Bringing back the great ones…

Geico pigSo Geico made a smart move bringing back some of their classic commercials in “The Best of Geico”. With heavy competition in the insurance industry, anything that will get people talking about a company should translate into dollars.

From Maxwell the Pig to the Humpday Camel, Geico had us laughing back in the day. Those of us who are a little older love nostalgia, so a return to their most humorous and classic advertising campaigns may give Geico just the edge they need to overtake the competition. And there is competition…

Other insurance carriers should take note, and perhaps hire the ad company that Geico uses…

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

Wines bottles as vases…

easy-and-elegant-wine-bottle-centerpiece-650x430

So my wonderful husband brought me the most beautiful flowers yesterday. As I went to fetch a vase, I did a u-turn back to the pantry. I have saved a few unique and lovely wine bottles that would serve well to display the blossoms.

I have an Ecco Domani with a floral design by Christian Siriano and a world map embossed on a Cooper’s Hawk New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. I thought these would set off the blooms well.

I’ve seen many brides make floral displays this way, but why should they have all the fun? Give it a try. It’s an awesome way to honor your favorite beverage while highlighting buds simultaneously. And don’t forget to…

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

That morning Cup of Joe…

aroma aromatic art artistic
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

There’s nothing I like better than the smell of coffee in the morning. That aroma of a “Cup of Joe” just puts a smile on my face.

So where did the term “Cup of Joe” originate? It turns out it was named after Admiral Joe Daniels, a former Secretary of the US Navy. In 1914, he banned the use of alcohol on Navy ships, so coffee became the chosen beverage for sailors.

Referenced: https://www.rogersfamilyco.com/index.php/the-origins-of-a-cup-of-joe/

Now here’s the irony of the whole situation. I may love the smell of coffee, but I detest the flavor. So who creates the morning joy for me? My son, Ethan. He loves coffee, so as soon as he wakes up, he brews himself a cup. And I reap the benefits!

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

 

The seal…

brown paper envelope on table
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So I am fascinated with the eighteenth-century practice of placing a wax seal to close letters. My interest piqued watching the television series Versailles. During the reign of Louis XIV of France, before envelopes, people simply folded the parchment paper on which was written their correspondence and used a wax seal to secure it. Individuals often had their own unique seal, and this ensured the privacy of a note as well as authenticating a document. Seals were actually used in the earliest civilizations, although they were then created through clay rather than wax.

For me, it is the entire process of sealing that is intriguing. There’s something about the melting of wax, dropping it onto paper, and guiding it into a relatively circular pattern before pressing my “K” seal in place that seems somewhat meditative. The seal has an artistic element that also adds a dignified look to any message.

Stamped Wax Seal with motto Hic Sol Meus below a coat of arms ...

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

The passport…

person putting a passport on bag
Photo by Vinta Supply Co. | NYC on Pexels.com

 

So my passport arrived today. And I was jumping up and down and squealing like a child on the playground of a schoolyard. So why does this official document hold so much joy for me?

I think it’s what a passport represents…

Freedom…

I can now travel…out of the country…

I can visit anywhere I have dreamed of…

Paris…

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

 

 

The alley…

gray concrete floor
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The alley…Before I lived in Orlando, the alley didn’t hold much attraction for me. When I was a child in Arizona, the alley was where the garbage truck drove past to pick up our rubbish. In South Florida, it was overgrown with weeds, stored bikes, and yes, the aforementioned trash. But then I moved to a quaint neighborhood in Orlando, and my love of the alley took shape.

The Orlando alley was very well kept and open, offering a great play area for the neighborhood kids. After a few months, I observed that the moms gathered to not just supervise children but to visit and sip on some vino. Now I liked that idea…

So I joined the kids and the moms. At least a few times a week, we all ended up there. The kids played, the moms chatted, and we all formed what are turning into life long friendships.

Never underestimate the art of hangin’ out…

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

 

Simple pleasures of life…

beautiful blur book brunette
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

In no particular order…

Reading,

eating chocolate.

listening to music,

playing guitar,

sipping wine,

laughter,

sitting before a fire,

Netflix,

cuddles with your puppy,

cuddles with your partner,

cuddles in general,

writing,

chillin’,

visiting with friends,

listening to the rain,

cooking a good meal,

enjoying a good meal,

singing your heart out,

interpretive dance,

hanging out with family,

a bubble bath,

relaxing in bed,

a leisurely stroll,

baking bread,

baking anything,

reminiscing,

a back rub,

a nap,

taking photos,

observing artwork,

creating anything,

clean sheets,

a burning candle,

the scent of someone you love,

a fluffy blanket,

feeling your best,

a new journal,

…just to name a few.

How about you?

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

 

 

 

My puppy, my child…

golden retriever puppy
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How many of you parents out there find yourself tripping over toys or stepping on those wayward Lego pieces in the middle of the night? Weird thing, I still do, yet my children are adults. So who is my child that leaves mountains of surprises for me all over the house? You guessed it, my puppy…

I have the sweetest 4-year-old Goldendoodle “puppy”, Lilly, and she loves to play. She continually brings us toys from her basket for a friendly game of fetch or lays in the corner gnawing on another. One thing I love is that she enjoys her toys even when we are not around…and in the middle of the night.

So this morning, I awoke before the sun rose to start teaching my online classes. As I walked through the darkened hallway, I heard loud squeaks as I stepped on her favorite toy. As I continued, my foot got caught on one, and I actually tripped. Now I adore my “baby”, so I really wasn’t annoyed, but I found myself pondering the plight of those who have young children dashing about. I had forgotten the skill needed to navigate the landmine that is toys strewn about the floor.

At least Lilly doesn’t play with Legos…

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

Sometimes you just gotta pin me down…

woman eating bruschetta
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So with our busy lives, it can sometimes be hard to fit your friends into your schedule. Sometimes it’s just a matter of timing. Conflicting work agendas or ongoing obligations can keep even the best of friends apart.

I must confess that I have been guilty of this more than once. But I have a solution to the problem: Just pin me down.

My good friend Carolyn inspired this idea. We’ve been trying to get together for many months, and I just couldn’t make it happen. So this morning I got a text that read, “Girls breakfast: Me, you, and Patsy. Saturday, February 2nd. What time is good?”

I love it! She took the proverbial bull by the horns. She pinned me down, and now we are finally having a meetup. You so rock, Carolyn!

So ask a friend out, but if you have to, pin her down! Quality time together is worth assertive action. And don’t forget…

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)