Need A List??

Yes, I said a List. What kind of List am I talking about? Well, any kind of task that needs a list. Spring cleaning your house, guest room preparation, kids going to camp, kid going to college, organizing, event planning, prepping the garden, grocery, all kinds of lists.  A list where you get to check it off when you are done.

I came across this site ListBean from reading Sherri Kruger’s blog, Serene Journey. She co-founded this site, it is truly amazing – a woman after my own heart and a treasurer of goodies here to make your life easier.

Lists, sometimes I think it is my middle name. I had lists for various things, first on paper and I photocopied them when the occasion arose. Then I typed them up in my computer so I could print one off at a moments notice. I’d critique them as times changed so that they would be as current as possible. I had two list for traveling – domestic and international. I had a standard grocery list containing all the staples I would use. I had event lists for holidays, a spring cleaning list – some lists had breakdowns for a time line of a month before, two weeks before, mini shopping list, and the day it would all happen.

You could say that is a bit obsessive and I might agree, naw not really. You could agree and say life is so much more busy and now it makes sense. Yet, if life is so much more busier, then a set of lists, tailored to meet your demands and schedule will make your life simpler and peaceful.

Thanks to Sherri for taking this idea to the net. I recommend you stopping by, sign up, log in and begin to enjoy the joy of a great list!

Got a Library??

It's not surprising that I am looking for software.  Now with more experience, I want a SaaS or software-as-a-service applications.  Forget the "I want the application stored on my computer".  I want it in the clouds.

While I was looking for various apps, I came across this company that makes an on-line library for your collection(s).  http://connect.collectorz.com/  check them out!  So no matter your collection, books, movies, and even mp3s, you can have a hosted inventory of your collection. 

Ok - it's the geeky side of me :)  When you can find a solution that will assist in keeping order in life - then this is great so far, great price!

If you'd like to see my collection so far ....   Lace Books is the link.

One Unforgettable Big Summer Night

Hartford Public Library's Annual Fundraiser serves you the perfect recipe for One Unforgettable Big Summer Night

All the town was a buzz as hundreds of guests were greeted in black tie dressed ushers at the Connecticut Convention Center. Up to the Ballroom floor with great view of the city below, lovers of libraries, especially Hartford Public Library arrived to celebrate an amazing evening.

We began with some wonderful refreshments, silent auction, and lots of meeting and greeting.  The Hall High Jazz Combo filled the air with lovely music.  All of a sudden there was singing. The Connecticut Family Theater performed in dance and song "Be our Guest" as the doors to the ballroom were opened to where we would have dinner and our program. We were just getting warmed up!

Dinner was served and keeping in the spirit of all that is an unforgettable night ....... Our dinner was ...

  Menu de Julia Child

Supremes De Volaille A Blanc

Bibb Salad

Tarte au Citron et aux Amandes

"..... bon appetit ....."  Can't you just hear Julia?

Our guest was celebrated author Julie Powell. All of us  had the privilege to get to know a little more about this woman. Author of Julie & Julia she explained that this idea came from a book.   She cooked 365 straight days and 524 recipies from Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking in one tiny apartment and blogged each day. She was delightful to listen to and she even answer a question from yours truly about the blogging side of the experience.

Of course the night wasn't over. Good friend, Linda Stamm of Winter Associates was the auctioneer and did a superb job in raising additional contributions for this wonderful jewel in the city of Hartford.

What a classy event!  Even our chocolate gifts had HPL imprinted on them.  As happy and great fun as this evening was, we parted knowing that all guests enjoyed themselves and each of us helped contribute to a great library.  My hat is off to all of HPL!  See you soon Mary!

PS - Marian Amodeo was publicly introduced as the new chief public services officer of HPL.  Go Marian!

Play Hooky and Discover

A week or so ago I took a hooky day.  It was great.  In my humble opinion, to have a hooky day is a day with a Plan.  A Plan that takes you away from your daily life of stuff.  So no stuff is allowed.

So I did and this day it took me out to Rhode Island.  I was off to pick up my Uncle's piece at the silversmith.  Now if you need a silversmith - this is your new best friend.  His name is Jeffrey Herman.  He is truly a find.  He repaired and polished the pieces as requested.  When I saw them, I cried, absolutely so beautiful.

Then, please, get me off the highways.  So I found the faintest line on the map representing a local road and headed off to see what I could find.  It was fun, winding around country roads. Such lovely homes and beautiful gardens and in between it all snippit views of the Atlantic.

Then around a bend I drove (actually twice) and came across Lafayette Antiques.  the shop looked small from the outside, but once through the front door it was a feast for your eyes.   Greg & Bianca, the owners, were amazing hosts while I slowly went around - there must have been a dozen rooms with lots of nooks and crannies.  There was everything, and so much of it was in Art Deco.  That was a feast.  So around the back side and remembering to look up, I found a chandelier of drop crystals that filled a dream.  It needs a new light for the center, and a good washing. We did a bit of barganing and it is now home with me. When I get it up and hanging, I'll have a picture for you to enjoy.

That wasn't it, I was still off for more.  Following the road east, it was only short drive to find myself on the Newport Bridge and landing in Newport.  I found the first parking space and began to explore.  Today wasn't a day for the mansions, it was for the galleries.  More feasting for the soul.  As the sun began to set, a friend from high school, Susan, met me at the Black Pearl where we had drinks and dinner.  We joked and laughed, the Pearl was one of the first places she and I went to when I joined her for a summer share in a house in Newport during college and the America's Cup days.  Dinner was great, conversation of catching up, about her and her daughters, my travels and escapes.  Sitting next to us was a father and daughter.  They were celebrating her graduation from West Point.  She has a little more time off before reporting for duty as an officer in the US Army.   

What a lovely day - it ended with a peaceful drive back home.  It was a great day, full of fun and discovery.  Most of all it was a real hooky day.

Plan a hooky day for yourself - you deserve it.