My Glass Slippers

I discovered Naot shoes about 25 years ago. The first time I tried on a pair I felt like Cinderella. Perfect fit but alas, not in my budget. I was working at the time and as an Event Coordinator I needed to dress well, so I splurged and bought my first pair. Over the next 5 years I continued to buy more Naot shoes. Not because they wore out, on the contrary, they still looked practically brand new. I bought more because I liked feeling like a Disney princess. When I retired, I owned 3 pairs of sandals (each a different color) and that original pair of navy-blue Mary Jane’s.

Fast forward another 10 years and I am now down to one pair of sandals and the original Mary Jane’s. The sandals that survived were teal and tan, which didn’t go with any retirement outfit I owned. So, before I broke the bank for a new pair of black sandals at now almost $200.00, I decided to try dying them black.

How’d I do?

Oldie but Goodie

I didn’t know what to write about today, so I asked AI, “What are the current most popular blog topics?” According to Mr/Ms AI, one of the hottest blog topics today is home decor. Home decor refers to the art and practice of designing and beautifying living spaces to reflect personal style and taste.

Because I strive to be popular and up to date, I’d like to share with you how we beautified the most important room in our house - the kitchen. The centerpiece is our 1950’s O’Keefe and Merritt stove. And yes, it does reflect our personal style. Like the two of us it may be old, but it still works!

 Arf! Arf!

I know, I know...I have blogged at least 5 times about my favorite fruit the Humble Lemon, so let me apologize in advance because I have another lemon product to share. But trust me, this one is a winner!

A few weeks ago, during our awful hot spell, I was craving something tart with a bit of spirit. I was at T. J’s, walking down the wine aisle when I stumbled upon Renegade Lemonade. Lemon Wine? Wine Not? It was only $10 so I decided to give it a try. One sip and I was addicted!  

Curiosity got the best of me, and I did a little digging. It all began in 2020 when 2 people with a passion for wine and a lot of time on their hands decided to turn lemons into lemonade and then into wine. Best of all, the wine is named after their beloved dog Renegade. Great story and great summer wine.

A Typical Monday
 

I am a list maker. According to AI, people who make lists often exhibit specific personality traits, such as being organized (yep) and detail-oriented (yep). This habit can enhance memory (?), reduce stress (yep), and improve productivity (yep) by providing structure and clarity to tasks and goals. 😊

 

Don’t stop me now
I’m havin such a good time, I’m havin a ball

It was way back in the early 80’s when I first heard the British Band Queen. At the time it wasn’t my fancy because I was more into nursery rhymes than rock music.

Fast forward 40+ years later when I really listened to Queen. I GOT IT! They were wonderful and IMHO deserved all the accolades they received. I have since seen 2 Queen documentaries and the wonderful film Bohemian Rhapsedy, starring Rami Malek.

I always thought as an almost 80-year-old that I couldn’t change, but I did. Change is inevitable and how we approach it makes all the difference. For me, aging is just another phase of life. One that is full of potential, discovery and endless possibilities.

 

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Long time ago I read an article about writing a letter to your younger self. I’ve thought a lot about doing it, but until recently I had no clue as to what I could say to little EllenB that would make a difference. That is, until yesterday.

I saw my reflection in the mirror and frowned when I looked at my hair. And then it hit me. One of the things I have spent a lifetime hating about myself is my frizzy hair. I was bullied about my Brillo hair in school, but I never told anyone. I knew the bullies were right. I did have ugly hair. 

Dear Sweet EllenB,
You are loved just the way you are. You have wonderful frizzy hair, and it frames your face like a halo. A living angel.
Love, 

You, all grown up

Starting today, I am going to look into the mirror every day and tell myself that I like my frizzy hair.

 

9/11

In 2016 Tony and I went to NYC. We had 3 goals for our visit, see Casey, a Broadway show and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. I have many happy memories of our mini holiday, but what still haunts me is the 9/11 Museum. As we entered, it was so quiet that I felt as if I was in a house of worship.

In one area there was a small alcove where photos graced the walls. I glanced over and saw a man in a wheelchair quietly sobbing. His hand was caressing one of the photos, and I knew it was of a loved one of his who had been lost in 9/11. I quickly turned away because it was such a private moment.

When we left the Museum, I told Tony that they needed to supply free tissues because I knew that no one could view the remnants of such sadness and terror without being brought to tears.