Wear yourself out living. Flop into bed exhausted each & every night.

My today (spiced with images of the best tea in the world);

I kissed my kids and told them I love them very much.

I participated in a group hug initiated by my three year old.

I washed the bed linens.  Mmmm.  Freshly laundered sheets.

I sang along to a song in the car.

I gave my eight year old a pedicure.

I watered my beautiful (but sadly, on their way out, fall you see...) container plants on the back deck.

I watched CNN coverage of Gustav periodically while preparing hamburgers, pasta salad, fresh watermelon and a blackberry/apple crisp.  (I even sauteed mushrooms and onions for the burgers. In extravirgin olive oil.)

I counted my blessings, while thinking of the Blog Action day post on poverty.  And I realize that the world hangs in quite a delicate balance.  Nothing is promised, not even tomorrow.

Which led me to thinking that yes, I need to respond to emails, pick up the phone, and pop in to visit more often.  Because really, what is more important than people?  NOTHING.

I was remembering yesterday's thoughtful gestures such as Lisa calling me from California and her making me laugh out loud within thirty seconds of picking up the phone.  And Gemma sending me an Indian Bride image, which is so beautiful that I don't know how I'll wear white when now I want to wear an Indian dress in red and cream.  With gold, lots and lots of gold embellishments. 

And looking at the pot Jacob sent me from Oregon, and how it is green and fluted and so beautiful because he made it himself by hand.  I love all things pottery!. 

I cried a tiny tear for Christian, who won season four on Project Runway, and totally stole the show with his designs and his loveable personality.  

I though of Anna and Tara, two of my favourite bloggers having dinner in PARIS! together last Thursday night, and how I am happy they were able to meet finally.  What a beautiful thing this internet can be...

I am thinking of an innovative way to pack up this gorgeous green dress from India that Madelyn sent me a few months ago (I'd like to send it back to her...she MUST be missing it)  I've got a few ideas and along with the dress will go some surprise goodies...

I am relishing the thought of creating a garment entirely out of PAPER for Project Blogway...and that it will be a splendid moment or two to spend with my eight year old daughter...yes, the same daughter who today painted my toenails a flawless purple, called ON THE PROWL.

I am mulling over delicious ideas for a painting I'd like to do, my inspiration coming from this months Domino magazine.  It involves chunky paint and abstract forms.  I am psyched and excited!

Lastly, I am eagerly (if nervously) awaiting talking to the delightful team of the Divine Design show. I hope they like me, I hope they really, really like me!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wishing you all a delightful, crispy, fresh Fall.  Bake something.  Drink some Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice tea.  (No, I'm not paid to advertise for them! I just ADORE their product.)

Those of you who read my blog have done so for a few years, as I have been blogging since September of 2006, a direct result of my mother introducing me to it.  Prior to that I had no concept of what blogging was. Well you'll be delighted to know that she is back, with a new blog called September Song, and she is in fine form.  Her focus is her writing and we all enjoy it sooo much.  Thank goodness she's back, baby!  Please go have a read.  You'll enjoy it.

xo

Comments

[Abraham Lincoln]

Interesting post. I read it but must have missed something somewhere. I still had your old email address and had been using that and then today when I got back on my computer I clicked this link.

[Wayfaring Wanderer]

Boy you've got a lot of things floating through your head! I'm very much the same way, although I suspect you may be better at getting things done than me :)

Are you watching the new project runway?! I love that show!

[Graciel @ Evenstar Art]

Tea and gratitude are among the finest things in life. Your photos are gorgeous.
And, oh my, I received the most wonderful package in the mail today. Filled with treasures, if you can believe it. All the way from Canada! Look for my email, Darling Woman...

xo from Buffalo

[maddie]

I have to say I am just madly in love
with the painting you made for me
sweet girl ~ it makes me feel glorious and
alive and possible in this world when
i look at it ~ which is always and often
as it is in my living room:)

i am in no hurry for the dress ~ so
don't worry ~ i am buying some indian
outfits next week ~ dreaming of my return
trip there gets me all revved up :)

aaaaand.....ohhhhhhhh you would look

S T U N N I N G

in an Indian bridal dress with lots of

G O L D embellishments"_

I LOVE you!

:)

[Scarlet]

Group hugs and pedicures with the kiddies...sounds sweet. ;)

I love the steamy teacup photo. I could just taste the cinnamon in there.

Btw, I need to get me some of that ON THE PROWL colour. Just for giggles. :)

[Butch]

I like your tea tins and lately, I've been drinking tea more than coffee, which I like as well.

Your photos are always beautiful and artistic. Thanks.

[robin bird]

well i just enjoyed this post so very much! you have so much gratitude for the simple things that make up your life. and you are always so much 'yourself' in your posts. conversational, light yet serious about serious things...poverty for one.

i am glad the melancholy has passed for now.

[artzyjudie]

Wonderful, uplifting post! It really is the little things in life that count.

[Paris Parfait]

Oh, honey you will look gorgeous even in a paper wedding dress! Love this post and its sunny optimism. Love you! xoxox

[Lady Laurie]

Great post Gillian,
My Nana had a thing about tea being the cure all for whatever ails you. I think she hit the spot on that one. Love Harney teas too ~ have you tried Jane's Garden Tea?

[rochambeau]

Dear Blue,
So much to be happy & grateful for! Especially "group hugs". Thanks for letting us share in all your little~ huge joys!

Like you, I feel deep joy when bloggers get to meet in real life!! It is a miracle how the written word ties us all together, how we can feel the essence and openness of another soul enough to trust. Some of the woman who came to Karen's, their friends couldn't believe they would get on a plane and go to a persons house they didn't know. ;-)

Divinge Design will love you Gillian!! How could they not?!!

Will email about bumble bee in a moment.
love,
Constance

[pam aries]

bonjour my friend!reading your post has been a joy this morning! YOU ARE A LOVELY SOUL AND SO IS YOUR MOM. I WISH WE COULD MEET..WOULDN'T IT BE FUN TO HAVE LUNCH IN PARIS WITH TARA AND ANNA???? our blogging connection to all these fantastic people is unbeievable..isn't it .We ARE wealthy already aren't we!!!!

[Lisa Oceandreamer S.]

Darling Gillian........you write with an essence that soothes the soul. Your deep appreciation for life in general is palpable and highly contagious!
I, too, value PEOPLE and those sublime connections we make through this extraordinary medium. I have a list a mile long of those I still long to meet....YOU of course at the top. I can see you in an Indian dress, I can see Henna hands and gold embellishments - but it will be the biggest smile on the planet that will be the glow whatever you wear!
(just don't do Kabuki - hahahahaha)
Love you!
XOXOXOXOXO

[Sheila]

I'm laughing at Lisa's comment. No Lisa she won't do Kabuki, thats for the mother of the bride...lol
:o)

[gemma]

Is Olivia going to be your model? Project Blogway will be fun! Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Hey I go to bed exhausted every night...even on days I do absolutely nothing.
;-)

[Patrick]

That is a day full of adventure and riches. You always remind me of how amazing everything is, if one just pays attention.

[A Fanciful Twist]

Promises promises... promised you a miracle... As golden days break wondering
Chance as love takes a train
Summer breeze and brilliant light
Only love she sees...

Oh sorry, I though I was meeting you at the 11th grade dance???

I love all these beautiful moments! plus, those photos!! My goodness Gillian, your photos just get more and more phenomenal with each snap!! You may have a new calling!! xoxo

Radio show? T.v. show?? what?? YAYYYY!!

[Maithri]

They call her
blue
because her soul
is a wave
that crests and foams
and ripples to
unknown shores

They call her blue
because
She smiles
and softshoes to that
wild blue rhythm
which
no one else can hear

Azure or indigo
cornflower or cerulean

She knows every
shade by heart

the blue
lady

whose heart
runs as deep
as her song

Loving you, M

[Ash]

Enchanting post and images, Gillian. Those tea tins are awesome.

[Mary T.]

How could they not love you immediately? What a silly you are! They will love you!

[susanna]

Oh, this post makes me feel happy! There are so many joyful things you've listed here, Gillian. And of course Divine Design will like you. They are going to love you! And they are going to do such an amazing job with your place. That's my favourite home design show...and now I get to see you on the show, too. Cool!