i just returned from a wonderful road trip to colorado to help a dear...dear friend (i've known since kindergarten!) another 'annie'...open her darling and welcoming shop in glenwood springs. what a fun time we had together...as you can only imagine...staying up way too late (6am on one night/morning)we are getting way too old for that! we paid dearly for it the next few days! we enjoyed old memories...making new ones...like white water rafting (thx bob!) for my very first time! it was just what i've been needing...a little fun and adventure! it's been quite a while since i hit the road alone...something i didn't tell my mom about until i was there...also didn't tell her about the rafting trip either...she still worries like nobody's business! the road trip was perfecto!...even with the gas prices! i took my time...enjoying the amazing colors of the sunsets across the beautiful flint hills of western kansas...a must see...especially when the grasses are tall...endish of summertime. the skies were putting on a spectacular show each and every day...no matter where i was. i felt so small...like a t9c...(tee-nine-cee) speckle amongst all this grandeur...but, still very much connected to 'it' all. i cried (not a big surprise to those who know me and my love of nature) as i entered the glenwood canyon...it was as if i had entered a most sacred space...a natural sanctuary. i wasn't going fast enough for some drivers...who i'm sure take that trek daily...my thoughts...and words exactly said out loud...'go on around me...cause i'm not going to miss any of this'...i'm soaking it all in! and i did. (btw...i was going 60+...but, with outta state tags...i was a shoo-in to be run down by the locals! i've been guilty of the same out on the crazy hiways of texas! and don't you dare use your 'blinker'! a dead give-away of an outta towner amongst texans!
here we two annie's are...arm and arm...neck 'n neck...modeling some of my bolo style necklaces! we skipped...& held hands wherever we went...almost! just like when we were in elementary school...with our little bobbed haircuts...with too short of bangs! we laughed about how there used to be this pink tape that our mom's would use to cut our bangs 'straight' with...except my mom thought you cut 'above' the tape...which made my bangs really short...i have the pictures to prove it!
here's a night shot of one of the windows...i'll be adding a photo album on my sidebar sometime real soon...so you can see it all...it's fabulous! 
so...if you're near glenwood springs colorado...it's a must see! tell her t.o.a. sent you (the other annie) and give her a big mmmmmmmmmmmm! hug for me!
another amazing little shop that i get to go visit again is 'olive annie's'...swear that's the name! it's in phoenix area...her link is www.oliveannie.typepad.com/blog see her too...a darling dress shop...'frocks' as she says it....
plus alotta more! i've taken some good photos of her shop as well...will photo album those too....lani is the most gracious proprietress...well tied with 'annie' above! you will adore them both! i'm off to phoenix to play 'farmer and the dell'...house sitting for my dear friend, ronda...that is heading off to hawaii to play with her amazing family til the 7th of july...they have a garden and chickens....so, 
there i'll be gathering the eggs every evening with my 'mabel apron' on...here's ronda in hers! feeding the chicks and lying by the pool...in 110+ weather...i'll wear tons of sunblock...believe you me! and a hat!...these years of sun are catching up with me! couldn't get her to rotate...lean to the right!
i'll leave you with this...i found a sweet little journal when i was down in galveston at my favorite shop...hendly market...the front says...
"she's turning her life into something sacred: each breath a new birth. each moment a new chance. she bows her head, gathers her dreams from a pure, deep stream and stretches her arms towards the sky"
...i have definetely been going through some major life changes these past few years...so, this is a good daily reminder to keep on keepin' on in the direction of my heart and dreams...even with the choices...good and the not so good...it's all ok...at almost 50...i'm still not giving up...in fact so much is starting to make more and more sense...some things that used to be so black and white,...are seeing a little/alot of grey....it's that old saying 'until you walk in another's footsteps'...just best not to judge. i'm going to try to live by that...looking for the 'pollyanna' in all! thinking of so very many of you all...hope you are having a great summer as well...living, laughing, and making memories.
p.s.....i'll also be a writing fool while i have some peace and much needed alone time for my new book with north light....that will be coming out late next year...can't even begin to tell you how excited i am about that!
A book? Come on Miz Annie, you must share that news with one who you share a birthday with, right? Congrats-can't wait to hear more about it!
Posted by: sue pieper | July 12, 2008 at 04:07 PM
annie, those bangs your talked about with the pink tape across for the straight line - we call those "kitchen bangs" and i too was the victim of way too short kitchen bangs!
Posted by: kecia | July 05, 2008 at 05:57 PM
Hello Annie,
You have been on busy journey...I loved this post, so rich and full...wisdom to be gathered. Enjoy your lazy summer take care and lots of hugs to you Pinkie
Posted by: Pinkie Denise | July 05, 2008 at 11:08 AM
How sweet of a post. I've been busy and haven't checked in on you. Glad I did this morning, as you post made me smile =)
The picture of you two Annie's is just "the best"!
***Have a safe and peaceful 4th! ****
Posted by: Diane Cook | July 02, 2008 at 06:51 AM
You two are the cutest Annies ever! Love it! I love a good time with old friends, and the shop looks GORGEOUS!
Posted by: Carrie | July 01, 2008 at 09:16 AM
what a fantastic photo! and being with dear girlfriends - there isn't anything sweeter! we lived in phoenix for 10 yrs -- watch out for that heat. it may be dry but it's brutal! ;) have a wonderful road trip!! i am excited to hear about your book. :) ciao bella!
Posted by: sperlygirl | June 30, 2008 at 02:38 PM
ANNIE... Looks like you have been a BUSY GIRL and having a WONDERFUL SUMMER!!!
I MISS YOU! Write back soon!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Posted by: Tracie Lyn Huskamp | June 27, 2008 at 01:49 PM
annie, honey - CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming book! i can't think of anyone i'd more want to see write one, because you are one talented, original gal. and i'm mighty glad you are getting some special time to yourself, and with old friends. good medicine, indeed. much love to you, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm xxxxx
Posted by: nina | June 26, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Oh Annie! Sounds like you had a blast!! You girls look so cute with your arms around each other ~ I'm glad that you had a good time and enjoyed each other's company. Time's flying past us, better grab those good times while we can!! A Book?? I'm so excited for you!!!! Can't wait ~ xxoo, Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | June 26, 2008 at 01:28 PM