One of the things I struggle with in this blog is just how much to reveal personally. I am sure it is the same with you. Not that I don't want to be real, because I've always been a heart on my sleeve kind of person. But the reality is that the internet is out there for everyone. You can't forget that. You really don't know who is reading, what the information will be used for, etc. Everyone goes through tough times, emotionally, personally, and while I can't do a whole lot of complaining because God has been very good to us, I am going through a bit of the rain right now that falls into every life. I'll work through it, I hope I'll learn something useful from it. But I just don't have a whole lot to give right now. I need to take the rest of the month off. I think. I'm not sure how much time I need really. There are a lot of changes happening right now, and I can't say that I am happy about them. Don't give up on me. Say a little prayer for wisdom for me. I miss you already.

Can we talk?

So this week, I'm on my way to job #2 andf I stop and pick up my very first "Middle age Magazine". You know, the ones that are aimed at women 40 and older. Sheesh, who ever thought I'd do that? Anyway, What caught my eye was the headline "Reinvent yourself after 40". I have been intrigued with the idea of reinventing myself for the past two years. You know you reach a certain age and you figure you are who you are. But I can feel my life changing and evolving more now than in my 20's and 30's, and yes, even my 40's. I am soon going to be an empty nester. Two girls in college signals the end of their childhood like some kind of school bell ringing.
They have been my life, my career, my focus, but now I see them building lives of their own, inventing their own lives as they grow up and they don't need me as much as they used to. It is a new chapter for all of us. In a way I began reinventing myself when I began blogging. This was a new experience, and one that has changed me in so many ways. It was the kick start I needed to begin nurturing my creative side. It started me thinking in different ways about who I am and where I am going in life. Now I am thinking I need to continue that reinvention. I need to focus on what is next for me. I am still not sure where it will all lead me. If there was ever a time for reinvention for many of us it is now. Things all around us are changing, many people out of work may need to re-evaluate what they really want to do. It can be an opportunity for change. So let me ask you, I know we are a diverse group of women, different ages, different stages of life. My question is this, do you ever think about what you want to do next? Do you think about reinventing yourself? If you could change what or who you are, if nothing held you back, what would you do? What would you be? What is holding you back?

Valentines Post part Deux..

I know, it's a little crazy to think you want to hear yet another post, my second for the day. But I did have a request by Phyllis to share our dinner so here it is. Oh, and speaking of Phyllis, she sent me this beautiful handmade Valentine yesterday. It made my day, coming home from a long day of work and finding that one of my wonderful bloggy friends was thinking of me:>) Thank you Phyllis! You are so sweet!
Is it any wonder I love my husband!? I mean, look at this! Herbed chicken in puffed pastry with brie and fig jam wrapped inside. (Recipe here) Fresh asparagus and fruit salad. Do you see the little puffed pastry hearts on the chicken? Lordy, I love this guy! He's even watching a chick flick with me later (Nights in Rodanthe). This man is the best.

My favorite pink roses were waiting for me this morning when I got out of bed.

I dipped the strawberries for dessert. I can cook, not that dipping berries is cooking....but I can, honest.

Candles, lace, my favorite pink milk glass cake plate... a gift from my sweetie.

Who needs a restaurant when they have a personal chef? :>)

We spent the afternoon just browsing at the local antique mall, I hadn't been there in ages. It made me long for garage sale season. It's been a great day so far and now ladies, I am off to cuddle and watch my chick flick with my personal chef. *sigh* hate me.

Valentines Day 2009

Valentines Day 2009
Originally uploaded by kathyscottage

Happy Valentines Day to all of you! There has been no time to create any hearts or anything else for that matter in the past two weeks so here is a little mosaic of past creations. I did finish the angel in the middle this week and she will be in etsy later today. I have a bit of shopping planned for later and Earl and I will have a romantic dinner at home this evening. He's cooking (yay!) and I will be dipping the strawberries in chocolate for dessert:>) Oh it is so good to catch up with you a bit! Nothing happening to blog about really. But I also plan to grab a cup of tea and spend a little time visiting with everyone this afternoon. I may even find time to post again today. A little silly I know, but I have to grab the time when I can. I hope all of you have a Valentines day filled with love and laughter and fun!

And the winner is.....

Nikki at Whimsey Love is the winner of the One World, One Heart giveaway! I hope you enjoy this Nikki, and congratulations! I would have loved to visit more of the participants but my spare time has been in short supply the past few weeks! I miss you all, hope I'll be back soon!

For Becky

I've been lying around the house for the past three days battling the flu. Imagine my shock when I went to catch up on some blogs and found that dear Becky of Sweet Cottage Dreams has lost her son Jordan! My heart and prayers go out to you and your family Becky. Losing a child is the worst thing that any of us can imagine. Please take a moment to leave Becky a message of encouragement on her blog and to say a prayer for her family as they travel this sad road.

I didn't get much done this weekend. I wanted to do some sewing but the laundry, housework, shopping and errands won out. It's Sunday night and after finding a bag of mini Reeses pieces on sale at Kroger (half off!) I decided to make some cookies, light some candles and watch a video with my sweetheart. The house is clean(ish) and we are ready for another week. I got through part of my Google reader and was able to visit a handful of you. If I take a little time here and there I may actually catch up.

And I do want to catch up! All the lovely projects, redecorating, words of wisdom and inspiration, it's why I love you all in the first place! So I'll grab a minute here and there and I'll be around. Be patient and know that even if I don't have time to leave a note today, I'm looking in.

Seventy four days to go until I'm done with my second job. But it will get me through the last of the winter with plenty to do. I always breathe a sigh of relief that January is over, and February hardly counts with only 28 days right? March brings the hope of Spring. I can live with that! So to all my friends out there, have a great week. I'll try to drop in from time to time and I am determined to post a couple times a week. Don't forget to stop in and sign up for my give-away. It doesn't end until Feb. 11 so there is still plenty of time!

A sweet Cottage Dream Give-away

Oh the bitter irony...Wanting all these beautiful things currently being given away at Sweet Cottage Dreams, but sending more people over to add their name to the drawing and thus lessening my chances...*sigh*. Doesn't Becky do wonderful work? The adorable little "Love" sachet, one of her ultra cute cottage pennant banners and a delightful treasure trove of sweet goodies from the cottage. Do me a favor, don't go. Don't add your name to the growing list of people who would love to own Becky's beautiful thngs. Oh all right, I know you are going anyway. Good luck, and if you win because I told you about it you will split the loot with me right? Right?...