(8563,1,'2011-12-22 21:16:43','2011-12-23 04:16:43','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8503\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8504\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8505\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8510\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  Tar-zhay aka Target.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8521\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8524\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because Trader Joe\'s has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8525\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8528\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8532\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week before New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-53','','','2011-12-22 21:16:43','2011-12-23 04:16:43','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-53/',0,'revision','',0),(8565,1,'2011-12-22 21:20:27','2011-12-23 04:20:27','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8503\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8504\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8505\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8510\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  Tar-zhay aka Target.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8521\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8524\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because Trader Joe\'s has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8525\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8528\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8532\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week before New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-55','','','2011-12-22 21:20:27','2011-12-23 04:20:27','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-55/',0,'revision','',0),(8566,1,'2011-12-22 21:20:27','2011-12-23 04:20:27','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  Tar-zhay aka Target.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because Trader Joe\'s has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week before New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-56','','','2011-12-22 21:20:27','2011-12-23 04:20:27','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-56/',0,'revision','',0),(8567,1,'2011-12-22 21:33:32','2011-12-23 04:33:32','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  Tar-zhay aka Target.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week before New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-57','','','2011-12-22 21:33:32','2011-12-23 04:33:32','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-57/',0,'revision','',0),(8568,1,'2011-12-23 11:36:58','2011-12-23 18:36:58','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOkay, I take that back.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHumbug.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHumb...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.  I suppose so.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week in the tradition of New Year\'s.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-autosave','','','2011-12-23 11:36:58','2011-12-23 18:36:58','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(8569,1,'2011-12-22 21:33:32','2011-12-23 04:33:32','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  Tar-zhay aka Target.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week before New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-58','','','2011-12-22 21:33:32','2011-12-23 04:33:32','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-58/',0,'revision','',0),(8570,1,'2011-12-22 21:34:11','2011-12-23 04:34:11','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week before New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-59','','','2011-12-22 21:34:11','2011-12-23 04:34:11','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-59/',0,'revision','',0),(8571,1,'2011-12-22 21:34:12','2011-12-23 04:34:12','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week before New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-60','','','2011-12-22 21:34:12','2011-12-23 04:34:12','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-60/',0,'revision','',0),(8572,1,'2011-12-22 21:36:37','2011-12-23 04:36:37','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week in the tradition of New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-61','','','2011-12-22 21:36:37','2011-12-23 04:36:37','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-61/',0,'revision','',0),(8576,1,'2011-12-23 11:34:19','2011-12-23 18:34:19','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week in the tradition of New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-65','','','2011-12-23 11:34:19','2011-12-23 18:34:19','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/23/8498-revision-65/',0,'revision','',0),(8573,1,'2011-12-22 21:36:37','2011-12-23 04:36:37','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week in the tradition of New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-62','','','2011-12-22 21:36:37','2011-12-23 04:36:37','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-62/',0,'revision','',0),(8574,1,'2011-12-23 11:32:35','2011-12-23 18:32:35','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week in the tradition of New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-63','','','2011-12-23 11:32:35','2011-12-23 18:32:35','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/23/8498-revision-63/',0,'revision','',0),(8575,1,'2011-12-23 11:32:35','2011-12-23 18:32:35','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week in the tradition of New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-64','','','2011-12-23 11:32:35','2011-12-23 18:32:35','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/23/8498-revision-64/',0,'revision','',0),(8577,1,'2011-12-23 11:34:19','2011-12-23 18:34:19','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week in the tradition of New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-66','','','2011-12-23 11:34:19','2011-12-23 18:34:19','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/23/8498-revision-66/',0,'revision','',0),(8578,1,'2011-12-23 11:37:26','2011-12-23 18:37:26','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week in the tradition of New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-67','','','2011-12-23 11:37:26','2011-12-23 18:37:26','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/23/8498-revision-67/',0,'revision','',0),(8579,1,'2011-12-23 11:37:26','2011-12-23 18:37:26','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week in the tradition of New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-68','','','2011-12-23 11:37:26','2011-12-23 18:37:26','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/23/8498-revision-68/',0,'revision','',0),(8580,1,'2011-12-23 11:38:53','2011-12-23 18:38:53','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week in the tradition of New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-69','','','2011-12-23 11:38:53','2011-12-23 18:38:53','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/23/8498-revision-69/',0,'revision','',0),(8581,1,'2011-12-23 11:38:53','2011-12-23 18:38:53','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week in the tradition of New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-70','','','2011-12-23 11:38:53','2011-12-23 18:38:53','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/23/8498-revision-70/',0,'revision','',0),(8582,1,'2011-12-23 11:41:08','2011-12-23 18:41:08','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week in the tradition of New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-71','','','2011-12-23 11:41:08','2011-12-23 18:41:08','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/23/8498-revision-71/',0,'revision','',0),(8584,1,'2011-12-26 15:51:40','2011-12-26 22:51:40','Last week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n:-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to refer to him as mio Romeo or Romeo mio to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Results for \"Name That Italian!\"','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision','','','2011-12-26 15:51:40','2011-12-26 22:51:40','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(8585,1,'2011-12-26 15:57:39','2011-12-26 22:57:39','Last week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n:-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to refer to him as \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.  Over the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind and  an open heart.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Results for \"Name That Italian!\"','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-2','','','2011-12-26 15:57:39','2011-12-26 22:57:39','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(8586,1,'2011-12-26 16:09:43','2011-12-26 23:09:43','Last week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMay I have a drumroll, please?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n:-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.  Over the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him in the online sludge.  He was waiting in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Results for \"Name That Italian!\"','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-3','','','2011-12-26 16:09:43','2011-12-26 23:09:43','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(8587,1,'2011-12-26 16:15:25','2011-12-26 23:15:25','This photo has to do with the winning nickname.^  I promise.  ','P1000909','','inherit','open','open','','p1000909','','','2011-12-26 16:15:25','2011-12-26 23:15:25','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8588,1,'2011-12-26 16:17:43','2011-12-26 23:17:43','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMay I have a drumroll, please?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n:-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.  Over the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him in the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n********************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n^ Mio Romeo took this photo at the site that is pr\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Results for \"Name That Italian!\"','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-4','','','2011-12-26 16:17:43','2011-12-26 23:17:43','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(8590,1,'2011-12-26 16:18:43','2011-12-26 23:18:43','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMay I have a drumroll, please?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n:-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.  Over the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him in the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n********************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guiletta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Results for \"Name That Italian!\"','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-6','','','2011-12-26 16:18:43','2011-12-26 23:18:43','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(8589,1,'2011-12-26 16:18:26','2011-12-26 23:18:26','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMay I have a drumroll, please?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.  Over the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him in the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Mio Romeo took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guiletta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Results for \"Name That Italian!\"','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-5','','','2011-12-26 16:18:26','2011-12-26 23:18:26','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(8598,1,'2011-12-26 16:25:30','2011-12-26 23:25:30','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMay I have a drumroll, please?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n:-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.  Over the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him in the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n********************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\n\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-14','','','2011-12-26 16:25:30','2011-12-26 23:25:30','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(8591,1,'2011-12-26 16:18:46','2011-12-26 23:18:46','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMay I have a drumroll, please?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.  Over the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him in the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guiletta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Results for \"Name That Italian!\"','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-7','','','2011-12-26 16:18:46','2011-12-26 23:18:46','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(8592,1,'2011-12-26 16:18:46','2011-12-26 23:18:46','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMay I have a drumroll, please?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.  Over the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him in the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guiletta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Results for \"Name That Italian!\"','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-8','','','2011-12-26 16:18:46','2011-12-26 23:18:46','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(8593,1,'2011-12-26 16:19:19','2011-12-26 23:19:19','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMay I have a drumroll, please?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.  Over the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him in the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guiletta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Results for \"Name That Italian!\"','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-9','','','2011-12-26 16:19:19','2011-12-26 23:19:19','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(8594,1,'2011-12-26 16:19:19','2011-12-26 23:19:19','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMay I have a drumroll, please?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.  Over the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him in the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guiletta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Results for \"Name That Italian!\"','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-10','','','2011-12-26 16:19:19','2011-12-26 23:19:19','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(8595,1,'2011-12-26 16:19:30','2011-12-26 23:19:30','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMay I have a drumroll, please?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.  Over the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him in the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guiletta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Results for \"Name That Italian!\"','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-11','','','2011-12-26 16:19:30','2011-12-26 23:19:30','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(8596,1,'2011-12-26 16:19:30','2011-12-26 23:19:30','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMay I have a drumroll, please?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.  Over the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him in the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guiletta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Results for \"Name That Italian!\"','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-12','','','2011-12-26 16:19:30','2011-12-26 23:19:30','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(8597,1,'2011-12-26 16:24:27','2011-12-26 23:24:27','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMay I have a drumroll, please?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.  Over the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him in the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-13','','','2011-12-26 16:24:27','2011-12-26 23:24:27','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(8599,1,'2011-12-26 16:27:25','2011-12-26 23:27:25','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMay I have a drumroll, please?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.  Over the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-15','','','2011-12-26 16:27:25','2011-12-26 23:27:25','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(8600,1,'2011-12-26 16:30:30','2011-12-26 23:30:30','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n:-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n********************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\n\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-16','','','2011-12-26 16:30:30','2011-12-26 23:30:30','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(8601,1,'2011-12-26 16:30:48','2011-12-26 23:30:48','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-17','','','2011-12-26 16:30:48','2011-12-26 23:30:48','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(8602,1,'2011-12-26 16:30:48','2011-12-26 23:30:48','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-18','','','2011-12-26 16:30:48','2011-12-26 23:30:48','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(8603,1,'2011-12-26 16:31:25','2011-12-26 23:31:25','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-19','','','2011-12-26 16:31:25','2011-12-26 23:31:25','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(8604,1,'2011-12-26 16:31:25','2011-12-26 23:31:25','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-20','','','2011-12-26 16:31:25','2011-12-26 23:31:25','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(8605,1,'2011-12-26 16:32:16','2011-12-26 23:32:16','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800000;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-21','','','2011-12-26 16:32:16','2011-12-26 23:32:16','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(8606,1,'2011-12-26 16:32:16','2011-12-26 23:32:16','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800000;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-22','','','2011-12-26 16:32:16','2011-12-26 23:32:16','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(8608,1,'2011-12-26 16:34:06','2011-12-26 23:34:06','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n:-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n********************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\n\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-24','','','2011-12-26 16:34:06','2011-12-26 23:34:06','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(8607,1,'2011-12-26 16:33:03','2011-12-26 23:33:03','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-23','','','2011-12-26 16:33:03','2011-12-26 23:33:03','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(8609,1,'2011-12-26 16:34:53','2011-12-26 23:34:53','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n♥\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-25','','','2011-12-26 16:34:53','2011-12-26 23:34:53','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(8610,1,'2011-12-26 16:34:53','2011-12-26 23:34:53','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n♥\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-26','','','2011-12-26 16:34:53','2011-12-26 23:34:53','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(8614,1,'2011-12-26 16:37:18','2011-12-26 23:37:18','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n********************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\n\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-30','','','2011-12-26 16:37:18','2011-12-26 23:37:18','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(8611,1,'2011-12-26 16:35:30','2011-12-26 23:35:30','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-27','','','2011-12-26 16:35:30','2011-12-26 23:35:30','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(8612,1,'2011-12-26 16:35:31','2011-12-26 23:35:31','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . . . ','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-28','','','2011-12-26 16:35:31','2011-12-26 23:35:31','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(8613,1,'2011-12-26 16:36:11','2011-12-26 23:36:11','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-29','','','2011-12-26 16:36:11','2011-12-26 23:36:11','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(8615,1,'2011-12-26 16:39:54','2011-12-26 23:39:54','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-31','','','2011-12-26 16:39:54','2011-12-26 23:39:54','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(8876,1,'2012-01-05 01:11:56','2012-01-05 08:11:56','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/05/wish-with-me/olympus-digital-camera-683/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8892\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8892\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/PC230003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Back in 2011, I formed a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">Wishing Club/Book Club</a></strong> and hosted an off-off-Martha-Stewart <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/\" target=\"_blank\">Holiday Tea</a></strong>.  (After reading that post, my dear cousin, Rhonda, actually commended me on my tea hosting skills.  This thoughtful yet obviously nepotistic compliment nearly made me snort my cappuccino out of my nose.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs promised, today I present to you Act Three:  Wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOur Wishing Club decided to mimic the ritual performed by <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.changinghands.com/book/9780812975505\" target=\"_blank\">The Wishing Year</a></em></strong> author, Noelle Oxenhandler.  As part of her wildly wishful year, Noelle -- a self-proclaimed skeptic -- succumbs to the pleas of her artist friend and builds a shrine to manifest her wishes.  (Noelle and her friend live in Northern California, so the woo-woo factor is high.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIntrigued by the woo-woo, my Wishing Club agreed to shrines or -- for those of us less artistically inclined (that would be me) -- vision boards.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are familiar with The Most Woo-Woo Movie of All Time aka <a href=\"http://thesecret.tv/\"><strong><em>The Secret</em></strong></a>, then you are familiar with vision boards.  You hunt for images of that you want to manifest in your life -- mansion, sports car, hot husband/wife, 2.2 kids -- post them on your vision board, and wait for them to miraculously appear.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPersonally, I thought the movie was a bunch of crock-a-doodle-doo.  Its obsession with materialism was tiresome.  And are we really to believe that \"if we think it, it will come\"?  We don\'t have to set goals, take personal responsibility, and work towards them?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Then why aren\'t we all living the life and sipping mai tais on a beach in Hawaii?  (You\'ve had that dream, right?)</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven though I, too, am a skeptic, I <em>do</em> like the thought of Putting It Out There (as Noelle puts it) through a shrine or vision board to remind us of our dreams on a daily basis.  Then we might actually get off our bums and take a step or two towards those dreams.  And if Lady Luck happens to smile, then good for us!  We all deserve a little bit of woo-woo luck every now and then.  We\'ve earned it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy Wishing Club gathered magazines, scissors, glue, push pins and scrapbooking decor, and met in the living room for our woo-woo art project.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Wishing Club Hot Tip:</strong>  </span>When purchasing glue for your Vision Board Building, make sure to have your ID handy if, for whatever reason, you are called to buy rubber cement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8889\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Thanks for the laughs and the PSA, Tiffany! :-D\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/05/wish-with-me/olympus-digital-camera-680/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8889\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8889 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/PC100018-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGlue-sniffing is for kids!  Our Wishing Club is more than of age to enjoy legal kicks at our party.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/05/wish-with-me/olympus-digital-camera-681/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8890\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8890\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/PC100017-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter a little bit of book discussion and a lot of socializing, we started to envision our wishes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecky Jo, practically perfect in every way, built a real shrine.  Isn\'t it darling?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Becky Jo dreams of a cozy cottage vacation home in her home state of Minnesota.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/05/wish-with-me/olympus-digital-camera-679/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8883\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8883 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/PC100014-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecky Jo was the only one to complete her project.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany of the women felt they weren\'t ready to begin.  They were unclear as to what to wish for.  Others were afraid to wish.  If life is running fairly smoothly, could you hex yourself by wishing?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI left them alone with their wishing struggles.  Noelle had similar internal conflicts.  Wishing is a very private affair.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI, on the other hand, have absolutely no issues with wishing.  Dreamers are in a constant state of wishing, are they not?  I simply have issues with completing a vision board when I\'m sadly attempting to hostess with the mostess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>On an interesting woo-woo of a side note:</strong>  </span>When <em>The Secret</em> was popular 5 or so years ago, I built a vision board with a friend.  Technically, I created two vision boards because I couldn\'t fit all of my dreams on just one.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI located the old, dusty boards in my office closet and brought them down to reinvent them at the party.  I was amazed at how many of these former \"wishes\" materialized:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>my job at Noble Publishing Superpower</li>\r\n	<li>a dog similar in look to Little Miss B</li>\r\n	<li>my first passport</li>\r\n	<li>a man and a woman walking arm in arm -- <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\">the man\'s arm loaded with bags of gifts.</a> </strong> (This was a first for me.  I kind of liked it.  I could get used to this.  :-D )</li>\r\n	<li>books with my name on them.  (I don\'t have a published book.  Yet.  But I\'m self-published on this blog.  I didn\'t even know what a blog was when I made those vision boards!  WOW, how life changes!)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finished my 2012 vision board a few days later.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8891\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Want to see a supersized, readable version of my 2012 vision board? Click the photo once, wait for the photo to open in a separate page, then click once again.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/05/wish-with-me/olympus-digital-camera-682/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8891\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8891     \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/PC230006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have my vision board out as a personal reminder and inspiration.  Woo-woo, if you\'d like to come my way, that\'s cool!  In the meantime, I\'m working on my <strong><a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/2011-annual-review-the-beginning/\" target=\"_blank\">Annual Review a là Chris Guillebeau.</a></strong>  The Review involves reflection, wishing, goal setting, and follow through.  Wishes and dreams are too important to be left entirely to chance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: large;\"><strong>What are <em>your</em> wishes for 2012?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI leave you with my favorite quote from <em>The Wishing Year</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"But what I do know is this:  our wishes do come true, <em>mais il faut s\'èlancer dans la vie.  </em>You have to throw yourself into life.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBest wishes for 2012!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Wish with Me.','','publish','open','open','','wish-with-me','','http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/\nhttp://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/2011-annual-review-the-beginning/','2012-01-05 20:10:24','2012-01-06 03:10:24','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=8876',0,'post','',7),(8617,1,'2011-12-26 20:50:28','2011-12-27 03:50:28','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n********************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n********************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-32','','','2011-12-26 20:50:28','2011-12-27 03:50:28','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(8618,1,'2011-12-26 20:51:21','2011-12-27 03:51:21','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8587\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-33','','','2011-12-26 20:51:21','2011-12-27 03:51:21','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(8619,1,'2011-12-26 21:08:33','2011-12-27 04:08:33','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname.* You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587 \" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n********************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n* Romeo Mio took the above photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo learn more about the real Guilietta/Juliet, please visit <a href=\"http://www.tourism.verona.it/_vti_g2_cen3.aspx?rpstry=27_\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong>  </a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n********************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-autosave','','','2011-12-26 21:08:33','2011-12-27 04:08:33','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(8620,1,'2011-12-26 20:51:21','2011-12-27 03:51:21','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read his sweet comment), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-34','','','2011-12-26 20:51:21','2011-12-27 03:51:21','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(8621,1,'2011-12-26 20:55:50','2011-12-27 03:55:50','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-35','','','2011-12-26 20:55:50','2011-12-27 03:55:50','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(8622,1,'2011-12-26 20:55:50','2011-12-27 03:55:50','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname. ^ You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587\" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^ Romeo Mio took this photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-36','','','2011-12-26 20:55:50','2011-12-27 03:55:50','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0),(8623,1,'2011-12-26 21:00:08','2011-12-27 04:00:08','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname.* You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587 \" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* Romeo Mio took the above photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.  Don\'t believe me?  Please visit <a href=\"http://www.tourism.verona.it/_vti_g2_cen3.aspx?rpstry=27_\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong>  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-37','','','2011-12-26 21:00:08','2011-12-27 04:00:08','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-37/',0,'revision','',0),(8624,1,'2011-12-26 21:00:08','2011-12-27 04:00:08','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname.* You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587 \" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* Romeo Mio took the above photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.  Don\'t believe me?  Please visit <a href=\"http://www.tourism.verona.it/_vti_g2_cen3.aspx?rpstry=27_\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong>  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-38','','','2011-12-26 21:00:08','2011-12-27 04:00:08','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-38/',0,'revision','',0),(8625,1,'2011-12-26 21:04:41','2011-12-27 04:04:41','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname.* You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587 \" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* Romeo Mio took the above photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.  Don\'t believe that there was a real Guilietta/Juliet?  Please visit <a href=\"http://www.tourism.verona.it/_vti_g2_cen3.aspx?rpstry=27_\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong>  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-39','','','2011-12-26 21:04:41','2011-12-27 04:04:41','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-39/',0,'revision','',0),(8626,1,'2011-12-26 21:04:41','2011-12-27 04:04:41','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname.* You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587 \" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* Romeo Mio took the above photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.  Don\'t believe that there was a real Guilietta/Juliet?  Please visit <a href=\"http://www.tourism.verona.it/_vti_g2_cen3.aspx?rpstry=27_\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong>  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-40','','','2011-12-26 21:04:41','2011-12-27 04:04:41','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-40/',0,'revision','',0),(8627,1,'2011-12-26 21:07:28','2011-12-27 04:07:28','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname.* You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587 \" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* Romeo Mio took the above photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo learn more about the real Guilietta/Juliet, please visit <a href=\"http://www.tourism.verona.it/_vti_g2_cen3.aspx?rpstry=27_\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong>  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-41','','','2011-12-26 21:07:28','2011-12-27 04:07:28','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-41/',0,'revision','',0),(8628,1,'2011-12-26 21:07:28','2011-12-27 04:07:28','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname.* You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587 \" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* Romeo Mio took the above photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo learn more about the real Guilietta/Juliet, please visit <a href=\"http://www.tourism.verona.it/_vti_g2_cen3.aspx?rpstry=27_\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong>  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-42','','','2011-12-26 21:07:28','2011-12-27 04:07:28','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-42/',0,'revision','',0),(8629,1,'2011-12-26 21:08:35','2011-12-27 04:08:35','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname.* You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587 \" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* Romeo Mio took the above photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo learn more about the real Guilietta/Juliet, please visit <a href=\"http://www.tourism.verona.it/_vti_g2_cen3.aspx?rpstry=27_\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong>  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-43','','','2011-12-26 21:08:35','2011-12-27 04:08:35','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-43/',0,'revision','',0),(8630,1,'2011-12-26 21:08:35','2011-12-27 04:08:35','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname.* You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587 \" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the American pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* Romeo Mio took the above photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo learn more about the real Guilietta/Juliet, please visit <a href=\"http://www.tourism.verona.it/_vti_g2_cen3.aspx?rpstry=27_\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong>  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-44','','','2011-12-26 21:08:35','2011-12-27 04:08:35','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-44/',0,'revision','',0),(8631,1,'2011-12-26 21:12:35','2011-12-27 04:12:35','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname.* You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587 \" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the English pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* Romeo Mio took the above photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo learn more about the real Guilietta/Juliet, please visit <a href=\"http://www.tourism.verona.it/_vti_g2_cen3.aspx?rpstry=27_\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong>  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-45','','','2011-12-26 21:12:35','2011-12-27 04:12:35','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-45/',0,'revision','',0),(8632,1,'2011-12-26 21:12:35','2011-12-27 04:12:35','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname.* You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587 \" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the English pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to swimming in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* Romeo Mio took the above photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo learn more about the real Guilietta/Juliet, please visit <a href=\"http://www.tourism.verona.it/_vti_g2_cen3.aspx?rpstry=27_\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong>  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-46','','','2011-12-26 21:12:35','2011-12-27 04:12:35','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-46/',0,'revision','',0),(8633,1,'2011-12-26 21:28:51','2011-12-27 04:28:51','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname.* You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587 \" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the English pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to fishing in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* Romeo Mio took the above photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo learn more about the real Guilietta/Juliet, please visit <a href=\"http://www.tourism.verona.it/_vti_g2_cen3.aspx?rpstry=27_\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong>  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-47','','','2011-12-26 21:28:51','2011-12-27 04:28:51','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-47/',0,'revision','',0),(8634,1,'2011-12-26 21:28:51','2011-12-27 04:28:51','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname.* You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587 \" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the English pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I have periodically resorted to fishing in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* Romeo Mio took the above photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo learn more about the real Guilietta/Juliet, please visit <a href=\"http://www.tourism.verona.it/_vti_g2_cen3.aspx?rpstry=27_\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong>  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-48','','','2011-12-26 21:28:51','2011-12-27 04:28:51','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-48/',0,'revision','',0),(8635,1,'2011-12-26 21:29:39','2011-12-27 04:29:39','[caption id=\"attachment_8587\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"This photo does indeed relate to the winning nickname.* You&#39;ll see.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/p1000909/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8587\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8587 \" title=\"P1000909\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1000909-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLast week, I asked for your help in choosing a new nickname for the Man from a Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, the nickname of \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\" was mysterious and intriguing, but after writing it over and over, it quickly evolved into too wordy.  And with my not-so-subtle references to all things Italian, it was obvious that this Far, Far Away Land was Italia.  There was no need to keep up with the charade any longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMamma Mia!  Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions last week!  You can see them all <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/\" target=\"_blank\">here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite was L\'Uomo -- \"The Man\".  I think it stays true to \"The Man from a Land Far, Far Away\", but shortened and with a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I previously turned over all voting right to \"The Man\", and he thumbed his nose at \"L\'Uomo\".  Something about it being too generic in Italia.  And I guess he\'s the one who would know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much chuckling and \"smiling with his heart\" (you really must go back and read <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/comment-page-1/#comment-5188\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>his sweet comment</strong></a>), The Man from a Land Far, Far Away has decided on his new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>May I have a drumroll, please?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>The Man from a Land Far, Far Away will now be referred to as . . . .</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Romeo.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #800000;\">♥</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that the Italian pronunciation is \"Ro-MAY-o\", unlike the English pronunciation \"RO-mee-o.  This satisfies my need for a sexy twist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I have been granted permission to use \"mio Romeo\" or \"Romeo mio\" to clarify that he\'s MY Romeo and not Juliet\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you to SierraNJ for submitting the winning nickname!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>And now I need to share a little known secret whose woo-woo factor is pretty big.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOver the past decade of singlehood, I periodically resorted to fishing in the polluted sea that is known as Match.com.  Bleck.  Each time, I went in with an open mind, a willing heart, and a cleverly constructed profile.  My headline?  \"Romeo, Where the Heck Art Thou?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder I didn\'t find him floating amongst the online sludge.  He was waiting for me in the pristine hills of Tuscany all along.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* Romeo Mio took the above photo in Verona at the site that is reported to be the balcony of Guilietta, the woman who inspired Shakespeare\'s Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo learn more about the real Guilietta/Juliet, please visit <a href=\"http://www.tourism.verona.it/_vti_g2_cen3.aspx?rpstry=27_\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong>  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChapter Two of Diary of a Late Bloomer begins January 1, 2012.  Chapter One was The Year of Living Curiously.  What will Chapter Two bring?  Details coming on Sunday!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','And the Winner for \"Name That Italian!\" is . . .','','inherit','open','open','','8583-revision-49','','','2011-12-26 21:29:39','2011-12-27 04:29:39','',8583,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/8583-revision-49/',0,'revision','',0),(8636,1,'2011-12-30 11:55:50','2011-12-30 18:55:50','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/darcymoore/5955324903/sizes/m/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8735\" title=\"5955324903_c4f3f8d85d\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/5955324903_c4f3f8d85d-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>Previously, I revealed my <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/27/extra-credit-day-366-top-10-most-curious/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Top 10 Most Curious Moments</strong></a> from my 365 Days of Living Curiously.  At that time (back in October!), I promised to wax philosophically about my year at another time.  \"Another time\" promptly morphed into The Mother of All Procrastinations.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I\'m not sure why I postponed writing this post, considering that the year ranked as My Best Year Yet.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPerhaps I was burned out from writing 365 posts in just a bit more than 365 days?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOr did the magnitude of this endeavor seem too daunting?  (<em>How on earth</em> do you sum up a life-changing year in a single blog post?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOr maybe I subconsciously didn\'t want to let go of my precious year?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhatever the case, it\'s time to stop making excuses and CELEBRATE the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI originally embarked on The Year of Living Curiously when I found myself in The Mother of All Ruts. I won\'t dig up that sob story again, but if you would like a refresher, you can visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBefore descending into a full-blown <del>mid-life</del> existential crisis, I summoned my inner Cher and smacked myself upside the head with a <strong><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x-fkSYDtUY\" target=\"_blank\">\"Snap out of it!\"  </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my way of snapping out of it was taking on an insane blog project in which I would not only tackle one \"curious\" mini-adventure each day, but also write about it.  (There are uber-uber-talented Professional Super Bloggers out there who take on <strong><a href=\"http://www.corbettbarr.com/what-i-learned-publishing-every-day-for-30-days\" target=\"_blank\">30 DAYS of consecutive blogging as a challenge</a></strong>.  So when I throw out the word \"insane\", I am not over-exaggerating.  I really was <em>that crazy</em>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: x-large;\"><strong>Here is what I learned from my Crazy, Precious, Curious Year:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Discipline.</strong>  I have always been a fairly disciplined person.  But I am also human, and therefore, I am seduced by the Big Bad Procrastination Wolf just like 95% of the population.  In the past, I blamed my procrastination on my perfectionism, or life getting in the way, or a host of other various excuses, but this year, I had to \"SUCK IT UP, BUTTERCUP!\"  Cranking out a post a day (while maintaining a full-time day job) is ultramarathon blogging.  If I slacked off on my schedule, I was doomed.  No Big Bad Procrastination Wolf temptation was worth more than my dream or my pride.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>The true essence of Carpe Diem.</strong>  People have been throwing out the phrase \"Carpe Diem\" for millennia.  It\'s the loveliest of concepts:  Seize the day! <strong><a href=\"http://www.changinghands.com/book/9781563522956\" target=\"_blank\"> Each day is a gift: That\'s why it\'s called The Present!  </a></strong>Live each day as if it\'s your last!  (The latter always creeps me out a bit, but after losing two family members much too soon, it also resonates.  Loudly.)  Yet who <em>honestly</em> Carpe Diem-s each and every day?  We all know a few of those special people who live Carpe Diem naturally and effortlessly.  I want to be like them.  I strive to be like them.  And this year, I made a <em>conscious choice</em> to live like them each and every day.  I chose one daily thing that piqued my curiosity and embraced it.  Conscious living really works!  Carpe Diem and all that jazz!</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Love.  (The canine variety.)  </strong>Taking on a 365 day blog project filled almost every second of my day outside of my day job.  I had no room in my life to assume any other responsibilities.  And then Bella (formerly knows as \"Missy\") picked me while I was minding my own beeswax and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=mingus+manor\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Carpe Diem-ing as a volunteer at an animal sanctuary for senior pets</strong>. </a> My mother advised me to feel the fear and adopt that puppy anyway.  I can\'t imagine this year (and future years) without Little Miss B, the sweetest, smartest, most easygoing <del>muppet</del> pooch on the planet!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">(Who is still shamelessly soliciting friends on facebook, by the way!)</a></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong>Love.  (The unconditional family and friends variety.)  </strong>Every blogger\'s fear is that their only reader will be their mother.  I am proud to report that my mother AND my father read my blog every day AND provided proofreading services at no charge!  Thank you, Parental Unit!  In addition, my sister followed the blog religiously and often added her witty and offbeat commentary in the comments section.  My dear cousins agreed to embark on a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/10/day-349-arrivederci/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Trip of a Lifetime Adventure</strong> </a>with me so that this Late Bloomer could <em>finally</em> see Europe for the first time.  My friends humored me not only with their readership, but with their willingness to Carpe Diem along with me in adventures great, small, weird, backfired, goofy, and downright ridiculous.  And then new friends aka \"blog readers\" entered my world.  Some of you are a few degrees separated from me through family and friends, and others are not connected to me at all.  I\'ve had visits from 52 countries, including Cameroon and Latvia!  I am humbled and honored that you took interest in my curious capers.  I hope that you received a few laughs and glimmers of inspiration along the way.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Taking Risks/Conquering Fears.  </strong>I\'m not thrilled with heights.  I\'m not <em>deathly</em> afraid of them. Just your standard, run-of-the-mill unease that makes brings on nausea and a cold sweat.  And I distinctly remembering telling Sarah at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=rock+gym\" target=\"_blank\">Rock Gym,</a></strong> \"If I didn\'t have to write about scaling this bloody wall, I would ask if we could call it a day and grab a coffee instead.\"  Or something to that effect.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">I\'m not a fan of falling and nearly splitting my head open either.</a></strong>  And I clearly recall announcing to my cousins, \"If I didn\'t have an audience awaiting news about this Cycling Tour of Tuscany, I would stay the hell away from that bike and sip cappuccinos in the piazza for the rest of the week!\"  You (Readers) + Me = Accountability.  Thank you, my friends!</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Perseverance.  </strong>365 Days x 1 Carpe Diem moment per day = Fun and Inspiration.  365 Days x 1 Carpe Diem moment per day + Writing one blog post per day = Fun, Inspiration, and Utter Lunacy.  Utter Lunacy x 365 Days = Mini Meltdowns.  Fortunately, these were not full-blown <em>Julie &amp; Julia</em> meltdowns.  Luckily, I had a sounding board aka Mom.  It didn\'t matter if I was too busy, too overwhelmed, PMS-ing, stressing, tired, sad, exhausted, or loopy from a concussion.  I listened to Nike, and I observed the law of physics that states an object of motion stays in motion.  I kept up momentum, and I <em>just did it</em>.  (On a serious note, I lost my beloved grandfather this past year.  I was devastated by the loss, and if I didn\'t have the blog project to return to, I probably could have plummeted into the darkest of ruts.)</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Sacrifice.  </strong>Rome wasn\'t built in a day, and blog posts (at least most of mine) aren\'t written in an hour.  Writing requires many hours of solitude.  I turned down many a social invitation this year because I needed to hunker down and write.  Writing is a passion of mine that I enjoy, and in order to make room for dreams, we often have to let go of other diversions.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Letting Go.  </strong>I always go to bed with a clean kitchen.  Not this year!  I routinely exercise 6 days a week.  Not this year!  I blow out my hair a couple times a week so that I\'m not sporting a ponytail <em>again</em>.  Not this year!  As long as there wasn\'t food left out in the kitchen, it could wait.  Working out 3-4 days a week was enough.  Ponytails rock!  (See <strong>Sacrifice.</strong>)</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Inspiration.  </strong>The beauty of a 365 project is that it doles out daily doses of inspiration.  Even when something goes completely and maddeningly wrong -- like crash-boom-splatting in a foreign country and taking home a mangled shoulder and a head injury as a souvenir -- <em>it\'s all writing material</em>.  Head injuries also require a \"time out\" which frees you up to find ....</li>\r\n	<li><strong><strong>Love.  (The Sexy Italian variety.) </strong></strong>I wrote the \"Engage in Life\" quote on the right sidebar of this blog about a year and a half ago.  It originated as a series of scribbled \"Michelle-isms\" that I sent off to the web designer so that she could get a better feel of  \"this Late Bloomer chick\" when designing the blog.  She loved the quote so much that she asked if she could incorporate it into the design.  I was a bit hesitant at first.  Am I really quote-worthy???  I agreed while second-guessing myself all the while.  Now I NEEDED to hold myself accountable.  <em>If you\'re going to spout wisdom, you better walk your talk, sister!</em>  I walked 365 days of that talk, and then...irony of ironies...while luxuriating in injury-induced free time on a vacation in Italy, the man and the fairy tale found me.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: x-large;\"><strong>What happened after 365 Days?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI burned out, of course.  I was still nursing that blasted concussion, and I was <em>exhausted</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd here\'s the horrific truth that I must honestly admit to you now:  I stopped Carpe Diem-ing every day.  (<em>Especially</em> after Romeo Mio\'s post-Thanksgiving departure.  Sniff, sniff.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI started watching more and more TV.  My Mom and friends laugh at me when I\'ve mentioned this, but 1-2 shows <em>a night</em> compared to my former 1-2 shows <em>a week</em>, is a lot for me.  Especially when I sank to the TV Pit of Despair:  <em>Toddler\'s &amp; Tiaras</em> and <em>Hoarders</em>.  I told you it was horrific.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I started eating too much sugar, stopped working out entirely, and welcomed The Mother of All Procrastinations into my home with open arms.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUgh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nArgh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I suppose I was in a postpartum depression of sorts.  I birthed this blog.  Now what?</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter a few weeks of this nonsense, I reminded myself that, for me, conscious Carpe Diem-ing is a choice -- a habit that requires honing.  I can live the principles outside of a 365 day project.  Imagine that!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI peeled myself up off my sofa, turned off the damn TV, and kicked The Mother of All Procrastinations to the curb.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI jumped on the green smoothies bandwagon and practiced yoga for 8 days straight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I soaked up the magic of the holiday season with an Off-Martha-Stewart decorating explosion and a tea party.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI booked a flight for <a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/en/accueil.1.l2/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Les Trois Vallées</strong></a> where, after two months apart, Romeo Mio and I will reunite.  How do you say \"Carpe Diem\" in French?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wishcasted for 2012 along with my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">Wish Club</a></strong> inductees, and as soon as I finish tweaking this blog for January 1st\'s launch of Chapter Two, I am beginning my first ever <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/2011-annual-review-the-beginning/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Annual Review à la Chris Guillebeau</strong>.</a>  (Kindly add Chris and June 2011\'s <strong><a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\">World Domination Summit</a></strong> to the \"Inspiration\" bullet above.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat happens after January 1st?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHint:  It all started <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>\r\n<div></div>','Lessons Learned from My Year of Living Curiously','','publish','open','open','','lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously','','http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/27/extra-credit-day-366-top-10-most-curious/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\nhttp://www.corbettbarr.com/what-i-learned-publishing-every-day-for-30-days\nhttp://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/2011-annual-review-the-beginning/','2011-12-31 21:26:16','2012-01-01 04:26:16','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=8636',0,'post','',4),(9412,1,'2012-02-01 21:06:17','2012-02-01 20:06:17','','P1010156','','inherit','open','open','','p1010156','','','2012-02-01 21:06:17','2012-02-01 20:06:17','',9411,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P1010156.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9413,1,'2012-02-01 21:02:36','2012-02-01 20:02:36','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','9411-revision','','','2012-02-01 21:02:36','2012-02-01 20:02:36','',9411,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/01/9411-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(8639,1,'2011-12-30 13:35:28','2011-12-30 20:35:28','Here lies the story of the year in which I had an existential crisis and took on an insane 365 day blog project.  You can locate all 365 days, spanning from September 2010 - October 2011 under the \"Archived Adventures\" section on the righthand side of the blog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou might also get a kick out of the<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\">Top 10 Most Curious</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Lessons Learned from The Year of Living Curiously.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','365 or Bust Revision','','trash','open','open','','365-or-bust-revision','','','2011-12-30 14:15:39','2011-12-30 21:15:39','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=8639',0,'post','',0),(8640,1,'2011-12-27 12:02:43','2011-12-27 19:02:43','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','8639-revision','','','2011-12-27 12:02:43','2011-12-27 19:02:43','',8639,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/27/8639-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(8641,1,'2011-12-27 13:08:26','2011-12-27 20:08:26','Previously, I revealed my <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/27/extra-credit-day-366-top-10-most-curious/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Top 10 Most Curious Moments</strong></a> from my 365 Days of Living Curiously.  At that time (in October!), I promised to wax philosophically about my year at another time.  \"Another time\" promptly morphed into The Mother of All Procrastinations.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure why I postponed writing this, considering that the year ranked as My Best Year Yet.  Perhaps I was a wee burned out from writing 365 posts in just a bit more than 365 days?  Or did the magnitude of the endeavor seemed daunting, which is silly since I .  Or perhaps I','Lessons Learned from My Year of Living Curiously','','inherit','open','open','','8636-revision','','','2011-12-27 13:08:26','2011-12-27 20:08:26','',8636,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/27/8636-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(8643,1,'2011-12-27 12:02:52','2011-12-27 19:02:52','','365 or Bust Revision','','inherit','open','open','','8639-revision-2','','','2011-12-27 12:02:52','2011-12-27 19:02:52','',8639,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/27/8639-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(8644,1,'2011-12-27 14:14:32','2011-12-27 21:14:32','Previously, I revealed my <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/27/extra-credit-day-366-top-10-most-curious/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Top 10 Most Curious Moments</strong></a> from my 365 Days of Living Curiously.  At that time (back in October!), I promised to wax philosophically about my year at another time.  \"Another time\" promptly morphed into The Mother of All Procrastinations.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure why I postponed writing this post, considering that the year ranked as My Best Year Yet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPerhaps I was burned out from writing 365 posts in just a bit more than 365 days?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr did the magnitude of this endeavor seem too daunting?  (<em>How on earth</em> do you sum up a life-changing year in one blog post?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr maybe I subconsciously didn\'t want to let go of my precious year?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhatever the case, it\'s time to stop making excuses and CELEBRATE the year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally embarked on The Year of Living Curiously when I found myself in The Mother of All Ruts. I won\'t dig up that sob story again, but if you would like a refresher, you can visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBefore descending into a full-blown <del>mid-life</del> existential crisis, I summoned my inner Cher and smacked myself upside the head with a <strong><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x-fkSYDtUY\" target=\"_blank\">\"Snap out of it!\"  </a> </strong>And my way of snapping out of it was taking on insane blog project in which I would not only tackle one \"curious\" mini-adventure each day, but also write about it.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere are\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Lessons Learned from My Year of Living Curiously','','inherit','open','open','','8636-revision-2','','','2011-12-27 14:14:32','2011-12-27 21:14:32','',8636,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/27/8636-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(8645,1,'2011-12-27 14:15:32','2011-12-27 21:15:32','Previously, I revealed my <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/27/extra-credit-day-366-top-10-most-curious/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Top 10 Most Curious Moments</strong></a> from my 365 Days of Living Curiously.  At that time (back in October!), I promised to wax philosophically about my year at another time.  \"Another time\" promptly morphed into The Mother of All Procrastinations.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure why I postponed writing this post, considering that the year ranked as My Best Year Yet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPerhaps I was burned out from writing 365 posts in just a bit more than 365 days?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr did the magnitude of this endeavor seem too daunting?  (<em>How on earth</em> do you sum up a life-changing year in one blog post?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr maybe I subconsciously didn\'t want to let go of my precious year?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhatever the case, it\'s time to stop making excuses and CELEBRATE the year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally embarked on The Year of Living Curiously when I found myself in The Mother of All Ruts. I won\'t dig up that sob story again, but if you would like a refresher, you can visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBefore descending into a full-blown <del>mid-life</del> existential crisis, I summoned my inner Cher and smacked myself upside the head with a <strong><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x-fkSYDtUY\" target=\"_blank\">\"Snap out of it!\"  </a> </strong>And my way of snapping out of it was taking on insane blog project in which I would not only tackle one \"curious\" mini-adventure each day, but also write about it.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere are big-time, uber-talented, Professional Super Bloggers out there who take on\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Lessons Learned from My Year of Living Curiously','','inherit','open','open','','8636-revision-3','','','2011-12-27 14:15:32','2011-12-27 21:15:32','',8636,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/27/8636-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(8646,1,'2011-12-27 14:29:32','2011-12-27 21:29:32','Previously, I revealed my <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/27/extra-credit-day-366-top-10-most-curious/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Top 10 Most Curious Moments</strong></a> from my 365 Days of Living Curiously.  At that time (back in October!), I promised to wax philosophically about my year at another time.  \"Another time\" promptly morphed into The Mother of All Procrastinations.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure why I postponed writing this post, considering that the year ranked as My Best Year Yet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPerhaps I was burned out from writing 365 posts in just a bit more than 365 days?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr did the magnitude of this endeavor seem too daunting?  (<em>How on earth</em> do you sum up a life-changing year in one blog post?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr maybe I subconsciously didn\'t want to let go of my precious year?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhatever the case, it\'s time to stop making excuses and CELEBRATE the year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally embarked on The Year of Living Curiously when I found myself in The Mother of All Ruts. I won\'t dig up that sob story again, but if you would like a refresher, you can visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBefore descending into a full-blown <del>mid-life</del> existential crisis, I summoned my inner Cher and smacked myself upside the head with a <strong><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x-fkSYDtUY\" target=\"_blank\">\"Snap out of it!\"  </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd my way of snapping out of it was taking on insane blog project in which I would not only tackle one \"curious\" mini-adventure each day, but also write about it.  (There are uber-talented Professional Super Bloggers out there who take on <strong><a href=\"http://www.corbettbarr.com/what-i-learned-publishing-every-day-for-30-days\" target=\"_blank\">30 DAYS of consecutive blogging as a challenge</a></strong>.  So when I throw out the word \"insane\", I am not over-exaggerating.  I really was <em>that crazy</em>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Lessons Learned from My Year of Living Curiously','','inherit','open','open','','8636-revision-4','','','2011-12-27 14:29:32','2011-12-27 21:29:32','',8636,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/27/8636-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(8647,1,'2011-12-27 14:30:32','2011-12-27 21:30:32','Previously, I revealed my <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/27/extra-credit-day-366-top-10-most-curious/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Top 10 Most Curious Moments</strong></a> from my 365 Days of Living Curiously.  At that time (back in October!), I promised to wax philosophically about my year at another time.  \"Another time\" promptly morphed into The Mother of All Procrastinations.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure why I postponed writing this post, considering that the year ranked as My Best Year Yet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPerhaps I was burned out from writing 365 posts in just a bit more than 365 days?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr did the magnitude of this endeavor seem too daunting?  (<em>How on earth</em> do you sum up a life-changing year in one blog post?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr maybe I subconsciously didn\'t want to let go of my precious year?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhatever the case, it\'s time to stop making excuses and CELEBRATE the year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally embarked on The Year of Living Curiously when I found myself in The Mother of All Ruts. I won\'t dig up that sob story again, but if you would like a refresher, you can visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBefore descending into a full-blown <del>mid-life</del> existential crisis, I summoned my inner Cher and smacked myself upside the head with a <strong><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x-fkSYDtUY\" target=\"_blank\">\"Snap out of it!\"  </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd my way of snapping out of it was taking on insane blog project in which I would not only tackle one \"curious\" mini-adventure each day, but also write about it.  (There are uber-uber-talented Professional Super Bloggers out there who take on <strong><a href=\"http://www.corbettbarr.com/what-i-learned-publishing-every-day-for-30-days\" target=\"_blank\">30 DAYS of consecutive blogging as a challenge</a></strong>.  So when I throw out the word \"insane\", I am not over-exaggerating.  I really was <em>that crazy</em>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Lessons Learned from My Year of Living Curiously','','inherit','open','open','','8636-revision-5','','','2011-12-27 14:30:32','2011-12-27 21:30:32','',8636,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/27/8636-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(8648,1,'2011-12-27 14:32:32','2011-12-27 21:32:32','Previously, I revealed my <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/27/extra-credit-day-366-top-10-most-curious/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Top 10 Most Curious Moments</strong></a> from my 365 Days of Living Curiously.  At that time (back in October!), I promised to wax philosophically about my year at another time.  \"Another time\" promptly morphed into The Mother of All Procrastinations.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure why I postponed writing this post, considering that the year ranked as My Best Year Yet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPerhaps I was burned out from writing 365 posts in just a bit more than 365 days?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr did the magnitude of this endeavor seem too daunting?  (<em>How on earth</em> do you sum up a life-changing year in one blog post?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr maybe I subconsciously didn\'t want to let go of my precious year?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhatever the case, it\'s time to stop making excuses and CELEBRATE the year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally embarked on The Year of Living Curiously when I found myself in The Mother of All Ruts. I won\'t dig up that sob story again, but if you would like a refresher, you can visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBefore descending into a full-blown <del>mid-life</del> existential crisis, I summoned my inner Cher and smacked myself upside the head with a <strong><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x-fkSYDtUY\" target=\"_blank\">\"Snap out of it!\"  </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd my way of snapping out of it was taking on insane blog project in which I would not only tackle one \"curious\" mini-adventure each day, but also write about it.  (There are uber-uber-talented Professional Super Bloggers out there who take on <strong><a href=\"http://www.corbettbarr.com/what-i-learned-publishing-every-day-for-30-days\" target=\"_blank\">30 DAYS of consecutive blogging as a challenge</a></strong>.  So when I throw out the word \"insane\", I am not over-exaggerating.  I really was <em>that crazy</em>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere\'s what I learne\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Lessons Learned from My Year of Living Curiously','','inherit','open','open','','8636-revision-6','','','2011-12-27 14:32:32','2011-12-27 21:32:32','',8636,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/27/8636-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(8649,1,'2011-12-27 14:35:32','2011-12-27 21:35:32','Previously, I revealed my <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/27/extra-credit-day-366-top-10-most-curious/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Top 10 Most Curious Moments</strong></a> from my 365 Days of Living Curiously.  At that time (back in October!), I promised to wax philosophically about my year at another time.  \"Another time\" promptly morphed into The Mother of All Procrastinations.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure why I postponed writing this post, considering that the year ranked as My Best Year Yet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPerhaps I was burned out from writing 365 posts in just a bit more than 365 days?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr did the magnitude of this endeavor seem too daunting?  (<em>How on earth</em> do you sum up a life-changing year in one blog post?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr maybe I subconsciously didn\'t want to let go of my precious year?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhatever the case, it\'s time to stop making excuses and CELEBRATE the year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally embarked on The Year of Living Curiously when I found myself in The Mother of All Ruts. I won\'t dig up that sob story again, but if you would like a refresher, you can visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBefore descending into a full-blown <del>mid-life</del> existential crisis, I summoned my inner Cher and smacked myself upside the head with a <strong><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x-fkSYDtUY\" target=\"_blank\">\"Snap out of it!\"  </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd my way of snapping out of it was taking on insane blog project in which I would not only tackle one \"curious\" mini-adventure each day, but also write about it.  (There are uber-uber-talented Professional Super Bloggers out there who take on <strong><a href=\"http://www.corbettbarr.com/what-i-learned-publishing-every-day-for-30-days\" target=\"_blank\">30 DAYS of consecutive blogging as a challenge</a></strong>.  So when I throw out the word \"insane\", I am not over-exaggerating.  I really was <em>that crazy</em>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere\'s what I learned from my Wild, Precious, Curious Year:\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li></li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Lessons Learned from My Year of Living Curiously','','inherit','open','open','','8636-revision-7','','','2011-12-27 14:35:32','2011-12-27 21:35:32','',8636,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/27/8636-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(8651,1,'2011-12-27 14:37:32','2011-12-27 21:37:32','Previously, I revealed my <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/27/extra-credit-day-366-top-10-most-curious/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Top 10 Most Curious Moments</strong></a> from my 365 Days of Living Curiously.  At that time (back in October!), I promised to wax philosophically about my year at another time.  \"Another time\" promptly morphed into The Mother of All Procrastinations.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure why I postponed writing this post, considering that the year ranked as My Best Year Yet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPerhaps I was burned out from writing 365 posts in just a bit more than 365 days?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr did the magnitude of this endeavor seem too daunting?  (<em>How on earth</em> do you sum up a life-changing year in one blog post?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr maybe I subconsciously didn\'t want to let go of my precious year?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhatever the case, it\'s time to stop making excuses and CELEBRATE the year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally embarked on The Year of Living Curiously when I found myself in The Mother of All Ruts. I won\'t dig up that sob story again, but if you would like a refresher, you can visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBefore descending into a full-blown <del>mid-life</del> existential crisis, I summoned my inner Cher and smacked myself upside the head with a <strong><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x-fkSYDtUY\" target=\"_blank\">\"Snap out of it!\"  </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd my way of snapping out of it was taking on insane blog project in which I would not only tackle one \"curious\" mini-adventure each day, but also write about it.  (There are uber-uber-talented Professional Super Bloggers out there who take on <strong><a href=\"http://www.corbettbarr.com/what-i-learned-publishing-every-day-for-30-days\" target=\"_blank\">30 DAYS of consecutive blogging as a challenge</a></strong>.  So when I throw out the word \"insane\", I am not over-exaggerating.  I really was <em>that crazy</em>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere\'s what I learned from my Crazy, Curious Year:\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li></li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Lessons Learned from My Year of Living Curiously','','inherit','open','open','','8636-revision-9','','','2011-12-27 14:37:32','2011-12-27 21:37:32','',8636,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/27/8636-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0);
