Desert Dreaming

Sunday, October 2, 2011

A little tour of one part of St. Petersburg, FL

Well, I need to start off by saying I had my first job interview in almost 20 years last Thursday! I think it went very well...BUT, it's a very desired position and though I have the experience, I know there were many who interviewed for it. Though it's a promotion, that doesn't matter, I just need to get out of my area and start something new and exciting. I've been doing a lot of praying, and I know that what is meant to happen, will happen by the grace of God, so it's all in his hands. But, a few prayers from others sure would help!!! It's been a rough couple of months in my office, but I'm a pretty tough "girl"....

Yesterday was my Saturday date night with my husband. We didn't want to go out to a sit down dinner, not with this beautiful cool weather that has just come into our area FINALLY...so, we headed off to the Taco Bus in St. Pete and sat outside underneath some table umbrellas....fabulous...what great Mexican food as I've mentioned before. Then we drove down past Tropicana Field (keep those Ray's in your thoughts as well), and down to the St. Petersburg Pier for a walk along the water and just sitting on some benches taking in the beauty. The temps were in the low 70's, beautiful sunshine, no humidity and a perfect cool breeze coming in off the water. My sweet husband said, "it's still early, would you like to go to HomeGoods"...oh please, that's all it took, so off we went to the one in Clearwater. I was shocked when I walked in...there were Christmas decorations everywhere...now that got me excited. They of course had many all color coordinated...so much teal this year, oh yeah....loved it, and it's only September cannot wait to see what they put out next month and the month after that...I'm ready!!!

Hope everyone has had a beautiful weekend, and have a blessed Sunday. And the week ahead is full of great things for you.

St. Petersburg Pier

Fountain close to the Dali Museum

The new Salvador Dalí museum

St. Petersburg Pier

St. Pete Pier

Park next to the Pier

Helicopter rides...wouldn't have my legs hanging out like that

Beautiful Egrets flying by

Sail boat in just passing the pier

Love the shape of the palms - pier in the background

Unique shaped palms...

Friday, September 23, 2011

Area Rugs with a little extra something....SPARKLE

Though we are “almost” completely done re-decorating, remember, I said almost, we all know it never ends…and I am desperately trying to be ahead of the game for the holidays…I’m still always looking for something unique for our home. As my family is well aware, I love sparkle. Whether it’s in crystal chandeliers, jewelry, shoes, or mirrored furniture, I am totally obsessed with sparkle. So, when I came across these area rugs, you could only imagine how excited I was. Now, I know they are totally out of my price range, won’t even ask the costs, and I also know that my fur-babies would think the Swarovski crystals are some type of toy…but I must admit, they are stunning. So, I am hoping to find someone locally that can attach some Swarovski Crystals (purchased through Swarovski Elements) http://www.swarovski-elements.com/ possible in just one are of the rug to give it enough sparkle but won’t be enough that the fur-babies will want to bother with. Through Swarovski Elements, they do give so many unique ideas, I may even attempt to do this myself, if I feel it would look well put together and not like a craft project. I want it with simple lines and not too much, so just maybe, I could do it myself…oh well, there is another project on my list; those lists never end, do they?

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Have been away for awhile, and sure feels good to be back....

To start off, I have some catching up to do with reading all your wonderful posts. I was not feeling well with some type of horrible late summer flu...everyone I know (well not everyone, but a lot of people), had it, it just lingered on. I was so run down from it, that I didn't feel like doing anything for almost two weeks. Then as I began to feel better, the not so smart me, decided to go out all day and work in my backyard. Cutting the palms fronds, weeding, planting fall flowers, pressure washing the ENTIRE backyard (tile)...and I was feeling so good. Big mistake, it was just too much...I started not feeling well again. Went back to my doctor and got my B-12 shot and he told me that this I need rest, I was totally run down. There is a lot more to this than just the flu...some serious work related stress. I really don't like to get too personal on here, but this was bad. About 12 weeks ago, I was physically attacked at work, by a co-worker. Long story short, she wants my job, and lost it with just a simple e-mail I sent out, for which is my job. I'm sure there is an underlying problem with her that would cause anyone to behave such as that in the workplace, but she has done this in another department that she worked in, but neither her supervisor or mine did anything to protect me. As she came at me with hands flying and fists in my face, they sat there, two adult men, and did nothing. I've been with this agency for almost 30 years, and I love it here. But, I am not a push-over by any means, I guess I try to hard to get along with everyone, try to go out of way to assist where I can, and sometimes that makes you look weak in their eyes, and they feel the strength to attack. Understand, I work with all men, except 4 woman, and there are a total of 120 employees. Though she didn't physically hit me...she was within an inch of my face...I had no reaction, I just stared at her, and I didn't back down. I know, I took the high road, and am glad I did. As we all know this is called "violence in the workplace", and it is against the law. To make matters worse, she made verbal threats. Now the good part...management has done nothing in the way of discipline. So, I have had to take it to a legal level through work. I am a very strong Latina woman, and wasn't going to let this go, it was just wrong. The next time her anger flairs up, she could physically harm someone and I would feel terrible. I am so glad that I have a wonderful husband and a very bright daughter, who has been so supportive and has given me the strenght to do what I need to do, and love is the greatest power a family can have. So, after going to my doctor again last week, and will be getting my B-12 shots every two weeks...I am feeling almost human again. It is quite amazing how stress can wear one down, I will never allow it to take hold of me again...I do a lot of praying and I know that God is walking with me through this whole process that could take quite some time...but I have faith. I hope I didn't bore anyone too much, it actaully felt good to put it into words. The words I tell my husband and daughter is that, I may be quiet and enjoy the beauty in life, and never interfer in others lives, I am no push over, I will stand up for myself and others, if they are wronged, but not in a violent way, in a peaceful way, with God on my side. There is too much hate and violence in the world today, we just don't need it in the workplace as well. I will continue to be me, for I actually like the person I am. Thank you for listening.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Fall is in the air.....

OK, I know it’s only the second day of September, and I am totally ready for fall. This has been a really long hot summer here in Florida and though it is slight, there is a change in the air. The colors of the sunrises and sunsets seem a bit brighter, and the air has a bit cooler feel to it…mind you, it’s not cool out, but you can feel the heat of the summer slipping away. It’s much more pleasant just to sit in the backyard, or take those long walks along the beach.

I always love to get a jump on the holidays, with my decorating, planning, and just plain getting excited – my family always laughs at me, because I guess – I get a little over the top with it all, but it’s such a beautiful time of the year, so many upcoming events, spending time with family and friend, I just want to make it special for them. So, not to get too far ahead of myself and talking about Christmas, which of course, I could, but I won’t. I just wanted to share some really cute and unique ideas to do with pumpkins…there’s nothing wrong with the old tradition of carving them, but some of these ideas are definitely going into home as I begin to decorate for fall – the first sight of pumpkins being sold, I’m there!!! Hope they give you some inspiration and excitement for the fall season, no matter where you are.

I would also like to wish everyone a safe and fabulous Labor Day Weekend – ENJOY!!!

Simple yet so pretty

Very detailed, but I think worth giving it a try

Candy Corn Pumpkins...too cute

Now, this says Fall!!!!

Just love them

This has to be my favorite, I love that sparkle

Again, simple but the lighting is so cozy

Gorgeous black Rhinestones - another favorite

These are so cute, I maybe would go with less rhinestones

Love it!!!

Now who would have thought a pumpkin in glitter would be so unique

Party Time

What a beautiful centerpiece this would make

Love the two metallic pumpkins on the ends

Says it all

Such a warm welcoming to your home, so "Fall"

Love them!!!!!!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Tommy Bahama....

What a couple of weeks this has been for me and my family. First off, getting ready for our huge family reunion was a lot of work...I still didn't get all the family photos put on CD's for everyone, there are just so many photos...I told them, that I would (should) have them done by Christmas and send each family two CD's. I had to do a lot of pictures for our family cookbook that my cousin put together, so that did take a lot of my time…but the cookbook is wonderful, what a beautiful family heirloom it is, a sweet remembrance of my Grandparents and each and every family member filled with the best recipes and photos, what a treasure she created. The family reunion was so special, we had it at Ft. Desoto, here on the Gulf Coast…it rained for a few minutes, just enough to cool everything down…it was a hot day, but actually not uncomfortable for an August day…many people did however, go to the beach for a nice swim. Though most of us live here in Florida, I have some that live in Texas, and a few in Tennessee, that came, how great it was to visit with them too. I have a very large family, so you can only imagine what a special day that was. And yes…I took over 250 pictures…

A few weeks ago my washer and drier went…gone, nothing…so we purchased new front loading pedestal units…love them…then, last week our air conditioner, on its last leg…so we had a new unit put in on Friday…then my cousin and her son, which is my daughter’s age, came over Friday evening before the reunion. I made a taco bar, and we ate, drank and enjoyed some family conversation. The next day was the reunion…and on Sunday…I did nothing, but rest. I put some spaghetti on and let it simmer for most of the day, and had a nice quiet dinner…now it’s all back to reality and I’m ready to start taking it easy and preparing for the holidays.

I know, the holidays!?!? We’ll I love to get a jump on things, and though here in this part of Florida, it still feels like summer until around October or November, just not as hot. I wanted to show a few beautiful items from Tommy Bahama, to help us hold on to that last bit of summer. As much as I love the tropical look, I am so ready for fall and winter to arrive. My daughter and I already have a day picked out and are heading to Orlando for some early Christmas shopping…

It's so nice to be back on the "Blog" again, I really missed ready all the great posts, but still haven't fully caught up yet. I would say it's time for some lazy days of summer here for me, and get back to "some" normality. I love Tommy Bahama and hope you enjoy the pictures and what is left of summer no matter where you live.