Julie - Out and About

  There are times when I feel beautiful, there are times when I feel pretty - but I seem to have the most fun during those times that I feel Cute!   The following article was penned by a FB friend and inspiration, Dina Walters.  "There's a special kind of magic in being cute. Not runway perfection. Not airbrushed magazine fantasy. But cute.  Warm, approachable, smile-making cute. "C ute isn’t about flawless eyeliner or perfectly sculpted cheekbones. Cute is the sparkle in your eye when you laugh at a joke between friends. Cute is a soft top in a blush shade that whispers confidence without ever shouting. Cute is choosing to see yourself every day with kindness, even on the days when the mirror feels like an evil trickster. " For so long, I thought I had to earn beauty. Earn femininity. Earn the right to look in the mirror and say, Yes, darling, you’re radiant. But somewhere along this journey, I’ve learned that cute is totally free. Cute is mine already. Cute is...

 Due to life circumstances, I don't anticipate much (if any) Julie time for the next 2 months. So today was a "get it while you can" breakfast date with my 2 dear Sister Friends. OOD - a very CHILLY D Sarah, Theresa and Me! We had a charming morning, discussing Sarah's work and Theresa's upcoming wedding (Oct 2026, but still). As well as 2 hours of laughs, tears, support, and uplifting each other - as Sisters should do.  I asked our Server to take this one - I should have thought about the back lighting, but there you are. As I have said before, getting all pretty and going out is a thrill. But sharing it with Friends/Sisters makes it SO much better.  And being with these two makes everything better. OK, I feel like I'm gushing a bit here, but c'mon! I love these ladies. The Moral Of The Post -- when you find that Special Friend, hold onto them. Don't let them go. The blessings will be multiplied when you share them with dear friends. Stay Safe And Pre...

Well, I did it again. I spent a week out of town working on a job during the day and letting Julie out to play during the evening. Those who follow this blog will know I have a bi-annual (semi-annual? twice-a-year annual??) job on the other side of the state. It's a full week - drive over on Monday, work Tuesday thru Thursday, drive back on Friday.  On the plus side, I have my evenings free. On the minus side, I'm  in a small town in Western WA where most everything closes by 8pm. And since I work til 7 . . . (sigh) But I still manage to get Pretty and go out I try to arrive early in the day on Monday so I can hit the Outlet Malls (perhaps the biggest draw) and the thrift shops (at least 3 good ones here). This trip was no exception. Monday Night's Outfit After some shopping, I went to my usual haunt -- Applebee's. Only coming here twice a year for a few days, I am always impressed that the bartenders there - Nerissa and Nicole - know me. On Monday I walked in and Neris...

  For the past "I don't know how many" years, I have been able to let Julie out most weekends - usually Saturday mornings. I meet with a friend for coffee and shopping, or I enjoy a nice breakfast out, and I usually get the weekly grocery shopping done.  Due to the sitution at home, I pack a bag on Friday night then head out early Saturday to one of my 2 "Changing Places". (as seen in this photo) But lately I have been experiencing an unusualy phenomenon. I get the bag packed ok, but come Saturday morning I have no desire to go out.  The one thing that guarantees me actually following through is making an appointment with a friend. If we have arranged to meet, I have no problem. But if it's just me, on my own, I often (usually?) bail. It doesn't mean I don't want to dress. It doesn't mean I don't want to spend some Julie Time Out And About. But I can't seem to generate the motivation to go out.  I then regret the decision for the rest of ...