Week in Review: Week 192
Monday
It was picture picture picture day. Taking pictures for a new project at work, editing pictures from wine tasting, finally seeing a photo project almost completed in a hallway (I’ll share pictures when it’s done, it’s very exciting for me!), taking OOTD pictures at lunchtime cuz of the time change…editing pictures for Wednesday’s blog…and confirming a location for a family portrait shoot on Saturday. Phew! I’m all pictured out! Well, not really but…
Tuesday
The last dregs of summer.
We have to REALLY hunt to find picture opps when we’re inside on a rainy day.
It cleared up later and I stopped down at the harbor park one town over in hopes of a good sunset sky.
I actually went to the market. I haven’t bought groceries since I did an Instacart delivery when I was home sick three weeks ago.
I also stopped into the liquor store. I’ve been thinking a nice glass of wine in the evening seems like a good idea. I saw this. Tell me, who is drinking peanut butter whiskey? The clerk said people were mixing it with some kind of red wine (I’m not a wine person so I forgot the variety) so it was like “peanut butter and [grape] jelly.” Ugh.
Wednesday
I did some shoe reconnaissance at DSW while killing time before meeting friends. I have several styles on my list that I’m looking for. My problem is I’m shoe cheap and I’m always trying to find the magical one pair that will go with EVERYTHING. Guess what. No such animal.
I thought these would be really cute with this Old Navy dress…and maybe 1-2 other things…but it seems excessive to buy a pair of shoes to go with three outfits. I’m used to having under a dozen pairs of shoes and that includes all seasons and sneakers. Anyway, I like the look and concept of these shoes and LOVE the color, but I feel they cut across my foot at an unfortunate spot. I left them in the store. For now.
thursday
My apologies for sharing a pic of this same spot over and over again. It’s my view down the hill just as I’m about to get in my car…and this time of year, every day is just a little bit different.
Camera club today. Times three.
Outdoors and indoors.
I brought the patio fern inside so I can kill it slowly over the next five months versus letting it die instantly in the first frost.
I just discovered that I have 6 remaining vacation hours before the end of the year, even with taking the full Christmas vacation…WHICH MEANS I can leave work 3 hours early on two Fridays! Whoop! Whoop! So exciting to “find” extra time off! Now I feel like I should try to plan A WEEKEND for myself since I would be able to leave ahead of the Friday afternoon rush. Hmm, where to go? What to do? Something cheap and close but still outside my usual stomping grounds…and FUN!!!
friday
FRIYAY! Of a 3-day weekend! WHOOP WHOOP!
I have been in a cycle of hell: buying returning buying returning buying returning. I have bought (and returned), literally, four camel turtlenecks in the past month. I think today’s is a keeper. FINALLY.
I’m also looking for a light spring/fall coat…I saw this one on J Crew and fell deep deep in love. I’ve seen it on a couple bloggers and it looks tailored yet casual. But it arrived today and it is GINORMOUS. I’ve seen recommended to go down a size…I think I need to go down like THREE SIZES! So now I’ve got it in a smaller size in my cart…and two other similarish items on other sites…but I can’t quite bring myself to pull the trigger.
Ignore my bumpy body. I usually have something over the turtleneck and over my belly.
I’ve been having slight cramps on and off for a week now. I didn’t think I had any cramping parts LEFT. But I’m wondering if there’s a kidney stone on the move. So I took some painkillers just now when the cramping was getting more uncomfortable. No one needs to wait around and see if the pain gets worse.
SATURDAY
Spent the early part of the day doing blog work and piddling…still a little crampy, not sure what it is.
This popped up on my Facebook memories for 2013 and I had forgotten, and I should NOT forget and I thought I would share it with you guys cuz it’s good.
“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.” ~ Dalai Lama <- that dude’s freaking awesome.
He suggests reciting this every morning when you wake up. Amazing how easy it is to think yeah yeah yeah I’m a good person – but saying these words Every Day can open your eyes to “oh. maybe not all the time. maybe not so much.” And just remind you (and me!) to try harder.
Today I will try harder.
SUNDAY
Ugh. I don’t feel good, I slept for three hours when we got back from Sunday Funday in the city and I have pictures to add to this but the cramping is quite unpleasant and I just want to go back to bed so I’m signing off now…
Cheryl
I loved your post today, your writing and photos are amazing! I hope you feel better very soon, take care of yourself Bettye.
Cheryl
xx
bettyewp
Thanks so much, Cheryl – all your comments today are better than balloons!
CiM
I brought the patio fern inside so I can kill it slowly over the next five months versus letting it die instantly in the first frost.
*****
Bwahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!
Merrily reading along…”so I can kill it slowly…”
— What? Kill what?
Ha!! I am pulling for you, fern. Live long and prosper.
I wonder what relationship your sweet Kitty has with the fern? friendly? or not so friendly? My cats would destroy it.
Please don’t apologize for taking photos of that “same” spot – or stop doing it, either. I enjoy seeing it change over the seasons. Something very comforting about that.
I hope against hope you don’t have a kidney stone. My husband gets those and they are wicked little beasts, breathing out threats and violence far beyond their tiny, spiky size. Not that I need to tell you!
Thank you for letting us into your world and your head.
bettyewp
I just gave the fern a nice shower…it’s draining now then I have to figure out where it can live.
Ooh, The Spot got a BIG change on Saturday when Mr. Landlord had The Wood Guys come and clear out a lot of brush, fallen branches, etc…and that combined with the leaves that have already come down, you can REALLY see the pond below. That was a nice treat.
And you are the winner, CiM, guessing my drama correctly. Kidney stone, pain vomiting, ambulance, emergency room. Right now I’m exhausted and will fill in more details of the story later, I just wanted to let y’all know I’m alive, currently not in pain, home, exhausted and hungry.
Everyone’s comments are very appreciated today! xoxo
Marceline Miller
Wonderful, wonderful post. And by the way, thanks for the Sat post, which I know is “extra” I can’t get too many! lol Let us know you’re okay when you’re feeling like it…
bettyewp
I’m okay…not gonna bore y’all with the story over and over again but I see someone got the DING DING DING DING DING right answer below, so I explain down there.
Shirley Horst
Hope you feel better real soon, dear friend! Love all of your posts. You are a remarkable lady and I am so glad I discovered your blog! I am always looking for your next post.
bettyewp
Thank you, Shirley! What treat it is reading all your lovely comments today…
Marian
This is such a nice post. Really. You have a real talent and skill for photography- composition, colors and what captures your attention day-to-day. Thanks for showing us readers your life.
The only shoe that goes with everything is a black flat. It’s a safe but boring default. I once had a sort of platinum colored flat that went with everything…those dull metallic shades are great if you can find them.
I hope your cramps go away and you feel better soon. We worry about you, you know.
bettyewp
Thanks so much, Marian. I’ve gotten such nice comments today and it really lifted an otherwise crappy day 🙂
Yeah, I did The Black Flat thing for a long time, got bored with it, and really, even THEY don’t go with EVERYTHING. I do still have one pair, the “off road” flats…they’re insanely comfortable and SUPER ugly, ha, so I try to wear them sparingly. And I think I also had a pair of sort of metallic pewter flats years ago and they did go with a lot. But color is just one factor. An outfit I put together tonight for tomorrow…I looked at my new chestnut flats, which, style-wise (simple modern loafer shape) would be good, but the tone was too warm for the dress and cardigan that are much cooler tones…and my taupe like lug-soled loafers would go well color-wise, but they’re a clunkier shape than this outfit calls for…and I don’t want to do sneakers with this outfit. So, I’m outta luck. Hence, Shoe Assessment ahead!
I am still feeling achey in the spot where the stone was/is…but I’m taking pain killers every 4 hours, pain or no, as the ER DR recommended. It’s only 7pm but I’ll be going to bed shortly as I got no sleep at all last night. Thanks for your concern! xoxo
jodie filogomo
I’m totally using that quote…it’s awesome.
As for those tan booties ….I do think you obsess too much over the details. Get them, wear them, enjoy them. Who cares if they cut off your foot there? (Just call me a good friend who tells you like it is). I bet after you start wearing them, you’ll forget all about that “detail” !!! Trust me!!
And your photos?? Gosh almighty girl…you have talent!! Send that over my way, and I’ll help you with shopping!!
XOXO
Jodie
bettyewp
For the life of me I can’t think to what quote you’re referring!
Yep. I’m an overthinker. Been told that all my life. But anytime I’ve tried to BREAK FREE and just shop willy-nilly, I end up with a bunch of things I never wear. But I appreciate your friendly push. It does help me. I may not always ACT on it, but I THINK about it. Not sure if I need THOSE shoes, in particular, with or without the way they cut across my foot. I think they might go with only one or two things and I’m trying not do that. But we’ll see when I complete the SHOE ASSESSMENT.
I love assessments.
CiM
The Dalai Lama quote – perhaps? 🙂
Wow, what you’ve been through the past few days!! Serious yuck! Hope you are through with that – no more kidney stones on the way!!
bettyewp
I put that in my post? Ha. My brain is no friend of mine these days.
Linda Root
Rest. Listen to Jodie. Buy the shoes. We like patio photos! Rest. Then, tell us a story. Take care ❤
bettyewp
I’m doing a whole shoe assessment this week, with graphs and charts and spreadsheets 🙂 I need to figure out what I actually NEED instead of just buying shoes that I LIKE. Just tonight I put together an outfit, two things I’ve never combined before…but I don’t have The Right Shoes, so…No Outfit. Boo. Should I share my shoe assessment here? Obviously it will be specific to ME, but I’m sure there will be some things that can generalize to others. And it might just be boring, ha ha. It would probably make a better video than blog post but this closet is horrible for filming in.
I will tell you a story Wednesday, I promise 🙂
Linda Root
It will be useful, I’m pretty sure. I can relate to your train of thought on shoes, lol 😀 I’m still looking for the ONE perfect pair! Will it be a metallic (not too shiny) or burgundy? Or should I break my “one pair of shoe rule” and have one black pair and one taupe pair? I have difficult feet and spend plenty on casual shoes. Dress shoes stump me. I want classic and comfort in ONE shoe that goes with dressier outfits, lol 😉
Michelle
Take care of yourself, Bettye, and I hope that you feel better soon!!
I love the nature pictures, especially the one of the lonely boats. Fall is so picturesque!!
Yeah, the peanut butter whisky sounds gross, but the red velvet baileys pictured next to it looks tasty!
bettyewp
Thanks, Michelle. Fall IS picturesque! I wish I could stop the car a dozen times every day and shoot something I see, but it’s not always possible 🙁
Iris
Ohhhh, so sorry about the kidney stone. I’ve never had one but hubby used to .
I LOVE your pictures from when you get in your car. The Thursday one was gorgeous. When you become a famous photographer I can say, “I knew her when”…
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
You’re sweet but don’t hold your breath on the famous photographer thing. I’m happy taking pictures that I love and sometimes having other people appreciate them.
Ashley
I’m hoping you figure out what that random cramping pain is- it always drives me nuts/makes me worry when there’s something up and I don’t know exactly why or what it is!
And I’m like you- I save as many of my patio and porch plants as I can before the first freeze. I have been successful in keeping several of ’em alive, but this is first year I’m attempting to transition a few ferns into the house. We’ll see!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
bettyewp
Right now the big fern is sitting on the shower floor – it’s a small shower and a big fern so it’s taking up the whole floor! I can’t figure out where it should live in the apt. There’s not good light in here anywhere and it’s BIG. It needs its own room. I also brought in a mandevilla that fortunately had not gotten too big over the summer so it’s just on a table under a window and gifted me with a lovely red flower yesterday.
The random cramping was big-time kidney stones. There were ambulances and emergency rooms involved. It was all very exciting. If you like that sort of thing.
Does ANYONE like that sort of thing??