Fusian~ Hyde Park


Over the holidays my son & I visited Fusian in Hyde Park. We're new to eating sushi but we know what we like, smoked salmon. Fusian puts one in the mind of Chipotle. It was open, peaceful and you get to select what you want in your sushi roll. 

And you can call in your order for pick up. Nice!!!! As I try to move to become a more cleaner eater I'm glad I've found another restaurant that supports that. 

Visit Fusian

Tis The Season To Shred & Remove The Clutter


I've been on the path to declutter my life. By getting rid of items that clutter your space you're also creating a healthy mind. Why not begin the year with nicely organized spaces? 

Since summer I've been pulling stuff out of the garage, closets and corners. We sort through it. It's then either thrown away, given away or organized very neatly. No, I haven't done it alone. There's no way I could have. I needed someone who had no connection to my stuff. 

Those guys are Heaven Scent. They came up with the idea to help people organize their homes hence organizing their lives. So if you come to my home and you see a clutter free area or a really organized closet or bookcase it was probably a Heaven Scent production. 

I have a way to go but I'm so glad I've started the process. The next two days I'll be shredding and filling up recycle bins and garbage cans. It actually feels good letting go of stuff that has no place in my home. 


Wow!!! Two cars can now fit in the garage. 



Awaited 2013 ~ Crossroads Oakley

Imagine sitting at your computer waiting for 4pm to log on to a site to get tickets to attend a play. Then imagine waiting 90 minutes to obtain those tickets.  That was me on November 30 when Awaited tickets became available. And guess what? The tickets were free. 

Awaited is Crossroads very creative interpretation of the birth of Christ. I first saw it two years ago and over the years since I didn't fair well in the ticket area. This year I was ready. So was Awaited worth the hassle? Let's see:

-Kettle corn
-Hot cocoa
-A beautifully decorated atrium that reminds me of being a little girl visiting Shillitos, in downtown Cincinnati. 
-A play that is so amazing and the best part is the snow falling, no it's the singing of O Come All Ye Faithful...... It's so many beautiful things. And yes it's worth it. Everyone should attend at least once. For me I'll attempt attending once a year. 

I awaited for this moment. Happy Holidays!!!


Galatians 6:9

Hebrews 12:11

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11


About That Last Post.....God Hears Us

After I wrote the last post I received several responses one being, "Yeah, I know that feeling." Another one was from my cousin, " I GOT YOUR HOLIDAY FUNK!! THAT TREE IN THE BASEMENT GRRRRRR". 

She's been trying to get that tree to me for weeks. Well after church on Sunday we venture out to go and get it. Initially when I see the tree my first thought was, that box is big. Then I hear, y'all need the ornaments too. Ugh!!!! 

This is a true story now. My older son and I take the tree home, get it in the house and......we took a nap. 

Hours later my younger son comes home and sees the box and yells out "Christmas tree!!!" He begins to open the box and get all excited. I did mention it was nap time right? I couldn't yell at him for being excited about Christmas. Well, I could have but it would have been just wrong of me. 

So my son and I get up and put the tree together. We decorate it and turn on the fire place. I tape Christmas cards to the mantle and tidy up the living room. We send out emails and text messages of the tree. 

The look on my son's face was so happy and content. He told me now we need cookies, presents and company. Whoa!!! Hold on. Now he needs a nap. Lol


Thanks Lora aka Loopy for our beautiful tree. 

Probably the biggest lesson learned is that God hears us. He desires to bless us. God wants us to ask for those things that He wants to give us. Even a restoration of holiday cheer. Right as I'm writing this I receive a text from a friend that I've not seen in years. "Can we stop by tomorrow?" Hmmm.... I'd need to buy some cookies and cocoa. Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!

1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Holiday Funk

It's 5 days til Christmas and our home is not illuminated with holiday lights. The tree is nicely decorated in its box. No Christmas cards have been purchased. Shopping? **crickets**

Fortunately my sister has all of that together so that when we visit I kinda feel somewhat festive. Then I go home and Bam! Nothing. Nap time. 

I know Jesus is the reason for the season. I know He loves me. I know He has plans for me. I'm just in this funk and I can't seem to shake it. 

As we are traveling on the Interstate this evening Jesus speaks to me. He says, "Arlinda, I know things are not as you want them but think about something for me. Think about the many parents who don't have their children to shop for and love on this season. Everytime you get down think about SandyHook. Think about grieving parents in Chicago and DC. Pray for those families. Pray that God will strengthen and keep them during this holiday season."

After that talk, I went to my sister's home. We had cookies and punch. December birthdays were celebrated. I took the family pic. I looked at that picture and saw the happiness of the people surrounded by the decorated Christmas tree. 

Lord, please take this feeling away. Get me out of this funk so that I can celebrate the birth of Christ in a manner that is pleasing to Him. Bless those who are going through similar situations. Let them know that you knew of our lives in eternity. Bless those who have experienced loss and are struggling with grief. May we all stay in Your will and continue to trust in Your word.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 


Congratulations To Tyler McKinley On Scoring 1,000 Points!!!!!!!!! 💙💚

On Tuesday, January 30 during Winton Woods vs West Clermont, Tyler McKinley scored his 1,000th point as his teammates, family and friends lo...