Save the Mani--Pull Some Weeds

It was another beautiful day today and for the first time I was able to get out in the yard. Yippee!  The weeds have been taunting me—such a bad idea.  The dilemma? Yesterday Mom treated Raynee & I to a special Mother / Daughter / Granddaughter day and I chose a mani.  French Tips…Thanks Nails 2000 Battle Ground!

I rarely get manicures because I love digging in the dirt.  And painting, sanding, cutting and building.  Not that I really build stuff, I just want to.  Needless to say, I’m notorious for smudging at least one fingernail before ever leaving a salon parking lot.  Not only is it disappointing, but expensive, too!  Did I mention that I LOVE  the manicure? 

 Before I go any further, it’s important to say  “Thanks Mom! Thanks for such a relaxing and                      fun girly-girl day.  It was really special for both Raynee & I”.    

Back to the dirt.  If the seeds don’t get in the ground soon, there will be no garden this summer.  Pondering how to accomplish the job at hand and preserve my pretty nails, I remember the plastic disposable gloves in the garage.  Wheels start turning and a plan is devised.  

  

It was too simple.  Put on the plastic gloves first; then the gardening gloves.  At roughly 80 degrees, the possibility of sweaty hand crossed my mind; but overall, not so bad, really.  One thing I should point out:  when purchasing gloves, don’t go cheap!  Think of it as an investment.  I’ll pay a couple extra dollars any day for better gloves.  They last longer than ten minutes and fit better.  In the long run, its money saved.

One very satisfying weed execution...er...hour later:

Woot!  Full wheelbarrow :)

The experiment proves to be a success!  Yay me J!   

Pardon my personal High-5.  It’s so exciting when an idea actually works!  

My fingertips are still a Marilyn Monroe-White.   Wow, right?  In fact, the only evidence of gardening at all would be the ring of dirt between my watch and wrist.  That’s much more like it.  The kicker?  My hands are not red, rough or dry.  On a normal gardening expedition, I have to slather lotions and potions on my hands for relief.  Always topping them off with Mary Kay Extra Emollient Cream to trap in the moisture.  Only one coat tonight!

To celebrate my victory, please enjoy these photos from my garden.  It’s one of the most beautiful creations on the planet…flowering blueberry bushes.  The best is yet to come!

 Judging by the quality / colors of these photos, it’s apparent writing is more my strength.  Please don’t send helpful hints,  it'll only get worse. 

As for the garden, one box down and a whole summer to go.  

 Ooooo, and look at the new job has been mentally added to Raynee's Summer Vacation chore list:  sweeping walkways in and out of garden.  I know she will love it :)~ 

I hope this was a fun read and maybe even helpful.   For more tips, check out my facebook page:   www.facebook.com/YvetteElrodDoncasterStylistfeaturingMaryKay. 

Lastly, remember Mom's everywhere this Sunday, especially if you have a Mom as great as mine.  Personally, I have not met one Mom that has been fully appreciated. 

Try to enjoy one of your own passions; if not today, then soon. ~Yvette

Sometimes I just think funny.  If I'm fortunate, sometimes I have a journal around when I do.  Some of you may know that I've been dipping my toe into writing, specifically, kidlit.  Kid Literature, specifically.  As much as I like the word in itself (Kidlit is a fun word to say).  On the other hand, it's difficult for me to throw it out there, as if I've heard it before 2 weeks ago.  

There is one particular style of writing that lacks appeal, and it's poetry.  Poetry is not my thing.  Don't make me repeat myself.  Not a fan.  [However, it's important to know that I respect people who do  get poetry.  I just don't really want to read it and I prefer it stays behind closed doors, much like sexual preferences and political agendas.  I have boundaries.

With that said, a funny thought came to me this evening--in the form of poetry.  But I had a pen and wrote it down and thought I would share it with you.  So, here it is, not totally unpolished (look, it's late, I'm tired and if it doesn't get posted now it won't ever get posted).  Hopefully you'll stick with it relatively painlessly.   It's where I'm at tonight.  

     As girls we hold hands and kittens,
     at 16, cigarettes.
     20's fly by with cocktails and addictions.
     Thirties hold diapers and Doctorates,
        
     At forty we lose time....
     Lose Grace.
     Some look Death in the face.

     As Fifty rears, 
     one thing is clear:
     We need to hold on to what is dear.
     Time to Let go of the anger, while holding the Cross.

     Whatever 60 holds, 
     I hope it's Grace.
     It seems to be lacking in this time & space.  

That's it.  Have a good night.  ~Yvette