Robin Tolbert

Five Days Till October

- robin

I truly did not want to walk my miles today. Bed was comfortable and I felt tired. Then I heard his voice.

Larry said: Come on.

So I hopped out of bed, threw on shorts and a t shirt.

Off we went, into the dark morning. We watched the sun rise over the lake. We talked about fun things, I bitched about bitchy things, we said hello to other walkers who we have come to know and we breathed in the amazing fresh air of a brand new day.

My Larry, my daughters, granddaughter and my health. Moments during my day remind me that God has blessed me many times during my life.

By His grace, I am here to journal daily. I am here to create, worry and love the loves in my life.

This is my testimony. This is my faith. As we approach October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, I need to remember the women who are fighting.

So many of you support me in the spring as we raise funds for breast cancer reasearch and screenings, will you join me in October? With positive thoughts, kindly reminding our loved ones to get mammograms and supporting anyone who might be fighting the fight.

I am not sure why I call it that. “Fighting The Fight”…perhaps it is because that is how I felt when I was in the middle of treatment.

October starts in five days. Do you know anyone who is fighting the fight? I do. I will be sending cards, writing letters, baking treats and anything else I can do to support anyone who is in treatment. Lets do this together?

Love you beyond pink ribbons.

Me

Call Me CRAZY

- robin
Photo: Larry ~ Sous Chef

After my bath, I strolled through the house, looking for My Larry {he was not in his office}. I found him in the kitchen, chopping up bell pepper and onion.

Photo: Veggies for chili

It is going to HOT again in Texas, but all I can think about is my Mothers chili. I want it and I want it today! Typical for Larry’s accommodating personality, my wish is…….you know the rest.

Right now, Mothers chili is doing its time in the old Crock Pot. Eight hours to be exact. Larry has gone into town for a meeting and I must get dressed and get busy.

Two years ago, after lack luster receptions, I swore that I would stop making hand-made gifts for Christmas. {perhaps I chose the wrong recipients?} Insert frown face. BUT here I am, again, making gifts for Christmas. Call me CRAZY.

Chili is in the Crock Pot, Christmas gifts are being created….to bad that it is going to be 95 degrees outside today.

While I am working at the sewing machine, I watch Netflix. {in my cool studio} There is a very interesting series I found. Will share it on Blog tomorrow if it is not to gruesome today.

Have the best day. Follow your heart, be happy.

Love you beyond Frito Pie,

Just call me CRAZY

Just Be

- robin
Photo: my number and medal

It is a quiet morning. My thoughts are quiet also. The weekend was busy, eventful and profound.

Thanks to the ones who encouraged me, loved me and supported me. The list is short. The list is important.

Please remember. People will treat you the way that they feel about you. NO expectations and always follow your heart.

I have birthday cards written and ready for the mailman. {Birthday Boy Zach, get ready!!} Laundry is almost finished, I am making a Christmas gift and it is just 8:00 am.

I am not in training any longer. The marathon is done till next year and I am working on Christmas gifts. I am waiting patiently for the Autumn weather and find myself encouraged to create and just BE.

I wish you the same good fortune.

Love you.

Me

Just A Quick Note

- robin

Hi! Quick note. I am in training for Saturday’s race…..

Photo: Training means alternating my runs…today is a hard one.

I love my socks. Bombas! They are a huge help with my slight foot condition called, Haglund’s deformity. No joke, but it is kind of funny.

***

Photo: The palette of fabrics

AND I am working on Christmas gifts. Do you know how people say how much they ADORE hand made gifts? Do you think that they mean it? Well…I am working and it is very likely that you are getting something made with my two hands.

Photo: These are not all of the colors….

My hands and feet are killing me. In training and making gifts. Good thing I do not have to use my brain much. Oui?

Have a happy day.

Love you beyond the colored bobbins.

Me

Paul Anka Under A Full Moon

- robin
Photo: Sitting at the Opera House

Larry and I had tickets for a concert last night. We also had reservations at the Opera House for dinner. It was a beautiful evening. We sat outside and enjoyed the pre-evening, before the evening.

When it was time for us to be seated, we went to the restaurant. They did not have our reservation. {we had made reservations and paid for dinner in June} They said they we could carry our food to an upper level, {in the elevator} but they would “fit us in”….Larry was angry.

We met with the manager, she gave us our money back and we walked to Steven Pyles Restaurant. The Maitre D was charming. When he heard our delima and that we needed to be at the concert in 90 minutes, he said no problem.

He sat us at the chefs table. It was a choreography of its own. I adored being in the kitchen, at Steven’s restaurant.

Photo: our wonderful dinner at the chefs Table

We sipped our wine. We talked to the chefs. We laughed, had a wonderful dinner { Larry had the rabbit, I had the chicken} but still worried about making it to the concert in time.

The meal was fabulous. We were on time but I did not get dessert. Next time, right?

We left for the concert.

Photo: Paul Anka Dallas September 2019

Paul Anka, was charming. We were on time AND had the best time. What an amazing concert. {Trivia: Paula Anka was part of the famous “Rat Pack” back in the day}

So much happened last evening and I have left out 3/4’s of it. It was an amazing evening. Moments with Larry are the best…not to mention moments with Paul Anka under a full harvest moon.

As our evening crumbled and then was pieced together in the most wonderful way, I was reminded that I am not in charge at all. God handled things just perfectly and I am thankful……not to mention….Paul Anka under a full moon.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Love Is…

- robin

I only write this blog for myself. It is my journal, my thoughts and my problems. The goal was for me only to post positive things. Lately, I have had a few difficulties to navigate.

During my days, things happen. You know the kind of things. Insulting, unkind things. Coming from people that you least expect it from and then there it is BAM! Typically, I shut down and go home, dealing with it myself by keeping busy and throwing myself into whatever ART project is on the easel.

The way I have been dealing with things makes me unhappy with myself. If someone has the gall to be insulting with me, do I have the right to be respond in kind?

Many years ago, my therapist told me, if you are going to tell someone something, make sure it makes at least one of you feel better. I am almost to that point.

Larry believes that rude behavior stems from bad manners and anger. Larry is wise, but since I am feeling bitchy today, I disagree. I believe it comes from disrespect and the need to bolster ego.

I love my life. My little life. I chose to stay at home and raise my daughters. Larry is the love of my life and our moments together are the best moments of the day. Just like anyone else, I have had major bumps in my life and I am a better person for them. I don’t want to disrespect anyone.

But, please don’t be unkind to anyone. {I am talking to me! You! Anyone who might be reading this} Being kind is an easy mindset. It is positive and caring. It is the right thing.

Thank you for listening.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Three Textures

- robin

I am home again.

Is it my age or am I that person who loves going away just to have that special feeling of coming home again? Is that why I love Carol King’s song HOME AGAIN so very much?

My Larry and I were in Austin. Austin is a very special city. We check into our hotel. Larry works and then we walk to one of my favorite restaurants and meet friends.

But now, we are home again.

It is very early this Sunday morning. {6:00am} I have a committee meeting at 8 {for church} at Starbucks. Then Larry and I will go to Sunday School and church. The afternoon is planned and no. No football is included this Sunday.

I am just happy to be home.

Photo: Shot from Austin. I love the three textures in this photo. We were walking to dinner. It was the end if the day. Perfection

Love you.

Me

Picking My Seat

- robin
Photo: Palais Garnier ~ Paris 2018

Yesterday, I found myself sentimental and reflective. The day was very long and I had lots of time to “daydream.”

Then… a message popped up on my phone. A friend from Paris, liked one of my photos on Instagram and sent a messsage saying “hello”. Her Mother owns an Italian Bistro in Paris. All of the family works there, it is kind of awesome. {we have been eating there for over 20 years. I believe that Jami discovered the bistro one rainy evening when we wanted pizza for dinner. But…more about fun family times later}

Bruno, my friends older brother, works at the Bistro and at the Opera Garnier. Last year, he invited us to a mystery morning at the Palais Garnier! The mystery was centered around the The Phantom of the Opera. It was crazy and so much fun. All participants had the “run” of the building. We loved it…but one thing I loved most…

Photo: Chagall paintings at The Opera Garnier~ Paris 2018

was Marc Chagall’s ART on the ceiling of the Opera. I took these photos and they do not do the ART justice. It makes me happy to remember standing in that room. The ARTists who have performed, the paintings, the people who have attended performances over the years. I am still in awe. It is a happy memory for me.

Photo: Inside the Opera Garnier~Paris 2018

I wonder what opera/ballet/concert is being performed in November? I think that I have picked out my seat.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Quiche Lorraine Recipe/Sunday Dinner and Movie

- robin

Since it was Grandparents day, we met Matida for a nice hike along waterfalls here in the area. After our work out, we went to Snappy Salads for lunch. It was a great morning.

Since we had our meal {lunch}, at dinner time we opted for Quiche Lorraine. It is a recipe I have tampered with, because Larry likes a more savory version of a quiche. {and instead of an omelette} Enjoy.

Quiche Lorraine~chef valentine

INGREDIENTS

1 unbaked pastry shell {9 inches}

6 large eggs

1 1/4 cups half and half

1/8-1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 cup swiss cheese-shredded

5 bacon strips cooked and crumbled

2 Tablespoons butter

1 cup fresh mushrooms-sliced

1/2 cup green onions-chopped

***

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Unroll pastery shell and place in pie plate. Par-bake in oven, 8 minutes. remove from oven. Set aside.

Reduce oven temp to 375 degrees.

In a small pan, melt butter , add onions and mushrooms. saute till tender . Set aside.

In medium bowl, beat 6 eggs. Add half and half and pepper. Continue beating till smooth. Spoon mushrooms and onions into egg mixture. Stir well. Add bacon and cheese. Stir well.

Pour egg mixture into par-baked pastry shell. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Knife in center should come out clean.

Let quiche rest 15-20 minutes before cutting/serving.

*TO FREEZE- cover unbaked quiche with freezer wrap. To serve-remove quiche from freezer 30 minutes before baking. {do not thaw} preheat oven to 375 degrees. Put quiche on baking sheet. Bake as directed, increasing time as needed after testing center of quiche with knife.

Photo: Quiche Lorraine

This is the best quiche. It is savory and filling. Please let me know if you try it. It is one of our favorite meals….

Have a good day.

Till next time.

Valentine

London Sky

- robin
Photo: London Sky, 2010- by robin-oil on gallery wrapped canvas

I adore the UK. This is one of the tributes I created in honor of London. I have been to England a few times and cannot seem to get enough. I will be going again soon. Can you hear/see the excitment in my font?

The painting above is for sale. It is 24″ X 30″. If you are interested please email me. Other available ART is at the link below.

Current Paintings For Sale

Love you beyond the moon.

Me