Hallway decor opinions needed

This is the end of our hallway. We have a mirror and table.



This is the table with a really cute fish candle holder, but...something's not right. Either it just doesn't go or the candles aren't tall enough or something. What should I put on the table and how big should it be?

Favorite New Product

Clinique's Liquid Facial Soap.

Pump and wash. No messy bar of soap that gets cruddy and requires the dish to be cleaned. Why didn't I know about this sooner?

Eva

My former co-worker Eva passed away Tuesday. She fought a hard battle against cancer and was fighting until the very end.

She was originally from Poland, emigrated to Canada, and then finally to the U.S. I remember when she first came to my department, I told her I wanted to learn Polish and hoped she might teach me some words. She very happily told me she would. I wish I had taken her up on that offer. I also told her how I loved Polish food and encouraged her to bring Polish food to our department parties/potlucks. She made some great cucumber salads.

The main memory I have of Eva was from one Friday afternoon when the power went out in the building. I was sitting in my friend Angela's office talking and Eva walked by. We encouraged her to come in, sit down, and chat. I figured she wouldn't, as Eva was the most dedicated, hard working person I know. However, she agreed to sit and chat. She told us of the lives of her three children, all of whom are successful and living in Canada. She was beaming with pride. She also told us of a "cruise" she went on with her husband. Not your commercial huge cruise, but more of a "sail" with less than 50 people. The enthusiasm she exhibited while telling us all about it was amazing.

I remember seeing her some days with her wig on and thinking she was in a treatment cycle. She never once acted "sick" at work. When my mom and my sister-in-law were diagnosed with breast cancer, she came over to talk to me and be supportive.

Thank you for touching my life, Eva.

Mother's Day

I am thankful for ALL of the mothers/motherly figures I've had in my life.

First, and foremost, I am thankful for my mom. There are really no words in the English language that can express how much I value her. She has loved me unconditionally, been there to help me up after I've made mistakes, and been a friend. (Oh, and she's my go-to-gal for decorating, too!) I am truly lucky I was "matched" up with her. Thanks for everything, Mom.

I was lucky to know both of my grandmothers and have great memories from those relationships. I knew my Grandma (Mom's mom) for the least amount of time and wish I'd had her in my life for longer. For the ten or so years that I did know her, we shared many a Scrabble game and watched many episodes of "As Schools Match Wits." Her golobkis were quite supreme. I love you and miss you Grandma.

I had my Nana (Dad's mom) in my life longer and enjoyed many things with her, although on my wedding day, I remember thinking I wished she was there. I wished she had been there pre-late stages of Parkinson's. She would've been so happy and proud. I know she was watching and keeping her eye on Granddad. ;)

When my Mom lived far away and I came back to Boston, my aunt Ange was my surrogate mom. She housed me and then took me out to look for apartments when I was ready. She always checked in on me and made sure I was OK. Oh, and took me to the hospital for stitches when I sliced my finger trying to open a hot dog package.

Thanks to you all -- for everything.

UPDATE on "I want this coat" post

Lands End was having a 30% off sale, so I took the plunge and got the coat. The only small change of plan is that I got a different color in the same pattern. After having gone to Sears, which sells Lands End, and trying the coat on, I found that the bright pistachio floral was much more flattering.

KT + The Dead Concert = Horrification

And no, horrification is not a real word. I made it up. Especially for this tale telling. For those who know me, you know I'm a fairly "straight" person shall we say. That's not to say that I've never done anything wrong or "bad", but the extent of my vices is an Appletini every once in a while.

My husband is a HUGE music lover in general and has been a Grateful Dead (now technically called just "The Dead" since Jerry Garcia passed away) fan for a long time. He likes to share his love of music with me and I really appreciate that, although his and my music tastes are not even on the same planet. I like Celtic Woman, Bryan Adams, and Norah Jones. He likes the Allman Brothers, the Dead, and CSNY. So, in an attempt to share this love of music, he's taken me to a few concerts for these bands. Allman Brothers was first about 10ish years ago. It wasn't that bad. I actually liked it. Then, about 5ish year ago, it was CSNY. Again, not bad. A smidge of illegal activities, but it mostly stayed in the background.

Last Saturday night was the Dead Concert. OH.MY.GOD. Let's just say that it was four straight hours of "horrification." From the smokestack that surrounded us to the tie-dye clad whirling dervishes to the woman with the dreadlock ponytails holding an infant, most likely giving it whiplash while dancing. I'm pretty sure my mouth was on the floor the ENTIRE time. I kept thinking I'd go hide in the bathroom, but was afraid that I'd get caught up in the swaying in the aisles or encounter even more hardcore illegal activities in there. Wow. So out of my element it wasn't even funny.

The things you do for love!

The Latest Installment of Goldy Bear...

...is at a bookstore or library near you! I'm only on page 46, but as usual, I'm hooked!