You're the best Halloween C A T in my world!

The Gayla Pink Apple

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Happy Birthday C. A. T.

 



My Dad - The Birthday CAT

 



Today is my Dad's birthday - yes - his birthday is on Halloween - October 31st --- and his initials are C. A.T.    Honest! I'm not kidding. Now, that surely has you smiling! 

 



My Dad is a really nice guy!  He is a tall and quite handsome man.  When I was growing up, I thought he was the most handsome man I'd ever seen.  I was a little jealous if I thought other women were too friendly with him.  Sometimes we see our Dads only as a Dad and not as an individual.  That may be, somewhat, the case with me, but not sure.  I recognize his genuine kindness and outgoing personality with others, as well as his kind and goodness with his family. 

I love this CAT

Happy Birthday to the best C. A. T. Dad in my world!

I Love You,
Gayla

Do you Trick or Treat? or Trick-or-treat!

The Gayla Pink Apple Blog

My front porch this year!



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 Trick-or-Treat?



If You Don't Treat Me - I Might Trick You!

Halloween is only a week away!
Get your costume ready!

Wicked Witch
My daughter, age 4,  plastic fake glasses with big nose and bushy eyebrows,
big ole witch hat and I thought she just looked like a doll! Too funny!
Our neighbor (in photo above left) would wait for my daughter to come
trick-or-treat, then turn out her lights.
 

Halloween is celebrated by millions of people as a fun time for kids, putting on costumes, and going door-to-door to get candy. But it is also known as a time of witches, goblins, and ghosts. On one hand, some see Halloween as a harmless time of fun and on the other, a night to be avoided.

My daughter as Glenda, the Good Witch
Westover Hills Preschool 

 

There is a lot of debate on whether or not we should participate in Halloween. Is it alright to go trick-or-treating? Can we dress our kids up in costumes on that day? If we do any of this, are we celebrating an evil holiday?

                                   Dorothy & Toto               Little Red Riding Hood

The word Halloween is derived from the term "All Hallows Eve" which occurred on Oct. 31, the end of summer in Northwestern Europe. "All Saints Day," or "All Hallows Day" was the next Day, Nov. 1^st. Therefore, Halloween is the eve of All Saints Day.

Whether or not you and your family participate in Halloween activities is merely up to you.  As a young girl, we loved going trick-or-treating in our small community.  My grandmother made homemade popcorn balls - they were not wrapped in plastic wrap either - it never crossed our minds someone might put something harmful in our treats.

I Dream of Jeannie

 



It was a fun time walking house-to-house with our friends.  I personally see it as a fun time for kids, putting on costumes, and going door-to-door to get candy.  When my daughter was young, I dressed in costume with her, and we had as much fun answering our door to other kids trick-or-treating, as we did actually going door-to-door.  I enjoyed answering my door as a witch and giving out candy. 

At our house we loved loved loved dressing up and not just at Halloween, so when October 31st came around there were a lot of costumes to choose from - sometimes the hard thing for my daughter was deciding which costume to wear.



        "Belle" from Beauty and The Beast                    Snow White

Today, I turn on my porch light and hope little trick-or-treaters ring my doorbell.  Sometimes I have pumpkins on the porch and Halloween decorations in my dining room for my own enjoyment.  When I get tired of opening my door and giving out candy - or if it is sort of late and time to end the fun - off goes the porch light! And a goodnight to all those little ghosts, goblins and witches!

Candy please, preferably chocolate,
Gayla



I love love love Pink Day in Little Rock!

The Gayla Pink Apple Blog

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I Just Love Love Love Pink!

A Sea of Pink Day in Downtown Little Rock

 

Susan G Komen 5K Race for the Cure

October 20, 2012

Little Rock, Arkansas

Big deal getting that pink ribbon on my cheek!

Last year's photo - October 2011

 

Little Rock has one of the largest Susan G Komen 5K events, nationwide per capita, with some 40,000 plus women participating.  Downtown Little Rock is a sea of pink and the atmosphere is breathtakingly fabulous.  The route is shoulder-to-shoulder lined with music, bands, cheerleaders, civic groups, and supporters of all types. 

As a breast cancer survivor, the Susan G Komen Foundation, Arkansas Affiliate, holds a dear place in my heart.  For the past several years, I've participated in this great event representing myself - but also for all the ladies in those pink shirts - the ladies fighting breast cancer today - as well as the ones who have lost their battle. 

I walked my first Susan G Komen Race for the Cure Event in 2005 just a couple weeks out of chemotherapy - bald - and thought I'd die before my feet crossed the finish line.  Going through breast cancer is not something I talk of often - not because I don't want to, or don't like to talk about it, but it is one of the most difficult and challenging times in ones life.  There are few words that can really describe the journey - you can truly only understand if you have walked in those shoes.  It is somewhat of a roller coaster - up and down emotionally - up and down physically - up and down spiritually.  Then, it's kind of like a cocktail - shaken & strained, stirred, or on the rocks. When you've had all you can take you hit bottom and get back up as soon as you can. 

Surviving breast cancer was kind of a rebirth.  I am most definitely not the same person I was before breast cancer.  In the past, when I would hear someone say that, I didn't know what they meant.  I now look at life completely different.  This, too, is difficult to describe.  There is a calm - a peace - an unshaken - unstirred - and grounding to your being - easy to prioritize the important things in life!  Having said that, there is not a single day that passes that I don't think about "it." 

I had plans to participate in today's event in Little Rock, but hit a bit of bad luck, and wasn't able to do it. I tried for two or three days to ignore not feeling well- being a little under the weather.  I guess I thought it would go away.  Not the case!   Unfortunately, I didn't win the battle, and as disappointing as it was for me, I decided to go with the smart thing to do and sit out.  This is the first time since 2005 I haven't been able to participate.  Hopefully, with a little luck, I'll be back next year.

 

I ran the Susan G Komen Race in Central Park, NYC, last month while spending time with my daughter. That will have to take care of my 2012 check list.
 

September 9, 2012, Central Park, NYC

Susan G Komen Greater New York 5K

I love a Sea of Pink,
Gayla

 

 

 



You're Too Busy? ?

The Gayla Pink Apple

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You're Too Busy?

I'm Busy Too! Just Not Too Busy for You! 

 

Please do not tell me you've been "too busy" or sooo busy you haven't had time for me.  

If you are going to tell me that you are "too busy" for me, then at least tell me it's because you've been in London or Paris - been vacationing with your loved ones - going to the movie with your grandson - or shopping for a new coat!   Do you not realize how ridiculous it sounds that you are so busy, yet sounds to me like you've been cleaning the mustard bottles in the refrigerator or reorganizing your closet! 

So, please, just don't tell me how "too busy, busy, busy"

you are. 

I know you do what you want to do and telling me you're too busy  really says I am not important to you.   Everyone is busy - we all take the time to do what we want to do, period. I see you have plenty of time to facebook - sometimes you're on there every couple hours or so. Most of us have very busy days - prioritize how we spend our time - especially if you work full time - have children with school and activities - church - family, etc. But, some of you - like me - do not work outside the home and do not have children at home or grandchildren with activities - etc. 
 
I don't mind not being the priority in your life. You may not be a priority in my life either.  But, you are my friend and I'm not too busy to keep in touch and catch up whether it's a dinner, lunch, email, text, phone, or facebook.  If I haven't gotten in touch with you, it is not because I am too busy.  I've been spinning my wheels -puttering around my house - dabbling in a few things - mingling with some - pondering decisions - going where I want to go - doing what I want to do - accomplishing what I can.  But, I am never too busy for you.  

Spinning, puttering, dabbling ...
Gayla
P.S.  - In case you're feeling guilty & thinking this post is about you - no - you're wrong.  It's just me dabbling.  I'm not one to post with a hidden agenda.  You should know me well enough by now to know that!

 



 

I Heard You - OK!

The Gayla Pink Apple

I Heard You - OK!

You Can Stop Talking Now

Yes, I Heard You

The "LOOK"

 

It drives me crazy when someone talks so loudly during the movie, at a restaurant, church, or event, etc. that I hear them and it distracts me from paying attention.

 

When I'm at the movie theater, the noise of crunching popcorn drives me insane.  I can't hear what is being said on screen - I can't pay attention to the movie because you are eating popcorn with your mouth open and smacking so loudly --- it is driving me nuts.   I sometimes just have to get up and move to another seat.    I love my popcorn at the movie - but I hate to hear people smacking it!    Arggggg!      Ugggggggg!  Get me outta here!!!!!!!!!  Same with slurping your straw to the bottom of your cup when it's empty and it makes that horrible noise! 

 

People talking loudly in the movie or in a restaurant.  That person in the next booth, or at the table close to me, and their voice carries across the room to the point of being a disruption.  Sometimes the conversation almost seems like the person knows they are talking too loudly, and do it on purpose, so everyone can hear them.  One way they get a little attention.  Other times I've been with someone who talks loudly themselves, and honestly I don't think they even realize people in the next booth or table can hear them.  Yet, I'm annoyed by it.

 

That person in church who whispers but it's not really a whisper, because I hear every word they say.  The women in my family have this 'look' and if you get the 'look' that means STOP.  I have many times wanted to turn around and give that person behind me the 'look.'  When I say the women in my family I'm referring to my mother, my sister, and me.  It is kind of funny, really - we all three have this same 'look' that means STOP IT - YOU'RE MISBEHAVING! 

 

That person who sings along with a soloist!  Oh My!  It is just not OK.  I don't care if you think it's just part of your enjoyment to sing along - it is just not OK.  I don't want to hear you sing - I am interested in hearing the soloist sing - not you. 

 

I attended a wedding recently and the lady behind me gave her husband and me (since I couldn't help but hear her) the details of what was going wrong.  She says "that's not the song they are supposed to be playing while the Mother walks in."  Really, lady?  Why do you need to say that aloud - you're only calling attention to something negative - and if you kept your mouth closed I'm pretty sure no one would notice that the pianist is not playing the correct song --- yet.    Oh, wait, now the pianist is playing the correct song, you say!  Yes, here comes the mother so things are going correctly now?  I could have done without being told that little detail.  Seems the pianist played it timely and you were wrong.  He knew more than you!  Or, was the comment really made so that you would make sure others knew that you were "in the know?"  Well, if you were all that important you would be in the back directing the wedding instead of sitting behind me distracting me from enjoying the beauty before me. 

 

Interesting to me that some people do not hear these little things - and are not bothered by them at all - yet I seem to pick up on them - to be point of being annoyed. 

I can see and hear things going on around me even while carrying on a conversation with you.  I'm not sure why - I contribute it to my job when I was very young.  I worked for the federal government (IRS) for 11 years and while talking to a taxpayer, about their delinquent taxes, I trained myself to focus on things around me.  It was just being smart and observant on the job.  I could be interviewing a taxpayer and my eyes could do a glance of items on their desk for clues about them, etc.  I might see a bank statement - would give me the name of their bank - in case I need that information later.   I would ask the taxpayer where he banked and he'd say he didn't have a bank account.  I knew better, I saw the statement on his desk.  I guess that might not be the case today since most of us bank online.  Just making a point and sharing why I hear things and see things others might not.

 

I worked a couple years for the Bureau of Legislative Research at the State Capitol.  Sitting in on legislative committee meetings, during session, I could hear and listen to the bill before the committee, and at the same time scan the room to see if the legislator who would be presenting the next bill was in the room.  This allowed me to make sure we were prepared and ready for the next bill on the agenda.  I had to know what motions were being made on the floor -- so my mind had to stay on the bill currently being discussed while my eyes were looking and taking a mental note of what was ahead.

 

I think I'm easily distracted because I taught myself to be very observant.  Now that I don't need to always be so observant it has turned into a situation of my being easily distracted and annoyed by little nuisance type behaviors!!!  Maybe I can untrain myself now that I don't need to be so observant, huh?  I'll work on that!

 

But, while I'm working on it,

Yes, I heard you, and I'm
wanting to give you the 'look,'

Gayla

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's My Spot

The Gayla Pink Apple

 

 

That's My Spot!
That's My Chair!
Well, Honey, That's My Room!

 

 

Do you have a favorite spot - chair - that has your name invisibly written on it?  Maybe it's that big comfortable leather chair, the big ole recliner, a wing chair, club chair, or something else?

 

Growing up we knew which chair belonged to my Dad!  It was the leather recliner.  But, other than that, all seats were game.  But, I noticed when my parents added a large family room to their house several years ago, my Mother bought two leather recliners - a his and hers - so to speak.  We even refer to them as Granddad's chair or Mack's chair.  The grandchildren refer to my mother as Mack.

 

Years ago, maybe even before my daughter was born, my husband and I had 'his and her' navy blue leather chairs.  I would alternate between my chair and the sofa. Sometimes I'd prefer to sprawl out on the sofa.  However, for the past several years and currently at my own house, we do not have assigned seats. No Sir! We do not!    But, instead, we sort of have assigned ROOMS!  OMG, yes, afraid so!  It has developed from chairs to rooms -- we all watch different TV programs.   I want to watch something totally different from my spouse and when my daughter is home she usually watches yet another different channel.  My husband watches his TV in his office. He has his big club chair and ottoman.   I watch TV in the study. Yes, that's my room and my chair and my sofa  - oh, and my TV!  What can I say - It's my spot!

Yes, you may shake your head and/or roll your eyes - but - I'm guessing most of you do the same in some sort of way.  You may watch TV in the bedroom while others - whether a spouse or other family member - watch in the family room.  You just aren't yet as vocal as I am with your territory.  I've witnessed it - I picked up on this when talking with others...it's not just me and my family.  LOL

 

That's my room,

Gayla

Eloise & The Plaza - Do you know Eloise?

 

 

  

Eloise

 

Do you know Eloise?  

 

The story about the little city girl named Eloise who lives on the top floor of the Plaza!   The story / book is a classic - it was originally written by Kay Thompson in 1955.  Our sweet neighbors (now living in Lake Village), Sa Sa and Jukie (Sarah and Jukie) gave this book to my daughter in 1993 (She was 4.) Sarah's grandchildren called her Sa Sa and we did too.  It quickly became a daily read.  My daughter loved Eloise - - - I loved Eloise too!  

Eloise is a precocious child and quite mischievous.  The book has a fold out page of stairs and Eloise would run up and down the stairs and I'd repeat those words in my silly voice. She would "skibble" up and down the stairs and play mischievously on the elevator and drive the staff nuts.  Eloise would run down the halls and "skidder" sticks down the side of the walls against the woodwork and stomp her feet for scuffing and noise. 

 

Eloise Figurines

 

It is one of those childhood story books which you read over and over and laugh and laugh together.  I'd mock the Nanny yell, E L O I S E (elloweeezzzeee.) Eloise had a turtle named Skipperdee and little dog named Weenie.
 

 More Eloise Figurines

 

I'm pretty sure Eloise is one reason my daughter always wanted to go to NYC and to the Plaza Hotel.  We have a nice collection of Eloise figurines - Eloise Madame Alexander doll - lunchbox - Eloise tin - along with all of the Eloise books.

Eloise Lunchbox and Tin

 

I believe it goes without saying - We love Eloise.  If you have a young child or grandchild and do not have the book about Eloise, it would make a great addition to your fun reading time together.

Fun, Fun, Fun,
Gayla

 

 



Grandmother - What's Your Name?

The Gayla Pink Apple

 

What's Your Name?

No, Not Your Name

Your Grandmother Name?

 

 

Are you too young to be called a grandmother?  Are you too vein to be called a grandmother?  Are you too unique to be called a grandmother?  What's really behind all this grandmother name stuff?

 

Hey Nana or Nanna; Granna, or Granny or Grammy, Yaya or Gaga, Gigi or Mimi, Honey or Sugar, Buttercup or Sweetie Pie.

 

First, let me admit, I have not yet walked in these shoes.  Becoming a grandmother has not presented itself in my world.  But, I have been through this with many friends.  Seems the first thing, after being informed the grandbaby is on the way, is deciding what your grandmother name should be.  You know, that special name, just for you, and to be used by the grandbaby as well as future grandchildren.  Most likely a new name to be used by the rest of the family and your close friends.  So, it might take the full 9 months to come up with this special name.  Afterall, this is not just any name!

 

Seems like these names used to be the result of a grandchild not being able to fully pronounce grandma or grandmother and, therefore, a new name was born. Not the case anymore, with my friends anyway.   It is a chosen name - and most often chosen by the grandmother-to-be. Then, after the grandmother name is finalized, it's time to decide on a grandfather name. Oh yes, the fun really begins. Hey Poppy, Pops, Papa, Gramps, Happy, Papaw, Pepaw, Dadaw, Dadoo, Grampy, Grampus. 

 

So, how does one decide on this name.  It needs to represent you perfectly - you know - how wonderful you are - how much your family loves you - how fabulous your grandchildren will think you are, etc.  It needs to say awwwh, that's so sweet? or Oh, how cute?  Oh, now that's cool?

I don't really know how sweet, cute or cool some of these names really sound, but I'm cool with whatever my friends choose. 

 

I have two friends who are called Yaya!  Now, I like Yaya, but, sort of reminds me of Yahoo - but I still like it. The more I ponder it - reminds me of 'ya' meaning yeah or yes and afterall grandmothers say 'yes' most always - so Yaya is perfect.   I have a friend who wanted to be Gaga.  That was several years ago before the famous Lady Gaga.  Not sure I'd want to be called Gaga today if I thought everyone was going to think of the famous Lady Gaga instead of me - but at the time she decided on Gaga - the famous Lady Gaga was about ten years old.  I have a friend who is Granda, a neighbor is Mimi, previous coworker is Gigi, my sister is Nana, and another friend is called Honey, and last but not least a colleague is called Buttercup by her grandchildren. 

 

Now, don't get me wrong.  I love all of these cute names.  But, what's wrong with Grandmother? or Grandma?  Afterall, it is what it is and I think it is nice - just think about it - GRANDmother.  In my mind that means you are GRAND.  Who doesn't want to be GRAND.  We do grand things for our friends, family, and children.  We want our friends, family, and children to think we are GRAND.  So what's wrong with our grandchildren calling us Grandmother or Grandma. 

 

Oh, and my Grandmother - she was called Momma Dee. To defend the name, her middle name Dee - hence Momma Dee.   And, my mother is a fabulous Grandmother - who is called Mack by her grandchildren.  However, Mack is her middle name - hence Mack.   Hmmmmm, my middle name is Karen - Oh Lordy, NO!  I can't see my grandchildren calling me Karen, can you?

 

But, I don't think Yaya, Gaga, Gigi, Mimi, are middle names.  But, they are soooooooooo cute, special, unique, and darling grandmother names.  Don't accuse me of being against your cute grandmother name because if you love it - I love it too - because I love you and that's all that matters.  But, please don't expect me to call you that too! 

I might be called Pink or Apple,
Gayla

 

 

 



Shoes Will Always Make An Outfit

Shoes Will Always Make An Outfit

As long as there is always, by demand of

women and girls, a classic store, which, on

the corner of cities, sufficiently illustrates

paradise for eyes, and births a fear that is

evil, of green money;

 

As long as the three styles of the runway -

the classic beyond time with pants, the

trend of season beneath skins, and the

blending of character through personal

and mindful taste - are never forgotten;

 

As long as, under particular rules, seasonal

colors shall be mixed, by new words, and

from the yet more expensive boutique with

names, as long as imagination and style

continue in cities, . . .

 

Shoes will always make an outfit.

  

Poem by Blair Jordan Sybert, 2006

 

My SOLE smiles,

Gayla

I'd Like A Sack!

The Gayla Pink Apple 



I'd Like a Sack

OK - OK - Okay!

I'd Like a Bag

 

 

Drinking my morning coffee with no television blaring or noise from inside my house.  Dogs barking outside a few houses down and getting on my nerves a little bit.  But, my little dog, Casey, sitting with me calm and relaxed.  She's not outside, alone, barking her head off, desperate for someone to come give her attention.  Lucky little thing, isn't she?

 

For some reason this pops into my mind...

While shopping in NYC one day, after Blair's class, we meander into a clothing store on the corner.  I wanted to buy a pair of leggings for her to put on immediately.  She had on a skirt and I thought she'd be more comfortable up for some tourist kind of running around if she changed into pants. She was wearing a skirt and heels since the class is held in a club with a dress code.  She already had flats with her because she wore them on the metro and changed into heels right before going into the building. 

 

I told the girl that my daughter wanted to put them on as soon as I paid for them, I'd like to take them to her in the dressing room, etc.  The girl said OK, and after I finished paying she handed me the leggings without putting them in a sack/bag.  I said, would you go ahead and put them in a sack, please?  She says, "What?" - and I repeated myself.  The girl smiles at me and just stands there looking at me with a blank look on her face.  I realized she didn't know what a sack was and  I said "a bag - would you put them in a bag, please?"  The girl says "You call a bag a sack?"  I laughed and said "it's the same thing - a sack or a bag - I'll take either one! and smiled!

 

Rolling my eyes,

 

Finally, the dog down the street has stopped barking its' head off.  I'd better get my day going. 

 

Gayla

P.S.  by the way, I think I'm correct - a sack is as in paper or plastic sack and a bag is as in handbag!  But, what do I know! 

 



A Few of My Favorite Things...

The Gayla Pink Apple

 

 

A Few of My Favorite Things

 

 

I am always interested in what kinds of things people like - particularly those things that make us who we are.

 

When I think of "a few of my favorite things" - of course - I think of the movie "The Sound of Music" and in my head hear the words ...Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens---Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens---Brown paper packages tied up with strings---These are a few of my favorite things.

 

Some of my favorite things are - materialistic things - things that I dearly love and I love having them, seeing them, and being surrounded by them.

 

I'm not talking about the obvious things I treasure most --  my child, family, health, etc.  It goes without saying that those are the things most important to me.  Today, I'm sharing the "little things - the unimportant things" that make me happy and are some of my favorites.  These are not listed in any order - just things that popped into my mind.

 

1.  My Down Comforter - I absolutely love to cuddle and sleep with my down comforter.  I can sleep under it in the winter, fall, spring and summer.  I have been known to turn the air conditioner down very very cold so I can sleep cuddled under my down comforter.  Crisp and clean white bed linens and white bath towels! 

2.  My Body Lotion - perfume fragrance body lotion which goes along with my perfume after my shower.  I always want both - a layer of body lotion after my shower followed by a light spray of perfume and True Blue by Bath & Body Works "Lay it on Thick" cream for my legs. 

 

3.  My Christopher Radko Christmas Ornaments -- I have a huge collection of Radko Christmas ornaments (between 80-100).  I love each one - they are absolutely beautiful to my eyes.  I love the sparkle and glitter - the shimmer and shine - the detail and expression of each face - whether it's a Santa face, snowman expression or reindeer. 

 

4. My Silver Collection -- I have a wonderful collection of silver.  Silver tea service, silver trays, serving pieces, punch bowls, bread trays, champagne buckets, candle sticks, etc.  My love for silver grew from my association with the Garden Club ladies and their affection and natural grace and beauty with things formal and fine. 

 

5.  Blair's Sr. Chapel Talk -- When my daughter was a senior in high school each student gave a chapel talk to the entire school.  I love reading it and treasure the words.

6.  False Eyelashes -- Years ago when I was younger I loved to add false eyelashes when I'd go out.  I still love them!  And, High Heels - Lordy Me, I love my heels - makes me feel feminine, sassy, and pretty.

7.  Sonicare Toothbrush and my Ultrabright toothpaste - My favorite toothpaste!  And my Clarisonic for my face along with my Spf 58 sunscreen.

8.  My Dishes -  Christmas dishes, my grandmother's dishes, my  china,  crystal stemware, silver flatware, etc.  These are the things along with my silver pieces that help me turn my dining table into a special dining experience for my loved ones during the holidays or special celebrations. 

9. Eulogy for Momma Dee - When my grandmother died I gave a eulogy at her funeral.  I wrote about how she influenced me - the things I recalled growing up with her in my life. I found myself writing every day for weeks - it became somewhat of a journal. When I finished it, I realized it was an eulogy. Sure enough she died a couple months later. I treasure the document - the written words about her.

10.  Fresh Flowers - I love fresh flowers.  I love to have fresh flowers in my home and I don't need a special occasion to buy them.  Love em!

And, the song continues...When the dog bites -----When the bee stings ----- When I'm feeling sad ----- I simply remember my favorite things ----And then I don't feel so bad!

My favorites,
Gayla