AnnaMarieStyle
A Date is alot Like a visit to the Local Animal Shelter....
by Anna Marie DeMayo Wood on 09/18/11
I have been happily remarried almost two years now, but it is work. For so many of us who have been through a divorce we take a personal vow to never settle for anything less than exactly what we want. I mean who wants to go throught that living hell again?
The other day while scouring the local pet adoption site, it struck me like a bolt of lightning. I logged on with a very specific need, an older dog, perhaps one that would be overlooked by most who want the "cute puppies", that could live at the farm to help with predators looking to feast on my chickens.
I have two precious golden doodles, Buddie and Ellie, at our home in the city and two beautiful Great Pyreneese Mac and Daisy, at our farm. Now I am a complete sucker when it comes to animals. I think with one look in to their eyes you instantly know if they are the right animal for you or not.
This scientific thought of mine has proved less than accurate in my personal life. I mean come on how many times have you been sucked in by those baby eyes? Only to find a wolf in disguise.
I venture to guess many women, myself included, start off with a very specific thought process on what we want and expect in a man. But like many of us looking for that specific breed, like I was that day while surfing all of the adoptees, began to stray. Needless to say after the first 5 minutes I found myself staring at a precious miniature maltese. Now for those of you that are not familiar the only thing this teacup size dog could guard might be his food bowl.
But with one look in to its little eyes I had already begun to rethink and rationalize how this pup would be a wonderful addition to our family.I mean how could you not love that face and after all doesn't everyone want a little pup you can have on your lap and be your copilot throught the day?
What, I was there that day looking for a guard dog, or at the bare minimum a dog of size and stature that would warrant the local fox to take a second look. What I had fallen for would have only been considered a snack prior to a chicken dinner.
Now don't get your feathers ruffled, I am a huge animal lover and have no,nor had any intentions of putting precious at the farm. My point to this story is just that I started off with my brain screwed on straight, with knowledge of what I needed and what would work for my situation. But quickly found myself going down the wrong road. I had already convinced myself I could make the world right for this pup and give it all the love it needed. But the question I had to ask myself and reask myself, and maybe even ask myself again, is this right for me? What can this pup do to fullfill what I had originally set out to get that day
I think in life, we as women are natural nurturers and caregivers, problem solvers by nature.This creates a dangerously fine line between what is healthy for us as women, and what is not. Now please understand I am not tyring to say finding a mate or spouse is the equivalent to dog shopping. Although if you think about it wouldn't you love it if men were already trained?... Besides when is the last time you saw a dog with a remote control in his hand kicked back in his recliner? Okay... now I am straying again, that's best left for another blogging day :)
But anywho... how many times do we lower the bar, think we can live with that annoying trait, muchless deal with a psychotic ex-wife. If we were honest to ourself and went back to the original shopping list, I think we would be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
If you are like me I went shopping for a guard dog and came home with a pocket pup? Why, one might ask, well to me its pretty simple. it was those little eyes with one look all logic went out the window.
Logic in dating is not a bad thing, infact is highly underated! Life is full of uphill battles and many times one may find themself struggling or needing that right person in their life, perhaps even being lucky enough like me, to have found their soul mate, But to have a goodlife, rich with fullfillment and love, we too must find that perfect person who can give us all the love we need and be the person we set out to find. Not settling for something less than we need.
At the end of the day, one might remember as we stroll through the grocery store of life, a list is a useful tool. One that reminds us of why we are there, what we sought out to get, and what it is that we actually needed. After all, how many times have you gotten to the store, forgotten the list only to get home without what you originally set out to buy...?
Just Food for Thought..
AnnaMarie
Ms. Matters....When Everything Really Does Matter....
by Anna Marie DeMayo Wood on 07/23/11
The title Ms. Matters was brought to my attention by my youngest son. He proudly announced while eating dinner I should be named Ms. MattersThe title Ms. Matters was brought to my attention by my youngest son. He proudly announced while eating dinner I should be named Ms. Matters.
Now, I can assure you he has no knowledge of the infamous Miss Manners, nor Dear Abbie, or the likes of any advice guru!
I looked at him instantly feeling I was under attack, but within seconds I realized it was with sheer innocense this phrase was coined. I asked him why? He proceeded to explain, "because everything matters to you mommy."
With great anticipation I asked him to explain. He smiled as peeked over his glasses with his big blue eyes and slowly began, with what was a very honest and might I add accurate laundry list. Ranging from what he ate, to what he wore, to the positioning of the pillows on the couch. Which top sheet went with which fitted sheet, and why it was good thing they did not match.
I was quick to explain he was totally correct. I have been known to lose sleep over finding just the right piece of art, or which charger to use for that special dinner. Why I "feel" a plaid napkin would be best, or why we just need just one more Hudson Bay blanket.
There has been countless treasure hunts by and for my clients. Looking for just that one perfect item that will perfectly complete their room! I thank my lucky stars for Ebay, in fact sometimes its just to plain easy, with the world just fingertips away!
Recently, the final phase of my makeover at R.Funnyfarm was finished! This is my small and very modest country home. When I chose the name I quickly realized the farm was not suited to Rambling Hills or Maple Lane. You can only put so much lipstick on a pig. It's a sous ear, but my sous ear, and I love it!
I have spent the last 12 years basically single raising three small children, who well, aren't so small any more. It's amazing what miracle grow can do! Somewhere along the way I got brave enough to purchase this small farm, which is truly a story book, with chickens a lovely horse, some alpacas, and the original farm home. Now with this story booker came all the charm and work one could want, but thats a whole other blog!
Looking back I realize how profound his statement was. Every item, and I mean every item right down to the paper napkins mattered.Every decision and purchase had meaning,from the huge basket of vintage baseballs to my mothers splatterware, and a somewhat out of control obsession with vintage croquet sets. I snatched these up as if there was going to be a shortage! But see my boys played baseball, and I love family croquet. I felt compelled to stock the bookcases with vintage Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books. Not forgetting the stacks of Hudson bays, and beautiful family quilts.
I guess what I am saying is I do believe it all really does matter. It's not about the materialistic items or the amount you spend. Many of my favorite pieces outside of family ones, have come from antique malls and flea markets. But they say something about our family and truly make our house a home. I think a home is a true gathering place. Where family should come first and be surrounded by things that evoke comfort and love!
When you drive up our "lane" it is truly a step back in time and the stress of daily life melts away. I only wish this was our full time residence.
Here is to finding your families treasures!
Anna Marie
Red White and Blue to you....
by Anna Marie DeMayo Wood on 07/23/11
Fourth of July...
My lists are growing longer, and the piles of pics pulled from pages and pages of magazines grows taller daily.
I am so excited for the traditons this holiday brings to us! We have an annual family day of fun, food, and of course fireworks!
The festivities will be again at R.Funnyfarm this year. We have also in the past had the Fourth at my brother and sister in laws farm. But I have truly been mapping out for months all of the glories, not to mention the chatchhkies of the day!
After a quick jaunt to Target, I once again have built a whole party based on one small item, and adorable Melamine plate. From there I could not resist a quick trip to Lowes and a purchase of two cases of Kerr jars. These will be used as our drinking glasses.
I have decided to paint the tops of the wooden picnic tables red and white stripe! None to soon with just days till the big event! Lowes had great ones just under 80.00 dollars.
While strollling the plaza last week I was pleasantly surprised with Kansas Citys new Sur La Table storefront. Now I will warn you, as this store is where one needs are outweighed by wants! I could not resist the old fashioned red and whtie striped straws.
To finish off the table I pulled out my standby napkins,bandanas. They make wonderful napkins, not to mention are totally cute and very inexpensive. I purchased mine at Hobby Lobby for .99 cents each and since have purchased other colors for different events. (be sure and wash them before using to remove the sizing.
Happy Fourth to All,
Anna Marie
Winter Blues!
by Anna Marie DeMayo Wood on 01/28/11
As I sit and look outside to the beautiful white blanket, I dream of spring and all of the beautiful colors that are about to unfold. The house has been full with children and teenagers relishing in the fact that yet another snow day has been called.A Lazy Sunday afternoon...
by Anna Marie DeMayo Wood on 12/20/10
Sunday, I had the unusual treat of spending an entire day in my kitchen. Now to some that may seem like more of a punishment, but to me quite the contrary.
I tried out a new Ragu recipe, from Jenny Steffens website. The next, from my dear friend Patti, the last my 98 year old grandmothers recipe for meatballs!
The Papparadelle with beef Ragu filled the entire house with a wonderful aroma as the roast cooked most of the day. Once I had the Roast in the oven I started Patti's Chicken Noodle Leek Soup, this is absolutely the most delicious soup and has become a family favorite. Once that was simmering I began to fry the meatballs.
The beauty of this work is reaped throughout the week, when the evenings are short and workdays are long. Making a wonderful family meal, only a few minutes of warmup away!
I will post these on the "Recipes" page. I hope you and your family enjoy!
There will be exciting new ideas and beautiful photos coming in the New Year. Not to mention some yummy new recipes!
Happy Holidays,
Anna Marie
,ly a few minutes of w
The treat of all this is as the work week rolls around. Great meals with a
I then fired up the cooktop and began the meatballs! I like to make a large batch and then freeze them. It is such a treat on a cold winter day to pull out a bag of meatballs and throw them in a pot of sauce, or stuff them in to Italian sub rolls and serve meatball grinders!
