MORE DADS TO CELEBRATE!

"A Father's Love is a quiet love. Strong yet gentle... forever in the heart." - Author Unknown


"A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty." 
- Author Unknown


"A father is someone we look up to no matter how tall we get."
-Author Unkown

Here is a pic from around  1988
Funny to see not only us as a family but the dated clothes and family room in the background...
so many memories!
BRIAN was always such a good dad to his kids...and STILL IS!

Here is Brian and the kids in May of 1987.
Always so proud... his kids were the best!

Here I am with two of my favorites...
My dear hubby and my dear dad!
A PERFECT FATHER'S DAY pic!
Not sure the date...
Found this one in a mixed box of photos!!!

This photo was taken this morning with my FATHER-IN-LAW, GREG
and my HUBBY, BRIAN ... they really look a lot alike!
Note pics behind were taken by Greg and the Barn book on the table is a collection of his photography, too.
The statue on the table is his Father's Day gift for his yard. 

 

Here is BRIAN with his pride and joy... his two Grandkids and his boat.
This picture was taken in the spring this year.
We were hoping to get out in it today for father's day... but it is too chilly out to go boating.

Another moment of PRIDE this spring  ...
Mariah with her DADDY, NELS and her GRANDPA, BRIAN at her dance recital. 

Nels last sunday when he picked up the kids!
 He is so good with them, here he is with BEAU. 

Mariah and her daddy doing SILLY FACES.
They share a funny sense of humor and lots of similar traits! 

Another SILLY face from Mariah!
She loves her poppa... and I know he adores her to pieces, too! 

Nels with Beau at Christmas time.
Look at that million dollar smile of pride!

Father's Day Cards for BRIAN, GREG, and NELS!

After doing my FATHER'S DAY TRIBUTE to my dad on Friday, I really wanted to share how important these dads were in my life as well.

My dad was the best dad I could have ever asked for, and I shared many thoughts and memories on him in the last blog,if you care to check that one out, too...entitled
"MY DEAR DAD"

My HUSBAND, BRIAN, was an awesome dad to our two kids COLIN and JANA.
Where do I begin?

Well I would have to say that one of the "many" things that attracted me to him before we were married was how great he was around kids.  Any time we were around family and friends with little ones, he seemed to be so good with them and I knew that he was going to be an awesome dad one day... and I was right!

He is without a doubt the most generous guy I know. He would give anyone the shirt off his back... and especially his own two kids!

Infact JANA has her dad wrapped around her finger, still to this very day! MARIAH, too!
What is it about girls and their daddys and grandpas???? They seem to have such a special bond...and daddys and grandpas seem to have a soft spot for their little girls, too!

Brian was supportive of all the kids' activities in their growing up years and always allowed them to be themselves.
He was always there if they needed him, but allowed them space to grow as well.

He was there for all of COLIN'S sports and any activities he was involved in.  Brian was never a big golfing fan... but he participated with Colin until Colin went onto other interests.  Together they were both into Hockey, too, along with both the grandpas... ROY and GREG.
Colin was a rather humorous kid and got into a bit of mischief at school from time to time... but Brian was always there for him, when ever  Colin had been the class clown! He could be firm when needed, but seemed to have the right way to make things all turn out for the better. Brian was very understanding.

Brian was always involved with Jana's dancing years, too. He was a very proud daddy of all her accomplishments right up to and including  her five Tokyo Disney contracts. We even made 3 trips to Japan to watch her perform, and each trip saw her show many times!

A tradition was every year when our dance trips took us to Edmonton to compete, Jana and Brian would visit GRAVITY POPE SHOE store on WHYTE AVE. Jana usually came home with at least one new expensive pair of shoes each year. I am sure that is where her love of shoes came from and her daddy was always willing to get her which ever pair she chose!
Now Brian is a valued customer at Jana's shoe store, SWANK SHOE LOUNGE,
having purchased many shoes for himself
and me as well!

At Christmas time, in addition to the generous amount of gifts our kids got from the entire family, BRIAN always had a special something he picked out himself under the tree for them, too. No one usually knew about what he had bought, and he always took pride in his ability to have some of the best gifts there!

In the kid's teen years, Brian would never bat an eyelash at getting up in the wee hours of the morning to pick up a car load of partying teenagers our kids were with and make sure they all had safe rides home.

Brian was even good at giving up his parking space in the garage as soon as the kids got their first car. He figured they wouldn't be up in enough time to clear off their windshields in the winter before heading off to school and or jobs, so he began parking on the  road in front of the house. He still doesn't park in the garage, because... we have too much studio and old stuff in the way!
He is pretty laid back about that, too!

Brian is a marvelous cook and both kids have picked up some of those skills from him, as well. We have had many chances to sample both of their cooking, infact we have been invited to Jana's for supper to celebrate
FATHER'S DAY later today.


Brian is not only a wonderful loving and hard working  supportive dad, but he is the best husband and grandpa, too.
His dad has set an excellent  example for him to follow!

My FATHER-IN LAW, GREG, is the best one I could ask for as well. I truly am blessed.
He was a great father to all 4 of his children and now he has 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren as well. There is no other man PROUDER than GREG. Not only does he have a huge sense of pride in his family, but in his hobbies and life as well.

One of Greg's hobbies is his ability to take great photos of BARNS and HOMESTEADS across the nation. He has been featured on TV even for his work. I enjoyed helping Greg put his Barn Photos into a hard cover book which we did on our MAC computer through iphotos.

He was also a super carpenter  and built many fabulous things over the years. Now my son Colin does construction and carpentry, too, in Montreal, so I think he may have acquired those skills from his grandpas!

Greg takes great pride in his yard as well.
He is a very warm and sociable man,
I am so lucky to have him in my life.

My son in law, NELS, is a fabulous dad to his two little ones, as well. I am so pleased that my two GRANDKIDS, MARIAH and BEAU,
have such a loving daddy. Nels is very hard working and supportive of both his kids and of Jana, too. I know his great sense of humor and love of children are huge assets to their family.
I also feel blessed to have him in
my world of special DADS.

In honor of all the SPECIAL DADS out there... I wish them all a great FATHER'S DAY.

In addition to the above mentioned dads, I know so many dads, related and otherwise... far too many to mention but this tribute is for you!

Oh I say the measure of a man
Is not how tall you stand
How wealthy  or intelligent you are
'Cause I found out the
measure of a man
God knows and understand
For he looks inside to the
bottom of your heart
And what's in the heart defines
the measure of a man.
- Author Unkown

Here is my poem from Brian's little crafted father's day card...

You are the best dad and grandpa, too.
I'm so grateful for all you do.
It's been a really fun, fun ride...
One that has brought us so much pride.
Looking back over the years,
I think you raised them without fears.
As DADS and GRANDPAS,
You are the best,
I love you so and I'm truly blessed!

MY DEAR DAD!

A FATHER is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way. - Author Unknown


As I sit down to write a tribute to my dad I am drinking my morning coffee out of the 
"KEEP IT SIMPLE" mug. 


My morning happy heart tip on my oatmeal pack said this...
"Have fun. Laughter is good medicine"


I would say all of those messages sum up my dad's philosophy very well!

This picture of my dad and me dancing in my studio holds a fond memory for me!
This was on my parents 50th "GOLDEN" Wedding Anniversary Celebration, August 24th, 1999.
Us kids decided to give each parent a GOLD medal to not only signify the GOLDEN anniversary,
but to also represent what "AWARD WINNING" role models they were as
husband and wife, parents and grandparents.
This picture has a prominent spot on my fridge, too, so  I see this one daily!

This is the picture of dad used for his obit and memorial.
I have this photo box displayed in my living room and see it everyday and have a flood of fond memories of that wonderful smile and personality to go with it that always shone through.

Here is a blast from the past... a very faded family pic from when I was 17.
We were always a very close knit family thanks to the upbringing of my very special parents.

Here is my dad hanging the first DIANE WILL DANCE STUDIO  sign on the studio door
in August of 1974.  He was a prominent part of my studio success.
Too bad the quality of this photo is so fuzzy... but the memory is still very clear.

Another cherished memory of my dad dancing with me at my wedding in November of 1976.
My dad was a super dancer!

Here is a picture so typical of my dad... sitting down to play a few tunes on the piano.
Hardly a day went by when he didn't play it, he was so musical. 

Another (FUZZY Quality pic)... but Dad always dressed as a clown to sell apples for the annual KIWANIS APPLE DAY.
Here is a cute one of him "CLOWNING AROUND" with my two kids Colin and Jana .
My dad was a wonderful GRANDPA as well !

My very last pic taken with my dad... bitter sweet.
My dad laughed at our little pug, MOCHA!
I can still hear his laugh as I look at this photo. 

A moment of breaking into dance in my kitchen. We had many of those type of memories! 

A lovely photo of my parents , which also hangs in my living room to this day.
 They were such a team...and such loving parents to us kids growing up.
I am comforted knowing that mom and dad are now reunited in heaven again.

As we head toward FATHER'S DAY...
I am thinking of my dad, ROY, the BEST DAD a girl could ever hope for.
He was perfect, especially in my eyes.

I honestly do not think he had an enemy in the world.  He was a well liked and respected man, for sure.  He was just the right balance of sweet, kind, intelligent, polite, funny, creative, thoughtful, neat, positive, appreciative, musical, helpful, quick witted, organized,
... and the list could go on and on!

What I loved about my dad is he always seemed to be genuinely interested in my life.  There are so few people like that out there, and he was just a one of a kind. He would never say a mean thing to anyone or about them either.

He was simply a quality type of guy. He was very practical, doing everything in life in moderation. He did nothing to excess.
He didn't need high end stuff to get by...
he was very content with simplicity.

He remained happy always and one couldn't help but be that way when in his presence.  He laughed a lot, and had a contagious laugh that made you want to join in!

He would never ever belittle anyone.  He was so very tactful always and thought things through carefully before speaking.  He would never want to hurt anyone by anything he said or did.

When I was a kid, he was a good disciplinarian. I always knew exactly where I stood.  I never wanted to do anything to let either one of my parents down.  I admire that trait in my parents, they could instill such great morals and values
in us growing up.

My dad was very creative.  He was good at writing things such as poetry, speeches, tributes, etc.
He had a big influence on me there.
His handwriting was unique, too, and lots of people comment on it to this day.

Dad was super musical, he played the piano mostly by ear, but could read music as well.
We could sing a song for him and he could instantly play it.  I think my brother Brian got his musical skills... (and his looks, too)!

My dad was a major help around my studio back in the dancing days.  He put the taps on the shoes of every tapper in my studio until his passing in 2000.  No one could do that better than him!  He did many things to aid in the studio success throughout it's years of operation, from bookwork, to building props, to any repairs in and around the studio.
I  then closed my studio 2 years after
dad passed away.

He was very into sports as well, especially hockey and golf.  He played both of those right until the end.  Infact he played hockey the day before he passed away suddenly.

He was very inventive as well as creative.  He made several pieces of furniture out of broken hockey sticks, as he hated to see
good wood go to waste!

I planted a lilac bush in the front and back of my house in dad's honor following his passing. He always took pride in their yard and loved their lilac bushes, too.

He was a creature of habit, living by a routine.  He was always known for being very organized. He always had a list of to-dos for every day and followed through with them crossing them off as they got accomplished!

His favorite color was RED, which is a passionate color.  I decided early on in life to make it my favorite color, too.  It is a vibrant color.  I think dad could not see all colors as he was a bit color blind... but he knew RED!

My dad is missed by many, myself included.
He DANCES on in my heart daily.
I THANK him for the strong influence
he had on my life.
He taught me so much, but most importantly to ...

Always look up with a smile,
Never look down with a frown,
For it takes a good fish to swim up a stream ,
And any old fish can swim down!

That was his verse written in my autograph book when I was 10, and not only did this verse make an impact on me...
it is a philosophy I have tried to
live by ever since!

I have comfort in knowing mom and dad are happily dancing in heaven  together again.
Likely to their favorite song...
"SATIN DOLL!"

Thanks for the memories DAD...
I will always cherish  and love you!
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Here is a poem that I put in the memoriams in
the news paper in dad's honor.
On the tenth anniversary of his passing...
Jan. 2, 2010

He was the best, he was so dear,
I miss my dad and wish he was here.
10 years ago he was needed above,
They must have needed his fine kind of love.
Although he is gone, he is always missed,
He'll DANCE on in my heart,
and be secretly kissed.
He set an example, that was second to none,
When it came to fine people ,
HE was just number one!
He left all too sudden, and it was so sad...
But he's CHERISHED forever,
I LOVE him,
MY DAD!

SiDE TRAcKED!

Yesterday's "SEIZE THE DAY" Calendar saying was this...


"Instead of counting your days, make your days count." -Author Unknown


Today's saying is this...


"Cultivate simplicity." - Charles Lamb


...And once again I got these two sayings on my oatmeal package...


"Never underestimate your capacity for change."
"Nourish your emotional heart."

BEAU and SHUFFLE
enjoying the nice weather and view
in the park on  Monday!

Beau in the bucket swing at the park.

More smiles from Beau in his little
rain- BEAU paddling pool!

Another yummy barbeque enjoyed on the deck
Monday night...
My hubby is such a good cook!

Brenda trying out a lawn chair in
London Drugs yesterday after our
STARBUCKS visit!

Mariah in her
"FANCY NANCY" t-shirt!
She was drinking a yogurt drink
and assured me it was HELL-FEE!

Jana and Beau enjoying their
new deck furniture yesterday!

Mariah wrote a note to claim her spot on
the new deck furniture!!!
so cute... she wrote...
MARIAH
DAD
and then masking taped it to the pillow!

My perfect start
to my everyday
pretty much...
(funny how I don't often stray from this either!)


Yesterday was to have been a
"BLOG WRITING DAY"
but the day ran away without me!

It's all good though... there is really no right or wrong time to do my blog, but I have a few loyal followers and one who actually missed it yesterday... (ARLENE K!)... I love ya!!!

I had great plans to do up a big POLKA DOT
themed blog yesterday... but hmmmm...
I got "SIDE TRACKED"
imagine that?!

I will do a POLKA DOT one soon, though... although all my blog readers know how much I love polka dots by the scattering of them they see in my pics already!

I have been cleaning out cupboards and closets with the hopes of getting rid of stuff and so far I have downsized a bit...
but man I get sidetracked...
and actually have been photographing my POLKA DOT sock along the way... thus the
(COMING SOON) POLKA DOT THEME!

In the mean time... here is how my
side tracked day went yesterday...

You know how somedays you have a plan?
And for some reason, the more you try to follow it... the more the plan gets changed?
Well my day was sort of like that...
but it is all good...

I was just laying out my assortment of polka dot clothes to photograph, when my good "PHONER FRIEND", Lynne called me from Regina. She is not one to be on the computer, so we always have a lot to catch up on via phone! She was my next door nieghbour  when our kids were small, so we have lots in common and share the same views on lots of stuff.
Now our conversations mostly are just a
brag fest of our grandkids!!! hehehe
We each have 2 grandkids...and they are ofcourse the most wonderful ones around, and we are hardly biassed!!! (wink, wink!)

I had to cut her conversation short, or I was going to be late for my BODY FLOW class at the gym. I do not like to be late for anything...
(it is a pet peeve of mine!)
The class felt great as it always does, and TRENT, the teacher did an old track ending with my favorite cool down...to
"100 Thousand ANGELS" by BLISS.

I was then to pick up my friend Brenda and go for a lunch and little shop. Her car was in for service or something...
so I was the driver for the day!

Our plan was to go to Beily's ... but when we got there, it was closed! So we changed our plans... and went to East Side Mario's instead.
For us it really doesn't matter where we go,
we always have fun!
We ended up at STARBUCKS after that... imagine that?!

We did some fun shopping around and Brenda was trying out some funky lawn furniture at London Drugs... we both get easily
SIDE TRACKED... must be a
dance teacher-thing!

Jana texted me while I was out with Brenda to see if I could get Mariah from her daycare and take her to their place and wait with her till Jana and Beau came home. Jana took Beau to her work yesterday!

Mariah was cute... we sort of got
SIDE TRACKED on our way and had a little stop at DOLLARAMA! I love that store...and so does Mariah, but I limited her to 2 things only...
she chose a pink furry cat and
 an aero chocolate bar.
(Those were always my mom's favorite bars!)

Anyhow by the time I got home it was close to 7...and I watched "THE VOICE" followed by "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT"
By then I was too tired to do my blog!

I am wondering how back in the
DANCE STUDIO days... I managed to get so much done! I was the studio manager, teacher, choreographer, and secretary... and had 2 small kids, 2 years apart... and managed to fit everything in that needed doing every day!

Now I find I have way more time, but get way less done... hmmm...
Must be an age thing, or maybe I just get more side tracked!
I wasn't into the computer back then... maybe that has something to do with it, too!!!

All I know is that I maybe have more time to just enjoy life now...and I'm sticking with that!

Here is another quote for all my great friends out there that contribute so much to my life...

"One's friends are that part of the human race with which one can be human."
-George Santayana
On that note/quote...
here is my rhyme of the day!

Some days go fast and others go slow...
But funny how they all just seem to GO!
So many days I just have a plan...
And I try to stick to it, if I can.
But often with me, SIDE TRACKED I get,
The things I was to do, I sometimes forget.
I sometimes follow a different map,
And change my mind within a snap.
It's good to change things up sometimes...
Get out of the rhythms, but not the rhymes!
Until there's a reason to get things done,
It's always good to just have some fun!
Things aren't always in the planned way,
But they will get done at some point one day!

PuRpLe PoPSiCLeS... and PaDdLiNg PooLs!

"Those who bring sunshine to others cannot keep it to themselves."-James Matthew Barrie


"Where ever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."
-Anthony J. D'Angelo

My two little swimmers!

Mariah in her new pokey-dot
bathing suit

Beau standing on his own
in his new Paul Frank attire,
with his cute little shoes!

my two little MONKEYS
on the lawn for a little POPSICLE
"PIP"NICK!

Beau at the front door

... and another purple popsicle!

Jake and Shuffle!

A color quiz for POPPA!

The pool made a big splash today!


Today was fun and action packed from start to finish!

Brian and I did our traditional sunday breakfast at Fuddrucker's,
followed by a walk with Shuffle in the park.

Jana dropped both kids off here on her way to work, and we got the PADDLING POOL going.
Both kids enjoyed splashing around in that.

Mariah had several PURPLE POPSICLES throughout the duration of the day...
( the purple ones are all gone now)
She likes the purple ones best!

Beau is standing on his own... but will not take a step on his own yet. When he does, there will be no stopping him, I am sure...
he is a real little mover!

My sister-in-law, Bev, popped by with her golden retriever, Jake, and the two doggies had a great little play together. Jake even took a little dip in the pool which he was almost as big as!!!

Beau had a super duper nap, and while he did that... Mariah and I crafted cards, made a fort, and played  up in Jana's old bedroom with some of her dollies.
She spent most of the day in her jammies!!!

 Mariah did a big quiz with her poppa on flower colors. He is very color blind,
so I know Mariah was amused by him not guessing each one right!

Nels returned from his few days at a construction convention and was excited to see his kiddies again! We invited him, Jana and kids to stay for supper, but they didn't today!

They were no sooner gone and my brother, Brian came for a delicious barbeque supper. We did shish cabobs, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, and asparagus. We ate on the deck once again and are sure enjoying it
and the new barbeque, too!

So all in all it was a
SUN-DAY and a FUN-DAY!

Today was a day filled with lots of fun...
Within the many hours of shining sun.
We had the grandkids, so filled up the pool,
With any kiddies, water seems to rule!
This was a first for Baby Beau,
He had a big splash and loved it so.
Mariah consumed many popsicles, too,
They add so much fun to summer, they do.
A barbeque supper to finish the day...
A really fun day through and through,
I must say!

Blogging 102... BLESSiNGS!

Today as I drink my coffee out of my Black mug with white dots... the message inside says ...
"KEEP IT SIMPLE"


My oatmeal package today said ...
"PLAY LIKE A CHILD"


And keeping in THEME... here are a couple of BLESSING QUOTES!!!


"Blessings are best when they are given naturally, thoughtfully- and when they are tailor made for the recipient. "
-Anna Trimiew


"To be satisfied with what one has: that is wealth. As long as one sorely needs a certain additional amount, that man isn't rich."
- Mark Twain

Here is a picture with my two GRANDKIDDIES this morning.
I had to bribe Mariah with a PURPLE POPSICLE to be in a pic!
(I think she gets tired of Grammie D and
her wishes for so many photos, always!)

My POTS with the DOTS and SPOTS
( now I have LOTS!)

Beau and Shuffle and I on our morning walk
Beau really dislikes wearing his hat!!!

Some of my flowers in the front...
I'm not usually a green thumb... but hey,
Look at me go this year!

Beau sitting by his "BEAU" Stone
on his deck last night!

Mariah sitting by her "MARIAH" Stone
on her deck last night,
 coloring on a piece of wood

BEAU being a happy little camper

BEAU standing by himself!

Beau and Jana at DQ last night!

A very old collage of pictures that hangs at the top of my stairs.
There isn't a day that I don't stop and look at this on my way by it
and have a memory or two from way back then!
Some of these photos go back as far as 1979!

Today as I thought about a theme for my blog, I figured "BLESSINGS" was a good one.
It pretty much sums up my life and where I am at in it at this point!

I am babysitting Beau today as I most often do on Mondays and Fridays, and he is down for his morning nap now. We took a big walk through the park today so hopefully that fresh air and activity will make him tired enough to sleep for a while now. Shuffle loves her walks, and the park was so pretty this morning, too.

It's so nice out today I might even blow up the paddling pool for Beau to splash in later...
he loves water!

Yesterday I had a fun day of "GAL"avanting around with my friend Gailene. She has just recently become a grandma of her second Grandaughter... so she is really into the "NEWBORN" shopping. We went to a fun kiddies store yesterday called
BIBBITY BOBBETY BOO!
She purchased some very darling gifts there. We did a lunch and then continued to shop away all afternoon. FUN DAY... We always enjoy each other's company and are at the same place in life, so fun to compare notes on that as well, along the way.

Jana invited us for supper last night as Nels was out of town. We enjoyed our visit with her and the kids on her deck and then went to
Dairy Queen after ward for a little dessert treat. Beau enjoyed his water there but ended up spilling it all over the table... oops!
It gave him a puddle on the table to splash in.

Mariah is not really liking having her picture taken as much lately... maybe I have killed that desire for her. I am always so camera happy!!!! She was darling though last night... in her "Curious George Jammies" and coloring away! She brought me a picture of Cinderella to color for her today, too! She is spending the day with her mommy at work today because there is no day care today. She loves a chance to bond with her mommy one on one!

Later Jana and Mariah will come here for  supper after the day at work. It is another great day to spend out side on the deck.

I am loving the new
"So You Think You Can Dance"...
I think there is an awesome lineup of talented dancers once again, and it was a great show last night as they revealed this year's top 20.

As you can see by my pics in today's blog...
I went back to MICHAEL'S to pick up more POLKA DOTTED POTS!
Are they not just the cutest?????
I just LOVE them...
Mariah likes the purple one best!
I bought pansies yesterday, too to plant in the newest 2, and I love how they always
have little smiling faces!

Life is good...I'm LOVIN' it Lately!

"Love is an irresistible desire
to be irresistibly desired."
-Robert Frost

And here is my poem of the day
for my 102nd blog post...

Although my life's simple, I think it's the best.
I feel really lucky, in fact I'm so BLESSED!
In all of my years, I have done many things...
And somehow I'm flying without any wings!
I cherish my family and love all my friends,
The goodness in my life, just never ends.
I have lots of stuff, some old some new,
I'm ever so grateful for all of it, too!
I danced through my young years, tapping away
I loved every minute...
my TAP SHOES wont' stray!
I love lots of music, especially JAZZ,
I love the free feeling and smoothness it has.
My hubby's the best, I'm thankful we married...
We have lots of memories,
together we've carried.
My kids brought me joys
in their years growing up,
I loved all my doggies, yep every pup!
I adore and love my grandkids, too...
Oh yes, I'm real lucky...
I'm BLESSED through and through!

Put Your BEST FOOT FORWARD!

It is only the first step that is difficult. 
-Marie De Vichy-Chamrond


If the shoe fits... wear it.
If the dream fits... step into it.
-Pam Farrel


Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but she did it backwards and in high heels. -Faith Whittlesey


Small steps taken consistently add up in a big way over time.
-Danna Demetre

Here is Mariah in her mom's store
showing me the fancy
gold shoes she likes best!
She is also wearing her own Hunter
rubber boot, too... and HUNTERS
have been one of the best sellers for
SWANK SHOE LOUNGE

Here is a very cute little "THEME RELATED"
quote book I found in my stash of quote books!
All the above quotes were taken from this little book.
(I love that the shoe on the book is even polka dotted!)

This is a favorite pic of mine from my
final season of teaching.
I have used it on many cards and calendars.
I had a class take off their shoes at the end of a class
and throw them in a pile and I like to call this picture
"Lost in the SHUFFLE!"

Here are my feet feeling fine after a little pedicure!

Here is my dog SHUFFLE... also looking
a little LOST IN THE SHUFFLE!!!
As she SHUFFLES along in her fancy outfit
and cute doggie sandals!

These are my TOMS and the great philosophy
 that goes with them.
I received these as a gift from my grandkids
on mother's day this year,
and have worn them every day since...
They are super comfy!

These are some fun Diesel boots
my hubby bought me in the fall.
Note our old beat up deck in this pic!

Here is a pic taken just this morning on the new deck
with all the shoes I've got from
SWANK SHOE LOUNGE
 since it opened in June of 2009.

Here is a pic of Jana and her Store owner partner,
Melissa on the day SWANK opened...
In June of 2009
looking pretty proud and excited!

Here is a pic of the card I crafted for
ELLEN DEGENERES
for her fiftieth!
She always says "ANYWAY" at the end of her show
and crosses her foot in her converse runners, so I thought I'd send one of my foot in my tap shoes!
(This was a few years ago)


I have been thinking of this BLOG THEME for a while now... infact , every time I attempt to clean my closet! I see all the shoes I have and think I could stand to clear some out... and some of the other stuff in there as well. I was actually sort of shocked that I have 14 pairs of shoes from "SWANK" already!
Lots were gifts from my very generous hubby!
(he also has about 10 pairs of shoes
from there now as well!)
I am guessing we are some of their best customers!!!

Anyhow...
I started my day yesterday by putting my
BEST FOOT FORWARD
by going to the gym.
I figure anytime my FOOT sets forth into the gym door...  it is good!
It seems it is just not often enough, lately!!!

Tuesdays there are 2 classes back to back I love... BODY VIVE and BODY FLOW.
But until I am in better shape... I can only manage one class at a time, so I did
BODY VIVE yesterday.
It was a good class, and made me feel
re-VIVED!!!

Then I came home and took SHUFFLE for a big walk, so I continued to put that
best  foot forward!

I had lots of intention to get to that closet cleaning next that I keep attempting to do...
but some how I got side tracked....
hmmmm... so unlike me!

I ended up taking my best foot and stepping it forward to STARBUCKS and WINNERS!
I met my cousin Gwen and we had a good little visit and browse/shop!

Today I decided to get going earlier on my walking, so I took SHUFFLE for her walk in the park before the school kids were in. Lots were in the playground, though as we walked by...and Shuffle loved all the attention and loving she got from kids running over to pet her!

Many great songs played on my ipod along my walk and some even had a FOOT related theme to them. I love listening to the words of songs while out for my walk.
It always makes the walk more enjoyable!
... sort of like WALKING ON SUNSHINE!

Then once again I began my attempt to clean the closets when I got home... and decided to line up all my SWANKY SHOES out on the deck for a photo shoot!
So typical of me to try to dodge the "work part" of my closet cleaning for the "fun part!"
Needless to say, I'm not getting very far on those closets! hehehe

This is my one hundred and first  blog entry... WOW!
(I seem to be getting more blogs done than closets!)

Today is also BEAU's 10 month birthday... where does the time go???
And he is so close to WALKING on his own now too...he keeps trying to put his best foot forward!

Well I should rap up this blog post and get on with my closets... (or not!)

Whatever I chose to do today I will try to keep putting my BEST FOOT FORWARD!

It's good to put your best foot forward,
in whatever shoe,
Just taking every single step,
in where it leads you to!
Whether  you're in FLIP FLOPS,
or RUNNERS or a BOOT...
It matters not what you have on,
but more about the route!
It's also where you travel
that make those steps worthwhile,
And it is even better...
if you can go in style!
Your feet were made for stepping
and also made to dance,
So get on your best pair of shoes
and take them for a prance!