Living Life

2015 has not disappointed, thus far! My job is fantastic, my personal life is good, and I am connected where I want to be connected.

I sort of disappeared for a while, here from the blog. I was transitioning and adjusting to my new life.
Normally, I would have shared with you all of the fun little stories and pictures, but I needed some things to just be as they were.

However, I want to share with you all of the things I have been "adjusting" to! I think you will like it.

Spending the last night on the Gulf (just a week ago) in Panama City. My Sweet Guy and I went for a walk after dinner. 

I finally got to see how someone picks out a Christmas tree! I've only ever had artificial ones (allergies,) and my Sweet Guy's girls are seen here carrying them to the truck!

Things were looking beautiful at the Cannonball House. Here is Nora's bedroom - and a "homey" tree. 

On New Year's Day, S.G. (aka Sweet Guy) and I sat and watched the sunset on Mexico Beach. 

Early December, I teamed up with my friend Stephanie. She wanted to throw one of her tea parties - but she wanted to do it on a grand scale. I opened up the Cannonball House for her!

This is where I work. My office is the second floor - right hand windows. :-)

S.G. lives on a 400+ acre farm. This is the little dock leading to the fishing cabin on the property. This has become a wonderful retreat for me. 

Meet Sweet Guy - aka S.G. He came up to Macon for a visit and we had dinner at Buca di Beppo

Just relaxing and enjoying my little tree. 

We had an Ole Time Christmas at the Cannonball House. Here we have some staff and volunteers dressed in period attire, singing Christmas carols. 

I spent last Friday shopping, eating, and exploring Apalachicola, Florida. 

Met up with my friends from Leadership Macon at a local restaurant called Twang. 

S.G. helped me put my tree together. Here we are just relaxing with cocktail. 

More Leadership Macon folks meeting up for lunch at Twang. 

Starting the new year off in Florida. 

Found a bucket of sponges in Florida

S.G.'s youngest daughter is Mistress of the Saw at the tree farm. 

Had probably the best martini of my life - Grey Goose vodka, pureed strawberries and a mint sprig at The Shrimp Boat. 

Bacon wrapped scallops

More of the decor for Christmas

S.G. with his daughters visiting me

We had a lovely Christmas party at the house. 

Made my first gum drop tree!

People dancing the Virginia Reel

Took S.G. to Ingleside Village Pizza with his girls. They LOVED it. 

Check it out - Father Christmas and his wife!

I took SG and his girls to Dauset Trails. 

Then we went to the Museum of Aviation

More period  attire at our Christmas party. Old South for sure!

More Leadership Macon lunch shots

Many of the lovely ladies of Macon toured the Cannonball House after tea. 

I had another article in Macon Magazine. About Otis Redding's son!

Brunch at my sister's home for Yule. 

The cabin on SG's property. He built this with his father.

Party Bus heading to Port St. Joe, Florida on New Year's Eve

SG has a baby girl- Miss Gypsy

Met this wonderful photojournalist and bought some of his work in Florida. 

Visted the Historic Raney House in Apalachicola

The Shrimp Boat in Panama City - Great dinner. 

Just know. that is NOT water in that cup. 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Understanding Self Love

Every day, for the past 10 years, I have read a daily devotion out of a book. The pages are a little torn and ratty, some are dog-eared, and many have ink where I underlined some sentence that spoke to me. I've never been able to find a better devotional than this book, so I've never stopped rotating through the year.

It is called Journey To The Heart by Melody Beattie. No, it's not chock full of religious insight or even any bible passages, so if you are looking for a Christian devotional, this is not it. Though there is a mention of God throughout the book, it is more about understanding life in general. Each day there is a different, basic theme, and today, on January 8th it was about loving yourself until feels real. A take on "fake it until you make it."

There is one paragraph in particular that I want to share today, it says, "Sometimes, loving ourselves means accepting ourselves enough to tell ourselves other people like and approve of us. Sometimes, loving ourselves means approving of ourselves, even when they don't. It takes courage to stop cowering and openly love, accept, and approve of ourselves."

This sort of got me to thinking of past behavior on my part. I have often prided myself on surrounding myself with strong, independent, almost overly snarky friends. People who can dish it out and take it. I saw some of these people as validation that, yeah, I'm a tough chick, and sure, I can handle anything you throw at me - don't worry, I'm resilient.

But the truth is, those people weren't always the best for my spirit.

I actually have begun to view kindness, compassion, the ability to forgive as true strength. Sure, I can "take it," but nothing is written in the stars that says I should be taking it. I have come to the realization that many people that I have let into my life, in all reality, aren't exactly good for my soul. No, there is nothing wrong with them. But maybe, they aren't what I need in order to grow as a person.

I met a woman recently that if I had met 25 years ago, I probably would not have given her the time of day. She is, in all societal regards, not very attractive. Actually, if I am completely honest, she was not blessed with many outwardly attributes that would be considered beautiful. However, she had the warmest smile, the kindest words for me, and I could tell that her soul was shining through. I never really surrounded myself with these type of people. The average Joe, the person who is just happy to live and not really caring so much for the limelight. Instead, the "friends" I have made my entire life have always been the people who have to not only try to be the best, they want everyone to know they are the best, and sometimes, in an effort to validate themselves, they might step on you on the way up. However, if I had made more friends like this woman I encountered, would my relationships be more real? Would I have felt more genuine concern and nurturing, and in turn, would I have saved myself years of trying to figure out why I was not feeling that connection with others like I had craved, but did not tap into?

With that being said, the section I read this morning sort of reminded me that it, in all honesty, starts with me. I need to be more loving and patient with myself, and not seek it from those I might find myself around. Please note, my closest and dearest friends do not fit this category. (That goes for you guys reading and wondering if I am talking about you.) I'm talking about what I call the second tier friends - the ones you typically come into contact with and share some social occasions. I need to be more choosy in who I let in. Really in.

What I need to remember in 2015 is to accept who I am and what I have become. I've accomplished a lot, and honestly, I 'm really good at what I do. I don't need any other "peers" to tell me that. The proof is, as they say, in the pudding. I am valuable to this community, to my job, to my family, to my friends, and to my significant other. I don't need someone to tell me that, I know that - maybe by a simple thank you, or a smile, or just knowing I truly did everything I could to make that person's life better.

In 2015, I will learn to love myself more. I will be my own validation, and with that, I will become a stronger friend to others.

Word of the Year - Focus

Another year! 2015 has already started out strong! With that, you know my dear friend, Leanne, at From Chaos Comes Happiness always encourages us to choose a word - one that you will explore and live up to for 365 days. 

I just got back from a mini vacation with my Sweet Guy. As we were driving back from the beach, I turned to him and explained how I was sort of "over" everything. I mentioned that I did not feel like being a fake cheerleader and that the kool-aid did not taste authentic to me. He did the best thing he could have, he double clicked on some of my statements. 

What it boiled down to was that I just don't care about the things I once did. It is not that these things aren't important, it is just that I don't feel the need to be the one to make these changes happen. I don't have to say yes to every committee, or even every board request. I can pick one or two projects within my community and concentrate on quality versus quantity. Which lead me to the word balance. 

However, I've used balance before. 

What then happened was a personal epiphany - what I really need to do is focus. Focus on what my  goals are. Create a life worth living. 

The rest... it will reveal itself in time.

With that - I have a plan A and plan B for 2015. I know when I need to shift course (at the point in time,) and I know what I need to do to strike that personal/professional balance and that answer is simply to FOCUS. 

Happy 2015, my blog reader friends! I hope you have a healthy and happy January. Stay warm and I'll write more soon!

F You 2014

"Free at last, free at last... thank God almighty... I am free at last..."

At least that is what I assume I will be saying on New Year's Day. 

And yes.. it can't get here fast enough.

All together now...

WHAT A CRAPPY YEAR. 

Mamma Mia... it was terrible. I think I have sugar coated it enough for the masses. I am sooooooo glad it is closing out quite nicely. I have nothing but immense possibility!

I have spent the past four days incredibly sick. Worst. Stomach. Virus. Ever. I sort of isolated myself from friends and family and decided to just suffer through it. Here I sit, taking a lunch break at work, and waiting for the hours to past until I head out! Today is a good one, since I will be driving southward to visit my beau. We are staying at his cabin tonight and getting up and heading to his beach house in Florida on the Gulf of Mexico tomorrow. 

Much needed. 

I want to decompress. I want to get away. I want to just be. 

My hope is to ring in the New Year with a new attitude and pray, for God's sake, that 2015 goes a little easier on me. 

I have nothing but possibility to ahead.

I wish each of you who actually read my blog a very Happy New Year! Next year... I'll share more. 

I promise. ;-)

Glad Tidings This Christmas Morn'

This Christmas morning, I would like to wish each and every one of you, regardless of whether you celebrate this holy holiday or not, a peaceful and joyous day!

This Christmas has been extremely therapeutic for me. I spent last night alone, by choice. Sure, I could have stayed at parent's home, or gone to my sister's home, or driven down to my guy's home, or even high tailed it with my roomie to visit with her family, but instead I chose to spend my very first Christmas Eve night alone. 

It was magical.

I enjoyed sipping iced tea (yeah, it's warmish here. I actually have the a/c on today.) I sat in a darkened living room with only the glow of the Christmas tree to light the way. ;-) I baked a wonderful cinnamon coffee cake, ate a few dill pickles, and watched a wonderful documentary called, "Maidentrip." Very inspiring movie, and I highly recommend it. 



 The movie sort of reawakened an idea that I believe I may have lost somewhere in the past few months. 

That idea? Do what you want... for they will criticize you anyway. 

I think, in this time I have sat alone, I have figured something out for myself. Something I have always held true, but sort of forgot along the way - I will never be happy until I learn to make myself happy. 

There are so many things I want to do, I want to experience, and I could care less about. I'm tired of trying to drink the koolaid and make things work so that I can get what I need. (Be it personal or professional.) I just want to do what is right, what is needed, and what I would like to see. 

With all of that being said, this Christmas I am making a commitment to myself to do more of what I need.  I will live according to the way I see fit, and honestly, who cares what anyone else thinks. 

Yes, I've always been this way.. but something got lost. I think I surrounded myself around people who are living for the limelight... and this.. this is definitely not what I want.   

For me, I want to make sure that people who genuinely want to be in my life know that they are extremely important to me. I want to make my small little world, that tiny bubble I live in, a beautiful and safe place for others to visit. Maybe I can keep my mind straight and just throw away all of the rest. 

What do you hope for this Christmas day? Not material things... but for your life?

I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Airing of the Grievances - Happy Festivus!

Set the scene:
Frank Costanza: Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way. 

Cosmo Kramer: What happened to the doll? 

Frank Costanza: It was destroyed. But out of that a new holiday was born … a Festivus for the rest of us! 

Cosmo Kramer: That must've been some kind of doll. 

Frank Costanza: She was.

*******
Finally, a holiday that works well with snarky remarks and glaring realism. The holiday of Festivus is upon us and I have soooooo much to share. 

1. I had such great hopes for 2014. I had a wonderful New Year's Eve, I forgave those who needed forgiving, I kept as positive an attitude as possible... but.... 

2. I had a cold throughout January and February. I was completely miserable and had massive fundraisers I had to work on at my old museum. I went through rounds of sinuses/cold/antibiotic and a variety of other meds. Finally it took a shot... in my bum.. that hurt like hell... to cure me. 

3. I had a wonderful birthday party in Savannah, only to be over shadowed by my boyfriend breaking up with me on my birthday. Awesome!

4. My job that I loved was cut to part time. Only to be completely eliminated. (after I worked sooo damn hard for sooo long.)

5. I had to scramble to find freelance work. (Humbling to say the least.

6. Unrequited love. 

7. Gym drop out.

8. Pottery failure.

9. Sick cat that has cost me a fortune.

10. Finally, the fact that I was told by a friend that most people think I am angry and they don't get my humor.

Uh.. yeah... wonder why? 

Happy Festivus! Anyone want to go at it now? ;-)

PS - Though now I am happily employed and in a very healthy relationship... 2014 can bite me. 

My Version of Sugar Plums...

Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Each year, I get a little giddy about the New Year. I've always been one that sort of relished change (if it was my own doing,) and anytime there is a opportunity for a fresh start, I typically get super excited about it. 

I've been toying with some ideas for 2015. I thought I might share some of them with you. But before I do, I happen to have a personal disclamier:

I, Nicole Thurston, realize that I make lots of plans that never come to fruition. However, if it is something I am passionate about, I will eventually get around to it. 

Now that we got that nonsense out of the way, I can focus on some ideas I have. For one, more writing. But not just any writing, something to be published, if nothing else for my eyes alone. I thought about pulling some of my drafts from here and developing some of the stories about life, love, and loss. I've spent the last year researching more ways to make a little money on my stories. For one, I'm writing for a local magazine, and was recently asked to write for a local newspaper. I'm making a little on the side there. I've been grant writing, but honestly, that is a slow type of hell that kills your soul. I subscribed to Poets & Writers last year and it is chock full of great ideas to submit essays and short stories. Who knows? Maybe I could win a buck or two. 

I finally took that pottery class this year, and yeah.. I'm glad that is out of my system. What I have come to realize is that I adore pottery, but it is a lot harder than it looks. Not my thing. However, how long have I toyed with a mix media idea or photography? Perhaps there will be an opportunity to find the perfect class for me. I've also wanted to take this two year course in photography since before 2000, and maybe... just maybe the opportunity may arise.

I need to move my body some more, and increase the healthy eating habits I have tried to adopt over the years. Though I have gotten better, I have a looooong way to go.

I'm glad I finally did the whole ballroom dance class. That turned out to be an excellent choice for me. Apparently dance is definitely where my talent lies... not with visual art. lol

I also need to work on my spirituality a little more. I have completely fallen off the wagon. I need to drawl closer to God. None of this is anything without that. 

I have a new relationship I want to grow and strengthen. I have an incredible guy who has chosen to spend his time with me. Sometimes I have to pinch myself, because it is going so well and he seems like a genuinely good man. So much incredible potential here. I want to see where this goes and do my best to be a great partner for him.

2015 is going to be full of surprises. Any year with the number 5 in it is always a lucky year for me - "5" is my lucky/favorite number. Three numbers in particular are always lucky for me: 5, 10, and 15. THIS is my year. I own that. 

Looking for the Christmas Spirit

Roy L. Smith once said, "He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree." 

I'm ashamed to admit that the Christmas spirit has not completely entered my heart this year. 

Maybe it's all of the changes I had to endure for the 500th time, or maybe even trying to process all of the good I am experiencing now... I am just finding it incredibly difficult to get into the season this year.

I forced myself to put up a Christmas tree. Holidays are incredibly important to me, and I knew if I did not put one up, any shred of hope of even finding the Christmas spirit would be completely lost in 2014. 

Maybe it is because I might have gone to church twice this entire year. The girl who used to show up every Sunday for mass, and go to a weekly bible study, AND used to be a youth group leader, AND used to be in the Ladies Auxiliary for the Knights of Columbus has fallen off the band wagon. The church that once welcomed me with open arms does not seem as a friendly place once married and divorced twice. I'm Catholic. They don't play when it comes to keeping your promises to God.

Maybe I felt like the world sort of moved against me this year. Just when things were slowly coming together financially, as well as personally, the universe tossed me around a bit more and made me question my whole purpose... again. 

Maybe the lack of emotional support in my personal life did what I have been working so hard to avoid - make me feel nothing. Coldness.. and walls. 

Maybe I'm not so naive to believe everything works out in the end, and maybe.. just maybe.. the birth of Christ and all that it is associated with was not resonating the way it should. 

Last year, I felt it. I got it. Read it HERE.  But a lot can happen in a year.. a whole lot. I watched as everything I had built began to crumble... again. Then.. in grand happenstance, it turned right back around. As it always does. That little roller coaster called life.

I have so much to be grateful for, and please know I am. I just want that emotional connection to the season that I felt not too long ago.

Perhaps some how the Christmas spirit will sneak back in.. perhaps I will feel what I need to feel, and some day.. some way.. I'll get it.. like I did 12 months ago.  

Starting Over

How often do you stop to reevaluate where you are going? 
I try to do a temperature check on my life from time to time, and writing helps me figure out where I am and where I want to go.

I never intended to move back home... ever. 

I often think my father sharing his stories of life overseas sort of opened my eyes to a whole big, wide world out there. I read a lot of books growing up. I watched a lot of movies and documentaries. I knew in high school, if given even half the chance I would move away, even to another country, just to live a new life. 

As soon as I got a chance to leave, I did. I loved it. I wasn't planning on staying there even, I wanted to keep going - that was part of the attraction to the egyptian. I wanted to be with someone not attached to any particular city, and was willing to go anywhere and just take a chance. 

But life had a sense of humor and brought me home. The trip has been an interesting transition. I found my life back into the very community I turned my back on. The funny thing, the folks who were here all along opened their arms up to me and welcomed me back. There were a bunch of new cast of characters, eager to make a name for themselves, which is always easy in a small pond. Try moving to a new state, a much bigger city and doing it? ;-) 

As I sat at a tea party last night and listened to the women go around the table introducing themselves, especially the ones who claimed to "love" our community, I noticed were not actually originally from our community. I, along with maybe one other, were the only true natives to Macon. I listened to chatter, the talk of progress, and it was refreshing. 

I am happy people have moved here and found their home. It's a good place to grow up. I know, I did it.

But I am I here for the long haul? Am I starting to itch to move on?

Obviously not any time soon (I have a fantastic new job and I want to accomplish some real goals there,) but what is next? 

I love that I have been able to live in several communities, or work in several communities and establish myself among the people who really make things happen. I could move back to Birmingham pick up right where I left off. I could move to Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Pensacola, Milledgeville.. any of these communities I spent a large amount of time in and just make things happen. But what else is out there for me?

I have an opportunity to grow many skills at my current job. I also have a wonderful opportunity to explore new communities down the road. I do have a new beau who lives near Columbus and Albany... which means there are always wonderful options to expand my network. 

There are ideas around exploring new areas of interests. My writing assignments from a freelance stand point keep growing. I want to continue to explore photography. I want to take some time and just be... me. 

I also want to watch my museum grow its membership, tell its story, and become a place that the next generation would like to support. 

I have some ideas... and I have a fresh start now.

As my guy and I were just discussing on the phone earlier, we are just in a "temporary" spaces. We are both rebuilding after divorce, and we have so much life ahead of us. 

Best part? It's all good. 

The Truth Is...

The truth is... I haven't felt like writing in months. Not really writing. I go through phases of wanting to share something that happened or something I was feeling.. then for some reason I talk myself out it. I begin a paragraph.. then shoot it to draft, never to see again. 

As I was walking up the stairs to my office this morning, I realized that I have not taken enough time for deep reflection. I'm sort of auto pilot, experiencing all of the good that God has blessed with me, yet not really soaking it in. I am incredibly lucky right now, in so many ways. However, I have let life, the hectic-ness of the world, and everything else stop me from truly taking stock of what is important. 

I find I'm tired. I always seem to be tired. I just can't get enough sleep. I assume it is because I am in the middle of a learning curve with my job, adjusting to a new relationship, and trying to re-sort what used to be. 

My life looks completely different than it did a month ago. All of the characters have begun to change - my roomie stays at her boyfriend's home more often than not, my co workers are an entirely new cast of characters, and I am getting to know a new partner and all of his family. No one's face is familiar, no one knows my weaknesses or strengths, and no one has a true connection with me..yet. It's coming, but that oh so famous transition... I'm right in the thick of it all.

Breathe. That's what I need to do more of. Just slow my breathing and slow my thought process.

I need to recognize when I have reached my brain limit. I am learning so many new things that sometimes I forget, I really can't do it all just perfect the first go around. 

I need to trust the process. I need to have faith everything is going to be okay.. and I need to embrace the good that has been brought into my life.

Soooo.. what's new with you?

Lucky Girl

This year was NOT all sugar plums and fairy tales, but it was one of incredible faith, brief bouts of joy, and tremendous growth! Here we are just days away from Christmas and the New Year, and I am so grateful for how things turned out.

With that being said, enjoy my year in review video. 

City Sidewalks, Busy Sidewalks

It's the most WONDERFUL time of year! 

Finally, December is here and I could not be happier! Though 2014 tried to stick it to me, it seems to be ending in grand style. 

Not only is it the month of gift giving and good cheer, it is also the month of Advent. In the Catholic Church, Advent is the time before Christmas where we prepare for the birth of Jesus. It is all about a new kind of hope and promises being kept. That's what I like about tradition - you know what to expect, and you typically keep your promises.

Unfortunately, I have not put up a Christmas tree yet, but I do believe this weekend may be the perfect time to do it. But first - I actually have to get one, and not only one for my house, but one for the Cannonball House. (It's like I have two households to attend to these days!) 

My Thanksgiving was really peaceful. I spent the afternoon with my family out at their house and indulged in all of the good stuff there. Brought my niece back home with me and had a fairly awesome time with her. The next day I went in to work, and then drove down to Preston, Georgia to see.. wait for it.. wait for it.. my boyfriend. I suppose I need to come up with a good nickname for him for the blog.. maybe in time it will reveal itself! 

We spent the weekend at a fishing cabin he and his father (and the rest of the family) built. It is situated on this picturesque little pond on their 400+ acre farm. Beautiful peace of land! We had such a relaxing weekend - we went Christmas tree shopping, saw the 3rd installation of the Hunger Games, and then had a very romantic evening in the cabin with candles, wine, the works. Life is looking pretty spectacular these days.

Work is good, personal life is good - so I guess my little pie chart of life is fairly full right now. I think I'm going to savor it... and enjoy this holiday season!

Giving Thanks

If you have spent any amount of time around me, you know I can be quite sarcastic. I often scoff at the "Day of Thanks" posts on FB, simply because it is so cliche. However, I do actually get it.. and yes, it is nice to count your blessings and let those around you know that, yes, you do indeed appreciate their presence in your life.

Instead of boring people with a daily helping of what I am thankful for, I thought I would just jot down a few thoughts, because I have to be honest with you, my cup is running over a little these days.

First and foremost, I am always incredibly grateful that God has allowed me to exist on this earth. What an incredible blessing just to be able to breathe the air, exchange dialog with others, and serve in ways we never knew could bring us such joy. 

Second, yes.. it is nice to be closer to my family. This holiday season, I do not have to drive four hours to eat some turkey, then rush back through Atlanta and into busy Birmingham. I simply have to make a 20 - 30 minute drive to my mom's house. 

I am super thankful for my new job. So far, it is a fantastic opportunity to serve my community. I love the architecture, the interior design, the history, the staff, the volunteers - it is all really quite lovely. 

Of course there is my roomie and BFF, Lynn. She is a fantastic person to have around. We have been such incredible roommates, it really is a blessing. How can two grown, independent women live so harmoniously together? Beats me. 

My cats are my little bundles of joy. Though there are days I question my sanity for getting creatures that can jump high and rip furniture to shreds, I am incredibly happy to have these purring machines around.

My friends in general. Those people who make me smile and love and encourage me. I am a VERY lucky girl in that sense. 

And finally, yes.. there is a new guy. Officially a new guy. We are seeing each other exclusively, and he is truly terrific. He's 44, a structural designer,  lives about an hour and half south of here, and has two beautiful daughters (ages 12 & 13.) 

There is a LOT of new in my life right now. New job, new guy, new routine... and I'm working hard to adjust accordingly. Even though I am overwhelmed with all of the new processes, and my immune system has taken a beating (a cold that never seems to end,) I am doing very well. My hope is I can stay still long enough to adjust and find some of that peace I often lack. 

I wish each and every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving! 

I'm back.. and I'm great!

You missed me?

I'm back. 

And I'm doing great.

Obviously, I started a new job and a few others things have blossomed, so I needed some time to work through the kinks to see what would transpire.

The new job? It's great. Honestly! I'm learning so much and trying very hard to process everything that is happening around me. 

I'm still freelancing on the side. It seems as if all of the projects are coming down on me at one time, and needless to say I've been slightly overwhelmed. Too many chiefs... and here I am trying to learn a new job. *woosaa*

Great news on the personal front - met a new guy! I was actually talking to one guy and unfortunately he is just too busy with his life, but out of nowhere a new person swooped in who happens to have the time for me and is so much fun! We went on a fantastic date last Saturday night (he randomly asked me on Thursday night.) Best decision ever! Stay tuned for more on that one later.

I hope to get back in the swing of writing soon - with actual topics (like I did back in the day.) 
Let me situate.. and figure out life a little, and I assure you I will catch everyone back up! 

Hope everyone is having a great night!

 

Grab Your Pencils & Paper

I think today is a good day to jot down what I am thinking.

It's the first day of school for me, but this time... I'm the principal. ;-)

I say that tongue-in-cheek, but you see, I have a new job. I'm super excited about the job, and yes, the position is going to be a happy challenge for me. I am now the new Executive Director of the Cannonball House in Macon, Georgia. This place is simply beautiful - that's the best way to describe it. It is an 1853 planter's townhouse. It survived some slight damage during the Civil War. 

Well.. today is the first day. 

For me, I find this a huge responsibility! Our fair city is known for its antebellum homes, and one of the biggest draws for people is to tour these grand residences. This is also a confederate museum. There are tons of artifacts stored that tell the story of the south's experience during the War Between the States. 

With all of that being said, I would love for my readers to check out the website - http://www.cannonballhouse.org and tell me what you think!

Well.. it is time for me to finish my coffee, grab my suit, and head out! Wish me luck!