here's the perfect solution.

the sensational miss marta, of the magical land of m.writes, has made you a to-do calendar. 

a calendar that you can hang in the handiest of places, write in the messiest of scribbles, & cross off to your heart's delight. 

a custom-made vehicle for getting your to-do list in shape. 

click here to read more & get ahold of the creator to get one of your very own.

while you're there, you might want to look around. it's a fantastic spot for browsing.

oh, & once you get your calendar (because you know you want a free calendar!) you can print it off on some pretty cardstock or whatever your paper of choice may be. 

have fun being productive.

a corner-dwelling, lamp table-neighboring chair,

with room to bend into a comfy knee-hugging position.

at mom & dad's house, a long time ago, my chair was a queen anne recliner

but that chair has since moved from the living room (aka the museum)

and is now next to the fireplace,

where it is frequently occupied by a large yellow lab.

now at my own house, I have a different chair.

it abides in the southeast corner of the living room,

encircled by the bay window & beneath the lofty lamp.

it's funny how Grant almost never sits there; it truly is my reading chair.

i can settle in, bundle up with a quilt, & pore over my pages

while grant sits next to me at his desk & opens the mail.

and if you find us just so, you will know that I am supremely happy.

i wouldn't want to be anywhere else, with anybody else, doing anything else.

(at this point the word "else" is starting to sound funny)

maybe someday I'll be able to upgrade to this dreamy potterybarn number.

mmm... dark, glossy leather. 

and perhaps while I'm at it, I will snatch this simple print seater,

stash it in my massive dream attic,

& bring it down for a festive debut every christmas.

Today everything changes.

I've been glued to the tv: katie couric @ the gym. brian williams @ home.

What a privilege to watch the invocation of our 44th president as it happened. What a pleasure to see everyone all smiles, to see the masses assembling, to know that a dream has been realized, and to feel the country uniting in interest for the day. 

This time around, I am especially fascinated in the coverage. Maybe that's because I'm older. Or maybe it's because I'm not restricted by a teacher turning off the tv or pressured by co-workers going back to their desks to resume the normalness of the day. Maybe it's because I know that this is an important day in history. It's a day that will be written up in text books. And I want to bear witness to it. So for today, the tv stays on. 

I was surprised to find that as I tuned in to the ceremony & celebration, I wasn't thinking too much about an energy crisis, or promises for the future, or republicans & democrats, or a weakening economy. Much lighter matters weighed on my mind. As I watched the motorcade & the following processions I wondered...

if the Obamas were coffee drinkers.

if the girls will accompany mom & dad to the balls tonight.

what they were all going to eat for lunch. 

when they are going to get the puppy. and what kind.

what has been done to make the White House their house.

Apparently I have no problem viewing the first family as real people, not political figures.

I am curious about how the Bush family must feel today. To walk away, to be completely relieved of responsibility, to go home. I cannot imagine what that would be like. I was particularly happy to have seen the waving of goodbyes as President Bush boarded the helicopter & President Obama walked back to the steps. It was such a respectful and poignant moment for our former leader. At that moment, the new president seemed to fully take ownership of his role. I imagine it to be somewhat like the feeling that a babysitter has, when the parents finish giving you the instructions & you watch as they drive away. They're gone. You're in control now. How funny that these stiff & ceremonial traditions house such profound emotions. 

Today I remember... waking up at the Sarah & Becca's house 8 years ago. We watched the inauguration of President Bush on a little tv we had brought down to the basement for movie-watching during our sleepover. 

Today I am thankful... for the leadership George Bush provided.

Today I was uncomfortable... when the Chief Justice messed up his lines. 

Today I loved... that John Williams composition. 

Today I can't wait... to see what kind of president Barack Obama will be.

Today I am glad... for a peaceful transfer of power.

Today I am excited... because God is as much in control of this presidency as He was the Bush presidency. 

scenery for a sunday drive.

dresses. i would like to wear them whenever i want and not feel

overdressed. i want to make them so much a part of my normal

apparel, that it's no big deal to slip one on and be in front of people

and be myself. women used to live in dresses. and why not? they

make one feel so feminine and put-together. there's a whole world of

ladylike out there, wish me luck as i venture out to find it & attempt

bravery as i wear it.

this year i am going to make a conscious effort to check the sale

racks wherever i go, and start loading up. i have already started my

collection with a couple of casuals that i picked up on clearance.

perfect for flip-flops and running errands. my next goal is to find a

couple of classy basics for weddings & other formal gatherings. and if i

had all the money in the world, i know where i would purchase these

sophisticated threads... shabby apple. a couple of my favorites are the

rita hayworth & the nine to five (on sale & also comes in black!), but

i am smitten with so many others. if i weren't so happy with being on

a budget & didn't suffer from such intense buyer's remorse, i would

surely indulge over at that delightful dress boutique. i have to remind

myself though, that part of the fun for me is finding a little treasure,

tucked away in the back corner, between two intertwined hangers, the

only one left, marked with an incredible price. that is matchless

satisfaction.

i will be sure to keep you posted if any progress is made with the task

of dressing up my wardrobe.