...Mary vs. Rhoda

In the mid to late seventies, my high school years, I did a lot of babysitting. I loved kids, had a way with them, and figured it was an easy way to make money. Saturday nights were always booked in advance and came with a much higher rate of pay, probably because it dipped into what ever social life us girls were trying to strive for at the time and as we got older, good babysitters were hard to come by. I really didn't mind though, and it was largely due to the Saturday night TV line up. Once my little charges were in bed, I raided the fridge of their parents and settled in for an evening with Mary, Bob, and Carol. That's Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Newhart, and Carol Burnett. What amazing female role models for a young girl of 16. Mary and Rhoda with their own apartments, independent lives, and great jobs. Emily Newhart, whose quick dry wit and intelligence enhanced the relationship with her husband Bob, and Carol Burnett, who showed us that there was humor in every little thing, it was all in how you looked at it.
I loved them all.
For us girls there was always the question of Mary vs. Rhoda. It went without question that all the guys voted for Mary, therefore most of the girls wanted to be Mary, but I was always a Rhoda fan (after all didn't she get Joe in the end). I could relate more to her sarcastic sense of humor, quirky fashions, and thought that being a window dresser was the most fabulous thing on the planet! I planned to move to New York and design the windows of all the great department stores.
But with Mary, there was always her "M". Is was the one thing of hers that I coveted, begged to have, and for some reason, never managed to get. Even at 16, I knew that initial hanging on the wall of her apartment meant more than just a decoration. It wasn't until recently that I realized, without intention, I had acquired several things in my own home with my initial "P".
I guess if you wait long enough, you really "might just make it after all."

... natures crayon box.

The Earth Laughs in Flowers
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

...the first day of spring.

It's official, today is the first day of spring! It might not look like it through the clouds and fog, but there it is, ready to bust out of winter and begin it's glorious season. What better way to begin the equinox, than the Flower and Garden Show. I've taken the day off of work, have my camera packed, my note pad ready, my comfy tennis shoes on, and am off to be inspired. Can't wait to share what I find.
Until than, Happy first day of Spring.

...the signs of spring.

Remember those movies we saw in school, the ones in Botany class that were filmed in fast frame to show us how things grow. Well, right about now when I walk through my garden, I feel like I'm watching one of those movies. It's amazing how fast things grow this time of year. One day just the bud of a hydrangea, smaller than my pinkie nail, a few days later leaves an inch and a bit long. I few more months and the yard will be brimming with color and pageantry. What a show Mother Nature is, and it's free for all who want to watch...she doesn't even make us buy a ticket!

...a Sunday afternoon in "blogland".

Another rainy Sunday, and I woke up with absolutely no direction to the day. Didn't get out of my PJ's until around 1:00, and didn't even make my bed! I wouldn't have even left the house if my best friend hadn't called and coaxed me out for my favorite, Peppermint Mocha. There we sat for a few hours solving the worlds crisis, coming up with different ideas for businesses that would get us out of what we currently do, swapping recipes, vowing to get healthy, exercise more (OK actually start exercising) and exchanging heartwarming stories about our dogs. I, of course will be the next Martha Stewart, and she the female Dog Whisperer. We would ride out the recession/depression doing what we love; young at heart, thin, and with enough money in the bank to keep us shopping!
Absolutely motivated I went back home and got on the computer. But rather than start a project of my own, I found myself traveling through the world of "Blogland" as I like to call it. One site would lead me to another, and another, and than another. I found myself immersed in a community filled with inspiration and creativity. It truly is amazing the collective amount of talent that fills this world of ours. Woman who have children, jobs, pets, single, married, or beginning to start over. All of them finding a niche that is uniquely theirs. For some it's a livelihood and others a hobby, but all of them going at it with a unified creative passion. I have listed some of my favorites here on my blog.
One afternoon when you find yourself with some time, do yourself a favor and visit some of these amazing women.
I guarantee you will walk away richer than when you sat down.
Have a really great week!