Wednesday:) What Ya Been Up To, Miss Toni?

“Make something special for the ones you love. That Amazon box at the door just can’t say, ‘Look what I made for you!’ ”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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I stayed up late last night to paint the letters for the new baby’s room. Everyone was up to bed, so the perfect time to watch the Hallmark Channel and paint pink roses. I finally finished around 1 a.m. They turned out pretty nice. They will go up in the baby’s room when Daddy has a minute to put them up. That might be in June. They have their hands full.

Here’s how they turned out. They should look nice on the pink walls. I’m glad that I had time to make something special for Sophie.

Friday:) Friends Who Paint Together

“Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.” ― Pablo Picasso

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I go to Towne Creek the first Friday of the month, but because I was at Crescent Moon Lodge last week, I went over there today. This morning,m I walked two miles, went to the store to pick up snacks, cake, ice cream, and root beer, made a dozen little sandwiches, packed up painting supplies for our class, then raced off to volunteer for my painting class. 

I brought all the supplies to paint vases today. I did a quick demo on varagating color from blue to pale blue to white. When I looked at the color, I thought…hmmm…it looks like the sky and the sea, so I decided to make a landscape. I painted in a few clouds and trees, and voila!

We had a young high school student visiting us today. Alex has been visiting and volunteering all summer, painting cute scenes in the laundry room, and a big logo at the entrance. I later found out that she helped clean up and organize the crazy crammed art closet after a leak and flood burst through the closet ceiling. It was very clean. Wow!

Miss Nelma and Alex.

Miss Kathy. Her vase kinda looked like her blouse.
While our vases were drying, we had our feast of ham sandwiches, Fritos, root beer floats, then chocolate cake and ice cream.

It’s a tough life…the artist life. But we manage.

Thursday:) This Is My Little Town~ McKinney

“I live in my own little world. But its ok, they know me here.” ― Lauren Myrac

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This morning was the first Art Club of McKinney meeting  after our summer break. I love the August meeting because it’s Show and Tell day. Each member or guest introduces themselves, tells what art mediums they use, and brings some examples to talk about. A few of my favorite artist friends…

After our meeting, a large contingent from the meeting went over to The Pantry Restaurant    On the square.for more food and socializing. There’s always a little shopping on the way back to your car.

I always stop at the Visitor’s Center to say hello to Miss Beth. She’s such a sweetie and always has her finger on the pulse of McKinney. If Miss Beth doesn’t know about it…it ain’t happenin’.

This is not a natural stance. I make her pose this way…my open arms request. It’s an inside joke. 

My good friends at Sweet Spot Bakery are always baking up something sweet and special. 

It’s difficult for me to resist a quick stop at the Samaritan Inn Thrift Store on my way home. I generally find several treasures. A beautiful hand painted ceramic plate, two pale pastel purple wine glasses to paint, and a lovely glass candy dish. (My buddy, Miss Bella, looking on in admiration of my bargain hunting skills.)

I stopped to visit my neighbor, Diane, before rounding the corner home. My good friend, Karen, stopped by this evening to drop off her little fishy, Baby. I’m fishy sitting for her for a couple of days. I am the “Pet Whisperer” of McKinney. Dogs, cats, now fish. I’m amazing!

So many friends, so many things to do, this is my little town. I love it here!

“I live in my own little world. But its ok, they know me here.” 

― Lauren Myrac

Oh yes, it was pretty hot here today. It’s Texas…it’s summer…it’s hotter than 

H-E- double hockey sticks.

Monday:) My Momentous Manifesto

“You can live with the lie, but you die with the truth.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukatis

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“A lie is an affront to the soul, as well as an insult to the intelligence of the person to whom one lies.” 
― Judith McNaught

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ONE year ago today, July 11, 2015, I was dancing at my son’s wedding. The mother/son dance was Carole King’s, “Child of Mine.” https://youtu.be/0bDrB47giqs It was the perfect song. I sang in his ear and cried. I’ll always remember that dance. I toasted the happy couple and danced all night. Today is their first wedding anniversary. A day I will always remember. Happy anniversary Joe and Lindsay. 7/11, a lucky day for them.


TWO years ago today, July 11, 2014, I was having a garage sale. I had to pack up nearly 40 years of my life, prepare to leave my home that I loved and lived in for ten years. My husband was already gone, moved out, shacked up with his girlfriend. The divorce almost final, and I was a mess. He left with a handful of clothes, a desk, a bookcase, and moved into a brand new townhouse. He bought all new furniture, appliances, clothes, and threw out all his old junk, including his wife. A day I will always remember. 7/11/14. Not a luck day for me.

THREE years ago today, July 11, 2013, “A day that will live in infamy.” My husband came home drunk again. He said he was having drinks with the guys from the club. I confronted him about his affair with the slut waitress from Craig Ranch TPC. He denied it, said I was crazy, I gave him proof, we fought, he said she meant nothing. I had found all the emails, photos, hotel reservations, texts and more. She wanted my husband, my life, the big house, and a new sugar daddy. She set him up to get caught, all the sneaking around, secret sexual rendezvous, lying, and cheating. He got caught with his pants down. She got her wish. He got what he deserved. He’s stuck with the slut now. A day I will always remember.. 7/11/13. The worst day of my life.


THIS IS MY MANIFESTO, borrowed from Brendon Burchard. 

Today, July 11, 2016, I couldn’t get 7/11 out of my head all day. I went to the doctor for my 6 month check up, went for a walk, talked to some neighbors, tried to take a nap, went for another walk, and tried to get this day out of my head, but I couldn’t. I just called my son to wish him a happy anniversary. This is a new beginning for them. This is a good day for a new beginning for me. It’s been a long hard work in progress. But, they say,  if you proclaim something out loud, put it in writing, and declare it to the world, you can make it happen. I will make it happen. I’ve already started.

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 From now on, this will be a good day. This will be the day that I formally declare, “I simply choose to be happy now, to be grateful now, to be a source of love and light for others. I am whole. I am ready. This is my day.”

7/11/16 THIS IS MY DAY

Monday:) Marvelous Montage Monday

“This is a wonderful day, I have never seen this one before.”― Maya Angelou
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It was an absolutely fantabulous day, sunny, slight breeze, just perfect. I went to “buttkicking class” in the morning, home for an hour walk, did some chores, sat outside and had a late breakfast, then another brisk hour walk, and out to dinner with Zelda. After we ate, we sat outside and chatted. I stopped at a few stores on my way home, talked to my sister, did some laundry, now here I am. I do keep pretty busy.

  
   
We had temps in the upper 80’s. It was marvelous, especially after so many rainy gloomy days. 

 
A week in a peek! 

 

Sunday Sermon, St. Anthony Saves the Day, and a Sunset

“Loss is only temporary when you believe in God!” ― Latoya Alston

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The Fifth Sunday of Lent. Today’s Gospel was the story of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead. Jesus did not rush to save Lazurus and arrived days after he was buried. He went to the tomb, had them roll away the stone, and raised Lazarus from the dead.

My take on it…Sometimes God takes His sweet and lovely time when you need His help. But, if you have faith, and believe, He will answer your prayers. It’s never too late. Don’t give up. Sometimes there’s a reason.

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Recently, I’ve put my faith to the test. Last night, I was going through my wallet, and I couldn’t find my driver’s license. Oh man! Last I saw it was when I voted. Oh no! Did they forget to return it to me at the polls? I checked my wallet, emptied my purse, looked through pockets. I was going crazy.  This happened last week when I couldn’t find my bank card. I had the phone in my hand, ready to call the bank, when I decided to say a prayer to St. Anthony, then searched my purse again, and it was tucked in the folds way at the at bottom.

So, I decided, well, let’s try again. I said,”St. Anthony, I’m getting old and forgetful. Can you help me out again?” I emptied my purse yet again…couldn’t find it. I looked through my coupons, nope! Then, I checked the little bag I keep my library card, gift cards, and miscellaneous business cards. There it was, mixed in between my library card and a Papa Murphy stamp card! How did it get there? I smiled and said out loud, “Thank you, St. Anthony. You did it again!” 

If you’re Catholic and forgetful, St. Anthony gets a real workout. He’s my Patron Saint, being named Antoinette, so I feel I get special favor. 

  
St. Anthony of Padua is one of the Catholic Church’s most popular saints. Saint Anthony of Padua, patron saint of lost and stolen articles, was a powerful Franciscan preacher and teacher. He’s typically portrayed holding the child Jesus—or a lily—or a book—or all three—in his arms. Many people give alms to St. Anthony Bread in thanksgiving to God for blessings received through the prayers of St. Anthony.

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It was a beautiful day. I went for two walks, and was able to catch another beautiful sunset.

  

Friday:) Fog, Feathered Friends, and Friday Night Balck Russian

“Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul 

And sings the tune without the words 

And never stops at all.” 

― Emily Dickinson

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Kickboxing this morning at 8:30 kicked my butt. I am officially calling it buttkicking class. It drizzled, rained, and was misty out all day. There were only a few windows of opportunity to go out for a walk. I put up my hood and went out around 3. As I walked across the street, three friendly ducks were enjoying a misty picnic in the park. Perfect duck picnic weather.

  
I not only admire a glorious glowing evening sunset, but I am also enamored with the foggy mist on the horizon with its subtle shades of gloomy greys.

   
 
  
Friday night tradition. A Black Russian, complete with chocolate ice cream.

  
Unless they drink Black Russians…

This Is Thursday:) Through The Eyes Of An Artist

“Artists see with their hearts. They bring beautiful color, magical music, and wonderful words into a not so perfect world. A gift they share with everyone.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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I like to think of myself as an artist, writer, and amateur philosopher. Student of many, master of none. I am a work in progress. Here is my day in a nutshell. (Because I’m a nut.)

I woke up at 7 am, checked emails, wrote a letter, called Mom, drove to Zumba, busted a move and thank goodness not a hip for an hour, glowing red faced, changed, drove to Art Club of McKinney meeting by 10, lunch with fellow artists, visited friends at Sweet Spot Bakery on the Square, went over to the Martin Place for Elaine Adam’s memorial art exhibit by 4, scurried home, went for a walk 5-6, and now writing this blog, then off to a divorce support group at 7-9. This is a typical day for me. I LOVE IT!

Well, never got this posted before my support group. It’s after 9:30 pm, and I’m finally able to take a breath and finish this post. This group session tonight was an eye opener. It makes me realize how very lucky and truly blessed I am. All I can say is…and this is not like me at all…but the world is truly F’d up. I need a drink!

Now, for some photos of my day… Art Club of McKinney guest speakers.

    
    
 
Lynne and Jeni won prizes for the monthly member artwork.

  
Lunch with the art gals at Cookie’s Mexican Restaurant.

   
Elaine Adams’ fantastic art show memorial at the mARTin Place. A beautiful tribute to a lovely and talented woman.

 
Elaine’s sweet husband of 61 years, Gil, family, and friend, Lynne.

  
The sky was gloomy and drizzly, but the sun kept trying to peek through while I walked.

  
The local ducks two blocks away from their pond were having a picnic on a neighbor’s front lawn. 

  
“Here comes the sun…”

Wednesday Words of Wisdom:) What Do We See Outside Our Window?

“If you want the people to understand you, invite them to your life and let them see the world from your window!” 

― Mehmet Murat ildan

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It’s true. I invite people to see my life from my window, sharing funny stories, sad tales, uplifting acts of kindness, but mostly, my blessed life filled with wonderful friends and family. I share the world that I see outside my window.

  
The view out of my front window.

We’ve had some pretty gloomy rainy days, but when the clouds rested their sprinkling for a while, I managed to get out for a walk. There is always something beautiful to see, even on a dreary day.

  
This photo says a lot. Yesterday, a glimpse of sun and a promise of blue skies.

  
The sun did come out in full force yesterday afternoon. The banks of the pond were flooded, but the ducks enjoyed the extra lap lane.

I bumped into Miss Bernadine while walking. We walked back to her house, where Mr. Vince offered us chairs and conversation. We probably talked for over an hour about Catholic school, nuns, children, politics, religion, etc. We pretty much managed to cover every topic known to man in our brief visit. 

  
  
This morning, it was just gloomy with unforgiving low lying clouds and sprinkles, with no hope of clearing. But, we could use the rain. The thirsty ground, grey-brown grass, and budding trees and flowers are most appreciative.

  
A not so timid rabbit, munching on a neighbor’s plants and grass, was enjoying the morning, and was kind enough to pose for a close-up.

Well! Now, you’ve seen my world outside my window. Each day a story. Each day a blessing.

Tuesday:) Toni Tales~True Stories

Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” ― Desmond Tutu

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I generally don’t like to toot my own horn…wait a minute…yes I do! It’s not really tooting, it’s more like sharing warm and uplifting stories from my notebook that I call my life.

Yesterday, I was coming home from my walk, strolling up my driveway, when I saw the mail truck two houses down. I figured I’d just wait a few seconds and grab my mail. I didn’t have quite enough time to run into the house to get a Dr. Pepper or some cookies. Usually, if I see the mail truck close by, I’ll run in and get something for the carrier. They put in a long day, and I like to show my appreciation. Last week, I had time to run and get a Dr. Pepper for the mail lady, a different one, not our usual Miss Penny. I hadn’t seen this lady before. She was on the phone, so I just gave he a wave, and she nodded and mouthed the words thank you. 

So, after putting the mail in the box, she pulled up to my driveway and said, “I wanted to thank you for the Dr. Pepper the other day. I apologize. I was on the phone with my brother in Louisianna, and I didn’t get a chance to thank you properly. That was so nice. I feel bad.” 

We talked a few minutes, and she told me about her family. Her brother rarely calls her, and she needed to talk to him. I asked her where Miss Penny was and she said, Penny got transferred to Fairview, but trained her on the route, and calls her every day to see how it’s going. She said, “I told Penny that this nice lady gave me a Dr. Pepper the other day, and I felt terrible that I didn’t get a chance to thank her.” 

Then, I smiled when she said that Penny told her,”Oh, that’s Toni! She’s always doing nice things. She’d bring me cookies or brownies or something to drink. She’s a real nice lady. You’ll love her.” Well, I was honored that Miss Penny remembered me by name, and that I made her day a little brighter. Now, Miss Desra is my new mail lady, and now she knows my name, too. 

It’s funny how just a small act of kindness or a simple hello, can really make a difference in someone’s day. Do you know your mail carrier’s name, or the guys who mow your lawn, or the cashier at the grocery store?