Order in the court !

       Ok , I need this . I love having resources right there at my finger tips . In real life , I am searching 3 drawers for a certain item , a junk drawer ( hey it could be considered junk ) , my desk ( thats probably where it needs to live ) , or the kitchen junk drawer ( no excuses there ) . I think I have too much stuff . In my quest for simple abundance I am becoming more aware of what all I have ..... and all I have is more than I need . So the next couple of weeks I'll be cleaning out even more things , maybe eliminating a few junk drawers and achieving some peace of mind in the process . Now ,where did I put my car keys ? xxoo , Suz

5. laughter shared with friends
6. a childs hug
7. praying with a sick friend
8. a little nip in the air

Let the sunshine in !



room via Amanda Nisbet

 Today I am cleaning house and windows and trying to let  some of this beautfiul weather inside my home . Today has been a good day for me, I slept in , I had cup after cup of hot coffee outside by my fountain , started cleaning and organizing things , had lunch with my sweetie and now I can play on the computer ! It has been a busy couple of months and it is good to slow down a bit . I am reading a great book called  "1000 Gifts " and it is all about gratitude , seeing God's love for us in action . I decided to start my own list and will add on to it here on my blog . I hope your day has been fruitful and blessed , xxoo Suz

I am thankful for .............

1. the breeze blowing thru the leaves
2. groceries in the pantry
3. hot coffee with cream this morning
4. sleeping under a down blanket this morning

I know the plans I have for you ....



The Soniat courtyard

 This courtyard is one I am very familiar with , the Soniat in the residential part of the French Quarter in New Orleans . My mom and I stayed here on one of my many post surgery visits to the city . I love the old southern architecture with a french flair , the open staircases that lead up to a hallway of rooms , the breakfast of piping hot cafe au lait and crossiants that are delivered to the rooms each morning . It is quite beautiful . I'm happy to see it flourish after Hurricane Katrina hit years ago . I have been thinkiing and praying for the people suffering up in New England with Irene . I know it is devastating , its seems like everything familiar is gone to them , but one thing remains constant and neverchanging and that is God's love for us and what has been done for us . God doesn't cause these things to happen , but he equips us to get through things , he gives us the resources and gifts we need to persevere and flourish again . I pray for these people and others that are homeless , alone , sick , or just need  a shoulder to lean on ........ God's grace is there if we just open our eyes . God bless your week .xxoo, Suz

Make mine anything but vanilla !



armasdesign.blogspot.com/michelle armas

                   I love beautiful colors and combinations !  I'm constantly scribbling in a notebook when I notice an inpiring pairing of colors in a fruit bowl , or flower garden . At work we are very sensitive to color , we aren't matchy with it , it just needs to be pretty and work . I'm helping a customer with her home this week and our heads are bent over color swatches , fabrics samples , and the computer finding the right colors that inspire and make happy . To me , thats important for the customer to love what they see and get them excited about making there house theirs. It's been a awhile since I've been out there on design visits but I am having so much fun , its addicting ..... a good addiction .I love this artwork by an Atlanta artist...... I could take this one home ! Hope you have a wonderful , color filled day , Suz                                                                p.s. click on Michelle's blog  and see her other works of gorgeous color !

Where nobody knows my name

                                  
                                          Sometimes I just want to run away . I'm not talking buying a stack of magazines , candy bars and heading for the Georgia line for a night or two ..... I'm talkin' Tuscany , I'm talkin' coastal , I'm saying a fresh change of view . I don't know what has gotten into me but I want to go somewhere I've never been . It's been a summer for us and we've been thru some hard changes , God is good and I'm not complaining , just listening to my soul .  Have a wonderful week-end and  why don't we view our surroundings with fresh eyes , maybe Tuscany is as far as our back yard ......... no wait , its only the rosemary bush !!!  xxoo , Suz

Life does go on

                                            I'm afraid I have been away a long time , sorry . After my blog on Bailey , our 15 year old poodle / love puppy / snuggle bunny / best friend / partner in crime , passed away on July 25 . He was very dehydrated and beyond help . I have been so out of it , I am slowly returning back to life in general . He was an awesome little guy ! I have thought long and hard on why I blog , is it my journal for life's ups and downs ?  I want so much to share my knowledge of good design , how to live life to the fullest , how to reach out to others who may be experiencing similar things , I really do enjoy it . I want to be one of those people that excell in the art of living , its been a tough couple of years and I want to be in the business of Bliss ! I may be changing my blog soon to more design , how to projects ,  thoughts on how to entertain ......whadaya think ? I'll be working on it the next couple of weeks so check back .The pics are of Bailey a few days before he got lost , and a coffee that I had for a darling lady across the street who is expecting twins soon . It was this morning and after this .....it may be nappy time . God bless , Suz

The not so excellent adventure of Bailey Conner !

                                                         See this mug ? Our Bailey , who turned 15 a few weeks ago ,went on a wild adventure and lived to tell the tale . I was visiting my grandmother in our small hometown in Calhoun County 9 days ago and guess who went missing at the last potty call of the night at 11 pm . After 10 min , he didn't come back and then I started looking for him . He is blind and deaf but he grew up going to this house all of his 15 years so no worries ..... right ? Wrong ! I searched for him till half past 2 in the am and still no Bailey ....... I was so upset . The next morning my Uncle Jim and I walked all over trying to find him with no luck . So I left there with a heavy heart wondering what had become of Bailey Boyd Conner . All week no call from the police dept who handles the dog catching dept. too ....... still so upset . The next week end I was on a buying trip in Atlanta , in the car when I got the call ..... Bailey had been found !  An animal rescue person had found  him almost a mile away that nite and picked him up !!!!!!! Needless to say I am so happy that he is  fine and at this moment is attached at the hip of my 93 year old grandmama till I can get there and claim him . Even though he has some  "splaining " to do , I plan on washing him to the nth degree and love on him till the cows come home  .  Have a great week , I have . God bless you , Suz