Light in the Darkness
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
– John 1:5
A Fable About Facebook (and Reality).
Unexpected compliments make the world go round. Today I received the sweetest comment on the blog from a psychologist who made me realize the power of our words – and our stories (our real ones). Julie Joiner, you made my day! And I think your words will encourage a host of folks who fall prey […]Read Post ›
You Matter.
Isn’t that really the “thing?” The thing that keeps you up at night wondering what others think of you? The thing that launches your internal, relentless critic making you question your worth? The thing that makes you wonder who you are and why you’re even here? The thing that causes you to compare yourself to everyone else? […]Read Post ›
Realized Dream, It’s Nice to Meet You.
THIRTEEN-hour workday. Chock full of tedious research and 30-page-speech writing for a huge event. Think colonoscopy without the anesthesia. Exhausted to the bone, I stumble home at close to 10 p.m. to maintain the march in my PJs on the couch – well into the wee hours. I take a short break to head outside with my pup. While there, I […]Read Post ›
The Art of (A Good) Goodbye
I think “goodbye” is an oxymoron. For what it’s worth, I’ve never known a “bye” I’d call “good.” How great to forever wipe goodbye from our lips. This month reminded me how very ill-equipped I am – even after nearly four decades – to handle goodbye well. Do we ever really master that skill? The dearest boss I’ve known […]Read Post ›
On the Eve of a Milestone
Tomorrow morning I close on my first official – all in my name – “forever” home. At 9 a.m., I’ll meet my dear lender at the title company to sign my name a few dozen times and collect the keys to MY house. Tonight, as I’m throwing the vestiges of my life {for the past […]Read Post ›
Live, Love, Laugh. Leave a Legacy.
How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing. ~ Annie Dillard, “The Writing Life”
“You’re Not a Jackass Whisperer.”
If I were to adopt a mantra, I think it’d be this one: BE FEARLESSLY AUTHENTIC. I’m always inspired when I come across the story of someone who is brave enough to live this out. With that said, I love a story that went viral last week. About a gal courageous enough to be honest. And confident enough […]Read Post ›
Blurring out the Background
I just bit the bullet on a purchase I’ve coveted for ages. While I’m no pro, I love to take pictures. Capturing just the right expression, highlighting the smallest detail, zeroing in on particular aspects of every day that highlight beauty or even make you think. I love the perspective you can find behind the camera lens […]Read Post ›
So This is 39.
I have a secret to share. And it’s a little hard to admit. I just turned 39. Twelve short months from “Over the Hill.” I remember a show from the 1980s called Thirty-Somethings. I clearly recall thinking, “Whoa. Thirties. Old.” I was 11 at the time, and couldn’t imagine ever getting that old. Now I’m a year away from […]Read Post ›
On Why “The Bachelor” Pains My Soul. Really.
I sat down tonight to write a follow-up post on the awesome Anne Lamott quote I posted earlier this week. So much to mine from her wise words. Yet, I’m embarrassed to say that – while doing a little research for the post – I turned on ABC’s “The Bachelor” for some background noise, and […]Read Post ›
DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN
Oh my God, what if you wake up some day, and you’re 65 or 75, and you never got your MEMOIR or novel written; or you didn’t go swimming in warm pools and oceans all those years because your thighs were JIGGLY and you had a nice big comfortable TUMMY; or you were just so strung out on PERFECTIONISM […]Read Post ›
WONDER: Living with Advent Expectation…
Come on, be honest… Are you as excited about Christmas as this pajama-clad tot? Waiting with baited breath, eyes focused upward, refusing any distraction from the real, remarkable reason for the season? Yeah, me either. How I wish! Advent is in full swing. The official season of hope, expectation and longing realized ~ culminating in the […]Read Post ›
Favorite Find: An Actual Magazine for the Soul
“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl In four short sentences, this quote wraps up all I love about my new favorite magazine… {Bella Grace: Life’s a Beautiful Adventure} If you’re a regular CHIC Scribe reader {and thanks for that!}, you know I love inspiring […]Read Post ›
Hello Darkness, My Old Friend?
[On the heels of last week’s Robin Williams post, I thought I’d share some rewards to be found in the dark.] ***** I walked into an exam room for a recent appointment, book in hand to wait out the delay for my doctor. I noticed a dogeared issue of Time on the counter. Its cover piqued my interest, my […]Read Post ›
Robin Williams: “What Will Your Verse Be?”
Oh, Robin Williams. Say it ain’t so. Driving home from work, just an hour or so ago, radio personality Michael Berry delivered in a monotone, the news of comic great Robin Williams’ passing, likely due to his own hand. I’m sure like many, I said aloud to myself, “No, no, no!” My heart sank at […]Read Post ›
SOUL Rest
SOUL rest. My lungs involuntarily flood with oxygen ~ hold it there a bit ~ and then slowly release just thinking the words. Vital to wellness. Essential to creativity. Sustenance for the spirit. Voluntarily allowing anxiety to slip from the self… deliberately rolling the shoulders to dislodge the heavy weight… realizing the relief of surrendering to the still. Music to my ears. Surrendering to […]Read Post ›
Two Perspectives: Hello Kitty vs. Mature Confidence
I was struck by two very different ~ and weighty ~ perspectives this week. One belongs to a 43-year-old, successful celebrity whose boast left the world scratching its head. The other belongs to a stay-at-home mother of two with a “heavy” message that got quite a few {thousands} of heads thinking. {Personal disclaimer: The issue of weight […]Read Post ›
Undone by Some Irises {A Lesson in Thoughtfulness}
A little gesture reduced me to tears this week {each time I thought about it, really}. Still does a bit, if I’m honest. I had some medical tests done last Monday ~ no big deal, really ~ but I was under anesthesia and that’s always a little scary, I suppose. While I was still a little […]Read Post ›
Notes to My Younger Self
Sometimes a photo just grips you, jumps off the page {or screen}, arrests your attention, flat-out grabs you by the lapels and refuses to let go until you acknowledge its power. The picture above did just that for me. It’s the tail end of a busy day at the office and I’m finally home, breezily surfing through […]Read Post ›
Easter Message: It Is Well With My Soul
I’m sitting at my desk in a light-filled window, coasting on the heels of a wonderful Easter… transformative sermon at church, doubly blessed by a spectacular choir and chill-bump-inducing hallelujah chorus, lovely spring brunch on a sunny patio with loved ones. This morning, my pastor spoke on “getting back to basics.” In other words, reminding ourselves […]Read Post ›
Oh, Make Me Blush…
Today is the first day of spring! I can’t wait to don pretty pastels ~ especially blush pink for its feminine, delicate vibe. Paired with a light pink lip and cheek, it’s a great hue to herald the new season. InStyle Magazine {my go-to fashion guide} agrees. In a recent article entitled, “Move Over, Radiant […]Read Post ›
The Jesus-Hearted Woman
I really enjoy blogging, and one of the best perks of the job is hearing from companies and authors that you most admire. I was delighted recently to hear from the publisher of “The Jesus-Hearted Woman,” by Jodi Detrick, asking if I’d consider reading the book and blogging my thoughts on its message. As The […]Read Post ›
Best of Oscar Fashion Since 1929
It’s that time again, fashion friends… Oscar Sunday! Since Gravity is the only nominated film I’ve seen pre-show, I’m not a great predictor of this year’s winners. But {like many ladies out there}, I wouldn’t miss the show for the fabulous fashion. Isn’t it fun to live vicariously through those wearing vintage Dior and dripping […]Read Post ›
It’s Go Texan Day, Y’all!
As any good Houstonian can tell you, today is a statewide holiday, of sorts ~ It’s “Go Texan Day,” y’all! Texas pride is so big in this state, a one-day celebration hardly suffices. But, after tonight’s Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLS&R) Bar-B-Que Cookoff, Go Texan Day officially kicks off a month of the world’s […]Read Post ›
Olympic Overtures
The 2014 Sochi Olympics may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t carry on those patriotic pursuits in your early spring wardrobe! I hopped onto the Kate Spade NY website recently and fell in love with some of these fun Red + White + Blue frocks and separates. Kate Spade and Tory Burch are […]Read Post ›
Wishing You a “Mary” Christmas
Hello friends! After a little break for life {blogging can be all-consuming!}, I’ve missed the CHiC Scribe and sharing and hearing from you! While my posts may vary from frequent to only-when-especially inspired, I’m grateful for the blog and the inspiration I receive from readers all over the world. Still amazed at the reach of […]Read Post ›
Seeing with New Eyes
As I mentioned here, the month of July has been an introspective one! Sometimes it’s crazy how the days can feel like they’re flying by endlessly, while you plod along in an almost robotic, going-through-the-motions kind of autopilot. Same routine: Moan at my morning alarm, office by 9 a.m., generally work through lunch, inch through after-work […]Read Post ›
Do You Like Who You’re Becoming?
I saw a blog post recently in which the author posted two photos of herself in identical positions ~ one was taken five years ago and one was taken recently. She went on to describe the ways her life had changed during that interval. The post got me thinking ~ not so much about how my […]Read Post ›
Star Spangled Style
Independence Day is upon us and it’s time to ring in the holiday with your best red, white and blue. Whether you’re hitting the pool with your friends or braving the heat at a family BBQ, it’s fun to add a bit of festivity to your get-togethers! For inspiration, I’ve posted a few outfit ideas, […]Read Post ›
Let’s Talk Tulle
Let’s Talk Tulle… As you may have gathered (or seen on my Pinterest page), I love all things girly. Ruffles, bows, pleats, you name it. Some of my favorite pictures on Pinterest have been of fun tulle skirts, paired in a casual way with t-shirts, tank tops or blue jean jackets. Dressy AND casual, you […]Read Post ›
What is Beauty, Anyway?
If you’re a fan of fashion magazines, purveyor of Pinterest, or even a mind-your-own-business grocery shopper who happens to glance at the magazine rack in line, it’s fairly clear what passes as beautiful these days… and it’s a microscopic mold {referring both to how few actually fit into that elite group and the size of its […]Read Post ›
Stylish Swim: the Maillot
With so many cute swimwear trends out there for summer 2013, I couldn’t stop at one bathing suit post! A close second, in my book, to the retro/vintage swim trend is the ever-popular and universally flattering maillot. It’s a go-to suit when you envision yourself chasing little ones around the pool, participating in any sport […]Read Post ›
Swim: Retro CHiC
It’s OFFICIAL… Summer has arrived! In the shadow of Memorial Day, the search is on for a CHiC swimsuit to make me look extra cool poolside while I watch the thermostat rise, rise, rise! Since you may be in the same boat, I thought I’d take you along as I navigate the waters {no pun intended} of swimsuit […]Read Post ›
Memorial Day Style Guide
Happy MEMORIAL DAY weekend! As we all head out for fun pool parties or family get-togethers, I thought I’d offer you a few outfit ideas to keep you CHiC as you ring in the holiday! ******* As it turns out, I stuck with two of my favorites in pulling together this Memorial Day wardrobe […]Read Post ›
Hats Off to Derby Day
Derby Day! And the only thing more enticing than the mint juleps are the fabulous derby hats! It it were up to me, I’d wear a fascinator every week {too bad I live in Houston and not London!} But today was a great day to whip out your fancy toppers ~ and the bigger, flashier […]Read Post ›
What About Bob(s)?
With next month’s release of The Great Gatsby, I know what’s on my radar for May! In addition to the great story, great 1920s costumes and great acting, there’s another element that I can’t help but love… the great bob haircuts! Universally flattering for all face shapes, it’s a wonderful way to volumize fine hair, […]Read Post ›
Round Top Antique Market {Part Deux}
I had so much fun at last weekend’s Round Top Antique Market ~ and I took so many pictures ~ that the event warranted a second blog post! In today’s post, I’ll share with you part of my inspiration for making a trip to Round Top this year, along with my surprise at what I […]Read Post ›
Round Top Antique Market
I love Round Top time! If you’re not from Texas, the twice-yearly Round Top Antique Market is one of the best in the nation. {Case in point, my mother, a wonderful interior designer, ran into a team of Martha Stewart designers collecting ideas and photos for the magazine!} It really is a blast and a […]Read Post ›
Easter Table CHiC
Easter is such a special time of the year and a favorite part of the day is sitting down with family and friends for Easter brunch. With everyone from little-bitties to adults in their Sunday finest, there’s no reason to neglect the table! I found several lovely Easter tables on Pinterest and thought I’d share […]Read Post ›
In Full Bloom: Spring Accessories
Hooray for spring! I’ve loved all the floral jewelry I’ve seen lately in stores and magazines ~ along with bright colors, what a great way to herald the season! Very feminine and happy… two of my favorite things. As you’ll see in the turquoise necklace below, it’s also a great idea to attach a flower pin […]Read Post ›
Easter Dress Hunt
How is it possible that Easter is less than two weeks away? I love Easter. It brings me joy when I think about those I love in heaven, it reminds me of the importance of worship and makes me most grateful for our biggest gift of all in Christ. Easter might be my very favorite holiday. […]Read Post ›
The Emerald Isle
“Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.” ~ Pantone website re: its “2013 Color of the Year” ~ Emerald Green It’s Saint Paddy’s Day! And since I’m not Irish {and green beer isn’t my thing}, I thought I’d celebrate with some gorgeous pictures of […]Read Post ›
Fitness: Perpetually CHiC
We’re nearing one-fourth of the way through 2013 {hard to believe} and I thought it might be a good time to brush off those resolutions we optimistically made a couple of months ago. I’d bet fitness claimed the top spot on many a resolution list as the new year loomed optimistic and proud. But ~ […]Read Post ›
BHLDN to Spring
While waiting for Williams Sonoma to wrap a wedding gift Sunday afternoon, I decided to stroll over to BHLDN to peek at their fabulous frocks. While most of the cocktail dresses are geared toward the bridesmaid variety, I love how so many of them are perfect for swanky Christmas parties, cocktail parties and weddings {guests not attendants!} […]Read Post ›
Tootsies Trunk Show ~ Elizabeth McKay
“I worship Grace Kelly and Jackie O. Both women embodied femininity, were impeccably dressed and maintained a timeless sense of style that could be contemporary in any year.” ~ Elizabeth McKay ***************** I’m always on the look-out for great style and recently discovered designer Elizabeth McKay. Fell in love with just about every look I […]Read Post ›
Orange Crush
“Orange is the happiest color.” ~ Frank Sinatra SPRING is on my mind! In flipping through spring magazines and window shopping online, I keep finding my eyes drawn to orange… from handbags to statement necklaces to matte orange lips, I’ve been eager to add a pop of the happy color to my daily style. I […]Read Post ›
I Heart February
I don’t understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine’s Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon. ~Author Unknown Call me crazy, but I absolutely love the chilly month of February. Might have something to do with the fact […]Read Post ›
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