Those of you with an over active imagination, take one step forward. It's a curse and a blessing, am I right? It can be fun, creative, inspiring, and productive. When I was a little girl, I don't often remember complaining that I was bored. I played queen and slave with my sister, and never minded one bit that I was always the slave. That made a better story line anyway. I never got bored in school because even though I wasn't listening a lick to the teacher, I had plenty of doodles to keep me occupied in my spiral notebook. And all that diligent note-taking in Sunday morning sermons? Well, I wrote some of my best break up songs during that preaching. On the other hand, my sister now feels guilty about forcing me to be the slave so many years ago. She thinks it affected my self esteem. My grades, I've always had to make an extra effort to stay focused in school. And church, well, I know what my priority  should  be there. It's like trying to control a beast. Some p

Everyone knows that the picture frame can make or break a photo you wish to display. We spent a day on Long Island. First at Theodore Roosevelt's home, then at the north shore, then down to Fire Island. I picked up a few decorating tips to share: Whether your taste is rugged or not, a plain wooden frame goes a long way. Sometimes simple is best. This ocean blue mat is all that's needed to frame this lovely swan. Day moons make beautiful pictures. You'll find that a forrest green colored frame offsets the blue nicely. Next time on Elizabeth's Home Decorating Tips: how to choose a wall color. :)

When I was in elementary school, a woman asked me if I was Irish. I remember thinking, "What gave it away? The green eyes, freckles, reddish brown hair, or that my last name is Daugherty?" (Maybe I was a bit of a smart aleck?). In truth, I'm a bit of a mixed breed. The two main ingredients though are Irish and  Mexican .  My dad always told us that our ancestors changed their last name at Ellis Island from O'Daugherty to Daugherty. Which is too bad, I'd love to have that  O  still around.  O  well. I've always been proud of my name (now maiden). He also used to tell us that we're  O range Irishmen. And after nearly 28 years of hearing that, I finally decided to google what on earth that even means. It means....drum roll please. That we're protestant Irish. Simple as that.  "May your blessings outnumber The shamrocks that grow, And may trouble avoid you Wherever you go."  - an Irish blessing Happy St. Patty's Day! And a wee bit   o

Living near New York City definitely has it's perks, as well as it's draw backs. Perks: going to Broadway shows whenever you want, exposure to all different cultures, the finest art, the best music, and no shortage of interesting things to do. Draw backs: public transportation, cold winters, hot summers, rude people, dangerous traffic. It's a balancing act, but one that I've enjoyed for the year and a half we've lived here in northern New Jersey.  In that short amount of time, our family and friends have come to visit, and we've taken them all to the touristy, "must-see" spots such as Times Square, the Empire State Building, etc. Today, we took my mother-in-law to see the Lion King on Broadway. The show was mind-blowingly well-produced, with ingenious costumes, lighting, and set pieces. I don't want to give too much away because if you're ever in New York, you  must  see it. However, it is no secret that the show has managed to bring to life t

We visited the charming, historic town of Sleepy Hollow, NY today with my mother-in-law who is visiting from Texas. We walked to this lovely little lighthouse near the Tappan Zee Bridge. Hours later, I realized that I had been humming the same tune all day long, one I hadn't thought of in years. Growing up very Baptist, I still have a special place in my heart for the old hymns . I recall hearing this particular one at week long revival meetings, belted out in four part harmony with a deep baritone voice bellowing the pick up notes. When I got home, I looked up the lyrics and began playing it. Soon the old song took on a new and personal meaning for me, and I wanted to share it with you all.  "The Lighthouse"  by Ronnie Hinson There's a lighthouse on a hillside That overlooks life's sea When I'm tossed, it sends out A light that I might see And the light that shines in darkness now Will safely lead us oer If it wasn't for The Lighthouse My ship would b

I told Eddie when we met, "I'm kind of an all or nothing girl." That's probably why we got engaged 2 months after we started dating. For some reason, maybe it's genetic, maybe it's a brain abnormality, maybe it's psychological. Either way, I can't seem to do anything half way. It can't be in between. It can't be now and then. No half and half of anything will do. I can't just be in the Army, I have to be paratrooper and an officer. I can't just apply to graduate school. It has to be law school. I can't just record my songs, I have to record them in New York City. Anything less to me, is substandard. It makes for some great experiences, some great personal goals, some great ambitions, but it really takes its toll in  pressure . How much can one person take upon themselves? How much is  too  much? When can I be satisfied with my choices? This struggle is nothing new for me if you've read much of this blog. For me, everything goe

Everyone wants to leave an impression on the world in some way, large or small. We want someone to remember that we were here. We strive for an impressive career or family. Something,  anything  to carry on our legacy when we're gone. Some end up in the history books, their name in bold print under the category of "revolutionaries," or "inventors." Some end up with fame and glory, their name in lights, beloved and admired by their fans. Some pass on without the world ever knowing their name, quietly living their lives, unaware of the impact they have on others.  These people left their mark, like graffiti carelessly scribbled on a bathroom wall, "I was here." But oh what a wall they chose to write on. These are the walls of the immigrant processing center at Ellis Island. And now their doodle, their name, their mark, is forever displayed under a protective cover of Plexiglas for millions of visitors to look upon and marvel over. I thought about their