Game Day Eve

I love Thursday nights.  Its not every Thursday, but by random selection, certain Thursdays are more special than others.

Soaking beans...
Diced tomatoes...
Slow cooked...
Added spices...

sim·mer

~verb

to be in a state of subdued or restrained activity

Every Friday home game, we gather at the lunch table at school to celebrate Game Day.  It is a great way to end the work week and catch up with each other in a subdued, but brief encounter.  Each one of these "special" Thursday nights, I love to come up with a creative recipe to bring to work.  On this particular Thursday night, I was super proud of my chili, born from a bowl of soaking beans and some tomato paste. 

After 6 hours on the stovetop, it was even better poured over a hotdog at lunch the next day.  Yummy!

~ao

A Name for all Seasons...

I remember that moment distinctively.  I was looking out our apartment window on Parrish Street crying my 1st grade eyes out.  My mom was genuinely concerned since it was not like me to cry.  I finally fessed up and told her the reason for my sadness.  "Noone will ever want to marry me," I blurted through my sobs.  "I have the most stupid name of all names."  At least that's what my classmates had convinced me of.

Cooler temps...
Oranges and yellows...
Crisp air...
Soul awakening...

au·tumn

~noun

a time of full maturity, esp. the late stages of full maturity

We all know the traditional meaning of my name {the season between summer and winter},  but I really love the second definition.  This time of year, my soul moves in a way that feels organic.  It is a state for which I know will pass, so I cling to it so as not to let it leave too quickly.  It feels miles away from the little girl who lacked confidence or vision, for it is in these months that I find the most clarity.  I wouldn't say that I have reached "full maturity" (although I do see a few more wrinkles on the picture above), but as my mother would say, "my cup runneth over."  Maybe finding that man who didn't mind my "stupid name" has something to do with it.

~ao

P.S.  Picture compliments of my dear friend, Heather, who is starting a new photography business.  What better place to build her portfolio than at girls' weekend with a group of distinctively unique girls?

Back in the Saddle

Like I've said many times, women are better mothers when they are first better women.  I firmly believe my girl time is essential to my life.  It never fails to come at just the right time.

Overloaded.
Overworked.
Overdue.
Overdone.

re·store

~verb

to bring back into existence, use, or the like; reestablish

After two long days of work, I found myself longing for my kiddos and my couch.  I found my word surrounded by blankets and hugs while watching Food Network.  It takes awhile for me to settle in...but this time, my little love pockets found the perfect way to reestablish this woman.  I was now ready to take on the world...one little person at a time.

~ao

Pen and Paper

Well its been almost 3 weeks since I've blogged, but I have remained faithful to my commitment to words.  That's right in the most rustic of forms, I have taken to the ole pen and paper.

So to close up my Fall Break, I thought I'd catch my readers up...

The return from Girls Weekend always leaves me quite conflicted.  On one part, I am fulfilled and on the other, I am exhausted.  My mind feels as if it is split in two.  Part of me wishes I could go back to the circle of trust and the other part of me is happy to return to my "normal". 

I didn't have much time to recover.  My first night back, I had a board meeting.  I arrived a few minutes late so I duck into a seat behind the sound booth.

Power Strip...
Microphones Off...
Duck Down...
Embarrassed...

at·ten·tion

~noun

the act or faculty of attending, esp. by directing the mind to an object.

Yep...right there in the board meeting...all eyes on me.  And my attention?  Sitting somewhere between my kitchen table and Nashville, TN.

~ao

Country Song

I have always loved a good country song.  It started as a young girl with my appreciation for Tammy Wynette.  It seems country music writers always use the best words in their lyrics.  In honor of our recent girls' weekend in Nashville (the home of country music), allow me to find my best words to introduce the following...

Heather

pri·or·i·ty

~noun

something given special attention

Heather is a woman who has her priorities in line.  She models everyday what it is to be an exceptional daughter, wife, and mother.  She has more grit than your average gal and is not afraid to get things done.  I am blessed to call her friend.

Jamie

sen·si·tive

–adjective

having acute mental or emotional sensibility; aware of and responsive to the feelings of others

Jamie is the friend I have the most in common with.  Before she moved to Michigan, we spent our Saturdays in thrift stores and junk shops. She is a beautiful soul and I miss her everyday she is not here with me.  I know, however, that distance will never separate us and that we are buds for life.

Michelle

wit

–noun

the keen perception and cleverly apt expression of those connections between ideas that awaken amusement and pleasure

Talk about a girl that has changed my life...I remember meeting her for the first time in the laundry room of my freshman dorm.  Make no mistake...there is no reason in the world that we should be friends.  We are as opposite as night and day.  But something about Autie and Mish just clicks and almost 20 years later, we're still hanging on tight.  (And a special hoorah to my girl featured here getting offered a pretty amazing job...crossing my fingers for you, girl!!!)

Carissa

pro·tect

–verb

to defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult, etc.;

That beautiful lady is something else.  She is strong, intelligent and will give anyone who crosses her path a real run for their money.  But the thing I love the most about our "dirty librarian", is that she is fiercely loyal and will put anything on the line (as we heard with one of her childhood stories this weekend) to make things right.  I sure am glad she is on my team.

Lea

qual·i·ty

–noun

an essential or distinctive characteristic, property, or attribute

Anytime I think of this treasured lady, I simply take a deep breath and sigh.  Lea has a beautiful way to calm me and remind of the person I strive to be.  Although I don't get to spend as much time with her anymore, I know that a simple glance and slight smile is all I need to refocus.  She is a beautiful soul and I am so glad she has chosen me to be her friend.

Melissa

dec·o·rate

–verb

to furnish or adorn with something ornamental or becoming; embellish

Michelle's baby sister, Melissa, joined us this year for the weekend.  She is a pure joy to be around and absolutely hysterical.  The thing that I love about her is that she makes the world a more beautiful place by humor, growth, and a little embellishment. (Sorry about the lack of pic here...I couldn't get the one I had to work!!!)

Kendra

pas·sion

–noun

any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling

And last but certainly not least, is my girl, DDKeeks.  This lady has been a major change agent for me over the past few years.  She loves, she listens, but most importantly...she lives!  And I am so glad I get to live this life with her in it.  She's one special girl!

I could use multiple words to describe me after my wonderful weekend, but I will narrow it down to a few...

 

Simply Humbled...

Simply Blessed...

Simply Loved...

Thank you girls for changing my life one more time.  I breathe easier and with more confidence after my 48 hour therapy session with you.

~ao

Perfection

Yesterday could not have been more perfect.  I was surrounded by words and quite honestly had a hard time determining one that was more impacting than the others.  At the end of the day, I was surrounded by it and couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

Best Dress...

White Linens...

Fine Food...

Circle of Friends...

gath·er

–verb

to bring together or assemble from various places, sources, or people

It never fails.  Whenever I am with them, its like the first time.  A few hours passed as we sat around the table laughing, crying, and enjoying each other.  I consider it my extreme honor to gather at the table with them.

~ao

Warm Fuzzies

To say this time is important to me is an extreme understatement.  I have been blessed for over half my life with an amazing network.

Beautiful women...
Weekend retreat...
Filled up...
Simply loved...

cir·cle

–noun

a complete series forming a connected whole

11 years ago, we started a tradition that has been life-sustaining.  Every year during the fall, my college gals and I head off to the destination of choice to refill, relate and refocus.  We know this is not something that all are blessed to have and we cherish the true organic nature of our friendship.  Time, distance nor simple experience can impact the treasures in which I call friends.

 

From His Eyes...

That boy of mine has a gift.  We are not quite sure where he got it from, but I know his talents will take him far.


Open house...
Art display...
Proud creator...
Adults grinning from ear to ear...

per·spec·tive

–noun

the state of one's ideas, the facts known to one, etc., in having a meaningful interrelationship

I am a sucker for details.  I have to spend most of my days in the "big picture" world so I revel in the moments that I can pay attention to the little things.  Now, if you look closely at my son's picture of me, you see two prominent circles right below my very large ears.  There are some classic punchlines that one could insert here and trust me we have well covered this territory. 


Actually, according to my dear friend who specializes in play therapy, this perspective shows that he sees me as one who nurtures and one who listens.  I think I prefer that explanation more than the punchlines. 


There is one small, teensy detail in this picture that one might miss.  The conveyance of this detail is the one thing that I want as part of my children's perspective when they think of me.   Carefully placed on my left ring finger..the symbol that is my primary role in this lifetime.  I am so glad he didn't overlook that one...

~ao

Time Out for Two...

With a night of pampering behind and girls' weekend ahead, I wanted a night out with my love.  And of course, we remember from here that I have a certain affection for the final course of the meal.

Mid-week date...
Time out for two...
Laughs...
A few sighs...

sa·vor

–noun

to give oneself to the enjoyment of

To give oneself is what I did.  I took enjoyment in the moment to look in his eyes, hold his hand, and enjoy the final bite of dessert bliss.

~ao

My gift

I have to tell you I'm extremely blessed.   I've always known that I had something special, but over the past two years, it is revealed to me daily.

Hard day...
Welcome home hug...
Have a seat...
Dinner on the stove...

pam·per

–verb

to treat or gratify with extreme or excessive indulgence, kindness, or care

I was whipped and he knew it.  So I spent the night on the couch getting caught up from a brutal week while my dear hubbs and kids treated with extreme kindness and care.  I am so lucky to have them on my team.

~ao

Kappa Delta Pi

I received an invitation a few weeks ago for an event to "Honor Educators".  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but it seemed like something I probably should attend.

Teachers' Sorority...
Knowledge...
Duty...
Power...

hon·or

–noun

the privilege of being associated with or receiving a favor from a respected person, group, organization, etc.:

It truly was my "honor" to be surrounded by a group of current and future educators.  As I sat and listened to rites of passage, I remembered my own journey.  I am not quite sure how I got here, but there is one thing I know...I have been called to this profession and as hard as it is, this sense of purpose guides my every step. 

~ao

That Time of Year...

It's almost here and I can barely contain my enthusiasm.  It is the only time that is my time and I can hardly wait.

10 girls...
1 destination...
4 days...
God I need it...

an·tic·i·pa·tion

–noun

expectation or hope

It seems every year, it becomes more necessary.  SS11 is fastly approaching and the "expectation and hope" are oozing out of my skin. Girls, get your goods and meet me on the porch.

~ao

Nashville Streets

I dropped Saturday's word right in the middle of the street. 

Dinner with Bobo and Iggs...
Walking and talking...
Not looking...
Right in the middle of the street...

clum·sy

~adjective

awkward in movement or action; without skill or grace

I just busted it right outside the San Antonio Taco Company.  Fell right to my knees and couldn't get back up.  Reminds me of a commercial in the late 80s.

~ao 

Chapel

I wasn't sure what Friday's word would look like.  I was hoping for the best, but anticipating the worst.  And then my word fell on me with such a beautiful peace that I claimed it and wore it all day long.

Alma Mater...
Press Toward the Mark...
Thankful Hymns...
Inspiring Words...

cel·e·brate

~verb

to praise widely or to present to widespread and favorable public notice

I love Lee University.  It is a place that completely changed my life year's ago.  So Friday, as I gathered to celebrate its growth, it snuck right in and changed me again.  As I sat in chapel, listening to my favorite speaker, I was consumed.  Consumed by God's love, mercy, and absolute grace on my life. I am not allowed to ask "Why me?" so I simply whisper the words, "Thank you.  Thank you for a life that I do not deserve."

~ao 

Most Days...

Most days, I float.  I know it sounds strange, but I really do spend most of my days in a state of utter weightlessness.  Not Thursday.  Thursday was a day that was completely unfamiliar.

Burdened Freedom...
Collaborative Isolation....
Uncertain Clarity...

raw

~adjective

unnaturally or painfully exposed

I have always been amazed that in those "unnatural" moments, there is always something that is sustainable.  Support reveals itself in all forms;  a comfortable silence, a hug from your child, a song, or a moment of prayer.  Just in the knick of time...

Front Row

My word changed numerous times throughout the day on Wednesday.  I spent the day doing the "work" that is less than inspiring.  Across town, however, there was a new wind coming through.

At-risk students...
Out of school...
Making life's choices...
Planning...

com·mit

~verb (used with object)

to pledge (oneself) to a position on an issue or question; express (one's intention, feeling, etc.)

I wasn't able to leave campus to meet them at the retreat, but I did get to sit in on their final pep talk.  I found that I was the one in need of a pep talk.  I was reminded that its (life) has never been easy and I've always had to work hard and stay focused.  That hasn't changed.  And so I commit...I commit to focus, drive and integrity.  Not an easy plan, but a worthy one.

~ao

Get out the Map

While organizing the house, I found my beloved box of cds containing my girls' weekend music from the past 10 years.  Tuesday, I was in need of some strategic re-focus, so I pulled one out and of course, it didn't fail to deliver.

Collection of Melodies...
Windows Down...
Top of my Lungs...

lyr·ic

~adjective Also, lyr·i·cal.

characterized by or expressing spontaneous, direct feeling

I'm gonna clear my head...I'm gonna drink the sun...

There's something about music that sustains me.  I guess its my love for the creative use of words.  But Tuesday, driving down the road in my Ford Taurus X, I was transported to that place...where your finger lands on the map and your troubles leave you by simply singing a familiar song.   

Bed Head

It doesn't happen often, but when it happens, I hve no choice but to surrender.  Last Monday, I tried my best to ignore my word...

I worked...
I smiled...
I tried...
And then I...

stop

~verb

 

to cease moving, proceeding, speaking, acting, operating, etc.; to pause; desist.

 
I was sent to the bed, sick as a dog.  Nothing too serious, just a headcold and a tired, weary lady in need of sleep.  I needed to cease...cease talking, cease thinking, cease feeling...for just a time so my body could re-boot...just in time for a busy, relentless Homecoming Week.

~ao

Move that Bus...

Well maybe its not that dramatic, but its a pretty big deal at the O'Bryan house.  After six months, the remodel is officially done.  The word is easy and it is the most important word in my life.

Welcome
Love
Comfort
Familiar

home

–noun

the place in which one's domestic affections are centered.

A project six months in the making...

BEFORE

AFTER

It took us awhile to pick out the paint color, but we love the way it turned out (and apparently so do many of our neighbors, as they have stopped to comment).  Through these doors, is a place that has transformed to everything we could ask for...

The biggest change in the house is the wall we've torn down between the kitchen and living space.  This single change has not just been structural, but has made a big difference in the function of our family.

BEFORE

AFTER

My dad always told me "attention is in the detail".  Robbie and I quickly realized it wasn't about how much money you spent, but rather about how much time we spent to find what we wanted. 

The lamp over the island is an example of something we hunted for until we found the one that was just right...

I found this little "under the counter thingie" at IKEA earlier this year and all I could envision were different colored beans.  Never expected it to look this cool!

And of course there's this little guy sitting on my island shelf...

This next picture is something I have dreamed of for most of my life.  When I was a little girl, I always loved dinner at Grandma Dee's because of her HUGE dining room table for our family dinners.  After 10 years of hunting, I finally found my very own "Table for 12"...

BEFORE

AFTER

The thing I love about my new kitchen is the view...

BEFORE

AFTER

I spend my Saturday afternoons watching Food Network and cooking in my kitchen.  What more could a girl want?

 

 

Another one of my favorite spots is just around the corner in our extended breezeway...

 

 

Otherwise known as "Mom's Nook", its the perfect place to hang your bags and get organized...

 

 

And of course, a little detail in the corner...

 

 

Through the kitchen and you head into our master bedroom.  When Robbie and I first got married, we picked out bedroom furniture that I knew would last a lifetime.  When we moved it into our new room last month, I felt the same way about it that I felt ten years ago...

BEFORE

AFTER

 

 

And my writing chair...

 

 

Next in to the Master Bath and Closet...

 

 

Sure do love our new shower...

 

 

Let's not forget our detail in here...this sweet picture of my Lily standing in front of my grandparents outhouse...

 

 

And what more could a girl want than a closet like this???

 

 

Throw in two more bathroom remodels and a new laundry room and our house now fits our lifestyle perfectly...

 

 

 

 

And of course...the details...a wooden hanger from Grandpa Ike and Grandma Dee's Honeymoon and Grandma Mooney's washboard...

 

 

Our engagement picture drawn by one of my softball players, hung at the top of the stairs...

 

 

 

And one small detail that makes a big impact...new doorknobs and hinges on every door!!!!

 

 

And of course I saved the best for last...Robbie's new outdoor den.  To say this was our greatest investment is an understatement.  We absolutely love it!

BEFORE

AFTER

 

 

 

It's good to be...

 

 

Can't wait for you to visit...

~ao