Hello There, Random

October 6, 2011 By Kelle

Sometimes when I speak, I talk fast–barely pausing to take breaths and certainly not breaking at obvious places for thought consumption. I’m realizing the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree because my girl’s mind gives her mouth a run for its money. When Lainey tells stories, they often come out in an enthusiastic string of words–a race of thoughts that get jumbled and are finally interrupted with the longest, most dramatic inhalation you’ve ever heard. Like a kid who’s been under water too long and breaks the surface with a theatrical gasp for breath.
And then she continues on.

This is all to say this post is me speaking fast. Breath will come at the end.

*****

“Mama, come look! Nella blows bubbles!” Lainey was holding a dripping bubble wand this morning and motioning me to follow her toward where she and Nella were sitting by the front door. And I recognized her enthusiasm as the same exaggerated kind that delivered the news the other day that Nella said SophieandLatte. “Perfectly,” as Lainey described, wide-eyed. So I, of course, expect to walk in and pretend to be overly excited when really Lainey’s just very generous with her praise for her sister. But this time she was right. Sister purses her lips and gently blows when Lainey holds up the wand. Perfectly. Iridescent bubbles grow and float. And I am laughing and clapping and praising not only the little sister but the big one whose lavish praise means something, you know?

Bravo, little bubble blower.

*****

I got super twitchy tonight. I realized I hadn’t had alone time in over a week and suddenly the walls of my house were closing in. And I don’t know if Brett was just overly understanding or if maybe it was obvious I needed an hour, but I barely raised an eyebrow early this evening and he was all “Just go, babe.” I decide, five minutes out of my driveway, that the great mission of my outing will be finding the perfect sexy red for my lips. Because, even if you’ve found the perfect red for your lips, you should never give up the challenge of finding a better one. Got the meaning of life figured out? Great. Keep seeking. The joy lies in the search, KWIM?

I find what is the perfect red for the time being. At a make-up counter in Kohls, of all places–between one aisle of granny panties and one aisle of men’s polos that are eternally “on sale.” And I think this red is so fabulous that I generously smear my lips with it once I get to the car. We’re talking multiple layers of thick and sticky, and I am feeling sexy. So sexy that I walk in three more stores to run some errands and don’t realize until I get home that my teeth look like I just stepped out of the ring. I might as well have just scribbled on my teeth with a red Sharpie.

I still love this gloss though.

Within seconds of picking her up when I got home, Sister smiled, noticing my lip gloss, and tried to swipe it off.

*****

Insert random picture of Lainey in a moment of “Stop getting into my stuff.”

*****

The little Ginette doll my mom found when Lainey was a baby has made a comeback–and all the clothes my mom made for her.

My new favorite thing to do is sit and watch Nella attempt to dress this doll. It reminds me of these precious days, not so long ago.

And I have a feeling it won’t be long before Lainey comes running. “Mama, Nella dressed the doll all by herself…perfectly.”

*****

Found this adorable talented girl yesterday after my cousin saw her on Nate Berkus. And her Instagram frame idea was so awesome, I printed 60 of my favorite phone dump photos today and am thinking how we’re going to transform her idea into something that works for us. To come, to come.

*****

I am in need of a deep inhalation.

But first.

My girl’s got moves.

Poor girl is aching to figure out this hula hoop thing. She throws that hoop and gyrates and nothing happens.

Soon. It will happen. Perfectly.

Tonight, under a clear blue Florida sky and entranced by fall’s preview breezes, I watched, smiling, as two people I love had a moment.

You can’t plan that. You can’t pose them. It’s just….magic.

He is humble and pretends it’s no big deal when I swoon.

*****

Loving our October breezes.

*****

October’s going to be crazy for us. But good crazy. We’ll be in San Diego later this month for something I’m really excited about. Check out the Just BeCause campaign being launched by Infantino and Step 2 Toys. I’ll be guest shooting for them, and I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of this. They are supporting children of ALL abilities in an inspiring way. If you are in the SoCal area and are interested in your child being a part of the shoot, check out the casting call here. More to come.

*****

Finally, welcome back to a familiar friend now, Independent Scentsy Consultant, Jessica Clough, who returns for another month in sponsorship. Girlfriend’s got it on! She has me hooked, and this season’s just begging for candles and scents and the art of home. Jessica has done an amazing job communicating with her clients, and every time I get one of her cards in the mail with a new sample scent, I’m on line checking it out minutes later. Case in point: Autumn Stroll and Cozy Fireside. Contact Jessica at jessicaaclough@gmail.com about her specials.

Loving my new Bamboo Tali warmer.