Joy-FULL

Hello everyone!

Its starting to look a lot like Christmas.

Despite the sad events of this past season, 

I am full of joy.

I recognize that my life is full.  

Not perfect, but full of opportunity, love and friendships.  

I am not wealthy, but I am rich....in love, family, friendships and experiences.

I've spent most of the weekend and today trying to crank out 60 pages of writing for my thesis and a grant proposal...I have three days left to finish it....

but I found time for some work/fun.  Tonight I went to a Christmas party/Lia Sophia monthly meeting.  It was my first one since signing on as a rep...and I got some great ideas for my very first party on Friday.  I wanted to dress festively, and showcase one of my favorite Lia pieces...."Vapor".  I think this (yes...another LBD) Evan Picone (thrifted, of course) dress makes the perfect backdrop for such a striking necklace.

I adore this piece....its very shiny and has pretty, reflective cuts.  It looks very 'Gatsby/Art Deco' to me.  Its far more beautiful in person.

This hat fits that retro theme too....

The hat was made by a very friendly lady who is a widow.  She knits these gorgeous angora hats to supplement her fixed income.  I had purchase a brown one a couple of weeks ago at an Antiques/Gift shop in town and mentioned to the staff that I'd like to have one in black.  When I went in to the store today just to browse....my 'custom' hat was waiting for me.  They had told the crafter that I wanted a black and grey hat...and she knit it in a snap.  I am having her make a cream one and a purple one.....

I really don't need two more hats...but she could use the extra income, and they are cute and very reasonably priced.

I couldn't resist ordering two more..because she was just so charming.

Earlier in the day, I headed to my favorite sandwich shop with my computer to do some writing.  I just couldn't think at home any more.  I decided to test run this adorable New York and Company snake print dress.  It was super comfy and I love the pockets. I thrifted this for $4.00....which made me very happy, because I had pined for this dress when I saw it in the store at retail price. It was priced to high to justify the purchase at the time. Funny how the things I sometimes see and admire in retail stores end up in my path at the thrift store. Thrifting kismet?

Here's another Lia necklace.  I doubled it to fill the space on my neck...but it can be worn long too.  Its a very delicate piece.  If you haven't figured it out....I'm crazy about LS.  Fortunately, they make it very easy for advisors to build inventory for shows.

I also wrapped another Lia necklace (that came with my starter kit) around my boot...

I did sneak into the Goodwill and looked at a couple of dresses.  I realize that I need to wear a good smoothing undergarment with this dress...and I could lose a few pounds and it would look better, but I could not pass it up.  Yes, I bought it.  Its a tad snug...but the smoother will help...and I don't think its terrible.  

Back to the Lia event....

Santa paid a visit!  This was the best Santa I have seen in years; his beard and hair are real and he had that 'real' Santa glint in his eyes.

I met team Lia Sophia team members

  and my team leader...and of course, got to hang with Kori (the other blonde) who first dangled LS jewelry in my line of sight and tempted me to sign up as a rep.  (Kori's a social ballroom dancer....)

....at the meeting there was good food, fun games and Moscato.

Honestly, I really don't drink.  I had to participate in the toast, though.

Kori's a newlywed...which may explain how she was able to blow up so many balloons for this fun game we played.

(Please pardon my bedroom humor...that's the worse it gets though, I promise)

 
To play this game...the teams had to blow up balloons in a short time and stuff them into the panty hose.  Then one of the team members had to put it on her head 'reindeer' style, run around the table singing a Christmas carol.  The first team to do this was a winner.
One of the coolest things about this meeting/party is that each attendee was asked to bring a toy to donate to group of kids who are experiencing financial hardship.  You can't really see it well (unless you click the picture), but take a peek at the blue"seahorse" in the middle of the table.  He glows and plays a gentle song.  That was my donation.....sweet, soothing bedtime comfort for a child is a good gift I think.
I will leave you tonight with this picture of a home in my town.  Every year this home is generously decorated with thousands and thousands of lights.   Its a beautiful sight to behold and a wonderful gift to passers-by.  Its enchanting.  Enjoy.  There is so much to be joy-FULL about.