Some things that are making me happy tonight:

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1.  Louis Armstrong Gold
Part 1 of my vintage summertime fantasy

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2.  These tumblers from Anthropologie
Part 2 of my vintage summertime fantasy.  All they need is a little lemonade.

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3.  Plaid
Reminds me of Fall so much!

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4.  Sweet potatoes
Mashed, plus cinnamon, plus brown sugar, plus a date with the oven

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5.  Searching for new and old cake stands
I think they would look darling in our new vintage hutch!

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6.  This book of Ella Faye’s
This book coupled with our listening pleasure of late has led the little goose to exclaim, “Louis song!” every time she hears his voice.

7.  Ella’s new infatuation with Louis Armstrong

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8.  Back to the Future
Watching it for the first time in my 26 years.  Conclusion showing: tonight in bed.  With cookies?

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9.  Anticipating carrot cake for family dinner on Wednesday night.
(And the preceding pot roast with farm vegetables and mashed potatoes!)

10.  Back rubbins
Which I am off to get right now…

Good night!

Maggie & Ella on graduation night

Last Sunday after church we headed out to college-town to visit my cousin who just started her first year at university.  I can’t believe she’s in college.

Maggie just turned 18 and I mentioned this anecdote in her birthday card, but I have to share it here.  This is how I will always think of her…

It was Christmas Eve at my parents house.  They had just purchased a karaoke machine and it was the perfect occasion to break it in.  We were a family heavily into country music and at the time, country music was heavily into Miss Shania Twain.

I remember poking the video camera around the corner into the kitchen, hoping Maggie wouldn’t notice the blinking light and get shy.  There she stood, her little denim skirt twirling as she swayed her 5 year old hips to the beat.  She clutched the mic like a child country star should.  She was so into it.  Mag was singing her heart out about her man’s boots being under someone else’s bed.  She knew every word of Shania’s tale and heartache.

The Hoffmann Cousins, June ’10

There is a memory that is so vivid, I don’t even need the tape as a reminder.  But it’s there, in my parent’s hall closet, should anyone want to see the real Maggie I know and love.

Come to think of it, she’s pretty much remained the same as she’s grown into the woman she is today.

I am so proud of you, Mag!  Don’t be afraid to let that Shania star out once in a while.  I think she’d be a big hit at the parties.

We love you, Mag-tastic!