Thursday, January 20, 2011

WINTER RAMBLINGS

Here's a little breath of spring. With a little snow thrown in for realities sake. I don't know if we have more in the forecast, I have been avoiding watching the weather lately since I have been stranded. Yes, stranded without a car. The Husband cannot drive his little sports car to work in the winter, so he takes the car we gave daughter Abby. Abby now uses my car for school, which is almost everyday. It seems now, more than ever, I need to get out of the house. Even if it is to go to Border's to look at books {and buy a few I don't need}. or to Target to look at pillowcases {and buy a few I don't need}. The Husband can window shop, I can't. I will always see something I want then and there. Do you think I have a void to fill?
With time on my hands I have been cleaning out drawers and closets. This makes me feel like I need a little shopping trip for clothes. Then I will find out we are going someplace with a warm climate and I will need to shop for more clothes. Oh...the latest news on going to England. The Husband is frowning on it. He thinks we need a little more bang for the buck, a cruise or a trip to Greece. I'm not complaining but sometimes I feel he takes my ideas and runs with them. For example, the furniture I want from Ikea. He called me yesterday to tell me there is a sale at Ethan Allen. If you don't have an Ethan Allen, let's just say, "high end furniture". I just want simple Ikea.
Here is my new candelabra in the dining nook. The one I paid $9.07 for with my CSN giveaway. I have to have the guy who put it up come back and install a dimmer. It is super bright. People could mistake us for the airport. But I am very pleased with it and I think The Husband is, too. He also likes the guy's work and has him booked to do cabinets and woodwork here and at the lake. See what I mean about taking my ideas and flying with them? And that reminds me...as spring and summer approaches, that is when we start to focus on the lakehouse. We have 2 guest rooms we are going to work on, but I will save those plans to tell you about another time. I do miss the lake though...we haven't been there since October. This is normal for us at this time of year, but I hope it stops snowing up there so we can get to the house. And I mean literally.
So this is a short post today. Thanks for listening to my ramblings. And thank you for all the well wishes on my back problems. I am 100% better. I don't know why it comes and goes like this, it just does. Oh...I wanted to mention that Beth from The Stories of A to Z is having a Valentine's Day mantel party. I have never really decorated for Valentine's Day, but I thought it might be fun to do something simple. Maybe. It is on January 24th, which is just around the corner.

I hope all of you had a good week and have fun plans for this weekend. This is a big weekend in Chicago for Bears fans...we will probably have several parties to go to. Fun, fun, fun. I do not like football but I love parties. Have a great day! :-)

77 comments:

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

Hi Jane! Sorry to hear you're couped up but I know how you feel. I can't drive my little sports car around in much of this winter weather, so home I stay. The chandelier is so sweet, love it's simplicity. Hope the winter weather gives you a break soon!

Donna said...

Jayne...glad you are better! I think a trip to Greece OR England sounds just marvelous!! So does a shopping trip for clothes...I feel too snowbound to even care...
Your flowers are just the lift I want for a thought towards spring...oh please, oh please!!!

The Charm of Home said...

Your new light looks lovely! When did you plan to go to England? The royal wedding is I think, April 29th. It will be a little busy at that time. I would love to go to England. Anything right now would be great to dream on! Glad your back is better.
Sherry

Ashley said...

Love the new chandelier! We have gotten much more snow than we are used to here in the south this year. I've always thought living in a place where it snowed tons would be so nice and I get so excited when we do get snow. Usually because its just pretty for a day or two then melts away. But after dealing with 5 inches of it for a week, I now know that its hard being cooped up for so long! Hope the snow lets up for you and you get to get out soon. Glad you are feeling better!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Hi, precious! Just checking in with you to see what you're up to today. I love those flowers on your window sill. They are the perfect pop of color. And did I miss where you got the bottles? Those are really neat.

Love your new chandelier! It looks great, Janie, but I laughed out lout when you said, "People could mistake us for the airport."
LOL! That's how the porch light is on our front porch. It's BLINDING. And I can't get the thing open to change the bulbs. Sigh. I've asked two different workmen to open it, and did they? NO! ;-)

I wish you were coming to Florida so bad. It is glorious here today. I did go to antique club this morning, and my allergies went wild. We went to an oriental rug gallery for a lecture, and they started slapping and slinging those big rolled up rugs down, dust mites flying, and I started to get stuffed up and coughy. So I looked at the president and the hostess and left. I have been irrigting my nasal passages, but they hurt. ARGH. My first day out of prison, and I'm slammed back into my cell.

I would go crazy without a car, Janie. You are a sport!

Sending you warm thoughts to melt the snow that is blocking you from getting to the lakehouse.

xo,

Sheila :-)

Fishtail Cottage said...

Oh, Jane.....snow is so pretty - but not when it keeps you inside! My daughter has been home sick for three days & i'm stir crazy myself!!! I really like the vases in the window w/the one flower (it's so charming)! Hang in there!

savvycityfarmer said...

da baaares' ...
let's do this!!!


have a great family weekend

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Jane! I just escaped after 5 days of being snowed in, so I understand! Love the new chandy! I hope you are able to get out soon...and shop! lol ...hugs...Debbie

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I think knowing I can't go anywhere drives me crazy! I do need to get out now and then or I also go bonkers. I thrift shop so I spend less! That's my story anyway! If I was there I'd pick you up for lunch and some girl time! hugs, Linda

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane
I'm with you - I want to go somewhere that I can shop - England works! Can you imagine the beautiful transferware they must have there?
I laughed at your airport comment :)
Glad your back is feeling better
Sue

Kat said...

Love the chandy Jane - it's beautiful! I've always wanted to go to England, but a cruise of the Greek isles sounds pretty dandy too! Sorry you are cooped up, I definitely do NOT miss that. Hope you get to visit the lakehouse soon, I'm sure it's hard to stay away. Hugs, Kat

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I know what you mean, Jane. Several years ago I wanted to do a cruise to Alaska. Hubby had no interest. Guess what he wants to do this year? I asked him if he won the lottery and didn't tell me. I like to plan these things far enough in advance to save for it. He's ready to book it tomorrow. I already told him that if we do that I will be taking the train to Seattle; I'm not flying!

I also know how you feel about being cooped up. After two days of being snowbound, I was itching to get out and I really didn't need to get anything. I've tried to tackle projects that I put off from the weekend on those days. {Which I might have another one tomorrow if the forecasts are right}!

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Oh Janie, the snow the snow the snow! We finally thawed out but they are predicting the "possibility" of snow tomorrow....I say NO!!!

Glad your back is better! LOVE the chandelier! Can you put lower wattage bulbs in them until you can get the dimmer? Course it will be easy to find the house in a snowstorm! Follow the light!!

And last but not least! MEN!!!

nuff said....

Lou Cinda

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Love the little flower in your window. We can hope for spring . . .

Fondly,
Glenda

Allyson Pecilunas said...

I am sorry you are stranded. I can't window shop either. :)

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Just stopped by to say hi Jane! Glad to hear you are cleaning all those drawers out. I want you to be in full swing when you get to MY HOUSE! Big smile. I'm doing the same thing...so many drawers and so much stuff. Oh my!
blessings,
debbie

Allyson Pecilunas said...

Oh and I love your new light

shannon i olson said...

the new light is great, love your comment about being mistaken for the airport! funny we are still knee deep in winter, perhaps I need to go buy flowers!

Theresa said...

Oh I can relate to being stuck at home after my week snowed in last week! I was so happy to get out! YES, I got lots done too but as soon as I could get out... I did:) Hope you get your IKEA stuff that you want, just say THAT is what you want and what a good deal it is! Hubby will want you to be happy! Enjoy your day my friend in the bright lights of your gorgeous chandelier. Hey, why not just get some lower watt bulbs to dim it some:) HUGS!

Amy Chalmers said...

I had hubs hang the bathrm chandys and he complained he couldn't see himself...so I went to the store and brought home 60W and they blew us out of the room...now I hae 40w in his chandy and 15w in mine! No dimmer needed, but certainly would be lovely to have. Your hubs is better than the type that would say, forget it, we don't need to go anywhere, or we don't need a couch, etc. I think he is a keeper Jane!
I think the winter makes us all a little housebound crazed so if it means buying a few things to spruce up the nest, so be it!

Olive said...

Jane, I am so glad your back is better. The chandy looks fabulous and was a steal with the gift card. I am feeling cooped up because I am staying at home more because of rising gas prices. I want you to get the IKEA sofa and tell us all about it. I know about Ethan Allan and could not buy a lamp there. I am thrilled we have had sun for two whole days. Hope you have warmth and sun too! ♥O

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Sooooooooooooo glad your back is better!!!!!!!!!!!!

You must have been a good girl and rested it and not pushed on it. Good!

These bad flare-ups are so weird, I know. But I also know that sometimes, I push it, when I know I shouldn't... And the result is pain. Silllllllllllly me.

By push it, I only mean, stay seated at computer too long. I don't mean anything really big. ,-)

Ohhh to sail to the Greek Isles. :-)

Hugs & ♥'s...
'Cause Valentine Day is coming!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

I'm with you on not liking football but it's hard not to get into at times. I am glad your back is better and YAY! on the chandelier. Maybe you could add shades if you feel its too bright still after you have gotten adjusted to it. I know how you feel about being couped up. First it was being snowbound then sick w/ a head cold. Anyway, I really had to get out. I cracked up at the wine store the other day when I went in to pick up a bottle and saw one labeled, "CABIN FEVER". I thought to myself, oh, now that could be dangerous! LOL! Hope you get out and about this weekend and have fun!

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, so glad your back is better!... love how your chandelier looks, perfect! and your little touch of Spring brightened my day... it was ONE degree this morning here when we woke up, brrr!... Are you getting a guest room at the lake ready for me, tee hee hee! It sounds so relaxing there when you post about it!... we have an Ethan Allen store here and you are right, bucqoo (sp?) bucks, but gorgeous!... xoxo Julie Marie

Terra said...

I empathize about being couped up, without wheels. I don't like that, after one day. The first day is ok, but then, like you, I can think of things I want to do that involve driving. Hey, your hanging lights are pretty and the price was right!

Sue said...

Count your blessings you have Borders and Target...I'm stuck with Kohls and Walmart...and snow, lots of snow. I'm so tired of staying in the house, but I don't really feel like going out when I don't have to. Ugh. Not a fun winter in Illinois this year is it? But, other places have it much worse.

My daughter called today and it is 76 and sunny...she is in capris...at HomeGoods...it is a good thing I love her:)

Lynn said...

Lovin' your new light (so wish I would find a good handyman!) and the cute little flower Jane! Sounds like you have a fun weekend coming up! I just posted what I think is a Chi Town sandwich this morning-good for the football parties! Have a great night:@)

laxsupermom said...

Love the new chandy! You wanna trade hubs? (Kidding) Mine's a keeper, but if I mention I want new Ikea furniture, he wonders what's wrong with his grammy's hand-me-downs.(think '70's burnt sienna floral sofa)

Stacey said...

I was couped up for days because of bad weather last week-it's no fun! I think it's innate to us females to always want to shop...So now your hubby is talking about Ethan
Allen:-)-that's exciting-you should see where he goes with his new found love of furniture:-). Hopefully, you'll get great weather soon and your car back! XX

Anonymous said...

I like the new light Jane.

Our daughter went to England a few years ago. She loved every bit of it. They also took the train to Scotland. Many happy memories.

Sandra said...

It would be nice if my husband took some of my ideas and ran with them...

I would love a trip anywhere but I would love to start in Great Britain! Have fun with hubby's plans.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Great new chandelier - I see a little vine twisted around it's center in the future :-) and I say atleast go LOOK at the Ethan Allen Furniture. We have one down the road, and they've got some great designs right now, right up your alley too I think. A sale is a sale!

podso said...

Funny my husband and I always think the great idea originated with us ... maybe we are so used to each other that we think alike and we DO both think of the idea. Either way, the important thing is that we tend to agree on the idea! Sound confusing? It is! Hope the trip of your dream works out, whatever that is--and whoever thinks it up!

La said...

Before blogging, I probably would be with your husband about the travel plans. Now, I've met some wonderful ladies that I would just love to meet in person.

Heaven's Walk said...

Oh Janie! lol! I soooo feel your pain about the "running away" issues! lol! My hubby does the same thing. Only instead of Ethan Allen, he'd say, "I saw one sitting by the side of the road last week that we could use...." hahaha! And your issue with being cooped up? That's total disaster for me. I end up on-line buying things! Soooo bad! Hope that you get your "fix" soon, girly!

xoxo laurie

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Jane,
I just saw snow is expected for the weekend in Chicago? I was planning to go see my cousins in St. Charles, but not sure. The roads aren't too good here, right now.
I hope you can get to your lake house soon :)

Sarah said...

Glad you are feeling better. I know how hard it is to be house bound. A trip to Europe sounds like a grand idea. ~ Sarah

Unknown said...

Sounds like a bad case of cabin fever! A trip to the mall is definitely called for! :) Whoa! Ethan Allen?! I think you better run with that! :)

It sounds like your still getting stuff done. I hope you have a great weekend!

~Liz

Lori said...

Glad your back is better but it sucks being housebound. I am fine staying in just as long as I know there is a car in the driveway! I love the thought of going to England or Greece sounds wonderful too!
Nice to see your light up ~ it is a big difference :o)

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

I will be cheering for those BEARS:) I will going to our National Championship celebration in Auburn this weekend. Good luck on your trip plans...GREECE sounds wonderful!

Blessings,
Linda

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, I know about the snow. We got more yesterday and last night. More schedules for tomorrow and Sunday. I have had my driveway cleaned out twice now. I just want it to go away. I know what it is to be stationery only I would have loved to stay home because of the cold. It will be a football weekend for the guys and I will probably work somemore on my baby quilt that I am embroidering at the moment. It will be relaxing. I loved the Spring Flowers and I wish it would hurry up and get here. Have a great weekend. Your Missouri Friend.

Maggie said...

Jane, please say that you'll come to England in May, that's when DH and I will be spending 2 weeks in Herefordshire.
What fun it would be to meet at last.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Good Morning Jane,
OH, I hope you get to go to England!
That would be soo fun!
Are you bitter cold today? School is closed because of the cold.
I have little Addison and she is all snug on the couch.
My daughter said, "Mom what did you do with your life before you were a Grandma"? Well I was busy raising her since she is only 20!
I do think this Grandma thing really changes things.
I wish we could have a Bears/Packer party this weekend.
I bet Al is getting pretty pumped up, I know Dan is!
Hugs Friend,
(see I can ramble on too)
Cindy

Susan Freeman said...

I actually envy you ~ I wish that I could spend more time at home cleaning closets and more. I would be happy to spend several days in a row just nesting. I am excited about the Bears game this weekend. I will be with you in spirit!!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

I've got a little cabin fever too. Your ramblings were enjoyable to read. And your description of hubby taking it to the next level, gave me a giggle. Enjoy your weekend!
Tammy

Debbiedoos said...

Happy Friday Jane! I loved the touch of Spring with the winter wonderland view. Sounds like you been keeping busy. Love your new CSN goodie...what a steal! have a great weekend. Debbie

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Glad to hear your doing better Jane,
Now I'm always in the house during the winter months and I love being able to do that..how ever I do get cabin fever after 5 days ha ha!!
I also have my little Miata sport car but don't drive it in the snow but sure is a fun car in the warm weather with the top down of course not so much on the hair do ha ha!! looks like I struck my finger in a light socket by the time I get where I'm going ha ha!!
My granddaughter just laughs at me in my sports car girl..but hey I waited along time to be able to have one and now I enjoy the heck out of it..
Stay warm my friend..my mountain is like spring time right now but that too can change up here..
Hugs and smiles Gloria

April said...

Hey there, Jane! So happy that your back is better...wish I could say the same for my bum knee! I could only run 2 miles on the treadmill this morning, so I was bummed. I'll try, again, next week! Your trip (wherever you end up!) sounds SO exciting! The hubs and I really need to get away ourselves! Enjoy your weekend!

KTW said...

I feel for you, Jane. :( I hate being cooped up in the house when I know there is no vehicle sitting in the garage for me to drive. Doesn't happen often but when it does...

I haven't reached the end of my rope yet. There will come a day, in probably the not too distant future, when I will be sick of snow, sick of being indoors, sick of not getting out to do SOMETHING. And when I get there, everyone in blogland will know it. Trust me. ;)

Brenda Pruitt said...

Because we came from Oklahoma (but now live in Texas), we know about bad weather. And it must be far worse there where you are! That's why we always have 4-wheel drive vehicles. That's what your hubby needs!
Brenda

Shellbelle said...

I must admit, that's the first time I've heard of a husband going for the more expensive furniture over Ikea, what a doll.

Glad you found not only someone to hang the chandelier, but also one who does all that other handywork around the house.

Now if I could find someone who let me buy the more expensive stuff and also was a handyman, I would so think about getting married again!

Unknown said...

Oh, Jane, you can send that snow my way, I'd cherish this. Love your touch of spring, enticing isn't it ... & that lighting is very nice.

TY for your sweet notes, they mean a lot.

Have a beautiful weekend ~
TTFN ~
Hugs, Marydon

Designs on 47th Street said...

Oh! It would be hard to know that there is no car to take you to a store if you should decide. I am perfectly content staying home much of the time, but it would be different if that wasn't necessarily my choice...get my drift? I did enjoy your winter ramblings. We are in between snow storms, so I can relate.
I have those sweet little vases you showed us. They are so fun for tables and I see now for windows! :)
So glad your back is better.
Donna

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Oh dear it is hard to be stranded at home especially when there are things you want to see and do. What a great buy on the chandelier.
Hope both the weather and your car situation improve soon. Have a great weekend!

Pamela said...

Wow Jane is my husband mentioned Ethan Allen instead of IKEA I would so be there!!! Love that store...aren't you a lucky girl!!
I like your new chandy!
I know how you feel being couped up I so used to feel that why when I lived back east...all that snow and we would get snowed in for days. Made me snakey!

Glad to hear your back is better my neck is still killing me I guess I have to break down and see the doctor!
Have a great weekend!
Pamela xo

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Jane
Sorry to hear you've been having back problems.. but glad you are well now.. Love that chandelier.. lucky you.. but dimmer sounds safer.. haha.. although you might get discount fares to old london town!! haha

I just read your comment at Roberta's about rusting up your newish jug... and had to laugh... I left a wicker basket outside in the weather for 6 months as it looked to new.. it was already 20 years old.. but had that orange vanish that wouldn't fade.. much better now!! Was just thinking so last night.

Have a lovely weekend.. ciao xxx Julie

René said...

What a nice giveaway! Your new light looks perfect in its spot.

Happy weekend!

-Rene

xinex said...

Love the chandy, Janie. Can you just replace the bulbs with a low wattage, at least while you are waiting for the dimmer to be installed? I am excited to hear about where you will go, both England and a Greek cruise sound wonderful. How about a Mediterranean cruise visiting several countries? You sound just like me when it comes to shopping. I never come home empty handed....Christine

Petie@inspirednesting.com said...

Loved your ramblings! My husband bought a sports car last summer, we live in the NW so he's borrowed my SUV to take to work a couple of times already :) Those indoor days are great for weeding out drawers/closets.

Enjoyed exploring your blog...those meals in an older post are making me yearn for a steak 'n baked potato :) We're headed out to dinner tonight, hope it's on the menu!

Jody Blue said...

Maybe you should have a friend or two in for tea, that might help with the cabin fever.

Heartfelt living said...

HI Jane,
There is nothing worse than a bad case of cabin fever. : ) I hope your sweet colorful flower and pretty chandelier will help brighten your day.
Oh and your vacation ideas sound wonderful! I would love either of them.
xx
Karen

Karen said...

I like your rambling. I also think you should at least go LOOK at the Ethan Allen. I would kill to hear my husband tell me those words!!!! We bought our "forever" bedroom set that we outgrew from there. LOL.
OK - go clean a closet. It's cheaper anyway! :)
Have a good weekend! Karen

Elaine said...

Oh I feel bad for you that you are stuck at home. Luckily, I have an SUV or I would never attempt to make it to work.

I think you are in need of a little retail therapy. Target is a good place for that.

I hope you do get to go to England. I am thinking about it myself.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane!

I feel your reality. We get tons of snow here in CO. It's hard for me to stay home more than a day without going stir crazy. Target doesn't know what hit it when I get there...lol! I hope you're able to get out soon. Your new chandi is gorgeous and I love the color in your dining nook. Your travel plans sound amazing, too. I'd love to go to England but a cruise...ahhh...

I'll have to check out the mantel party. Sounds fun!

Have a wonderful Sunday!
~Michelle :)

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

HI Jane! Glad you are feeling better! Love your bright spot with your flower. Yesterday I almost picked up a bunch of gerber daisies at the market...guess spring feaver has already struck! We talked about England this year too...I love that jolly place & would love to take our kids...but we are looking at renovating the kitchen (gutting more like it!), so England will have to wait! Will you be going for the wedding Jane :) I've never been to Greece, but it's on my list of places to go...of course if you head to the British museum, you'll see all of those fabulous artifacts from Greece, so, it would be like you went to both countries...kind of!! ha!
I'm sure you'll have fun, whatever you two decide!!
Have a great week Jane!

Penny said...

Jane, Sorry you can't get to the lake. I remember those winters in SW Michigan. Those Lake effect snowstorms are vicious. I understand too the need to shop and get new clothes for future trips. I do that all of the time. I think, if we go to a resort in Mexico I need flowy light fabrics that still cover the body or if we go to NY, I need sophisticated black clothes with artfully arranged scarves. I should have gone into clothing design. Sheesh. But it is the creative gene that keeps us going with our houses and our clothes. And with me, cooking too. Stay warm and enjoy planning those guest bedrooms.

Shannan Martin said...

Your chandi looks so cute!! And England?!?! Sounds like so much fun! Greece doesn't sound half bad, either.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. I'm looking forward to seeing all the changes you're going to make. I love your chandy...if that a hint of things to come?? loving it.... try to stay warm and safe..hugs ~lynne~

Decor To Adore said...

Ah husbands! Can live, vacation or decorate with them. :)

Leslie said...

don't worry.. Sping will soon be here!!!!! Planning a vacation will help. : )
enjoy your week.

Deb said...

I love your new dining light...may have to check it out too! Hope you get some wheels back soon...it's no fun to be stranded at home...a girl needs to shop! ~Deb~

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

Hey Jane,

You poor thing, being house-bound over there. But, oooh yes, come to England!! It's so lovely here! Not that I'm biased, or anything!! If you need any information to help you on your way then give me a shout...

Sarahx

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Dropping by at 5:15 a.m. to say, "HI!" It feels so good to have escaped my prison walls for the day, but I have to travel again this morning which makes me tired at the prospect. LOL! Just wanted to hop by here and visit you first. No news from here. The weather is chilly, but I love the temps during the day. Sunny and pretty, though we've had some rain.

Heading to Central FL today to do lunch tonorrow with friends and to do PigFest this weekend. Wish you were here to go eat BBQ.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Jane,thanks so much for the sweet words. Wish I could meet up with all of you at some point.

SmilingSally said...

Your husband is a keeper with his embellishing your ideas. I'd never turn down Ethan Allen.

LOL Like you, I always find something I NEED whenever I walk into any store. LOL

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Jane, you are NOT alone. I do not have a car since I became ill almost 5 years ago. We do have 2 cars, but it is historical and I am not driving it! So I totally understand being couped up. Sometimes I just want to go...my hubs says where? I don't know, just go!!

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Hi Jane, First of all thank you so much for visiting my blog , when others probably gave up on me. Being sick for so long really is depressing. I must be sick if I am not the computer. LOL
Your vignette is wonderful...refreshing with the green apples in the bowl and the bird cage is adorable. Thanks for posting pics of Ikea. I need to get in there and have a look around.
I am glad your back is better. Take care of yourself. XO Linda