Keeping it Real with SFG

I had to have emergency surgery about three months ago to remove a basketball-sized cyst from my abdomen. I also ended up needing a total abdominal hysterectomy with complications. Needless to say it has been a rough few months. 

I haven't had my normal creative mojo and I was beginning to think they removed that during the surgery as well.  My mantel hasn't changed. My door decor hasn't changed. I haven't started any new projects. I haven't completed any old projects. I was really worried. Thankfully, I am finding that as my energy returns my desire to get back to projects has returned as well. Whew!

During my down time we had lots of friends and family stop over and love on us. It was a little embarrassing because I'm always switching stuff up in my home. Because of my blog and local design classes, folks expect my house to be perfectly manicured and styled. I had several BIG projects in process before my surgery. (Some in process for longer than I care to share.) I had to humble myself, open my doors and let people in on my secret life. It wasn't so bad.

BUT day-after-day of explaining why this was here and what I wanted to do there I realized that I need to get my house back in order with what I have now, make a list of projects, prioritize, plan and then get busy.I think this falls under a little thing most folks call BALANCE.

If there is one thing about my personality that I must feed, it's the need for reflection and recalibration. I find it wonderfully validating that this desire falls as my blog anniversary and birthday approaches. I've had my head in the clouds the past few days dreaming of my path for the next year. Now it's time to put those dreams into action.

I'm going to relaunch my blog in September  January with a few changes in priority and focus. The main topic of my blog will continue to be creative projects for home design and entertaining. My home will take the spotlight (the good, the bad, and the ugly) for the next few months to help keep me on track with my list of projects. I also want to get back to regularly sharing the tales of BBC, tasty recipes, southern fun and much more. 

I am super excited and can't wait to get back into the routine. I will begin making the rounds to some of my favorite blogs again this week. 

If I haven't visited your blog lately, please leave a comment letting me know what you've been up to so I can be sure to drop by for a visit! The relationships are my favorite part, y'all!

Excited!
~Southern Fried Gal

My Big Second Grader

Today is a bittersweet day - the first day of school. Can I get a witness? Here's my handsome boy all settled in and ready to go. I pray he and all the other kids, teachers, and administrators across Arkansas (and elsewhere) have a fabulous first day of school.

What's going on with you today?

~Southern Fried Gal

Cool Pool Time with BBC

My incision is finally healed enough to get into the pool. It's a nice way to relax, do a few exercises, and cool off. Last night DH wasn't feeling well so BBC and I had a mom/son date in the pool. It started with a lot of showing off on his part.

Look at the height he got off the diving board!

Cannon...

BALL!!!!

Remember, don't splash mom (yeah right).

Yes, diving - much less splashing involved.

Don't flip out, mom.

It has been pure joy watching my water baby grow up right before my eyes. I was a water baby, too, so this brought back lots of fun memories. After BBC tired of the diving board he brought the float mat over to me and asked me to float with him and tell him stories from my childhood. After I shared each story he shared one from his childhood. Precious times are these.

This is how we are beating the record breaking heat in Arkansas and creating memories - how about you?

~Southern Fried Gal

Still On The Mend

It is officially eleven weeks since surgery and I still feel like I'm on the mend. I started back to work (half days) a couple of weeks back. I still tire by mid afternoon. I cooked dinner twice last week - woo hoo. My mantel and door decor hasn't changed at all since the surgery - a true sign I'm not quite myself, yet. 

I'm trying to be patient and take this healing stuff seriously but dang...

Thank you again to everyone who has or is praying for me and sending well wishes. Friends help chase away the blues the most.

~Southern Fried Gal