I'm behind in my blogging. I'm behind in my reading. I'm behind in my commenting (and promise to catch up on all of your blogs this week!!!!) If you've wondered where I've been . . . I'm going through another one of those multicreatively challenged times in life, when I seem to only be able to do one creative thing at a time. After a lovely Saturday of creative fun in the cellar, I've been working on scrapbooks, making decorative boxes (I discovered Mod Podge and wonder what I did in my life before it!) and doing little things here or there to fill my creative spirit.
But, as always . . . when I increase my creativity in one area of my life, I let another one fall behind. Oh, one of these days I hope to embrace all avenues of creativity at one time ... wouldn't that be lovely?
In the meantime, I seem to be embracing something different this morning that I wanted to share with you. Today, I am Embracing Life and Our Differences. To do this . . . it's time for a story.
Last night was a busy night full of preschool orientation meetings and plans to reconnect with some old friends from my own grade school days. I finished learning the ins and outs of Ella's school at 7:45 PM and was due at a refreshment establishment (aka . . . bar - it's such a tacky word, isn't it?) at 8:00 PM to reminisce with some old friends. I was running late (as usual), and I needed to get gas in my car for me to make it to the meeting place. So, mid way there, I pulled over and filled 'er up. While I was standing ever so patiently at the pump and waiting for my tank to fill up, I noticed the young man next to me seemed in a very big hurry and was acting very nervous as he anxiously filled up his car with gas, too. He was looking at his watch and shaking his leg in a manner that meant he either needed to use the facilities, or was going to be late for something as well. As I was waited for my car to finish, he had completed his transaction and quickly got in his car and pulled away, and I watched as he parked, not very far from me, in the next parking lot to a grocery store.
Hmmmmm . . . . I thought perhaps he was on the phone or sending a text or something like that. I wasn't quite sure what he was doing. As I finished paying for my gas and returned to my car, and just as the sun was about to set, I realized that the young man next to me had gotten out of his car and he was fidgeting with a white cloth (or large white square of paper - I couldn't tell). He had placed it on the ground in front of him, right next to his car. Now, I've been accused of being rather intelligent in my life . . . but I think I needed a brick to fall on me last night, because even after watching him do that, I still wasn't sure what he was doing.
I got in my car, started it up, and started driving out of the gas station. Only then did I realize that he was praying. Right there. In the parking lot of a grocery store at 8:00 PM on an August night. And I was in awe.
I remembered that my good friend, Nicole from Destination Unknown, had written about Ramadan before in a very educational post on her blog earlier in the month. So, last night I believe I was witness to someone, as Nicole said, who was doing the taraweeh prayers. He stood and knelt, stood and knelt, a number of times as I watched from my car. And I felt peace.
It really was beautiful - to witness someone in prayer. I had my camera in my car, and I wanted so badly to take it out and take a picture of him from where I was (about 30 feet away), but I didn't want to disrespect him at all. I thought he probably wouldn't understand that I was taking his photo out of respect, and for no other reason. But I decided it best to not take his photo, but just watch him a little longer.
I sat there watching him, a fear came over me. Not at all a fear of him, but a fear for anything to happen to him while he practiced his faith. As he prayed, I started to look at cars passing him and hoped no one would shout anything out of their windows to him. That no ignorant beings would come by and yell at him. That people would just let him be. Let him do what he wishes to do. Let him pray. I was worried for his safety, as I know the differences within ourselves are what make us fear one another. I thought about my dear blog friend Nicole, and her husband. I felt closer to them.
I think I would have sat in my car the whole time he was praying just to make sure he was safe, but knowing that my friends were waiting (and not wanting to worry them), I left after about 5 minutes of watching him.
I embrace who he is. I embrace who he prays to, and who he prays for. I respect that this young man is disciplined enough to do this in a grocery store parking lot, when I can't seem to get myself to mass every Sunday. And I applaud his courage to do this in a time (and place) when people might not be as welcoming to him.
I drove away thinking about how wonderful the world is. How the differences of us all lead to the most amazing experiences, if we'd only open ourselves up enough to receive them. And I felt so fortunate to have those few moments . . . . embracing the differences of another being.
Have you had any moments in life when you've embraced the differences in someone? I'd love to know about them . . . please leave me a comment and share.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Am I supposed to bring cheese to that Mouse, or not?
You see, I've never been there.
Never ever.
Neither has my Mom. Or my daughters.
So, we're calling out the stops, gathering a slew of family members, and hopping on a plane to the ol'Magic Land of all Magic Lands as we make Disney World our home for one week in September.
Holy Cow. I have no idea what to imagine. But the planning alone that this trip requires is enough to put any Mickey Mouse lover into therapy. Do you know we've had to make reservations for all of our meals, like, MONTHS in advance? I don't even know what I'm having for dinner tonight - yet I'm expected to make dinner reservations with Mickey, or Belle, or Cinderella, like, MONTHS in advance? Yikes.
So, we've mapped out our days. The spreadsheet is full of reservation numbers and confirmation letters and park hours and ticket information and all the things necessary to make this time at the "Happiest Place on Earth" truly the happiest time ever. I'm looking for autograph books, as I understand these are an essential for the girls to have with them. I'm reading about "Hidden Mickey's" and all the secrets of the parks. I've started riding my exercise bike every single day, too, as "Disney Training" is officially begun in my home . . . I hear the walking is INSANE!!! So, I'm getting ready.
Did I mention this is a FAMILY Trip? So, those of us joining the Mickey Wagon: PG, Katie, Ella, my Mom, my Mother-in-Law, my sister, my brother-in-law, my brother, my sister-in-law, and me. Yep, that's 10 of us, folks. 10. YIKES.
But, I'm thrilled. All because of these three people . . .
We are going to have some pretty fun times and create some pretty amazing memories for our family. Seriously - I can't even begin to imagine what it is going to be like, seeing the girls faces and expressions as they discover the magic of Disney World. I think this is the very best time to take them (Katie's 7 and Ella is 3 1/2). And I.can't.wait!
As I'm sure so many of you have been there . . . do you have any pointers? Any things I should consider? Things I shouldn't miss? I'd love to know . . . so please leave me a comment.
The other thing I'm looking forward to? Well, with 6 additional adults there, I'm hoping PG and I could sneak out for a few hours and enjoy a lovely dinner together - or perhaps a few moments of quiet peace just he and I. I mean, the magic of Disney isn't for the kids alone, is it?
Yippie!!!!
Oh, and one more thing . . . no worries about missing me while I am gone. I have gone ahead and set up some AMAZING GUEST WRITERS to post on my blog during our trip! They have a few more weeks to get their words to me . . . but I'm telling you - I have complete and total faith that these friends are going to produce some pretty incredible and insightful words for ALL in my absence. I've requested PULITZER WORTHY material, people, so LOOK OUT!!!
Until then - you still have a few weeks stuck with me and my non-pulitzer material! ;)
In the meantime - share your favorite Disney memory, or give me a pointer or two. I greatly appreciate it!!
Friday, August 27, 2010
TAG??? You're Kidding me, right???
I’ve never been one to like the game of “tag” as a child. I was never good at it … always looking at something else when playing it … like a flower, the clouds, or the cute boy next to me … so I ALWAYS got caught. Then, when it was my turn to do the tagging, I could NEVER catch anyone. NEVER. The kids I played with were always faster, so I’d find myself a bit frustrated when the suggestion to play the game would come up.
Yesterday, I was tagged (darn!), by my dear blog friend Nicole over at Destination Unknown. She left me a little comment on a post that said simply, “Tag, you’re it!”
“SERIOUSLY?” I thought to myself. I really thought I was done with this tag stuff. Evidently not.
So, here is how this game of tag is played . . . I have to answer the following 8 questions about myself (thank goodness, there is no running involved. I don’t have the right shoes on for that today, so I’m ok. Oh, wait a minute . . . I get the insightful and deep-thinker Nicole to ask me the questions? Oh, great! I feel like a kid again!) Once I answer my questions, I get to TAG 8 of my blog friends with 8 new questions. That’s where the fun part comes in . . . I get to be an Oprah, or perhaps, a Barbara Walters!!
So, without further adieu . . . here are the Q’s from Nicole along with my A’s:
1. If you were allowed to only read one book for the rest of your life - what would you choose? I guess my obvious answer should be the bible. Let's step outside of that for brief moment, though. I would have to bring with me "The Happiness Project", because right now I am trying to really focus on the happiness.
2. Imagine you are on death row, and it's time to pick your last meal - what would it be? Nicole – you are killing me. Death row, huh? (She’s so upbeat, that Nicole, isn’t she?) Ok, I’d HAVE to, hands down, say my ever famous Chicken Broccoli Rice casserole, with a side of Mary Jane salad (both family favorites), maybe a little Strawberry Pretzel Jello, oh, and let’s end it with a great big slice of cheesecake. Yep, that sounds perfect.
3. If you had to do it again (or do it for the first time) - what type of wedding would you have?? It would be completely different . . . I don’t think I would do a destination wedding (because I really don’t like sand through my toes. Well, not unless I’m in a swim suit), so I would do something less extravagant than what I had. I would do a much smaller gathering of may 20 or 30 of my closest family and friends (not the 175 we had), and oh, how I would love to get married in a lovely old home in Oak Park, maybe Frank Lloyd Wright’s home itself, or perhaps in a lovely garden area near the Art Institute of Chicago. And then we would go have a really lovely dinner at a 5-star restaurant in the city. That would be it. Something much simpler and smaller than what we had.
4. If you could live anywhere in the world - where would you choose and what type of dwelling would you live in? Wow … well, considering I haven’t been out of the country very much in my life, I don’t have much to go on. But, I do think that California has some absolutely parts of this country, as well as Arizona. Although, I think I could see myself in a lovely little Italian villa . . .eating pasta (wait – you already asked about food. This question isn’t about food, is it?) Oh, but wouldn’t it be lovely? Maybe having some wine, too? Yes, how lovely. Like the villa in “Under the Tuscan Sun” (Love that movie and LOVE the house she finds).Wherever it is – if I could – I would have a separate little studio where I could create art. All kinds of art – painting, paper crafts, illustrations, everything. But a lovely villa surrounded with flowers and gardens. Oh, I’d have to have air conditioning.
5. What are your thoughts on organized religion? Oh, dear. . . I seriously have to pass on this one. I had an answer all set to go with it, but after re-reading it, it didn't make any sense (the story of my life). So, if you don't mind... I'll table this for a lovely discussion over a cup of coffee some day! ;)
6. Describe your most embarrassing moment! Just one? Gees . . . there have been so many. I think I tend to block out the memory of embarrassing moments, in the hopes that I'll never have to relive them again. But, here goes a little silly one . . . Back in my college days, I was really really smitten with a boy in my Drawing 101 class. His name was Darryl, and he was a very gifted artist (who had NO IDEA who I was.... boy oh boy - did HE miss out, huh?) Anyway, I remember going to an art exhibit at school where Darryl's art was going to be on display. Again, the guy had NO IDEA who I was, but to me - he was dreamy! I got all dressed up and was looking fabulous, of course. As I strolled through the exhibit - I didn't realize that the elastic on my slip had come undone and while I was standing looking so inquisitively at one of HIS pieces of work, my slip fell to the ground around my feet. I don't know how long I was standing there with my slip at my feet - my friend saved me by running over and practically tackling me to pick up the slip - but I was MORTIFIED!!!
7. What are you most proud of? Can I name 2 things? My daughters and my marriage. Each and every day I look at these two beautiful, lively, energetic, sweet, smart, amazing girls and I am so proud that they came from ME. Seriously. From ME. That’s crazy. And my marriage . . . being married isn’t easy, especially in this day and age. It is would be so easy to give up when the going gets rough – to walk away, to start over. But I made a commitment to this man,(it’s not that it is that difficult), and I am so proud that he and I, together, are committed to each other and to our relationship.
8. Finally... who would be your arch nemesis and why?? That's a tough one. I'm definitely a rose colored glasses kind of girl, so for me to come up with an arch nemesis - that's hard. Oh, boy . . . maybe Martha Stewart. I'd love to just run through her house, pulling up the bedsheets and rolling them into a ball. Or tilting all of her frames on her wall, just to make life a little more 'real'. Silly, huh?
Now, I get to tag some friends! That is . . .if I can catch them ;). . . So, here goes . . .
Oh, and dear friends . . . here are MY 8 questions for YOU:
1. What is your all-time favorite movie (the one that you can watch over and over, when just hearing it in the back ground is enough to imagine exactly what is happening on the screen)?
2. Tell me about one Halloween costume you remember wearing as a child.
3. Why did you start blogging?
4. What makes you happy?
5. If you were able to go back in time, where would you go and why?
6. What was the last thing you bought at the grocery store?
7. How do you take your coffee? (If you don’t drink coffee … wait, let me get a handle on that … YOU DON’T DRINK COFFEE??? Ok, if you don’t drink coffee, then what is your favorite beverage?)
8. Brag a little . . . tell me about a recent RAK (random act of kindness) that you took part in.
Ok. There you have it. My A's and my Q's for the next unsuspecting bunch. Good luck - ladies. And thanks for playing along. I look forward to reading your answers to my questions!
Yesterday, I was tagged (darn!), by my dear blog friend Nicole over at Destination Unknown. She left me a little comment on a post that said simply, “Tag, you’re it!”
“SERIOUSLY?” I thought to myself. I really thought I was done with this tag stuff. Evidently not.
So, here is how this game of tag is played . . . I have to answer the following 8 questions about myself (thank goodness, there is no running involved. I don’t have the right shoes on for that today, so I’m ok. Oh, wait a minute . . . I get the insightful and deep-thinker Nicole to ask me the questions? Oh, great! I feel like a kid again!) Once I answer my questions, I get to TAG 8 of my blog friends with 8 new questions. That’s where the fun part comes in . . . I get to be an Oprah, or perhaps, a Barbara Walters!!
So, without further adieu . . . here are the Q’s from Nicole along with my A’s:
1. If you were allowed to only read one book for the rest of your life - what would you choose? I guess my obvious answer should be the bible. Let's step outside of that for brief moment, though. I would have to bring with me "The Happiness Project", because right now I am trying to really focus on the happiness.
2. Imagine you are on death row, and it's time to pick your last meal - what would it be? Nicole – you are killing me. Death row, huh? (She’s so upbeat, that Nicole, isn’t she?) Ok, I’d HAVE to, hands down, say my ever famous Chicken Broccoli Rice casserole, with a side of Mary Jane salad (both family favorites), maybe a little Strawberry Pretzel Jello, oh, and let’s end it with a great big slice of cheesecake. Yep, that sounds perfect.
3. If you had to do it again (or do it for the first time) - what type of wedding would you have?? It would be completely different . . . I don’t think I would do a destination wedding (because I really don’t like sand through my toes. Well, not unless I’m in a swim suit), so I would do something less extravagant than what I had. I would do a much smaller gathering of may 20 or 30 of my closest family and friends (not the 175 we had), and oh, how I would love to get married in a lovely old home in Oak Park, maybe Frank Lloyd Wright’s home itself, or perhaps in a lovely garden area near the Art Institute of Chicago. And then we would go have a really lovely dinner at a 5-star restaurant in the city. That would be it. Something much simpler and smaller than what we had.
4. If you could live anywhere in the world - where would you choose and what type of dwelling would you live in? Wow … well, considering I haven’t been out of the country very much in my life, I don’t have much to go on. But, I do think that California has some absolutely parts of this country, as well as Arizona. Although, I think I could see myself in a lovely little Italian villa . . .eating pasta (wait – you already asked about food. This question isn’t about food, is it?) Oh, but wouldn’t it be lovely? Maybe having some wine, too? Yes, how lovely. Like the villa in “Under the Tuscan Sun” (Love that movie and LOVE the house she finds).Wherever it is – if I could – I would have a separate little studio where I could create art. All kinds of art – painting, paper crafts, illustrations, everything. But a lovely villa surrounded with flowers and gardens. Oh, I’d have to have air conditioning.
5. What are your thoughts on organized religion? Oh, dear. . . I seriously have to pass on this one. I had an answer all set to go with it, but after re-reading it, it didn't make any sense (the story of my life). So, if you don't mind... I'll table this for a lovely discussion over a cup of coffee some day! ;)
6. Describe your most embarrassing moment! Just one? Gees . . . there have been so many. I think I tend to block out the memory of embarrassing moments, in the hopes that I'll never have to relive them again. But, here goes a little silly one . . . Back in my college days, I was really really smitten with a boy in my Drawing 101 class. His name was Darryl, and he was a very gifted artist (who had NO IDEA who I was.... boy oh boy - did HE miss out, huh?) Anyway, I remember going to an art exhibit at school where Darryl's art was going to be on display. Again, the guy had NO IDEA who I was, but to me - he was dreamy! I got all dressed up and was looking fabulous, of course. As I strolled through the exhibit - I didn't realize that the elastic on my slip had come undone and while I was standing looking so inquisitively at one of HIS pieces of work, my slip fell to the ground around my feet. I don't know how long I was standing there with my slip at my feet - my friend saved me by running over and practically tackling me to pick up the slip - but I was MORTIFIED!!!
7. What are you most proud of? Can I name 2 things? My daughters and my marriage. Each and every day I look at these two beautiful, lively, energetic, sweet, smart, amazing girls and I am so proud that they came from ME. Seriously. From ME. That’s crazy. And my marriage . . . being married isn’t easy, especially in this day and age. It is would be so easy to give up when the going gets rough – to walk away, to start over. But I made a commitment to this man,(it’s not that it is that difficult), and I am so proud that he and I, together, are committed to each other and to our relationship.
8. Finally... who would be your arch nemesis and why?? That's a tough one. I'm definitely a rose colored glasses kind of girl, so for me to come up with an arch nemesis - that's hard. Oh, boy . . . maybe Martha Stewart. I'd love to just run through her house, pulling up the bedsheets and rolling them into a ball. Or tilting all of her frames on her wall, just to make life a little more 'real'. Silly, huh?
Now, I get to tag some friends! That is . . .if I can catch them ;). . . So, here goes . . .
Leslie @ {Words of Me Project}
Ruby @ Ruby’s Musings
Anna @ Frosted Petunia’s
Michelle @ Blissful Babble
Melissa @ Confessions of a Dr. Mom
Doris @ Organized Chaos
Oh, and dear friends . . . here are MY 8 questions for YOU:
1. What is your all-time favorite movie (the one that you can watch over and over, when just hearing it in the back ground is enough to imagine exactly what is happening on the screen)?
2. Tell me about one Halloween costume you remember wearing as a child.
3. Why did you start blogging?
4. What makes you happy?
5. If you were able to go back in time, where would you go and why?
6. What was the last thing you bought at the grocery store?
7. How do you take your coffee? (If you don’t drink coffee … wait, let me get a handle on that … YOU DON’T DRINK COFFEE??? Ok, if you don’t drink coffee, then what is your favorite beverage?)
8. Brag a little . . . tell me about a recent RAK (random act of kindness) that you took part in.
Ok. There you have it. My A's and my Q's for the next unsuspecting bunch. Good luck - ladies. And thanks for playing along. I look forward to reading your answers to my questions!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
When is it time to throw away the bottle?
I know what you might think this post is about . . . but I assure you . . . it is actually yet another post obsessing over coloring my hair. I KNOW! Enough is enough, right? I surely have some sort of issue with this part of my life, because when I look back, I've written about coloring my hair here and here. Oh, and here, too.
Today, I bring up the subject because again ... it's time. The temples are gray, the roots are coming through at the top of my head, and as PG and I sat enjoying our picnic at Ravinia last week, he ever so lovingly said he really liked those little gray hairs coming out of my temples . . . BAMMMMM! I guess it's time.
But today I throw a new question out there . . . this time, I'm asking - when is it time to give in to the "Gray Hair Gods" and let it be? You know, throw the bottle away? Go el'natural? Hmmm . . . I wonder.
My Grandma (the late, great, Josephine), had beautiful white hair, as white as snow. I tried to find a photo of Grandma with her gorgeous hair - but unfortunately everything I have is pre-digital, and I can't get my scanner to cooperate right now. Trust me when I say . . . it was beautiful!
Here is my Mom . . . Carol.
And here was mom about 5 years ago, when she "hit the bottle".
Side note: My sister and I laugh because Mom would always say she was getting her hair tinted. Back when she was 'hitting the bottle' (the hair color bottle, that is), she'd say, "Oh, it will a take longer at the shop this week, Diane is tinting my hair." You may remember a post I did last year about my Dad, in which I share a little bit with you about my mom's hair; "My mom has one of those "Once a Week" hair-dos (when she goes to the "Beauty Parlor" ONCE A WEEK and has her hair done.) Her style has pretty much been the same as long as I can remember - it's teased up high and looks very neat, but it doesn't MOVE at all. Not one bit. I remember going and getting a perm once when I was probably 18 years old and coming home with that '80's kind of curly "Mall Hair" style. My Dad was NOT happy with my new look. I remember him saying to me, "I thought you were going to have your hair done?" I told him that I did. He said, "You're kidding. Why don't you go and have your hair done like your mothers? Her hair always looks so neat." I remember being mortified that he told me to do my hair like my Mothers." Now, with mom's permission, here are the photos to prove it!!
I digress, back to hair coloring . . . Mom decided that when she retired, she was going to be done with coloring the hair. She's never looked back. Ah ... the freedom.
Now, if you asked my sister - one is to NEVER stop coloring the hair. EVER. But me . . . I don't know. I don't feel old - but if I stop coloring, will I BE old? I guess the question is, my faithful blog friends, when is it time to throw away the bottle?
Let's say I'm not ready to give up my er,eh, natural color (BROWN) yet . . . at the current rate of coloring (once every 6 weeks), let's review the current statistics:
Hmmmmm. . .
I don't know . . . what do YOU think?
Today, I bring up the subject because again ... it's time. The temples are gray, the roots are coming through at the top of my head, and as PG and I sat enjoying our picnic at Ravinia last week, he ever so lovingly said he really liked those little gray hairs coming out of my temples . . . BAMMMMM! I guess it's time.
But today I throw a new question out there . . . this time, I'm asking - when is it time to give in to the "Gray Hair Gods" and let it be? You know, throw the bottle away? Go el'natural? Hmmm . . . I wonder.
My Grandma (the late, great, Josephine), had beautiful white hair, as white as snow. I tried to find a photo of Grandma with her gorgeous hair - but unfortunately everything I have is pre-digital, and I can't get my scanner to cooperate right now. Trust me when I say . . . it was beautiful!
Here is my Mom . . . Carol.
(Hey! Mom!! YOU MADE THE BLOG!!!
WOOO HOOO! LOOKING GOOD!!!)
And here was mom about 5 years ago, when she "hit the bottle".
Side note: My sister and I laugh because Mom would always say she was getting her hair tinted. Back when she was 'hitting the bottle' (the hair color bottle, that is), she'd say, "Oh, it will a take longer at the shop this week, Diane is tinting my hair." You may remember a post I did last year about my Dad, in which I share a little bit with you about my mom's hair; "My mom has one of those "Once a Week" hair-dos (when she goes to the "Beauty Parlor" ONCE A WEEK and has her hair done.) Her style has pretty much been the same as long as I can remember - it's teased up high and looks very neat, but it doesn't MOVE at all. Not one bit. I remember going and getting a perm once when I was probably 18 years old and coming home with that '80's kind of curly "Mall Hair" style. My Dad was NOT happy with my new look. I remember him saying to me, "I thought you were going to have your hair done?" I told him that I did. He said, "You're kidding. Why don't you go and have your hair done like your mothers? Her hair always looks so neat." I remember being mortified that he told me to do my hair like my Mothers." Now, with mom's permission, here are the photos to prove it!!
I digress, back to hair coloring . . . Mom decided that when she retired, she was going to be done with coloring the hair. She's never looked back. Ah ... the freedom.
Now, if you asked my sister - one is to NEVER stop coloring the hair. EVER. But me . . . I don't know. I don't feel old - but if I stop coloring, will I BE old? I guess the question is, my faithful blog friends, when is it time to throw away the bottle?
Let's say I'm not ready to give up my er,eh, natural color (BROWN) yet . . . at the current rate of coloring (once every 6 weeks), let's review the current statistics:
- 8 (applications of hair coloring per year) x $10.00 (average cost of "Preference, by Loreal") = $80.00 (annual cost of hair coloring materials only)+ $40.00 (annual cost of towels and shirts ruined by drips ... hey, I'm not a professional) = $120.00 (annual cost for looking young)
Hmmmmm. . .
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Helping One Another (Love Thy Neighbor)
I have a neighbor across the street who I really don't know very well. I'm not proud of this, since I'd like to think of myself as an outgoing and welcoming person. But we've never really gotten to know each other. What I do know about her is that her name is Theresa (I know this because our mail lady has accidentally given me her mail once or twice). I know that she has a pleasant smile and wave, as we often find ourselves greeting each other with a smile and wave when checking our mail. I know that together we can shovel a driveway very quickly, as we both have found ourselves helping each other dig out from some crazy Chicago winters. And I know that we both like to talk about the weather, which is what we usually talk about when we are helping each other dig out from these crazy Chicago winters. I know she is single, and she appears to be in her late 40's, early 50's. I know she has a close knit family, because I often see them coming and going from her home. And I know that she seems like a really nice person. But that's about it. I don't really know much else about her.
Oh, except that her father is dying.
I know this, because her father has been living there for a few months, and I've seen nurses and family in and out so regularly that I swear her front door revolves. Last week an ambulance took her fragile father out of her home, and a few days ago, he returned. When I saw her brother (who has been spending each day at the home caring for the father, while Theresa is at work), he said that it was only a matter of time. They brought him home, to die.
Today when I returned home from work, I found my street full of strange cars, and saw lots of faces I had never seen before, walking in and out of Theresa's home. My heart was heavy, for I knew that either he has passed, or was close to it. My Mom brought Ellie home (after watching her today while I worked), and we learned that Theresa's father was visited by Hospice earlier today, and that he isn't expected the make it through the night. I sat on my couch telling my Mom that I had to do something for my neighbor. Something. I remember, all too well, the feeling when my own father passed. I felt so helpless that my neighbor across the street was going through something so difficult, that I had to do something. So, together Mom and I came up with a plan to bake. Mom ran to the store to buy some throw away pans to put the baked goods into, and I baked. Banana cake and brownies.
Katie was a bit confused as to why we were baking for our neighbor. "Because, when we see someone is going through a hard time, we should help them," I told her. "It's important to help each other. You never know when you might need someone. And I think our friends across the street would so appreciate this gesture from us." And all of a sudden, she understood.
Just a few minutes ago, Katie and I delivered the goodies to Theresa's brother, who was outside taking a break from the emotions inside the house. I was so proud of Katie, because as we walked across the street, a bunch of her friends and neighborhood kids were playing down the block. Usually, Kate would want to run and play with them. But this time, she knew that what we were doing was much more important than playing with her friends. She held her head high and walked with me across the street - focused on what we were doing . . . helping someone. After handing over the two trays of baked goods, we turned and walked, hand in hand, back home. "Mom, I'm really glad that we did that," Katie said, "we did a really nice thing, Mom." "Yes, honey," I agreed, "we did a very nice thing."
I tell you all of this today, not to hear "Oh, yes, that was so nice of you ... " or anything of the sort. I tell you this as a gentle reminder that we are not alone in this world. And while we go about our days, there may be someone right in front of us who is going through something . . . awful. I'm reminding myself, too, that in the midst of my "who am I" drama of this week . . . in the end, it doesn't really matter - does it? All that matters is that I was a good person while here on this earth - that I treated others with love, kindness and respect, and that even in the midst of my drama, I was able to stop enough to recognize that it is not all about me. What a lesson I learned.
Tonight, I am saying a prayer for Theresa and her father. I ask you to keep them in your thoughts. Life is the most precious gift, and it can be gone so quickly. The biggest thing I can teach my children is that we need to be good to each other, every single day. That no matter how well we may or may not know each other, some day we may all need one another. I hope today is a day my children will never forget. I know I won't.
Today's PSA:
To read a really great post - pop over to my sister's blog at "The Adventures of Mr. CT and Me", where my sister shares a really great "kindness" story that took place at the unemployment office. My sister is brand new to the blogging community - and I am so proud of her for stepping out of her comfort zone and opening herself up to all of us bloggers. Her story is sweet and kind, and a great accompaniment to helping one another.
Oh, except that her father is dying.
I know this, because her father has been living there for a few months, and I've seen nurses and family in and out so regularly that I swear her front door revolves. Last week an ambulance took her fragile father out of her home, and a few days ago, he returned. When I saw her brother (who has been spending each day at the home caring for the father, while Theresa is at work), he said that it was only a matter of time. They brought him home, to die.
Today when I returned home from work, I found my street full of strange cars, and saw lots of faces I had never seen before, walking in and out of Theresa's home. My heart was heavy, for I knew that either he has passed, or was close to it. My Mom brought Ellie home (after watching her today while I worked), and we learned that Theresa's father was visited by Hospice earlier today, and that he isn't expected the make it through the night. I sat on my couch telling my Mom that I had to do something for my neighbor. Something. I remember, all too well, the feeling when my own father passed. I felt so helpless that my neighbor across the street was going through something so difficult, that I had to do something. So, together Mom and I came up with a plan to bake. Mom ran to the store to buy some throw away pans to put the baked goods into, and I baked. Banana cake and brownies.
Katie was a bit confused as to why we were baking for our neighbor. "Because, when we see someone is going through a hard time, we should help them," I told her. "It's important to help each other. You never know when you might need someone. And I think our friends across the street would so appreciate this gesture from us." And all of a sudden, she understood.
Just a few minutes ago, Katie and I delivered the goodies to Theresa's brother, who was outside taking a break from the emotions inside the house. I was so proud of Katie, because as we walked across the street, a bunch of her friends and neighborhood kids were playing down the block. Usually, Kate would want to run and play with them. But this time, she knew that what we were doing was much more important than playing with her friends. She held her head high and walked with me across the street - focused on what we were doing . . . helping someone. After handing over the two trays of baked goods, we turned and walked, hand in hand, back home. "Mom, I'm really glad that we did that," Katie said, "we did a really nice thing, Mom." "Yes, honey," I agreed, "we did a very nice thing."
I tell you all of this today, not to hear "Oh, yes, that was so nice of you ... " or anything of the sort. I tell you this as a gentle reminder that we are not alone in this world. And while we go about our days, there may be someone right in front of us who is going through something . . . awful. I'm reminding myself, too, that in the midst of my "who am I" drama of this week . . . in the end, it doesn't really matter - does it? All that matters is that I was a good person while here on this earth - that I treated others with love, kindness and respect, and that even in the midst of my drama, I was able to stop enough to recognize that it is not all about me. What a lesson I learned.
Tonight, I am saying a prayer for Theresa and her father. I ask you to keep them in your thoughts. Life is the most precious gift, and it can be gone so quickly. The biggest thing I can teach my children is that we need to be good to each other, every single day. That no matter how well we may or may not know each other, some day we may all need one another. I hope today is a day my children will never forget. I know I won't.
Today's PSA:
To read a really great post - pop over to my sister's blog at "The Adventures of Mr. CT and Me", where my sister shares a really great "kindness" story that took place at the unemployment office. My sister is brand new to the blogging community - and I am so proud of her for stepping out of her comfort zone and opening herself up to all of us bloggers. Her story is sweet and kind, and a great accompaniment to helping one another.
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Best Place on Earth
Before I start todays story . . .
To those dear dear blog friends who left me such amazingly touching and supportive comments on my last post about "Who am I?" - I adore each and every one of you. I can't even begin to tell you how much all of you mean to me. I was in a pretty "Woe-Is-Me" mood, wasn't I? But every single one of you dear friends who commented just wrapped your arms around me and squeezed tight - and I felt it. I sat reading and re-reading your comments like crazy yesterday. Over and over. I smiled. I felt less alone and more whole than I have for a long time. I felt confirmed, once again, in this community of bloggers who I have come to adore. I felt blessed to have each and every one of you in my life - and I mean that sincerely. You each wrote such wonderful things to me ... reminding me that I haven't lost myself, and that I am just rediscovering, evolving and am a newer version of me. Is it crazy that I honestly never even thought of it that way before??? A newer version of ME. Exactly.
What would I do without each of you? Seriously?
So, I thought about all of that . . .
And then, I went outside . . .
And I had a great day . . . with some other people who 'get me'. People who love me. Who tell me that I am; the worlds best artist, the worlds best story reader, the worlds best driver, the worlds best laundry doer, the worlds best dish wash loader, the worlds best snuggler, the worlds best colorer, the worlds best doctor, the worlds best teacher, the worlds best chef, the worlds best listener, the worlds best Mommy, the worlds best Wife, and the worlds best ME.
These people. . . 
This is my very favorite place to be in the whole wide world. For real. It's not Disney, or Paris, or even New York. It's not on a Broadway stage, or in a movie theater. It's not a concert festival, or a lake front. It's not in a bookstore or a limousine. It's our backyard. And that is my family. 
Yes, our backyard. Not very grand. But oh-so happy.
The back corner there (behind our "state-of-the-art" pool) is our garden. Yes, it's small. You probably thought it was much much larger than that, for all of the complaining I've done over taking care of it this summer. But, that's really all it is. (Darn - my secrets are out!)
Yesterday, I stopped worrying about who I am . . . and I decided to just BE. again. I've done the "BE" thing before this summer . . . but yesterday it really was necessary. So, we went on a family bike ride (I know - the thought is pretty funny to even me - and I was there.) We had a little fruit salad picnic at the park. We returned home and spent a couple hours in our little pool. And for a brief moment, I stepped out of the pool just long enough to capture this photo. These three people make me so very very happy.
To them, I am the best just as I am. On good days and bad. So, underneath it all - all the questions and searching - I am very blessed that I have these 3 people who love me unconditionally - no matter who I am.
Life.is.good. Hard? yes. Not always happy? Of course. Confusing? Damn straight. But Good? Yes. Oh.so.good. Blow-up pool, and all.
Oh, and one more little PSA of 'thanks' to Melissa at Confessions of a Dr. Mom, who featured my blog in her Monday Morning Mama's post today! Dear Dr. Mom linked her post to my recent story on sending Katie off to her first day of school . . . something that tugged at my heart strings yet again this morning!!!
Confessions of a Dr. Mom (click her button to link to her) is a great blog written by, you guessed it, a pediatrician turned stay at home mom. Give her a visit, if you haven't met her yet!!! She's a keeper!!! THANKS, Dr. Mom!!!!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Who am I?
Last night, I went on a date. And it was so lovely. No kids. No friends. Just PG and I. It has been a long time since PG and I got our act together enough to go out on a date. Sad, I know, but true. So, last night, we gathered up some goodies, packed up the kids for Grandma's (thanks, Mom!) and headed to a concert at Ravinia.
There we enjoyed a lovely picnic of our favorite things (wine) and sat under the trees and stars while one of our favorite bands (Counting Crows) performed. . . it was a relaxing, lovely evening. And one that I desperately needed.
It's sort of strange - PG and I haven't been out in a while (with the exception of grocery stores, school meetings, family gatherings, things like that.) I can't remember when we last did this. At first I did the usual people watching - Oh, I love people watching! And you can always find some interesting people to watch at a music concert. (A concert, and an airport. I think those are my 2 favorite places to watch people.) There were lots of hot messes out, some folks older than us (so glad to see that), and lots of young and energetic '20somethings'. But after a while ... I started to feel a little strange. Here I was, in a beautiful place about to see a great concert. And I was feeling a little melancholy. Watching all of these people, I began to feel a little . . . lost.
I think I lost a lot of who I was when I became a Mom. And I didn't really realize that until I sat down at the concert. I won't get too philosophical on you - but it was really a weird feeling. We talked about it, PG and I, while enjoying our picnic and waiting for the concert to start. We talked about music (which was a big thing we had in common when we met) and I said that I feel like I've lost my passion for music when I had the kids. This was really sad for PG to hear, as he is a HUGE lover of music. So, he wanted to discuss it and help me find my love for music again. It was hard for him to understand - and I'm not sure if he completely can. But I think maybe other moms out there will know what I am talking about. When I had my daughters - it seems like everything in life has become about them. Their needs, their dreams, their goals, their lives. And - that is how it SHOULD be for a Mom, I guess. However, somewhere along the line I lost ME.
That's kind of sad.
I think one of the reasons I love blogging is because I am able to find a little bit of 'me' with every single post that I write. While I may write about my family and my daughters - I am able to write about my feelings and my thoughts and write in a way that lifts me up. Yes, I guess this blogging thing is helping me be a little closer to myself than I ever realized.
The concert went on to be pretty good . . . we were a little disappointed that it was a concert with a few other bands as well, so Counting Crows didn't play as much as we expected. But, it was a great night to be out - to focus on "me" a little, and to enjoy some of this LIFE.
I've been following her and reading her blog for quite a while now. She is truly one of the most interesting people I've come to know in blogland. She lives an exciting life full of adventures (lots of them), she's gone to Egypt and found love (for real), and always writes with such honesty that I admire every word she posts. Some of my favorite posts of hers include this one about her 14 kids (seriously, you MUST read it - she is SOOOO cool.) Oh, and this one, when she wonders if life would be different if....
Doesn't she sound great? Yep, that Nicole - she's a good one! AND - she has written today about a goal to reach 100 blog followers by the end of today. So, take a little side trip over to her lovely home - you never know where Nicole might take you today! Just love that girl!!! Follow her - she's totally worth following!
There we enjoyed a lovely picnic of our favorite things (wine) and sat under the trees and stars while one of our favorite bands (Counting Crows) performed. . . it was a relaxing, lovely evening. And one that I desperately needed.
It's sort of strange - PG and I haven't been out in a while (with the exception of grocery stores, school meetings, family gatherings, things like that.) I can't remember when we last did this. At first I did the usual people watching - Oh, I love people watching! And you can always find some interesting people to watch at a music concert. (A concert, and an airport. I think those are my 2 favorite places to watch people.) There were lots of hot messes out, some folks older than us (so glad to see that), and lots of young and energetic '20somethings'. But after a while ... I started to feel a little strange. Here I was, in a beautiful place about to see a great concert. And I was feeling a little melancholy. Watching all of these people, I began to feel a little . . . lost.
I think I lost a lot of who I was when I became a Mom. And I didn't really realize that until I sat down at the concert. I won't get too philosophical on you - but it was really a weird feeling. We talked about it, PG and I, while enjoying our picnic and waiting for the concert to start. We talked about music (which was a big thing we had in common when we met) and I said that I feel like I've lost my passion for music when I had the kids. This was really sad for PG to hear, as he is a HUGE lover of music. So, he wanted to discuss it and help me find my love for music again. It was hard for him to understand - and I'm not sure if he completely can. But I think maybe other moms out there will know what I am talking about. When I had my daughters - it seems like everything in life has become about them. Their needs, their dreams, their goals, their lives. And - that is how it SHOULD be for a Mom, I guess. However, somewhere along the line I lost ME.
That's kind of sad.
I think one of the reasons I love blogging is because I am able to find a little bit of 'me' with every single post that I write. While I may write about my family and my daughters - I am able to write about my feelings and my thoughts and write in a way that lifts me up. Yes, I guess this blogging thing is helping me be a little closer to myself than I ever realized.
The concert went on to be pretty good . . . we were a little disappointed that it was a concert with a few other bands as well, so Counting Crows didn't play as much as we expected. But, it was a great night to be out - to focus on "me" a little, and to enjoy some of this LIFE.
I don't know how to totally find myself again. But PG is determined to help me (he is such a good guy, my PG. I am blessed beyond words.) Thanks for letting me work through some of this. Today, I'm still feeling a little empty . . . not in Crankville (I don't plan on going there), but I am desperately wanting to reconnect with the girl I used to be.
Looks like I've got some more writing to do.
How about you? Do you ever feel like you've lost the person you used to be? How do you reconnect with your old self? I'd love to know . . .
BUT . . .
BUT . . .
Before I leave - a quick PSA for my dear dear blog friend, Nicole, over at Destination: Unknown.
I've been following her and reading her blog for quite a while now. She is truly one of the most interesting people I've come to know in blogland. She lives an exciting life full of adventures (lots of them), she's gone to Egypt and found love (for real), and always writes with such honesty that I admire every word she posts. Some of my favorite posts of hers include this one about her 14 kids (seriously, you MUST read it - she is SOOOO cool.) Oh, and this one, when she wonders if life would be different if....
Doesn't she sound great? Yep, that Nicole - she's a good one! AND - she has written today about a goal to reach 100 blog followers by the end of today. So, take a little side trip over to her lovely home - you never know where Nicole might take you today! Just love that girl!!! Follow her - she's totally worth following!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Introducing . . . My New Best Friend!
So, the strangest thing happened to me in Target this week.
After one reading, here are the recipes I've identified for trying:
Seriously. They look THAT good!
Check it out when you get the chance . . . you never know who will be doing the polka in your head!
I know . . . it seems like strange things are always happening to me in Target, doesn't it? Well, this time, it happened while I walked through the book section (because, you know, I don't have enough books on my nightstand right now, right?) As I gingerly perused the shelves, picking up books and reading the back covers (ok - I read the last page of one or two), I heard . . .
"Pssssst . . . . hey . . . . . remember me?"
I looked around and realized that no one was near me. Not a single soul.
Then my eye saw it . . . "The Pioneer Woman Cooks" cookbook.
Now, for the record - I really don't need another cookbook.
But then I heard, "Remember? Your friend Kiki wrote about me once. Then you came and visited my blog once or twice, but haven't been back since."
Hmmmmm . . . . I thought to myself. Yes, that did happen.
"Remember? You thought that someday you'd like to own me. Perhaps take me home, and read me over a lovely cup of coffee. You even thought about trying one or two of my recipes. Remember?" Yes, I remember. I remember it well.
So I picked it up and started to look through the pages. Mmmmmm . . . Potato Skins, Roasted Corn Salad, Cheese Grits, Cowboy Calzone . . . .oh, Sweet Mother of Pearl! Is that really . . .
MAPLE.PECAN.SCONES?
Pinch me. . .
So, I closed the book. . . held it close to my chest . . . and walked to the register. There at the check-out, I had a little party in my head. It was as if my inner Julia Child was doing the polka with my inner Cowgirl (bet you didn't know I had an inner Cowgirl, did you?) And this morning . . . my coffee cup met my very new best friend. I think it's a marriage made in heaven.
Seriously. They look THAT good!
Check it out when you get the chance . . . you never know who will be doing the polka in your head!
I Miss My Friends :(
Earlier this week, I started thinking about my Friends. I miss them. I'm wondering how they are. Are Rachel and Ross together? How are Monica and Chandler? Did Joey ever make it as an actor? What about Pheobs? Is she still as awesome as she was back then (and is she still singing about her smelly cat?)?
When Friends went off the air, I was so so so sad. I guess it's not healthy to become so obsessed with a television show - but I went through some great college years spending my Thursday nights with these people. I had come to LOVE these characters so much - and even to this day, I can't help but tune in to their re-runs when I see them on.
Then I started thinking about those other televisions shows that I miss terribly . . . like this one . . .
Ah, West Wing!!! So exciting. Is Santos still in office? How is President Barlett? Where is CJ now? Are Josh and Donna together? and God Bless Leo (*sigh*). Yes, I loved this show, too. SO well written - SO well acted - SO good. But I guess all good things must, eventually, come to an end.
I was so excited when this next show came out, from the creators of West Wing . . .
I LOVED STUDIO 60!!! I can NOT believe it wasn't on longer than one season! I think they really goofed up putting it on a MONDAY NIGHT!!! (What the h*** where those T.V. people thinking??? Monday!! NO WAY!) This totally filled my West Wing void - then . . . BAM . . . off the air. I totally dislike that this didn't make it. It was a GREAT show!
Then there was this group . . .
I'm going back to this original cast on this one . . . LOVED ER (especially in the early years.) LOVED that it took place in Chicago (and often showed some great shots of my city). And George Clooney - hubba hubba. Yes, I loved that show. . .
Next, how can I forget . . .
Then I started thinking about those other televisions shows that I miss terribly . . . like this one . . .
I was so excited when this next show came out, from the creators of West Wing . . .
Then there was this group . . .
Next, how can I forget . . .
The mystery, the magic, the darkness . . .Buffy was the original Twilight, before Twilight was "in". Truly a FANTASTIC cast and so well written and directed (love Joss Whedon). The musical episode of Buffy was one of the best, most clever and creative moments in television (seriously) - and I so miss this show. PG and I used to watch it every week early on in our relationship . . . it was our 'thing'. We LOVE Buffy!!
What I've recognized by this little stroll down memory lane is that I not a one person kind of fan - I need to feel the relationships taking place between the players of the show. I need the writing to be good - the acting to be better - and the story to unfold. As I'm sure you are aware, I'm all about the stories.
So, these are just a few of the people I really miss. Ah, well. I guess all good things must come to an end, huh?
How about you? Any shows you miss? I'd love to know . . .
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Right around the Corner
We are in the midst of preparing for the start of the school season in our house this week. School supply lists are being checked and rechecked, teachers are being met, hair is being cut, shoes are being purchased, and bed times are moving up (yeah! finally!)
It's such an exciting time of year. Katie will be starting 2nd Grade - she is an old pro at school now, having been through it all before. And Ella . . . Ella will be starting a 3yr. old preschool program this year. She will be going to school for three half days each week. When I told Ella that I met with her teacher last week, my little "hot mess" asked me, "Is she still mad at me???" I wasn't quite sure what she meant by that question - and I assured her that her teacher was NOT mad at her. I can only think that this is some sort of foreshadowing of the weeks ahead.
As I get things set for the start of school, I am reminded of Katie's first day of school last year. It was a pretty special moment for me - to see my first born head of to start her education. I thought it would be fun to revisit a post from back then . . .
So, without further adieu, I share with you something I wrote on August 24, 2009 titled . . .
There she goes . . . .
What is it about that first day of school excitement . . . for a Mom?
I never realized that I, the Mom, would be so excited, nervous, and full of tears just seeing the bus turn the corner to pick up my child and take her to school. Katie started First Grade (number 1, the beginning, the start of it all) today. She will now be in school, for the next 16+ years (God willing).
I sat at the kitchen table this morning trying to come up with that one sentence that would make a difference in her life, that would solve all her problems and send her out there into the world ready for anything. The one that would leave her hungry for knowledge and confident to ask for it. The statement that would turn her into the first female President of the United States, or a brain surgeon, or an artist, or a teacher, or all of the above. But it just didn't come. How do you sum up all of those thoughts in one, or even a few, sentences? All I could say was, "Honey, if you work really hard and if you learn all that you can learn, you can do anything."
If you are a Mom reading this, who has already sent your kids on to school, you probably understand what I'm talking about. I wanted to say to the bus driver, "Hey, listen, this is MY child you are driving to school. You don't know this - but she is going to do great things in her life. So smile at her. Say 'hello' to her. Take care of her like she is your own, ok?" But I didn't. I watched my daughter, my first born, get on the bus and start this most exciting chapter of her life. Wow. . . I can't even remember what I felt like when I was 6. I don't expect Kate to remember alot about this day, either. But at least through this blog she will someday be able to read about it. And know exactly how proud her Mommy was of her.
I Love you, Katie. Always.
It's such an exciting time of year. Katie will be starting 2nd Grade - she is an old pro at school now, having been through it all before. And Ella . . . Ella will be starting a 3yr. old preschool program this year. She will be going to school for three half days each week. When I told Ella that I met with her teacher last week, my little "hot mess" asked me, "Is she still mad at me???" I wasn't quite sure what she meant by that question - and I assured her that her teacher was NOT mad at her. I can only think that this is some sort of foreshadowing of the weeks ahead.
As I get things set for the start of school, I am reminded of Katie's first day of school last year. It was a pretty special moment for me - to see my first born head of to start her education. I thought it would be fun to revisit a post from back then . . .
So, without further adieu, I share with you something I wrote on August 24, 2009 titled . . .
There she goes . . . .
What is it about that first day of school excitement . . . for a Mom?
I never realized that I, the Mom, would be so excited, nervous, and full of tears just seeing the bus turn the corner to pick up my child and take her to school. Katie started First Grade (number 1, the beginning, the start of it all) today. She will now be in school, for the next 16+ years (God willing).
I sat at the kitchen table this morning trying to come up with that one sentence that would make a difference in her life, that would solve all her problems and send her out there into the world ready for anything. The one that would leave her hungry for knowledge and confident to ask for it. The statement that would turn her into the first female President of the United States, or a brain surgeon, or an artist, or a teacher, or all of the above. But it just didn't come. How do you sum up all of those thoughts in one, or even a few, sentences? All I could say was, "Honey, if you work really hard and if you learn all that you can learn, you can do anything."
If you are a Mom reading this, who has already sent your kids on to school, you probably understand what I'm talking about. I wanted to say to the bus driver, "Hey, listen, this is MY child you are driving to school. You don't know this - but she is going to do great things in her life. So smile at her. Say 'hello' to her. Take care of her like she is your own, ok?" But I didn't. I watched my daughter, my first born, get on the bus and start this most exciting chapter of her life. Wow. . . I can't even remember what I felt like when I was 6. I don't expect Kate to remember alot about this day, either. But at least through this blog she will someday be able to read about it. And know exactly how proud her Mommy was of her.
I Love you, Katie. Always.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Get Out of Crankville . . . #1!!
So, a while back, I visited a little town called Crankville. Do you remember? (Click the link on Crankville if you forgot).
Crankville is an ugly place - kind of lonely - very quiet - sort of gray - not very crowded, although you can usually find SOMEONE you know when you are there. During that time, I realized I desperately needed to GET OUT. I needed to return to HAPPYVILLE. I allowed myself a few days in this town, but when enough was enough - I took the next bus OUT. All with the help of this card . . .
This card makes me HAPPY!!!
Yesterday and today, a dear blog friend (Leslie from {Words of Me Project} has been in Crankville. Yep, she has. So, I decided to spread the "Get out of Crankville" Love, and bestow upon her my very own "Get out of Crankville" card.
This post is dedicated to my dear friend, Leslie.
Leslie,
You are hereby gifted this post, with one "Get out of Crankville" Free Card! With it comes the opportunity to escape that cranky place you've been visiting ... whenever you are ready. Know that we are all here, in Happyville, waiting for your return! You have shared your creative spirit, your wise wise words, your artistic ideas, and your amazingly inspiring and motivating stories with all of us (so it is high time we allow you a few days of Crank!!!) But when the time is right, hop right on that next bus OUT OF THERE!!!
WE love you!
Sincerely,
Your Happyville Friend
This may turn into a recurring post ... wouldn't that be fun? Not necessarily to LESLIE (as I know for a fact she doesn't visit Crankville very often). But I think I may need to send a little "Get Out Of Crankville" greeting to any blog friends who stop by that place. Feel free to grab a GOOC Button and display it on your blog, all for yourself!!!! SO FUN!
Crankville is an ugly place - kind of lonely - very quiet - sort of gray - not very crowded, although you can usually find SOMEONE you know when you are there. During that time, I realized I desperately needed to GET OUT. I needed to return to HAPPYVILLE. I allowed myself a few days in this town, but when enough was enough - I took the next bus OUT. All with the help of this card . . .
This card makes me HAPPY!!!
Yesterday and today, a dear blog friend (Leslie from {Words of Me Project} has been in Crankville. Yep, she has. So, I decided to spread the "Get out of Crankville" Love, and bestow upon her my very own "Get out of Crankville" card.
This post is dedicated to my dear friend, Leslie.
Leslie,
You are hereby gifted this post, with one "Get out of Crankville" Free Card! With it comes the opportunity to escape that cranky place you've been visiting ... whenever you are ready. Know that we are all here, in Happyville, waiting for your return! You have shared your creative spirit, your wise wise words, your artistic ideas, and your amazingly inspiring and motivating stories with all of us (so it is high time we allow you a few days of Crank!!!) But when the time is right, hop right on that next bus OUT OF THERE!!!
WE love you!
Sincerely,
Your Happyville Friend
This may turn into a recurring post ... wouldn't that be fun? Not necessarily to LESLIE (as I know for a fact she doesn't visit Crankville very often). But I think I may need to send a little "Get Out Of Crankville" greeting to any blog friends who stop by that place. Feel free to grab a GOOC Button and display it on your blog, all for yourself!!!! SO FUN!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Open Mouth . . . Insert Foot
Ever have one of those moments when you wish you could crawl into your own skin and disappear? When something came out of your mouth and you think, "Oh, s***! What did I just say?"
I have those moments . . . regularly.
Ok, maybe it's not as bad as that . . . but still, every once in a while I say something and the minute it comes out, I know I did it.
Like this moment, with an old friend. Let's call her . . . "Terry".
A couple months ago I was at a birthday party for a dear friends husband. It was a fanTAStic gathering of friends, some of which I hadn't seen in months. It was a great "grown-up" party, with wine and great food - SO MUCH fun! While there, I got to visit with my dear old friends, one of whom was Terry.
I was so excited to see Terry. She makes me laugh. She's a smart, hard working, amazing person (and I'm not just saying this because Terry reads my blog - I'm saying this because it is the truth.) I have all the respect in the world for this lady - because she has overcome a few challenges in her life and has come out being a strong independent woman who I admire. Yes, that's all true. And one of the obstacles Terry overcame, was a rough marriage. To a man named Gary. I can't really change Gary's name . . . for reasons you will soon find out.
Gary has been out of Terry's life for a very long time now. Although he is the father of her children, she (to my knowledge) has no contact with him what-so-ever. He is not a part of their lives. She has worked her butt off, put herself through school, and made an amazing life while raising some amazing kids . . . all on her own (although Terry would, I'm sure, give much credit to her family & friends for their help - I know that she is the one who has done it - the working, the housework, the school work, the activities, everything. She really is an amazing person.) Terry is now remarried to a great guy, named Joe (wink, wink - that's not his name, either. Follow me so far?)
So, as a reminder . . . Gary has been gone for at least 10 years, if not LONGER. Gone. Terry has been married to Joe for many many years now.
Now, let's return to where I put the foot in the mouth. The Party.
I see Terry, and am SO GLAD to see her as it has been a few months.
We approach each other, hug, laugh, share some pleasantries "How are the kids? How's life? How are your folks?" that sort of thing. Then . . . here comes the foot . . .
"So, is GARY here?"
The minute I say those words . . . it's as if a bubble was out of my mouth floating in mid air between my mouth and her ears. I tried so hard to swallow it back . . . but the damn thing was gone. . . it's amazing how, even with my FOOT IN MY MOUTH, I can still talk.
"What did you say?" she asked.
"Is Joe here?" I try to rebound.
"No, you didn't. You asked if Gary was here. It's ok . . . everybody does it," she makes me feel better . . .as any good friend would.
"OMG, Terry, I'm so sorry!" I'm digging right now . . . digging deep. So, I try to change subjects. "So . . . how's work going?"
"Good! Good!" she replies.
"Where are you at now? Are you still in Indiana?" I ask, as I'm still mortified that I asked her if her ex-husband, who has been removed from her life for over 10 years, was at the party with her.
"Yes. I'm working in GARY. You know, GARY, Indiana," she says, with a wink.
GARY. AUGH!!!
Yes, that is just one recent example of that "foot in mouth" syndrome I have. There are many more where that comes from, for sure.
We had a good laugh over this one, though. And my MOUTH had to tell each of our friends at the party how mortified I was. Everyone laughed hard . . . and I had a hard time even looking at Terry or Joe the whole night.
As for Gary . . . well, I, for one, am never going to Indiana again. At least, not to Gary, Indiana.
I have those moments . . . regularly.
Ok, maybe it's not as bad as that . . . but still, every once in a while I say something and the minute it comes out, I know I did it.
Like this moment, with an old friend. Let's call her . . . "Terry".
A couple months ago I was at a birthday party for a dear friends husband. It was a fanTAStic gathering of friends, some of which I hadn't seen in months. It was a great "grown-up" party, with wine and great food - SO MUCH fun! While there, I got to visit with my dear old friends, one of whom was Terry.
I was so excited to see Terry. She makes me laugh. She's a smart, hard working, amazing person (and I'm not just saying this because Terry reads my blog - I'm saying this because it is the truth.) I have all the respect in the world for this lady - because she has overcome a few challenges in her life and has come out being a strong independent woman who I admire. Yes, that's all true. And one of the obstacles Terry overcame, was a rough marriage. To a man named Gary. I can't really change Gary's name . . . for reasons you will soon find out.
Gary has been out of Terry's life for a very long time now. Although he is the father of her children, she (to my knowledge) has no contact with him what-so-ever. He is not a part of their lives. She has worked her butt off, put herself through school, and made an amazing life while raising some amazing kids . . . all on her own (although Terry would, I'm sure, give much credit to her family & friends for their help - I know that she is the one who has done it - the working, the housework, the school work, the activities, everything. She really is an amazing person.) Terry is now remarried to a great guy, named Joe (wink, wink - that's not his name, either. Follow me so far?)
So, as a reminder . . . Gary has been gone for at least 10 years, if not LONGER. Gone. Terry has been married to Joe for many many years now.
Now, let's return to where I put the foot in the mouth. The Party.
I see Terry, and am SO GLAD to see her as it has been a few months.
We approach each other, hug, laugh, share some pleasantries "How are the kids? How's life? How are your folks?" that sort of thing. Then . . . here comes the foot . . .
"So, is GARY here?"
The minute I say those words . . . it's as if a bubble was out of my mouth floating in mid air between my mouth and her ears. I tried so hard to swallow it back . . . but the damn thing was gone. . . it's amazing how, even with my FOOT IN MY MOUTH, I can still talk.
"What did you say?" she asked.
"Is Joe here?" I try to rebound.
"No, you didn't. You asked if Gary was here. It's ok . . . everybody does it," she makes me feel better . . .as any good friend would.
"OMG, Terry, I'm so sorry!" I'm digging right now . . . digging deep. So, I try to change subjects. "So . . . how's work going?"
"Good! Good!" she replies.
"Where are you at now? Are you still in Indiana?" I ask, as I'm still mortified that I asked her if her ex-husband, who has been removed from her life for over 10 years, was at the party with her.
"Yes. I'm working in GARY. You know, GARY, Indiana," she says, with a wink.
GARY. AUGH!!!
Yes, that is just one recent example of that "foot in mouth" syndrome I have. There are many more where that comes from, for sure.
We had a good laugh over this one, though. And my MOUTH had to tell each of our friends at the party how mortified I was. Everyone laughed hard . . . and I had a hard time even looking at Terry or Joe the whole night.
As for Gary . . . well, I, for one, am never going to Indiana again. At least, not to Gary, Indiana.
Monday, August 16, 2010
My Most Prized Possession
I am not one to put value on material things in life. . . I recognize my life is blessed with a richness far beyond what house I live in or the car that I drive. However, I do have one possession that I have come to honor much more than I ever thought I would. Did I ever share with you my very most prized possession? The one object that truly means the most to me? The object that brought tears to my eyes when received, and the thing I would be most heartbroken over if ever lost or damaged?
Here it is . . .
This little statue. It brings tears to my eyes just looking at it right now.
I first saw this little angel about one year after my Dad passed away. Katie was about 6 months old and PG and I were at a nearby mall doing some quick Christmas shopping when we went into a little gift store and saw this little angel. I must have been extremely hormonal at the time . . . because I started crying the minute I read it. Ok, it wasn't the hormones. It was the words . . . it reads:
Here it is . . .
I first saw this little angel about one year after my Dad passed away. Katie was about 6 months old and PG and I were at a nearby mall doing some quick Christmas shopping when we went into a little gift store and saw this little angel. I must have been extremely hormonal at the time . . . because I started crying the minute I read it. Ok, it wasn't the hormones. It was the words . . . it reads:
Perhaps
they are
not stars in
the sky
but rather
openings where
our loved ones
shine down to let
us know they
are happy.
I stood in that store, and cried. I couldn't control myself. My father had passed less than one year before this time, I was a new Mom with a 6 month old, and the thought of my Dad shining down to let me know he was happy just about did me in.
But, we didn't buy it.
We were in between paychecks, we had a new baby, we were adjusting to me working part-time, and it was the holidays. PG and I had already said we were not exchanging gifts that year. The last thing I "needed" was this statue. I "needed" baby food, diapers, and gifts for other family members. I didn't "need" this angel. Even though it was only $20, and even though PG tried to convince me to purchase it, I wouldn't let it happen. So, we left.
Fast forward one month later . . . and Christmas Day. I had actually forgotten about this angel. But . . . PG did not. I think he actually found it online and ordered it, all without me knowing. Now THAT is a good man. The minute I opened the box, tears filled my eyes. I cried and cried. To this day, I think of this angel - and my dad smiling down on me, and my heart is filled with such love.
Yes, THIS is my most prized possession.
This weekend, I walked into my bedroom to find the girls were playing store. Now, for the record, they usually do NOT play in my room. They know that Mommy and Daddy's room is off limits (I mean - they pretty much have control of the rest of the house . . . I need at least one space of quiet and solitude, right?) So, I walked in and saw that they moved my angel. I just about hit the roof. They were very cautious with it (or so they said), but I have visions of them jumping on my bed using it as a microphone singing a Hannah Montana song into it, swinging it around like they were Steven Tyler himself. Yes ... that darn imagination of mine got the best of me. So, I picked it up like it was a newborn baby and returned it to my TALL dresser, where it usually sits. I then asked both of the girls to sit very still on my bed as I knelt in front of them to discuss the importance of this statue.
"Mommy?" Ella asked, "Is it heaven?"
"Well," I answered, "not really. But it is as close to heaven as Mommy can imagine. So, it's really important to me. And it's really important that we are gentle with it. That we don't move it, or touch it, or play with it, ok? If you want to see it - just ask me. I will bring it down and let you look at it. ok?"
They both nodded their heads in agreement. I'm fairly sure they understood. (fingers crossed.)
How about you? Anything object in your life that makes you feel like this? I'd love to know . . .
Yes, THIS is my most prized possession.
This weekend, I walked into my bedroom to find the girls were playing store. Now, for the record, they usually do NOT play in my room. They know that Mommy and Daddy's room is off limits (I mean - they pretty much have control of the rest of the house . . . I need at least one space of quiet and solitude, right?) So, I walked in and saw that they moved my angel. I just about hit the roof. They were very cautious with it (or so they said), but I have visions of them jumping on my bed using it as a microphone singing a Hannah Montana song into it, swinging it around like they were Steven Tyler himself. Yes ... that darn imagination of mine got the best of me. So, I picked it up like it was a newborn baby and returned it to my TALL dresser, where it usually sits. I then asked both of the girls to sit very still on my bed as I knelt in front of them to discuss the importance of this statue.
"Mommy?" Ella asked, "Is it heaven?"
"Well," I answered, "not really. But it is as close to heaven as Mommy can imagine. So, it's really important to me. And it's really important that we are gentle with it. That we don't move it, or touch it, or play with it, ok? If you want to see it - just ask me. I will bring it down and let you look at it. ok?"
They both nodded their heads in agreement. I'm fairly sure they understood. (fingers crossed.)
How about you? Anything object in your life that makes you feel like this? I'd love to know . . .
Sunday, August 15, 2010
A Creative Idea to Capture your Summer Memories
I just had to share with you a little book I am working on . . . if you are NOT a scrapbooker, please don't give up on me (or scrapbooking) yet. I've got the easy-peasiest way to gather your memories from this summer, and quickly journal about your adventures. . . why not CREATE a Summer 2010 book?
Too bothersome? Too much work? Too crafty? Too expensive? Too . . . too . . . challenging?
I used to think so, too. I started scrapbooking when my oldest daughter, Katie, was 6 months old. For the past 6 years, I have gone to the crops (cult-like gatherings of crafty ladies with glue and ribbon), I have purchased the papers, embellishments, and rolling luggage bags. I've developed the THOUSANDS of photos (I'm not kidding). And while I still regularly meet with some dear friends for a night of scrapbooking - it truly has become more of a spiritual and soul-enriching gathering than a "scrapbooking" sort of thing. You see, this summer - something changed. I want to simplify. I need to simplify. I feel like I've drowning in a sea of creative chaos . . . and I'm calling an end to it. I want to get back to a faster, easier way of gathering our families memories, while still letting my creativity come out. I want things to be real . . . imperfections to be loved . . . and life to be lived. . . simply . . .
So, instead of waiting to do 12x12 scrapbook pages of the activities of this summer, probably 5 years from now, I decided to do it TODAY. Now. As it unfolds. And I'm going back to the basics, with just a few items.
I started with just a few things:
Next, I drew a few little decorative lines here or there (all free-hand) and a little piece of the embellishment . . . but I kept it SIMPLE. No ribbons, no brads, no bling. Just the photo and a little bit of fun. Then, I journaled and told my story.
Some pages had very little writing because I just liked how the photos looked on their own - they were so beautiful, they didn't need words.
I embraced the imperfection of this whole project - allowing any mis-spelled words to stay as they were. It's not about perfection - it's about our summer . . .and capturing the moments.
So, I challenge you . . . collect your favorite photos from summer, grab a scrapbook, a sharpie, some die cuts, and a few sheets of white paper, and see where it takes you. And remember - it's not about a perfect page - it's not even about scrapbooking. It's about putting words to your photos and memories in a simple, quick way. You Can Do IT!!!!
Too bothersome? Too much work? Too crafty? Too expensive? Too . . . too . . . challenging?
I used to think so, too. I started scrapbooking when my oldest daughter, Katie, was 6 months old. For the past 6 years, I have gone to the crops (cult-like gatherings of crafty ladies with glue and ribbon), I have purchased the papers, embellishments, and rolling luggage bags. I've developed the THOUSANDS of photos (I'm not kidding). And while I still regularly meet with some dear friends for a night of scrapbooking - it truly has become more of a spiritual and soul-enriching gathering than a "scrapbooking" sort of thing. You see, this summer - something changed. I want to simplify. I need to simplify. I feel like I've drowning in a sea of creative chaos . . . and I'm calling an end to it. I want to get back to a faster, easier way of gathering our families memories, while still letting my creativity come out. I want things to be real . . . imperfections to be loved . . . and life to be lived. . . simply . . .
So, instead of waiting to do 12x12 scrapbook pages of the activities of this summer, probably 5 years from now, I decided to do it TODAY. Now. As it unfolds. And I'm going back to the basics, with just a few items.
- a scrapbook album (I decided on a really BRIGHT orange, 8x8 in size)
- a fine point Sharpie (can't do it without!)
- a paper cutter
- one package of die-cuts from K&Company (I purchased one from Archivers kind of like this one - it came with 180 little adorable die-cuts for $4.99 - not a bad price at all!)
Some pages had very little writing because I just liked how the photos looked on their own - they were so beautiful, they didn't need words.
So, I challenge you . . . collect your favorite photos from summer, grab a scrapbook, a sharpie, some die cuts, and a few sheets of white paper, and see where it takes you. And remember - it's not about a perfect page - it's not even about scrapbooking. It's about putting words to your photos and memories in a simple, quick way. You Can Do IT!!!!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Books I DIDN'T read this Summer
(aka . . . The Books I WILL read this Fall)
I had the best intentions when putting together my N.O.N. (Nightstand Of Novels) for summer reading. "Sure," I thought, "I'll definitely get through these. . . easy."
Right?
Nope. Dead Wrong.
How could I even remotely think I could complete all of them? PG was out of town for 3 weeks, the kids were home ALL DAY LONG, and I work. Not to mention the housework, cooking, grocery shopping, that darn garden (yes, let's blame it on the garden.) Oh, yeah, and . . . I guess I do need to sleep for at least 4 hours a day, right? (Notice how I ever cautiously left 'blogging' off of the list of why I didn't get my reading done. I'm smart . . . I know better than to name the real deterrent!) So my "N.O.N." has become my NON-reading stack. Bummer.
The one book I DID read: Eat, Pray, Love. Yep - the one they made into a movie. I could have probably just saved that one for a later date, and just waited for the movie. Ah, well.
Oh, how I wish there were more hours in the day so that I could squeeze a little reading in. My Mom is an avid reader. When she's really drawn into a book, she could complete it in a weekend - sometimes multiple books in one weekend. I guess after raising 4 kids, working a successful full-time job and often a second part-time job, being involved in our church, attending activities for 4 kids, and doing all the things she did for years and years - she deserves to sit and read as long as she wants. Don't you think?
Some day, I hope to sit and read just like her. Until then, I'll keep this "Nightstand Of Novels" right where they are . . . school starts in one week, and maybe then I can find a little time for me and my books.
sigh.
How lovely that would be.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Eat, Pray, Love
Just returned from Eat, Pray, Love . . . and it was . . . wonderful.
I am a Julia Roberts fan, and have SO been enjoying reading the book this summer, so I knew going into it that chances are I was going to LOVE it. And yes, it did not disappoint. I know that most films adapted from books are usually missing something from the original source, and there were a few moments when I felt they were 'rushing' it a bit . . . but how long can my bottom really sit in those movie theater seats afterall? I mean, the 2 hour mark in most films is when things start falling asleep. So, I understand they had to move it along. All in all - I was so completely thrilled with the outcome! I joined along in this amazing, self discovery journey. And at the end, my heart was FULL.
I am feeling peace. I am feeling whole. I want to meditate. I want to travel. I want to get to know myself again. (Of course, the whole evening may have been even more of a joy as it was my first evening out without children in quiet some time.) But whatever it is that is causing this feeling - I'm going to enjoy it a little bit longer.
I am a Julia Roberts fan, and have SO been enjoying reading the book this summer, so I knew going into it that chances are I was going to LOVE it. And yes, it did not disappoint. I know that most films adapted from books are usually missing something from the original source, and there were a few moments when I felt they were 'rushing' it a bit . . . but how long can my bottom really sit in those movie theater seats afterall? I mean, the 2 hour mark in most films is when things start falling asleep. So, I understand they had to move it along. All in all - I was so completely thrilled with the outcome! I joined along in this amazing, self discovery journey. And at the end, my heart was FULL.
I am feeling peace. I am feeling whole. I want to meditate. I want to travel. I want to get to know myself again. (Of course, the whole evening may have been even more of a joy as it was my first evening out without children in quiet some time.) But whatever it is that is causing this feeling - I'm going to enjoy it a little bit longer.
 |
| Photo image from a scene in the movie Eat, Pray, Love - found by Google Image Search |
Thursday, August 12, 2010
My Daily Journey
No matter what time of year I drive down this road, it speaks to me.
In the Summer, the foliage fills every open space, so much that you can't see very far into the woods as you drive down the road. Occasionally, a family of deer might cross in front of your car (which is why I always choose to drive a little under the speed limit when heading this way. I mean, why rush the beauty of it all?) If there aren't cars behind me, I'll bring my car to a stop now and then and look deep into the trees for any sign of life. Once in a while, I see the deer, and watch them drift further and further into the unknown forest . . . wondering where they are going, and how will they know they've gotten there when there?
In the Fall, the trees provide the most vivid display of yellows, oranges and a few reds here or there. Often you will find the hood of your car is the perfect resting place for fallen leaves that have been released from their branches. So peaceful . . . a leaf falling . . . .don't you think?
In the Winter, fresh fallen snow leaves white lines on each tree branch. It looks as if Van Gogh himself painted those thin white lines of snow on each branch. It's so quiet, it's truly is a bit of heaven.
And in Spring, it's the sign of new life . . . as the trees slowly welcome baby leaf buds as they start their growth. This road is the first sign of warmer weather to me. Love to see those leaves grow.
Yes, this is my daily journey . . . my place of quiet solitude and meditation. My place of being with nature. My place of peace. Should PG and I ever decide to move, this little road will certainly be what I miss most.
How about you? Do you have any roads or paths that help you feel at peace? I'm wondering - do you ever make a decision to take a certain route and drive a certain way just because of how it makes you feel? I sure would love to know . . .
Wild Update!
Just a quick moment to share with you today . . . in follow-up from my "Born to Be Wild" post earlier this week.
After sharing my secret with so many of my dear blog friends, I've been feeling (in my heart) like I AM that biker chick on my drawing . . .
After sharing my secret with so many of my dear blog friends, I've been feeling (in my heart) like I AM that biker chick on my drawing . . .
It's as if just putting the idea out there in the universe was almost enough for me to actually FEEL like the biker girl.
So, this afternoon, as I drove home from running a few errands, I came to a 4-way stop at the same time two bikers guys did. And I did what ANY biker person would do . . .
I waved. Excessively.
Except, my wave was kind of like a really dorky, "HI DUDES!!! IT'S ME . . . . THE WANNA BE BIKER GIRL . . . REMEMBER ME??? HIIII!!!!!!"
Yeah. That was me.
Remember when I wrote over the weekend about things happening in slow motion? Well, I swear at that moment, I was on my HARLEY. I WAS COOL. I was waving . . . to.the.biker.men.
And, I was really driving my Honda Odyssey Mini-van.
And the biker guys . . . . well . . . they didn't wave back.
Biker guys are such jerks.
Still cool. But jerks.
;)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Time to STOP & Smell the Roses! {Day 17}
My friend Sherri over at The Tightwad Chick wrote a great post this week on "Smelling the Roses" (you can link to it here). I absolutely LOVE Sherri - not only because is she my favorite hot-headed Italian, but she happens to be my next door neighbor, who constantly cracks me up and makes me smile! She is a hard working lady, who does absolutely EVERYTHING for her kids, and I am constantly in awe at how she fits it all in. She is constantly running from swim practice, to football practice, from work, to grocery shopping. From here to there. I don't know how she does it.
Her post this week was about how fast the summer is going - and how she hasn't taken the time to STOP and smell the roses. She goes on to list a bunch of things she plans on doing to STOP . . . they each tug at my heart strings. Well done, Sher!!!
SO, I'm joining Sherri on the "Stop and Smell the Roses" theme. . . and making my own list. Here are my plans for the remainder of summer, and for smelling the roses . . . This post actually is quite fitting with Leslie from {Words of Me Project} and her 31 Days. Write. Create. Be. challenge. I fell off the wagon of these creative challenges a little while PG was out of town . . . but I'm stepping back on board and taking off once again. Click here to link to Leslie's recent post today {Day 17} where she talks about recognizing the things you VALUE in life.
Now, to my roses . . .
Do you want to join me? Feel free to leave a comment below with your "roses". I'd love to know!
Her post this week was about how fast the summer is going - and how she hasn't taken the time to STOP and smell the roses. She goes on to list a bunch of things she plans on doing to STOP . . . they each tug at my heart strings. Well done, Sher!!!
SO, I'm joining Sherri on the "Stop and Smell the Roses" theme. . . and making my own list. Here are my plans for the remainder of summer, and for smelling the roses . . . This post actually is quite fitting with Leslie from {Words of Me Project} and her 31 Days. Write. Create. Be. challenge. I fell off the wagon of these creative challenges a little while PG was out of town . . . but I'm stepping back on board and taking off once again. Click here to link to Leslie's recent post today {Day 17} where she talks about recognizing the things you VALUE in life.
Now, to my roses . . .
- I vow to stop doing whatever it is I am doing when Ella says, "Momma, Momma, Momma!" and look her in the eyes as she tells me exactly what it is that she wants to tell me.
- I vow to stop doing whatever it is I am doing when Katie says, "Mommy, will you play with me?" and go and play with her. She will only be asking me this for a short time before playing with Mom will be lame.
- I vow to not worry about the little things that quickly pile up . . . the dusting, the vacumming, the laundry. They will get done whenever I get to them. It's ok to STOP.
- I vow to make time for the friendships that matter. To make the phones calls or send the notes to those people who mean so much to me, and letting them know that I care about them.
- I vow to sit next to my husband and hold his hand when he asks me to. Those little things above can wait. When we are old and gray, we may not have eachothers hands to hold. I'm going to hold his more now.
- I vow to take time for myself to READ. I miss it. I need it.
- (This one, I'm borrowing from Sherri) I vow to take a deep breath and look around at what I have and not what I don't have.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Born to be Wild
I have a little secret I'm about to share with you . . . . it hit me as I drove behind a motorcycle guy this weekend. I, Leanne, dream of someday being a motorcycle chick. Or, a trike chick. Or, a Harley girl. Or, whatever you want to call it. CRAZY, huh?
Now, if we put aside all of the obvious concerns and safety issues with motorcycle riding, and just allow me to dream a little as if this was a perfect world, and accidents and injuries NEVER happen . . . I would just LOVE to ride across country on a motorcycle. To really SEE the world without any barriers. To BE, on my bike. With PG riding beside me. To stop at little roadside places and swing my leg off of my bike like a regular Pinky Tuscadero. That, SERIOUSLY, would be the COOLEST thing in the world, don't you think?
Now THAT is COOOOOOL!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, if we put aside all of the obvious concerns and safety issues with motorcycle riding, and just allow me to dream a little as if this was a perfect world, and accidents and injuries NEVER happen . . . I would just LOVE to ride across country on a motorcycle. To really SEE the world without any barriers. To BE, on my bike. With PG riding beside me. To stop at little roadside places and swing my leg off of my bike like a regular Pinky Tuscadero. That, SERIOUSLY, would be the COOLEST thing in the world, don't you think?
Friday afternoon I found myself driving behind a motorcycle guy for a few miles, and I was in absolute awe of him. Of his freedom. Of his bandana. Of the camaraderie that he had with any fellow motorcycle passerby. I love the little head bob greetings they give each other, fellow bike riders, as they pass each other on a road. It's this brotherhood (or in my case, sisterhood) of respect and understanding for that freedom on the road. So very cool.
The closest I've ever come to riding was in Key West, Florida, on our honeymoon. We rented those little moped scooters so we could get around the island easily one afternoon. I was NOT the most confident rider at all, and was petrified. Which is why I'm really more of a trike girl . . . I think that extra wheel in the back would be all that I need. I would love the thrill of it. . .
I mean, just imagine . . . . could you see it?
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Life is Good
We made it! PG is home! And life, once again, is good.
We worked on an extra special banner to welcome Daddy home, and as we waited patiently for him in the baggage area at the airport, I snatched a photo of the girls holding our sign. They both were so excited to know that Daddy would be heading down the escalator at any moment. Life is Good.
And when they saw him . . . it's as if time stopped . . .
And when they saw him . . . it's as if time stopped . . .
I know this isn't the best photo of our reunion - but I kind of love it. I love the movement all around PG and the girls - yet he is holding them so tightly, and they are holding him. My eyes were filled with tears (which is probably why the photo looked focused from my camera display.) When I got home and realized it was out of focus, I was bummed . . . but as I look at it more closely, I love it - it really shows a special moment of the girls with PG. So precious. I count my blessings every single day for this man I am married to. He is not only a wonderful husband, but he is also an amazing father. Not a moment goes by that these two little girls do not feel the love of their Daddy. I am blessed. And Life is Good.
After we returned home, we had a lovely lunch and caught up on some adventures of our days apart. Then I excused myself to the upstairs where 2 laundry baskets filled with clean, folded clothes waited to be put away. While I stacked shorts and t-shirts in their drawers, I could hear the laughter of these little girls echo upstairs to where I was. The Ticklefest of ALL Ticklefests was happening downstairs - and I smiled to hear the sounds of our home. I am blessed. And, yes, Life is Good.
I decided to steal a few minutes of silence and slid on top of our bed . . . it has been weeks since I have had a few moments to myself. I laid on my bed and looked at my feet, my ceiling, my pillow, my alarm clock, and the stack of books on my nightstand. Then, I missed them. My family. These three individuals who I have become so accustomed to. I had only been upstairs about 15 minutes, but I missed the fact that they were all together downstairs, and I was upstairs . . . alone. Isn't it funny how, when you finally get what you've been wishing for, you realize you really don't want it? Hmmm . . So, I picked myself up, and went down to the family room. The house was quiet, which has been a bad sign the past few weeks (quiet = trouble!). But this time, it was all good . . .
I don't think any of them have been this still in 3 weeks. Yes, I am blessed.
And Life is oh-so Good.
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