As I write you this evening, I am wearing some fuzzy slippers. Yes, it's that time of year. It seems like just yesterday...well, it was just yesterday that the sun was shining and it was 80 degrees. Today it felt like 50 with full cloud cover. I sit here in red PJ's donned with snow flakes and fuzzy slippers. Time to put the sandals away for a few months.
It's also a perfect time to clean out the closet. That is what I spent a great deal of time doing this weekend. During that time I made a huge discovery. I put the summer clothes away. I sorted through to see what my Fall choices were and if they were still in fashion. I really thought i needed some updates- scarves, belts. I thought I needed some staple items- black pants, white shirt. Come to find out, it was like the Loaves and Fishes story from the Bible. The clothes just kept coming and coming. All they need is a little ironing.
The huge discovery was this- I think this is the year to focus on the shoe as the accessory. I can't be wearing staple items and staple shoes at the same time. Something has got to stand out and I am declaring this year it be the shoes.
The tough thing about shoes is that they often go unnoticed. Rightfully, people generally look people right in the face when conversing. And in most situations, pants cover a good portion of the shoes. Maybe this is why I have such a strong desire for the tucked in pant look to come back. I am determined to get some riding boots this year. I think the trend is slowly making a comeback...and hey (this goes out to all those people who know me well)when I set a trend (ie- rolling up jeans, scrungy in the hair) we know how well it takes off! Setting can be much better than following. I try to not be too much of a trend follower. I clearly remember the day when I had my hair spiked up like Billy Idol's, cut off gloves on like Michael Jackson, and tore up jeans like Madonna. Yes, I managed to get out of the house like that past my parents on a day when my St. Francis Cabrini pupils and I would be headed off to church. God is forgiving.
Though I have this true passion for shoes, my true inspiration for this continues to be uniting amazing women together. Life is far too short to stand here just complaining about what we feel should be done and how to do it. For goodness sakes, my husband has already figured out 1/10 of the school year is over- time flies! Let's just do it. If that means having shoes be your accessory this season, OK. If that means helping out a great organization like Chix for A Cause, even greater! And if it means you take the time to hang out with a few friends and spend some quality time together, that's the best!
I wanted to dedicate this post to Jody Goratowski who died September 23rd. She was 38. While here, she was a fantastic RN, a blast to be goofy in the ER with when I was working there, and a real go-getter. This was a woman who remembered detail, who knew names, who told great stories. She even told me what the secret ingredient was in the ChiChi's salsa (and though I know my salsa buddies know what it is, I'm going to keep it a secret). Her giggles were infectious. Her life courageous. Jody, it seems, had no warning of her death. She will be dearly missed. Though, to my knowledge, Jody did not have a shoe fetish, each convertible I now see reminds me of her spirit!
Peace,
Paula
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
God Spent Just A Little More Time with You!
It's Sunday. Our day of rest. I did not go to church. I love my church, Still Waters in Jackson. We had some family over last night and I went for a walk as the sun rose this morning. That was my reason for not going. I did connect with God though. I seem to always see deer whether it be in my car or while I am walking. I wondered a while ago what that may have meant. Was God trying to tell me something by placing these deer in front of me? Well, I decided the deer was being placed to remind me of God's presence in my life. So, today I saw 3 crossing the road just in front of me as I walked onto County Road by the New Fane trails. What a sight! Yes, God, I know you are in my life!
Deer stories are great...well, sometimes! I know all of you who are married or around deer hunters can relate. Like yesterday as I sat around the ball diamond in Beechwood watching my husband play softball. There were times while there that I would be talking with my husband...then another man would appear...the conversation would slowly change to allow the third party to participate in the conversation...before you know it a deer story was being told! And now rather than me being part of the conversation, my vocabulary suddenly decreased to that of an infant, "uh-huh...wow...oh..."
You see, women, on average, use 20,000 words per day, while a man uses about 7,000 (Brizendine, 2006). We have bigger communication centers in our brains. So why is it that when around a group of men we often become wordless? We have plenty of things to talk about!
I am impressed with my husband's ability to tell a story. He truly is brilliant at remembering the details and reciting them. A story of his, and this is not a cut on him at all, can last as long as the actual event . And I really don't mean that as a cut. I know I have to repeat that because if he is reading this I don't mean to offend. I really admire him. I am amazed at the details. Honestly, I either can't remember the details or feel that I should speed through the story for fear the other person may not be interested in what I am saying. But he, and Todd Jr. (who is my son Jordan) has been blessed with this ability. Story telling is almost a lost art. People are so busy with their lives, sometimes they feel they don't have the time. God spent just a little more time with Todd and Jordan on this gift. And I thank Him for that!
Now Ladies, I know we have a lot to say. I think it may be 2 things that prevent us from dominating a conversation...1) the busy thing, 2)the common interest thing (besides our children). I say let the common interest thing disappear! Anytime you hear a deer story, retort with an equally detailed and exciting shopping story. Yes, yes,yes, while this may sound shallow it may save you the anguish you feel just standing there saying nothing at all. So now it will be..."wow! I had that happen to! I was really having a hard time finding the right exact rack. Then there it was in the distance, about 20 yards away. There was actually a group of them. It took sometime to decide which one I should focus in on. And then I knew. The red shoes, size 9, stiletto heels. With a flash of my card , they were mine. Here, I'll show you. I've got a picture..."
Let the shoe hunting begin. The tip of the week- Scout. Make sure prior to a big hunt that you have prepared. This may take several trips to various stores, websites, magazines, newspaper flyers before you can actually locate the place to go. While this may not guarantee success, it's something else you can talk about!
Enjoy your Sunday! Hey, I would love to hear from you...What did God spend just a little more time with you on, or your husband, or your kids? Click on comments and let me know!
I'm trying to remember the singer of that song...James?..."God spent just a little more time with you, babe!"
Paula
Deer stories are great...well, sometimes! I know all of you who are married or around deer hunters can relate. Like yesterday as I sat around the ball diamond in Beechwood watching my husband play softball. There were times while there that I would be talking with my husband...then another man would appear...the conversation would slowly change to allow the third party to participate in the conversation...before you know it a deer story was being told! And now rather than me being part of the conversation, my vocabulary suddenly decreased to that of an infant, "uh-huh...wow...oh..."
You see, women, on average, use 20,000 words per day, while a man uses about 7,000 (Brizendine, 2006). We have bigger communication centers in our brains. So why is it that when around a group of men we often become wordless? We have plenty of things to talk about!
I am impressed with my husband's ability to tell a story. He truly is brilliant at remembering the details and reciting them. A story of his, and this is not a cut on him at all, can last as long as the actual event . And I really don't mean that as a cut. I know I have to repeat that because if he is reading this I don't mean to offend. I really admire him. I am amazed at the details. Honestly, I either can't remember the details or feel that I should speed through the story for fear the other person may not be interested in what I am saying. But he, and Todd Jr. (who is my son Jordan) has been blessed with this ability. Story telling is almost a lost art. People are so busy with their lives, sometimes they feel they don't have the time. God spent just a little more time with Todd and Jordan on this gift. And I thank Him for that!
Now Ladies, I know we have a lot to say. I think it may be 2 things that prevent us from dominating a conversation...1) the busy thing, 2)the common interest thing (besides our children). I say let the common interest thing disappear! Anytime you hear a deer story, retort with an equally detailed and exciting shopping story. Yes, yes,yes, while this may sound shallow it may save you the anguish you feel just standing there saying nothing at all. So now it will be..."wow! I had that happen to! I was really having a hard time finding the right exact rack. Then there it was in the distance, about 20 yards away. There was actually a group of them. It took sometime to decide which one I should focus in on. And then I knew. The red shoes, size 9, stiletto heels. With a flash of my card , they were mine. Here, I'll show you. I've got a picture..."
Let the shoe hunting begin. The tip of the week- Scout. Make sure prior to a big hunt that you have prepared. This may take several trips to various stores, websites, magazines, newspaper flyers before you can actually locate the place to go. While this may not guarantee success, it's something else you can talk about!
Enjoy your Sunday! Hey, I would love to hear from you...What did God spend just a little more time with you on, or your husband, or your kids? Click on comments and let me know!
I'm trying to remember the singer of that song...James?..."God spent just a little more time with you, babe!"
Paula
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Satisfaction
You know they really are a classic, the sandal. I know they have been around since the time of Jesus according to pictures I've seen. It's no wonder why you Ladies voted them #1 on the shoe poll of favorite shoes.
I love things that are classic and leave a message even when the inventor is long gone. I've often thought of what I will leave as a legacy for my kids and those who know me. I haven't quite figured it out but guess it has something to do with using a creative touch to get a fullness in life. Rather then pouting about my husband's hunting obsession and rather than joining him (I typically even let a fly go intact from the house rather than spat it with a swatter), I used my creative side to come up with a logical alternative- shoe hunting.
There are so many creative people out there I admire. This weekend, I watched "Shine A Light", a documentary done by Martin Scorsese about the Rolling Stones. This band formed in 1962 and continues to come out with albums, 24 total so far. Despite being in their 60s, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards act like they did in concert as they did years ago 9 though Mick does seem to be a bit winded at times). Their rock, jazz, and blues exotic sound transcends. Brown sugar, Start Me Up, Satisfaction...hm mm. True classic rock and roll. And those lips!
Now don't get me wrong. I know they have had bumps along the way. OK, not bumps, mountains. It sounds like there have been band members along the way who have left the band for not being recognized for a lot of the writing that has been done. There was even a band member early on who left the band under difficult circumstances only to be found one month later dead in the bottom of a pool. And then there are the drugs. Keith Richards, don't know him but certainly appears effected by long term use. I love that Johnny Depp uses Richard's personality for his Pirates of the Caribbean character, so perfect! And I am sure the list does go on. I certainly have never followed them closely enough to know all the details.
Despite the bumps, these guys are such a part of music, and for me, I love music of all kinds. I guess part of it is because of that creativity. There is such a story being told in the music. I love really knowing the words, not just singing them but knowing the story behind them. The Stones don't have to worry about what legacy they will leave.
There are several things I still have to consider in leaving my legacy. I have to live long enough for one to be created. I hope 37 years is not the end. I also would like for it to be somewhat classic or original. It's like the grilled cheese sandwich I had today. Panera may have some of the best sandwiches there are right now, but sometimes a good old fashioned grill cheese is all you need. So for now, I will continue to work my creative side.
And absolutely I agree with all of those people who left the band because of not being recognized for their work. I don't want the same to happen with my hunting members. I had so much help and so much of this creativity couldn't be done without people like Kathy B, Shelly W, Steph K, Jill W, and Chix...and all of you!
Let's get ready to be creative. Going out hunting for shoes with your friends. Sharing your stories. Gathering on the big night to show off your kill. Giving to a great organization like Chix for A Cause. Thanks in advance for your generosity.
Shaduba,
Paula
I love things that are classic and leave a message even when the inventor is long gone. I've often thought of what I will leave as a legacy for my kids and those who know me. I haven't quite figured it out but guess it has something to do with using a creative touch to get a fullness in life. Rather then pouting about my husband's hunting obsession and rather than joining him (I typically even let a fly go intact from the house rather than spat it with a swatter), I used my creative side to come up with a logical alternative- shoe hunting.
There are so many creative people out there I admire. This weekend, I watched "Shine A Light", a documentary done by Martin Scorsese about the Rolling Stones. This band formed in 1962 and continues to come out with albums, 24 total so far. Despite being in their 60s, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards act like they did in concert as they did years ago 9 though Mick does seem to be a bit winded at times). Their rock, jazz, and blues exotic sound transcends. Brown sugar, Start Me Up, Satisfaction...hm mm. True classic rock and roll. And those lips!
Now don't get me wrong. I know they have had bumps along the way. OK, not bumps, mountains. It sounds like there have been band members along the way who have left the band for not being recognized for a lot of the writing that has been done. There was even a band member early on who left the band under difficult circumstances only to be found one month later dead in the bottom of a pool. And then there are the drugs. Keith Richards, don't know him but certainly appears effected by long term use. I love that Johnny Depp uses Richard's personality for his Pirates of the Caribbean character, so perfect! And I am sure the list does go on. I certainly have never followed them closely enough to know all the details.
Despite the bumps, these guys are such a part of music, and for me, I love music of all kinds. I guess part of it is because of that creativity. There is such a story being told in the music. I love really knowing the words, not just singing them but knowing the story behind them. The Stones don't have to worry about what legacy they will leave.
There are several things I still have to consider in leaving my legacy. I have to live long enough for one to be created. I hope 37 years is not the end. I also would like for it to be somewhat classic or original. It's like the grilled cheese sandwich I had today. Panera may have some of the best sandwiches there are right now, but sometimes a good old fashioned grill cheese is all you need. So for now, I will continue to work my creative side.
And absolutely I agree with all of those people who left the band because of not being recognized for their work. I don't want the same to happen with my hunting members. I had so much help and so much of this creativity couldn't be done without people like Kathy B, Shelly W, Steph K, Jill W, and Chix...and all of you!
Let's get ready to be creative. Going out hunting for shoes with your friends. Sharing your stories. Gathering on the big night to show off your kill. Giving to a great organization like Chix for A Cause. Thanks in advance for your generosity.
Shaduba,
Paula
Monday, September 8, 2008
The Real Trap Night
Today I have on these heels I bought from Elder Beerman which is now a Boston Store in West Bend. I love the cork style heels. They are full of colored paisleys. I usually like to wear them with my "Save the Ta Tas" shirt. The 2 together make quite the statement. Finished off with jeans. I love jeans and heels, is that wrong?
So, with the short time I have before I go pick up the kids from school I wanted to educate you for a little bit. Have you heard of trap night? Well, let me explain this. I am sure most of you have and it usually goes a little something like this..."Honey, how 'bout going to dinner and a movie tonight?"..."No, dear, I have Trap tonight. I won't be home until late."
OK, now let's break this down into some definitions. Trap-(according to how I heard it explained to me) A person takes his gun. He lines up with 5 other men in a straight line. There is one person behind them that sets off the trap which is this disc that flies up into the air. One of the guys shoots at it. Once the line of people has a turn, they rotate. They rotate a total of 5 times. Basically a total of 25 shots are made.
Now let's define "tonight" because as the person said who could not go to dinner and the movie, because of trap "tonight". Tonight- a period of time when the sun sets, most commonly anytime after 5ish. And when you talk about a night of activities, it usually refers to sometime around 5 until 12ish. OK, so now put that definition with trap. Guess how long a round of trap takes?
15 minutes
So for any of you who are made to believe this trap thing takes all night, No. It is the stories, the eating, drinking, hanging out and there happens to be 15 minutes of Trap. I really think the name has got to change.
So how am I so privileged to know these things? I went to the Turket Shoot this weekend. And you see now ,Ladies, why I come up with nights out that involves girly things? Don't get me wrong, I truly would not change my life for the world. I just want to make sure I continue to bring into my life the things that inspire me to be me. And to stay connected with you.
Peace,
Paula
So, with the short time I have before I go pick up the kids from school I wanted to educate you for a little bit. Have you heard of trap night? Well, let me explain this. I am sure most of you have and it usually goes a little something like this..."Honey, how 'bout going to dinner and a movie tonight?"..."No, dear, I have Trap tonight. I won't be home until late."
OK, now let's break this down into some definitions. Trap-(according to how I heard it explained to me) A person takes his gun. He lines up with 5 other men in a straight line. There is one person behind them that sets off the trap which is this disc that flies up into the air. One of the guys shoots at it. Once the line of people has a turn, they rotate. They rotate a total of 5 times. Basically a total of 25 shots are made.
Now let's define "tonight" because as the person said who could not go to dinner and the movie, because of trap "tonight". Tonight- a period of time when the sun sets, most commonly anytime after 5ish. And when you talk about a night of activities, it usually refers to sometime around 5 until 12ish. OK, so now put that definition with trap. Guess how long a round of trap takes?
15 minutes
So for any of you who are made to believe this trap thing takes all night, No. It is the stories, the eating, drinking, hanging out and there happens to be 15 minutes of Trap. I really think the name has got to change.
So how am I so privileged to know these things? I went to the Turket Shoot this weekend. And you see now ,Ladies, why I come up with nights out that involves girly things? Don't get me wrong, I truly would not change my life for the world. I just want to make sure I continue to bring into my life the things that inspire me to be me. And to stay connected with you.
Peace,
Paula
Friday, September 5, 2008
Gotta Have Some Heels
I've decided that each time I blog I am going to wear one of my favorite pair of shoes. Tonight it's a pair of gray flip flops I bought at Kohls. Why are they a favorite? 1. They were clearanced 2. They have this cute little bow across the front. 3. I don't own another pair of gray shoes and, right now, I really like wearing silver jewerly and find the 2 go quite nicely together. What I have neglected to say is that if I wear these shoes for too long I get this discomfort along the tops of my feet BUT not enough to not wear them. Sometimes the sacrifice is worth it when it finishes off an outfit.
Flip flops are certainly not my best pair. I actually prefer heels. I haven't figured out why. I think it is because back in high school I use to play basketball. I was on Varsity my sophmore year. I remember seeing my stats on the roster- 5'9. I was a point guard. It was not until I was about 25 getting a real adult physical when they measured me. 5'6 and 1/2? That has got to be wrong! I totally thought until that point I was 5'9. No one around me had ever discussed my height. I actually had always been told I was tall. What happened? Well, turns out they lied on the roster. So now I am back to 5'9 with a little help! But not playing basketball in 'em.
It's already started by the way... Hunting. (Please, anytime you refer to the animal hunting say it like Seinfeld use to say "Neuman") Gini and Kathy are husbandless for a few days as of today. Their men went off to Colorado to Elk hunt. My husband got his turkey tag in the mail today. He was out practice shooting the bow in the yard. Even my 2 young boys are into it. There was a rabbit in my garden this morning. No sooner did they tell me, I see them both out there taking aim (miss again!). Thankfully that helps fuel my energy, like it needs fueling! So tonight the girls went out (our team has been formed!) and we have set our own date to go out hunting. It sounds like we are all in for the full patrons. We are expert and expect to have full tags by days end.
That's a lot of what this is all about. Get those groups formed! Or go it alone BUT make sure you call your co-hunters and chat about scouting, hunting, a good sale, rack...clearance! Remember our best call is not the grunt call or the doe in heat call but rather the cell phone call. Our season hasn't started yet but it seems like just days away.
Hunting tip of the week- if at all possible, try to be a size 6 or 6 and 1/2. They seem to get all the clearanced deals!
Paula
Flip flops are certainly not my best pair. I actually prefer heels. I haven't figured out why. I think it is because back in high school I use to play basketball. I was on Varsity my sophmore year. I remember seeing my stats on the roster- 5'9. I was a point guard. It was not until I was about 25 getting a real adult physical when they measured me. 5'6 and 1/2? That has got to be wrong! I totally thought until that point I was 5'9. No one around me had ever discussed my height. I actually had always been told I was tall. What happened? Well, turns out they lied on the roster. So now I am back to 5'9 with a little help! But not playing basketball in 'em.
It's already started by the way... Hunting. (Please, anytime you refer to the animal hunting say it like Seinfeld use to say "Neuman") Gini and Kathy are husbandless for a few days as of today. Their men went off to Colorado to Elk hunt. My husband got his turkey tag in the mail today. He was out practice shooting the bow in the yard. Even my 2 young boys are into it. There was a rabbit in my garden this morning. No sooner did they tell me, I see them both out there taking aim (miss again!). Thankfully that helps fuel my energy, like it needs fueling! So tonight the girls went out (our team has been formed!) and we have set our own date to go out hunting. It sounds like we are all in for the full patrons. We are expert and expect to have full tags by days end.
That's a lot of what this is all about. Get those groups formed! Or go it alone BUT make sure you call your co-hunters and chat about scouting, hunting, a good sale, rack...clearance! Remember our best call is not the grunt call or the doe in heat call but rather the cell phone call. Our season hasn't started yet but it seems like just days away.
Hunting tip of the week- if at all possible, try to be a size 6 or 6 and 1/2. They seem to get all the clearanced deals!
Paula
Monday, September 1, 2008
Back to School
I just tucked my boys in bed. It is the night before their first day back to school. There sure was excitement tonight as we went through the information sheets that were given to us at open house and reviewed the student handbook of rules. My husband has also turned in early as tomorrow he will return to his teachings to Mayville school second graders for, what I believe is, his 15th year.
It just reminds me there are so many rules. Yes, rules are needed, even for shoe hunting! I'm not sure just how many of you who will be participating in the Shoe hunt event have ever read through the Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations??? This year's cover features Leah Durkin with 2 deer that she shot 3 minutes apart in the 2003 season. Impressive...though I do recall last year's amazing hunt that Ronda Lichtensteiger's told of her 2-shoe story. I would bet she beat the time of 3 minutes in between each "kill". She also walked away with the "Best Deal" award. The 2 shoe total (yeah, sit down for this) $7 and some change!
So this deer rule book is 55 pages long, comes in 3 different languages, and features a special section on chronic wasting disease. It makes me wonder, was the DNR shoe application too easy last year? Should we come up with a "diet" section this year? No. As a matter of fact, we know we would like to keep it simple. The Shoe Patron Special Permit Instructions and license have been modified this year. It still resembles our counter parts and will be available soon.
The great things are the new additions. A Patron License is available per last year's request. What is a Patron's license you ask? When it comes to deer hunting if you have one of these it means you can also hunt for other things such as fowl and varmits. Well, we all like shoe hunting but...we also like purse hunting, accessory hunting, outfit hunting. You bet! I know when you become an expert in one thing you should expand your horizens. Go wild!
We also are including out of state hunting. This after last year's almost devastating hunt by Jennifer George. She was almost eliminated from the competition when it was found her hunting took place in Georgia and not in Wisconsin. Luckily her selection was so perfectionistic that they had to be included. So thank Jen for that one!
And lastly, the internet. After learning that deer mounts are purchased on the internet, we thought we would let this slide. Especially when I found the most perfect one and the shoes are not available in this area. The site www.ohdeershoes.com. No kinding- there is a style of shoes titled that! Apparantly these shoes are very comfortable and have terrific style. So check it out!
In the next coming weeks you should be getting a mailing with all the rules.
This is a great opportunity to take some time out for yourself and gather with family and friends in the process. The football season officially starts this week. My son already has his Christmas list made out. And after going to Harley Owners Association at Miller park with ill-fitting shoes and falling flat on my face, I know the time is here! It's time for to scout for new shoes- get out there and go!
Paula
It just reminds me there are so many rules. Yes, rules are needed, even for shoe hunting! I'm not sure just how many of you who will be participating in the Shoe hunt event have ever read through the Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations??? This year's cover features Leah Durkin with 2 deer that she shot 3 minutes apart in the 2003 season. Impressive...though I do recall last year's amazing hunt that Ronda Lichtensteiger's told of her 2-shoe story. I would bet she beat the time of 3 minutes in between each "kill". She also walked away with the "Best Deal" award. The 2 shoe total (yeah, sit down for this) $7 and some change!
So this deer rule book is 55 pages long, comes in 3 different languages, and features a special section on chronic wasting disease. It makes me wonder, was the DNR shoe application too easy last year? Should we come up with a "diet" section this year? No. As a matter of fact, we know we would like to keep it simple. The Shoe Patron Special Permit Instructions and license have been modified this year. It still resembles our counter parts and will be available soon.
The great things are the new additions. A Patron License is available per last year's request. What is a Patron's license you ask? When it comes to deer hunting if you have one of these it means you can also hunt for other things such as fowl and varmits. Well, we all like shoe hunting but...we also like purse hunting, accessory hunting, outfit hunting. You bet! I know when you become an expert in one thing you should expand your horizens. Go wild!
We also are including out of state hunting. This after last year's almost devastating hunt by Jennifer George. She was almost eliminated from the competition when it was found her hunting took place in Georgia and not in Wisconsin. Luckily her selection was so perfectionistic that they had to be included. So thank Jen for that one!
And lastly, the internet. After learning that deer mounts are purchased on the internet, we thought we would let this slide. Especially when I found the most perfect one and the shoes are not available in this area. The site www.ohdeershoes.com. No kinding- there is a style of shoes titled that! Apparantly these shoes are very comfortable and have terrific style. So check it out!
In the next coming weeks you should be getting a mailing with all the rules.
This is a great opportunity to take some time out for yourself and gather with family and friends in the process. The football season officially starts this week. My son already has his Christmas list made out. And after going to Harley Owners Association at Miller park with ill-fitting shoes and falling flat on my face, I know the time is here! It's time for to scout for new shoes- get out there and go!
Paula
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