Finding Joy

It seems a denim or chambray shirt has always been in my wardrobe. I like the look of the faded blue with white jeans. I wore this look to shop for Mother’s Day gift wrap at Target.

I tucked in the front and left the back out to look less preppy. The shirt is here. I am wearing a size medium. The jeans are the straight-leg style from last year here. The shoes (here) are so comfortable. The bag in a darker color is here.


A few months ago, I bought a Toyota Rav4 at Johnson City Toyota. Mary helped me navigate the process. She was very knowledgeable and patient.

I’ve been so pleased with my purchase, but I wanted to drive it for a while before I gave you positive feedback. I’m glad I made the decision. It is easy to drive, and I get nearly 40 miles to the gallon on the highway.


Every morning, I try to take a brisk walk for an hour after breakfast. It is such a pleasure to see everything in bloom. That’s a tulip poplar tree above. Those blooms always take me back to my childhood when we had a very tall one in our yard.

The irises are blooming in all their fragrant glory, and it is a joy to stop and admire them while I walk.


I look forward to wearing these new sandals (here) in warm weather. They are not too high and very comfortable.


Our neighbor’s cat, Moochie, visits us most mornings to hang out and get lots of affection. His breed is the Scottish Fold.

He is most happy, plopped on a dining chair to watch the goings on.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit. I always enjoy chatting with you, and I hope you have a lovely Mother’s Day.

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58 Comments
  1. Lovely post. Enjoy your new car. We recently got a Tesla. Whole new learning experience but very happy.

  2. You will love your Rav 4, Susan. Best car I ever owned, comfortable and fun to drive. I only sold it as I was moving overseas.

  3. Enjoyed your email. Always look forward to what you wear and your trips about town. I am a cat person so fell in love with your visitor. Stopped driving a few years ago as in June I will be 88 and even though tho it was a difficult decision I think a wise one. Love the pictures of the flowers. Thank you for sharing. Joy

  4. I like the jacket you are wearing in the car picture. Is it a plaid? Do you have a source for it? Thank you as always for your ideas and musings.

  5. Love your new ride! Forty miles per gallon is nothing to sneeze at these days. Think of all the things you can haul!

    Moochie is a sweetie. I understand that that breed is very gentle.

    Lovely flowers to enjoy on your walks. The tulip poplar tree is actually the Official State Tree of Indiana.

  6. Another great outfit idea. I have a dark denim shirt but I like how the chambray looks. Because I’m considered a summer chambray might be a better color for me.
    What a nice car. 40 mpg is great. Is it electric or flex fuel.? We are looking for a small SUV.
    Have a great weekend.

  7. You can’t go wrong with a Toyota. The mileage per gallon is great! I love a chambray shirt with white jeans or khaki pants. You look comfortable and chic. Mother’s Day is almost here! Yikes, I better make some plans quickly. I’ve been vacationing and it’s nearly time to get back in the groove. Have a fun week!

  8. Susan, your new car is beautiful . I have a 19 1/2 year old Highlander. It’s at the point that I need to replace a lot of things. Can’t wait to hear about yours. Did you get a hybrid? I know I want a dashboard GPS. Right now I have to use my phone. I have been thinking about a RAv.

    If it’s not too personal do you lease it? Can buying is so hard. Tell us everything.

    Thank you, Judy

    1. I bought a gasoline-powered one with the fewest bells and whistles possible. I am a basics gal and paid cash, but there was still a lot of paperwork. Tell your salesperson at the dealership if you don’t want to use apps or have all the online notices and emails. They are very agreeable.

  9. We bought a Rav4 Hybrid and the gas mileage is phenominal! I know you will love your vehicle too! Thanks for sharing the flowers – we are still getting frost warnings here in Canada so no gardening yet. Can you you explain what Tencel fabric is vs Chambray according to care & wrinkling? I would like to buy Tencel butI worry about the level of laundry care for it – do you have any? Thanks!

    1. I will not buy Tencel garments. They wrinkle and collapse, losing all structure in a few minutes. I prefer 100% cotton which I wash and iron with excellent results.

  10. Hi ~ I have a Toyota Rav exactly like yours! Bought it last August and it is my third Toyota Rav 4!!! I know you are enjoying it!!!

    Susan Young
    A longtime fan

  11. Seeing Moochie was a delightful surprise. Must be fun when he comes to visit.

    While the morning walks must be energizing, seeing all the color and everything coming alive must be even more so.

    I have been hemming and hawing about buying another Brahmin bag. I do not change handbags often and I don’t think the leather holds up, but the style you showed is very tempting. And the shirt is a must.

    Thank you for all your suggestions. Really appreciate your style.

  12. Thanks for posting your mix of photos. It was a lovely read. Oooh, what a gorgeous cat to have as a visitor! Our cat was slightly in the bad books this morning. He jumped on the hall table and a candle holder came crashing down. Luckily it wasn’t an expensive one. Lol. Love your flower photos. My hubby has a RAV 4 for his work vehicle and he loves it too. I enjoy being a passenger (though have driven it a couple of times) as it is a really comfortable ride.

  13. A nice varied post, I had a similar chambray shirt many years ago and it had lovely pearlized stud buttons . I put on a bit of weight at that time around bust and sent to charity with other items. I support in hindsight I could have worn it open with a white tee underneath. My sister in law had a Rav and she loved it and funnily enough a lovely cat visits her most days and she has no idea who it belongs to , it only stays a while for a little fuss then it’s gone again.
    We have had mother’s Day in UK it’s held in March. June is Fathers Day .
    Your very disciplined Susan to walk for an hour every morning I admire that and you do look very well and healthy.
    Enjoy your new car it’s fab .
    Pamela UK

  14. Toyotas are the best! We’ve had them all over the years and next might be a Rav. How sweet you have a kitty visitor. My cat is also named Mooch. She gets it honestly as every neighbor feeds or gives her treats. She most of the time remembers she has a real home!
    Thank you for the beautiful pics.

  15. Susan, you look wonderful, as always. Thanks for posting the info about your car, too. It’s beautiful and that’s great mileage! I hope you have a lovely Mother’s Day weekend.

  16. Hi Susan,
    Purchasing a new car is a big decision , happy you found Mary to help you navigate the process. Toyota is a great car. One of my friends had a RAV4 and she liked hers. Glad you are happy with your decision. 40 miles per gallon on the freeway is good.
    You look great in your chambray shirt and white jeans.
    Moochie is handsome, so cute. I have never seen a Scottish Fold. I’m a cat person. We had Romeo and Juliet, they were Birmans. Their fur was like silk, gorgeous blue eyes. Loved them both so much, I miss them so much. Romeo lived for 19 years, and Juliet only 3. I still miss them both so much. I love dogs too.

  17. Great combination -denim/chambray with white jeans and neutral shoes. Classic and casually elegant. Great car choice, too! My son drives a Toyota RAV4 and loves it. He, too, gets excellent gas mileage. If/when I need to replace my 2013 Honda Fit (love it!), a RAV4 will definitely be a consideration.

  18. I’m also looking forward to seeing you wearing your new block heel sandals. I find there’s something so elegant about seeing a woman who has driven in high heels get out of a car. And you Susan, are you comfortable driving in high heels or do you prefer to wear flats?

  19. Hi Susan,
    Thanks for the photo of the tulip poplar. We had one at our old house and I miss seeing it. They grew to enormous heights. Off topic.., do you know of a doodad type device that you can use when trying to knot at the bottom of a t shirt (when the T is a bit baggy) ? It,s a bit difficult to explain. I try to roll a section and fold under but it keeps coming out. Didn’t know if there is something like that out there? I hope this makes sense. Thank you

    1. Try using a rubber band or hair tie to secure the front, side, or back gather. If you can, tuck the tail under your bra band; that will help secure it; otherwise, you will need to make the gather tighter to hold it in place after you tuck it under.

  20. Susan, I enjoyed your newsy post. The RAV4 is a car I am considering for purchase and, like you, I don’t want lots of bells and whistles. Can you share the back length of your chambray shirt. At times, I need a petite sizing for length.

    Enjoy a wonderful weekend!

  21. Enjoy your new RAV4! After LOTS of research, we purchased one in 2019. It’s been the best vehicle we have ever purchased; I’m 68 so we have had several cars through the years. The gas mileage is fantastic. May it serve you well

    Hope you and Mr Mickey continue to enjoy spring

  22. I love the chambray with white jeans too. I have a friend who has a RAV4 and loves it. The cat is adorable!

  23. Love the above fresh, summer looks; you’re encouraging me to always look my best no matter my age (76). May God bless you in every way and impart sight to His leading in your life. xo

  24. Love your sharing a part of your day with us! I have been to silver sneakers and an hour walk with a friend since first grade. Now headed to another favorite part of our home….my sewing room. Have a Blessed Day!

  25. And, I hope you and Mr. Mickey have a beautiful Mother’s Day Sunday.
    I don’t know if you remember me or not, but, you were having a photo shoot in Johnson City a few years back and you included me in a group photo!. Since then, I have moved to FL 8 yrs ago, got married, am now ready to move back to Upstate SC! Especially after all the hurricane damages to our homes! Both houses sustained damage.
    You two are looking good, enjoying going on your life journey with you.
    Kathryn

    1. Hello Kathryn! I do indeed remember you. How lovely to hear from you. I wish you safety, good health, and happiness in your new home.

  26. Susan, thank you for your posts. I’ve followed you for years so it is high time I say thanks! I share your style and appreciate the links.

  27. I drive a 19 1/2 year old 4Runner. Best vehicle ever! Never been in the shop. Yes, it doesn’t have the safety features of newer vehicles but it’s in-town driving only. Toyota for the win! Enjoy your RAV4, Susan.

  28. Love the photos and the faded blue chambray blouse. Great for all seasons.

    I just received an order in the mail from Poshmark where I purchased an elbow sleeve denim blouse. Great for everyday wear here in SW FL.

  29. Good morning. Such a lovely post. As the saying goes” Taking time to smell the roses “. I’ve only been retired from teaching for three years but appreciate now the time to enjoy the beauty and goodness around me. Autumn in NZ so amazing colour’s. Thanks for all your posts. I find them full of wonderful ideas. Happy Mothers Day . Lynda

  30. This thoughtful and inspiring post was a delight to me this afternoon. Your humble, joyful soul radiates through your inner and outer beauty. Thank you and blessings to you and yours.

  31. This outfit looks great on you. I ordered the blouse and shoes. I already have the white jeans.
    Thank you
    Have a wonderful weekend

  32. Susan I just loved this post! Well I really love them all, but this one really hit home. I loved the tip about the car and the flowers and of course the fashion details. Thanks so much for sharing it all! ~ Sheri

  33. Your RAV4 is cute! Hope you’re enjoying it! Also, I love Moochie . If he were my neighbor’s cat I would also invite him in anytime he wanted!!! Fun post!!

  34. Thank you so much for your regular posts. I enjoy them so much. Everyday life and joys using words that resonate.

  35. Hi Susan. Lovely blog. Your pictures made me remember to invite you and Mr. Mickey out to the Knob Creek Historical Museum and Vineyard. Our tulip poplar is in bloom, as are the irises and peonies. Google the museum and vineyard to get more information. Would love to see you all.

  36. Congratulations on your car purchase! I too have a Rav4 hybrid and I love it! It gives me great gas mileage and is comfortable to drive.

    It is nice your neighbors cat comes to visit. It is like having a cat minus the work and expense.

  37. You’ll love the Rav! We’ve owned four of them. They last forever and low maintenance. I’m so grateful for my car – hope you enjoy it. Great outfit, as always. Thanks for sharing your life with us.

  38. Love the new ride and love the pictures of Moochie! How fun that you have this special visitor most mornings at your home.

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I share tips and inspiration for using what you already have in contemporary ways. Defining words include effortless, classic, refined, discreet, and elegant. My style is chic, minimal, and timeless with a bit of edge.