Boy, it's been a long week.
Had a schedule change & worked every day. Today was the worst - an early morning shift [gasp].
I had to get up at 5:30 to be ready in time. (FYI - I am NOT a morning person.)
Hubby was complaining all over the place tonight - he didn't like it either I woke him up too early.
Poor baby.
The up-side is that I finally get the weekend off like normal people!
It will be my first whole weekend off in months. Trying to think of something wild and crazy to do...
This weekend is "Witches Night Out" at Gardeners Village. It would be fun to have a mother/daughter night there...
It's even going to be a full moon!
...Or, if the girls have plans, I could always catch a movie - alone... (It's hubby's night to spend with his dad.)
Or maybe just go to Borders and read - they're open till midnight...
*Sigh* I'll probably be here, doing laundry, but it's nice to dream.
Since I'm in griping/complaining/issues mode...
I'm going in for an MRI on Tuesday.
I noticed something growing in my throat a few months ago, and have been pursuing that with my doctor. No insurance when hubby loses his job, so I need things taken care of.
This one makes me nervous - halfway between the heart and the brain.
Good thoughts would be appreciated.
...Just one last thing -
Why do work uniforms have to be shapeless, colorless and devoid of style?
Do people enjoy being served by amorphous blobs?
I don't enjoy being one.
Hrmph.
.
.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Measuring Up
Know where college drop outs end up? ...I do.
RETAIL.
That's where I've been for the last 20-some-odd years.
I've bounced around from Craft store, to Scrapbook store, fabrics to baked goods, and back again, but other than a couple of short stints as a receptionist, it's been a lifetime of hawking ...whatever.
It's not all bad. It's hard work, but it's honest labor, and at the end of the day I feel like I've accomplished something.
(Although, the older I get, the more I wish I had gotten that degree.)
I've gone full circle and am back at a fabric store at present.
I've been there over a year now, and am just barely beginning to feel that I have a niche there.
I applied there as much to find a new circle of friends as much as for a regular pay-check, but that part hasn't materialized. (Pun intended - ha.)
They're not really unfriendly, they're more I'll-say-hi-and-be-cordial-but-beyond-that-I-don't-care-so-don't-tell-me.
Eh. It's only four hours a day, so I can live with that.
(Because, luckily, the customers are more friendly than the staff.)
Measuring fabric day in and day out must be a boring job, you say?
Oh, not so.
No two days are ever alike (other than the screaming kids, that is,) and no two sales are alike.
We have been trained to ask each customer what they are making, (you know - feigned interest) but if you are in my line and I don't ask you that, here's why...
*I had a couple come in one day, who brought up several bolts of white satin.
I smiled at them and asked, "Is this for a wedding dress?"
The couple gave me a strange look, and said: "No, we're lining a coffin."
"Oh." Was all I could muster - no more questions. Did they work for a funeral home - or were they building their own to save money? ...I don't want to know.
*On another occasion, the lady with the big black hair, gobs of make-up and black sparkly fingernails out to here came to the table carrying black fabrics with swirls and stars. (We're not talking Halloween time here - it was like - March.)
I smiled and asked her what she was making. She gave a wilting look and a cackle and said: "....Uh, ...an, ah ...apron..."
That woman was a witch, or my name ain't Granny!
So, if you show up in my line, like the old farmer who ordered 5 yards of powder blue satin, and I don't ask what you want to do with it - and just smile and ask; "How much?" (Loving grandpa, or Prom time for the cows?)
...It's not that I don't care, it just that I'm afraid of the answer!
Ha.
- And then there are the math skills!
If you don't think you'll ever use those in real life, don't work at a fabric store.
There's always the person who comes in and says things like; "If my table is x-long and y-wide, and I want it to drape 12 inches on all sides, how much fabric do I need? Or the quilter who wants to know how much they'll need to make a bias binding for a 108 x 98 blanket.
There are rare days I can come up with those answers off the top of my head, (or at least refer to the cheat sheet under the counter,) but there are more days when it takes me 20 minutes or more just to formulate the problem to punch in to the calculator.
Meanwhile, it is Halloween sewing time now, and I have cut enough tulle in the last two weeks to outfit an entire village with tu-tus.
If a tornado should strike on Halloween night, the whole county will be taken up and fill the sky with multi-colored fluff just like a breeze over a dandelion field.
*Poof*
Other than that, our customers are basically 3 types: a) the high school sewing class student, b) the avid quilter, or c) the maniac crafter making fabric flowers.
That latter person is a frightening breed. They bring their carts to the table packed to the gills with silky floaty fabrics and say cheerfully, "1/8 of a yard of everything, please."
Oy. Have you ever tried cutting a straight line on fabrics that are as fluid as water? Small cuts like that are especially daunting, because if you do a crappy cut - you've basically ruined their piece.
The other thing that gets me about these ladies is that they are usually making them to sell somewhere.
Makes you wonder...
If every lady in the county is selling them, who are they selling them to?
Folks here are interesting...
Anyway, enough talk about work - time to get dressed and go there.
Later.
.
RETAIL.
That's where I've been for the last 20-some-odd years.
I've bounced around from Craft store, to Scrapbook store, fabrics to baked goods, and back again, but other than a couple of short stints as a receptionist, it's been a lifetime of hawking ...whatever.
It's not all bad. It's hard work, but it's honest labor, and at the end of the day I feel like I've accomplished something.
(Although, the older I get, the more I wish I had gotten that degree.)
I've gone full circle and am back at a fabric store at present.
I've been there over a year now, and am just barely beginning to feel that I have a niche there.
I applied there as much to find a new circle of friends as much as for a regular pay-check, but that part hasn't materialized. (Pun intended - ha.)
They're not really unfriendly, they're more I'll-say-hi-and-be-cordial-but-beyond-that-I-don't-care-so-don't-tell-me.
Eh. It's only four hours a day, so I can live with that.
(Because, luckily, the customers are more friendly than the staff.)
Measuring fabric day in and day out must be a boring job, you say?
Oh, not so.
No two days are ever alike (other than the screaming kids, that is,) and no two sales are alike.
We have been trained to ask each customer what they are making, (you know - feigned interest) but if you are in my line and I don't ask you that, here's why...
*I had a couple come in one day, who brought up several bolts of white satin.
I smiled at them and asked, "Is this for a wedding dress?"
The couple gave me a strange look, and said: "No, we're lining a coffin."
"Oh." Was all I could muster - no more questions. Did they work for a funeral home - or were they building their own to save money? ...I don't want to know.
*On another occasion, the lady with the big black hair, gobs of make-up and black sparkly fingernails out to here came to the table carrying black fabrics with swirls and stars. (We're not talking Halloween time here - it was like - March.)
I smiled and asked her what she was making. She gave a wilting look and a cackle and said: "....Uh, ...an, ah ...apron..."
That woman was a witch, or my name ain't Granny!
So, if you show up in my line, like the old farmer who ordered 5 yards of powder blue satin, and I don't ask what you want to do with it - and just smile and ask; "How much?" (Loving grandpa, or Prom time for the cows?)
...It's not that I don't care, it just that I'm afraid of the answer!
Ha.
- And then there are the math skills!
If you don't think you'll ever use those in real life, don't work at a fabric store.
There's always the person who comes in and says things like; "If my table is x-long and y-wide, and I want it to drape 12 inches on all sides, how much fabric do I need? Or the quilter who wants to know how much they'll need to make a bias binding for a 108 x 98 blanket.
There are rare days I can come up with those answers off the top of my head, (or at least refer to the cheat sheet under the counter,) but there are more days when it takes me 20 minutes or more just to formulate the problem to punch in to the calculator.
Meanwhile, it is Halloween sewing time now, and I have cut enough tulle in the last two weeks to outfit an entire village with tu-tus.
If a tornado should strike on Halloween night, the whole county will be taken up and fill the sky with multi-colored fluff just like a breeze over a dandelion field.
*Poof*
Other than that, our customers are basically 3 types: a) the high school sewing class student, b) the avid quilter, or c) the maniac crafter making fabric flowers.
That latter person is a frightening breed. They bring their carts to the table packed to the gills with silky floaty fabrics and say cheerfully, "1/8 of a yard of everything, please."
Oy. Have you ever tried cutting a straight line on fabrics that are as fluid as water? Small cuts like that are especially daunting, because if you do a crappy cut - you've basically ruined their piece.
The other thing that gets me about these ladies is that they are usually making them to sell somewhere.
Makes you wonder...
If every lady in the county is selling them, who are they selling them to?
Folks here are interesting...
Anyway, enough talk about work - time to get dressed and go there.
Later.
.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Solitary Confinement
...That's what it feels like around here most days.
Hubby is either at one of his two jobs, or on duty taking care of his dad. My oldest goes in her room and shuts the door when she gets home. If he ever does show up for an evening, I have to ask him - who are you, and what are you doing here?
(Joking, but it feels like I haven't seen him all year...)
It's pretty much me and the dog 24/7.
I've actually tried talking to the dog, but he just looks confused, then gets up and slinks away.
I check my email box once a day - delete all the junk and move on - never any signs of human life there.
Even facebook has become a place where people just come to do their business (gaming) and move on.
I'm forgetting what my voice sounds like.
Had a surprise visit from my sister this week. That was awesome! Wish I could have held on to her longer, but I know full well how scary that road can be when it starts getting dark.
Working more - longer shifts and more days. Financially it's great - but it sure wears me out. It's truly a physical work-out.
No worries, I'll survive.
Biggest problem there? ...I don't have enough white shirts to work 5 days a week. Ha.
Haven't given up on the crafting - I finished the gothic birdie villiage this week. Just need to embellish a couple of the houses to fill in negative spaces.
I'm pleased with how they turned out. I just need to photograph them now and get them up on the web.
The painting is coming along too - baby steps.
I still haven't figured out the puzzle of my computer, so I'm going to have to have the photos downloaded to a disc and go that route. What a pain, but you do what you gotta do...
Won't be making the trip to pick up Jenny from college this weekend. She got asked to Homecoming, so she'll be staying there.
Hope she can let herself have a good time.
That's it from my isolated corner...
:-)
Hubby is either at one of his two jobs, or on duty taking care of his dad. My oldest goes in her room and shuts the door when she gets home. If he ever does show up for an evening, I have to ask him - who are you, and what are you doing here?
(Joking, but it feels like I haven't seen him all year...)
It's pretty much me and the dog 24/7.
I've actually tried talking to the dog, but he just looks confused, then gets up and slinks away.
I check my email box once a day - delete all the junk and move on - never any signs of human life there.
Even facebook has become a place where people just come to do their business (gaming) and move on.
I'm forgetting what my voice sounds like.
Had a surprise visit from my sister this week. That was awesome! Wish I could have held on to her longer, but I know full well how scary that road can be when it starts getting dark.
Working more - longer shifts and more days. Financially it's great - but it sure wears me out. It's truly a physical work-out.
No worries, I'll survive.
Biggest problem there? ...I don't have enough white shirts to work 5 days a week. Ha.
Haven't given up on the crafting - I finished the gothic birdie villiage this week. Just need to embellish a couple of the houses to fill in negative spaces.
I'm pleased with how they turned out. I just need to photograph them now and get them up on the web.
The painting is coming along too - baby steps.
I still haven't figured out the puzzle of my computer, so I'm going to have to have the photos downloaded to a disc and go that route. What a pain, but you do what you gotta do...
Won't be making the trip to pick up Jenny from college this weekend. She got asked to Homecoming, so she'll be staying there.
Hope she can let herself have a good time.
That's it from my isolated corner...
:-)
Monday, October 04, 2010
~ Comfort ~
One of the things I love about fall is the return of comfort food.
Warm, stick-to-your-ribs dishes that warm you to your toes and make you feel all cozy inside.
My daughter bought me Taste of Home's Ultimate Halloween issue which is full of those types of recipes.
I've been trying out a few of them, and am adding to my family's favorites.
This one [Sweet Potatoes and Apples Au Gratin] was especially yummy.
I had to fight the temptation to throw a handful of brown sugar on top, because that's how I usually cook sweet potatoes, but with the apples in the mix, you really don't need it - they sweeten them up just fine.
(And it's healthier too!)
Yesterday we had an honest to goodness thunderstorm.
It's been so long since it's rained here - my poor lawn shows it.
I love thunderstorms.
As I listened to the thunder, and opened the windows wide to let the rain smell in, the lights flickered and I wondered if the power would go off.
That made me think of my oldest brother.
Back when I was a kid, when the lights would go off, he would find a candle or some other form of light, and he would sit and tell us stories, or play his guitar and sing silly songs. He made it fun, and even exciting!
Because of him, I've never been afraid of thunderstorms.
He was such an awesome big brother. He gave me so many happy memories - I really need to write and tell him that.
Conference weekend is another comfort around here.
It's a bit of a mini vacation from having to get dressed up and go to church (ha ha), but it's also 2 days of being taught and instructed by our church leaders via television.
Always gives me warm feelings of hope and encouragement - which we so need right now.
It's a time to gather the family, and hunker down in the family room to listen together.
Nice.
.
Warm, stick-to-your-ribs dishes that warm you to your toes and make you feel all cozy inside.
My daughter bought me Taste of Home's Ultimate Halloween issue which is full of those types of recipes.
I've been trying out a few of them, and am adding to my family's favorites.
This one [Sweet Potatoes and Apples Au Gratin] was especially yummy.
I had to fight the temptation to throw a handful of brown sugar on top, because that's how I usually cook sweet potatoes, but with the apples in the mix, you really don't need it - they sweeten them up just fine.
(And it's healthier too!)
Yesterday we had an honest to goodness thunderstorm.
It's been so long since it's rained here - my poor lawn shows it.
I love thunderstorms.
As I listened to the thunder, and opened the windows wide to let the rain smell in, the lights flickered and I wondered if the power would go off.
That made me think of my oldest brother.
Back when I was a kid, when the lights would go off, he would find a candle or some other form of light, and he would sit and tell us stories, or play his guitar and sing silly songs. He made it fun, and even exciting!
Because of him, I've never been afraid of thunderstorms.
He was such an awesome big brother. He gave me so many happy memories - I really need to write and tell him that.
Conference weekend is another comfort around here.
It's a bit of a mini vacation from having to get dressed up and go to church (ha ha), but it's also 2 days of being taught and instructed by our church leaders via television.
Always gives me warm feelings of hope and encouragement - which we so need right now.
It's a time to gather the family, and hunker down in the family room to listen together.
Nice.
.
Saturday, October 02, 2010
* PooF *
Another week has come and gone, and - by golly - the month has too.
Been busy in a different kind of way. All those work hours that I've been wanting all year finally materialized, just like that.
It's so odd to have nothing but free time one week - and none whatsoever the next. I'm going to have to learn to budget my time so that I can get the household chores done, but also those projects that I've been wanting to do.
It's a balancing act.
Interesting coincidences - this week, I've been thinking about old acquaintances, and within a day or two - guess who shows up at my store? It's happened twice this week, and I'm loving it. I love seeing old friends!
...Is this a new power I have? I'm going to test it out and see - who knows, you could be next. :-)
~*~
On top of everything hubby's been going through with his family, Thursday they dropped the bomb at work that everyone will be losing their jobs.
The company that he works for is going to move all their operations back East, and closing up shop here.
Hubby has seen this coming for a while, but now it's official.
Talk about a bummer.
He does have a couple of options already, but he's going to have to take some time and weigh them out to find which one is right for us. His last day at the present job will be Dec. 23rd.
This may sound odd, but in a way, we almost look forward to him being jobless. He will be getting a fairly decent severance package, so we could actually take some time to take the trailer to the desert, and/or go visit the son in Seattle.
The kids are all out of the public schools now, so there's nothing to keep us here in this little town.
It will probably never happen, but it's kind of nice to imagine that we could live somewhere else, and have a different kind of life...
Switching in gears -
I finally finished that Einstein book, and actually enjoyed it more than I thought I could.
In fact, as I prepared to make that long drive to pick up my daughter yesterday, I found myself at a loss, because for the past month I've had that to listen to as I make the drive, and I couldn't find anything to replace it.
..Not really into music right now.
Luckily, hubby made it home in time, and we drove together - and talked.
Kind of a morbid ending to the book - I learned that after he died, as they were preparing his body to be cremated, one of the attendants decided that it would be cool to remove his brain.
He later shared bits and pieces of it with various friends and institutions of learning to study.
Is that even legal? How rude.
I've been enjoying my reading lately. Opens up lots more things I want to learn about.
I sure wish I had better retention though. My brain cells seem to be greased - knowledge just skims the surface and slides right off...
Example, my sister and I have often enjoyed the same books - a year later, she can still quote it word for word, and I'm lucky if I remember reading the book.
*Sigh* such is life. What are ya gonna do?
Had a Skype session with the son last night.
I so enjoy hearing about what he is learning (and my daughter who was doing most of the talking here.)
He was even able to show us some of the projects that he's working on.
He's become such an awesome big brother. He was so encouraging to her (she's struggling to adjust to college.) I so enjoyed watching their interaction.
I love Skype. It's awesome!
...The day has begun, and I'm in demand already -
Some other time, some other place...
Enjoy your weekend.
.
Been busy in a different kind of way. All those work hours that I've been wanting all year finally materialized, just like that.
It's so odd to have nothing but free time one week - and none whatsoever the next. I'm going to have to learn to budget my time so that I can get the household chores done, but also those projects that I've been wanting to do.
It's a balancing act.
Interesting coincidences - this week, I've been thinking about old acquaintances, and within a day or two - guess who shows up at my store? It's happened twice this week, and I'm loving it. I love seeing old friends!
...Is this a new power I have? I'm going to test it out and see - who knows, you could be next. :-)
~*~
On top of everything hubby's been going through with his family, Thursday they dropped the bomb at work that everyone will be losing their jobs.
The company that he works for is going to move all their operations back East, and closing up shop here.
Hubby has seen this coming for a while, but now it's official.
Talk about a bummer.
He does have a couple of options already, but he's going to have to take some time and weigh them out to find which one is right for us. His last day at the present job will be Dec. 23rd.
This may sound odd, but in a way, we almost look forward to him being jobless. He will be getting a fairly decent severance package, so we could actually take some time to take the trailer to the desert, and/or go visit the son in Seattle.
The kids are all out of the public schools now, so there's nothing to keep us here in this little town.
It will probably never happen, but it's kind of nice to imagine that we could live somewhere else, and have a different kind of life...
Switching in gears -
I finally finished that Einstein book, and actually enjoyed it more than I thought I could.
In fact, as I prepared to make that long drive to pick up my daughter yesterday, I found myself at a loss, because for the past month I've had that to listen to as I make the drive, and I couldn't find anything to replace it.
..Not really into music right now.
Luckily, hubby made it home in time, and we drove together - and talked.
Kind of a morbid ending to the book - I learned that after he died, as they were preparing his body to be cremated, one of the attendants decided that it would be cool to remove his brain.
He later shared bits and pieces of it with various friends and institutions of learning to study.
Is that even legal? How rude.
I've been enjoying my reading lately. Opens up lots more things I want to learn about.
I sure wish I had better retention though. My brain cells seem to be greased - knowledge just skims the surface and slides right off...
Example, my sister and I have often enjoyed the same books - a year later, she can still quote it word for word, and I'm lucky if I remember reading the book.
*Sigh* such is life. What are ya gonna do?
Had a Skype session with the son last night.
I so enjoy hearing about what he is learning (and my daughter who was doing most of the talking here.)
He was even able to show us some of the projects that he's working on.
He's become such an awesome big brother. He was so encouraging to her (she's struggling to adjust to college.) I so enjoyed watching their interaction.
I love Skype. It's awesome!
...The day has begun, and I'm in demand already -
Some other time, some other place...
Enjoy your weekend.
.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Ode to Bubby Joe
This past week marked the birthday of son #2.
He's gone out of state now, so we didn't get to celebrate it in a proper manner.Thanks to the miracle of Skype, we did get to see and talk to him though - isn't technology wonderful?
I've been trying for a couple of weeks to get an idea for a hand-made card to send him, but I just do not have an idea in my head.
Why, you ask? (I'm assuming here.)
This is not your average run-of-the-mill child we are talking about...
This is the boy that at the age of three was stunning people and sending them into fits of laughter with his sharp wit.
This is the boy who spent a week constructing a bridge using not just Legos, but every building-type toy in the house. The bridge spanned his entire room, and was not only an engineering masterpiece, it was a visual curiosity.
This is the boy who, when asked to set the table creates a table-scape to rival the one in the "be our guest" scene of Beauty and the Beast.
...Are you starting to get a picture here?
My son is now an Art Major at Seattle's Cornish School of Art - there's nothing I could do that would impress him anymore. ^.^
So, apologizing for the belatedness, but I'm trying to find some other way to dazzle him...
~*~
In other news...
I mentioned before that my daughter is trying to teach me some meditation techniques to help me focus and get over my creative blocks.
She tried to teach me how to relax and focus on my own intuition, and (supposedly) get the answers to my questions from my own 'gut' reactions.
Her lesson came with a warning - "this technique may open you up to some interesting dreams."
I was feeling lonely and frustrated the other night, so I decided to put her instructions to the test.
I sat on my bed and focused on what was bothering me, and asked myself the questions that I have been wanting answers to.
I sat listening for several minutes, until I came to the conclusion that I am not capable to answer these questions - if I had the smallest clue - I wouldn't have to ask in the first place.
I just don't know.
So, disgruntled, I drifted off to sleep, thinking about the next day's duties, and how and when I was going to be able to make that long drive to take my daughter back to school.
As I lay there thinking, I felt the strong desire to just keep on driving after dropping her off. I would love to just keep on going and going southward, and get lost in the desert somewhere...
True to my daughter's warning, I was taken away by a fantastical dream.
I was at the home of my paternal grandparents, and as my grandmother lay dying in the hospital, her entire progeny was gathered at the house trying to decide what should be done with it. There were more relatives there than you could shake a stick at - but only one or two who I actually recognized.
Every time I looked at my mother, she was rubbing her hands and chattering with glee.
(Not the case, by the way - I don't know what that was about...)
I took a tour of the house with my family, because it has been decades since I've been there. The main level was less than remarkable (even though it was filled with amazing antiques,) but as we went down and down and down the many levels below, the place was a wonder...
Included was an ice cave, child sized playrooms, a pretend mine for the boys to play in, complete with slides, large gathering rooms, and winding stairways that at some points were so narrow that you literally had to pull yourself through.
At the very bottom level - the place opened up to a huge man made lake. There was a beach and a pier, and dolphins swimming in the lagoon! (As well as some giant frog like creatures *shiver*)
I woke up as I was trying to go back through with my grand daughters - they just had to see it!
The dream left me with some very strong emotions which linger with me still (and which I have yet to identify.)
Interesting dreams? No kidding.
It's Monday now - and I'm trying to adjust to my new schedule. I'm working lots more, which means that leisure time is no longer leisure time - it's get-all-the-weekly-chores-done-in-one-day time.
So what am I doing here?
*Sigh*
Happy Monday.
*Epilogue*
Just a little footnote here - My grandparents have both been dead for decades, as are my parents. Their home was a simple one-level home. Very small, very average. Period.
.
He's gone out of state now, so we didn't get to celebrate it in a proper manner.Thanks to the miracle of Skype, we did get to see and talk to him though - isn't technology wonderful?
I've been trying for a couple of weeks to get an idea for a hand-made card to send him, but I just do not have an idea in my head.
Why, you ask? (I'm assuming here.)
This is not your average run-of-the-mill child we are talking about...
This is the boy that at the age of three was stunning people and sending them into fits of laughter with his sharp wit.
This is the boy who spent a week constructing a bridge using not just Legos, but every building-type toy in the house. The bridge spanned his entire room, and was not only an engineering masterpiece, it was a visual curiosity.
This is the boy who, when asked to set the table creates a table-scape to rival the one in the "be our guest" scene of Beauty and the Beast.
...Are you starting to get a picture here?
My son is now an Art Major at Seattle's Cornish School of Art - there's nothing I could do that would impress him anymore. ^.^
So, apologizing for the belatedness, but I'm trying to find some other way to dazzle him...
~*~
In other news...
I mentioned before that my daughter is trying to teach me some meditation techniques to help me focus and get over my creative blocks.
She tried to teach me how to relax and focus on my own intuition, and (supposedly) get the answers to my questions from my own 'gut' reactions.
Her lesson came with a warning - "this technique may open you up to some interesting dreams."
I was feeling lonely and frustrated the other night, so I decided to put her instructions to the test.
I sat on my bed and focused on what was bothering me, and asked myself the questions that I have been wanting answers to.
I sat listening for several minutes, until I came to the conclusion that I am not capable to answer these questions - if I had the smallest clue - I wouldn't have to ask in the first place.
I just don't know.
So, disgruntled, I drifted off to sleep, thinking about the next day's duties, and how and when I was going to be able to make that long drive to take my daughter back to school.
As I lay there thinking, I felt the strong desire to just keep on driving after dropping her off. I would love to just keep on going and going southward, and get lost in the desert somewhere...
True to my daughter's warning, I was taken away by a fantastical dream.
I was at the home of my paternal grandparents, and as my grandmother lay dying in the hospital, her entire progeny was gathered at the house trying to decide what should be done with it. There were more relatives there than you could shake a stick at - but only one or two who I actually recognized.
Every time I looked at my mother, she was rubbing her hands and chattering with glee.
(Not the case, by the way - I don't know what that was about...)
I took a tour of the house with my family, because it has been decades since I've been there. The main level was less than remarkable (even though it was filled with amazing antiques,) but as we went down and down and down the many levels below, the place was a wonder...
Included was an ice cave, child sized playrooms, a pretend mine for the boys to play in, complete with slides, large gathering rooms, and winding stairways that at some points were so narrow that you literally had to pull yourself through.
At the very bottom level - the place opened up to a huge man made lake. There was a beach and a pier, and dolphins swimming in the lagoon! (As well as some giant frog like creatures *shiver*)
I woke up as I was trying to go back through with my grand daughters - they just had to see it!
The dream left me with some very strong emotions which linger with me still (and which I have yet to identify.)
Interesting dreams? No kidding.
It's Monday now - and I'm trying to adjust to my new schedule. I'm working lots more, which means that leisure time is no longer leisure time - it's get-all-the-weekly-chores-done-in-one-day time.
So what am I doing here?
*Sigh*
Happy Monday.
*Epilogue*
Just a little footnote here - My grandparents have both been dead for decades, as are my parents. Their home was a simple one-level home. Very small, very average. Period.
.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Everything You Know is Wrong...
I'm still trying to get through a biography about Einstein.
I'll get there - I will. Even though I've had to renew it, for a total of 4 weeks so far, I'm going to finish it.
As I listened today (the book is on CD,) about his discussions with Bourne (sp?) and how he couldn't accept the fact that some laws of nature were absolute, and some seem to be completely random and unmeasurable. His constant answer/question was "God does not play dice."
He always believed that there was some secret law that hadn't been discovered yet - and struggled to find it.
I love knowing that he believed that there was a God who created the universe, and that He did it in an orderly manner, creating laws that governed all of it's movements.
It makes me wonder at a young person who can be so passionate at uncovering each and every law, while I, on the other hand, have always been content just to wonder at it and admire it's vastness and beauty.
The passion for me has always been to try to capture moments of wonder or beauty in and somehow freeze them in time. (Not even close yet.)
I'm such a dreamer. Ha!
I'm not feeling well today, so I snuggled into my cozy couch to listen.
I have a love/hate relationship with my couch.
I purchased it on a whim (which is never a good idea!) ...and have rued the day ever since. There are lots of reasons why I don't like it - some practical, some just emotional, but the fact remains - it just wasn't what I was looking for.
On the other hand, it is SO comfortable.
The seat is deep, because of the many cushions along the back - and if I remove just one of those pillows, I can snuggle back into it, and just by the massive size of the thing, I can feel like a child again, snuggled into a loving parent's lap.
I feel cozy and safe - and oddly enough, even loved. Such is the magic of my couch.
(I think it's the down in the cushions...)
Tired or not, today is a work day, and one can't wallow on downy cushions forever.
Bills must be paid, money must be made,
...and something must be done with this wild mane of hair. (Just because I'm learning about Einstein doesn't mean I want to resemble him.)
Happy Autumn Solstice - picture me dancing under the full moon tonight.
I may not be there in body, but I will be there in spirit.
.
I'll get there - I will. Even though I've had to renew it, for a total of 4 weeks so far, I'm going to finish it.
As I listened today (the book is on CD,) about his discussions with Bourne (sp?) and how he couldn't accept the fact that some laws of nature were absolute, and some seem to be completely random and unmeasurable. His constant answer/question was "God does not play dice."
He always believed that there was some secret law that hadn't been discovered yet - and struggled to find it.
I love knowing that he believed that there was a God who created the universe, and that He did it in an orderly manner, creating laws that governed all of it's movements.
It makes me wonder at a young person who can be so passionate at uncovering each and every law, while I, on the other hand, have always been content just to wonder at it and admire it's vastness and beauty.
The passion for me has always been to try to capture moments of wonder or beauty in and somehow freeze them in time. (Not even close yet.)
I'm such a dreamer. Ha!
I'm not feeling well today, so I snuggled into my cozy couch to listen.
I have a love/hate relationship with my couch.
I purchased it on a whim (which is never a good idea!) ...and have rued the day ever since. There are lots of reasons why I don't like it - some practical, some just emotional, but the fact remains - it just wasn't what I was looking for.
On the other hand, it is SO comfortable.
The seat is deep, because of the many cushions along the back - and if I remove just one of those pillows, I can snuggle back into it, and just by the massive size of the thing, I can feel like a child again, snuggled into a loving parent's lap.
I feel cozy and safe - and oddly enough, even loved. Such is the magic of my couch.
(I think it's the down in the cushions...)
Tired or not, today is a work day, and one can't wallow on downy cushions forever.
Bills must be paid, money must be made,
...and something must be done with this wild mane of hair. (Just because I'm learning about Einstein doesn't mean I want to resemble him.)
Happy Autumn Solstice - picture me dancing under the full moon tonight.
I may not be there in body, but I will be there in spirit.
.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Who Put the Bomp...
Woke up with that annoying song in my head - I wonder how long it will take to drive it away...
Doesn't it make you wonder where those things come from sometimes?
That's neither here nor there - just blabbering...
I got my new work schedule yesterday, and I'm a little dismayed.
I've gone from the usual one day a week to four.
It's not that that's a bad thing - I know I've been complaining about not having any cash flow - it's just that I had finally made other plans and was all excited about it - and now that plan gets the kibosh.
This isn't the first time something like this has happened - far from it.
In fact, it's become the family joke that we don't make plans, because as sure as we do - the situation changes and the plans fall through.
A foreign friend of ours even went so far as to dub us the "no plans Taylors" when she observed the kinds of things that happen to us.
It's like this HUGE cosmic joke that is, quite frankly, wearing thin with me.
Just for once I'd like things to go as planned.
Is that too much to ask?
Sheesh.
.
Doesn't it make you wonder where those things come from sometimes?
That's neither here nor there - just blabbering...
I got my new work schedule yesterday, and I'm a little dismayed.
I've gone from the usual one day a week to four.
It's not that that's a bad thing - I know I've been complaining about not having any cash flow - it's just that I had finally made other plans and was all excited about it - and now that plan gets the kibosh.
This isn't the first time something like this has happened - far from it.
In fact, it's become the family joke that we don't make plans, because as sure as we do - the situation changes and the plans fall through.
A foreign friend of ours even went so far as to dub us the "no plans Taylors" when she observed the kinds of things that happen to us.
It's like this HUGE cosmic joke that is, quite frankly, wearing thin with me.
Just for once I'd like things to go as planned.
Is that too much to ask?
Sheesh.
.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Time Marches On...
Another week has flown by.
I made some progress on my crafty projects - but not much.
But, thanks to my daughter, (Melissa) I've decided to take that in stride. She's been trying to teach me how to relax and just accept what I can do, and bless her - it's working.
I've been trying to get through the audio book "Einstein, His Life and Universe" by Walter Isaacson as I work.
It's interesting, but it's SO long - there just are not enough hours in the day. (I've been at it for four days now, and I'm only on disk 6 - about half way.)
Lots of things to admire about the man - but his family life wasn't one of them...
I finally braved the dangers of the storage room today, to locate my stash of craft paints.
I dislodged and extracted them from the rubble without any permanent bodily injury!
They are soooo dusty, I want to take them outside and hose them off before I even touch them. I wonder if any of them will actually still be usable? They haven't been touched for almost 20 years...
(I'm excited about the prospects though!)
I made the trek to Ephraim again today, to fetch Jenny home and clear up a little problem she was having at the bank. I decided to go a little earlier than needed in order to explore the town a little bit.
As it turned out, I only had half an hour, but that was enough to walk through the Ephraim Co-Op, a little consignment shop which sells all kinds of locally made goods.
I'm really glad I checked it out, because it's a really interesting place.
Many home arts that have gone the way of the dinosaurs are still alive and well there - beautiful crochet, embroideries, quilts, and even some wooden dolls that the clerk told me were carved by an 80 + year old woman.
I also found a book there that I have been looking for - a collection of ghost stories from Sanpete County. (I wish I could give you the name & author, but I've forgotten already.)
My sister loaned me the book a few months ago, and I loved it - It was such a fun read. (Supposedly true ghost stories as told by local residents.)
It wasn't in the budget today, but at least now I know where to find it...
I'm enjoying going down that way more and more.
I love taking life at a slower pace these days, and, although I'm sure life is just as crazy for folks down there - at least I can imagine it differently as I drive by the fields of sheep, cattle, and llamas, (yes - LLAMAS!)
It's beautiful and pastoral, and I feel myself relaxing as it all passes by.
The leaves are changing on the mountain as we speak, and I'm hoping to make it up the canyon to get some pictures before the snow comes and ruins them. It's been warm and dry so far this month, so I may be able to make it.
There is a place up there called "Maple Canyon" where the hills are covered with maples instead of the usual quaking aspen and pine. In the fall it is so gorgeous!
It's like being inside a pink snow globe.
Amazing.
My Libby-in-law will fly away this weekend, taking away my only ally of the crafty variety. I have so enjoyed spending time with her, and all the things that she has taught me. She is so talented - I will miss her.
Thank goodness for blogs as a way to keep in touch... Good luck kids!
:-)
I made some progress on my crafty projects - but not much.
But, thanks to my daughter, (Melissa) I've decided to take that in stride. She's been trying to teach me how to relax and just accept what I can do, and bless her - it's working.
I've been trying to get through the audio book "Einstein, His Life and Universe" by Walter Isaacson as I work.
It's interesting, but it's SO long - there just are not enough hours in the day. (I've been at it for four days now, and I'm only on disk 6 - about half way.)
Lots of things to admire about the man - but his family life wasn't one of them...
I finally braved the dangers of the storage room today, to locate my stash of craft paints.
I dislodged and extracted them from the rubble without any permanent bodily injury!
They are soooo dusty, I want to take them outside and hose them off before I even touch them. I wonder if any of them will actually still be usable? They haven't been touched for almost 20 years...
(I'm excited about the prospects though!)
I made the trek to Ephraim again today, to fetch Jenny home and clear up a little problem she was having at the bank. I decided to go a little earlier than needed in order to explore the town a little bit.
As it turned out, I only had half an hour, but that was enough to walk through the Ephraim Co-Op, a little consignment shop which sells all kinds of locally made goods.
I'm really glad I checked it out, because it's a really interesting place.
Many home arts that have gone the way of the dinosaurs are still alive and well there - beautiful crochet, embroideries, quilts, and even some wooden dolls that the clerk told me were carved by an 80 + year old woman.
I also found a book there that I have been looking for - a collection of ghost stories from Sanpete County. (I wish I could give you the name & author, but I've forgotten already.)
My sister loaned me the book a few months ago, and I loved it - It was such a fun read. (Supposedly true ghost stories as told by local residents.)
It wasn't in the budget today, but at least now I know where to find it...
I'm enjoying going down that way more and more.
I love taking life at a slower pace these days, and, although I'm sure life is just as crazy for folks down there - at least I can imagine it differently as I drive by the fields of sheep, cattle, and llamas, (yes - LLAMAS!)
It's beautiful and pastoral, and I feel myself relaxing as it all passes by.
The leaves are changing on the mountain as we speak, and I'm hoping to make it up the canyon to get some pictures before the snow comes and ruins them. It's been warm and dry so far this month, so I may be able to make it.
There is a place up there called "Maple Canyon" where the hills are covered with maples instead of the usual quaking aspen and pine. In the fall it is so gorgeous!
It's like being inside a pink snow globe.
Amazing.
My Libby-in-law will fly away this weekend, taking away my only ally of the crafty variety. I have so enjoyed spending time with her, and all the things that she has taught me. She is so talented - I will miss her.
Thank goodness for blogs as a way to keep in touch... Good luck kids!
:-)
Sunday, September 12, 2010
How to Waste an Afternoon
I've been so lazy today.
I got up to go to church, but realized that it was conference day, so they didn't need me to do my job.
I was achey and head-achey, so I just went back to bed - and stayed there until noon!
I haven't felt up to much today, (too many late nights this week) so I've been taking it easy on myself...
I've been on a hunt for some inspiration, so I went to my friendly amazon.com page and went through all the recommendations there. I love how that page picks up on all the things that I'm interested in, and brings up recommendations based on them...
Been searching new novels by my favorite authors, vintage art, all things owl, DVD's, and even "How to" books about writing and cardmaking.
What fun! My wish list has tripled in size!
...Now it's back to the real world - dishes, and dinner.
*Sigh*
Last night we had a farewell party for my daughter-in-law. She's finally finishing out her job and will be leaving to join Brad in Seattle.
We went up the canyon and had tinfoil dinners.
I will really miss having Libby around - and I will miss doing things with her family - they are good people.
.
.
I got up to go to church, but realized that it was conference day, so they didn't need me to do my job.
I was achey and head-achey, so I just went back to bed - and stayed there until noon!
I haven't felt up to much today, (too many late nights this week) so I've been taking it easy on myself...
I've been on a hunt for some inspiration, so I went to my friendly amazon.com page and went through all the recommendations there. I love how that page picks up on all the things that I'm interested in, and brings up recommendations based on them...
Been searching new novels by my favorite authors, vintage art, all things owl, DVD's, and even "How to" books about writing and cardmaking.
What fun! My wish list has tripled in size!
...Now it's back to the real world - dishes, and dinner.
*Sigh*
Last night we had a farewell party for my daughter-in-law. She's finally finishing out her job and will be leaving to join Brad in Seattle.
We went up the canyon and had tinfoil dinners.
I will really miss having Libby around - and I will miss doing things with her family - they are good people.
.
.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Ebb & Flow
This month is stacking up to be a bit confusing.
I've had moments of such creative energy that I can hardly contain myself
- A feeling that I haven't experienced in almost 20 years.
After the birth of my youngest "caboose" child, I put all my arts & crafts supplies away for that time & season that would surely come again - and concentrated on raising her along with a house-full of preteens.
*Don't try this at home*
(The effect of baby-teen mothering is much like driving a car using only first and fifth gears. Jarring.)
I never regretted that last child - she has been a gift. I have enjoyed every minute of her existence. I did miss my "art," but I always believed that there would be a time for that again someday.
Recently, I have been feeling the creative urges resurfacing.
I get such a flow of ideas, that I can't even go to bed at night.
I've been filling notebooks and daydreaming for weeks of new/old areas to explore and resurrect.
...Then there are the days (like today) when I'm physically, (+ mentally and emotionally)...tired.
I fill with self-doubt and wonder what the heck is wrong with me?
Sure, I want to do all this stuff, but can I even remember how to do it?
Will I ever be able to do it as well as I once did?
What am I - NUTS?
I spent the day (and my last paycheck) buying supplies yesterday. I intend to follow through, but I wish I was more sure that success will follow...
Stay tuned.
.
I've had moments of such creative energy that I can hardly contain myself
- A feeling that I haven't experienced in almost 20 years.
After the birth of my youngest "caboose" child, I put all my arts & crafts supplies away for that time & season that would surely come again - and concentrated on raising her along with a house-full of preteens.
*Don't try this at home*
(The effect of baby-teen mothering is much like driving a car using only first and fifth gears. Jarring.)
I never regretted that last child - she has been a gift. I have enjoyed every minute of her existence. I did miss my "art," but I always believed that there would be a time for that again someday.
Recently, I have been feeling the creative urges resurfacing.
I get such a flow of ideas, that I can't even go to bed at night.
I've been filling notebooks and daydreaming for weeks of new/old areas to explore and resurrect.
...Then there are the days (like today) when I'm physically, (+ mentally and emotionally)...tired.
I fill with self-doubt and wonder what the heck is wrong with me?
Sure, I want to do all this stuff, but can I even remember how to do it?
Will I ever be able to do it as well as I once did?
What am I - NUTS?
I spent the day (and my last paycheck) buying supplies yesterday. I intend to follow through, but I wish I was more sure that success will follow...
Stay tuned.
.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Labor Day
This weekend has been insane.
Hubby's father came home from the hospital Friday.
I thought that meant that things would calm down, but I was so wrong! Hubby is now at their beck & call, and is around here even less (as if that were even possible...)
I keep trying to get on the widow's list at church, but so far no luck.
I had my son's three girls all weekend. He was kind enough to take our place helping his brother to move out of state, so that was the least we could do.
I didn't realize, however, that I would be taking care of them pretty much on my own!
Sunday morning was nuts trying to get them up and ready for church on time!
We managed with only one melt-down (not counting mine!)
Motherhood is definitely for the young...
My younger sister came in from Reno to attend her high-school reunion this weekend, so we arranged a get-together with all of my sisters on Sunday.
My house is the one most centrally located, so we arranged to meet here. (Debbie dubbed it "the party house," but with all that's been going on here, it felt more like "the loony bin.")
I made a light lunch for us all, and it was so nice just to sit and visit.
My two angel daughters kept the 3 little girls downstairs - busy, occupied, and quiet the whole time.
Miraculous!
Much earlier, Debbie had given Janell, my older sister (a master doll crafter) a box of body parts that she had bought at an estate sale, to see if they could be repaired. Jnell brought those finished dolls with her. She had worked her magic on them, and they looked brand new!
It was hard to believe Deb's description of what they had looked like before
- you would never know it. They are Madame Alexander's, about two feet tall, and gorgeous!
When they all went to leave, several happy hours later, Debbie surprised us by giving us all one of them! (I got the Jenny Lind.) She is front & center in the curio, and she looks like she was made to be there. :-)
The girl's parents made it back to town safe and sound late last night, so the girls have gone home now. Today is the big celebration here in town, but I can't bring myself to leave the house. It feels much better to just have some down time and enjoy the QUIET.
...I may wander out later, just to take a peek at the art show - but I really don't care about the carnival, (or anything else for that matter,) especially the crowds!
I need to recoup.
Last night, I had the chance to talk face to face with my now-out-of-state son, through the miracle of Skype. It's times like that that I am so thankful for the amazing technology that is out there.
We had a good long chat, and he looks really great. His new place sounds so nice - and so conveniently located to school, work, shopping - pretty much everything they will need is right there. I can't wait to go see it (probably next Spring.)
He's happy and healthy - that's what matters most.
I have many pictures I'd like to share, but am still working on that technological issue...
Happy Labor Day!
.
Hubby's father came home from the hospital Friday.
I thought that meant that things would calm down, but I was so wrong! Hubby is now at their beck & call, and is around here even less (as if that were even possible...)
I keep trying to get on the widow's list at church, but so far no luck.
I had my son's three girls all weekend. He was kind enough to take our place helping his brother to move out of state, so that was the least we could do.
I didn't realize, however, that I would be taking care of them pretty much on my own!
Sunday morning was nuts trying to get them up and ready for church on time!
We managed with only one melt-down (not counting mine!)
Motherhood is definitely for the young...
My younger sister came in from Reno to attend her high-school reunion this weekend, so we arranged a get-together with all of my sisters on Sunday.
My house is the one most centrally located, so we arranged to meet here. (Debbie dubbed it "the party house," but with all that's been going on here, it felt more like "the loony bin.")
I made a light lunch for us all, and it was so nice just to sit and visit.
My two angel daughters kept the 3 little girls downstairs - busy, occupied, and quiet the whole time.
Miraculous!
Much earlier, Debbie had given Janell, my older sister (a master doll crafter) a box of body parts that she had bought at an estate sale, to see if they could be repaired. Jnell brought those finished dolls with her. She had worked her magic on them, and they looked brand new!
It was hard to believe Deb's description of what they had looked like before
- you would never know it. They are Madame Alexander's, about two feet tall, and gorgeous!
When they all went to leave, several happy hours later, Debbie surprised us by giving us all one of them! (I got the Jenny Lind.) She is front & center in the curio, and she looks like she was made to be there. :-)
The girl's parents made it back to town safe and sound late last night, so the girls have gone home now. Today is the big celebration here in town, but I can't bring myself to leave the house. It feels much better to just have some down time and enjoy the QUIET.
...I may wander out later, just to take a peek at the art show - but I really don't care about the carnival, (or anything else for that matter,) especially the crowds!
I need to recoup.
Last night, I had the chance to talk face to face with my now-out-of-state son, through the miracle of Skype. It's times like that that I am so thankful for the amazing technology that is out there.
We had a good long chat, and he looks really great. His new place sounds so nice - and so conveniently located to school, work, shopping - pretty much everything they will need is right there. I can't wait to go see it (probably next Spring.)
He's happy and healthy - that's what matters most.
I have many pictures I'd like to share, but am still working on that technological issue...
Happy Labor Day!
.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Adventure Time
Another one of those weeks - just skimming the headlines, because I don't really want to get into it...
After grandpa's miraculous spring back to life, he's on his way home today - has even been taken off hospice.
There are. no. words. - everyone just shakes their heads in disbelief.
It will be nice to have him closer to home for hubby's sake, not quite so much running around...
DD is having a hard time adjusting to college life. Oy vey, and I thought I had a hard time keeping her in class during high school...
Give. Me. Strength.
On the home front, I've got three little girls for the weekend.
My son and daughter in law had to have all their belongings out of their apartment on the first, so they are loaded up on the truck and are on their way to Seattle as we speak.
The daughter in law's job transfer went through at the last minute. So glad they won't have to be separated anymore!
Thankfully, my oldest is taking our place moving them up. (Hubby didn't feel he could travel that far with his dad & brother in the condition they are.) Consequently, we are keeping their girls while they make the grueling trip.
Praying for safe travels and happy trails...
Myself, I have been sniffing around for ideas for another story to write. I never thought I would miss doing that, but I do.
Who knew?
I have been reading a book of Irish Fairy Tales that my daughter happened to have, and am finding it rather fascinating.
I've always thought of fairies as being in the form of "Tinkerbell" - all cute, tiny and... moody, but otherwise... nice.
Not so in these tales. They are full size, and seem to live for causing mischief among their human counterparts. They make a habit of switching "changelings" for live persons if misfortune crosses their path, and are very unforgiving of anyone who inadvertently wanders into their "fairy forts."
Locals call them "The Good People," not because they are, but because they are afraid of offending them.
Fun reading - I've found a few short tales that would be fun to play with, but in the meantime, I'm just enjoying reading the book.
I've also been playing with the idea of opening a shop on etsy. Lots of ideas of fun things to sell - and am chomping at the bit to get started... if I can just get this weekend over with. (More on that as things progress.)
Luckily, it's "Onion Days" here in Payson, (founders day type celebration) so there are lots of fun activities we can do with the girls.
...Better go - they are already here.
Happy September!
.
After grandpa's miraculous spring back to life, he's on his way home today - has even been taken off hospice.
There are. no. words. - everyone just shakes their heads in disbelief.
It will be nice to have him closer to home for hubby's sake, not quite so much running around...
DD is having a hard time adjusting to college life. Oy vey, and I thought I had a hard time keeping her in class during high school...
Give. Me. Strength.
On the home front, I've got three little girls for the weekend.
My son and daughter in law had to have all their belongings out of their apartment on the first, so they are loaded up on the truck and are on their way to Seattle as we speak.
The daughter in law's job transfer went through at the last minute. So glad they won't have to be separated anymore!
Thankfully, my oldest is taking our place moving them up. (Hubby didn't feel he could travel that far with his dad & brother in the condition they are.) Consequently, we are keeping their girls while they make the grueling trip.
Praying for safe travels and happy trails...
Myself, I have been sniffing around for ideas for another story to write. I never thought I would miss doing that, but I do.
Who knew?
I have been reading a book of Irish Fairy Tales that my daughter happened to have, and am finding it rather fascinating.
I've always thought of fairies as being in the form of "Tinkerbell" - all cute, tiny and... moody, but otherwise... nice.
Not so in these tales. They are full size, and seem to live for causing mischief among their human counterparts. They make a habit of switching "changelings" for live persons if misfortune crosses their path, and are very unforgiving of anyone who inadvertently wanders into their "fairy forts."
Locals call them "The Good People," not because they are, but because they are afraid of offending them.
Fun reading - I've found a few short tales that would be fun to play with, but in the meantime, I'm just enjoying reading the book.
I've also been playing with the idea of opening a shop on etsy. Lots of ideas of fun things to sell - and am chomping at the bit to get started... if I can just get this weekend over with. (More on that as things progress.)
Luckily, it's "Onion Days" here in Payson, (founders day type celebration) so there are lots of fun activities we can do with the girls.
...Better go - they are already here.
Happy September!
.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Dang.
...Please pardon my language, but that's what my day has boiled down to.
I've been trying all day just to find 10 minutes to blog,
(and I really did have some nice things to say - really!)
But it has just been one thing after another all day, until any positive feelings I had have blown away with the wind.
I'm feeling so frustrated tonight.
I had a bit of an epiphany during the week, and I have been so excited about it that I didn't even sleep for 24 hours.
I sketched and made lists, planned and researched - only to hit a brick wall this weekend.
Turns out I'm not going to have a spare minute (or a spare penny) to do anything on my list - at least for the time being.
Bleah.
I've stifled and locked away my creative urges for the last 18 years, (ever since my youngest was born,) believing that one day my "time and season" would come.
With her moving out last week, it felt like just maybe my time had come - so I opened that locked cage and took a peek - yup, they were still in there, and crazy wild to be free.
...But alas, it is still not to be.
(It just seems like an awfully long time to be patient. I'd like to use my talents before I lose all my faculties!)
Thankfully, I'm not bitter. (LOL)
...The day wasn't a total loss, however.
I drove my daughter back to her little college town this afternoon.
Usually, I dread the drive back because I'm alone and it's an hour drive through narrow winding roads, and unpredictable traffic.
(You would think country folk would like to meander - but not so. They are speed demons who like to ride your bumper and breathe down your neck!)
...I digress...
Today, the drive back was surprisingly peaceful.
I brought my favorite book on CD, (which takes place in a small town in the country,) and it was so pleasant listening to it with fields of ripe grain, herds of sheep and mountains as a back-drop.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows on the barren hills, softening the harsh edges and making them appear as mounds of draped fabric.
There is the slightest sensation of fall in the air now, and it made me actually long for future drives when the leaves in the canyon have started to turn.
For once, I wanted the drive to last a little longer before having to deal with the chaos of home.
I think I may just insist on going by myself from here on out - at least until the snow flies.
I'm hoping this week goes by quickly, and praying for health for the in-laws and safe travels for all my children.
.
I've been trying all day just to find 10 minutes to blog,
(and I really did have some nice things to say - really!)
But it has just been one thing after another all day, until any positive feelings I had have blown away with the wind.
I'm feeling so frustrated tonight.
I had a bit of an epiphany during the week, and I have been so excited about it that I didn't even sleep for 24 hours.
I sketched and made lists, planned and researched - only to hit a brick wall this weekend.
Turns out I'm not going to have a spare minute (or a spare penny) to do anything on my list - at least for the time being.
Bleah.
I've stifled and locked away my creative urges for the last 18 years, (ever since my youngest was born,) believing that one day my "time and season" would come.
With her moving out last week, it felt like just maybe my time had come - so I opened that locked cage and took a peek - yup, they were still in there, and crazy wild to be free.
...But alas, it is still not to be.
(It just seems like an awfully long time to be patient. I'd like to use my talents before I lose all my faculties!)
Thankfully, I'm not bitter. (LOL)
...The day wasn't a total loss, however.
I drove my daughter back to her little college town this afternoon.
Usually, I dread the drive back because I'm alone and it's an hour drive through narrow winding roads, and unpredictable traffic.
(You would think country folk would like to meander - but not so. They are speed demons who like to ride your bumper and breathe down your neck!)
...I digress...
Today, the drive back was surprisingly peaceful.
I brought my favorite book on CD, (which takes place in a small town in the country,) and it was so pleasant listening to it with fields of ripe grain, herds of sheep and mountains as a back-drop.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows on the barren hills, softening the harsh edges and making them appear as mounds of draped fabric.
There is the slightest sensation of fall in the air now, and it made me actually long for future drives when the leaves in the canyon have started to turn.
For once, I wanted the drive to last a little longer before having to deal with the chaos of home.
I think I may just insist on going by myself from here on out - at least until the snow flies.
I'm hoping this week goes by quickly, and praying for health for the in-laws and safe travels for all my children.
.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Oh What a Night....
...And not in a good way.
Last night we just sat down to dinner when hubby's phone rang. It was a family member who was at the hospital with his dad.
They said that his body was beginning to shut down, and he needed to get there to say his final good byes.
So, we left our hot meal sitting on the table, grabbed the keys and ran...
It took hours for everyone to get there (one had to come all the way from California,)
...But we assembled the entire family - except for that brother who is in the Cancer treatment center. Him they connected to through Skype.
Finally, around midnight, we had a family prayer, then he was given a blessing releasing him from the cares and responsibilities of this life.
Afterwards, my son left to pick up his three little girls. My youngest had ridden home with a cousin, and was home alone, so I ran to catch a ride with him to be with her.
Unfortunately, I wasn't fast enough to catch him - and the hospital doors locked behind me (they lock up at ten,) so there I was, stranded alone in the parking lot.
We had left the house so quickly that I hadn't been able to grab my phone. Hubby had given me his, but it was because the battery was dead and he wanted me to charge it for him.
Thanks to merciful heaven - he had left the car unlocked, or I don't know what I would have done! I sat in the car for hours, wondering how long I would be there - freezing. (I hadn't planned on it being COLD!) Something in me kept saying he's not going to die tonight - I could just feel it in my gut. I prepared myself to be there, waiting it out until the sun came up.
Finally, at 3:00, hubby and my daughter came out of the hospital - smiling and laughing.
After I had left, his dad woke up and spoke to everyone in the room, calling them by name and thanking them for coming!
That man has more than 9 lives - he has done this to us so many times!
At 3:30, we came home and finished our meal...
Poor hubby is so emotionally drained - and it's his turn to go up and sit with the brother today.
Bizarre is the only word to describe it - what a night indeed.
.
Last night we just sat down to dinner when hubby's phone rang. It was a family member who was at the hospital with his dad.
They said that his body was beginning to shut down, and he needed to get there to say his final good byes.
So, we left our hot meal sitting on the table, grabbed the keys and ran...
It took hours for everyone to get there (one had to come all the way from California,)
...But we assembled the entire family - except for that brother who is in the Cancer treatment center. Him they connected to through Skype.
Finally, around midnight, we had a family prayer, then he was given a blessing releasing him from the cares and responsibilities of this life.
Afterwards, my son left to pick up his three little girls. My youngest had ridden home with a cousin, and was home alone, so I ran to catch a ride with him to be with her.
Unfortunately, I wasn't fast enough to catch him - and the hospital doors locked behind me (they lock up at ten,) so there I was, stranded alone in the parking lot.
We had left the house so quickly that I hadn't been able to grab my phone. Hubby had given me his, but it was because the battery was dead and he wanted me to charge it for him.
Thanks to merciful heaven - he had left the car unlocked, or I don't know what I would have done! I sat in the car for hours, wondering how long I would be there - freezing. (I hadn't planned on it being COLD!) Something in me kept saying he's not going to die tonight - I could just feel it in my gut. I prepared myself to be there, waiting it out until the sun came up.
Finally, at 3:00, hubby and my daughter came out of the hospital - smiling and laughing.
After I had left, his dad woke up and spoke to everyone in the room, calling them by name and thanking them for coming!
That man has more than 9 lives - he has done this to us so many times!
At 3:30, we came home and finished our meal...
Poor hubby is so emotionally drained - and it's his turn to go up and sit with the brother today.
Bizarre is the only word to describe it - what a night indeed.
.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Dear Void...
Sometimes it feels like that's where my rantings go - just off into the vast echoing universe - but there are also those times when I feel that that same universe is my closest listening friend.
So, Hello dear Void, it's me again...
We got baby moved to her college dorm yesterday, and all settled in (I hope.)
Goodbyes were tearful, but it felt good to know that she has at least one good friend in her apartment - someone familiar, and somewhat stable for her to cling to.
I left her with prayers and hopes that she can somehow find her way out of her comfy shell and reach for the stars.
Nothing would make me happier than to see her achieve all of her dreams.
She's been homesick today already, and has been texting all of us. Hopefully she'll do better tomorrow when she's occupied with orientation, and gets more adjusted to her surroundings.
As for me, I decided that rather than dwell on all the things I'll be missing, I would focus on the positive things, such as;
* I won't have to adjust the radio station every time I get in the car.
*Computer's printer ink will last longer
* I can go wild with the new recipe nights, (since she's the last of the picky eaters at my house.)
* I have so many ways to keep in touch - phone & text, email, and I can finally start using all those cards I make - and stuff them with big fat letters full of mommy advice.
Well, it's not much compared to losing my shopping buddy, my writing adviser, my art critic and masseuse, but I have to hold on to what I can.
-*-
I spent a pleasant afternoon chatting with my older daughter today.
Whenever I do this, I find myself wondering what went wrong in the great beyond where families are assembled. She should have been the mom, and I the child.
She knows things about things that... well - I didn't even know were things.
I can talk to her about anything and everything - so, I was picking her brain about the next phase of my life's journey and how to keep it from being empty and dull. She did give me some great tips and advice, which I'm anxious to try to put into practice.
I'll let you know how that goes... :-)
-*-
My oldest son had the chance to go visit his brother in Seattle this past weekend. I'm so glad they got to spend some time together. It sounds like they had a lot of fun exploring and sight-seeing. They even attended a Green Bay vs. Sea Hawks game. He flew back home today, grateful that he's the country boy and not the city one, though.
-*-
Friday, I'm afraid I had a teensy-weensie meltdown and I gave myself a time-out. An evening's exile to Borders.
I was a little anxious at first - it's been so long since I've gone anywhere at night, let alone by myself, but before long, I was enjoying the light jazz and the soft comfy chairs as I sampled many of the books and magazines that I can't find in my home town.
I could feel my blood pressure dropping as I sat there, and if I had stayed much longer, could have fallen asleep where I sat. It was that relaxing.
I may just make that my new Friday night ritual.
The only thing I brought home was a copy of Artful Blogging. I was pulled in by all the interesting photos, and thought that maybe I could pick up some helpful hints on how to do a better job of it.
What I'm discovering though, is that I probably shouldn't be blogging at all. - All the bloggers featured in it are entrepreneurs of some sort.
Artists, photographers, jewelery makers, or cooks. Each blogger seems to have chosen a running theme, or a mission statement to keep things unified.
...So who am I to have a blog? I'm not famous, I have no goods to sell, no art to inspire, or wisdom to impart. I'm just an ordinary mom trying to muddle her way through an ordinary life.
As I thought about it though, I came to the conclusion that I don't care.
I think that every soul has a story to tell, whether good or bad.
Writing is therapy for me (but cheaper!) and I enjoy it, so why not blog?
If I offend by not having a theme - just put me down as one 'recording my journey through life.'
I've never been one to take the safe route by staying on the straight and narrow path, I've always been too curious (foolish?) for that - I have to explore all the side roads - or leave the path altogether and wade up the stream...
Sometimes (well, most of the time) it takes a hard knock to teach me things, but every lesson learned leaves it's mark. (Pun not intended - just a bonus.)
If lessons are recorded, then hopefully they don't have to be repeated, and therein lies it's worth.
Blogging helps me sort through my emotions and focus on things that matter most.
So thanks, dear Void. I love you too.
.
So, Hello dear Void, it's me again...
We got baby moved to her college dorm yesterday, and all settled in (I hope.)
Goodbyes were tearful, but it felt good to know that she has at least one good friend in her apartment - someone familiar, and somewhat stable for her to cling to.
I left her with prayers and hopes that she can somehow find her way out of her comfy shell and reach for the stars.
Nothing would make me happier than to see her achieve all of her dreams.
She's been homesick today already, and has been texting all of us. Hopefully she'll do better tomorrow when she's occupied with orientation, and gets more adjusted to her surroundings.
As for me, I decided that rather than dwell on all the things I'll be missing, I would focus on the positive things, such as;
* I won't have to adjust the radio station every time I get in the car.
*Computer's printer ink will last longer
* I can go wild with the new recipe nights, (since she's the last of the picky eaters at my house.)
* I have so many ways to keep in touch - phone & text, email, and I can finally start using all those cards I make - and stuff them with big fat letters full of mommy advice.
Well, it's not much compared to losing my shopping buddy, my writing adviser, my art critic and masseuse, but I have to hold on to what I can.
-*-
I spent a pleasant afternoon chatting with my older daughter today.
Whenever I do this, I find myself wondering what went wrong in the great beyond where families are assembled. She should have been the mom, and I the child.
She knows things about things that... well - I didn't even know were things.
I can talk to her about anything and everything - so, I was picking her brain about the next phase of my life's journey and how to keep it from being empty and dull. She did give me some great tips and advice, which I'm anxious to try to put into practice.
I'll let you know how that goes... :-)
-*-
My oldest son had the chance to go visit his brother in Seattle this past weekend. I'm so glad they got to spend some time together. It sounds like they had a lot of fun exploring and sight-seeing. They even attended a Green Bay vs. Sea Hawks game. He flew back home today, grateful that he's the country boy and not the city one, though.
-*-
Friday, I'm afraid I had a teensy-weensie meltdown and I gave myself a time-out. An evening's exile to Borders.
I was a little anxious at first - it's been so long since I've gone anywhere at night, let alone by myself, but before long, I was enjoying the light jazz and the soft comfy chairs as I sampled many of the books and magazines that I can't find in my home town.
I could feel my blood pressure dropping as I sat there, and if I had stayed much longer, could have fallen asleep where I sat. It was that relaxing.
I may just make that my new Friday night ritual.
The only thing I brought home was a copy of Artful Blogging. I was pulled in by all the interesting photos, and thought that maybe I could pick up some helpful hints on how to do a better job of it.
What I'm discovering though, is that I probably shouldn't be blogging at all. - All the bloggers featured in it are entrepreneurs of some sort.
Artists, photographers, jewelery makers, or cooks. Each blogger seems to have chosen a running theme, or a mission statement to keep things unified.
...So who am I to have a blog? I'm not famous, I have no goods to sell, no art to inspire, or wisdom to impart. I'm just an ordinary mom trying to muddle her way through an ordinary life.
As I thought about it though, I came to the conclusion that I don't care.
I think that every soul has a story to tell, whether good or bad.
Writing is therapy for me (but cheaper!) and I enjoy it, so why not blog?
If I offend by not having a theme - just put me down as one 'recording my journey through life.'
I've never been one to take the safe route by staying on the straight and narrow path, I've always been too curious (foolish?) for that - I have to explore all the side roads - or leave the path altogether and wade up the stream...
Sometimes (well, most of the time) it takes a hard knock to teach me things, but every lesson learned leaves it's mark. (Pun not intended - just a bonus.)
If lessons are recorded, then hopefully they don't have to be repeated, and therein lies it's worth.
Blogging helps me sort through my emotions and focus on things that matter most.
So thanks, dear Void. I love you too.
.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Weekend Wrap-Up
Just a short one today, since this isn't a movie, and I can't just use the dark screen to signify time passing...
Slightly abnormal week - I've worked a bit more than usual, tended the girls a bit more than usual, and the youngest has been in hyper-drive all week getting ready to move.
Jenny packed up her room last night,and was feeling the angst. She kept going to her room, then minutes later would return to tell us something else that needed to be done.
Hubby and I started timing her - "How long do you think it will be before she comes out this time?" ...Sort of like a broken cuckoo.
It took her a while to wind down and finally go to bed. Tomorrow is the big day, so she's covering all her bases, bless her. I completely understand her anxiousness, but she's making me nervous and weary too.
Not such a good day for hubby's family. Grandpa is doing better, in fact he may be coming home soon. But things aren't going so well for his brother. He (hubby) called me from the cancer center yesterday in tears because he was almost non-responsive. They sent him in for an MRI - and had to send him back because his body wasn't strong enough to endure it.
He has pneumonia and it's getting worse - breathing tubes etc. It's getting so hard for hubby to watch.
Cancer is mean business - if the disease doesn't kill you, the treatment will.
I've had better weeks too - it's starting to wear on me being alone so much. Been in a bit of a depressed mode.
We'll be spending the day in Ephraim tomorrow, getting Jenny settled. Meanwhile, it's our last day together for a while, so I guess we should ENJOY.
A little good news too - yesterday we learned that my son finally landed a job in Seattle - at the school he's planning to attend. Now if his wife can just get her transfer...
I'm sure it's wearing on them being apart.
My family is all busy today, so I'm going to attempt to cheer myself up by playing with my art supplies.
.
Slightly abnormal week - I've worked a bit more than usual, tended the girls a bit more than usual, and the youngest has been in hyper-drive all week getting ready to move.
Jenny packed up her room last night,and was feeling the angst. She kept going to her room, then minutes later would return to tell us something else that needed to be done.
Hubby and I started timing her - "How long do you think it will be before she comes out this time?" ...Sort of like a broken cuckoo.
It took her a while to wind down and finally go to bed. Tomorrow is the big day, so she's covering all her bases, bless her. I completely understand her anxiousness, but she's making me nervous and weary too.
Not such a good day for hubby's family. Grandpa is doing better, in fact he may be coming home soon. But things aren't going so well for his brother. He (hubby) called me from the cancer center yesterday in tears because he was almost non-responsive. They sent him in for an MRI - and had to send him back because his body wasn't strong enough to endure it.
He has pneumonia and it's getting worse - breathing tubes etc. It's getting so hard for hubby to watch.
Cancer is mean business - if the disease doesn't kill you, the treatment will.
I've had better weeks too - it's starting to wear on me being alone so much. Been in a bit of a depressed mode.
We'll be spending the day in Ephraim tomorrow, getting Jenny settled. Meanwhile, it's our last day together for a while, so I guess we should ENJOY.
A little good news too - yesterday we learned that my son finally landed a job in Seattle - at the school he's planning to attend. Now if his wife can just get her transfer...
I'm sure it's wearing on them being apart.
My family is all busy today, so I'm going to attempt to cheer myself up by playing with my art supplies.
.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Live, Laugh, Love, Repeat...
Just when you feel relief that one week has ended - another one begins...
Had a good day yesterday - my grand daughters were in a parade in the next little town over.
I've lived in this area for over 30 years, and I should have known that there was a "Salem Days," but I really had no reason to care - until yesterday, that is...
As I sat there viewing the parade entries, I couldn't help but think how much I enjoy small town life.
The parade consisted of mostly horses and tractors, but, by golly - those folks are proud of their horses and tractors!
How fun to feel the close-knit community spirit as neighbor applauded neighbor for their efforts.
My girls' were so cute on the float (with their Karate class), even though grandpa had to chase them down the road to get a picture.
(Grandma had trouble with the camera and missed them.)
It's all about the kids these days - and thank goodness they do things to keep us entertained and interested in life.
Later, we spent some time with the mother-in-law.
Yesterday was her birthday. She's been home alone for a few weeks, because Grandpa is still in the hospital.
She's hanging in there, but it was a quiet birthday for her...
That brings us to this morning -
I don't mention my church calling much, because I'm not a preachy kind of soul, but I conduct the music for our congregation.
I really enjoy my job - I love music, and it's a pleasure to me to be able to choose the hymns that we sing each week, and arrange for musical numbers.
I swear that music is a conductor to the Spirit, just as water is a conductor to electricity. Some of my most spiritual experiences involve my participation in music.
The one draw-back I have is a physical one. I have a touch of bursitis, or arthritis or one of those achey 'itis' things...
I happened to choose an extra long song to open the meeting with, so by the time it was over, I was near the point of having to prop my arm up to keep it aloft.
I was hoping for a long break between hymns to regroup... Wouldn't you know it - no announcements at all this week.
So as I lead "Gently Raise the Sacred Strain," I was feeling more like "Raise it Gently Because it's Sprained." Ha. The joys of age.
I asked one of the young ladies in the ward (Anna B.) to play a piano solo this week, but she asked if she and her friends could sing instead.
I was great with that, because I've heard her sing with the choir and I know she has talents there too.
I wasn't expecting, however, the quality of the talent I heard today. They sang the most beautiful arrangement of "If You Could Hie to Kolob" a'capella.
They sounded like angels.
I found out after church that she arranged it herself!
Wow.
Sundays are a mixed bag here - mornings are calm and quiet, but evenings are full of family and chaos.
Love at Home.
.
Had a good day yesterday - my grand daughters were in a parade in the next little town over.
I've lived in this area for over 30 years, and I should have known that there was a "Salem Days," but I really had no reason to care - until yesterday, that is...
As I sat there viewing the parade entries, I couldn't help but think how much I enjoy small town life.
The parade consisted of mostly horses and tractors, but, by golly - those folks are proud of their horses and tractors!
How fun to feel the close-knit community spirit as neighbor applauded neighbor for their efforts.
My girls' were so cute on the float (with their Karate class), even though grandpa had to chase them down the road to get a picture.
(Grandma had trouble with the camera and missed them.)
It's all about the kids these days - and thank goodness they do things to keep us entertained and interested in life.
Later, we spent some time with the mother-in-law.
Yesterday was her birthday. She's been home alone for a few weeks, because Grandpa is still in the hospital.
She's hanging in there, but it was a quiet birthday for her...
That brings us to this morning -
I don't mention my church calling much, because I'm not a preachy kind of soul, but I conduct the music for our congregation.
I really enjoy my job - I love music, and it's a pleasure to me to be able to choose the hymns that we sing each week, and arrange for musical numbers.
I swear that music is a conductor to the Spirit, just as water is a conductor to electricity. Some of my most spiritual experiences involve my participation in music.
The one draw-back I have is a physical one. I have a touch of bursitis, or arthritis or one of those achey 'itis' things...
I happened to choose an extra long song to open the meeting with, so by the time it was over, I was near the point of having to prop my arm up to keep it aloft.
I was hoping for a long break between hymns to regroup... Wouldn't you know it - no announcements at all this week.
So as I lead "Gently Raise the Sacred Strain," I was feeling more like "Raise it Gently Because it's Sprained." Ha. The joys of age.
I asked one of the young ladies in the ward (Anna B.) to play a piano solo this week, but she asked if she and her friends could sing instead.
I was great with that, because I've heard her sing with the choir and I know she has talents there too.
I wasn't expecting, however, the quality of the talent I heard today. They sang the most beautiful arrangement of "If You Could Hie to Kolob" a'capella.
They sounded like angels.
I found out after church that she arranged it herself!
Wow.
Sundays are a mixed bag here - mornings are calm and quiet, but evenings are full of family and chaos.
Love at Home.
.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Wouldn't Put it Pasta...
It's Friday the 13th, and I'm feeling a bit down in the chops.
Nothing in particular - just everything in general...
On the up-side, I tried a new recipe last night (usually the family is very apprehensive on new recipe night,) but this one looked good and tasted even better.
I found it in a magazine, but I made some changes to suit my family's tastes.
Pasta Salad
1/2 bag of salad pasta, cooked and drained
1 medium sized tomato, chopped
3 or 4 green onion, chopped
5-6 slices of bacon, cooked and broken up
1/4 bag frozen peas
about 1/2 C grated cheddar cheese
about 1/2 C Miracle Whip (or Mayonnaise,) enough to coat and bind the pasta
about 1 Tablespoon dry Ranch Dressing mix.
Sprinkle with crumbled Bleu Cheese (optional)
I wanted to serve it on lettuce leaves, but I didn't have any on hand...
I served it with bread that I prepared with butter, garlic salt, and grated Parmesan, and then grilled, face down.
Yum! It was so tasty - really. I got 8 thumbs up, and the leftovers disappeared this morning with hubby and DD for lunch at work.
I would call that success.
Meanwhile, it is Friday the 13th. My girls say that we are unlucky for 364 days of the year, so this date should be lucky for us, Right? I guess we'll see.
FYI: Both hubby's father and brother had set-backs yesterday, so this weekend will be crucial. Prayers appreciated.
Have a good weekend. :-)
.
Nothing in particular - just everything in general...
On the up-side, I tried a new recipe last night (usually the family is very apprehensive on new recipe night,) but this one looked good and tasted even better.
I found it in a magazine, but I made some changes to suit my family's tastes.
Pasta Salad
1/2 bag of salad pasta, cooked and drained
1 medium sized tomato, chopped
3 or 4 green onion, chopped
5-6 slices of bacon, cooked and broken up
1/4 bag frozen peas
about 1/2 C grated cheddar cheese
about 1/2 C Miracle Whip (or Mayonnaise,) enough to coat and bind the pasta
about 1 Tablespoon dry Ranch Dressing mix.
Sprinkle with crumbled Bleu Cheese (optional)
I wanted to serve it on lettuce leaves, but I didn't have any on hand...
I served it with bread that I prepared with butter, garlic salt, and grated Parmesan, and then grilled, face down.
Yum! It was so tasty - really. I got 8 thumbs up, and the leftovers disappeared this morning with hubby and DD for lunch at work.
I would call that success.
Meanwhile, it is Friday the 13th. My girls say that we are unlucky for 364 days of the year, so this date should be lucky for us, Right? I guess we'll see.
FYI: Both hubby's father and brother had set-backs yesterday, so this weekend will be crucial. Prayers appreciated.
Have a good weekend. :-)
.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
We had some rain last week - lovely long drenching rain.
The best thing about that is that it has taken the heat down a notch or two. Confession: Summer is my least favorite of all the seasons. I just don't do well in the HEAT. It drains all my energy leaving me a lethargic (and cranky) breathing mass.
Most creatures hibernate in the winter, but it's Summertime for me.
I always look forward to the days when the temperatures start to drop.
It's way too early to be feeling fallish yet, but it's Cooled down to the low 90's, and the evenings are in the 60's. We can finally turn off the AC at night, throw the windows wide, and just enjoy the breezes.
I love it.
I've made no secret about the fact that Fall is my favorite season - mainly for the reasons listed above, but also for the changing leaves, the harvest, and the Holiday season that follows.
I also love the fact of school starting, (even though I won't have anyone going to school anymore.) I just love the feeling of order, and schedules, it's a time of new beginnings and new possibilities.
With the cooler weather, my energy level goes up a notch, and I feel like I'm coming back to life again. I'm looking forward to feeling ambitious (let's say I'm hopeful) - starting new projects, and getting out of the house a bit more.
With those changes, I'm hoping to start walking daily again. I hate how sedentary I've become this year. Not only is it bad for the body - it's bad for the mind and the attitude. I need to clear some cobwebs (and shed some insulation!)
Speaking of favorites...
I'm in a sharing mood today, so I'll share with you a little family favorite dish
We all love it, though admittedly I don't make it very often (it takes hours to prepare!) ...But I assembled a batch this week.
This started out as a [Japenese ?] recipe that my former sister in law found, but I have modernized [and Granny-fied it,] and made it my own. It has a name I can't spell or pronounce, but my family just calls it "Pillows."
You start by browning about a pound of hamburger with about an eighth of a cup of soy sauce and about a tablespoon of grated ginger root (Mmmm - it smells lovely!)
Then you place about a teaspoon of the hamburger in the center of a small square egg roll wrap. Moisten your finger, (no, I don't lick and stick - I keep a small cup of water nearby.) Dampen the corners of the egg roll wrap, then fold it closed, sealing the edges.
(I would say fold it like a diaper, but does anyone even know how to fold diapers anymore?)
When they are finished, they look like neat little bundles, thusly:
Then you fry them up in a little vegetable oil, just until they are golden brown...
...And serve them with rice and some yummy stir fried veggies. So, so good!
Parting note:
The other morning I was doing my hair, when I noticed a tap tap tapping outside my window. This silly little woodpecker was having a snack in my tree.
(I love watching the birdies)
The poor sad tree is infested with some kind of destructive bug that is killing it, I'm afraid. Makes me so sad - this tree shades my room and keeps it nice and cool.
Off to see what's next for this week...
.
The best thing about that is that it has taken the heat down a notch or two. Confession: Summer is my least favorite of all the seasons. I just don't do well in the HEAT. It drains all my energy leaving me a lethargic (and cranky) breathing mass.
Most creatures hibernate in the winter, but it's Summertime for me.
I always look forward to the days when the temperatures start to drop.
It's way too early to be feeling fallish yet, but it's Cooled down to the low 90's, and the evenings are in the 60's. We can finally turn off the AC at night, throw the windows wide, and just enjoy the breezes.
I love it.
I've made no secret about the fact that Fall is my favorite season - mainly for the reasons listed above, but also for the changing leaves, the harvest, and the Holiday season that follows.
I also love the fact of school starting, (even though I won't have anyone going to school anymore.) I just love the feeling of order, and schedules, it's a time of new beginnings and new possibilities.
With the cooler weather, my energy level goes up a notch, and I feel like I'm coming back to life again. I'm looking forward to feeling ambitious (let's say I'm hopeful) - starting new projects, and getting out of the house a bit more.
With those changes, I'm hoping to start walking daily again. I hate how sedentary I've become this year. Not only is it bad for the body - it's bad for the mind and the attitude. I need to clear some cobwebs (and shed some insulation!)
Speaking of favorites...
I'm in a sharing mood today, so I'll share with you a little family favorite dish
We all love it, though admittedly I don't make it very often (it takes hours to prepare!) ...But I assembled a batch this week.
This started out as a [Japenese ?] recipe that my former sister in law found, but I have modernized [and Granny-fied it,] and made it my own. It has a name I can't spell or pronounce, but my family just calls it "Pillows."
You start by browning about a pound of hamburger with about an eighth of a cup of soy sauce and about a tablespoon of grated ginger root (Mmmm - it smells lovely!)
Then you place about a teaspoon of the hamburger in the center of a small square egg roll wrap. Moisten your finger, (no, I don't lick and stick - I keep a small cup of water nearby.) Dampen the corners of the egg roll wrap, then fold it closed, sealing the edges.
(I would say fold it like a diaper, but does anyone even know how to fold diapers anymore?)
When they are finished, they look like neat little bundles, thusly:
Then you fry them up in a little vegetable oil, just until they are golden brown...
...And serve them with rice and some yummy stir fried veggies. So, so good!
Parting note:
The other morning I was doing my hair, when I noticed a tap tap tapping outside my window. This silly little woodpecker was having a snack in my tree.
(I love watching the birdies)
The poor sad tree is infested with some kind of destructive bug that is killing it, I'm afraid. Makes me so sad - this tree shades my room and keeps it nice and cool.
Off to see what's next for this week...
.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
ADD
When I was in school, we never heard of ADD, but when my son was diagnosed in kindergarten, and I read up on it, it filled in some pieces to my puzzle.
...Like, when I was in 3rd grade, I was always wandering out of my class and into my sister's. I would go over to the bins where the worksheets were kept, pull one out and sit next to her and fill it out.
It wasn't that I was lonely or scared - it was just that my class felt boring sometimes, and her work was a little more interesting. This went on for several weeks until her teacher finally kicked me out. (Now that I think of it, no one from my class ever came looking for me - Hmmm...)
Anyway, if acorns fall from oaks, I may have a little of that disorder myself.
That would conveniently explain why I can't make long term goals - it's not that I can't commit - it's just that way before the deadline approaches, I've found several other paths that interest me, and have wandered off the track...
And in decorating my home - I always have to do a little at a time because of my budget, but by the time I'm getting started, my tastes have already changed and I want something else. I can't settle on just one style, because I like EVERYTHING!
I've even started this blog post twice this week, and shut down after the first paragraph. Just couldn't concentrate.
- Not a serious problem, but definitely distracting.
I'm trying to work on my concentration, but... hey - look over there, there's something shiny!
....
...Like, when I was in 3rd grade, I was always wandering out of my class and into my sister's. I would go over to the bins where the worksheets were kept, pull one out and sit next to her and fill it out.
It wasn't that I was lonely or scared - it was just that my class felt boring sometimes, and her work was a little more interesting. This went on for several weeks until her teacher finally kicked me out. (Now that I think of it, no one from my class ever came looking for me - Hmmm...)
Anyway, if acorns fall from oaks, I may have a little of that disorder myself.
That would conveniently explain why I can't make long term goals - it's not that I can't commit - it's just that way before the deadline approaches, I've found several other paths that interest me, and have wandered off the track...
And in decorating my home - I always have to do a little at a time because of my budget, but by the time I'm getting started, my tastes have already changed and I want something else. I can't settle on just one style, because I like EVERYTHING!
I've even started this blog post twice this week, and shut down after the first paragraph. Just couldn't concentrate.
- Not a serious problem, but definitely distracting.
I'm trying to work on my concentration, but... hey - look over there, there's something shiny!
....
Sunday, August 01, 2010
This is a test.... This is only a test....
So much on my mind and in my heart today. Hoping I can create some order out of the chaos and make some sense of it all...
Things have been a little insane around here this month - hubby got through the first round of cancer treatments with his brother, but the second round is coming up this week. (Dennis' wife can't be with him all the time, because she's the main source of income now, so hubby fills in for her.)
Dennis is feeling more himself this time around, so he's all the more anxious about the treatments (plus, he's fully aware of what's coming this time.)
On my end, I get more and more concerned for hubby who is bearing such a tremendous burden. Besides being there with his brother, his dad is now having problems too. He's been in the hospital for over a week, and having quite a struggle.
His mom is partially blind and isn't able to drive, so coping with her needs and her fears is a trial too.
...That plus holding down two jobs - just to look at hubby shows how much it is all wearing on him.
- But look in his eyes, and one can also see that the refiner's fire is at work in him, and that he is receiving a measure of joy and satisfaction, (and I hope strength) from all the service that he has been giving. I know that he has chosen this course, and that he wouldn't have it any other way.
The frustrating thing for me is trying to find my part in it all.
The job it took me so long to find keeps cutting hours, and my wages are a joke.
I thought I had a second job in the bag - but this week I discovered that there is no bag.
I'm just here at home alone all day, twiddling my thumbs and feeling completely USELESS. I wish that I could do more to lift the burden, but it seems all I can do is to try not to add to it.
My sister has had me caught up in making plans a trip for the two of us for over a year now. We were going to go this September - but I finally gave myself a reality check this morning, and decided that that dream is a dream that is not meant to happen. At least not now.
There is no way I'll be able to save enough at this point, and whatever I do manage to save, I would so much rather use to help my youngest to get into college, and for my little grans to buy school clothes.
(My daughter in law plans to get their clothes from the second - hand shop this year... There's really nothing wrong with that - she loves being frugal, and the girls get just as excited to find things there as they do at the department store - the only one who minds is grandma.
I love to spoil them, and I love seeing them all dolled up and looking just so...)
To splurge on a vacation right now would just feel selfish and wrong.
Speaking of reality checks - my son Brad flies out this week to search for a new home for he and his wife. And Jenny will be making trips to Ephraim to finalize finacial aid for school. No more pretending that things are going to stay the same - life is about to go on in a big way.
The first time Brad left home, our milk bill dropped about 80%. ...Just one of those silly little things that remind you that something is different - something is missing.
Each soul that has come to our family is so precious, and they leave such a big hole when they are not around. I've been so blessed to have them all close for so long...
I love this quote from Bruce Barton:
.
Things have been a little insane around here this month - hubby got through the first round of cancer treatments with his brother, but the second round is coming up this week. (Dennis' wife can't be with him all the time, because she's the main source of income now, so hubby fills in for her.)
Dennis is feeling more himself this time around, so he's all the more anxious about the treatments (plus, he's fully aware of what's coming this time.)
On my end, I get more and more concerned for hubby who is bearing such a tremendous burden. Besides being there with his brother, his dad is now having problems too. He's been in the hospital for over a week, and having quite a struggle.
His mom is partially blind and isn't able to drive, so coping with her needs and her fears is a trial too.
...That plus holding down two jobs - just to look at hubby shows how much it is all wearing on him.
- But look in his eyes, and one can also see that the refiner's fire is at work in him, and that he is receiving a measure of joy and satisfaction, (and I hope strength) from all the service that he has been giving. I know that he has chosen this course, and that he wouldn't have it any other way.
The frustrating thing for me is trying to find my part in it all.
The job it took me so long to find keeps cutting hours, and my wages are a joke.
I thought I had a second job in the bag - but this week I discovered that there is no bag.
I'm just here at home alone all day, twiddling my thumbs and feeling completely USELESS. I wish that I could do more to lift the burden, but it seems all I can do is to try not to add to it.
My sister has had me caught up in making plans a trip for the two of us for over a year now. We were going to go this September - but I finally gave myself a reality check this morning, and decided that that dream is a dream that is not meant to happen. At least not now.
There is no way I'll be able to save enough at this point, and whatever I do manage to save, I would so much rather use to help my youngest to get into college, and for my little grans to buy school clothes.
(My daughter in law plans to get their clothes from the second - hand shop this year... There's really nothing wrong with that - she loves being frugal, and the girls get just as excited to find things there as they do at the department store - the only one who minds is grandma.
I love to spoil them, and I love seeing them all dolled up and looking just so...)
To splurge on a vacation right now would just feel selfish and wrong.
Speaking of reality checks - my son Brad flies out this week to search for a new home for he and his wife. And Jenny will be making trips to Ephraim to finalize finacial aid for school. No more pretending that things are going to stay the same - life is about to go on in a big way.
The first time Brad left home, our milk bill dropped about 80%. ...Just one of those silly little things that remind you that something is different - something is missing.
Each soul that has come to our family is so precious, and they leave such a big hole when they are not around. I've been so blessed to have them all close for so long...
I love this quote from Bruce Barton:
"Sometimes when I consider all the tremendous consequences that come from little things, I am tempted to think there are no little things."I love my family.
.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Pioneer Weekend
July 24th is a big deal around here - all kinds of celebrations going on to celebrate our pioneer ancestors who settled this area.
This year my family chose to whiff all the celebrations and spend a quiet week being pioneers ourselves - roughing it in the woods.
We loaded up our covered wagon (a self-contained 5th wheel trailer) and headed up the canyon.
All the way up, hubby was re-assuring the grand daughters that there were no bears where we were going - nope, never seen one here...
Meanwhile, we passed the campground by the lake and noticed that the gates were all closed. Strange, we thought, everything is usually open this time of year.
We found a spot just around the bend and up the road a bit and set up camp.
The next day when the kids came up, they told us that they had seen on the news that there was a bear attack at the lake the night we came up!
(The reason the gates had been closed.)
Apparently, grand pappy is full of... well, you know.
(We were only a mile from the girl's camp where they see bears all the time...)
Setting up camp
Melissa is who you want to have around when camping - she is a champ...
Target practice - Shooting BB guns
The dog refused to come out of the car while the kids were shooting...
(sorry, he's black - doesn't show up well.)
The great thing about camping is that OTHER people cook!
(I love my boys!)
These are evil - stay away (They're MINE!) LOL
Playing in the lake (after the bear threat was removed)
Bumps on a log
(the kids are using a very big log as a flotation device)
I'm not much for swimming (or wearing a swimsuit in public places),
so I opted to hike around the lake admiring the flora and fauna instead.
There's a really nice trail that goes all the way around the lake;
ducks
Wild Rose
The kids also enjoyed playing badminton and baseball (until we lost the ball in the weeds...), geo-caching, bike riding, chilling while watching cartoons, card games, and...
Napping
Home again and ready (?) to tackle that other mountain - laundry. *Sigh*
This year my family chose to whiff all the celebrations and spend a quiet week being pioneers ourselves - roughing it in the woods.
We loaded up our covered wagon (a self-contained 5th wheel trailer) and headed up the canyon.
All the way up, hubby was re-assuring the grand daughters that there were no bears where we were going - nope, never seen one here...
Meanwhile, we passed the campground by the lake and noticed that the gates were all closed. Strange, we thought, everything is usually open this time of year.
We found a spot just around the bend and up the road a bit and set up camp.
The next day when the kids came up, they told us that they had seen on the news that there was a bear attack at the lake the night we came up!
(The reason the gates had been closed.)
Apparently, grand pappy is full of... well, you know.
(We were only a mile from the girl's camp where they see bears all the time...)
Setting up camp
Melissa is who you want to have around when camping - she is a champ...
Target practice - Shooting BB guns
The dog refused to come out of the car while the kids were shooting...
(sorry, he's black - doesn't show up well.)
The great thing about camping is that OTHER people cook!
(I love my boys!)
These are evil - stay away (They're MINE!) LOL
Playing in the lake (after the bear threat was removed)
Bumps on a log
(the kids are using a very big log as a flotation device)
I'm not much for swimming (or wearing a swimsuit in public places),
so I opted to hike around the lake admiring the flora and fauna instead.
There's a really nice trail that goes all the way around the lake;
ducks
Wild Rose
The kids also enjoyed playing badminton and baseball (until we lost the ball in the weeds...), geo-caching, bike riding, chilling while watching cartoons, card games, and...
Napping
Home again and ready (?) to tackle that other mountain - laundry. *Sigh*
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Miscellany
This past month, I finally finished my second story - then voluntarily ended my own writing career (at least for now.) I didn't think I'd miss it at all, but I kind of do. At least I miss having that continuous project that kept my mind semi-active and interested.
I was wandering around at odds with myself the other day, wondering what to do next, when my daughter suggested going to the nearby Barnes & Noble.
I jumped at the suggestion, because it's such a great place to look for new inspirations.
We spent a pleasant few hours wandering and perusing before she had to get home to go to work.
I came home with a fun magazine, a book of fairy tales, and a little fairy painting kit.
I've been wanting to start painting again, but it's been so long that there's that fear that I won't be able to do it anymore. (I haven't touched a paintbrush since my last baby was born.....18 years ago!)
I used to love to paint faces, and would often use photos in the doll magazines to practice techniques, and to challenge myself.
The Haute Doll magazine I got will be just the place to start trying that again (I hope.)
When I look at dolls, for some reason I always shy away from the perfect-every-hair-in-place type, and am drawn to the one that is a little different - quirky, sad, awkward - the one that needs LOVE.
These are some that I found;
Dale Zentner
I love how her dolls have such unusual faces. Their emotions seem to change depending on how the head is tilted. I also love the frizzy hair, and the fun girly fashions. Very fairly-like, don't you think?
Val Zeitler is another brilliant doll designer - she's cornered the market on quirky!
This one is from her "Attic Treasures" collection:
She also has a line called "Bitten." (Beautiful victims of Vampire bites.)
Then there's Evangeline...
Ok, maybe she's a little odd - even slightly creepy... (her best friend is a bat)
...but come on - you gotta love the shoes!
Speaking of Priceless Faces, this one is precious too...
(And I want to capture it as soon as I'm practiced up.)
(My youngest gran - this is her "not having fun, I want to go home now" face.)
We're going to attempt to go camping this week - wish us luck!
.
I was wandering around at odds with myself the other day, wondering what to do next, when my daughter suggested going to the nearby Barnes & Noble.
I jumped at the suggestion, because it's such a great place to look for new inspirations.
We spent a pleasant few hours wandering and perusing before she had to get home to go to work.
I came home with a fun magazine, a book of fairy tales, and a little fairy painting kit.
I've been wanting to start painting again, but it's been so long that there's that fear that I won't be able to do it anymore. (I haven't touched a paintbrush since my last baby was born.....18 years ago!)
I used to love to paint faces, and would often use photos in the doll magazines to practice techniques, and to challenge myself.
The Haute Doll magazine I got will be just the place to start trying that again (I hope.)
When I look at dolls, for some reason I always shy away from the perfect-every-hair-in-place type, and am drawn to the one that is a little different - quirky, sad, awkward - the one that needs LOVE.
These are some that I found;
Dale Zentner
I love how her dolls have such unusual faces. Their emotions seem to change depending on how the head is tilted. I also love the frizzy hair, and the fun girly fashions. Very fairly-like, don't you think?
Val Zeitler is another brilliant doll designer - she's cornered the market on quirky!
This one is from her "Attic Treasures" collection:
She also has a line called "Bitten." (Beautiful victims of Vampire bites.)
Then there's Evangeline...
Ok, maybe she's a little odd - even slightly creepy... (her best friend is a bat)
...but come on - you gotta love the shoes!
Speaking of Priceless Faces, this one is precious too...
(And I want to capture it as soon as I'm practiced up.)
(My youngest gran - this is her "not having fun, I want to go home now" face.)
We're going to attempt to go camping this week - wish us luck!
.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Grandma Day
My two older grand daughters are learning to enjoy making cards, and every once in a while, they will ask to come over and "play" with grandma.
We had such a day today. It's always fun to see how excited they get when I pull out the paper and stickers (not to mention, a great way for me to use up excess supplies!)
Today they learned how to die cut and emboss with a Cuttlebug and Quikutz tools.
As you can see, they had a great time, and made special cards for everyone in their family.
Love my Girls!
We had such a day today. It's always fun to see how excited they get when I pull out the paper and stickers (not to mention, a great way for me to use up excess supplies!)
Today they learned how to die cut and emboss with a Cuttlebug and Quikutz tools.
As you can see, they had a great time, and made special cards for everyone in their family.
Love my Girls!
Friday, July 09, 2010
Party Hardy
July is party month around here - 5 birthdays in the first week, besides Independence Day, Pioneer Days, and our own local Scottish Festival.
By the 7th, I am beginning to be slightly weary of celebrating, but that's probably due to the HEAT.
4th Follies
With the 4th of July falling on Sunday, we kept the celebration pretty low key...
We did have a family pot-luck barbecue, then we had our own little fireworks show.
My boys had been planning this for a while, and the main thing they wanted was a tank war. (Fond memory from days gone by.)
They had a hard time deciding who the opposing teams would be, but it finally boiled down to Pepsi vs. Coke. (Coke is a bad word in this house!)
The tank fireworks have been modified over the years - they don't roll or shoot as far as they used to, so it wasn't as exciting as any of the kids had hoped, still they had a good time with it. And although from the photos, you can see that Pepsi took a beating, hubby cheated and proclaimed them the winner (no surprise.)
battle
Pyro maniacs - I mean, technics
Summit meeting...
Lined up for battle...
...The bombs bursting in air
Take no prisoners...
Witnesses (girilie burrito)
Great Scott
As I mentioned, my little town is host to the Scottish Festival in July. It gets bigger every year, and people come from everywhere to see Scottish dancing contests, live folk music, bagpipe competitions, as well as games such as the caber toss, etc.
Some come to stroll the booths and buy Scottish goods, some to visit the clan booths and search out their Scottish roots, and some - merely to admire the men in skirts.
(And yes, I do have a wee bit o' Scott in me - my maternal grandmother was a McBride.)
But whatever the reason for coming, it's always interesting and always a good time, but like I said, be prepared to enjoy the heat as well.
Pioneer Days
This coming weekend is Pioneer Days. This is a state holiday, set aside to honor those brave souls who crossed the wilderness and settled here. No small act of bravery - many lost everything (some even their lives) to find a place free from religious persecution.
If you are a native Utahn (or Arizonian for that matter,) chances are good that you have ties to these people.
Lots of Parades, carnivals and fireworks, so I'm catching my breath 'till then.
Cherry Time
In the next week or so, it's also Cherry time here. Lots of local fruit growers will be harvesting and processing this years crop.
Since my job is so slow, and I've been cut back into next fall, (almost) I volunteered to work in the fruit.
In my opinion, you can't be a true Paysonite unless you have worked in the cherries at least once. (Initiation, ha ha.) It's disgusting work - long hours and hard labor, but the pay is decent, and just when you think you can't stand it anymore, it's over.
That pretty much covers things here. :-)
.
By the 7th, I am beginning to be slightly weary of celebrating, but that's probably due to the HEAT.
4th Follies
With the 4th of July falling on Sunday, we kept the celebration pretty low key...
We did have a family pot-luck barbecue, then we had our own little fireworks show.
My boys had been planning this for a while, and the main thing they wanted was a tank war. (Fond memory from days gone by.)
They had a hard time deciding who the opposing teams would be, but it finally boiled down to Pepsi vs. Coke. (Coke is a bad word in this house!)
The tank fireworks have been modified over the years - they don't roll or shoot as far as they used to, so it wasn't as exciting as any of the kids had hoped, still they had a good time with it. And although from the photos, you can see that Pepsi took a beating, hubby cheated and proclaimed them the winner (no surprise.)
battle
Pyro maniacs - I mean, technics
Summit meeting...
Lined up for battle...
...The bombs bursting in air
Take no prisoners...
Witnesses (girilie burrito)
Great Scott
As I mentioned, my little town is host to the Scottish Festival in July. It gets bigger every year, and people come from everywhere to see Scottish dancing contests, live folk music, bagpipe competitions, as well as games such as the caber toss, etc.
Some come to stroll the booths and buy Scottish goods, some to visit the clan booths and search out their Scottish roots, and some - merely to admire the men in skirts.
(And yes, I do have a wee bit o' Scott in me - my maternal grandmother was a McBride.)
But whatever the reason for coming, it's always interesting and always a good time, but like I said, be prepared to enjoy the heat as well.
Pioneer Days
This coming weekend is Pioneer Days. This is a state holiday, set aside to honor those brave souls who crossed the wilderness and settled here. No small act of bravery - many lost everything (some even their lives) to find a place free from religious persecution.
If you are a native Utahn (or Arizonian for that matter,) chances are good that you have ties to these people.
Lots of Parades, carnivals and fireworks, so I'm catching my breath 'till then.
Cherry Time
In the next week or so, it's also Cherry time here. Lots of local fruit growers will be harvesting and processing this years crop.
Since my job is so slow, and I've been cut back into next fall, (almost) I volunteered to work in the fruit.
In my opinion, you can't be a true Paysonite unless you have worked in the cherries at least once. (Initiation, ha ha.) It's disgusting work - long hours and hard labor, but the pay is decent, and just when you think you can't stand it anymore, it's over.
That pretty much covers things here. :-)
.
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Surprises
Tuesday, my youngest talked me into taking her shopping to all her favorite little haunts. We had a fun day, looking at everything and grabbing a snack at our traditional greasy spoon.
When we got home, all of my family's cars were parked in front of the house - I wondered what was going on here while I was away...
We walked in the door, and everyone yelled "Surprise!" They had thrown me an early birthday party - and I had fallen for it hook, line and sinker. What a devious bunch! :-)
(My son the artist/food stylist arranged the table aesthetically because he knew I would want photos.)
But it was lovely, the meal was tea party style, with dishes that were not only delectable, the were pretty to look at too!
...There were lace table cloths and flowers - Martha Stewart would have approved!
My daughter in law planned it and made all the food herself.
It's so touching when someone is willing to put in not only the work, but the thought that goes into something like this - it's just really special.
Thanks to my family for giving me such a wonderful day!
...A surprise that wasn't so good - doing the math and finding out that I'm actually a year older than I thought I was! Hmph.
The 4th of July weekend is upon us already, and we're having fireworks here Sunday, as well as a pot luck supper. July is such a busy, festive month!
Have a safe and happy holiday!
.
When we got home, all of my family's cars were parked in front of the house - I wondered what was going on here while I was away...
We walked in the door, and everyone yelled "Surprise!" They had thrown me an early birthday party - and I had fallen for it hook, line and sinker. What a devious bunch! :-)
(My son the artist/food stylist arranged the table aesthetically because he knew I would want photos.)
But it was lovely, the meal was tea party style, with dishes that were not only delectable, the were pretty to look at too!
...There were lace table cloths and flowers - Martha Stewart would have approved!
My daughter in law planned it and made all the food herself.
It's so touching when someone is willing to put in not only the work, but the thought that goes into something like this - it's just really special.
Thanks to my family for giving me such a wonderful day!
...A surprise that wasn't so good - doing the math and finding out that I'm actually a year older than I thought I was! Hmph.
The 4th of July weekend is upon us already, and we're having fireworks here Sunday, as well as a pot luck supper. July is such a busy, festive month!
Have a safe and happy holiday!
.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)