Sunday Funday

It is Sunday. A beautiful, delightful Sunday.

At this point in my weekend I sit happy. I have just now come in from my little garden that is blooming and fragrant and has made friends with several neighborhood butterflies and one fearless hummingbird. My payment for care-giving is the frequent swoops they make around me as I shower and admire the flowers. The rosemary is so fragrant and the basil makes my mouth water just thinking about it. It might be the most therapeutic task I know of- to garden.

A successful Sunday by Beth. Step one, wake up at dawn, which is impressive considering the good time I had last night. One of Nick’s friends celebrated his recent success on the PGA Tour by graciously having his friends over for a relaxed, but fine party at his home. The bartender was certainly a professional and the night turned out to be everything one would hope for amongst friends; funny stories, lots of laughter, a little history shared and a few new friends made along the way. Upon waking, I decided to bite the bullet and not roll around forcing a lazy morning onto myself and instead I got the dogs leashed and we hiked our usual trails in the Chattahoochee Forrest. We sat and watched the river flow for a while. Well, I sat and Selma put on her best performance to distract me from river gazing. She hops like a deer and sprints like a cheetah and spins in circles and digs a bit… snorts a little loose dirt and runs wild in large circles making paths through the trees as she goes. It’s really incredible! And it works. I laugh at all the contorted body movements and the intense and ever changing expressions on her face, complete with ear flaps flat behind her to give her an aerodynamic advantage, and eventually start cheering her. This is my morning glory.

Step two for the morning was to wake my husband up in the most abrupt fashion I could muster. So, I turned on 92.9, acoustic sunrise, and let it blare through the speakers and challenged the dogs to a race to the bed. Works every time! Nick was up! All three of his girls were on top of him smiling and energetic and Selma Lu Mela was a doll and included a complimentary face wash. Brilliant plan. I even worked out a short shoulder rub for myself. How about that! I splatter myself loudly on the bed and I get petted for it. Works for me! This is my morning pride.

Step three… brunch with my best friend. Husbands welcome. We had a brunch date for four at The St. Regis, Atlanta and my, my how wonderful it turned out to be. The décor in the hotel is phenomenal. And that is not my word to describe it. It is literally the word out of Nick’s mouth as he sat down. Fancy hotel, fancy words. We moved from our coffee and assorted muffins to pancakes and omelettes, which didn’t disappoint. Having wished for pancakes all morning, I was more than pleased when Chef Crystal suggested them. The chef is a friend now, made through Julie, my best girlfriend and a bit of a foodie. She knows good food. We concluded the breakfast with a nice gift, compliments of the chef, a spicy Bloody Mary, (which happened to include a tiny jalapeno pepper that Jules mistook for an olive and accidentally popped into her mouth whole!) The chef shared some knowledge. Bloody Marys are St. Regis’ signature beverage because the St. Regis, New York City was the first to ever concoct them back in 1930-something. What a valuable piece of trivia. Although, I never order them, I am impressed with this odd drink and admire the bravery in those who sip them as well as those who invent them. After touring the hotel and pool and refreshing myself with rosemary water, we parted from our friends and promised to make this our new preferred brunching location. It was really great food, hospitable service, and luxurious ambiance. I will suggest it. This is my morning delight.

Step four in my Sunday morning is home. Sending my Mr. to hit the course and dabbling on my stories, watering my lovelies and hugging my puppies. I guess nothing else is needed for me to be thankful on a Sunday. This is my morning contentment.

Earth, Love, Grace, and Happiness.

Every Sunday please.