Warming Up

There is nothing better than

the encouragement of a good friend.

~ Jean Jacques Rousseau

I received a text out of the blue

today from my friend Kathleen,

who has completed six months

of chemotherapy and is now

going through radiation treatments

for breast cancer.

Just remembering when I got my

diagnosis and I'm so thankful and

glad you were with me.  I'm so thankful

God blessed me with your friendship.

Love you <3

What an unexpected gift

on an extraordinarily cold, cold

Minnesota day in January ~

A long way from the hot, hot

day in Savannah, last June,

when the doctor's call came through

on K's cell, the second

day of our mini girls-getaway.

You couldn't tell how heavy our spirits were.

My heart swelled with love

and yes, warmth, when I 

read her dear words.

Every time someone leaves

me a comment or sends me

an e-mail letting me know that

they have given me a blog

award, I feel that same warmth.

But I'm bad about sharing those

awards ~ my Midwestern 

sensibilities whisper in my

ear that it's not polite

to toot your own horn!

However, as I mentioned, it's a 

frosty day here today, so

I'm pulling out those warm

thoughts to share with you.

Let's have a cup of tea and

start kindling the glow.....

The first kudos comes from the super

sweet Jeanie,  The Marmelade Gypsy.

{Thanks, Jeanie!}

It is called the Cherry on Top Award

and required me to answer this

question:  If you had the chance

to go back and change one thing in

your life, would you and what

would it be?

Yes, there is one thing.... I finished college

in three years instead of four and jumped 

right into my first career position.

I wish now that I had taken that extra

year and moved to another country

as an au pair.  I was just so type A

in those days; I didn't think I had

alternate options.  I also had a boyfriend,

{now Mr. Privet} and I was worried about

leaving him behind.  I didn't have the

wisdom to know that if it was true 

love, he'd still be here when I got back!

He's still here : )
Christmas 2010

Next to make us toasty

are warm words/awards

that require me to share seven random

things about myself.  These came from

three very lovely bloggers:

Alison, Stuff and Nonsense  ~ Versatile Blogger award

Melody- Mae, Melody-Mae and    

Mary Ann, Casual, Classic Home 

~ Stylish Blogger award

{Thanks, Ladies!}

1. 

I love to laugh.

I crave it.

I need to laugh every day!

{I said it was necessary, not pretty!  Note to self: double chin when laughing.}

2.

I am a tall girl.

No one but me is

allowed to dry my jeans.

If you do, watch out.....

I'm very protective of those inseams.

3.

I was once told I would

never have children

without undergoing IVF.

I changed doctors.

Different diagnosis.

Two blessings, age 15 and 12.

4.

My dad was the oldest

of five boys and I

was the first grandchild.

My grandma was so excited

to finally have a little girl 

in the family : )

5.

My favorite clothing color

is grey,

which I love to

accent with colorful

pieces and accessories.

My typical day look; jcrew.com

6.

I am a popcorn-aholic.

I can't just eat a

handful at the movies.

I have to get the

humongous tub,

with

butter

of course.

7.

Due to military and corporate moves,

when I was in ninth grade,

 I was in my ninth school.

I graduated from that 

high school, which is in the

coldest town in the contiguous USA.

I once walked to school

when it was 30 degrees below

zero, without wind chill!

My daughter with my parent's dober-woman.

The last warm words I received

were from the wonderful Simone,

Doberman's By The Sea 

~ Liebster "Favorite" award ~

who simply asked that I recognize

a newer, wonderful blogger.

{Thank you, Simone!}

Since it is Friday

and she graces someone

each Friday with a flower,

I'd like to recognize 

Laura, A Place for Tea.

Laura is an English rose,

married to an Australian

and now living in New Jersey.

Laura writes about her

life here in the States

with her hubby and two

little girls, from an expat's

point of view.  I love hearing

her stories of growing up

in England and the traditions,

foods, etc. that mean home

to her.  I swear, I can hear

her accent!

Be sure to stop by and

see Laura for a cup of

tea, a smile and a Friday

flower....and congratulate

her on her Liebster!

When she answers the door,

please tell her that Suzanne

from Privet & Holly sent you!

Aaahhh....I'm feeling toastier

by the moment.  Hope you

all stay cozy this weekend!

Thank you for stopping by ~

Each and every one of you

is a special gift to me and 

it is an honor to share my

ramblings with you from 

this little corner of Blog Land.

~ Gratitude ~

The state of being grateful; warm 

and friendly feeling toward a benefactor; 

kindness awakened by a favor received; thankfulness.

xx

Suzanne