Fall is without a doubt my most favorite time of the year. For me, Fall is layering out of need rather than preference, drinking hot tea for warmth rather than mere enjoyment, and loads of lamplight while devouring a new (or old) book. Tomorrow marks the first day of October, hands down my favorite month of the year. I anticipate Fall moving into full swing with the smell of leaves, crisp mornings and nice evening walks with a good coat.
To intensify my excitement for Fall, I have made a playlist that seems just right in my mind when it comes to the season. Download it here
My description: "these songs are ones to be enjoyed with a hot mug of whatever tickles your fancy while sitting beside someone who is really good at holding hands**."
**note** On my Fall to-do list: meet a good handholder. Y'all may work as my accomplices and find one for me, not that I am nudging any elbows or anything...
1. "Little Garçon" by Born Ruffians
2. "3 a.m." by Gregory Alan Isakov
3. "Sort of Revolution" by Fink
4. "In Winter" by Matthew and the Atlas
5. "Dream" by Priscilla Ahn
6. "Orange Sky" by Alexi Murdoch
7. "Your Arms Around Me" by Jens Lekman
8. "Cosmia" by Joanna Newsom
9. "My Lady's House" by Iron & Wine
10. "Casmir Pulaski Day" by Sufjan Stevens
11. "December Baby" by Ingrid Michaelson
12. "Raining in Baltimore" by Counting Crows
13. "Raising Cain" by Gregory Alan Isakov
14. "Shape Shifter" by Local Natives
15. "Saeglopur" by Sigur Ros
Have a great October, y'all.
xoxo,
lady
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
the story behind the feather
when someone passes away, the people left behind will generally try to remember only the good things about them. i am not opposed to this. it is much better to remember only the best things about them. however, you do fall into danger of making the deceased person a "thing of legend."
when my dad was killed in a car wreck almost four years ago, i remember being showered with nothing but the best and kindest regards for him. i knew he was well-loved by many; this was not a shock to me. after he died, i found myself in a room with many of his co-workers who got to see him longer than i did each day. they told story after story, many of which i didn't know. they talked about his uncompromising morals, but they didn't fail to tell of his practical jokes and contagious laugh. i knew he was a good man, but hearing just how human he was made me realize that my superman was in fact a living breathing thing who couldn't defy death like my little girl thoughts would believe. devastated by our loss, hearing these amazing moments those men got to share was something i craved. i loved hearing things i didn't know. it added to the mystery of his life and made me realize just what he was to different people: father, husband, chum, best friend, employee, mentor. this made him more real to me than i had ever thought.
one of my favorite stories involved my father and peacock on his construction site. the men started giggling like little girls telling the story of how my father chased down this peacock to get a feather and then the owner became irate and gave him a good chewing. the infamous "plucking of the peacock." it was one of their favorite memories to tell. that was the reason the men gave my family a wreath for our door that was covered in gorgeous peacock feathers. the wreath endured a lot of blistering winds because my father was killed in the end of october. when we got down to one lone feather that winter, my mother took that feather and framed it in the above photographed frame for me. a constant reminder of my father and the giggles that came with his story. it also served as a reminder of how proud my father was. he couldn't get over the fact that i was graduating college soon and going to become a teacher. i was the first person from my family to go to college.
after that, i became obsessed with peacock plumes. the colors are so rich and beautiful, i was mesmerized. then, lucky for me, they came in style the following year, and i was able to have my fill. and now, many people associate me with peacock plumes, and i don't mind at all.
i am not one for getting names of people tattooed on my body. not my thing. however, for the past three years, i have desired to have a peacock plume tattooed on my body in memory of my father. i have researched and researched and had yet to find one i was fully committed to. Best Friend got a tattoo at this new place in hillcrest called electric heart tattoo. she raved about it. then another dear friend of mine, karissa, told me she was coming into town to visit from florida (jel) and wanted to get tattoos while she was here. she and Best Friend set up an appointment for us, and i was paired with katie from electric heart. i sent her a message telling her what i wanted: something feminine, whimsical, and classy. when i got to the parlor for my appointment, i was nearly knocked down by the sight of her design because it was EXACTLY what i had been wanting for three years and could never find. i had wanted to have something beautiful and spirited by which to remember my father and a vivacious peacock plume was just that.
so, i tattooed it close to my heart.
xoxo
lady
Thursday, August 4, 2011
the story of the pearl.
hey, you. it has been a very long time.
too long, i gather.
though this post is shamefully overdue, i would like to share the story of my new dwelling place. the place i love so much and feel was built specifically with me in mind, even if she was built 67 years ago.
the pearl.
in the month of may, i was feeling a bit discouraged about my living situation. i was renting an apartment that was nestled on a golf course but was built very cookie-cutter and not very well, to boot. i lived downstairs and my upstairs neighbors could sneeze, and i'd hear it below. walk across the living room and it would sound like a herd of animals were roaming above. it was also a really ridiculous cost for a one woman to have a two-bedroom apartment. i spoke with some of my co-workers about it, and they said they would be on the lookout. one friend suggested a lady who worked in the school district who owned rental property with her husband. i contacted her in hopes of finding something more suiting for me. she told me of a house she and her husband were renting to her daughter. her daughter was wanting to move soon and had found a house in the country. (take in mind, i am doing all of this in the middle of may and my lease would be up june 28th. i would either have to renew for an entire year or find a new place.) the lady said she would let me know something within the week. i was excited because she told me the price of the rent was the same as my apartment...and it would be a whole house (oh, my thoughts...)
so during this week, my friend jules (could write an entire series of blogs gushing about my thankfulness for her and her friendship) and her husband went driving around after dinner in case they saw a house for me. one day, i received a text from jules saying she had found an adorable house, but it was for sale. she sent photos, but said they didn't really do it justice (it didn't, by the way). so charming from the get, i was instantly enamored. she had called the realtor for me and was waiting on the call back. she had left a message asking if it could be "rent-to-own" the idea of buying a house always creeped me out. it is such a big commitment. i kept thinking about all the upkeep and the fact that i would have to buy appliances to go in the house. ugh.
a couple days later, jules sends me a text with mulitple exclamation marks. in a nutshell, she was telling me the price (ridiculously low) and the fact that it was an elderly lady who was selling...and she wanted to leave all the appliances except the refridgerator. already an answer to my prayer, i knew i had to see this house. the next afternoon, i went to visit the house. i was instantly in love. jules and i had driven by many times already just to check it out from a distance. however, once i stepped foot inside, i knew it was mine. i know that is super cliche and cheesy, however true it is. i told my realtor that i wanted to put an offer down. the next day, i was qualified for a loan and went to put down an offer. the elderly lady later accepted. this was done on may 26...and i found out my closing date would be june 24. another answer to my prayers. i'd have two days to get my things moved to The Pearl because technically the seller has two days after the closing to move/stay/etc. (**note, i never heard from the lady about the rent house. her daughter's plans fell through and i only found this out after everything got going with the purchasing of my house. God's timing is always so perfect)
i was so nervous about many things, namely finances. i would have to cough up a nice little downpayment that would essentially be an entire month's paycheck. (savings shmavings was always my idea...ummm, lame...). it got closer to time, and i was so very anxious. inspections and signing my life away...all the while, trying to finish school, go to new york, and just breathe. i was exhausted. finally the day before closing came and i was going to do my final walk through. most of the lady's things were gone, and that is when i realized that i not only got a 3 bedroom house but a latin loverboy, as well. Best Friend was with me, and she saw that in the formal dining room there was tiled, mosaic matador. she laughed loudly, and i walked in to see that where the chifferobe had been, there was now "Maximo." the seller was afraid that i would see that and go running for the hills, but cupid's arrow couldn't have struck a more perfect candidate. i loved the history behind it. it was part of The Pearl, and now it was part of my story.
we closed on the 24th, and i found out my first house payment wouldn't be due until august 1st. i also found out that with my house note, including my property taxes and homeowners insurance, i would be saving $160 a month from what i had been paying in rent. what in the world?! saving money by buying a house? unheard of.
i met the previous owner for the first time. blue-haired with a shrill voice and oversized sunnies that took up most of her face. she was just as cute as The Pearl, and we set up a meeting two days later to sit and talk and for her to give me the keys. i went to get the utilites switched over to my name that day and was told that because the closing date was when it was, my first bill wouldn't be due till september. such fantastic news because i was going to be living on one paycheck for two months and would receive my next paycheck august 20th. another piece of great news, i got a call from a gym in town needing someone for the month of july to teach yoga, toning, and zumba. this would be 9 classes a week and would later save me a lot from being bored because with me, boredom always meant spending money i shouldn't. i was able to start moving in on the 26th. it was crazy and hectic but when it was all said and done, i was sitting in something that was actually mine. my very own home.
the pearl.
now this is crazy and terribly long-winded,but i wanted to share with you my joy. also, the fact that i feel incredibly blessed and that God gave me something, yet again, that i do not deserve. He put people in my life for different purposes, one of which was to show me this house. God has taught me things about myself, things i could do that i didn't know were possible. i didn't believe: a. i could get a loan all by myself, no one else with me to sign. b. i could take care of my finances and "make it" on a whole lot less than what i was. 2 months. 1 month's pay. what joy! what encouragement! i couldn't be more blessed and thankful for this new journey in my life.
i hope you have your own "pearl" for which to be thankful.
too long, i gather.
though this post is shamefully overdue, i would like to share the story of my new dwelling place. the place i love so much and feel was built specifically with me in mind, even if she was built 67 years ago.
the pearl.
in the month of may, i was feeling a bit discouraged about my living situation. i was renting an apartment that was nestled on a golf course but was built very cookie-cutter and not very well, to boot. i lived downstairs and my upstairs neighbors could sneeze, and i'd hear it below. walk across the living room and it would sound like a herd of animals were roaming above. it was also a really ridiculous cost for a one woman to have a two-bedroom apartment. i spoke with some of my co-workers about it, and they said they would be on the lookout. one friend suggested a lady who worked in the school district who owned rental property with her husband. i contacted her in hopes of finding something more suiting for me. she told me of a house she and her husband were renting to her daughter. her daughter was wanting to move soon and had found a house in the country. (take in mind, i am doing all of this in the middle of may and my lease would be up june 28th. i would either have to renew for an entire year or find a new place.) the lady said she would let me know something within the week. i was excited because she told me the price of the rent was the same as my apartment...and it would be a whole house (oh, my thoughts...)
so during this week, my friend jules (could write an entire series of blogs gushing about my thankfulness for her and her friendship) and her husband went driving around after dinner in case they saw a house for me. one day, i received a text from jules saying she had found an adorable house, but it was for sale. she sent photos, but said they didn't really do it justice (it didn't, by the way). so charming from the get, i was instantly enamored. she had called the realtor for me and was waiting on the call back. she had left a message asking if it could be "rent-to-own" the idea of buying a house always creeped me out. it is such a big commitment. i kept thinking about all the upkeep and the fact that i would have to buy appliances to go in the house. ugh.
a couple days later, jules sends me a text with mulitple exclamation marks. in a nutshell, she was telling me the price (ridiculously low) and the fact that it was an elderly lady who was selling...and she wanted to leave all the appliances except the refridgerator. already an answer to my prayer, i knew i had to see this house. the next afternoon, i went to visit the house. i was instantly in love. jules and i had driven by many times already just to check it out from a distance. however, once i stepped foot inside, i knew it was mine. i know that is super cliche and cheesy, however true it is. i told my realtor that i wanted to put an offer down. the next day, i was qualified for a loan and went to put down an offer. the elderly lady later accepted. this was done on may 26...and i found out my closing date would be june 24. another answer to my prayers. i'd have two days to get my things moved to The Pearl because technically the seller has two days after the closing to move/stay/etc. (**note, i never heard from the lady about the rent house. her daughter's plans fell through and i only found this out after everything got going with the purchasing of my house. God's timing is always so perfect)
i was so nervous about many things, namely finances. i would have to cough up a nice little downpayment that would essentially be an entire month's paycheck. (savings shmavings was always my idea...ummm, lame...). it got closer to time, and i was so very anxious. inspections and signing my life away...all the while, trying to finish school, go to new york, and just breathe. i was exhausted. finally the day before closing came and i was going to do my final walk through. most of the lady's things were gone, and that is when i realized that i not only got a 3 bedroom house but a latin loverboy, as well. Best Friend was with me, and she saw that in the formal dining room there was tiled, mosaic matador. she laughed loudly, and i walked in to see that where the chifferobe had been, there was now "Maximo." the seller was afraid that i would see that and go running for the hills, but cupid's arrow couldn't have struck a more perfect candidate. i loved the history behind it. it was part of The Pearl, and now it was part of my story.
we closed on the 24th, and i found out my first house payment wouldn't be due until august 1st. i also found out that with my house note, including my property taxes and homeowners insurance, i would be saving $160 a month from what i had been paying in rent. what in the world?! saving money by buying a house? unheard of.
i met the previous owner for the first time. blue-haired with a shrill voice and oversized sunnies that took up most of her face. she was just as cute as The Pearl, and we set up a meeting two days later to sit and talk and for her to give me the keys. i went to get the utilites switched over to my name that day and was told that because the closing date was when it was, my first bill wouldn't be due till september. such fantastic news because i was going to be living on one paycheck for two months and would receive my next paycheck august 20th. another piece of great news, i got a call from a gym in town needing someone for the month of july to teach yoga, toning, and zumba. this would be 9 classes a week and would later save me a lot from being bored because with me, boredom always meant spending money i shouldn't. i was able to start moving in on the 26th. it was crazy and hectic but when it was all said and done, i was sitting in something that was actually mine. my very own home.
the pearl.
now this is crazy and terribly long-winded,but i wanted to share with you my joy. also, the fact that i feel incredibly blessed and that God gave me something, yet again, that i do not deserve. He put people in my life for different purposes, one of which was to show me this house. God has taught me things about myself, things i could do that i didn't know were possible. i didn't believe: a. i could get a loan all by myself, no one else with me to sign. b. i could take care of my finances and "make it" on a whole lot less than what i was. 2 months. 1 month's pay. what joy! what encouragement! i couldn't be more blessed and thankful for this new journey in my life.
i hope you have your own "pearl" for which to be thankful.
xoxo,
lady
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
you don't have a clue
...who you impact.
i just received an email notifying me of a facebook message that was sent. i looked down and saw the name from the sender. nothing really rang a bell at first glance. then, when i opened my facebook, i read it and was brought to tears. you know: those big, crocodile ones that seem to well faster than "normal ones." it was from a student at my school who had found me on facebook. she isn't one of my students, but last week, she had been placed in my room for the Algebra End of Course exam (EOC). this is what she had to say:
i just received an email notifying me of a facebook message that was sent. i looked down and saw the name from the sender. nothing really rang a bell at first glance. then, when i opened my facebook, i read it and was brought to tears. you know: those big, crocodile ones that seem to well faster than "normal ones." it was from a student at my school who had found me on facebook. she isn't one of my students, but last week, she had been placed in my room for the Algebra End of Course exam (EOC). this is what she had to say:
Dear Miss Simmons,
I know that you don't have me, and that you probably don't have any clue who I am, but I just wanted to let you know that I was in your class for the EOC and I think you're pretty amazing. You make me just want to go outside and stop time. Prove the impossible. Even just when I pass you in the hallways, it's enough for me to want to belt it out to the world. So, yeah. That's about all I wanted to say. And that I think you're an awesome teacher as well. Many of my friends have and love you. Thank you for making such a difference in their lives and in the school overall.
Sincerely,
R.B.
I know that you don't have me, and that you probably don't have any clue who I am, but I just wanted to let you know that I was in your class for the EOC and I think you're pretty amazing. You make me just want to go outside and stop time. Prove the impossible. Even just when I pass you in the hallways, it's enough for me to want to belt it out to the world. So, yeah. That's about all I wanted to say. And that I think you're an awesome teacher as well. Many of my friends have and love you. Thank you for making such a difference in their lives and in the school overall.
Sincerely,
R.B.
i didn't have a clue.
xoxo,
lady
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
a very sunny, very girly mix
hello, my frens.
last weekend kind of freaked me out with all the cool weather. i just ended up piling on the blankets because i REFUSED to put on my heat. May needs to get with the program. today was very gorgeous outside with just the right dose of breeziness. i was actually team teaching at the high school today because the 10th grade english teacher and i wanted to collaborate, so i could see where the 10th graders were (to plan for next year. she is coming to team teach with me on thursday, so she can see what she is getting next year. this was the best idea ever, by the way.) besides 16-year-olds, she has something that i do not...WINDOWS. i basically teach in a sunless cave all day and never know what the weather is like. today, i knew at all times, and it was so refreshing. SO refreshing that i decided to make a playlist dedicated to beautiful days like this one. i have been trying to nail down a groovy, girl-friendly mix for some time now, and today, armed with sunny inspiration, i took care of business. this is what i ended up with and can honestly say: i'm kind of a smitten kitten. so far, this mix has been good for baking/cleaning in the apt or driving around with oversized shades on.
last weekend kind of freaked me out with all the cool weather. i just ended up piling on the blankets because i REFUSED to put on my heat. May needs to get with the program. today was very gorgeous outside with just the right dose of breeziness. i was actually team teaching at the high school today because the 10th grade english teacher and i wanted to collaborate, so i could see where the 10th graders were (to plan for next year. she is coming to team teach with me on thursday, so she can see what she is getting next year. this was the best idea ever, by the way.) besides 16-year-olds, she has something that i do not...WINDOWS. i basically teach in a sunless cave all day and never know what the weather is like. today, i knew at all times, and it was so refreshing. SO refreshing that i decided to make a playlist dedicated to beautiful days like this one. i have been trying to nail down a groovy, girl-friendly mix for some time now, and today, armed with sunny inspiration, i took care of business. this is what i ended up with and can honestly say: i'm kind of a smitten kitten. so far, this mix has been good for baking/cleaning in the apt or driving around with oversized shades on.
- "Tenderness" by General Public
- "Someone Great" by LCD Soundsystem
- "Natural's Not In It" by Gang of Four
- "Dare" by Gorillaz
- "They" by Jem
- "The Owls Go" by Architecture in Helsinki
- "When I Grow Up" by Garbage
- "She Doesn't Get It" by The Format
- "Get Up Offa That Thing" by James Brown
- "Young Folks" by Peter Bjorn and John (given)
- "Honey" by Mariah Carey
- "Fruit Machine" by The Ting Tings
- "Doo Wop(That Thing)" by Lauryn Hill
- "Beautiful Trash" by Lanu
- "Cosy in the Rocket" by Psapp
- "Doing it Right" by The Go! Team
- "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" by Cake (given)
- "Rock With You" by Michael Jackson
- "Gobbledigook" by Sigur Ros
- "Talking Out Louds" by Page France
xoxo,
lady
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
my relaxing playlist
'ello, muh sweets.
what a lovely week it has been. there is nothing really wacky to report. for me, it has been all wonderful, so i am going to forgo the "wacky and wonderful" and share with you a mix i concocted. i made this relaxing playlist last week when the weather was unfriendly and enjoyed it so much that i have been listening to it in the sun rays this week. isn't music funny like that? i mean...this got me through storms and grey skies but is turning around and having the same effect on me with sunshine and blue skies. has music ever done that to you?
.a r e l a x i n g mix by the lady.
this has been a fun one to bounce around to when the weather is nice:
hope you are having the loveliest of weeks. it is teacher appreciation week. (so, if you can read this, thank a teacher...not necessarily me. ha.)
what a lovely week it has been. there is nothing really wacky to report. for me, it has been all wonderful, so i am going to forgo the "wacky and wonderful" and share with you a mix i concocted. i made this relaxing playlist last week when the weather was unfriendly and enjoyed it so much that i have been listening to it in the sun rays this week. isn't music funny like that? i mean...this got me through storms and grey skies but is turning around and having the same effect on me with sunshine and blue skies. has music ever done that to you?
.a r e l a x i n g mix by the lady.
- "Go do" by Jonsi
- "Your Ex Lover is Dead" by Stars
- "Clementine" by Sarah Jaffe
- "Little Garcon" by Born Ruffians
- "Awake my Soul" by Mumford and Sons
- "Within the Rose" by Matthew and the Atlas
- "Poison and Wine" by the Civil Wars
- "Trois Gymnopedies" by Erik Satie
- "Eat, Sleep, Repeat" by Copeland
- "This Is Why We Fight" by the Decemberists
- "Avril 14th" by Aphex Twin
- "Good Friday" by Coco Rosie
- "Plus Je T'Embrasse" by Blossom Dearie
- "Carry Me Ohio" by Sun Kil Moon
- "Swarming" by Efterklang
this has been a fun one to bounce around to when the weather is nice:
ha. my students love when i play this song for them. they either call it "that sleepy song" or "that chipmunk song"... :)
hope you are having the loveliest of weeks. it is teacher appreciation week. (so, if you can read this, thank a teacher...not necessarily me. ha.)
xoxo,
lady
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
the wacky and wonderful
wacky:
- running out of gas. not a great way to start your day. my gracious. i have been officially driving on my own for 11 years now and had yet to ever encounter this predicament until this morning. i was on my way to school and about two blocks from a gas station...putt putt putt. i had to drive into a strangers drive way and call some teacher friends...who told MY BOSS who called me and said, "I'm on my way." ok, awkward and weird to have this happen, but then to have your boss come bail you out. ugh. (but i guess this would also fall into the wonderful category, too, because i am so grateful to work for someone who is willing to help a sista' out).
- this conversation in class today:
me: so kids...what do you want to do when you graduate high school? thoughts?
girl: i want to go to texas a &m.
me: really? awesome...so what do you want to study?
girl: well, i want to do nails...so...nail technician?
me: ummm...well, darlin', you know you can go to cosmetology school and save yourself a lot of money...
girl: well...but miss simmons...i really want to go to college.
me: oh, please do! so are you thinking business? like to own your own nail salon?
girl: oh no, miss simmons, i think i am just going to study nursing.
me: oh...nursing... you do realize you are going to have to go to nursing school. so...when you are finished with everything you are going to be a nurse?
girl: ummm...no, miss simmons. i still want to do nails for a living...i am just going to save nursing as a back up.
i can't make this stuff up, y'all. welcome to my world...
- the fact that kit kats aren't more diabetic friendly...boo, why you no healthy?
- it is almost may, and i am still having to wear tights. c'mon weather, get with the times!
- haven't seen Best Friend at all this week. we have a coffee date friday before i leave for the weekend, at least. what does she look like again? i am beginning to forget...
- diet mtn dew supernova. don't.knock.it.till.you.try.it. there are times when i forgo the cup of coffee and have a soda. my go-tos are cherry coke zero and diet mtn dew. i tried this baby for the first time today and my goodness, it is so great and so refreshing. i am always on the prowl for new diet drinks and this one will definitely be in my life this summer. strawberry melon goodness. getchu one...now!
- my sweet zumba class. we had dinner last thursday night and it was incredible. i really love those ladies and getting to invest in their lives outside of zumba. i am so blessed. so blessed, i say!
- this song. i have been listening to it on repeat all week. it seems to fit the tempestuous weather moods. still, so beautiful.
- cooking for myself. i really love having people over and cooking/baking for them. (you should come over. i mean it) but sometimes, it is nice to just do it for me, even though i live alone and will be eating it for days. it is nice to treat yourself as a guest. you should try it.
have a great rest of your week.
this tired lady is hitting the hay.
this tired lady is hitting the hay.
xoxo,
lady
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