HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

In love the other is important; in lust you are important. In lust you are thinking how to make the other your instrument; in love you are thinking how to become an instrument yourself. In lust you are going to sacrifice the other; in love you are going to sacrifice yourself. Love means giving; lust means getting. Love is a surrender; lust is an aggression. Love grants in a moment what toil can hardly achieve in an age. ♥

 Gifts from a few co-workers ♥

I am in Hattiesburg, having departed Meridian at 7:00, this evening, we made it time to attend a Valentine's Dinner. We will stay over to do some shopping at a few places we do not have in Meridian, before driving back. This has been an amazing day. Can you feel the L♥VE?

I love Valentine's Day and have since I was a little girl. I cannot imagine any lady who would not want a Sweet Valentine. Last night I was gifted a precious gift and a nice dinner. It was a perfect end to Valentine's Day. I L♥VE my Valentine!

These are the bracelets my Mom ordered for me, after I made a comment that I would love a set for spring/summer. They are big and bold, each being iridescent. They do not photograph well. They are much prettier in person. Somehow, it does not surprise me that she would order these for me, because my Mom loves me and she is always doing little things to bring a smile to my face. These made me smile! She hinted the other gift(s) would bring an even bigger smile. I do not doubt that.

So, my Mom was right, her next gift(s) brought me a bigger smile. On Valentine's Day 2011, she gifted me two watches, the same style as the watches in the photographs above, but in a gold tone and a silver tone. I cannot count the times women, as well as men, complimented my watches. Some will grab my arm to get a better view. It still happens to this day! I will mention to my Mom how everyone loves the watches she gifted me, last year. Well, knowing the are my favorite watches, she looked them up to see if they were still available, and they were, but there were these other two colors - gunmetal and white. I wear a lot of black, gray, silver and spring and summer are pretty much here, as we have an early spring, so she ordered these for me. I had no idea they had other colors, but so glad they did!

Since so many have asked, "Where did you get your watch?" I will share with you, all. These are designed by Melania Trump (the Donald's wife), and she has jewelry line on QVC. These particular time pieces are called "Trump Tower." They really have held up well, I have worn these most days, except when I wear my pink, blue or tan leather watches, and they look as good as the day I received them in 2011. I would not tell you this were it not so. Now, time will only tell how these other two will hold up. No pun intended.

I could not ask for a more loving and thoughtful Mother than the one God chose for me. I L♥VE you Mom! And thank you and everyone for my lovely Valentine's gifts.  

ELB

2012

Little Miss Sunshine ☼

Little Miss Sunshine ☼

I cannot believe the dreary weather we have on this Monday morning. Today reminds of The Carpenters song - Rainy Days and Mondays, except that rainy days and Mondays never get me down. I look forward to the beginning of a new week and excited to see what it will bring me. I cannot complain about the rain, when God blessed me with a beautiful sunny Sunday. How ungrateful would that be of me? Extremely! I show gratitude in all things. We all should.

The way I decided to deal with the dreariness of the morning was to wear a sun shiny yellow dress, with a hint of silvery thread interwoven throughout it. It makes me happy! 

Speaking of The Carpenters - they are one of my favorite duos. Karen Carpenter had the loveliest voice, and I have not heard of anyone that has even come close to it. She was definitely one of a kind. I listen to their CD often. 

She was one of the "Greats" in the music industry who left, too, soon. I watched the 54th Grammy Awards, last evening, as I have as long as I can remember. In light of Whitney Houston's untimely passing, I think they did a great job in celebrating most all genres of music, decades of, those who have departed leaving behind their legacy and the newcomers making their way onto the scene.

Many have criticized Whitney Houston and countless others, finding fault in their lives and not showing the least amount of compassion for them or their loved ones. I enjoyed her music and will remember her for the artist she was.

Just a reminder to all my male readers, do not forget tomorrow is Valentines Day! ❤

I best get busy, I have a long day ahead.

Wishing you all happiness throughout this week - 

but above all this, I wish you L❤VE!

ELB

2011

Meet Guinevere

Guinevere and Me - The Toyota Jump

Today was a sunny Sunday, and the sky was clear far and wide. I decided to take my newest friend Guinevere (my new Toyota Corolla LE) out for a drive to Bonita Lakes. She is shiny silver, but under the blue skies she took on a blue tint. She is a sweet smooth ride and we will take many trips together - out representing Toyota. 


Working in Toyota's business development/marketing division is a blessing, because I work with awesome people, the best manufacturer in vehicles and have driven most of the models on a daily basis - except for their truck line. I will get around to that. I could have not ask for a better company to work for.


As for my friend Ruby (my other Toyota Corolla LE), she will go on to be someone else's loyal and dependable friend. I will never forget her and maybe Guinevere and I will run into her one day - figuratively, not literally. 

 I love this muted photograph - ❤

ELB
2011

Dear Valentine

Dear Valentine,

This new fragrance by Vera Wang is all about Vera's interpretation of love, playing off of a modern twist on Romeo and Juliet. Think lovestruck lovers and the emotion and rush you feel when you are falling in love - that heart pounding, spontaneous feeling!

Topnotes: Pink Guava, Mandarin
Midnotes: Tuberose, Lotus Blossom
Basenotes: Precious Woods, Sheer Musk

Sincerely,
Elena 

Actually, I won this romantic fragrance and I am love-struck - over it! 

If any of you ladies have not tried it, do - the next time you stop by the fragrance counter. It is simply divine. 

And gents, this would be a lovely gift for your Valentine. ♥

ELB

2012

Happy Birthday, Mom! - 2012

I want to thank the most influential person in my life, the person who is most responsible for shaping who I am today and the person who have touched, inspired and helped countless people throughout her life. That person is my Mom. 

Happy Birthday, Mom! 

I love you!

A sunset over Meridian, just for my Mom's Birthday!

The full moon shining, just for my Mom's Birthday!

Reminds us of one of our favorite scary movies - Dead End!

 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
My Grandmother and her friend Jack took my Mom to Weidmann's for lunch.
They has a nice meal and good conversation in Meridian's oldest restaurant, Est. 1870.
She won the 'Birthday Package' from WTOK, our local ABC affiliate.
I had a few surprises up my sleeve, but will let those moments between the two of us.
My Mom had a busy, but fulfilling day. But most of all, she had a Happy Birthday!

 I have a wonderful Mother who has put me first from the time I took my first breath. She has guided me with firm, but gentle hands, and opened my eyes, my heart and my mind to all things. I am keenly aware, how very blessed I am in having her raise me and loving me - all my life. She was one to show her love, as well as express her love. I never have questioned what I mean to my Mom - and she never had 'favorites' in regard to her children. She even has the capacity to love her step-children and the result speaks for itself - in turn, they love her, tenderly. The one thing she will not nor ever will tolerate in others is any abuse shown her children, be it physical, verbal, mental or emotional. I now know the signs to look for in others and I steer clear of such people. The Lord knows, they have their own demons and I want no part of that. My Mom is still teaching me, advising me and counseling me and my siblings. All the more reason we respect her and LOVE her! 


Gentility and graciousness lived there too, the past flowing into the present, the present blending with yesterday - vulnerabilities and pride made her into who she became, and fear kept her from who she could have been. The years gave her strength and a boldness that was executed and no apology made - standing firm in her resolve, she overcame other's remarks, as if to quieten her, take away her esteem, or made to feel inferior. Little did they know, she had fought battles others feared, she stood firm - harsh words nor opinion swayed her. Her faith was, too, building and by God she earned her stripes. Not in false pretense nor indifference towards others, but in truth and valor, and a genuine concern for those who were indifferent towards her. Overcoming a childhood of great sadness and loss of innocence - to becoming a mother whose role was making her daughter's life a joy, by taking delight in her child's successes and never allowing a day to pass without showing and exclaiming unconditional love and acknowledging God's hand in molding that which was broken and reshaping it into the person my Mom is today. She remains the dearest person in my life. This is what I know to be self-evident - and with Jesus Christ all things are possible, in His time.


 Mom - I touch your hand, and when I do I touch the past.


Thank you Father God for my Mother.


ELB
2012