Green Eyed Look-a-like

Happy Thursday 2.16.12

2012-02-16T09:29:00.000-05:00

With Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday right around the corner, I thought I'd share with you this little number.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Who Do You Think You Are?

2012-02-03T13:46:00.000-05:00

Preview the Stories from Season 3!

Words cannot describe how excited I am about this show!

For the last two years from February to March, you could always find me at my parent's house every Friday night. Why? Well, the fundamental reason was that I, until recently, did not have cable but the real reason I was over there weekly, was to watch this show!

Here is another spin-off television show from Englad. The series follows well-known celebrities and athletes as they journey through time to discover their personal, family roots. There are celebrities who finally get answers to family mysteries (Kim Cattrall). There are celebrities who are united with relatives they did not know existed (Rosie O'Donnell). There are celebrities who are brought back to the faith of their ancestors by what they discover (Gwyneth Paltrow).

I don't think I need to explain to you why I love this show so much but if you are just tuning in, you can read more about my infatuation here or here and if you still need more here.

If you are a fan of the show or are tuning in for the first time tonight, let me know what you think of it!
Season Premiere February 3 - Fridays 8/7c - on ABC

Are You There God, It's Me Rebecca

2012-01-30T08:40:00.000-05:00

The Lord has only spoken to me one time in my life. It was a core-shaking, awakening, totally freak me out in a good way kind of speaking. Ever since then I take even the smallest whisper as the Lord trying to tell me something. And His timing could not have been more perfect.

Yesterday at church, one of my favorite songs came on, "Forever Reign". I like this song because of the chorus but never really found comfort in it until yesterday.

Oh, I’m running to Your arms,
I’m running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

You are more, You are more
Than my words will ever say
You are Lord, You are Lord
All creation will proclaim
You are here, You are here
In Your presence I'm made whole
You are God, You are God
Of all else I'm letting go

Ok, I got it. At this time in my life, I really need to focus on giving everything to God and embracing Him and what works He is doing in my life; regardless if I understand it or not.

He didn't stop there because I still had a little resistance and fear inside of me.

As the sermon begins, the intro pops up on the screen and I was intrigued. The verse on the screen was Deuteronomy 31:8; The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Tell me more!

I kept waiting for the reference back to that verse throughout the message but it never happened. That was confirmation to me that I was meant to hear that verse.

He still wasn't done though.

The Biblical reference in the sermon was actually Romans 12:17 but my eye landed on Romans 12:12, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. What I found comfort in was the middle of the verse, be patient in affliction. The Lord tells us that we will have trials in our life that will bring us closer to Him and that will strengthen us or change us always for the better, for the Lord only wants the best for us.

I may not understand what is going on in my life right now but I just need to rest assured that there is a purpose and a plan for my life.

All within a matter of minutes, I had been wanted, comforted and instructed. Even if they were three seperate whispers spoken to me, I heard all three loud and clear!

Sentimental Sundays - Hopelessly Romantic

2012-01-22T11:45:00.001-05:00

Upon re-typing my 3rd Great-Grandmother's diary, I came across this entry this morning.

The day before, there had been a Vernon family reunion and Georgia Alden was continuing the description from that day. I found the following poem to be so heartbreakingly romantic and not to mention the continued conversation regarding the height of some of the men quite amusing.

Sunday, September 7, 1890

Too tired to go to Church. Uncle Frank and Lizzie stopped at Aunt Harriet’s last night. Harry Hargis and Hendson Vernon of Georgia spent the night. The number of tall men at Nazareth yesterday has been subject of comment. A great many were six feet or over, all the way to six feet, six inches. The youngest descendant there was Master Alex. Vernon Holmes 5 weeks of age. The following poem was received from his descendant in Texas who wrote they would be with us in spirit on the 6. Anna L. Walden, Frances Lay, Dallas, Texas. The subject of the poem was a Great-Granddaughter of Alexander Vernon and the writer General Mirabeau B. Lamar, Third President of the Republic of Texas. It was written while Texas was a Republic on a sheet of music with a lead pencil, during Nancy’s absence from home.

To Miss Vernon

The richest rose, the rarest flower in Texas Valleys shining,

Can never match the absent one for whom my heart is pining.

My thoughts are with her day and night, nor can I from her turn ‘em.

Go where I will I still behold the smiles of Nancy Vernon.

Ye belles of wealth, ye devotees of fortunes heartless pleasures,

If to your stores ye wish to add fair virtues shining treasures,

Go seek the subject of my song; in her you’ll quickly find ‘em

For every gem of soul and mind is found in Nancy Vernon.

I know ‘tis said there never shone on earth a faultless creature.

That some slight shade must ever dim the brightest form or feature

But if such shadows dwell with her I’m sure I can’t discern ‘em.
I own that others have their faults, but none has Nancy Vernon.

But why should I her praises sing? Poor worth my softest numbers;

Songs of mine can never make the love that in her bosom slumbers.

Then take any harp and break its chords, take my songs and burn ‘em

I prize them not since they can win no smiles from Nancy Vernon.

Surname Saturday - Richardson to Richerson

2012-01-21T12:15:00.000-05:00

My last name is Richerson; not Richardson, Richarson, or Richerdson. To me, my last name is the correct spelling but I am a little biased.

The story in our house is that my 3rd Great Grandfather and his brothers went off to fight in the Civil War. At some point during their enlistment, the spelling of their last name was changed from Richardson to Richerson. The theory is that the boys did this to ensure receipt of payment. Apparently, there were other Richardsons fighting in the war and my relatives wanted to make absolutely sure that they got what was theirs.

4 Generations of Richersons

Thanks to the man on the left, Wright Montillion

Thankful Thursday - Circumstance of Events

2012-01-19T15:40:00.008-05:00

There are many things that I am thankful for but when I sit down and really dive deep into what matters most to me and what would make me an incredibly different person, I’d have to say I’m grateful for my Great-Aunt, Goti (technically, she’s my 1st cousin 2x removed but she was like a sister to my grandmother.)

Take this as you will but I would not be here if her father had not been killed in a German bomb shelter – that’s another story for another day. Honestly though, had he survived the war, there is absolutely no way that I would be here. The following events would not have happened:

1. Goti’s mother would not have married an American soldier, who adopted her and moved the family back to the US after the war was over.

2. Goti would not have met her future husband while they were both stationed in Alaska – ALASKA! and after a short long-distance relationship, he asked her to marry him!

3. Shortly after the wedding, Goti’s new husband, my Uncle John, would never have sponsored my Grandmother’s immigration over to the US and provided helpful information on her journey, “For the record, I am a woman.”

4. Lastly, had my grandmother never emigrated from Germany, she would have never met my Grandfather, who most of his friends and family thought would never marry, she would have never fallen madly in love, married and later had my mother who, thankfully and subsequently fell in love with my father, married and a few years later had me. :)

I’ve just now begun to see the effects of God’s wheels turning slowly but I would have to say that the earlier events definitely happened for a reason and there was a reason for them all.

Today I am most thankful for my fun, loving, and witty Great Aunt, Irmgard Fischer!

Goti and my Grandmother

My New Favorite Song

2012-01-15T10:20:00.000-05:00

I am quickly becoming obsessed with this song so I thought I'd share it with everyone!

Here's the Cover to Miranda Lambert's "Makin' Plans"

Enjoy!

Grown-Up Field Trip: Part 2

2012-01-09T11:08:00.000-05:00

So this took a little longer to write than I had anticipated.

I apologize.

We woke up from our glorious night of rest and headed to a kitschy restaurant for breakfast. The food was ok but the restaurant did not receive a good review from mom. If you have award winning Corned Beef Hash, it better taste award winning!

Apparently, my face blows up after taking Benadryl

After we filled up for the day, we then headed over to Duxbury, Mass for our own private torn of our 8th and 9th Great-Grandparent's home!!

John Alden was a Cooper, Barrel Maker

Our tour started outside the house. Our tour guide, Matt from The Alden House, gave us a quick timeline of the Alden's time in Plymouth and their journey to Duxbury. The Alden's first settled a few hundred yards east of the present location. Just a short walk through the woods from the present day home.

The site of the Alden's first home, built in 1627

An interesting fact that I walked away with was that out of all the Pilgrims descendants, the Alden's children were the most easy going. All of the other Pilgrim's children made news for things most people wouldn't want to be known for, i.e., ending the pact with the Indians. The Alden's were simply living day by day. I wonder what they would think of their notoriety today?

Myself, sister, and Mom at the Alden House

After our tour was complete and we drove around the city of Duxbury and visited the Myles Standish Cemetery, America's oldest maintained cemetery. The burial place of John and Priscilla are unknown, as well as the date of Priscilla's death, but there are two plaques for them beside the grave of their oldest son, Jonathan.

Gorgeous View of Duxbury

Plaques for John and Priscilla Alden

Once we had seen all of Duxbury, we drove back to Plymouth and visited a few more spots. They included The Mayflower Society Home, Burial Hill, and The Pilgrim Hall Museum. We capped the night off with the best meal of the day, White Pizza and Red Wine at The Upper Crust and sundaes at Friendly's.

Our last day in Plymouth started at the Plimouth Plantation. The Plimouth Plantation is a recreation of a Wampanoag Indian Homesite and a 17th Century English Village. It is an interactive and realistic recreation of what life would have been like for both the Indians and Pilgrims a few years after the Pilgrims had arrived.

Cooking Pumpkin

A Wampanoag Winterized Hut, as known as a Wetus

On our way to visit our 'ancestors' at the English Village

Pilgrims cutting wood

17th Century Style Home

Gorgeous views of the village from the Fort

After we had finished at the Plantation, it was time for us to head out of town and back home. On the drive to Boston, we stopped at Presidents John and John Quincy Adams' birth place home and final home in, wait for it, Quincy, Mass. We didn't have enough time to take the tour so we just walked around and took some pictures.

Peacefields, The Old House, of the Adams, also descendants of the Aldens!

The grounds held a gorgeous English styled garden

The weekend was a success and we were actually surprised that we were not able to view everything that we wanted to! Who knew that Plymouth, Mass was so interesting?!

Become Who I Am Looking For Is Looking For

2012-01-08T12:25:00.000-05:00

For 2012 my main focus, my main goal, is:

To become the person I am looking for is looking for.

Last summer, my pastor, Andy Stanley, did a series entitled, "The New Rules of Love, Sex, and Dating." For the entire nine years that I have been attending Buckhead Church, this is the first time a series has stuck with me for this long!

In the first part of the series, Andy states that he has never come across a married couple who has "a marriage problem". What it is instead is that people with problems get married. These people believe the "Right Person Myth"--When I marry or meet the right person, everything will be alright. Instead, their single people problems carry over into their marriage.

(You can click on the link above to hear Andy's more eloquent description).

Towards the end of the message, Andy challenges single people to fix their single people problems before they marry. Instead of trying to find the "right person" to fix your problems, he states, you need to become the right person! Become the Person who are looking for is looking for! Get out of debt! Quick your bad habits! Fix your "daddy/mommy issues"!

So, in becoming the person I am looking for is looking for, here are my 2012 goals for the year!

1. I am looking for a strong, godly, Christian man.

I am going to work on a having a daily, stronger, more personal relationship with my Lord and Savior!

If you have not read, Heaven is For Real, you need to add it to your list ASAP.

This, according to the Colton Burpo, is what Jesus looks like.

2. I am looking for someone who is wise with their money.

I am going to find financial peace! I am going to get out of debt and I am going to live a life of financial margin!

3. I am looking for someone who is successful in their career and takes pride in their work.

I am going to take and pass the Series 7 exam by the end of April!

4. I am looking for an educated, sophisticated man.

I am going to read a list of classic novels that I was supposed to read in h.s. and college or that I have always wanted to read. The first few include Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma.

5. I am looking for a person who takes care of their physical bodies and health.

I am going to become more active, starting with the JFBC Polar Bear Run at the end of the month and possibly begin rowing this summer and I am going to make more of an effort in keeping up appearances.

Yes, Kate Middleton is my inspiration. I have no problem admitting this.

6. I am looking for a man who is kind, generous, and loving.

I am going to donate either my time or money more to charities around the community on a quarterly basis.

7. I am looking for someone who is generally neat and tidy.

Ok, so this one is more so for me personally, I just want to keep up a daily routine of keeping a clean house. Put my shoes away instead of kicking them off and leaving them on the floor, go through and throw away mail as it comes in; all of the small things that eventually add up.

8. I am looking for a man who has strong relationships with their family and friends.

I am going to further strength my relationships with my close friends by getting together more often with them and showing my family and friends how much they mean to me!

These are my ~~resolutions~~ goals, what are some of yours?

Happy New Year!!

2011-12-31T14:27:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has a safe night tonight!!

Have fun!

Question

2011-12-28T09:49:00.000-05:00

Yes, yes, I know that it has been a while since I have updated everyone on my uber exciting life but before I do so, I have a quick question for everyone!

I don't make resolutions. When I was younger, it seemed the thing to do but as I grew older, I needed something more concrete to hold on to. This is when I started to make goals!

Now before you go thinking that I have my life together, last year was the first year that I set goals for myself and I think I completed one out of five of my goals! See I don't even know what I completed and what I didn't, geez. Anyways.

I have always wanted to go back and read the classics that I was supposed to read in high school but I never finished. So I have decided that one of my personal goals for 2012 is to read only classic novels! So.....

What classic novel should I add to my list?

The Great Gatsby? For Whom the Bells Toll? MacBeth?

I would really love some suggestions!

Thanks guys!!

Food For Thought

2011-10-30T14:58:00.000-04:00

October 28, 1919

2011-10-28T07:42:00.000-04:00

92 Years Ago Today........

My Grandfather, Sibley Trest Richerson, was born!

My Grandaddy, bottom center with his Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather

My Grandaddy was born in Stockton, Alabama to John Leslie and Bessie Mae Richerson.

He is the second oldest of four children.

He only had 3 years of high school education.

He was inducted into the Alabama High School Baseball Hall of Fame.

He married in 1940 and had 2 children.

He was a fireman.

My Grandaddy, on the right, with an Army buddy.

He enlisted in the Army in 1943 as a member of the 2061st Engineer Aviation Fire-Fighter Assigned to the 406th Fighter Bomber Group, P-47, of the 9th Air Force for Duty.

He received a Dear John letter while overseas.

He married my Grandmother in 1949.

They had 3 children.

Total he has 5 Children, 12 Grandchildren, 9 Great-Grandchildren.

My Dad, Uncle, Grandfather, and Uncle

To have seen everything he has seen!

Such a great man!

Happy Birthday Grandaddy!!

Hoot Noggit!

Grown-Up Field Trip: Part 1

2011-10-26T18:34:00.000-04:00

A few months ago, I had several close friends come to me with questions about my birthday:

What do you have planned?

Well, nothing yet.

What do you want to do?

Maybe just a dinner or something.

and then the questions followed with

Because I have a wedding/wedding shower on your birthday.....

Oh....

With the first friend, I didn't think much of it but then when #2 and #3 came around I started to get a little upset/disappointed. Don't my closest and most loyal friends know that they are to leave October 22nd open forever and always?

Instead of sulking about the situation, I decided to plan a trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts. Yes, of all the places to plan a birthday celebration, I chose Plymouth. With my love of genealogy and my connection to the area, I was determined to go, with. or without. anyone! At first, it was just going to be me on this lovely voyage but then my mom worked her magic, and was able to get off work, so she and my youngest sister were able to join me!

The weekend started out great with a major victory for my brother. They were the big upset win over the undefeated East Paulding Raiders. The final score was 29-23!

I can honestly say, the entire visitor section was beaming! We were all so proud of our Greyhounds!

My Brother and his team mates singing the fight song after their victory!

Our flight the next morning was at 815 and we made it into Boston around noonish. We walked through Quincy Market to see all the yummy foods before sitting down for lunch at Wagamamas. I first fell in love with Wagamamas when I studied in London during Jan Term. The food is fresh, delicious and quick! And just my luck, they have one in Boston! My meal was just like I remembered and what made it even better was that mom liked it too!

Pretty view of South Quincy Market

After lunch, we drove to our hotel in Plymouth, checked in and immediately hit the road again to see the sites. Our first destination: Plymouth Rock.

I was warned before I left about the size of the rock. "It's not very big, you know!" or "Don't be disappointed when you actually see the rock." I was realistic however; I knew that pieces of it had been chipped away by souvenir seekers and that it had been moved several times, especially during the Revolutionary War. There is still something to be said about seeing the rock, though. Maybe it means more to me because my 9th Great-Grandfather was the 'first' to step on it but I still thought it was flippin cool, in the words of my father!

THE Plymouth Rock

After we saw the rock, we moved on to the Mayflower II. The Mayflower II is a replica of the originial that sailed almost 400 years ago. The ship, in comparison to the amount of passengers onboard (102), was tiny and with the rough seas that they endured, the Captain probably kept them all underneath for their protection. We learned the next day, that there was supposed to be a second ship, The Speedwell, going over but the Captain did not agree with what the Pilgrims were seeking (religious freedom), so he rigged the masts incorrectly and played dumb, leaving the ship unsailable and making everyone merge onto one ship, the Mayflower.

The Mayflower II

Our first day was a little rushed because we had an early dinner reservation at the Plimouth Plantation for their Harvest Dinner. Yes, we're strange, we know. I was actually a little disappointed that dinner was inside! We have done an Irish dinner inside a castle before and so I was totally ready for that setting. I was prepared for dinner in a Pilgrim house or even just outside with a table and bench. The food was actually good and their was a lot of it! It was all family style and you were only given a pewter plate (salad size), a steel knife (with rust) and a soup spoon. I'll be honest with you, at lunch before we left Boston, we kept saying "Eat as much as you can because you don't know if dinner is going to be any good." Well, we were stuffed at the end of the night, which happened to be just after seven.

Our menu for the Harvest Dinner

Because of our early morning wake up call and with much of Plymouth already closed, we decided to call it a night for the day. Eleven hours later though, I did not regret our decision one bit! For now we were rested for our official and exciting full day ahead!

Thursday Night Football

2011-10-15T11:52:00.000-04:00

Growing up Southern is a privilege, really.

It's more than where you're born, it's an idea and state of mind that seems imparted at birth. It's more than loving fried chicken, sweet tea, football, and country music.

It's being hospitable, devoted to front porches, magnolias, Moon Pies and Coca-Cola...and each other.

We don't become Southern - we're born that way.

In our family, football has always been a part of our lives. My father was the All-Star, hotshot high school quarterback who later played a stint of college football at the University of Georgia. My sister and I grew up tailgating at the Sigma Nu house in Athens and now, my baby brother is a starting offensive lineman at Pope High School.

My brother started playing football for Pope in middle school. From the beginning, it was evident that these boys were going to turn it around for the school. Sure enough, last year was the first time in over 10 years that Pope went to the playoffs!

My family is very involved in my brothers football career. My dad started out coaching the boys in middle school and my family has been at every game of his varsity career (minus when I missed last year for my birthday which I'm still getting grief about!). My family is also very vocal when it comes to the football games.

My sister

Image Courtesy of Marietta Daily Journal

This week, our game was featured on the WSB-TV Thursday night televised "Game of the Week". Our opponent was Sprayberry High School. The winner of this game would solidify their position in the playoffs for this year. Last year at Sprayberry, we won with 14-13 so this game was definitely going to be a good one! And it was!

At half-time, the score was 14-6 Sprayberry, thanks to a last minute 73 yard touchdown from Sprayberry at the end of the second quarter. There had already been 2 turnovers on Pope's end and one for Sprayberry. No movement in the third quarter but Pope came back though in the fourth quarter to win the game with 16 seconds to go with a final score of 27-21.

My baby brother, #72, starting Offensive Lineman

Image Courtesy of WSB-TV

So proud of my brother and the Greyhounds!!

Happy Birthday Lisa!!

2011-10-03T14:28:00.000-04:00

Today is my Mom's Birthday!

My mom and her father, John C. Reynolds ca. 1959

My mom and her mother, Lieselotte Balser Reynolds, Easter 1961

Today, my mother celebrates another year of her life! I personally, am very excited that she was born today! I don't think I could have asked for a better mother!

She is kind, loving, funny.

She is an amazing cook!

She is a white tornado when it comes to throwing a party together!

She loves her husband and her family.

She is pretty much the most wonderful woman I know!

My mother in elementary school

My parents a frew months after their wedding, 31 years ago, Happy Birthday Mom!!

1985 the "first family" is complete

My mom and me, Lake Martin, AL. UGA/AU Game ca.1991

Mom and all of her kids, Me (1), Sean (3), Caroline (2), and Claire (4)

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy First Day of Autumn

2011-09-23T13:25:00.000-04:00

My Favorite Season

Marilyn Monroe

2011-09-22T20:28:00.000-04:00

I have recently taken up an interest with Marilyn Monroe.

She has always been a person of interest but lately I found myself more intrigued with her. There were basic things I knew and loved about her:

I love the fact that she was not runway model thin.

I love the fact that she was both a baseball wife and a literary wife.

But mostly, I love the fact that she was absolutely, without a doubt, glamorous!

Well, recently, my mom and I were planning an upcoming trip to Plymouth, Mass and Boston and we were researching places to visit. We were on the Alden House website and on there they have a link of famous descendants of John and Priscilla Alden. In the list were political people such as John Adams and Dan Quayle and some other scholarly people but there was also Norma Jean Baker; professionally known as Marilyn Monroe!

Immediately, we stopped so I could add this information to my family tree! Turns out that Marilyn Monroe is my 9^th Cousin 1x removed!

My family line to John Alden comes from Joseph Alden, John and Priscilla’s third born and Norma Jean comes from Elizabeth Alden, J & P’s first born.

I told you we were related!!

Just wanted to brag a little!

Thanks!

9/11

2011-09-09T14:54:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe that it has already been 10 years since the most horrific and tragic day of our lifetime. It seems that every publication and television outlet is putting together their own special memorials to the thousands of people whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001.

As I read these memorials and see the pictures, it is painfully heartbreaking yet unimaginable to me how this event in history has affected so many lives and families. I was blessed to not have personally known any of the victims from those attacks but that day will still be with me forever.

When I was younger, I remember being almost envious of my parents and grandparents because they had had so many memorable and historic events in their lifetime. Together, they had witnessed the Second World War, the dropping of the atomic bomb, the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Woodstock, and the fall of the Berlin Wall. I wanted to know every detail of where they were, what they were doing when they heard the news and their reactions.

Now I have my own details.

I was a Senior at Alan C. Pope High School and my first period class that semester was Oceanography. This was mainly just a filler class as I had met mostly all of my requirements and was also on early release (I had only 3 classes instead of the 4 that come along with Block Scheduling). This class was more fun than educational because the majority of the class were my friends. The day before, we had started a Paper Mache Globe project. Everyone was making jokes, laughing, really goofing off for the most part. A few minutes into class, our Principal, Dr. Stowers, came over the intercom to tell everyone there had been a terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York and for everyone to turn on the TV. (It came out later that Dr. Stowers’ daughter, who worked at the WTC had been running late that morning and saw the first plane hit the building and immediately called her mother).

Up until this point in my life, terrorist attacks to me meant a hostage situation so I didn’t think too heavily on the announcement until someone turned on the television and I saw the first attack on the building. Immediately, the feel in the room changed. The carefree, lighthearted feeling everyone just had was replaced with a serious grave and anxious feeling. We watched the coverage, including the second plane attack on the South Tower, until the bell rang for second period.

I basically ran to my second period class, which was Government/Econ, so I wouldn’t miss anything. We were supposed to have a test or quiz or something that I remember not feeling ready for but my teacher, Mrs. Todaro, informed the class that these events were more important. Within minutes of class starting, we watched in shock and disbelief as the South Tower collapsed. The feeling now throughout the school was very somber. I think we were all still trying to process what was happening, how this could have happened!

My third and final class was Senior Lit/College Prep Class. This class was a smaller class than my others and there were probably 15-20 kids in the class. I remember walking into the class and getting settled when my teacher told us that she was going to turn off the television because ‘nothing new was happening’. Almost in unison, the entire class protested. At this point in the day, the broadcasters were showing the celebrations that were going on in the Middle East. She put the television on mute and tried to continue with class.

The rest of the day was sort of a blur. I’m not sure if I had to work, if I discussed things with my parents; I just remember still being numb about the situation.

A few weeks after the attacks, it came out that there were documentary film makers, brothers Gedeon and Jules Naudet, following a rookie firefighter during his entire 9 month training. They were the first and only camera to capture the first plane that struck the towers and a few months after the attacks, the documentary was finally aired.

Sitting at the kitchen counter, I watched the documentary. I remember bits and pieces from the documentary but what stands out to me the most was actually, for the first time, hearing the steel bend and crunch as the towers fell. The footage of that entire day had been replayed for months but there was always some commentary covering up the noise. The minute I heard the sounds from that day, shivers went down my spine. I envisioned the thousands of people stuck inside the building; I envisioned those who made the decision to jump from the inferno; I tried to envision what it would have been like inside as the buildings collapsed.

I finally had my own details to tell my children and grandchildren but if I had known that the event which changed our country forever would have been so devastating, I’m not sure I would have been so envious of my afore-mentioned relatives. Ten years after the original attacks, I still have anxiety when viewing the images from that day and the disbelief and sadness is still as fresh as it was 10 years ago.

Girl on a Budget

2011-09-07T12:31:00.000-04:00

Have I told you how much I love Rachel Zoe?

I really do! She is my daily inspiration – at least when it comes to my wardrobe. Each year when the Award shows begin, I love to see all of the dresses and guess which ones Rachel styled.

Then there is her show, The Rachel Zoe Project, which premiered last night (and, yes, I did just sing that last little bit)! I absolutely love everything about it; the clothes, the celebrities, the process, the sayings! It would be my guilty pleasure if I didn’t feel bad about watching it! Sorry I'm not sorry!

What I mostly love about Rachel Zoe, and I’m not even entirely sure that the credit should go to her but I’m feeling generous, is Piperlime! Probably 3 out of 5 days, I’m on their website just browsing! It’s where I go to daydream about my future wardrobe!

What I love most about Piperlime is their GIRL ON A BUDGET section. I love it because the company recognizes that there are people out there who appreciate the finer things in life but are not always able to have them.

They break down everything into categories (everything is under $100) and then also give you outfit ideas with the price conscious pieces. If you haven’t ever visited Piperlime because you think it is all couture, high-end pieces, I highly suggest you give it another go, or at least admire it like I do!

When I'm Feeling Sad

2011-08-25T15:02:00.000-04:00

When the dog bites

When the bee stings

When I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad

I got some sad news today at work so I had to destract myself and lift my spirits some.

Here's what did it for me:

All pictures from froufroufashionista.tumblr.com

The Boys of Fall

2011-08-15T12:37:00.002-04:00

I can not believe that Fall is right around the corner. It seems like just last week, I was excited for the arrival of summer, now, it's almost gone! I'm not complaining though because with the arrival of fall welcomes my most favorite part of the year!

This weekend marked the beginning of Football Season (capitalized because it really is that big of a deal!).

My brother will be a Senior, starting today, and with this obviously comes his last year of high school football. It's almost unreal to me that my baby brother, in just a few short months, will be going off to college. But anyways, Friday night they had their scrimmage against Hillgrove. They lost but my brother's first plays were marvelous! The next game is not for another two weeks but it should be a good one!

BTW - My brother is #72, handsome devil!

If I won the lottery

2011-07-24T11:38:00.001-04:00

Sure I'd do all the normal stuff....pay off my debt, put a huge chunk in savinngs, maybe even buy a house and a new car but before I did all of that, I'd plan a trip!

Amalfi, Italy

Bonifacio, Corsica, France

Iseltwald, Switzerland

Monschau, Germany

Crete, Greece

River Liffey, Dublin, Ireland

Sicily, Siracusa

Blossoms in the park, Paris

Mont Saint-Michel, France

Patio Hop and More

2011-07-18T22:54:00.000-04:00

A few weekends ago, a couple of friends and I set out on an adventure. We were going to attempt to visit several different patios in Atlanta in one day. There were two main factors that went into this decision.

1: One member in our party is ecstatic about patios

– seriously, loves them and I can’t honestly blame her!

2: Quite simply, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like

Brunch!

It was quite possibly one of the best days I have had in quite a while!

We started out at Treehouse in Peachtree Hills. We sat outside on the patio with the morning sun peeking through the awnings, sipping on our Bloody Marys and I could just feel that this day would be a wonderful, laughter filled day.

Right on schedule, at 12 noon, we moved over to Virginia-Highlands for The Family Dog. Although we were taking it slow, no coffee in the morning and no breakfast meant food was needed immediately. And I am certainly glad we decided on this place! I had the Corned Beef Hash w/ Fried Egg, which was almost better than Granny’s! Once everyone finished their meal and we came to a stopping point in our conversation, we hit the road again!

Our next and final stop on the itinerary was Leon’s Full Service in Decatur. If we thought the day was hot at our previous location, this time in our day was completely unbearable! We were seated at a very cozy corner booth and the drinks were just as refreshing!

Before we knew it, it was time to get ready for the Birthday Celebration!! My younger sister's birthday was on the 2nd and we were going out to celebrate her! We had a wonderful dinner at Abattoir with just as wonderful, if not stirring conversation and then later drinks and Boccee at Ormsby's.

All in all, I'd say the day was a success! And everyone had an excellent time!!

Happy Birthday Beautiful Sister!!

What would Emily Post Do?

2011-06-30T15:08:00.004-04:00

If it is not obvious by now, I have an infatuation with Gwyneth Paltrow. Of course I mean this as purely a form of admiration! Her most recent GOOP newsletter was on etiquette.

Since it’s Thursday, and I feel like etiquette is slowly becoming a thing of the past, sadly, here’s a refresher, Q & A style, brought to you by Gwyneth Paltrow, actress, chef and author of GOOP and Derek Blasberg editor at large of Harper’s Bazaar and author of Classy!

Q: I never know whether it's proper to serve a bottle of wine that a guest brings to a dinner party or to regard it as a gift and put it away. What's the polite thing to do?
A: “If I'm the host and the wine is better than what I was planning to serve, I'm going to pop the cork! But a host is certainly not obliged to serve what a guest has brought; after all, the host has no doubt planned their menu and given consideration to which wines go best with the meal. A polite guest should know this and not be offended if their wine isn't served. I have a friend who brings room temperature champagne as a host gift so the host knows there's no obligation to serve it.”

Q: I always assumed it was the host's responsibility to ask houseguests and dinner guests about their dietary restrictions in advance, but someone recently told me this wasn't the case. Is it the host's or the guests' responsibility to make a note of dietary restrictions?
A: “An extremely organized host will ask about restrictions before he or she has planned their menu, but it's ultimately up to the guest to alert the host—and only in cases of strict medical conditions or moral or religious convictions. Compelling a host to change the menu or whip up a special dish at the last minute because someone has recently started a gluten cleanse isn't justification.

Someone with dietary restrictions should let the host know with ample time to offer alternatives, as opposed to merely mentioning that they're a hardcore vegan as everyone has just sat down to a bone marrow casserole. Most people I know who are picky eaters have a little pre-supper before a dinner so they're not ravenously hungry. No matter what, it's nice to tell your host that you love the food, even if you don't plan on touching it.”

Q: Conversely, you've neglected to tell your host about a dietary restriction and your host has neglected to ask, and you've been served something you'd rather not eat. Do you say something about it, send it back, or hold on until the end of the course? What to do?
A: “The polite thing to do is move the dish around a bit, so it looks like you've eaten some of it, and then swing by a deli on your way home to pick up some chips. To say something when the food is served is rude to the fellow diners and will make a precarious, awkward situation for the host—and at the end of the day, these sorts of dinners are for conversation, friends and a jolly evening, not just culinary consumption. If this is a larger affair, there may be a vegetarian option, which can be politely and discreetly requested as the meal is served. If it's a smaller fete and you're starving, feel free to discreetly ask for more salad or more bread, or whatever it is that you can eat. An astute hostess will notice if you haven't eaten any of the meat dishes, and would be happy to get you some more veggies from the kitchen. Remember to keep the focus on the dinner vibe and not what you're not eating; there's nothing more jarring than a girl who interrupts a good group conversation to announce she thinks cooked tongue is disgusting. (Even if I agree with her.)”

Q: Is an email thank you note ever appropriate, or is it better to just stick with the traditional handwritten thank you note?
A: “I've always said that handwritten notes on personalized stationary are the hallmark of a lady, but these are modern times and timely emails can be just as gracious. In our instant gratification culture, some hosts prefer a drunken text from the car ride home saying they had thrown a fabulous party more than a handwritten note a week later. (I send an email the night of—before the bloom is off the rose, or rosé, so to speak—but will follow up with a written letter if something was particularly fabulous or personal.) But for gifts, like those given at a wedding or birthday party, when a person has time to respond, only a handwritten note will do.”

Q: How do you make it clear to the guests you've invited for a get-together that you'd like them dressed in a certain way if there's not a written invitation?
A: “Generally speaking, if there's no written invitation, you've either called or emailed the details, and it's appropriate to follow up in the same manner. My suggestion: Ask a few of the more sartorially obsessed attendants what they're wearing, and readily offer your own look. They'll clearly understand the party's tone if you tell them that you're wearing, for example, jeans and a blazer, or your to-die-for, over-the-top YSL Moroccan tunic and metallic espadrilles. Then they'll pass this info on to the others as they scramble to find their own vintage kaftans.”

Q: I asked one of my very well mannered friends the following: Is it essential to bring a gift if you are staying the night/longer at a friend's house? What would a good gift be? And here's her answer:
A: “It could be a small bunch of hand picked wild flowers, some fresh strawberries from the local farm stand, an L.L. Bean beach bag emblazoned with your host's initials or last name, or a cashmere throw but yes, a little token of appreciation is a must if you are staying over.”

If I have peaked your interest in etiquette and you would like to know more, please visit the following links::
http://www.emilypost.com/
http://www.etiquettehell.com/