Sphere of Influence

Each time I clean my bathroom, I wipe the faucets to a shine and mentally thank a friend from our twenty-something years who planted the idea in my head. I had not thought of it at all, but she loved it when her faucets were pretty and sparkling! Prior to that, when I was eighteen and in college and required to go to chapel daily, I sat behind a girl who was constantly chewing her cuticles. Though I never knew her, I picked up the same (bad) habit. Not too many years ago I sang in choir, altos on the front row, and each Wednesday, Glenn, the bass behind me would ask in a sort of humorous way, “How are you?” elongating the you to a nasal yeew. Another habit learned. I often think of him when I automatically speak a silly yeew at the end of that most frequently asked question. Sometimes a person will tell me something they remember that I have said or done, and I will think…yep, that sounds like me. We all have the potential to impact people's lives in small ways. I wonder if Carol is still keeping her faucets shiny.

Scenic Conway

A grand old Southern tree. A live oak draped with Spanish moss.

A nice day for canoeing.

Thanks Nikki.

Today was the second time I have heard our governor speak, and I am inspired by her. Not only did she she wear a pair of those cute boots I mentioned a post or two ago, but she talked enthusiastically and lovingly about the great State of South Carolina. Even though she is not ancestrally Southern, she seems like a true Southern girl, and I really like that; she is pretty, smart, socially skilled, and tough. Some of her talk today was centered around finances such as difficulties working with the obsolete and stubborn Budget and Control Board, fighting for fiscal restraint, yearly tax reforms, backing Romney primarily for his good business abilities, and opposition from the federal government. I felt really glad that this competent, positive and hopeful young woman is passionately working on many of the things I believe in also.

Grapefruit

January is a wonderful time for grapefruit. It tastes refreshing and cleansing, and I love the way my mouth puckers at first bite. This pretty variety is called Rio Star. Grapefruits are of course loaded with that wonderful nutrient Vitamin C that does so many important functions in our body. Go ahead. Treat yourself to a few.

Sexy Boots vs. Black Pants

I followed four skinny college girls into church this morning. Three were dressed in short skirts, leggings, and almost to the knee leather boots. The other had on tight blue jeans with the tall boots. Each walked with a confidence that a girl gets only when she knows she is well dressed. Me? I had on my best pair of black pants. As any working woman knows, you cannot have too many pairs of black pants. It is almost a uniform among us women of a certain age and size. They can be denim, twill, stretchy, or dressy. They go with anything, can be dressed up or down, make you look thinner, and people are less likely to notice your below the waist parts when they are covered by the darkest of colors. What a blessing they are! It would be fun to once again have the young body that honestly I hardly got to know. I think I would have loved those long boots. But I am settled into being the mature me now, and that includes a wardrobe of black pants for any occasion.