susannefortune

For some reason I could ‘not stay in my lane’ this week, remember this has nothing to do about my driving in traffic. It has everything to do with human interaction, insight and perception. Also throw in some innovation (I think) and a couple of proposals and waa-laa.
Perception is everything and my intent might be right on, even my heart might be in the right place, as I perceive it, but the outcome makes a sudden turn as in STOP.
I have heard that communication is not what you say, but what others hear you say. So my passion is good, but can be perceived differently than my intent, then so is the outcome.
Message to self (again), hang in there Susanne, keep trying and keep paying attention to yourself, timing is everything. OK?

I love this front yard even though there is not much blooming there now, only the faithful camellias, a few rose pedals and some red nandina berries for the birds, it is still beautiful. The winter green is pale, but that is OK, its winter and it is taking a break from being lush.

I love these vintage bouncy chairs too. They use to be white, and then I painted them about a year ago. Even if it is winter some added color brings life to the gardens. Believe me, there are more vintage items in the gardens that have been enhanced by a simple can of spray paint.

This site is a simple reminder to me of what I love, creating inviting spaces that draw us together. This picture makes me want to sit down with you and visit. Honestly, I don’t sit down and visit often but the idea is there and that counts for something, right? It is the pleasure of the site or sight, however you see it.

Tallahassee, Florida. Yes, indeed it has been great to be home. I have been thinking about doing an Annual Report, and then Word Press gave me one, said I had posted 117 posts. Thanks Word Press. That was nice, but I was thinking more in reflection of 2012, even forward thinking into 2013, but I’ll leave at that.

This morning I got choked up telling my swimming coach goodbye for now. I seem to stay in transition, I try to stay open to new possibilities and opportunities, even though sometimes it is risky, I gotta’ say I like challenges. I know being challenged is what motivates me, but then that is always what brings on the transition and even anxiety. Trying to keep life alive, a little taste of gusto, then followed up with a YIKES…my circle of life!!

I am so thankful for 2012 and the events that happened. I’m so thankful that I am loved and never alone. So thankful that I get choked up once in a while because of my heart, that I care and others care for me. So thankful that my Maker has a bigger plan for me and is in control of my life. OK, maybe that is my Annual Report.

So what is the cute little Ruffled Apron all about? I know it is so precious. It is just something I whipped up over New Year’s Day.

Over the years I have become an advocate for Water Aerobics. Over those same years, I have met some incredible people who I call my swimming buddies, but they are much, much more. These are remarkable women and men working out together in the water. The water provides a bonus as its natural weight gives us that extra resistance. The water is our gym and built into the system. We are dedicated athletes workin’ the water for added strength, health and well-being. Can I get an Amen?

We work out year round with the most incredible, dedicated, certified instructors (with awesome muscles and body structure) that the City of Tallahassee Park and Recreation has to offer.

Yesterday I had lunch with three of my swimming buddies and we all came with our clothes on. Aren’t we beautiful?

What a fun Christmas Day. This picture may not reflect my joy, but we had an awesome Christmas here at 1306. My family, Sheila and Monte Copeland, live in Austin, Texas. They are the most creative cooks and grill the best food. I have made several attempts to grill a turkey. Yesterday I out did myself and the outcome was the very best ever. Hurrah!

And isn’t the apron cute? Oh yeah, I am a package!!

Yesterday we made cookies, cut cookies, baked cookies, put icing on cookies, sprinkled cookies and ate cookies. Each of us are over-achievers and went over-board in the estimate of the outcome of this cookie making holiday event. But we were NOT going to stop until we had completed what we started out to do. We were on the ROLL, get it?

In fact it seemed like we made thousands of cookies, as we finished around midnight. Can you believe it? Two mothers, three daughters and zillions of sugar cookies, gingersnaps, pretzels and chocolate delights later we were all gitty.

Sugar was everywhere, we made them at Nina’s house, Jamie and I helped clean up, but walked away with a few, the fun was in the making, the laughing about ourselves in the fact that we did not leave one single cookie without icing and decoration.

What a day. What a night. What a Christmas blast, now let the Merry Christmas neighborhood distribution begin. Want a cookie? Call me for good cookie!!

A couple of years ago, Laura sent me this card. It is so me!! The lipstick, the glasses, even the words have Susanne Fortune written all over it. I guess at that time I was going through some-thing, but guess what? I am always going through some-thing. You too?

She didn’t put a date on this card, but in her note she wrote “…with all that has been on your mind….just remember that ‘you’ll be fine’.” It is a keeper.

PS. This card did come from Trader Joe’s so if you are in there and see this card, pick me up a box or two. OK?

Merry Christmas Jamie. Thank you for taking this picture of me. I tried to look into the camera, give you my best shot because I love you so much. Jamie, you are the best. Thank you for thinking I am so adorable and so cuddly. I know I am not the perfect cat, but you make me think I am so special. I know you want me to eat the right kind of food and you buy me cute little toys to encourage me to get exercise while you are at work. Thank you for always thinking about my health and me.

Merry Christmas Jamie. I hope my love will be enough this season since I cannot get out of the house to buy you some thing really special. That is why I posed for this Christmas 2012 picture. I love you and always will because you are my one and only.

Love,
Zorro