Saturday:) Riding Off Into the Sunset

“At the end of the day, you can either basque in the glow of the sunset, or turn your back to the to the cold haze of the moon.”

~ Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

**************

“Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal.” ― Elbert Hubbard

**************

There are many choices to be made every day. It’s the old,”Is the glass half full or half empty,” scenario. Heck with that! I like to think of the glass as always full to the brim, and I just have to be careful not to spill any as I meander my way through life. 

Today was a perfect sunny day. It was in the 70’s, a bit windy, but it’s winter for goodness sake. I went to Zumba in the morning, did a few things around the house, and sat on the driveway in my chair to catch a few rays. Later, I stopped at Sprouts to get some flowers for Kaylyn, who had her baby boy, Jason, this morning, and while I was there, they just so happened to have some wine on sale. I usually go to Sprouts after church, and you can’t buy wine until after noon on Sundays, so today was my lucky day.

The Square was crowded with shoppers, diners, and folks like me just out enjoying the beautiful day. I’m lucky that I get to visit with my friends at Sweet Spot Bakery. My friend, Elizabeth, is the baker and Kaylyn’s mom, so I got to hear all the details of Jason’s arrival. She was in the back, in a tizzy, trying to get an order of cake balls done for a customer waiting up front. I asked what I could do to help, so I drizzled a few blue swirls, and sprinkled them, while she dipped and boxed the last few remaining treats. 

Later, Miss Kathy was out back talking and visiting with the mounted patrol officers. Ranger and Ontario, the magnificent horses, are frequent visitors because Kathy has them spoiled, giving them apples and treats all the time.

  
Ranger likes to give Miss Kathy kisses, and request more treats. 

   
 
The children love to pet the horses, and Ontario (L) and Ranger (R) love the attention.

  
Life is funny, beautiful and scary, all rolled into one. The horses made me think of this quote. We have to saddle up every day, even if we’re scared to death. Then, and only then, can we “ride off into the sunset.” SADDLE UP!

  
Riding off into the sunset.

Sunday Sermon And Speaking the Same Language

“The conquest of learning is achieved through the knowledge of languages.” 
― Roger Bacon, The Opus Majus of Roger Bacon – Volume 1

**************

Today was Pentecost Sunday. It was a dreary rainy morning so I wore a red sweater and my red raincoat to church. Wearing red lifts my spirits. Little did I know that the choir, Father Don, and most of the congregation would be dressed in red. This was to represent the tongues of fire and a tradition in the Catholic Church. Lucky fashion statement choice.

************

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (King James Version)
**************

Here’s my take on the sermon. The room was filled with the Holy Spirit and many languages were spoken so everyone could understand. This got me to thinking. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all speak the same language, and we could all understand each other? You would think in this day and age of advanced technology, that we could all communicate, get along, and stop war and hatred. We are all on the same planet, just trying to get by. Why can’t we live in peace? Why can’t we all get along?

**************

   
 

Later in the afternoon, I went over to the Square and met with some friends. Then, I had lunch with my friends at Sweet Spot Bakery. We speak the same language there, and that language is friendship. So, I hung out until they kicked me out.  Just kidding. But, I did stay till closing time, and they locked the door. I can take a hint.

  

Saturday on the Square: Sweet Spot Bakery Two Year Birthday Celebration

“When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching — they are your family. ” 
― Jim Butcher
**********
“I wouldn’t want the guests at my birthday party confusing my celebration with the Oscars. That’s why I’m having the awards ceremony after we eat cake and I open my presents.
” 
― Jarod Kintz, This Book Title is Invisible
************
  I’ve known these lovely ladies for over two years now. Kathy, Elizabeth and Kaylyn over at McKinney’s Sweet Spot Bakery on the Square, are not only good friends, but now they’re family. (It doesn’t hurt that yummy desserts and beverages are involved.) We sit, talk, visit, sing songs, share jokes and sad stories. It’s all good when you’re with family.
This evening they’re hosting a musical jam session with friends playing various instruments and everyone singing along.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v89iK13tXTA

 
   

  

  

Saturday, Sunrise, Sharing with my “Peeps,” and Sittin’on the Square

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.”

― Ruth Reichl

******************

What a sensational Saturday! The sunrise was amazing for my morning walk. Then, off to my writing group, home to finish frosting Peep bunny cupcakes to share with my new neighbors, a quick shower, then off to the Square.

  

Look at this amazing sunrise! God painting the sky with gold.

  

Live music, singing, and sit tinning with friends at Sweet Spot Bakery on the square in McKinney.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTQjxd26Xh0

Oh yes, sharing good times with all my “Peeps.”

  

A lot of happy neighbors and friends.

   

 

Bumping into my good friends Michael and Sherri.

  

Making new friends. This handsome canine was dressed in his formal attire.

  

Home in time for an evening walk and another painted sunset. “Life is so endlessly delicious.”

Friday, Friends and Firemen

“Those who are wise won’t be busy, and those who are too busy can’t be wise.” 

― Lin Yutang, The Importance Of Living

******************

Another busy Friday. After only about five hours of sleep, I set the alarm for 7:30 for my 8am walk. Diane and I met and walked over by the new construction a few blocks away, and bumped into another lady walking. We stopped to introduce ourselves, chatted, and made a new friend, Judy.

I came home after a two hour walk, and started baking cupcakes for Towne Creek, (volunteer senior art group), my firemen friends at Station #2, and a few neighbors. I made my funny face, finished my baking and frosting, then packed up. 

  

The guys over at Station #2 appreciated their Bunny cupcakes and were more than happy to pose for a picture, they even said they’d save one for my friend Quincy who was on the late shift.

   

 

Then, off to Towne Creek for painting and feasting.

   

   

Not to finish my Friday without more friends, I stopped at Sweet Spot Bakery to visit with Miss Kathy, Miss Elizabeth, and Kaylyn. We sat outside, chatted and visited till 8pm. Now, home for dinner which consisted of some humus and chips and a Black Russian.  (Not too nutritious but tasty.)

  

A long busy day, but always a fun Friday! 

   

Saturday and a Special Friend

A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be. ~Douglas Pagels

**********

My mail order of champagne flutes finally arrived Friday. I couldn’t find them in the stores, and I wanted to paint a dozen glasses for my dear friend Kathy. She’s getting married next week, and I wanted to make her a special gift.

I stayed up till after 1 am painting so I could let them dry and cure over night, then bake in the oven in the morning. Yes, you have to bake them. Helps their durability.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGptaB2kSZE

   

   

All painted and ready to wrap.

   

 

A special gift for a special lady! 

   

 

Mom and I went over to a Sweet a Spot Bakery on the Square to see Miss Kathy and give her her gift before her wedding next week. 

Congratulations Kathy and Tim!!! You are wonderful friends and a I wish you a zillion years of happiness.

  

Mom and I celebrated with some ice cream and a selfie. Delicious!  

 Thanks for the ice cream Miss Kathy and Miss Elizabeth.

  

Sunday: From Sunrise Till Sunset

“There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them.”
― Jo Walton
**********
A very busy Sunday. It started out with a gorgeous sunny morning and 9 o’clock Mass. I stopped at Sprouts and picked up some beautiful fruit and vegetables, granola, cashews and…ta-da…chocolate covered peanuts. Peanuts-good. Chocolate covered peanuts-even better. I purchased some extra items to take over to Miss Eleanor.

Then, off to the Square to have breakfast with my friend Chris. We had breakfast at Snug, sat outside in the sunshine, chatted and watched people walk by. We always bump into friends. Laura Bartlett of “Four Funny Females” fame was having breakfast with her sister.

After breakfast, we walk around the Square and stopped in at Sweet Spot Bakery to say “Hi” to Miss Kathy and Miss Elizabeth.

Walking back to my car, I heard a little tap-tap-tap on the glass window at Square Burger. It was my dear friend Sherri Murphy and her husband Michael. I popped in to get my traditional “Sherri siting” photo, and to steal a couple of French fries from Michael’s plate.

On my way home, I stopped at Towne Creek to drop off some fruit and vegetables at Miss Eleanor’s, and have a cup of tea. More chatting and sharing stories. By now it was almost 4.

The beautiful day called for a long walk. The sun was so inviting and invigorating that my friend and I walked for almost two hours. A new trail, new sights, a new adventure until dusk. We stopped for tea and more conversation.

By the time I arrived home it was after 8:30 pm. A twelve hour day, from sunrise till sunset. Hope you had a good Sunday, too.

Saturday Sunshine, the Square and Bridal Show

“Every bride is beautiful. It’s like newborn babies or puppies. They can’t help it.”
― Emme Rollins, Dear Rockstar
**************
Finally! The sun brought a smile of warmer weather. After more than a week of grey, gloom and the flu, I went out for a lovely morning walk before my writing group. Mandy and I met at Sweet Spot Bakery, went over some pages, then had lunch at Cadillac Pizza. The Square was packed with visitors.

Later, I strolled around the Square, visited with friends, then checked out the Bridal Show at MPAC. I bumped into my friend Khrymsun Parker at her booth. She shared some interesting wedding rituals from different countries and cultures.

There were dozens of booths with wedding venues and helpful ideas. I actually had a lady ask me, “Do you have your wedding dress yet?” I wanted to say, “I have a 40 year old, yellowed and tattered wedding dress in my closet that makes me want to vomit,” but I just smiled and walked along.

My main reason for checking out the show was to see the cakes that Miss Elizabeth made for their display. But, it was fun to see all displays and the young girls with their excited faces.

Good job, Miss Elizabeth. I’ll keep practicing.

I went home, threw on my gym shoes and went for a very long brisk walk. I ran into my neighbor, Kathy, and walked with her all the way down to Baylor Hospital and back. About an hour and a half later, I was good and tired. Mostly tired, not sure about good. I had a cup of tea and made a bunch of phone calls. It was a lovely day.

Now for a night cap! Or dessert? Or both rolled into one yummy Black Russian.

Saturday:Sights, Sounds, Sittin’ and Sippin’

Success in life is by opportunity and preparation, instead of sitting around waiting for luck, get up and go find your luck.
Blaze Olamiday
*************
An early Saturday morning walk, run over to writing group, then lunch on the Square with Mandy at Brother’s Pizza. It was another gorgeous day. How many more perfect days can we have? We walked around, and stopped at Art On The Veranda. Dana and Judy were teaching a jewelry making class.

One of my all time sittin’ around people watching spots is Sweet Spot Bakery. I actually got a little sun burn today.

Miss Elizabeth was making these adorable high heel cupcakes and taught me how to make them. I love to learn new things.

Aren’t they cute?

Here’s my first attempt at the rose frosting. I think I’m a natural! I told Elizabeth to call me next time she has to frost 70 cupcakes. (What if she takes me up on it?)
After I got home around 6pm, I strapped on my gym shoes and went for another long walk. I walked over to see the friendly horses down the road.

Now, I’m just sittin’ around with my weary band aide feet up, a frosty gin and tonic, my trusty ipad, and some mindless pre-recorded television programs. That’s what I call a beautiful busy day!

Grass doesn’t grow under my feet…or does it?

Second Saturday Live…On The Square

“Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.”
― Maya Angelou
**************
COMING TO YOU LIVE FROM THE SQUARE……………………………………………

A dreary rainy Saturday blossomed into an amazing day of art, music and friends in downtown McKinney. Music In Motion at the Heard Craig Gallery featured fantastic local artists and musicians

Then, off to Sweet Spot Bakery for the Second Saturday Jam Session. Sweet treats and sweet tunes., musicians drop in, play and sing their hearts out. Many have never met before, yet play like they’ve been together for years. Musicians all have the same heart and sing the same song.

Another cool Saturday on the Square…really…it’s only 58 degrees out. It’s cool!
Night y’all!!!