A new, New Year!

This time of the year is fresh. The past few weeks and especially this past week after Christmas, I've been going through all of the areas of my house (closets, drawers) deciding what to keep and what to part with. It's been a full throttle project that was very practical in the moment, but looking back, it's been a cleansing time of taking stock of my life as a whole.  It's as if doing an inventory of my physical possessions has helped me also become clear about what intangible things I wish to bring with into the New Year. 

Last night, while catching up with a couple girlfriends for the FSU/ Nortre Dame game (yay noles!)  and today as I ran around town today, getting bagels for our Bagel and Lox/Mimosa New Years morning, I chatted with some girlfriends to wish them a Happy New Year because we will be in the mountains and out of cell service. I noticed a pattern with all of the friends I talked to. Every single one of them has spent the last 2 days IN ACTION. The things that have been "marinating" in their hearts and minds over some time, came into being in the past few days.

-One girl broke up with her boyfriend today. Out with the old boyfriend, to make way for the NEW.

-Another friend and her crush finally confessed their love to eachother. Out with "friends" status to make way for the NEW relationship status.

-Someone else got a NEW haircut and went on a personal shopping spree for NEW clothes.

It's as if every person has their very own purpose of the New Year upon us. The New Year is like a gust of wind that blows a little differently into each persons heart.

For me, in this New Year, I will be become a wife! Our marriage will be born this year! and I feel engaged!!! It's so funny because we have been officially engaged since August 16, 2009, and while this whole time I've felt engaged, now, that it in two days, it will be this year... things feel so exciting. I've waited a long time to feel the hustle and bustle and like it. Last week at Christmas things still weren't clear as to what venue we were getting married at and on what date. But, just yesterday, it dawned on me that this is the birth of our wedding- and it's up to me to get ready! So, instead of asking everyone else what they think will be best.

I asked myself.

And very easily, my self answered.

Finally, my Taurus self kicked into gear and said, "I want this. And that's that." I will go into 2012 with a plan! I will choose!

And so, as we round in on this New Year of 2012, let us bring with us the most valuable things in our life. Here's to a year of things that truly make our hearts happy!

Source: etsy.com via Allison on Pinterest

Post Office Flute Player

The morning was ambitious and successful. Out of the house at 6:45 am, the twilight sun was just a hint beyond the horizon. First stop, Goodwill donation to drop off some items. I figured I would be too early so was just going to leave them (a small grill, and king size comforter mind you) neatly piled next to the donation door. But I didn't have to, the donation guy raised the garage door and handled them with pep. 7 a.m.?! Now that is customer service, thanks gw.

Next stop, Albertson's because they are the closest grocery store to that 'hood, the Historic Baker District where the houses are quaint and the streets are narrow and tree-lined. Got all the goods for  brunch at our house Christmas Eve (french toast & quiche all the way.)

Swinging back around, last stop was the Post Office. I was so pumped because the clock said 8:03 and since it opened at 8:00 I thought I'd be one of the first in.

So wrong. There were like 12 people in front of me. The counsel convened. Should I leave now and come back another day or time? And just when I decided that I would just go with it because it is Christmas, an older man with a beret on, starts playing Christmas jigs on a little flute he had around his neck. At first he called it a hot chick collar as a joke, then later said it was a Peruvian hunting flute. The lady talking to him is the Mom and cute little baby with long eyelashed gray blue eyes behind me in line.

The season is in full swing and spirits are merry and bright!

for Christmas, please.

This year, on AMC's side of the fam, we each pulled a name of the person we will present with a present this Christmas. The idea is to make the holidays easygoing this year. So, with only 1 person to buy for, there will be more time for adoring the branches of thy tree. Also, instead of receiving several presents on the small side of things, we will receive one fabulous gift of $100 value. Now, this is serious. On both the giving end (you want to be SURE you give something that makes them beam) and the receiving (list-making is a serious task this year.)

I got Daniel, AMC's older brother who just happens to be a music dude so I'm thinking of getting him a super cool guitar strap, unless he fashions a list, that is. Johnboy got moi. Johnboy is awesome. With a name like that he has to be right? He is a cornerstone of the clan, a brother from another mother, which would make him my uncle (of sorts.) Johnboy wore a Dallas Cowboys jersey to Thanksgiving dinner. He hasn't bought something feminine in probably his whole life so Santa told me that he'd lend a hand to help Johnboy pick out something lovely for me this year. Much appreciated S.C. I'll leave a few extra cookies out for ya!
Now this is pressure. I've thought long and hard about what will make me MOST excited on Christmas Day to see under wrapping paper. With the price range at 100 green ones or so, here we go.

From Johnboy:
*Polaroid Camera
*Cross-country skis/boots/poles/bindings (or a combination of)

Santa, you always have good taste, but, here are some other items I've been pining for, just in case.

*Hanae Mori perfume
*boots (one can never have too many)
*Orange Juicer (the simple, old-fashioned style)
*undergarments
*Venus razor cartridges (love those in my stocking)
*Say Yes to Carrots- bodywash, lotion, shampoo and conditioner
*warm ski gloves
*long underwear. (nice n' toasty ones please)
*lovely jewelry ( you know my style)
*bike basket
*world market gift card
Thanks Santa, Merry Christmas! 
Love, 
Ashley P. Fugett on Wynkoop St. in Denver (but we'll be on Quince St. this Christmas Eve night)

                                                                                                 Here's what I'd like to know:
                                                                                                 What's on your list???
                                                                                               

Cheers to Hot Toddy's!

A snowstorm day and the day after are some of the wonders of Colorado that I like most. The day with snow falling naturally beckons everyone to take a little break. To go only where is needed or really sought after, eliminating unnecessary activity. We seem to have more time. It's feels to me as though thoughts and ideas are whizzing all around with the snowflakes, and by slowing down we have a chance to be aware of them.

The day after the snow storm, the sky is as clear blue as can be imagined. Things are refreshed and clean. Getting out and about, around town is something exciting again because we remember that yesterday it wasn't exactly an option.

On a late morning walk to the bank today I started thinking about the weekend plans, and how I'd like to go to the Botanic Gardens trail of lights. During the season, they string lights through what seems every living thing in the garden. You and your companions walk along the paths that are lit up so beautifully, just like a winter wonderland.

The guy in the bank just happened to say he was going to the opening night of the trail of lights on Saturday, and that he'd be making hot toddy's to bring in a thermos. And that sounded fun, except I wasn't exactly sure what ingredients were in a hot toddy in the first place. So, after doing a little research, here is what I found. This is the recipe I'll be using to try this season:

photo found at marthastewartliving.com via pinterest

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 fluid ounces boiling water
• 1 1/2 fluid ounces whiskey
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 slice lemon
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg

Directions 

Pour the honey, boiling water, and whiskey into a mug. Spice it with the cloves and cinnamon, and put in the slice of lemon. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes so the flavors can mingle, then sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg before serving.

There are many recipes out there to try, and unlimited ways to serve them too. Cheers!

                                                                              

                                                                                  Source: google.com via Alice on Pinterest

                                                                  Source: versesfrommykitchen.blogspot.com via bringingupboys on Pinterest

                                                                                Source: thekitchn.com via Annie on Pinterest

yuletide ambitions

This Christmas season I'm feeling traditional. I'm feeling like doing all those things that are reserved just for this month. Here's how my seasonal to-do list is shaping up:

1. make a technically difficult cookie.
2. finish at least one container of Peppermint ice cream.
3. string popcorn and cranberries.
4. host a girls brunch.
5.drink egg nog, spiked.
6.find a mistletoe.
7.wear my black Express holiday dress somewhere.
8. send faraway Christmas presents on December 15th
9. see a live performance.
10. create a really good Christmas mix... B. B. King style. Like this:

a contender for the 2011 'technical cookie'

Dreyers pepperment ice cream- it's limited edition so....

She looks more into the season than she really is. bah humbug mutty, get with it.

I'm thinking, 'bake-off'

Thanksgiving Roles

Something clicked this Thanksgiving. Somewhere between setting the table with freshly turned seven years old Jaydan, helping flip the twenty two pound bird with Sandy mom, riding with my future sister-in-law to pick up Grandma Kathy and her deviled eggs, I realized that I have, and am apart of, a whole new tribe.

Not to say that in the past 4 years I wasn't apart of the family, because I was. But this year, I really felt it.  These are my peeps. And how I really know it's mutual is, I was allowed in the kitchen, I was allowed to work. Working on Thanksgiving determines one's role---it's either family-like or guest-like.

In previous years, I mingled in the living room with the other guests and made it to the table when instructed. I was guest all the way, which had it's perks but I wouldn't trade it because this turkey day, it was four of us ladies mad-dashing around the kitchen making things happen. As the youngest female, I was mostly assistant to the main chefs, thinking of the details, an extra two hands in minor emergencies and making the feast look pretty, displayed on platters. While bringing out items to the table, you may get invited into the living room conversation, but every cook, assistant or not, knows to keep it short out there, you gotta get back in the kitchen, all hands on deck!

There are times in the Thanksgiving kitchen when all is happening at once, strain the broccoli before it's soggy, take out the green bean casserole before it's burnt, who's going to carve the turkey?! hurry and put the rolls in, almost forgot the cranberry! Other times in the kitchen, all is calm. News is caught up on (Kohl's has a great black Friday sale going on) and wonders,  chats and votes on things such as is Bailey dog ok? (she is female and really wanted to be in the kitchen too.)

Cheers to the harvest season, for taking stock of all the abundance of the year before we cozy down for a winter's dreaming slumber. (cheers to leftovers too!)

Gravy making

last minute preparations before the feast begins

Bailey really wanted to come inside the kitchen

a glass of wine with dishes is a bonus

Tokens of Thanks

On the brink of waking this morning, as I dreamt of having a Meg Ryan haircut (from When Harry Met Sally) a phone message woke me fully. I popped up from bed quickly reading that my old friend Lindsay was asking me to write a In Memoriam/Obituary for her mentor and friend who was expected to pass away in just hours from breast cancer. She said she would send information to include.

My initial thought was, "of course." Then followed up by, "I don't know how to do this!" There was a part of me that wanted to cheer Lindsay on saying, "you know her best, you can do this." But then I knew, she was asking for help and know how or not, I had to. I imagined Susan in her bed and Lindsay and other family next to her. I imagined a host of angels in the room too. Then, because I knew I couldn't alone, I asked to borrow her angels. I asked them to help me write something that paid homage to her incredible spirit, that even not meeting her, I sensed.

Lindsay is my oldest friend. In second grade, we were best friends in Ms. Zemba's class. Our greatest glory together that we still talk about is winning the 3-legged race at the end of the year field day.We practiced for weeks after school and on the weekends for that race. I moved  to Indiana after second grade and Lindsay and I lost touch until ninth grade in high school. On the first day of school back in Florida, we were sat next to each other in History class and were amazed to be reunited after so many years.


After college, we both were busy living our lives but through Facebook, I saw that Lindsay seemed to be living life to the fullest, traveling the world and always doing fun activities. I also noticed that she had co-founded a foundation called the Smiley Wiley Breast Cancer Foundation with and for a dear friend of hers, Susan.

Last year, while in Denver interviewing for a job, Lindsay and I spent the day together, rehashing and catching up on the events of our lives in the past five years. It was then that I learned first hand from Lindsay what an impact Susan has made in her life. Only she can really say all that Susan has given her, but from my point of view, she taught her how to live life fully. How to run a business, how to value the outdoors and every single breath we have here. Over the past year, I've heard of Lindsay accompanying Susan to Baltimore while she received treatment.

I guess my point in writing this is to express my admiration for Lindsay. For being the definition of a friend to Susan. For having the courage to face death, and walk a friend down that path. For having the ambition to start a foundation to do good for others in the midst of setting up her own State Farm agency. Twenty eight has hardly looked so wise.

This comes at the time of year when we give Thanks for all that we have; for all of the people in our lives that make us smile in shared joy and  for those who walk the path of tribulation next to us. A time to give Thanks for the rising and setting sun and moon to anchor our days and nights. A Thanks for life, all of it.

For more information on the foundation that Lindsay and Susan created, visit: www.smileywiley.org

Susan and Lindsay having fun

Sightings of the seasons.

At this time of year, the season is of two minds. While carrying a can of pumpkin tonight in the grocery store passing by the candy aisle, I spotted almond M&M's. They were red & green.  I got them.
Tis' the season, both of them.

Fiddy Five

 In the study of numerology, the number 5 sings a lovely song of freedom, adventure and curiosity. So, imagine the year my dear Dad will have in his 55th year, which we celebrated last night. Jim Fugett wore bike shorts to his own party, 'cuz 55 is just that free!

Labor & Homonyms (and Mary janes)

September is just stealin' me heart, these days. I am loving September so much so, that I found myself wondering if I could name a baby September and not commit an identity crisis from the get-go. I know, it's a bit odd but I mean, if a little baby had the spirit of September, how lovely could life be? Quite, I'm sure.

The air is  brisk, cool and crisp these days, not yet Siberian....it's just right. On the way to work this morning I noticed one tell tale sign that Autumn is upon us, ( Autumn is a far prettier name than September isn't it?) on the very edges of the leaves, there is a bit of crinkle, brown crinkle, and as it seeps into the center, the leaves are a tinge red. And when the leaves are changing what food inspires us to light our candles again but, Chili! The first season's batch of chili was born tonight, to usher us in.

And on the subject of being born, Homonyms.

cent

scent

sent

dew

do

due

praise

prays

preys

words that sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings.

Now, timing is everything, or at least it's pretty important so, I hope it's not too tacky to talk about Labor Day, since it is officially passed. But, as I was at the cabin this past Monday, lounging luxuriously in my pajamas at 9 am and not at work as I normally would be, I felt a little spring in my heart for a celebration of Labor. Which got me to thinking about what Labor is? and well, most simply, I suppose it's one's service. But in homonym land, it is also the act of giving birth. And so, at this brink of Autumn tide, let us celebrate the harvest of our summer and give birth to the new that awaits us... which is hopefully for me, many more bowls of chili, lots of candles burning, soft scarves, cozy sweaters and new mary janes!

and bright, crisp skies

And fall naps with blankets

and mountain berries

September morning present

"By all these lovely tokens
September days are here,
With summer’s best of weather
And autumn’s best of cheer."
-   Helen Hunt Jackson, September, 1830-1885

European style strawberries, so small and sweet!

Farmer's Market lettuce still has dirt on it

my birthday giftcard treasures!

for sale but, just checked this out at the library! yay libraries.

Paella! For this who crave a bit of brunch in their life

September Saturday!