Gulf Shores December 2013
I’ve been seeing images on Pinterest and Instagram lately that bring a smile to my face. Here’s just a few things to share…
Cats. I love cats. It does not matter where I am in the world, if I see a kitty cat, I must be its friend. My love affair with cats goes back to my early years when I lived on Meadowbrook Drive. I came home with this book from grade school — Orange Oliver: The kitten who wore glasses. I told my mother I wanted an orange kitten. She told Daddy. Daddy went to work the next day and gave his employee $20 and told him “I don’t care how long it takes today, but you go out and find Melissa an orange kitten.” That night, Daddy came home with an orange kitten. I named him….Oliver. The only problem with living on Meadowbrook Drive is that no one followed the speed limit and once the kitty cats stepped off the curb, I never saw them again. So, throughout my life I have collected quite the repertoire of feline fans. I still have a thing for orange…
Breakfast.
Photo credit: Woman’s Day
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. It doesn’t have to be a lavish spread, although this tablescape I saw on Instagram this morning would not disappoint. My go-to menu would be homemade granola, ripe fruit, a warm scone or muffin, oatmeal and piping hot French press coffee all served on beautiful china.
Lazy days by the pool. Since we put a pool in last summer, it has totally changed me. I love to sit outside and just look at it. I enjoy sitting on the patio sipping coffee and bird watching. I can’t wait to start a new book after dinner as the sun it setting. It’s just so quiet and peaceful. I find I do most of my thinking outdoors.
I remember Mother wearing a swim cap. I always thought she looked so chic.
“Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there is so much to smile about.” Marilyn Monroe
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
I love this Melissa. And of course, the stylish swim cap brings back memories!