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When Savanna and I began planning her wedding I had a sense of ease, a calm contentment as though marrying first-born daughters was similar to birthing them. I dreamt about it, looked forward to it, prepared for it. Essentially, I turned the bulk of fruitfulness over to God; the grandiose arrival of it all was in His hands. No worry, no hurry. Everything will be just fine. A few weeks ago Sav and I met our wedding planner-extraordinaire and friend, Sean O’Keefe http://www.seanokeefeevents.com/, at his meticulous studio. We enjoyed coffee, chatting, sketching, envisioning, and laughing (at times uncontrollably). Sean’s studio is wall to wall with particular décor. He pulled out all sorts of wedding party embellishments that were spot on with Savanna’s taste. We left the appointment feeling secure and confident that a wedding made in heaven was on the horizon. There are exactly eight months and one week to go until Joey and Savanna’s official Vows day, June 29, 2019. In terms of every day life that’s a decent amount of time. Conversely, if you’re planning a wedding it’s about two eye blinks, left then right. The two-eye-blink analogy occurred to me three and a half weeks ago when a Holy Sh** Worry tsunami crashed over me. You have no experience with weddings There’s no family here to share There’s too much to do What if I fail Fear How can something start off so seamlessly then suddenly turn into a who-are-you-kidding-there’s-no-earthly-way-you-can-pull-this-off panic syndrome? Is there any better way to lift your self up than by reaching out to help and join others in their moment of doubt and need? Jeff and I gathered at a friend’s house about a week ago to honor and support a long-time, dear friend fighting cancer. We were there to comfort, encourage and give support and ended up feeling it in return. As we enjoyed a lovely, bittersweet reunion I caught up with another long-time, precious friend that I don’t often see.  I was stunned by what she said. Right then and there she offered to host a gathering for Savanna’s wedding – breakfast, brunch, cocktails – ‘whatever you like,’ she said. I was dumbstruck and to some degree still am. My friend’s gracious offer planted an indescribable seed of joy and courage: Not only can I do this wedding-planning stuff, I can do a great job while at it. Family may not be close by, but there are friends around.  So far, turning the bulk over to God has been the best wedding-planning idea yet. Thank you, Sarah.  God Bless You. Proverbs 11:24-25 24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley

Remember the dogs that looked like their owners in 101 Dalmations. Physical appearance is one thing but have you ever noticed dog demeanor in relation to their owners? No doubt, Savanna and Diana look like me physically and in behavior. So…could my beloved four-legged son, Gus, have a tendency to exhibit canine characteristics relative to moi? Last week as I was preparing a killer Paula Dean meatloaf that called for oatmeal (hubby’s fave) instead of breadcrumbs, I discovered I had zero eggs. Expletive ~ expletive ~ expletive slipped right out of my mouth. In three short years we will cross the 30-year mark living on the same street, in the same house. One might imagine there’d be a neighbor or two that I could borrow one bloody egg from. Idk, times have changed is all I can say – people come and go and lifestyles differ. The good news: Atlanta was relishing yet another blue sky, 85-degree October day. Gorgeous! Half-happily I headed to the grocery store on foot which is only a couple blocks away. Omitting such a fundamental meatloaf ingredient such as eggs made me not the best of company for myself – scold, scold, scold. As I approached the final turn I couldn’t have been more delighted to notice a neighbor friend from our street. This neighbor is lovely, elegant, intelligent, and her son is a dear friend of Diana’s. She was out enjoying the stunning day as well with her gorgeous, lovely, elegant, intelligent dog, Lucky — virtual clones of deportment. With animation and effervescence (Italian-esque hand gestures and orderly ADHD :-), I expressed my joy in bumping into the two of them. Calmly and collectively they returned the sentiment. As I reined my awe and envy in at their similar deportment I resumed the egg journey, delighted we had arranged a future coffee date together. My (our) beloved Gus is an affectionate, at times over-zealous but always well-meaning, sometimes silly and positively eager dog, publically and privately. I, too, fit comfortably into those categories.  Coincidentally, my neighbor’s dog ostensibly mirrors her poised demeanor. Could we possibly be influencing our dog’s personality? Just in case the answer is YES…as of today, I’m going to stop apologizing for Gus’ innocuous idiosyncrasies. He is who he is and I’m hopelessly proud of him. Incidentally, my lovely neighbor and I agreed that we will knock on each others doors when in need of eggs or other incidentals.  Glory be God! https://triangleparkatl.com/2018/10/12/carbonara/ https://triangleparkatl.com/2018/10/12/best-food-in-nc-and-va/ Thank you for stopping by! Love, Shelley

My handsome husband and I had the privilege of attending a dinner last weekend where Jim Caviezel was the guest speaker. It took place in a beautifully decorated chapel inside of Church of the Apostles, Atlanta, Georgia. Leading the Way, an Apostles’ outreach ministry, was celebrating 30 years.  Mr. Caviezel was the guest speaker. Both Jeff and I were excited to attend, as we always have been for previous celebrations of Leading the Way.   We very much enjoyed shaking hands with Mike Huckabee, Allen West, Dr. Youssef, and of course visiting with dear friends. With all due respect and admiration to the above, I was extra eager to get up close and personal with Jim Caviezel. I don’t know about you but after seeing Passion of the Christ, whenever I envision Jesus I revert back to Caviezel’s performance of him. Profound to say the least! I’m not star struck by nature but I cannot tell a lie, my boat began to float from the time the invitation arrived. Omg, maybe I can get my picture taken with…with…Jesus…I mean Jim Caviezel…omg! I was all but certain it would happen. After all, we’d taken photos with other “special guests.” Jeff and I sat at a table with some of our favorite friends and also had the pleasure of meeting new folks from Egypt and Germany. The meal was delicious: steak, salmon, asparagus and a creamy, dreamy dessert that I still regret. Caviezel’s speaking started off slowly. He mostly read straight from notes, peering over eyeglasses from time to time. We were skeptical. But, oh my, did the momentum pick up. He gave an energizing speech saying things like: “Even if you don’t believe in God, he believes in you” and, “Set yourselves apart from this corrupt generation. Be saints. You weren’t made to fit in. You were born to stand out.” What was especially moving is learning how much he personally suffered making Passion of the Christ. Caviezel was literally whipped, struck by lightening, and he under went open heart surgery, five and a half months of hyperthermia and a separated shoulder. He talked about being up on the cross and learning that in suffering is redemption. He said, “the suffering made my performance.” It was really fun learning details about Mel Gibson’s initial pursuit of Caviezel to play Jesus. Mel wanted, “the guy with the initials JC who just happened to be 33-years-old.” Two hours never passed so fast. Before I knew it, it was over. Sharing dinner in the same room with Jim Caviezel was indeed a thrill, even if I didn’t score a picture with him (he requested no photos — which, in a way made the even more special). I did, however, find several online that helped satiate the desire all the same. Jim has a new movie coming out next year: Paul: Apostle of Christ. Rumor has it…we won’t be disappointed! Thank you for stopping by! Love, Shelley

By virtue of its name  INSTAgram can easily be surmised as a social media sensation. Instant gratification is the name of the game these days. I read this short article a few days ago about a famous Instagram “Influencer”: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2018/09/23/instagram-influencer-angers-followers-with-in-flight-photo-accessory.html The featured photo in the article enticed speculation about Triangle Park, my family’s blog and Instagram site. How does Triangle Park want to be perceived: Showy and filtered or flawed and imperfect Should we have a Style Book What do readers want to see and read MOST The fairy lights in the above photo are intriguing and engaging. The lights outside of the cabin window look like city lights…as though the jet is landing (an odd time to sip champagne?). Or, are those lights reflections from the fairy lights? If you’re familiar with the small footrest that Ms. Harimaolee is sitting on, you know how petite she must be. The backward view is an interesting, artistic touch. Ms. Harimaolee’s caption indicated she was “star gazing.” I’m not a scientist but I believe star gazing is difficult to do from a commercial aircraft. I certainly have never stargazed from the fuselage.  Gazing at her reflection maybe?  Does it matter?  Which is more important to viewers: artistic embellishment or the not-so-perfect realities of flying [also] in business class? Riding in the front of the aircraft is relatively glamorous, for sure.  Nevertheless air travel is still taxing regardless of where one sits.  After studying this most interesting photo — the effort Ms. Harimaolee extended and considering the unshown realities of front cabin seats — I decided yes I like her photo very much.  It’s somewhat unrealistic but it is aesthetically pleasing and IMHO that outweighs veiled realities (I am an artist after all). What do you think? Thanks for reading! Love, Shelley https://triangleparkatl.com/2018/09/24/football/ https://triangleparkatl.com/2018/09/26/atlanta-sports-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly/

Ever since crossing the 55-year mark, staying healthy and buff (if you can call it that) has practically become a full-time job. Long gone are days of: Eating whatever Exercising for the endorphin buzz Having no clue what joint pain is Hello: Careful snack choices Semi-personal trainers Muscle-injury management If you’re one of Triangle Park’s majority age readers (24 – 35) and you haven’t clicked out, thank you for reading this far. Tips from “those gone before” put you one step ahead of the inevitable, downward-physique game. Here are a few of my healthy snack choices that I use to avoid inflammation, low energy, lackluster skin, fat and illness: Pitaya (dragon fruit) – This is a new kid on the block for me. Looking at this healthy gem is more enjoyable than eating it though, IMHO. The magenta, contrasted with black and white specks is spectacular…God art. https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/7-dragon-fruit-benefits-the-antioxidant-vitamin-powerhouse-1247454 Frog Fuel – This gem of a protein supplement aided me during a muscle injury less than a year ago. There is zero sugar, zero fat, zero carbs and its gluten free! Best of all, it was developed by Navy Seals. If it works for Navy Seal muscles it will work for mine.https://frogfuel.com/ Power Shot (Whole Foods) – This little number is not the greatest tasting beverage on the shelf.  I gag it down any way becauset it’s loaded with anti-inflammatory effectiveness and immune system support (ginger, lemon, wheatgrass). Use it or lose it! Isn’t that the truth? After injuring myself last January, I discovered how quickly the body resorts to flab and also how painful it is to withdraw from weekly endorphin highs. I’m back in the game at Piedmont Fitness/ATL.  One particular class (Tues./sculpt) is often so small I liken it to having a personal trainer. This buff guy, Jamal, works participants’ bootays to their maximum ability in Tuesday’s sculpt class. Sometimes it takes days to recover. PT is the new MD? If you’re over 55 and haven’t made your way to a physical therapist yet, congratulations! Physical Therapists are in high demand and it’s no wonder. I all but consider mine (Ally) at Atlanta Sport & Spine a miracle worker. Ally solved a wrist/muscle issue for me this year.  She also teaches Pilates there. I highly recommend Ally if you’re looking for a PT  in Atlanta, and Jamal’s sculpt class at Piedmont Fitness. Atlanta Sport Spine / after pilates this week Cheers to staying healthy and fit! Love, Shelley Two more healthy-living faves that I just HAVE to share :-).  R. Thomas makes the Coconut Keifer (Zifty will deliver) and the Oolong tea can be purchased online.

Atlanta’s very own Music Midtown is this weekend.   The set up took place today. Gus and I walked around and checked it out. There are four elaborate stages, pop up bars, porta potties, legit entrance/exits, and chain link fencing…lots of it. I attended Music Midtown’s first-ever concert event back in the day (1994). It took place in a vacant lot on Peachtree and 10th. My friend Suzanne, Shelley E. and I walked from Shelley’s house in Ansley Park. It was a leisurely walk that amounted to a few short blocks. We inched our way to the stage by politely saying “excuse me,” “pardon me,” and simply squeezing through the masses. As I recall it, there was only one stage. Paula Cole belted out I Don’t Want to Wait and Atlanta’s own Indigo Girls got the crowds going with Closer to Fine. It was fun, safe, artistically appealing, and oh so different than it appears today. It was really hot today (94 degrees, 85% humidity).  There’s no relief tomorrow and hopefully hurricane Florence won’t visit ATL over the weekend. Check out Diana’s blog on how to survive Music Midtown:  https://triangleparkatl.com/2018/09/12/5-tips-to-survive-music-midtown/ While Gus and I walked around the park we ran into three, shall we say young people, who asked if they could pet him.  Why, of course they could…Gus has no idea what a stranger is. I asked them if they knew who was in this year’s line up and they named a few groups. I was familiar with zero of them. Here’s the official line up: https://www.musicmidtown.com/lineup/  Sadly, I still don’t recognize any of them. Well, I’ve heard of Post Malone but that’s only because he made the news recently because a jet he was riding in had to make a precarious emergency landing. I’m sort of surprised that there aren’t any classical names on the list. It wasn’t too long ago that Lenny Kravitz and Elton John showed up. Oh well, I’m not going any way. But, I was there today and so was Gus . Unlike back in the day, you’ll have to pay to get in (2-day ticket = $155+) and you’ll have an array of stages to wander around to. It was fun watching Midtown Music 2018 all come to fruition and I’m sure it will be fun attending! Thanks for visiting Triangle Park! Love, Shelley The athletic field is not participating in Midtown Music — great place to go for a jog. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=oyYGwdiAkBs

Fact: Pets Live High On The Hog in our home ~ Why, because they’re entertaining, adorable, and unconditionally loving companions. Why wouldn’t they dwell in the lap of luxury relative to one’s lifestyle? Individual reasons for owning pets are intriguing. My reason is simple: unconditional love, especially for children. It hardly seems fair that all one has to do is care for, love, and respect animals by: Supplying food Scooping poop Sharing affection Providing medical care That’s basically it… Presto: Unconditional Love! Who can deny that humans, as well intentioned as we strive to be, require far more than four modest things to garner unconditional love, and that such love may waver from time to time. We are…after all…human. Back in the day, Jeff and I brought an AKC registered German Shepherd into our home (Buck). We are neither dog nor cat people. We’re both…including horses. Currently, however we don’t have a cat.   I’ve been hearing a lot of talk from Sav and Dan suggesting I birth-buy our next, inevitable feline family member. I’ve also heard rumblings that Savanna may add a kitty to her life. If and when Sav or Dan adopts a pet on her own, I’ll be hopelessly happy. Not only because it will be a grand-pet but also for vicarious, unconditional love. Save for God’s love, there is IMHO no tenderness that compares to it. As with all wonderful things in life, there is a downside to pet adopting: their too-soon departures. Losing pets during such small portions of life sucks. But, it’s worth it…for us and more importantly, for them. As the saying goes: It’s better to have loved and lost Than to have never Loved at all As always, thank you for stopping by.  Love, Shelley https://triangleparkatl.com/2018/09/05/one-pet-two-pet-three-pet-four/

No doubt, Triangle Park is a girlie-girl group. But enough already. Last week, it came time for some man inclusion. We love our boys (fathers, brothers, grandpas, uncles, nephews, cousins, fiancés, boyfriends…). In particular, Jeff Sweeney a/k/a Babe and Dad. Babe and I barbecued pineapple chicken shish kabobs last weekend (lead topic in his guest blog). Oh my, they were palette-pleasing to the extreme!  Usually when it’s “grill night,” Jeff does his thing and I kick back. But this time was different. I jumped in by choosing the marinade, peppers, chicken, mushrooms, and overall theme: Pineapple Poultry Kabobs! He said I got control-freaky when I tried to tell him how the coals should simmer and when the kabobs needed attention. So, I told him that I knew more about cooking because I did it more often. He said, oh no, this is my territory. I said, hmmm. We bantered back and forth amusing ourselves with chuckles and chimes, eventually losing interest. A drool-worthy aroma and smoke spectacle from our deck soared into the sky. It was enticing!  I had an urge to invite friends passing by but was let down by our culinary quantity. What we did have an abundance of was admiration for how incredible our grilling team-work panned out. Here’s the marinade if you you’re interested:  https://www.vitacost.com/kona-coast-marinade-grilling-sauce-paradise-pineapple-teriyaki That cook-out was our official first one as empty nesters – sniff sniff. Zoom, just like that the kids are gone. We miss them terribly, but are looking forward to just-the-two-of-us time in the future. Some things won’t change though. For instance, there will still be a lot of travel in our lives. Travelling is how Jeff and I came together in the first place (Atlanta, GA to Salt Lake City, UT). We were seated side by side in the very last seats of a Delta L1011, by the bathrooms — flew home on the same flight too, but weren’t seated together. In baggage claim he asked for my number. I told him it “was in the book” (remember that?) but I didn’t spell my last name: Corkill. It’s not the easiest name to decipher and only my initials were listed. Spoiler alert: He cracked the code and found me! Since meeting on Delta many moons ago, we’ve toured the world. You might wonder: how can anyone travel so much, it’s demanding and strenuous? Well, glory be to God, we no longer ride in the back of the aircraft, by the toilets. This small improvement makes flying a smidgeon less arduous. It’s tasteless to brag about oneself, perhaps even team-work barbecue?  But it’s ok to brag about your kids, right? What about husbands? Can we brag about husbands? Hopefully so because I’m about to… Jeff Sweeney is an: Amazing (got to where he is single-handedly) Intelligent (valedictorian H.S./high honors GA Tech) Classy (allows Triangle Park to wardrobe him) Considerate (mother-in-law is obsessed with him) Caring (loves his four-legged children!!!!!!) Smart (business savvy supreme) Hands-on with his kids (proof below) Heaven-sent (Christian, loves God) Dad and Husband CHEERS TO ALL the amazing, intelligent, classy, considerate, caring, smart, hands-on, heaven-sent men! Thank you for reading! Love, Shelley https://triangleparkatl.com/2018/08/26/taste-travel-and-time-a-guys-perspective/ https://triangleparkatl.com/2018/08/29/square-park/ https://triangleparkatl.com/2018/08/29/parallelogram-park/ Jeff and Savanna Jeff and Diana Diaper Duty proof

Diana: “This past weekend Triangle Park did something that we have never done before…we went wedding dress shopping!   I say “us” like we’re all getting married…” Savanna: “For all of you ladies out there fantasizing about dress shopping, the time will come and I promise it will be just as fun as it seems.” Reading these quotes from Sav and Dan’s blogs this week (links below) sent me on a reflective journey to my wedding-dress, shopping experience: There Was No Wedding-dress Shopping Experience Nobody took me wedding-dress shopping or spoke of wedding-dress shopping. I went by myself and I bought my own dress. But, this past weekend I shopped for a wedding dress with and for Savanna.  I must admit I struggled to keep my heart from wandering to thoughts of how and why I missed out on something so cherished. It was the first time I’ve stepped foot in a wedding dress store. Ever. Kelly’s Closet is a charming boutique in Inman Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods (circa 1890). Midway through our appointment, I spied a mesmerizing piece. I say “piece” because it wasn’t a dress, but it sort of was. This beautiful garment would have been a dream to wear, had I experienced a big wedding. Savanna loved it too!  When I saw the price I knew why we loved it.  The intricate beading was extraordinary — I proposed that Diana could wear it in her wedding TOO (a little price justification :-). Then, get this! I got to thinking:  hmm, maybe after both girls get married in it, I just might hang it in my closet…take it down from time to time, try it on, play dress up, fanaticize, pretend we ‘all got married’ in it.  And…maybe…it would be ‘just as fun as it seems.’ Cheers girls, to joyfully living vicariously through you, my Triangle counterparts. And thank you for the inspiring quotes from your blogs this week.  It’s going to be fun sharing (with readers!) whichever dress Savanna decides upon. It truly is better to give than receive! https://triangleparkatl.com/2018/08/15/wedding-bells/ https://triangleparkatl.com/2018/08/13/wedding-dress-dreams/ You’re a model bride Sav.

Are you [contentedly] motivated and organized in your life? What’s your secret? This week, Savanna chose our topic: organization and motivation. IMHO they’re crucial elements to living blessedly. Great choice, Sav! God motivates me to be organized. And that’s not all He motivates me to do. He also inspires me to: eat healthy; to exercise; to love; to strive; to hope; to dream; to give; to share; to live. God is a one-stop shop inspirer for me. A lot of people don’t believe in The Word. I get that. And I also don’t get that. Why wouldn’t you opt for something that’s been around for thousands of years with proven promises and testimonials, even to this day? Reading, writing, and blogging are my favorite hobbies. Even hobbies require motivation and organization. The Bible is my preferred “read again” book. There never ceases to be something in it that I didn’t catch during one of the other times I sat down with it. No doubt it’s complicated, but if delved into, there are great motivators inside. I’m a fastidious housekeeper and organized in most areas of my life. Wouldn’t you say, girls? Asking oneself, “what exactly motivates you to be that way,” is a thought provoking question, albeit it is easy for me to answer: God. People, food, money, and/or kudos just don’t motivate me. Of course, I love and enjoy all of those things, but they don’t ignite me to live contentedly. Tangibles die and disappear the way people will if there isn’t a promise of eternal life. It boils down to the best God-given gift of all: choice. Choose motivators to organize wisely! Thanks for reading Triangle Park! Love, Shelley ShellsweenArt Check out Savanna’s blog: https://triangleparkatl.com/2018/08/06/organization-motivation/ Check out Diana’s blog:  https://triangleparkatl.com/2018/08/09/procrastination-station/

(please view our first micro video attached 🙂 Have you ever heard people say that you shouldn’t be your son or daughter’s “friend?” Similarly, have you heard others say that their son or daughter IS their “best friend?” Which do you believe in? I’m some where in the middle, with a slight tilt toward the friend side.  I mean, I’m crazy in love with my girls.  It seems impossible that “friendship” wouldn’t be mixed in with all that love? So ya, the three of us are friends.  You might even say we’re joined “at the hips.” Don’t get me wrong though, we get on each other’s last nerves too – and we’re not afraid to admit it. But, mostly we love each other and can’t imagine life without one another. Which brings me to Savanna’s engagement Diana and I are so happy for Savanna’s pending marriage But we’re/I’M also sad We’ve come to a fork in the road Savanna will take a path with her husband Our final episode of me being a mom with two single daughters will play out There’s no turning back (nor would I want to) Savanna met and fell in love with a wonderful man Now, it’s up to me, [Jeff] and Diana to bid her farewell Sweet Savanna holds the key to her future with her prince But whenever she needs us, we’ll be there I’ll be there Sav! Thanks for Stopping by to read Triangle ParkATL! Love, Shelley http://triangleparkatl.com/diana-blog/2018/8/1/moving-out http://triangleparkatl.com/savanna-blog/2018/7/30/the-times-are-changin http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiczMhJg1k0

In 30 seconds or less could you name your favorite, most memorable vacation or experience? BAM, just like that you know the precise place where you travelled that out shines all others? For me, it’s easy: London — fave city in the world. I’m ready to go in a split second. Horseback riding is my number one thing to do while there. But, I’ve also developed a “beef “ with it in recent years. I have Horse Disease; there’s no cure. Those afflicted must find horses wherever they go. The year was 1980, I was 18-years-old. A stable in the center of London offered rides through Hyde Park atop premium horses. The horse I rented that day was magnificent: a bay, 16 hands high, long mane, cool head marking, spunky, with personality+. Five of us paraded around the park — walking, trotting, cantering and even riding along S. Carriage Drive not far from Harrods. My Horse Disease was in check. I haven’t owned a horse for many years. But, you can find me at rental properties around the world to this day. My beef with facilities today is that they don’t rent real horses. Here’s an example: Stable owners never fail to ask: “Are you an experienced rider?” “Why yes, as a matter of fact I am — thank you for asking.” So, why do I get placed on Cobs? That’s what they’re called, Cobs. One riding guide told me, “a bomb could go off next to that horse and it wouldn’t bother him.” Apparently, nothing agitates a Cob. Joking aside, they are indeed gentle beasts. Horseback riding back in the day in Hyde Park, London is my all time favorite activity and London is my all time favorite vacation destination.  There are simply too many excursions for me to pick just one as the tip top winner.  Triangle Park would LOVE to hear what yours is! Thank you for stopping by! Love, Shelley