Some Words of Wisdom

Source: rebeccacooper.blogspot.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Shoulder Pads and a Veggie Bag

Last week, I went through my closet and discarded all of the clothes I had outgrown and/or never wear anymore.  I filled three bags: one for Goodwill, one for consignment, and one for items that need tailoring.  Mom thought this was a great idea, so when I was visiting Hampton this weekend, we spent the morning going through her closet.  I am quite certain Mom has not downsized her wardrobe since junior high.  Among the list of fashion artifacts were: 7 polyester button-downs, 4 tailored suits that could double as medieval armor, 2 skorts and one purse shaped like a head of lettuce.  After a few hours of desperate pleas from Mom like "Don't get rid of that, I should keep it in case I decide to take up belly dancing" my job was done. 

The damage

Mom appeared to be a bit traumatized after the closet raid, so, to lift her spirits, my friend Emmy and I decided to model some of the unfashionable frocks that night.  Our impromptu fashion show was a hit, and Mom bid adieu to years worth of fashion faux pas.

I spy some produce

The next morning, we took half of the treasures to Goodwill and half to the consignment store.  Mom agreed to part ways with almost everything, save the lettuce purse.  She's still convinced that it is "not a vegetable, it's a large green rose".  I guess you can't win every battle.

Summer-izing

I am finally summarizing my summer vacation that took place nearly 2 weeks ago! On my first leg of the trip, I was in Nashville visiting Will and his family.  We ventured to Center Hill Lake, enjoyed a delicious brunch at Margot's, and visited the Frist.  After some sightseeing and shopping, I was back at the airport and already planning my next trip back to Nashville.

Tubing with Will

My attempt at water skiing

Frist Center for the Visual Arts

Andy Warhol Exhibit

The "home" of country star John Rich...how clever

I <3 Nashville

On Tuesday, I headed to Isle of Palms for my family's annual stay at Wild Dunes.  It was great seeing my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  With a grand total of 21 family members and friends present, there was never a dull moment!  As usual, I had an amazing time at the beach and am looking forward to seeing the family again in October for my aunt's wedding!

The Beautiful Boardwalk

Wilson Fam

Me and Geo with Grammie

The Girls

The Cousins

The whole family

At week's end, it was time to head to Roanoke, Virginia for Sarah's wedding.  Sarah, her brother Sam, and their parents Dave and Carmel, have been close family friends for years.  George was the Best Man in Sam's wedding, and it was so special to be present for the marriage of both of Carmel and Dave's children.  Sarah, who is younger but far wiser than I am, is studying Engineering at Georgia Tech where she met her equally intelligent husband, Evan.  The wedding was atop the Blue Ridge Mountains at Valhalla Vineyards.  The view was breathtaking and perfect for the occasion.  The wedding was beautiful and it was a wonderful way to end my summer vacation.  Congratulations to Sarah and Evan!

Me, Mom and Geo

The happy B&G

Wedding Party 

Happy Birthday, Dad

Today would have been my father's 61st birthday.  To commemorate his life, I thought I would share some of my favorite pictures of Dad doing the things that he loved with the people who loved him.   Dad was wonderful in so many ways.  He was...

a son, brother, godfather and uncle...

a comedian...

 

a sailor and an auto enthusiast...

A favorite of the ladies...

A rockstar...

 

 

Dad lived life to its' fullest.  In his 60 years, Dad was able to accomplish more than most people will in a lifetime.  He...

 Was married to the love of his life for 29 years...

  

Watched his children grow up...

...and graduate from college.

He traveled the World...

 

And lived on the edge...

Dad was proof that it's not the years in your life that are of importance, rather the life in your years.  In this sense, I like to think that my father lived a full life.  There are a lot of people down here wishing you a Happy Birthday, Dad (especially Coot, Dirtball and Honey Bunny).  I hope The Big Man Upstairs is throwing you a party that is "out of this world".  We miss you and love you, Happy Birthday  :)  

Back To Reality

I have returned from my weeklong summer vacations and have quite a bit to blog about.  I am looking forward to sharing pictures from Nashville, Isle of Palms and Roanoke.  Unfortunately, that all will have to wait.  Tonight, I will be dealing with the natural disaster that hit Raleigh, more specifically, my apartment. 

AHHHHHH

Fingers crossed, I will emerge from this rubble before work tomorrow morning.  I hope everyone had a great weekend! 

.....Must Have.....

Suede is to Winter as Linen is to Summer.  Some things are destined to be worn at a specific time. While I respect these seasonal guidelines, it is nice to find fabrics that can comfortably shift between warm and cold months without raising eyebrows.  That being said, I am loving all things cork.  That's right, shoes, handbags, even jewelry, all made from the same material you find plugging bottles of wine.  Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, the next time you're looking for a subtle way to complete your outfit, put some cork in it!

Johnston & Murphy Zoe Flats

Robyn Brooks Gold and Cork Bangles

Elaine Turner Sierra Clutch

.....Must Hear.....

"Everybody Always Leaves" Matthew Ryan