Sep 28, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
Now, y’all know my five-, or maybe ten-year plan includes a move to the Carolinas. Will it happen? Prob’ly not. My desert roots run deep. Having said that, I do consider them my vacation home especially since I head out to Asheville every year for a quasi-family reunion known as the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.
There’s Nothing Like Coming Home. . .
A lot of my people live in South Carolina, but it’s the beauty of the northern C we’re celebrating today.
Imagine my joy when I received my Daily Celebrations email and National North Carolina Day was listed for tomorrow. This Girl say wwhhhaaat?! I didn’t even know there was such a thing! Well sweeten my tea and bake me a biscuit!
Here’s a few things you may not know about the Tar Heel State:
- There are 29 state parks. South Mountain is the largest, at around 87,000 acres. (Of course, I’m partial to Blue Ridge.)
- The state flower is dogwood. The state tree is pine. The state bird is cardinal. The state insect is honeybee. The state reptile is eastern box turtle. The state gemstone is emerald.
- It is the birth place of Virginia Dare, the first person born to born in America to English settlers
- In 2013, the entire state population was less than 10 million. That’s roughly the same as Los Angeles.
- In 1903, the Wright Brothers made history with the first manned self-propelled airplane flight from a cliff near Kitty Hawk.
- One of the original thirteen colonies, North Carolina was admitted to statehood on November 21, 1789.
- It was the first state to tell its delegates to vote for independence from Britain.
- After the Revolutionary War, it developed an expansive slave plantation system. It was a major exporter of tobacco and cotton, even though the slave population was smaller than other states.
- In 1861, North Carolina seceded from the United States with ten other states. This began the American Civil War. And while no major battles were fought in North Carolina, the state sent more soldiers to fight for the Confederacy than any other rebel state.
I’m pleased as punch that my second home has such rich history.
And let’s not forget the pizza.
The Biltmore Pizza, Asheville Brewing Co.
What do you celebrate about where you live?
TWEET THIS: Happy National #NorthCarolina Day! @RealMojo68 #celebrate
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Jul 14, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday
Okay. So, I guess we knew this post had to happen sooner or later, right? Y’all know my love for Happy Planning. I mean, from the day I brought my first one home I started telling you about it. Remember 2017 Prep: My Happy Planner? And Hobbes’ Mexican Chicken Meatloaf?
I laughed at the groups on Facebook. I saw ridiculous posts of women with four and five planners and entire shelves devoted to the art of the plan.
“No,” I told myself. “I will not be one of those. I will not be a ‘Planner Babe’ who can’t function without a big book at my side. No.”
And then the Universe laughed.
Because the more I used my first planner, the more I fell in love with it. That’s right. Two key words in that sentence: “first” and “more.” Mm-hmm. You already know where this is going, am I right?
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Happy Planners
I suppose I should explain myself . . .
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s First Planner
- This is my first planner. I purchased it to help keep track of all my social media work. Then I bought some expansion packs like the menu planner and home planner sets. Little did I know how it would change my life. Creativity brings peace, so whether I’m planning a meal or working out the budget, using my Planner makes me, well, Happy. I think that’s the whole point.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Second Planner: Blessings Abound.
2. Realizing what a blessing my Happy Planner is, I picked up a second one. I don’t remember to write every day, but when I do, I’m astounded by the little “pennies” I keep track of. From a friendly client to a free Starbucks to a bill that was paid, all the little “Thank You’s” the Universe blesses me with go into this book. The year’s only half over, and already I’m overwhelmed with seeing how it’s a wonderful life.
Frankly, My Dear . . .: MoJo’s Recipe Planner
3. Of course, after I used a few of the menu pages, I realized I had to get a separate book for all my recipes. I can plan party menus, holiday delights, and keep tracking of my grocery lists all in one great location. It’s complete with great foodie quotes, and kitchen measurements. How sweet is that?!
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Blue Ridge Planner
4. Ah, Blue Ridge. That wonderful writers conference that beckons me each May. Of course this year I put together my own binder. Class list? Check. Appointments list? Check. To Do With Friends list? Check. Plenty of blank paper for note taking and idea making. A calendar I could fill, or not, as I chose. And that ever-inspiring dashboard. [Click here to read about my Blue Ridge Happy Planner.]
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Blogging Planner
5. My Blogging Planner. I just picked this one up this month. With my new website and the forthcoming redesign for Frankly, My Dear . . . and all the blog traffic coming and going, I wanted one special place to note my online presence and to track contributors for Frankly, My Dear. And let’s be real. That awesome Peacock Pen from Paige needed a home.
What’s that? You saw more Planner covers in the top photo? Aww, I can’t get nothin’ by you, can I?
Frankly, My Dear . . .: MoJo’s Extra Planners
Additional Planner covers come in sets of three. So when I created-from-scratch started my Blue Ridge Conference Planner, I had two cover sets left over. The one on the left above is now used as a “memory” planner. As each month passes, I take the pages from my main planner and transfer to this one. It serves as a great record keeper, and I don’t have to search far to find notes. On the right is an as yet unpurposed cover set. I’m thinking I may turn it into my Holiday Planner. I can picture it now: recipes, gift guides, short stories, shopping lists. Yes. Yes, that’s what I’ll do. Thanks for helping me figure that out.
Soon I’ll have Planner Lucky Number 8: I’m going to start a novel bible for CENTRAL. I didn’t do so with NOLA and I wish I had. [Read: #AmWriting: Using a Calendar to Storyboard Your Novel.] As soon as I start CENTRAL, I’ll track character notes, backstory, magazine clippings, thoughts, and of course, the dreaded rough draft.
Yikes. I mean, yea.
Happy Planning with BEE the Zebra
Tell me, how do you stay organized? And, can you overdo it?
TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear: Five Things Friday: My Happy Planners @RealMojo68 #happyplanner #franklymydear #FiveThingsFriday
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Oct 3, 2014 |
Five Things Friday at Frankly, My Dear…
When I was young, peacocks were, in my mind, nearly mythical creatures. Their elegant strutting, colorful plumage, and resounding cries were what stories were made of.
Not having any peacocks of my own or in the neighborhood, they were also elusive. A yearly trip to the state zoo often satisfied my curiosity yet left me wondering what it must be like to be so majestic.
The older I grew, the less I went to the zoo. And now, here I am, at least two decades removed from my last up-close animal encounter of any good consequence, with the exception of the rarely spotted coyote or roadrunner.
Without their presence to remind me, I’d forgotten much about peacocks. Until recently. Here then, in homage to these extraordinary creatures, is today’s FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: Peacocks.
1. Mystery and Manners by Flannery O’Connor. A Southern writer, Ms. O’Connor deflates the notion that all writers are the same. There is something exquisitely different and compelling not only about the Southern writer, but of the stories they tell. This book is teaching me to not be afraid of telling the stories that only I can tell.
Mystery and Manners: The King of the Birds
2. King. Imagine my surprise that the very first chapter of Mystery and Manners is titled “The King of the Birds.” This is the catalyst for my resurfaced love. Ms. O’Connor wrote of the many peacocks she owned, their behaviors and antics. How beautiful to read of the differences between peacocks and peahens. Not only have I learned more about the craft of writing, I discovered more about peacocks than I previously knew. With all their afore-mentioned qualities and more, they most certainly deserve this title. And here’s another tie-in to New Orleans (are you surprised?)—one of the main characters of my new favorite TV show (NCIS: New Orleans, of course!) is nicknamed “King.”
NOLA_Writers. I want this job.
3. My daughter. She should be a peacock. She’s stunning. She’s gentle yet strong. She doesn’t worry about what others think when she’s doing her thing. And she’s extremely talented. Earlier this week I asked her to paint me a peacock. This is her work in progress:
Dot’s Peacock
4. Home. Just recently I started a home-improvement kick that has snowballed into the desire to repaint nearly every room in the house. It’s my intention to brighten up my bedroom with a lighter, softer palette. I’ve decided on a pale peacock theme. Can you imagine a retreat in those cozy colors? Just check out this idea I found through Lowe’s Pinterest board (used by permission.)
5. NOLA. Let’s be real—everything in my life right now leads back to New Orleans. How did I not see before this month that the peacock holds the colors prevalent in Mardi Gras and The Big Easy? Glorious purples, blues, greens and gold. When I get to New Orleans, I want to wear a peacock Mardi Gras mask and hat, and strut about the streets without a care in the world. NOLA is more than a book to me. It infuses every part of me. It’s my book, my characters. I live, eat, breathe, and sleep NOLA. The peacock has become my personal symbol of that creativity and success, as well as freedom and individuality.
BONUS: Without realizing it, I’ve already started turning into a peacock. My wardrobe is more colorful than it used to be. There’s a feather in my bedroom. I’m more attracted to blues and purples than I used to be. Dot bought me these earrings for my birthday last spring. While they’re not peacock feathers, they certainly remind me of them. As you can imagine, they’re now my favorite and I wear them more than any other except my pennies.
Peacock Earrings
How fun might it be to own a real peacock? I’ll keep that in mind for Bedford Manor.
Now it’s your turn: What beautiful creatures influence your life? Leave your Five Things Friday in the comments below.
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: #DoingTheWriteThing
FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: The Experience
Five Years and a Party
Jan 6, 2014 |
Dear Disneyland,
Hello. Have you missed us? Because we miss you. We’d like to think our absence has been noticed, and not that we’ve been replaced.
It’s costly to come see you, but that’s our goal this year. Once the economy settles and our personal finances allow, we hope to once again stop under your famed arch.
Disneyland Arch
To my family – that is, just Dot and myself – Disneyland is so much more than a place to visit. It’s like coming home. There’s a feeling, an atmosphere, an aroma that captures us once we churn through the gate and get our hands stamped. I always have to stop for just a moment. I have to regain my heartbeat and catch my breath. And without a conscious thought, any stress I brought in with me is magically removed. I forget to think about work or chores or outside drama. I find myself smiling like a child: carefree and in awe.
We’ve been lucky enough in the past to spend family vacations within your Resort. We’ve also possessed Annual Passes. But that seems a lifetime ago, before the woes of the world snuck in and changed things.
We never lose hope that this is the year we’ll climb back on top and once again be able to be in your presence.
Because you are Magical.
The Three Fairies
And no matter how often we visit, there is always a mix of the familiar with the new. We never fail to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. To Dot’s dismay, this is one of only two roller coasters that I’ll enjoy. (The other being Gadget’s Go Coaster).
Of course, we have to eat at both the French Market in New Orleans Square, and Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland. One good meal a day is all we need to supplement the endless supply of snackbars and popcorn stands. We appreciate the healthy fruit choices, too. A cold bottle of water and a juicy orange really keeps us satisfied.
And the Character Dining? Seriously?! How awesome are you to have thought that one up! Food and fun for all, all at once? You make it so easy to play with our food, especially the Mickey-shaped waffles at breakfast!
Dessert Platter at Disneyland’s Ariel’s Grotto
We’ve experienced Goofy’s Kitchen, Plaza Inn, and Ariel’s Grotto. I’m desperate for the Storyteller’s Cafe. I’m saving that experience for the Dream Vacation (more on that later!).
Disneyland is the place we can bring Grandma for a leisurely day filled with glorious singing birds in the Tiki Room and majestic history at Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
Painting in Disneyland’s Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
Disneyland is where we go to meet up with friends for special occasions. Or, just because we can.
The Pirate Pose
You make it possible.
Disneyland is inspirational. The story of Walt Disney encourages me daily.
Walt’s Bench at Disneyland
Walt’s Bench
Disney Dream
When I think I can’t write or get published, I think of Disney. And I know anything is possible. And when I hear “no” I keep trying. Because Walt did. And Disneyland does.
You’re so much more than a park.
You are one of the reasons I love Carousels. It’s never ridiculous for adults to find as much joy and amazement as the little children do while riding their steeds on King Arthur’s Carousel.
Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Mickey’s Toontown, Adventureland, Critter Country, Frontierland… but my favorite is Main Street, U.S.A. It’s where the journey begins. It’s where all roads lead to Mickey.
The Man and The Mouse
And let’s not forget about Disney’s California Adventure right across the walkway. So many wonderfully magical moments await us there. A Bug’s Land is kid-sized but a place for people of all ages. California Soarin’ is a ride that scared This scared-of-heights Girl with it’s hang-gliding sensations so intense that I can’t wait to go back for another thrill.
Downtown Disney is another experience unto itself. The World of Disney, Marceline’s Confectionery and Disney Vault 23 are just a few of our favorite stores. When Dot was younger Build-a-bear was a must-do on our list (Don’t tell anyone this, but since I’m a teddy bear collector, for me it still is!).
Oh, yes, Disneyland. We miss you very much!
You’ve surprised us with chance encounters. That time I scheduled a trip and you called to let me know it coincided with the premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean. How we were in the right place at the right time to get a hello from Orlando Bloom and a wink from Johnny Depp.
Premiere of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
And when we stayed with you that time when just down the street, one of my favorite authors was doing a book signing!
Stephen Cannell & I
Yes, Disney. You’ve truly been there for us.
I almost forgot one of the best parts: The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. This is where Dot and I last vacationed, back in 2010. Knowing it would most likely be our last family vacation for quite a while, we opted to splurge. No longer a young child, Dot was looking for something a bit more sophisticated. The Grand Californian offered us not only the exquisite relaxation we needed, but the Disney experience we craved. I even created my bedroom in homage to that wonderful weekend!
Mini-suite at the Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
My Disney-inspired Bedroom
We miss you, Disneyland. We miss you like a best friend and like a home-cooked meal after a hard day. We miss you like our cheerleader and confidante and a welcome hug.
We miss your coffee and your rides and your behind-the-scenes tours and your up-front-and-personal characters. We miss every ounce of you.
You’ve seen us through difficult times and great accomplishments. You’ve encouraged us to keep trying, and celebrated our successes. When we feel a bit let down or left out, you never disappoint.
And that is why, Dear Disneyland, we are striving to find our way back to you.
At the Wishing Well
Saying Goodbye
Wait for us.
Sincerely,
Molly Jo & Dot
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
My Day at Disneyland
Real Disney Characters
Following Fabian
My Last Disney Day
My Soundtrack: The Year of the MoJo
Sep 9, 2012 |
[NOTE: You can find links to all My Housing Project posts here.]
When the Fruitless Mulberry was cut down a year ago, the remaining roots started to wither and unlevel the underground. So as I worked on pulling up the Mock Orange root ball, Dot sat in the shade and began to pull up roots.
Dot’s Hard Work
Pulling Up Roots
It’s exciting to find actual soil mixing up as well; that will make planting next year so much easier for both myself and the new plants.
As one led to another, she was careful to not dissect the largest root; but rather keep it intact until the end of the day. The little dried up feeder roots were easily pulled, but the thicker ones took some effort.
Thick Roots
So Lizzie Cat got involved.
Lizzie Helps Dot
At day’s end, this is the result of Dot’s hard work:
Roots
I can’t wait to get out there and rake the ground level again. And then work on another section of the yard.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
