Summer on the lake

Okay, old man winter. I'm done with you. You can leave now. Adios, sayonara, ciao, au revoir. The excitement you've brought during those big snow storms has waned, we're sick of your cold rains and wind, and are ready for a change in scenery. My mind keeps wandering to the long summer days which Chris and I have enjoyed since living on the lake and I'm ready to greet those moments with open arms. My Rainbow flip flops are lonely, the garden is calling Chris' name loud and clear, and my dogs long to run for hours on end in the warm evening sun. The table on the deck has sat empty and dirt-covered since it got cold and is gently whispering for me have a glass of wine while enjoying the view of the water. My taste buds are ready to devour the goodies from Chris' garden . . . the fresh strawberries, cantalope, okra, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. Our boat has been sitting so lonely and is ready for afternoon boat rides and picnics with sandwiches and Corona. The driveway is calling where many a nights Chris and have sat as we watch the stars. Until then, sweet summertime, I'll be thinking of you and anticipating your arrival.

Here are some pictures from fall and winter on the lake.

"She who dies with the most shoes wins."

I have been and will always be a die-hard shoe lover. My mother would liken me to Imelda Marcos who had over 3000 pairs of shoes although I've never had quite that many pair but oh-to-die-for!!! I can only imagine what my closet would look like if I had room (and money to support the habit) for all those shoes! I picture a section for tennis shoes, my running shoes, trendy tenny-pumps, and classics such as Tretorns along with a section for boots. Then there would be a section for comfy dress shoes with endless pairs of Danskos in all flavors- black, brown, patent leather, swirly, leopard print, etc.. Of course I'd have a section designated for heels in all colors and styles but the best and most well-stocked section would be a wall of ballet flats. I don't think a girl can ever have enough pairs of flats. They are classy, elegant, and go well with any outfit. I'm currently looking forward to spring and updating my summer shoe wardrobe . . .  better start making more room in the closet!

Here are some of my most favorite purchases.

These riding boots by Kelsi Dagger are comfy and very warm!

LOVE these dainty flats!

Confetti Danskos + Teaching all day long = Heaven on Earth!

Bringin' back the 80's with my slouchy boots!

Elegant and classy wedges by Bandolio

*All images are from google.com

Giving back

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.

- John Wesley

All of my life, I have been taught that it is right and good to give back to your community and fellow man. During my years in Acts Alive, the youth group I attended in high school, I went on many mission trips all over the east coast as well as one to the Puerto Rico. I've seen first hand the impact of sharing God's love for one another through the people I've met and smiles I've witnessed as a family enters their newly remodeled home for the first time. While I'm unable to make trips to foreign countries or remodel houses as an adult with a full-time job, I am proud to say that I do serve my community and I encourage you to do the same. Giving back just a small amount of time can have the biggest impact if your heart is in the right place. I have included links to several organizations for which I volunteer some of my time. Check them out and think about giving some of your time. These experiences continue to humble me, ground me, and bring me a sense of purpose in this crazy crazy world.

http://www.communitiesinschools.org/

 

http://www.sonc.net/

http://projectpotential.lexcs.org/

My dear friend and fellow community activist, Antionette and myself.
She was the first Project Potential scholarship recipient in 1996. She went on to graduate from UNC Chapel Hill.

*Disclaimer- I must admit that while I love CIS and Special Olympics, Project Potential is my favorite. This is my second year as a college coach and I will probably, in the near future, limit my volunteer time to this one organization because of its impact on young people. I don't think there is any better gift than the opportunity to help a young person go to college. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please let me know!

The story behind Poella Divine

When I was a child, my Great Aunt Rebecca, gave me this oh-so-fabulous nickname because I look so much like the Poe side of my family. Poe is the married name of my great grandmother, Mary Louise Copeland Poe, for whom my daughter (assuming and hoping I have one) will hopefully be named. Yes, the child will have four names, but it's a very dear name to me. So Mary Louise Copeland Poe (we called her Mama Lou) was my great-grandmother and her daughter, my grandmother, was Eloise Copeland Poe (we called her Dutch). I have the same big brown eyes, dark complexion, and build of both my great-grandmother and grandmother so my Aunt Rebecca nicknamed me "Poella Divine." When I think back to these two women for whom I am named, I have wonderful memories of the many visits we took to see them in Chapel Hill. These are my most fond memories of Dutch and Mama Lou:

Breakfast on Mama Lou's best china- Singapore Bird

Playing in Dutch's Estee Lauder makeup sampler

Going to Spanky's on Franklin Street in my rollerskates

The gorgeous eyelet curtains that hung in Mama Lou's bedroom

Cruising Franklin Street after a Tarheel victory while hanging out of the sunroof of my Uncle's Carolina blue peugeot (my mom would have died if she'd have seen us)

The bells on the back of Dutch's door that clanged loudly when we'd arrive and slam the door in excitement of seeing her

Lunch at K&W Cafeteria

Homemade chocolate popsicles

Dutch's kitchen witch (which to this day would still frighten me)

Watching Jeopardy

Mama Lou's ultra suede suits

Classical music

Daddy Bill's gas station on Franklin Street (my great-grandfather used to own a gas station in the heart of downtown Chapel Hill just down from Spankys!)

Shopping at the Purple Puddle

http://www.purplepuddle.com/

Feeding the birds off of Dutch's balcony

Falling asleep in Dutch's king size bed while she sang us to sleep . . . I can still hear her humming the words to George Gershwin's Summertime

Summertime,

And the livin' is easy

Fish are jumpin'

And the cotton is high

Oh, Your daddy's rich

And your mamma's good lookin'

So hush little baby

Don't you cry

One of these mornings

You're going to rise up singing

Then you'll spread your wings

And you'll take to the sky

But until that morning

There's a'nothing can harm you

With your daddy and mammy standing by

Summertime,

And the livin' is easy

Fish are jumpin'

And the cotton is high

Your daddy's rich

And your mamma's good lookin'

So hush little baby

Don't you cry

What I wouldn't give to go back and relive every single one of these moments. As I continue in my blogging adventure, you will hear many more stories about my childhood, my roots, and the way my parents raised me. It is, my friends, just the beginning of the Sweet Life of Poella Divine.

Snow at OKI!

Last weekend, Chris and I took a little vacation to our place at Oak Island! We knew the weather forecasters were calling for snow but we had no idea that we were in for a real treat! As we arrived on the island, so did the most gorgeous snowfall. The next morning, we ventured out onto the beach to see the snow. Neither of us had ever witnessed snow like this at the coast! Here are some pictures of our trip!