Back to Cyberspace Once More!

Hello, my dear sweet blog readers! :) It's been ages since I've done anything on my poor desolate little blog here, and I regret it very much. The truth is, I've been neglecting my computer sorely for the past 2 months or so. In a way, it's a good thing. I used to constantly be on the computer, working away at different projects and things, checking my email every hour, but this wasn't a healthy way of life because it ate up far too much of my time. For some reason, it's taken a wild swing in the other direction for me and I've been focusing on my crochet and jewelry making and reading, and the computer work has fallen by the wayside! Hopefully I can adjust back to a balanced middle ground and incorporate some computer into my life again. :D

Now, for your regular weather update: ;)
I don't know about you, but where I live in Georgia the air has been filled with pollen for the past couple of days. A few rainstorms yesterday cleared the atmosphere a little bit, but there's still plenty of the yellow dust left. What surprised me very much though, was the sudden and miraculous greening of all the trees and plants roundabouts! In a matter of days every twig and branch in the woods in which my log home is nestled were sporting lovely new green foliage - that elusive shade that's only seen when the leaves first make their appearance. Beautiful! :) I'm looking forward to the profusion of blooming flowers that, hopefully, will come out soon.

My grandmother and great-aunt Barbara were able to come for a visit over Easter weekend and we had a wonderful time with them. Some highlights of their stay were giving my grandmother her first computer lesson, (in preparation to getting her a computer of her own) showing my aunt Barbara how to crochet (Ah, what fun! I love crocheting!) and attending the Easter Sunrise Service at Callaway Gardens, spending a gorgeous day exploring the gardens and visiting the butterfly house.

Yesterday, my darling wonderful dear friend Allison H. came with us on a shopping trip to celebrate my 19th birthday, and we had such a blast! Before we left Allison presented me with a GORGEOUS journal with a cover that had been ribbon-embroidered by her. It was so beautiful! :) We stopped by Bath & Body works, and got matching bottles of fragrance mist, browsed the incredibly awesome store of Ross (where I always find something I absolutely love!!) in this case, finding some lovely skirts and a few picture collage frames (among other things). We went out for lunch at Stevie B's pizza and I was able to experience the astonishingly wonderful baked potato pizza... seriously folks, you gotta try some of that... :) Anyway, we came home loaded with goods from our shopping spree. Allison joined my family as we went out for dinner at a charming little Greek/Italian restaurant in my small home town and I had the most delicious Greek chicken salad ever. Oh. Wow. :)

Then, on top of that, Allison got to spend the night! I haven't had a sleepover since I was .... let's not think back how many years, shall we... And this one must have been the best yet. :D Allison and I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning whispering and trying to stuff our giggles into pillows so that we wouldn't wake anybody else. We ended up getting about 5 hours of sleep, making me take a nap this afternoon to catch up on some rest. :) This morning we watched Sense and Sensibility, which Allison had never seen before... She told me she loved it! Yeah! Score one for the Jane Austen fans! :)

Yes. You did read that fact correctly up there. (That is, if you're paying attention) I did say "My 19th birthday". It's tomorrow, actually, (April 10th) and I have a beautiful cake planned out that I will bake... involving fresh strawberries and vanilla and strawberry cake. :D I've felt so many mixed emotions about this birthday that I've finally decided it's time to stop trying to analyze my feelings and just go with the flow, enjoying the happy moments. :) On one hand, I am thrilled to be another step closer to being a full-fledged 'adult'... but on the other, something in me mourns the passing of childhood. I realize this MUST seem melodramatic to my friends who are already in their 20's... but that's how I've been feeling for the past month or so. 19 seems so much older to me - am I really finished being 18? ;) Like there's really anything I can do about it anyway! :D I am excited about what this new year will bring across my path.

Well, I have thoroughly enjoyed dipping my toes into the pool of blogging once more. Hopefully it will be followed by a big splash as I dive back in! :D

Oh yes - did anybody notice the new blog look? What do you think?

Much love, hugs, and many blessings to you, my friends!