Seven Things
Inspiration, Eating, Listening, Reading, Watching, Making & Working
April 2026
 
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Hey there, First name / friend! How have YOU been?
 
For us, the days are just FLYING by.  We've been dealing with power outages, random things lost, tech mishaps. I feel blessed to fall into bed each night with all my appendages still intact, with food on our plates, and a roof over our heads. Obviously, things can always be better. But at the end of the day, mere survival has been a gift.  
 
So if you need me, I'll be here, triple-checking and over-planning for every possibility. Like…more than usual LOL.  And also gathering up some…
Small Moments of Joy
  • Spring is WAY too early this year but honestly, I'll freaking take it. Everything is in bloom.
  • A day spent running errands with my Mom.  Just her and I.
  • A long afternoon drive over a mountain in glorious spring sunshine instead of the quicker interstate.
  • Relatedly, the first patio burger and blackberry shandy of the season really hit.
  • Apple music knowing I needed to hear big band New Orleans funk on the very first day it felt like spring.
  • Kristen Griffith-VanderYacht keeping it real
  • If you're on a road trip this is the most important tracker map
  • Luke Combs' refreshing interview in GQ
  • Seeing The House that She Built at the builders show!
  • I…okay…I'll stop watching the birds in the birdbath
  • Things can always get better
  • The perfect way this cake is frosted
  • “I would like to try cake.” is an instant classic
And lastly, because helping brings joy, too, the New American Pathways could use a hand.
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Here are the other Seven Things that are barely holding me together these days.  I hope they help you, too, wherever and however you may be.
01 - Inspiration - Actual Color with a photo of the Celect shingle siding from Westlake Royal in a lovely light pink color
You know what?  We can still do cool and wonderful things.  “EVERYONE in that picture.” is what really got me, though.  Space is incredible.  
BE INSPIRED
 
02 - Eating - Tonkatsu & Salad with a photo of said meal on a lovely Japanese ceramic plate
Been soothing with food A LOT lately.  Usually with mashed potatoes.  Here's the way I make meatloaf for the ultimate cozy plate.
MAKE THIS MEAL
 
03 - Listening - The Isley Brothers with a cover of them from the early 70's in all their regalia
I heard someone refer to her as “Georgia Strait” and you know what?  Yes. Exactly the type of songs my Aunties sang along with in the car in the 90s.  
LISTEN NOW 
 
04 - Reading - Heaven & Earth with an image of a windswept beach in winter
Is this book good?  It is not.  Is it crudely written escapist fantasy with the smallest whisper of historical accuracy?  Absolutely. Woulda made a fantastic “Mini-Series Event" in the 80's.  
 
05 - Watching - The Muppets with an image of cast in the old school stage grid with multicolored lighting
Just the most charming movie, and RIPE for a remake. A little wistful but I'll watch Cary & Katharine fall in love any day.
WATCH NOW  
 
06 - Making - Seedlings with an image of very small sprouts in a seed tray
If nothing else, this unnervingly early spring gives me an extra 6 weeks to tackle all the jobs I missed last year.  This weed puller continues to be a joy!
MAKE THIS YOURSELF
 
An image of my last exterior design project in the Poconos in winter
07 - Working - Poconos Renovation
Helped a past client finish off her project 4 years later with a full patio furnishings design for their pool and backyard.  'Tis the season!!! 
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
 
Tools of the Trade
 
 

 
First name / Friend, I'm so glad you're here!
Keep Taking Care of Yourself,
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