I like the shift I feel inside when I think of what I can let go of. It feels doable. What do you think?

There is one thing in particular I want to give up this year… My outrage. I refuse to spend the next four years in a perpetual state of outrage over the politics, oppression, hatred, and unjustness I see.


I going to focus myself on what/where/and how I can help. How can I be a good example? And be of service? We can all do this by looking at what is within our “Sphere of Influence?” Our neighborhood and neighbors. Our family and friends. Our spiritual community. Local charities and foundations that actually help the people they’re supposed to. (You’d be surprised how many charities use the majority of donations on administrative costs and nice salaries.)
I am going to shop locally more often by buying from independently-owned or franchised stores, (Shout-out to Penzey’s Spices ) and independent bookstores. Especially those that let me know they are LGBTQ+ friendly. And I’m going to get a library card.

I felt that 2024 was a particularly hard year for me, both as a woman, and in my personal life. I am not sad to see it in the rear-view mirror. And I look forward to a more stable year doing the things I love, that fill me up, and that are good for me!

I’m going to take a short-story writing class through MasterClass. I was a bit afraid, but it’s time to release the fear and “just do it.” It has been a goal to write articles for magazines and online… or to ghost write for others, and get paid to do so. I love researching and writing.

I’m also learning French now after studying Spanish all through the pandemic. My son and I work on my French lessons together during our visits. He has a facility for languages that is amazing, and a mind like a steel trap!

And I’ve been meeting with a group of women to expand my creativity through art. I tend to be paralyzed when confronted with a blank page and the thought of “messing it up.” But letting that go has turned out to be some of the most relaxing time I spend, other than having my nose buried in a great book. I have begun an art journal and am using pen and watercolor to illustrate diary entries and dreams.

I’m also working on the next level of gluten-free baking: raised breads and pastries. Another thing I was afraid I couldn’t do… but I’m ready to tackle that now because “cheating” – eating some bread here, and some cheese there, is leaving me feeling worse than ever.
Or maybe it’s because of that last birthday? LOL.

If you want to view my fave website for all things delish and gluten-free go here: The Loopy Whisk.

So, seven days into the new year, I wish you everything wonderful: self-care and good health, success at new things, great companionship, and lots of good books!

Oh, the one I’m reading right now is called, “The Hypocrite” by Jo Hamya. It’s on lots of Must Read lists, and I’m engrossed. But the afternoon has flown by and it’s time to prepare dinner right now, so my book will have to wait!

Here’s to 2025, and to all of you. Merci beaucoup!
XO Donna

Simple Pleasures

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Books, books, books! I’m working my way down and around my reading list, and what I’ve been reading has inspired and informed what I’m cooking. The cooler weather hasn’t hurt either – I finally turned on the oven.

I’ve been reading memoirs – not what I usually read – but memoirs by food personalities take me to my “happy place.” They warm my heart with their passion for food. While there’s a whole lot I can’t eat, I’m savoring what I can, and experimenting more.

It all began with Ina Garten’s newest book, her memoir. I’ve been a fan since early 2000’s (I even wrote about her in my book) I’ve always wanted to meet her!
She and I had the same spirit-crushing fathers – they even had the same name: Melvin! But she had such deep trust in herself, that she took risks over and over again. With tons of hard work, and the loving support and trust of her husband, she has succeeded wildly on her own terms.

Stanley Tucci. What else can I say besides I have a total crush on the guy?
If you have not seen “The Big Night” or “Julie & Julia,” do so. Both passionate movies about delicious food and the people preparing it. Besides being a great cook, Tucci’s a consummate story-teller and a talented artist. His book is like taking a vacation in Italy.

Speaking of storytellers, I got to hear the fabulous Ruth Reichl read from her then new book “Comfort Me with Apples” at the Texas Book Festival in 2002. I was gifted a ticket to the Gala dinner and she was one of the three authors who read to us. She was the one I enjoyed most, because while I’ve always loved food and cooking, she displayed a passion in her writing, and reading, about food that I’d never experienced before. I just finished Apples, a memoir at that point in her life, and look forward to reading “Save Me the Plums,” her latest memoir about her ten years of running the glamorous Gourmet magazine.

All of this reading about food and recipes got me back in the kitchen after months when I just didn’t care. Adjusting to a new (more restricted) diet, and dealing with 110 degree heat, the last thing I wanted to do was cook anything intricate. However, a few cool nights and a few great books was all it took to get me jazzed again.

Reading Gourmet magazine online, they shared a new type of squash called Honeynut. It’s like a baby butternut squash; but richer, sweeter, and smaller with an edible skin. They are everything the magazine claimed they were, but after trying the skin, and not liking it, I just scraped the creamy flesh out and ate that.

I followed the microwave directions after cutting it in half (easily!) and in five minutes I was enjoying it with lunch. These squash are going to make a great soup, too. I stumbled upon mine at Costco.

And last, but not least, I made my wonderful gluten-free brownies last weekend since we had a little cool spell. I love a simple well-made brownie, maybe add a few toasted chopped walnuts or pecans. But it had been a while since I gussied up my brownies by adding teaspoons of room temperature all-natural unsweetened almond butter.


From top left, the plain batter. Then add scant teaspoons of almond butter evenly around batter, taking a butter knife, drag it through the batter making long swirly designs. Bake as always, until the tiniest bit gooey in the center, but a toothpick comes out clean.

Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack or else they won’t hold their shape. It’s hard to wait, I know, but it will be worth it.
You can do this with your favorite brownie mix or home recipe. Peanut butter (chunky or creamy) are both delicious also.

I hope I’ve offered you some great reads and great food ideas. My birthday is next Wednesday, and my sweetie and I are heading to San Antonio for a romantic getaway. We have a couple of favorite restaurants we want to revisit – it’s been since the pandemic that we’ve been back there. I’m looking forward to strolling along the Museum Reach-end of the Riverwalk. It is always wonderful because it’s so much less crowded than the middle of downtown. I’ll tell you all about it next time.

Thank you for being here,

XO Donna

WRITERS & READERS

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I didn’t know that it was William Butler Yeats who said, “Things fall apart, the center cannot hold.” I thought it was Joan Didion. In fact, it was the title of a 2017 documentary about her life and work entitled, “The Center Will Not Hold.” And I can relate to that feeling… things are getting better, but life now is still two steps forward and one back. I’ve found a lot of pleasure lately in reading because I can finally relax and enjoy it.

After having had the attention-span of a gnat for most of this year – and consequently being unable to read, now I’m reading lots of great blogs, watching good documentaries (Joan Didion, above) have read five books in quick succession. And I’m also studying both Spanish and French!

My sisters and I formed our own Book Club intending to read a bunch of Murder/Mysteries – a genre we all like. We each bought Susan Juby’s “Mindful of Murder,” and I think everyone enjoyed it, but I’m not sure.
What’s not to like about an engaging-ex-Buddhist-nun-turned-butler solving crimes? The book takes place in the Pacific Northwest at a stunning retreat center. I learned a lot about being a butler, which is a career I didn’t know existed here in the U.S. But, it’s a thing!

Our book club didn’t quite come together as planned, the phrase “like herding cats,” is what comes to mind. I went on to read the next book, “A Meditation on Murder,” by myself, but didn’t enjoy it as much because I really had no interest in a bunch of young people whose only goal in life is becoming influencers and being mean girls along the way. So, I wouldn’t recommend this one. Her first was more satisfying.

Next I read a memoir called, “Men Have Called Her Crazy,” by Anne Marie Tendler, a NYT bestseller. I downloaded it to my Kindle (I actually prefer books on paper, but wanted instant gratification) and read it in one day. It gets a lot of bad reviews, and I didn’t realize that she had been married to John Mulvaney, a stand-up comic, until the end of the book. The author has serious mental health issues (to wit, she was married to John Mulvaney) and so checked herself into a psychiatric hospital. Maybe it’s not a topic for everyone, but I enjoyed her style, if not necessarily all of her thought processes. But, she’s young, and has lots more growing-up to do.

As you can see, I keep wonderfully detailed, well-organized lists of books I want to read. Joking! But I have lots to choose from, and am always open to your suggestions. I just downloaded “A Visit from the Goon Squad,” by Jennifer Egan. It has earned 11,588 4-star reviews and is a National Book Critics Circle Winner. We’ll see. And, after that, “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store,” by James McBride.

I’d like to acknowledge the passing of Dame Maggie Smith – I’m not sure why, but her death had me crying all day. She was my favorite on Downton Abbey, and I admired her greatly. We rewatched the films “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and “Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” last week. If you’ve not seen them, I can recommend both whole-heartedly. There aren’t many fun-filled, thoughtful, movies made about older adults and the changes that come with living a long life. These two films will bring a big smile to both your face… and your heart. I promise!

XO Donna

According to Plan

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There’s an old saying: If you want to hear God laugh… tell her your plans.

The last time I wrote I was heading out to a family wedding. My sister Elizabeth’s son was getting married in St. Louis, MO. Happily, I found a direct flight – only 2 hours and 15 minutes – sadly, the morning of my flight there was a fatal car accident a few blocks from the airport. Traffic was tied-up in every direction for 5 1/2 hours, making the national news. Needless to say, I missed my flight and scrambled to find one later that day. Rather than arriving in St. Louis at noon, I didn’t get there until 8:30 p.m. It made for a long day.

My sisters picked me up and we headed to our hotel room which had two queen beds, a huge sofa and (just) one bathroom… for the four of us! I am used to my privacy and quiet… but, it was a blast, a pajama party! Crowded and chaotic, with suitcases, hanging bags, make-up bags, a box of wine, snacks and shoes everywhere.

We got very little sleep because we stayed up late each night looking through a large box of old photos, some from the 1930’s, and talking about everything under the sun. Breakfast was included with our suite and the hotel served up the best buffet I’ve ever had. We started each morning lingering over breakfast and coffee. Lots of coffee.

The rehearsal dinner was held in a beautifully treed park, outside under a pavilion. A lovely autumn setting, scrumptious food that was all home-made by both families. I almost froze to death, (I cannot handle the cold anymore) but what a memorable meal and get together.

The wedding the next evening was an elegant, intimate affair (50 guests) in a lovely hundred year old hall surrounded by stately old trees. Rachael, my stunning new niece-in-law, and Ryan did a spectacular job of planning their own wedding AND making everything happen, and it all came off without a hitch!
And, did I mention the food? I was not your normal catered menu, it was closer to Thanksgiving dinner, but with amazing smoked meats rather than turkey. Delicious! The bride’s Mother, Jennifer, even made the stunning wedding cake! No detail was overlooked, including a hand-written personal note to every guest. A completely unexpected and touching surprise. Everyone danced until the very last song, and I was so busy having fun that I forgot to take photos! Although I do have the selfie I took wearing my Mom’s necklace, which I had repaired just for the wedding. Welcome to our family of strong, amazing women, Rachael!

The return trip to Austin was not much easier than my flight to St. Louis. My sisters had to drop me off early, then my flight was delayed 90 minutes, so I again spent hours sitting and strolling around.
I haven’t flown since before the pandemic… and was shocked that food, beverage and snack prices, while always more expensive than elsewhere, had tripled. I paid $23.00 for a small, bland, pre-packaged Chicken Caesar salad and bottle of water. My lesson: don’t go to the airport hungry… I think I’d rather not go to the airport anymore at all.

Last Monday was my birthday, and I turned 72. Unbelievable, where has the time gone?
The restaurant where I wanted to have my birthday dinner was closed Sunday and Monday, so we planned on dining there on Wednesday.

That did not go according to plan at all.

On Tuesday afternoon I was in the kitchen, just about to truss a plump chicken to go in the oven, when I felt like I was having another stroke: my left hand sudden went heavy and numb, then I had cold tingling up my left arm, down the left side of my face, then my left thigh. To avoid falling, I slid down to the floor and called out for help. My sweetie called 911 and relayed what I was experiencing to the dispatcher…
EMS and the fire department were on our doorstep within a few minutes, and took over. Whatever they pay these men, give them a raise! My symptoms subsided, but my blood pressure was dangerously high. So, I got to ride to the ER in an ambulance. Had I been in my 50’s, five hunky firemen hovering over me would have been exciting. Now, in my 70’s, I just felt safe knowing I’d get the care I needed quickly.

I spent 24 hours in the emergency room because all the hospital beds were full. Even the ER was overflowing with people on gurneys in the halls. The poor nurses were harried, but kind and caring. The population where I live has increased 40% in the last few years – Georgetown is the fastest growing city in Texas! With only two hospitals within 30 minutes, we clearly need more of them. And more nurses. Give them a raise, too, our lives depend on them!

Fortunately, after all the testing, it was not a stroke, but a TIA (transient ischemic attack) which is a “mini-stroke” which resolves itself and leaves no residual effects, deficits. With all of my preventive medications, exercise and (sadly restrictive) healthful diet, why did this happen again?

My next few weeks are going to be busy – I feel like a socialite making the rounds – meeting a new cardiologist, a new new neurologist, and a new hematology oncologist. At least I met my new primary care physician a couple of months ago. All of them are women, all working to figure out this challenge and get me healthy again.
Right now I am afraid to go anywhere or do anything alone, worried the “other shoe will drop.” I know this will pass with time.

And unfortunately, all of this necessitated cancelling our long-awaited vacation in Cancun on Dec. 9th. The beautiful turquoise water. The spectacular pool. Relaxing with dear friends. And five days of delicious food that I don’t have to cook! Dammit, dammit, dammit!!

So, please, if you take HBP or heart meds, stay on top of them. Take your blood pressure regularly at home and keep track. Wear compression hose – you wouldn’t believe the difference they make in your energy level and blood pressure. I love mine, but, I’ve always loved the “hug” of wearing tights. Drink enough water. Eat even cleaner. Drink less alcohol. Exercise like your life depends on it. It does. Keep your medical conditions and medications on a health app in your phone, and on a piece of paper, easily accessible.

I do all of the above. I was able to hand medical records and a list of meds to both EMS and the hospital so they had everything they needed in case I couldn’t have spoken for myself. I’ll find my way through this with a little help from my doctors… and from my friends.

Thank you for reading,
XO Donna

No Good Deed…

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goes unpunished. I know that isn’t the first thing that should come to mind because it’s reinforcing a negative thought. I strive to align my thoughts toward the positive, but when stuff like this happens, and I’m up to my derrière in alligators, it is still my first thought.
Good intentions be damned.

I don’t know which of us found them, but one morning last week when the small kitchen pantry door was opened we were greeted with an infestation of “pantry moths!” I was aghast, and chuckling, thinking “Mothra, Mothra!!” It is an old 60’s monster movie from Japan where a giant moth attacks Tokyo. My pantry is the heartbeat of my house. My Tokyo.

Turk grabbed the vacuum cleaner and vacuumed them off of the ceiling and walls in there. I went through bags of grains, beans, corn meal, etc. that had been opened and threw it all out. I did some rearranging, cleaning as I went and put some opened pastas into big ziploc bags and then we patted ourselves on the back.

That didn’t last long. A couple of days later they were back! And some of the ziplocs had new moths and larvae inside them. Now I was really flipping out! You may know them as flour moths, grain moths or food moths. They multiply rapidly and disgustingly. I found a couple of larvae on the shelf. Where had they come from? I’d thrown out everything that had been opened! This called for a deeper clean.

I got online and read-up on exactly what to do. It turns out that the boxes that were closed are no match for hungry worms – they were inside those, too.

  1. Errybody out!! 2. Check every. single. package. and toss what’s been opened. 3) Clean shelves, walls, baseboards with a bleach & water solution. 4. Let it dry naturally and put everything back, with grains, seeds, nuts, flours in sealed packages.

So where did the little buggers come from? Someone had given my son (who cannot cook because of his disability) a couple bags of black beans and brown rice, which he loves, especially with sour cream and diced green onion on corn tortillas. A perfect vegetarian meal! He in turn gave them to me to cook, portion them out, and bring them to him.

The bad news: those packages were infested! The good news: Because of them, I have a newly organized, and bug-proof pantry.

I always admired a well put-together pantry stocked with real everyday food in all it’s oddly-shaped packages. I did my best, and I’m pleased with the results.

In other news: my Spanish lessons are going great. I can construct paragraphs to read aloud. Speaking spontaneously is still frustrating, I get so tongue-tied! That’s what we work on in my in-person class here. I notice small improvements weekly… I remember listening to a simple story and thinking, “How am I ever going to understand that?” Now, amazingly, I can.
I am continuing with Duolingo, too. I owe all of my progress and vocabulary to daily practice, and it’s fun, although a bit childish, with Duolingo. It’s nice to know I’m increasing the neuroplasticity in my brain.

I also excited about the new exercise facility built just down the street, and it’s pool is beautiful. Unfortunately, it’s right out there in the sun, and who wants to lounge around a pool when it’s 107 degrees? Or go walk in the morning when it’s 82 at 7:00? Sadly we’ve only been in the pool three times, but the treadmill and elliptical have been so much fun! I learned that you get a much better result by raising the incline on the treadmill, and you can even select a “hilly” walk where it raises and lowers itself. I listen to music and look out at the sparkling pool. Soon, pool. Soon.

I also had my fourth session with a personal trainer yesterday. I have always liked lifting weights, and right now they are helping me get/feel stronger. After being ill for so long, off all of my hormones, and having lost so much weight, the machines are giving me a way to regain muscle and stay strong. I don’t want to become fragile like many elderly people do. My balance is great, thanks to years of Nia, and I’m flexible from years of yoga. Building strength through load-bearing exercise builds bone density, so yesterday my trainer and I worked with Kettlebells for the first time and it was a blast! My arms feel “alive” today, as does my butt.

Cropped view of two African-American woman exercising together in a city park on the waterfront. They are wearing long sleeved sports clothing. The woman in the dark pink shirt is a plus size model with a large build. She is in her 30s and her friend is in her 40s. They are lifting kettlebells in unison, in a squatting position.
Woman working out
Close up of unrecognizable athletic woman having sports training with kettle bell.

I very much like tapping into my masculine energy. It’s our take action and get-it-done energy. I noticed that I was feeling too withdrawn, unmotivated and even a little bit helpless, and this is bringing balance to that. Plus, I will be willing to go sleeveless with a bit more definition in my arms.
I’m beginning to feel my inner-strength again. I want to greet my 72nd birthday in eight weeks feeling like myself again!

XO Donna

TWO WEEKS

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The clock’s running out. This two weeks is what we (or maybe just I) wait for all year!

First up is Hanukkah, this weekend, with all of its delicious food: I mean, what’s not to love about latkes and sour cream? Brisket? Delicious apple cake? Or spectacular jelly doughnuts?

Then there is the Winter Solstice on December 21. It is the shortest, darkest day of the year, but from here on in, our days will begin to get longer and lighter. Friends and I always celebrated around an open fire, and there were usually marshmallows to roast and hot beverages, spiked or not. It’s been quite a few years since I’ve been to a Solstice Party, I may have to look at reviving that tradition.

Then a few days later is Christmas Eve – which was always a spectacular hours-long dinner at my Italian in-laws house. I can’t tell you how much I miss those raucous, love-filled, traditional meals. And them.

And then, we wake up the next morning and it’s Christmas Day with its amazing array of traditional Christmas cookies, pies and cakes. I’m going to try and make a gluten-free version of my Mom’s mincemeat/apple pie. No meat involved, in case you’ve never had it. There will be photos if I succeed.

As you can tell, I’m all about the food, (these two images are my favorites!) and of course, getting together with friends and family.

I wish all of my Jewish readers/friends a very Happy Hanukkah, and all of my Christian readers/friends a very Merry Christmas.
And a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year to you and yours.

(Me and my Sweetie)

XO Donna

Flowers

MOTHERS of REINVENTION

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After spending the last six months recuperating, my energy is returning and my mind is busy searching for a project. Something to make. Something pretty and shiny. Something to share.

In order to free my mind, first I needed to clean out my closet, yet again and make space for that idea to come to me. I hate clutter.

I realized two things as I sorted through my clothes: first, I have lots of clothes I thought would be great for “retirement,” but I don’t like them anymore. They feel baggy now, and frumpy to me.
And the other thing is that the clothes I want to wear, and add to my closet, seem to be clothes for a lifestyle I don’t have.

Those clothes are more appropriate for a city-slicker on-the-go, than for living in Sun City, Texas.

I made a large donation pile that went to our local Goodwill, and I made a “sell on Poshmark” pile. You can’t recoup your money here, not even close, and not even on clothes that still have their tags on them, or have simply never been worn (why do I do still that?) but it is an excellent way of recycling good clothes and getting a couple of dollars for them.
My last pile is going to the tailors to be taken in and up. That’ll give me more options for now, and I haven’t even dug through winter clothes yet!

My next project was to finally choose a paint color for our bedroom, and maybe our bathroom. And maybe the guest bath, too. Our interior throughout is a lovely golden-tan that changes shades all day with the sunlight. Except in our bedroom – which abuts the screened porch, so it’s always dark-ish. I don’t like golds anyway (not my color) so without the benefit of sunlight, the color looks murky to me, especially in the corners.

I used to love to paint, was tidy and efficient, and became good at it after a professional friend gave me a couple of lessons. But it’s been ten years since I’ve painted a room. My sweetie wanted nothing to do with the project, he thinks the color is fine. It’s obvious we see color differently (men and women do, but that’s another blog). In order to get some visual aids to show him my idea, I bought stick and remove wall paint samples from Sherwin Williams. On their website, go to SAMPLIZE to order 12″ x 12″ squares of the actual paint colors for $6.00 each.

My first choice was a Greige, but it turned out to be the same murky tone as the gold when on the wall. I also ordered Shoji White and Alabaster White, wanting to keep them warm-ish. The clear winner is the Shoji White in an eggshell finish. You can see Agreeable Grey and Shoji White above. Now I really need to get that portrait by my friend Lory framed!

Although he doesn’t want to help paint – and that’s okay – when he sees how much fun I’m having, I’m sure he’ll roll up his sleeves and jump in! I’m not planning to begin painting right away, I’ll wait till the weather is cooler, but I feel like I’ve accomplished something, and now have a pretty and shiny new bedroom to look forward to by finally making a decision.

And last, the idea that finally arrived, and the one I am most excited about… the “something pretty to share” project: I am opening an online shop in ETSY where I will have some of my favorite photographs from the last 25 years available as “Fine Art” archival prints, “Fine Art” archival canvas, some “Fun Art” canvas, and packs of beautiful blank-inside greeting cards just waiting for your words.
For the cards, I’m beginning with a flower series, and have added four images below. I love that shy sunflower. The site will be called “Fairview by Donna O’Klock” and I will let you all know all the details in my next post!

My birthday is in just 16 days, and it’s one I worried I wouldn’t reach… I am glad that I always took good care of myself so that I could now join other women who are in their 70’s, and 60’s, and still chomping at the bit for something new and creative to do, to offer. Reinventing ourselves again.

Love you all, and thank you for reading,
XO Donna

My Liebster Award

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image

What a sweet surprise! Sexy Past 60 was nominated for a Liebster Award by Lora Tucker Kaasch, a woman I am honored to call a friend.  Although she lives with RA, she is one of the most active women I know, and a continual inspiration to everyone she meets. Since I thought I recognized it as a German word, I looked it up and it means:  “liked very much, darling, sweetheart.”  I’ll take it, thank you, Lora!

What I was asked:

  1. What was a profound turning point in your life?  Having the conviction to write my first play and enter it in a competition in 3rd grade. Although I lost to Randy Dayton’s play about Martians, I knew that I wanted to be a writer!
  2. Hot, sun and sand…or cold snow and mountains?  Give me turquoise water and Bain de Soleil, any day!
  3. Number 1 on your bucket list?  Since having a “bucket list” implies that I’m thinking about kicking it, I just have a treasure map of images I’d like to experience; quiet beaches, solitary pools of water, romantic waterfalls.
  4. What’s your favorite libation?  A very, very Dirty Tito’s Martini.
  5. What do you do to unwind from a long day?  Sit down, put my feet up and indulge in #4.
  6. Who is one person who changed your life for the better?  Zan Ray
  7. Kindle/iPad/ or an “old fashioned” book?  I love my iPad for convenience and night reading…but love the weight, feel and smell of books!
  8. Where did you go on your last vacation? We rode a Harley down the coast of northern CA with another couple. Going to do it again next month with even more friends this time.
  9. What’s your specialty meal? Thanksgiving: turkey, sourdough stuffing with artichokes, Chipotle mashed sweet potatoes, home-made cranberry sauce.
  10. If you could do anything in the world, what would it be? To publish a book that would be a fun read, and help women feel great, and great about themselves…and let me meet Ina Garten and Ellen DeGeneres.
  11. What’s your favorite thing about blogging? That I get to sit down when I’m doing it!

11 facts about myself: I was born in St. Louis. My Mom used to take us from NY to St. Louis to San Antonio then back home to NY, on the train each summer in the 1950’s. Karen VF and I used to lie to our mothers about where we were sleeping, and slept on the beach in the Hamptons. I played drums in school. I studied Spanish all through high school because I had a crush on the (only) Spanish teacher. I wanted to convert to Judiasm when I was 15. (My father said “no.”) I wanted to be a hairstylist when I was 16. (My father said “no daughter of mine…”)  I wanted to be a Pan Am stewardess upon graduation at 17. (Dad = Absolutely not!)  My son Jason Austin was born in 1971. I became a hairstylist in 1976. And I moved to Austin in 1978.

I want to acknowledge these 11 Bloggers/Writers/Sources of Inspiration for me:

  1. Lora Tucker Kaasch – Rheumatoid Arthritis: Hope Courage Inspiration.com
  2. Joseph Rosenfeld Personal Brand and Style Strategist
  3. Melissa Johnson Lombard – MelissaLombard.com
  4. Carla Crownover – Austin Urban Gardens on WordPress
  5. Nina and Paul – WheelingIt.com
  6. Gina Waterfield – Gina Marie Life
  7. Susan Tolles – The Flourishing Life.com
  8. Ari Seth Cohen – Advanced Style on WordPress
  9. Ilene Haddad – IleenieWeenie.com
  10. Tara Mohr – TaraMohr.com
  11. Danielle La Porte – DanielleLaPorte.com

Check them out, you’ll find lots of great reading, I’m sure.  And, if anyone is making Dirty Martinis – call me!

XO Donna