Monday, April 28, 2014

Serious Weather

It's been just a month short of three years since a mile-wide tornado decimated the two small communities in Etna and Denning, Arkansas. They are only a few miles north of our home and a couple of miles south of our business. Three people died in those ruined little towns, and it was astonishing that there were not more fatalities considering the extent of the damage.

Last night, sixteen more were killed here in Arkansas by a similar sized tornado. It struck just over one hundred miles to the east of us this time, a little north of Little Rock. Horribly, it touched down in a more densely populated area. Earlier in the evening, a smaller tornado took the one life in eastern Oklahoma.

The storms tracked north and south of us, and we were lucky yet again. I can't describe more details about the devastation, I can't bear to hear any more about it on the news, and I've been having a hard time thinking of much else today. These are not even the most destructive storms that have happened in our part of the country, but they are the closest and most recent, and nothing has seemed more important today.

But it's growing late in the afternoon on Blog Day, and it's on my self-imposed schedule to write about clothes and shoes and stuff I find funny or perplexing or infuriating. While there's the lingering feeling that it's inappropriate to even think about such trivial nonsense, it's also creepy and self-indulgent to dwell on the catastrophes that happen to others. And it's a welcome relief to remember that I have a thing that I need/want to do, the electricity is on, the internet available and my is computer is secure in my intact home, not lying in pieces in the next county. I'm unscathed and my crew is all well and undamaged. So I have no excuse not to post my blog, but I'm not offering any jokes today.

Thanks for your understanding.  




With storms going north and south of us for most of the day yesterday, the sky was a noxious shade of yellow-gray it often is before very bad weather. It was hot and so oppressively humid that it was hard to breathe. Hard, too, to leave the air-conditioned house for the car, then hard to leave the cool car once we got to Fort Smith. I dressed for the heat. You've seen everything but the Cynthia Rowley top. It's Asian inspired and origami-like, easy to wear and yet another great buy from TJ Maxx.  

90 comments:

  1. My thoughts and prayers to all who've suffered that devastation. As a self-imposed news ostrich, this is the first I've heard of this, but it doesn't make it any less dire. I'm relieved and gratified that all is well with you personally, and I totally understand the sentiment of going on with your blog today. It is certainly not trivial - it is a personal manifestation of you and I feel honored that you've chosen to share a bit of yourself even in the face of all this. The ensemble is weather-appropriate and topic-appropriate. Good form!

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  2. I've been thinking of you and Dan all day today, so glad to hear your safe and sound. It's amazing how much damage and devastation can take place within mere seconds of someones life. My thoughts and prayers have been with those affected by this latest storm.
    I do think it's perfectly suitable and ok for you to do your weekly outfit post and keep to normalcy, that's what keeps us and you smiling through this crazy period. Sometimes its the little trivial things in life that keep us going, right? As for your ensemble, I could wear balck and white everyday and still love it, nothing is more classy in my book.

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  3. Jan, I am thankful you are safe, and in spite of the disaster, you look gorgeous.

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  4. Hi Jan, glad to hear you are doing okay in such weather. You look great in this outfit, the top looks lovely on you and the shoes are very beautiful!

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  5. I would be a nervous wreck living in that part of the country! You should move to the West Coast, Jan - the worst we get is a lot of rain. You could open a restaurant out here and we'll be your best customers!

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  6. Oh dear friend, stay safe and blogblogblog as much as you want to! You know we always happy to read your posts and chat with you. I lived in the Midwest for a few years, and have never experienced a tornado, not even close... But Justin did, and I can imagine how hard it must be for people when it's so close.... I am with Val - come back here, so much fun here and no tornado. Just a volcano though. :) You look beautiful! Very dynamic outfit. You and Val both have Asian-inspired outfits today. :)

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  7. I didn't know about this, Jan, I'm so sorry for all those affected. We so rarely get any real weather extremes here, it's impossible to imagine living with the possibility, and reality, of such devastation.
    So yes, it is appropriate to be a little quiet and sober. To feel sad for others, and fortunate oneself. And your chic outfit reflects that, I think; understated, elegant, not all showy look-at-me, but a flattering fit, a splash of print, a monochrome palette, and great taste. Classic Jan, in fact. xxxx

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  8. I've been missing in action due to work and not been online but on my journey home yesterday I read the news about these tornados and the devastation. I thought instantly of you and hoped you and Dan were okay - very glad to come here and find that you are safe. So good thing you did post! Your hair looks wonderful! xx

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  9. I am glad to see that even in the worst situation you get time to look glorious, my adorable Jan.
    Be safe.
    Lots of love.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  10. I saw news footage of the storms and my thoughts turned to you, so pleased that you and your family are safe and sound. Your black and white outfit looks lovely on you and is perfectly understated.The new do is very smart indeed. Take care.

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  11. glad you're ok, and glad you've posted anyway!, sometimes frivolities are just necessary!
    besos

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  12. I am so sorry to hear about the tornados and loss of lives - it's truly awful! The helplessness must have been terrible. Very glad you and yours are safe. You look wonderful in your outfit - chic and the shoes - gorgeous!

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  13. lifestyleover40.comApril 29, 2014 at 4:36 AM

    Dear Jan, So sorry to hear about the lose of lives and devastation of the tornado. Life seems to mirror proportions from time to time... It is also the time to count our blessing.

    I got back home last night after 3 weeks in one of the poorest areas of India. Poverty, hunger and collapse of structure was everywhere. I was reminded, again, to appreciate my life, family and country and also that life is short and we human are transient...
    I love your Asian inspired outfit. Sara

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  14. My dear, sorry to know all of that. Glad you're safe and ok.
    I wish there was a bit of warm here, I'm still wearing wool sweaters. You look very elegant and that's a nice top.
    Thank you so much for dropping by my blog with such nice words.
    I'm not feeling that I matter these days.......
    Love and blessings your way.
    xoxo

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  15. I heard about this weather in the news and I was wondering how close it was to you. The weather is so up and down this year. It's no surprise that devastating weather is happening here in the US. I'm glad you are OK. It's strange, so much rain here that may even turn into snow today.


    Love you mod hair with the happening outfit! Isn't it fun how a haircut changes everything?


    blue hue wonderland

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  16. VersatilestylebytraceyApril 29, 2014 at 7:38 AM

    I totally understand the mood! Just a few days ago a tornado hit North Carolina, an hour away and a baby boy died, Thursday would have been his first b'day... My prayers go out and I march on...

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  17. I'm happy to hear you escaped the storms but sad to hear not everyone was so lucky. It must be difficult to live in an area where that is a common occurrence. No doubt your mind isn't really focused on blogging at the moment.


    Enjoy your life and the little pleasures.


    bisous
    Suzanne

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  18. Your outfit is stunning. I'm from Little Rock myself, my family is in Oklahoma so I'm always concerned when I read about these storms. I'm in France now, and I miss the heat and sunshine of Arkansas, but Lordy, Lordy...I do NOT miss tornadoes.

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  19. How horrible Jan. It's hard for those of us who really FEEL things to let the terrors of life go sometimes. I understand your desire to both morn, and to move forward. You manage to do both with grace and style.


    xo,
    me

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  20. I can't comprehend what it must be like to live somewhere that suffers from such terrible storms. I saw the news and felt so sad for the awful loss of life.
    You've dressed with class (as always) , with respectful nod to sobriety . Your hair still looks absolutely stunning - as do you. Take care out there. xxxx

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  21. Living in tornado alley is a constant spring/fall worry. We had a small one hit our home 12 years ago and it was one of the most frightening experiences of my life. Our daughter suffers from severe storm anxiety which keeps her home from school some days (after a tornado-related lock down triggered it). My heart goes out to those who have lost lives and property due to these storms. Praying that Mother Nature is kind to us this spring and spares us any more bad storms. On the other hand, your haircut is adorable!

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  22. I often complain about our weather here in Germany as I am a 199% summer person and love a Mediterranean climate. However, our climate here is pretty stable without severe or dangeous weather conditions. So I should say we are blessed. Glad to hear you are well, Jan!

    I love your new haircut, it is stylish and suits you so well. I'd love to see a close up from the side as well.

    Annette | Lady of Style

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  23. It's a lovely top- very pretty and suits your lovely new hair cut!!! x

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  24. It's a very chic outfit Jan. You look lovely as always. While I have never experienced a tornado I do live in an earthquake zone and we had one several days ago that was felt by many people. I spent the night with an overnight bag packed and ready at the door and the carrier for my cat beside it. I didn't sleep well that night at all and there was a wind and rain storm raging which left me imagining what it would be like to have to evacuate outside into that. There were no injuries or damage reported but we are all live with the knowledge that what they call "The Big One" could come in the next five minutes or not for another hundred years. It's a bit of a strange thing to live with.
    xo

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  25. I understand how you feel. As one who got flooded out in 2010 I know how devastating it can be, especially with little or no warning. I feel for all of the victims and hope we have no more casualties this Spring.
    I never look this good when I dress for the heat! You don't look one bit wilted ;-)


    Alicia
    spashionista.com

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  26. Northern mum down SouthApril 29, 2014 at 3:00 PM


    With such devastating storms going on very close by everyday life must take on a bit of an eerie feel to it. However, life does go on and good you kept to your routine to publish a post and share a bit of frivolity while taking the time to tell us about nearby events. Stay safe.

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  27. So sad about the terrible storms and loss. But I'm glad to see you looking fabulous (and safe and sound) … lovely top and those shoes …. LOVE!!!

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  28. HappinessatmidlifeApril 29, 2014 at 8:27 PM

    These tornadoes cause such devastations. I am glad to hear that you & your family and safe ...I can't imagine even driving past tornado torn towns. Be safe! And looking gorgeous as always!


    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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  29. Oh dear, I'm so sorry, but I never know the right things to say when I read about tragedy. I'm so relieved that you, Dan, your four-legged loves, your home and your restaurant are safe and unharmed. I'm so relieved that your crew is also safe and as secure as any of you can feel at this time. It must be harrowing to have been so close to Mother Nature's strong emotion. I had no idea that the skies betray her discontent. Aside from a couple of minor earthquakes, to date I have been blissfully spared the experience of extreme weather. Wrapping you in a cyber hug Jan, and praying for blessed blue skies.

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  30. Happy to hear that your family is safe. I have never experienced a tornado and do not wish it on anyone if that is possible. Natural or even man-made calamities happen everywhere which makes me hug my family tighter every time I hear of news like this.


    I also feel sluggish to write on my blog every so often. And I'm not the most prolific poster to begin with. And sometimes I think if it's worth it in the big scheme of things when a significant number of people all over the world is starving or something. But I always remind myself that I made a commitment to do this and this makes me happy. And when I'm happy then I'm in a better position to help (in a small way) those big world problems I think about.


    I thought your top is from Target! I get confused on the designs and styles and which designer owns what print, sorry. But even though I guessed wrong, I love that top with the all black pants and shoes! It gives a very clean line visually. And it draws attention to your eyes and your red hair which I adore!

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  31. I'm glad to hear you're ok, can't even imagine what it must be like to be afraid like that... And to think that it occurs every year! And here I was complaining about the Tube strike complicating my journey.... Such a trivial thing compared to tornados that can wipe out an entire town in an instance.

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  32. You look lovely! The printed top is gorgeous. The weather everywhere seems to be very fickle lately. I hope everything get better soon, I heard about the storming. :)
    /Madison
    Enter My Travel/Food Giveaway!

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  33. I'm glad to hear that you and your family are oké. Take care and a hug from me.
    Ps; You look gorgeous as always.


    Catherine
    Joly Look

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  34. Hello my dear Jan! You are a very caring person. It's truly devastating to hear about so much destruction and heartache, and yes, fashion is frivolous and fading, but I'm still glad you're here blogging and sharing your beautiful style.

    Blessings!!


    ♥ carmen

    http://fashionableover50.wordpress.com/

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  35. Jean at Dross into GoldApril 30, 2014 at 4:48 PM

    I'll never forget the first summer I spent in the South. Someone said casually that there were thunderstorms coming through that night. I was looking out the window at about midnight and commented to Joey at how pretty the strobelight-like lightning was. He took one look, said wake up the kids NOW and get in the laundry room under the stairs. The tornado touched down several times within a ten mile radius of where we lived. No one died but the damage was considerable. I'll never forget it and I get chills now when I hear that beeping sound on the radio. I'm glad you're safe, and I understand your preoccupation today. Posting an outfit isn't bad. It's important to reach for normalcy amidst a tragedy. XXOO

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  36. So sorry to hear about the tornados.. And glad to learn that your family and you are okay. You look wonderful as usual. The top fits you perfectly.

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  37. Dear Jan,
    living with the sword of Damocles is not a good feeling. I am sorry about the Tornados and I wish you will be spared from the desaster furthermore. We sometimes have kind of Tornados in our area but mostly they affect nature and not the villages and cities. And the Tornados here are small ones compared with yours.
    Good that you find deflection while blogging. You look marvellous in your asia style outfit. Again I see how beautiful your new hair do is. I love it!
    Take care my dear Jan!
    Sabine
    http://achtstundensindkeintag.blogspot.de/

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  38. Debbie Baker BurnsMay 1, 2014 at 9:09 AM

    It is terrible and saddening to read about all the devastation. As my mom has said it seems like there is something happening all the time, like all those kids on that ferry which was another terrible thing. Schedules are good, though, don't you think? I think I need to be more scheduled. Maybe routines keep us from being so morbid so posting was a positive thing! I do like this top. My mom said the other day that we needed to go to T.J. Maxx. It's been a while since we've had a shopping trip so we are due. And I wanted to let you know that I mentioned your blog in my blog post this morning for the Sunshine and Shine On blog awards post. I appreciate your blog and your wonderful comments! Debbie @ ilovemylemonadelife.com

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  39. Thank you, Maricel ... the unfortunate thing about my response to these events is that I tend to get to introspective ( or, self-centered, depending on my accuracy of conscience) and I write long anecdotal posts to people who I'm pretty sure will read them! You got a couple of those ... thanks again for reading, and I swear I was sober when I wrote them.. You're a kind-hearted correspondent. There we are.
    I'm a news junkie, but I get your moratorium. News is kind of a media hobby for Dan and I both, but it is inevitably depressing. Still I need to know. Where I get into trouble is ignoring local news for world stuff. Weather Channel saves my ass on a regular basis!
    The outfit was chosen and worn pre-tornado ... and rather thanany prescience, I think it was just a subconscious response to the evil yellow-gray sky. Not just crabby gray, but the most threatening kind that warns me not to get too cheerful in my dress. Scary.
    I'm enjoying the sunshine today. Thanks for dropping by, kid. I always appreciate it.

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  40. Thanks, Trina. I'm enjoying the sunshine today, and the past storm didn't do much damage here, and left us the rain for our pasture. You are so right about the trivia ... I've built a whole life around it!
    Thanks for liking my outfit. I'm not sure if I like it or not, but you win some, lose some and this feels like the occasional draw that happens. In retrospect; "Meh."
    Looks like this might be a busy weekend as our "Spring Gala" is happening (vastly more impressive name than it's reality) and I'm happy to think of some good stuff happening!

    Have a great weekend, lovey girl!

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  41. Well, thank you, Glenda. The outfit was pre-tornado by several hours, but it seemed appropriate to the yellow-gray skies. Scary.
    Have a great weekend, young lady.

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  42. Hey, Elsie. Glad to hear from you, and I appreciate you good wishes. I'm extra happy you noticed my shoes ... we share that interest!
    Have a lovely weekend!

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  43. Nah. You'd adjust and deal with it like you do all the earthquakes and the threat of The Big One. However, when I win the lottery I'm inviting you to the opening! Until then, I appreciate your good thoughts.
    Have a great weekend, Val.

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  44. Hello, Natalia ... I'd be there in a flash if it was possible! But since it's not, we duck and persevere. I was in Seattle when Mt. St. Helens popped her top. Yikes. Everywhere there is some possible disaster threatening, but I'd take west coast worries over the ones here. Someday, maybe!
    Not sure if I like my outfit. I've been having more misses than hits lately by my own standards, but that's how I learn. I'm glad you liked it, though. Makes me reconsider it as I'm a fan of your taste.
    Have a great weekend, Natalia!

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  45. Haven't you kids had some major flooding of late? We're on a moderately high spot here, so we don't have to be too concerned about that. As you say, the tornadoes are so fast, so devastating and only predictable just before they wipe you out! This twister season has been slow starting because of the extra cold spring, but might well be especially tough as it gears up. We will hope for the best. Have to say that the availability of Doppler radar maps has saved lives here for sure.
    I'm enjoying the mild, sunny day today. Horses crashed out in the pasture, dogs all asleep in the sun and the cats out-maneuvering each other for the sunny spots in the windowsills.
    There will be some mild weather for our "Spring Gala" in the little town where the restaurant is.
    Not much gala-ish, but people get out and about to look at each other after the long winter. We hope they sometimes dine. With us,preferably.
    Glad you like the outfit ... it was pre-tornado, and a response to the mean looking, yellow-gray sky. Talk about "threatening weather" following through with the threat.
    Have a great weekend, you and all yours. As always, to pleased you dropped by, kiddo.

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  46. Then I'm glad I did, V. Thank you so much. I'm enjoying some very soft weather today, lots of sun and a light breeze. Looking forward to a good weekend at the restaurant, so the clouds have rolled away literally and figuratively. I'm having fun messing with my hair, and am alternately appalled and thrilled when I see how different I look in many of my wardrobe combos. It's a change up and a challenge. Like I need more of that ...
    Have a grate weekend, young lady!

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  47. Thank you, our Sacramento! I'm enjoying the sun and thinking of better things. Have a great weekend, and thank you for your sweet good wishes!

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  48. Dear Jan, I think all you can do is to be grateful, grateful to be alive and safe, grateful that you look beautiful as always and grateful that you still find an inner place of strengh inside yourself to come here and share your feelings with us. Thank you so much for letting a portuguese woman across the Atlantic feel the pain and the hope in Arkansas.

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  49. I am very sorry about what happened...and it's hard for me , to fully understand how terrifying a Tornado must be...I hope that reaches you the confort of friendly bloggers...
    kisses

    P.s.
    your black and white top and the wonderful , feminine shoes that you are wearing suit you in a perfect way!

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  50. Hey, Jill! Thank you so much for thinking of us. Yup, everyone is all right and tight. Smart! I love that you think my "do" is smart. Very flattering descriptor, and makes me happy to hear you think so.

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  51. Thank you, Senora. Seemed a good idea to stick my hand up and say "no problem here. no need for concern." And yes, sometimes its best just to go do something fun.

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  52. It's been a difficult week all the way around, and I've been crabby since the weekend. I'm ready for things generally to lighten up ... it's really just been the emotional hangover from the storm. There's a little "Spring Gala" in the little town where our restaurant is. Just what we all need. Game booths, traveling junk booths and deep fried junk food. Much better than brooding!
    Thanks for all you kind thoughts, and I wish you a wonderful weekend in your end of the world.

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  53. I'm so glad you're back safely from India. Always brings perspective to get out and about in the world, I know. Thank you so much for reading and dropping by, Sara. Very kind of you.

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  54. Dear Seeker! Hope you are feeling better by now. Please know that you do matter to so many of us ... you're one of our bloggy friends, and how could we do without you? I hope you begin to emerge out of sad feelings as the spring begins to warm you part of the world. I don't pretend to know exactly what you're feeling, but this week, it's been hard to feel like much is worthwhile doing when you can be wiped out in a part of a second. Thank you for thinking of us. We're glad you're around, too. Keep writing. Summer is just around the corner, and you must live in the loveliest place in the world for summers!

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  55. We're hearing from NOAA that because of our very hard winter that the tornado season is slow in beginning and may well be more intense and last longer. I hear very few climate change skeptics here these days. Thank you for thinking of us. All is well, and I enjoyed the sunshine we had today. Just wish it would be around when I want to photograph!

    Wow. The hair changes everything. I have items that suddenly work so much better. Some things that i used to like suddenly don't work at all. That's distressing. But sort of exciting!

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  56. That's beyond terrible. I've been feeling emotionally hung over all week. But I've heard from everyone, and the sun was shining today with only a gentle breeze. Life was better, and blessings were counted.
    Thank you for dropping by!

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  57. Thank you, Suzanne. I've been enjoying a sunny day, all the animals have been sunsoaked and lazy and the birds are enjoying the feeders. Got a little town "Spring Gala" where the restaurant is, and will have fun with that, I hope. So things are better. You're right. The little pleasures are the best balm.

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  58. So nice to meet you, Shani! What a lovely work you do. Beyond impressive and so beautiful.
    I'm an involuntary transplant to Arkansas ( I'm an urban, west coast old kid who came here to be with elderly parents ... also not from here... years ago). We've stayed too long and can't really leave now, but some day I'll get away from the humidity and the bugs and the tornadoes. I really do miss "my" world. But I persevere.


    So glad you like my outfit. I admit to have a greater interest in dressing and clothes and why we love all of it than I do a talent for actually accomplishing it well. But I'm in that time of life when I decided to try to get it right and manage it all with some finesse and clarity.


    Soooo happy you stopped by. I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with in the future. Thank you so much!

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  59. It has been a pistol, this week. Not much bad happened, but Dan and I both are feeling hungover from the repeating bad weather that we've had. Consequently, neither of us is in top form and made mistakes and snapped at each other and the animals. But the sun shined today and we're both feeling more the thing. So kind of you to say nice things ... I just give that impression. It's all insecurity and dithering.

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  60. I remember once, I was driving to Memphis. I stopped in a little convenience store on the way for some gas. When I went to pay, the guy looked me up and down and said, "You're not from around here, are you?". Hmmm...yes, actually I was, but I guess I didn't look the part. Which is to say that you don't look "the part" either, and that is a complement. I love Arkansas, but it can err to the casual side. Although, as a whole, I saw many, many nicely dressed women in Little Rock, more so, than in Oklahoma where the rest of my family lives. Alas, more people would just rather go casual, in jeans and flip-flops exclusively. Ah...and that's a sure identifier of an American in France, I can spot 'em immediately, if someone is wandering around Paris in flip-flops, it's an American for sure.

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  61. Having grown up in Alabama, I understand your sincerity today. It's always so devastating to see the destruction and havoc a tornado can leave in its path. I'm glad you and your family escaped unscathed, but my heart goes out to those affected.
    On a lighter note, you are looking lovely as always!

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  62. (I'm so far behind ... sorry!)
    It's been a crap week with very bright moments, so things are back to normal, pretty much. I'm noticing more protracted malaise connected with the tornado than usual around here. I'm attacking mine with a full nigh'ts sleep tonight and doing good things for myself, Dan and the animals. I'll get a blog out eventually. Thanks for dropping by with encouraging words. They are of more value than you might imagine.

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  63. I wonder why I thought you lived in SoCal. Huh. Thank you ... didn't know you shared our area's wild weather patterns. My sympathy goes out to your daughter, 'cause you're not being paranoid when they're out to get you. While the tornados aren't out to get anyone, it can sure feel like it and she isn't alone in her fears. I join you in hoping for a safer spring than predicted ... they're often wrong, and that's good in this case!
    Thank you, Alison, for dropping by. I appreciate your empathy, and the very nice compliment.
    I hope you have a wonderful week!

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  64. Thank you, Annette, for the kind remarks. Glad you like the hair ... but the one thing you'll never see on my blog is a profile photo of me! (I have no chin and a beak for a nose ... I'm always head on. Always. ) But perhaps I can get Dan to make one and I'll just crop out my face. And yes, my profile is THAT bad. The cut is longish at the crown, tapering to very short at the nape. I just mess it up a bit and sepatrate at the crown.
    Have a great week. So happy you dropped by, and I appreciate the encouragement so much.

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  65. Thank you, Kezzie. It's already started out to be a challenging ( what a platitude!) week, but your sweet comment reminds me that things don't always turn out badly. Kind of you to pop by to visit with nice things to say!

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  66. Yes, I grew up with earthquakes in southern California and all the years we were in Seattle. There surely is no running from them and there's no warning at all. I remember standing in our front doorway, clutching my parakeet cage and watching the power lines above our street swaying like palm trees. I'm not sure which is worse. Here, there is often warning, but it cannot be ultra specific. Our weather gurus must err on the safe side, and it's frustrating when the threat never manifests and we loose a couple of days of income from the sheer panic that is the norm here. One tornado watch goes out and the grocery stores are emptied and folks hunker down ... I can't blame them. When one does hit, it doesn't matter how many groceries you have on hand, though. It's a mindset.
    We can track them on Doppler radar, and that's a plus, and it is seasonal. It's often a long season, though.
    Thanks, Shawna, for your kind remarks. I appreciate it. I'm still a little grim and need to get with the program. So ... cheering up, here!

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  67. Awww ... thank you, Alicia. I wasn't wilted yet. Froze most of the afternoon, in and out of AC that seemed too low everywhere. Then wilted later. I'm looking forward to the end of the season although it's just begun.
    Been feeling low all week but I'll get a grip soon. Behind with everything, but so glad you dropped by to say hey. Much appreciated.

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  68. Thank you so much. I appreciate the pep talk ... you are absolutely right. I'm not having a week that's conducive to much merriment, but it's still not so bad that I have to be completely awful. I'm behind with many of my personal project, but I'll catch up and feel better.
    So happy you dropped by, and I appreciate your comments.

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  69. Thank you, Dawn Lucy. It did, indeed, suck for a few hours. Still have the tiniest emotional hangover, and I'll soon be tired of feeling grim. Sometimes I have to bore myself with my own blues ... no surer cure!
    Glad you liked the outfit ... not my best result, but like the rest of us, I persevere! Sweet of you to stop by.

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  70. Glad it's over, and all is well. Thanks, Wendy.

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  71. Thank you, Alice. I appreciate your comments. I'm behind with everything, and will catch up with you this week for sure. So nice to hear from you.

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  72. I've just come out from under a rock to find you here, Jan. Good to hear you're doing okay, all things considered. Sometimes you've just gotta go through what you go through I guess. Thanks for sharing it with us, though. The reality is it's not all rosey, and pretending makes it all worse, but soldiering on helps us all. Something like that. Meanwhile you look smashing. I luv that print top.

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  73. Yikes ... I'm so far behind. Sorry, Sue. You deserve better.
    Yup, and I know what you mean about difficulty responding to these events. I get lost for words as well. We're all good, and thank you for thinking of us. I'll take the bit of rain that's coming this week later, and I'll take blue skies and little white clouds, please, since we're putting in our requests.
    Thank you, darling friend, for all the kind thoughts. They work.

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  74. Hello Karen! Sorry to be so slow ... it's been a challenging weekend and new start to the week. Better now, and I can get caught up a bit.
    Thank you for saying such kind things about my outfit ... not my favorite, but it worked for my mood.
    Glad you liked the effort.
    We're all better from the big winds, and looking forward to a bit of light rain later in the week. Summer has already arrived, here. Too soon!
    Thanks for thinking of us, and I'll get over to your place ASAP to see what you're up to!

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  75. Thank you, Tiina. Some years there aren't many tornadoes at all, but this year is predicted to be less peaceful because of our especially nasty winter. We're all recovered from the scary-sad feelings, pretty much, and I'm looking forward to a little rain for my pasture later in the week.
    Hope the Tube strike is resolved ... I miss public transport so much, and we don't have ANY here, but strikes can mess up your life. (That may be why they strike ... hmmm.)

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  76. Oh, thank you, Madison. I like the top, although I'm not quite sure how best to wear it. I might like it best with crops and a little black belt. And yes, it's crazy weather time here. I appreciate your kind thoughts!

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  77. Thank you, Catherine. I'm so happy to hear from you, and grateful for your kind wishes. We're all fine, and I'm happy you thought my outfit worked. I'm behind this week, and look forward to seeing what you're up to at Visible Monday!

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  78. Awwwh ... thank you, Carmen. It was a tough week, and while I know the clean up has just begun and the mourning is in full swing in some places, we're doing fine. All sunshine and temperatures are rising ... the mares are all asleep in the pasture, right now. Looks like a bomb went off. Lazy things.

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  79. Reaching for normalcy just about describes it. Thank you, Jean ... you always get it. When we first came down here, my parents drove us around, showing us the lay of the land. Mom kept pointing out houses and barns that had been hit by tornadoes. I got the feeling she was trying to scare us off, but now I better understand her feelings.
    I'm so far behind ... sorry for being so late. I'll pop over and catch up with your doings ASAP ... you always inspire. So happy to see you here!

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  80. Thank you for you sweet thoughts, Oksana. We'er feeling better, and even looking forward to a little rain toward the end of the week.
    Glad you like that top ... it is a good fit, isn't it? Might wear it with a little black belt and crops next time.

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  81. So nice to hear from you, Sabine. Thank you so much for your good wishes ... we can and will use them! We're feeling better, and the weather is fine, except we're having our first hot and dry week. I'm looking for a little gentle rain later in the week.
    So happy, also, to hear you liked my outfit! I was in an un-quiet mood, and this simple pairing helped me stay grounded.
    Always, so glad to hear from you. I hope you are enjoying you spring weather.

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  82. There have been a string of horrid things, haven't there? We're feeling a lot better as the weeks wear on. I wouldn't get much done without a schedule, but I'm far behind this week already. A day late on the blog, and a week on last week's comments!
    Hope you get to TJ Maxx soon ... I always look forward to my trips. I get the most bang for the buck there, and am able to check in a couple of times a week. I often don't buy anything, but the next time there will be too many things I like!
    Thank you, Debbie, for the mention! I'll pop by in the next day or two and see what you've been up to!

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  83. Hello, Maria! Gratitude, indeed. There was lots of reasons to feel that. We are all feeling more chipper, and are looking forward to a little rain this week. I'm so glad you're recovering, and looking so good! I'm always interested to see what you are doing and thinking!

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  84. Hello, Dan. I hope you never have to deal with a tornado. They are frightening, you are quite right. And you are also right in guessing that I would appreciate hearing from my blogger friends. I'm so glad you like my outfit. I'm still looking for new ways to wear it, as it's a good fit.
    Thank you for stopping by ... so happy to hear from you.

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  85. I'll bet you do. When they start in this vicinity, they often pick up steam when they are heading down that way. We're fine now, and it has quickly become early summer ... hot days, but some rain is promised for this week. Thank you so much for your kind comments, Kim! I'm looking for ways to make that top work a little harder and smarter for me.

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  86. Hey, Pao! Yup, we're doing fine. Sticking with the program often eliminates having to make choices when I'm feeling a bit low. You're quite right. Glad you like the top ... it's not easy to style, as simple as it is, and I'm looking for better ways to wear it.
    So happy you are out and about, and landed here for a moment.

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  87. Debbie StinedurfMay 6, 2014 at 9:16 PM

    There's always a time for seriousness. I'm glad you're well while my heart goes out to those who aren't. Pennsylvania isn't much known for tornadoes, but we've had several over the years and two in particular were quite terrifying and devastating. I do have to tell you though, you look beautiful even in the storm colored light. :)
    Debbie
    www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com

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  88. Yes it is a lovely top indeed. And I am glad you continue showing us this on your blog. Totally understanding why there are no jokes. Man... can't you move to another, more safe place? Where there are no storms like these and where there are lots of nice shops? (I am dreaming for you here.)
    Greetje
    PS slowly getting used to your hair

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  89. Jan, I undrstand your comments regarding the tornados. May 22nd will be the third anniversary of the EF5 that hit Joplin Mo. What terrible devestation it left behind. While I was at the hospital that was destroyed, unknowing to all of us that were there, what all it had done throughout the time it was on the ground. Lives lost, homes and businesses destroyed. My daughter lost everything, but thank God, she is alive. Yes, material things are replaced, but the emotions of being terrified when another warning is in effect, that will never go away. Life takes tole on everyone, we just move forward and conquer.

    Sandy

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