Front and center

That's me in front of one of my photos displayed in the lobby entrance at O'Charley's in Champaign, IL. Bob and I made a special trip (I'm very anti-chain restaurants) to see my photos there last night. I was thrilled to see two of the seven in the lobby and the rest scattered throughout the dining rooms. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and check 'em out!

Seeing books

I love the built in bookcases in our new house. They frame one of the fireplaces and are charming, sweet and just plain cool. The other night I was unpacking my books thinking to myself, "man, it's been so many years since I've actually been able to see all of my books." I came across books that I hadn't seen in ages and some I'd completely forgotten I even owned. Just then I came across this book that was a gift from my mom a long time ago... 

...and I flipped through the pages and landed on this one. My eyes fell on the 4th line of text: "knowing where all your books are." 

It was one of those moments when you get the warm and fuzzies and a giant smile spreads across your face. That is certainly something to be happy about.

Winston, you spooky dog

Winston was a hit with our trick or treaters last night.  He was such a good sport and donned his skeleton costume the whole time.  The kids loved it and he loved meeting all of them.  He even tried to help Bob hand out the candy.  Too cute, right?  

Welcome, Lindy Mary!

Yesterday our dear friends Katie and Cliff welcomed Lindy Mary, their new daughter, into the world.  Isn't she just the cutest?  Bob and I will be meeting her in person tonight and I can't wait.  Congrats you guys!

And, Lindy will of course grow up to be a die hard Cardinals fan like her dad... I suppose we'll let that slide. :)

Mister Misty

Yesterday we had to put Misty, my last childhood pet, to sleep. Misty was a really great cat. When I was in 4th grade, some guys who worked at my mom's office found a litter of three kitties behind the building. The momma cat had abandoned them when they barely had their eyes open and fur on their bodies. My mom, being the angel that she was, brought them home. We bottle fed them (sometimes using a syringe) to health and two of the three of them survived to live long and happy lives with our family. Misty was one of them.
I will always remember the great massages that Misty gave with her paws and just how lovey she was. Now she gets to see all of our wonderful pets again - Shadow, Jenny, Sophia, Domino, Captain and Samantha.
When I was young my mom always told me that Captain and Samantha, our big black German Sheppards, were guarding the gates to heaven. I still find that a very comforting thought.

Weekend Warriors

It's been about two weeks now since Bob and I closed on our new house and we are quickly approaching our move in date. I thought I'd share some pics of work in progress. We have officially achieved Weekend Warrior status - I'm lumping myself in there even though Bob has done the vast majority of the work. I'm more like the errand girl who picks up lunch and random other needs and tries to stay out of the way the best I can... :)

Libby on the label

Naming my blog was something I really struggled with when I first started almost a year ago.  I wanted something that sounded cool, represented me and just fit.  I landed on "Living Lovely," but was never totally feeling it.  It's always been in the back of my mind - trying to figure out a name that was just right.  Well, I've finally found it.

Libby on the Label



Throughout my entire childhood people would always sing this silly song to me that went "Libby Libby Libby on the label label label, you will like it like it like it on your table table table."  Now, I am familiar with the Libby's (Libby's Libby's) brand, but I'm too young to remember these commercials.  When I was a kid it kind of annoyed me, but now it is one of the funnier things I remember from that time.  Mainly because I had no idea what people were talking about and I just had to stand there while they sang this song to me.  It makes me laugh right now just thinking about it.  Anyway, it's the perfect name for my blog.

I'll be working on designing a new header soon, so stay tuned.  I might even ask for your help in choosing what to use.