Mabel’s House Re-Post: Bye Bye Belly Button

Elizabeth HarrellLeave a comment

*originally posted December 2010

 

When I woke up yesterday morning my belly button was gone. Totally stretched flat. Evaporated. I felt a little abandoned. It was almost as if she’d said, “Sorry Liz. I’ll only go with you so far, but this is too much. Call me when you’re done being pregnant. Until then I’ll be vacationing in Jamaica.”

 

And to go with my no-belly-button-stomach-situation, I realized I had an overwhelming urge to eat tomatoes. Lots of them. Regular tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes. Fresh mozzarella. Balsamic vinegar.

So we made the trip to Whole Foods and brought these babies home.

Hello awesome tomatoes. Bye belly button. See you next April. Or not.

Mabel’s House Re-Post: A Christmas Post for Becca

Elizabeth HarrellLeave a comment

*originally posted December 2010

 

This post is for my world traveling sister Rebecca. She’s in China.

Hi Becca.

Here is a picture of the bump/your niece.

Jane moves a lot. She’s very busy in there. Lots of things to do apparently.

Mabel says hi too.

 

 

 

I watched The Grinch the other day. When he said “Humphf, that’s it. I’m not going” I thought of you. And then I cried. And then I thought about Rachel’s wedding that you won’t be here for. I cried again. But don’t feel too guilty. I also cried yesterday because a movie I was watching was terrible, and instead of turning it off I just sat in the chair and cried.

Hormones stink.

Anyway. Come home soon.

Merry Christmas.

Mabel’s House Re-Post: Great Weekend

Elizabeth Harrell1 Comment

*originally posted November 2010

 

Why so great? Energy. Lots and lots of glorious, wonderful, sunshiney energy.

This weekend consisted of a haircut. A shopping trip to Wal-Mart. (By the way, Wal-Mart has a couple of big jar candles – Mulled Cider and Pine – that are $4 a piece AND smell just like Yankee Candles.)

I cleaned house a little. Played with Mabel. Helped throw a bridal shower. Hung out and watched tv while cuddling under blankets in the chilly house. We had to turn the heat on.

And the best part? I cleaned my office, which has of late become dumping ground for all things baby related.

Like I said. Glorious energy. Great weekend.

Mabel’s House Re-Post: A Real Book

Elizabeth HarrellLeave a comment

*originally posted November 2010

My agent, Laurie Abkemeier, sold the book I wrote. I’m still reeling.

My sister Rachel summed it up when she said, “Liz, you’re going to have a REAL book.”

In honor of such a huge announcement I thought it appropriate to revisit the “Monkey Face” picture. Not because it’s related to the news. It’s just horrifyingly funny.

So what’s it about? The announcement went out yesterday and said this:

“Mabel’s House blogger Elizabeth Owen’s WHO STOLE MY GREEN GABLES? A Tale of Friendship and Faith — and Learning to Love What You Have, a humorous memoir about what happens when the quest for domestic perfection meets reality, and comedy meets tragedy in the form of a best friend with cancer, to Mary Norris at Skirt, at auction, by Laurie Abkemeier at DeFiore and Company (world English).”

Anyone that’s read my blog for the past few years knows about Angela. And yes, she’s a central part of this book. I wanted to write a book that would make you laugh. I wanted to write a book that would make her proud. I wanted to write about losing her in a way that would leave a reader smiling and feeling hopeful, not sad. I hope you’ll like it.

 So that’s my news. I’ll keep you posted as the process gets started and let you know the release date (which will be at least a year). In the mean time, I’m going to search the house for my smelling salts. Or more realistically, pregnant-friendly Tylenol.

Mabel’s House Re-Post: Goodbye Flip Flops

Elizabeth HarrellLeave a comment

*originally posted November 2010

Arkansas waited patiently for fall. It’s finally here. It rained all night. I slept like a log for nine hours. No leaky roof like last year.

 

This morning was dark and drippy and cold. I turned on the heat. It seemed like a good day for a dress and tights and boots. Although, I can barely see my boots.

 

It also seemed like a good morning for hot chocolate in my car. The ducks swam in the rain. Boat dock lights twinkled in the distance. Goodbye flip flops. Welcome fall.