Almost like a baby picture

You know the ones.....


you have taken in your adorable toddler/grandchild/ neice and nephew/ puppy to a studio and the next thing you know you are forking out 20 bucks for a photo. ONE photo.


One you know would only cost 2 bucks to print at Wal-Mart and maybe even less on your home computer....


but you get sucked in.





You have to have that image...that shot, that one perfect glimpse in time.





That is how I felt when they e-mailed me this image

Because while I know that I am not perfect, this moment was.
I was afraid to run my first half marathon alone. I was afraid to run it in a different place, I was afraid to run it after laying around for 2 months with a bummer ankle and toothache.
But I did it anyway.
All by myself....
....and this photo takes me right back to the moment that I did it.

So for that, I will pay.

Do we really capture enough of the celebration moments to relish and relive?

What's more, do we give ourselves cause to celebrate?

Some days I hate it here

I am being totally honest.

Some days I see the stained glass windows, the tall ceilings, the sloped roof, and I sigh with a happy heart. My house feels like a cottage, and we seriously love spending time together here.

Other days, all I see are the cracks in the walls, the not so level floors, the old linoleum and the lack of storage.
Some days it smells musty and old. The walls are thick and I can't hang up a picture. The carpet, although redone, feels old.
My kitchen is more like a Smithsonian display of 70's hideousness than a workspace.

Some days I curse it, and even cry.

It is the day of upgrading. Friends and family alike, moving into new (great priced) homes with a pantry in the kitchen and real live mudroom. It is the age of big homes, beautifully painted and decorated with stone and stucco in yummy warm colors. It is the day of a great room and cold storage....
none of which I have.

I am sorry sweetie, that some days I don't appreciate it.
I know we are over indulged and many people live beyond their means.
I know that in just 24 months we will not even have a house payment. (I can't wait)

I know that we would not be different, happier, more content just because we change locations.

I know it is never good to compare and compete.
I know we are blessed.

I know we are better than we deserve.

But just some days....
I want more.

Am I bad because of that?

Valentine's Love and Swap Box

I was lucky enough to get in on the challenge of creating a Valentine Box for another artistic blogger arranged by Treasured Heirlooms. I made mine, learning as I went, and realizing using Modge Podge is not always as easy to use as it looks.
Click on one of the links on my sidebar to see more of the swappers blogs.

A few days after sending it off I received my lovely box from my swap partner, Andrea at Bella Vintage Studio.


It was so beautiful I hardly wanted to untie the pretty lace. Inside proved to be just as stunning.


Ephemera and tidbits, lace and trinkets, pictures and tags just waiting to be made into something lovely. There were chocolates, too, but I was eating them while arranging my goods for the photo, so they were left out of the picture. (They didn't look so good chewed up).


To purchase some of Andrea's goodies for yourself visit her studio store at ETSY.

To add to my Valentine collection, today I received an unexpected (and unsolicited! Even Better!) Valentine in the mail from Becky at Moonlight Journey. She made the gorgeous tag on the left.

You can see the time she takes with each piece, right down to the envelope. I believe sentiments such as this are a lost art, but one I intend on relishing in more, myself. The journal and bookmark are things I made with one of her digital graphic sheets, just print and embellish (or not, I left the cover as is, I loved it so much) and attach, and you have a beautiful creation of your own. Becky's blog is equally amazing, as well.

You can also catch the corner of the New Year book I challenged myself to read, "Life Is A Verb" by Patti Digh. I am only 20 pages in and have already been stunned by the journey it has taken me on. I recommend it to anyone who is looking to appreciate the life they have and live it with intention, especially those artistically inclined.

Now comments are off, so take a minute to click on one of the links in my post and discover something new. Happy Valentine's Day.

Pretty Little Things

This Valentine's season my sister at Little White Attic decided to begin a family Valentine swap. Nothing too big, just make a little something to send to each other. We had nieces, sisters, and even our mom join in the exchange.

I have to tell you, if you have the winter time 'blahs' set up an exchange with someone you know. I loved finding all sorts of little treasures in the mailbox, excitedly ripping into cute little hand addressed envelopes waiting for me, with bits of art inside.


The display has become quite impressive, and while my husband couldn't quite figure out what all the fuss was about ("you'll just throw them away on February 15th!") I LOVE these sentiments from the girls in my family, and I will keep them until someone pries them out of my cold dead hands! (feel free to click on collage photos to get a closer peek).

The best part about it was seeing what everyone came up with, some quirky and funny, some reminding us of childhood Valentine's, some glamorous and vintage alike. I hope we decide to do it again next year- because as I appreciate the pieces I wonder why we don't do things like this for each other more often.

My son also surprised me with a recent school project. He took sewing last term, and for his final project decided to make a tote bag sling. He said he didn't want it and that he would make one for me. Once I chose the fabric he was picky about the zipper and straps, but finally we agreed on the materials.
I have to say, I have never sewn anything unless babied step by step by a sister, so seeing what he made really impressed me. He even promised to help me make an apron soon. I hope he has the patience to work with a rookie like me, but for now, this little backpack is another piece of art in my eyes.

I also received my Valentine's Box from swap partner, arranged by Treasured Heirlooms. I have been instructed to wait to show what I got, so that you means you will have to wait, too, but let me just tease you by saying it was an artists dream to open that little box, and you will be sorry you didn't join the swap when you see it!

A Little Love Around the House

Let me be the first to wish you a happy month of love!











While a few new sweet decorations were finding space in my home this year my oldest son commented, "It doesn't have to look like a birthday party in here!"

Well, you know what?
You are absolutely WRONG!




What better thing to celebrate, than love, joy, family, home, and marriage?
Curl up on the bench (if the cats aren't already there)

























Or reach into the jar to see a pretty Valentine and find the place on the globe where my latest sentiment was shipped from.....




























Open my scrapbook so I can show off the page I finally made of me and my sweetheart with the photos taken last year in February (I am a whole hearted believer in 'better late than never')


And already my kids are discussing the upcoming days of sugar cookies and school Valentine boxes. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of even more Valentine's from sisters and nieces, as well as my swap gift from the Valentine trade. Am I the only one envious of "Emma" (okay, you have to be watching this on Masterpiece Theater!) and her 'project' book of love poems and riddles? I am tempted to carve out a little time to begin one of my own......

Sounds busy? Maybe it is. But I just keep thinking about the magic that Valentine's was as a kid, with gooey cupcakes and conversations hearts, and just thinking there is no reason it should not be every bit as magical for us grown-ups.

Okay.... you got me there.
I do not always qualify as a grown-up.....
and I am proud of it.

But I am challenging myself, and challenging you, to relish in the season of sappiness this year.

My 1/2 Report

It came it went- and here are the gory details

2 days before. I wake up with a sore throat. Yes, I am sick. I am running sick.
Is that cramps? I am so blessed to have my ladies curse right now?
Really, universe? Oh well.

Day before- walk around Legoland all day dreaming of sleeping. Where will I find my energy?
Day of- can't sleep, so excited. Unbelievable lines for the bathrooms- I have to get in one. I am nervous- I smile for the camera (no that is not a side pony tail- that is another ladies hair behind my head). It is like a rally but everyone is athletic.....it is infectious. Can I hit my target time of under 2:45 (time predicted for my 5k pace of a 10 minute mile).

Race starts. Bands play, breeze flows, it feels great. I pass a lot of my wave and catch up with the 2:30 pacer. I get excited as I slowly pull in front of him. I feel sooo good. I go.

I run a few miles. Gotta pee, oh great.
See a small line and sweep out of the race to get in it.
Wait a few minutes..... wait a few more...there goes the 2:30 pacer past the porta-potty....
I take my squat and get back in the race, and never catch up to him.

I slosh water down, I wave at the sidelines, I want to cry for joy when I see my kids and hubby waiting to cheer and take my picture. I hit the turn around point, I shed my jacket...I run and run and run.

At mile 9 I toss my jacket to my kids and keep going. At mile 10 people start dropping. I see a girl puking. A grown man rubbing his calves, wincing in pain by the side of the road. At this point a lot of my wave starts walking. I keep running, but can tell I am slowing down.

I hit a down hill slop (thank goodness) it is mile 11.
I feel like someone is slapping the back of my legs, but keep going.
I feel good other than the leg thing...a good song comes on, I am getting blissfully emotional, I can see the last turn, and I want to cry I am so happy.

I take the turn and truck up the hill to the finish. I am so excited to grab my medal. My kids look proud as they gather around and hug and hold me.....
I did it.

After race- we walk in the nearby mall to eat. A random woman says "Hey, good job" when she sees my medal. I want to kiss her for noticing and tell her "I am not a runner! I did not run ever until 18 months ago! I did it all by myself!!!!" But I just say...."Thanks".
I go to use the restroom and fall onto the toilet. I have no strength left in my body.
Later that night- I skip on dinner to stay in bed. I have no energy to dry my hair or put on makeup. Hubby brings home dinner and chocolate cake. I feel euphoric, in spite of exhaustion.

Day after. CAN. NOT. WALK. Ouch. My legs hurt. I am suddenly proud of my 2:38 time, realizing I could not have gone faster without dying.

I moan and whine the whole drive home (10 hours). I pull myself up the stairs into bed and I am done.

Next day- I do two miles and feel good again.
Get a massage....
and I am back to normal.

Now, when can I run another one? I have to beat that lame-o time!

Gotta Run

2009 was the year I became addicted to running. I never thought it would happen.....

My relationship with running goes something like this. Mockery. Interest. Envy. Jealousy. Timid. Comfortable. Affectionate. Passionate.

This by no means indicates that I am a great runner. I waddle, I whine, and I only run outside in fair weather, but somewhere between mocking the idiots sweating on the streets and passionately craving a good day to slip on my shoes and head outside, I became a runner. Then the scale rewarded my running and I became excited.

I made a commitment and registered for a half marathon- and it is here. I will be running the course in Carlsbad along the shores and with the breeze this weekend.
I am doing it alone, which scares me more than anything, with no one to talk me out of walking and no stories to take my mind off which mile I am on.

I must have my ipod shuffle, my comfy Saucony shoes, and my pre-run puddings as part of my already well established running ritual.
I have to forget about the ankle that kept me down for a month. I must get over the ill-fitting temporary crown that attracts my tongue like a magnet. I must not worry that all of the runners I know were unable to join me.

Yes, I am scared.
but

I just gotta run.

art found at jillan tamaki

Where Women Create

Both the "Where Women Create" magazine and the blog have given those of us who create rooms to lust after for some time now.

My true coveting has been for this amazing crafters catch all, which seems to be a great solution for someone in a small place like mine. It would just be the perfect place to start....


Photo shows it closed, then how it opens up (you can check out videos and get pricing at scrapbox.com). This lovely workspace, however , would at least require a free WALL to put it up against, so for now I will just have to continue to be content with this


There may not be any walls (sheets hold the insulation out just fine, thank you) or heat, or even a finished floor, but somewhere between the suitcases, paint cans, and camping gear you will find me.
In my craft corner.
It's all mine.

Artsy Thoughts for 2010

I used to be 'artsy'. I remember as a teenager writing poetry hour after hour, sketching in a journal, and doodling in my magazines. As the new year rolled around last year I had just surrendered myself to the fact that I need to be artsy again. I feel so much better, so much happier, when I am creating or seeing what others have created.

As part of my 2010 resolutions I am determined to do more than surrender to the artistic side, I am going to nurture it. I am listing some of my dreams for the year and leaving them as a challenge to you.

The Easy Stuff:
Download music that stirs me- you know, the stuff you hum during the day and feel cool while you hear it playing....the kind of stuff that makes you feel like you are shopping in Anthropologie or Banana Republic. Or the stuff you sing to, or can't help but get up and dance. Be a kid again with music. Wear out a song.

Buy a magazine you have to have. The kind you carry around and dog ear pages and look up the websites of the people in it. Maybe it's an art magazine or photography or fashion or home...just find something to look at that makes your brain tingle. And then look at it.

The medium stuff:
Copy what you see. Buy a new picture or paint your own. Move your couch or cover a pillow. Go shopping and buy that scarf, those leg warmers, the flower for your hair that you loved but felt too silly to try before, and try it. Look at your nieces, your daughters, the girls who dare dress how they love. Try it.

Take a new photo, or spice up one you already love (like mine above). We take the time to love the beauty around us, let's take the time to make it better. Make a handmade card for friend...and send it. Write a note to your husband, and tuck it in the mirror for him to find. Make or say something lovely.

The hard stuff:
Commit to create and support.
I have joined a swap for Valentine's, and I did it late in the night while craving home in a hotel room. (Info on the sidebar). I am nervous, but after my swap with Becky for our Christmas tags, I have to move ahead and not be afraid to share and swap. If you absolutely don't create, then support someone who does. Go to ETSY and buy a necklace, an apron, a piece of art....just find something that moves you and buy it.

Buy a book. (My sister read The Artist's Way and I was so amazed at the things it inspired her to do). Buy something that will push you and prompt you and inspire you. Then do something, at least one or two things in it. I know life is busy, but these moments of creativity seem vital to me.

I am starting here, excited like a little girl melting crayons between wax paper or finger painting.....ready for the new year and this little commitment to see the world, and take part in, all the arts around us.

The great ideas from kids

One fabulous thing about being a parent is all the SUPER DOOPER ideas your kids have. I mean, just the other day I walked into my living room and there it was...the perfect ornament on my tree!
A PAPER AIRPLANE.....now why do I even spend money on decorations when I could just let my kids sit around and throw planes into my tree. They are going to do it anyway!

And while I am on the subject....why didn't I think of this great task when I asked my son to add "buying ice-melt" to my to do list


I mean really, giving $500 to my son sounds like an item that should be moved to the TIPPITY TOP of my priority list.


And for anyone who knows me well, you know what a struggle the LAUNDRY has always been. It just doesn't matter what I tell myself, keeping up with this task is a deed that haunts me. My sister over at Little White Attic gave me a handy list that tells the kids what you will be washing the next day, and then they just throw it in a basket and you start it in the morning. It is posted several places in our home:


However, since I have been slacking a little lately, well, not just a little, but a lot,I did it GREAT for a months or two, and now I am hit and miss (sorry, Lynnae! I am trying!), but not without a reminder of what a great idea it is.......

and yes, that is one of my son's GREAT reminder to me...."We need to start doing this again"...
really ....
WE?

Aren't kids great? I would have NEVER thought of that!

RamSam's Favorite things ~ 2009 Edition

Here it is, wait no more. The official list of my favorite completely random things, for your pondering and envy. There is still time to add at least one of these things to your list.



The Clavinova. From "Heart and Soul" with the kids to holiday songs with the family, we have only owned this baby a few months and it has brought me intense amounts of joy. Weird, because it wakes me up early and bothers my husband while he watches TV, but that is what the VOLUME CONTROL is for. If you love piano music and don't have a piano put it off no longer. Sheer, utter musical joy awaits you. Save your dollars and become a musical home.






Disclaimer- that is not me.
But I LOVE my ROXY flap pocket jeans. I have avoided ever putting any extra baggage on my toosh, as it has plenty of it's own, but these jeans sit in just the right place (wear a LONG shirt with them) and the pockets are like magic for my behind. I got a darker wash, and I love the way they look. Great for tucking in your winter boots or with a pair of converse and a t-shirt. Trust me on these!







Don't you love it when your hair smells delicious and clean all day long? (Or 2 days) This AVON shampoo has never failed me. After running out of my expensive stuff I bought this again, remembering I once loved it. One washing reminded me why. It is the BEST. I love the way my hair styles and love the way it smells. I hide it in the cupboard when I am done so my kids can't use it all up. It's the greatest stuff you will get for the price. Call your AVON rep today.







My Kenmore Progressive vacuum of 10 years finally died. My husband insisted on getting a GOOD one to replace it, and this is what we ended up with, A Dyson Animal. Although I don't believe in housecleaning items as gifts, this is like a Christmas treat for me. This thing gets it ALL up, and having just vacuumed before getting this and bringing it home I was kind of grossed out by what it still picked up. The clear tank is fascinating to watch fill, raising competitions over whose room has the most dust bunnies. Pricey, but already amazing and entertaining my family way more than a vacuum should.





Here is my nod to 7 Gypsies scrapbook supplies. (This photo from the letteredcottage.blogspot.com). I used to spend hours scrapping, eager to record my life. That has slowed down a lot, but now is more enjoyable. The creation phase is just as important as the production phase, and I love working on scrapbooks again. The cool ephemera and books and stickers...there is too much to mention. Plus, if you find a store cool enough to carry 7 Gypsies chances are they will have a lot of other cool stuff, too.





Lastly is the longest book I have ever read. (Wait, how many pages are in Anna Karenina?)
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. Now, I read 25 books this year (kept a list and checked it twice) but convinced my book club to tackle this book as a group, and loved it more than the first time I read it. A great story with lots of political statements that will leave you thinking, discussing, and asking all sorts of questions. I was politically dead before the first time I read this. Now there is no turning back. I recommend it to everyone, and yes...I know it's long. Quit whining. Read 100 pages a month and you will be done by next year at this time.

There you go- pick an expensive thing or a cheap thing from my list and get going. It took me all year to find these excellent finds for you!

Can't wait to see what we discover next year!

Peek inside my Holiday

I have a special guest that will meet you at my front door- as I have moved the wreath this year to make Frosty the official holiday greeter.



Here is where we'll gather to sing, or just sit and work our way through a Christmas song or two.......


Grab a book for a story, a hat for festivity, and a quilt...let's cuddle on the couch....

My tree topper is less flashy and more simple, and that is how I like her she pays tribute to my angel covered tree

Santa is visiting every room...beneath the tree and on the shelf

And finally, this little family found it's way to my home last year for Christmas, and I have had people come to my door asking where I found it (Walmart) because they love it so much. I must put it out first, just as my statement..... we believe.

There are more homes to see and more holiday spirit to be found. Just click on the Virtual Home for the Holidays Tour picture on my sidebar.

City Cutbacks in Hard Times

I know we have it rough in some cities. I get it.

But really, does that explain the need to cause panic and slam on your brakes when you see this
only to find it was for nothing?

I know you don't want a ticket, and I don't either. So take a closer look.....

Yes, that is right, that is NOT a real cop, but a beautiful mannequin.
What city needs mannequins to be their cops? (I won't tell you, but we passed 3 of them, in separate cities, on our last little road trip) And further more, why would you choose a CHICK mannequin fully made up?

And lest you think this gives you free reign to drive like an Andretti boy, think again.
Speckled throughout Arizona state are photo opportunities just waiting for you to speed, which we did. (Or, my husband did) and we were caught.....

I am so sad they blurred out my face, I bet I looked hot that day.

My husband always thinks he can safely drive over the speed limit just a bit and be safe, but this camera proved us wrong. $180 later I think our fees are paid, but my advice to you is SLOW DOWN (because I also got a ticket this year, but mine was from a good old fashioned REAL man-cop, apparently a rare find nowadays.)

The nice thing about the mannequins is that they never once gave us a ticket.

However I can say this: whatever form it comes in, paying for speeding just kind of bites.