Random bits of Lovely

It's been a while since I linked to Cindy at Romantic Homes, and every time I do it challenges me to find something pretty to look at- not that my glamour shot below isn't absolutely gorgeous, but still...... I want to play in this link up, so here are a few little bits of lovely.

What is about dolls, vintage toys, and babies? This little bit has all three, how can you go wrong? A charm for a friend made in blog land, with a handmade envelope and label to greet her. It is nice to send something off to someone you know will appreciate it.
A photo of my charm, with a cool little charm necklace my husband bought home for me from Korea.


And finally, a quick home Do-It-Yourself tip that any girl can handle.

How to replace the hole in your poor, tattered, cottage's wall that your son made by practicing his throw against it Start by measuring the hole. This is very important, as you will see here.

You need to make sure it is covered

by the star on sale at your local decor store.

See, now doesn't that look better?

Glamour Shot Confession

If you came to read about my cruise- scroll down and read below (just pretend you are interested).

If you came to see me humiliated in the glamour shot closet confessions carnival hosted by Kristina P.- look no further. RamSam glamour girl, Circa 1991
The worst part of this whole scenario is the fact that I had the audacity to buy a LARGE POSTER of this shot and give it to my boyfriend, it was his Christmas present, and I was beside myself with love when I got these photos- and gave them to him.

I am sure his parents were completely creeped out by it. He did return it when we broke up, later. I believe I threw it away when I moved out.

Maybe someday I will grace you with my Olan Mills senior photos. Maybe.......

I had forgotten about this photo, until Kristina's post came along.

To see more glamour hotties follow the link on her blog!

Cruising through Life

I am now officially jealous of anyone going on a (warm) cruise. We returned last Sunday from our week of indulgence, and it still feels like a beautiful dream.
Now, I am not going to go through a play by play of the week, because it would take too long and I am pretty sure you really aren't interested. Instead let me hit you with a few highlights and the best and worst of the trip.
A few unexpected pleasures:
Waking at 5:00 am because I wanted to see a sunrise. No alarm, no plan, just a childish excitement to see the sun rise over Mexico. My hubby joined me on the front deck and we had the sunrise all to ourselves.
Seeing my hubby in flip flops and beach shorts. Cutest thing. Ever. He is a self-proclaimed flip-flop hater, so this was new for me.
How fun it would be to dance with Alexander, our waiter from Croatia, as he forced himself to dance through the dinner entertainment. He hated it, but after one night of me and my sisters dancing like maniacs by his side (how do you just sit for "Apple Bottom jeans...Boots with the Fur...") he waved us to his side after that. "Jai Ho" has never been so fun.
How great it would feel to be rocked to sleep by waves. Mmmm. Best sleep I have ever had without medication.
How blissful no cell phone could possibly be. No kids. No work calls. No e-mails or texts dinging. Just me and him...... and lots of food and sunshine. Paradise.

Small disappointments:
I did not swim as planned. The pools on the boat were cold. The hot tubs were not near hot enough for my liking, and while the sun was there for me, I was sad I couldn't frolic in the pool like I had hoped to.
The cruise photos were a rip off. From the Photos by Deb instructions, to the glossy Olan Mills prints, the photos on this cruise were pathetic. The lighting was horrible, and most of the ones I thought I would break down and buy for 20 bucks- were hideous. Good thing we took a lot on our own.
My sea legs were unbearable. I was swaying for 5 days after we got off the boat. It got worse on day 2 and 3, so bad I couldn't run one day. I had to stop and walk because I felt like the road was moving. I am so glad it has stopped! There were a lot of fabulous moments. From dinner with my sisters and parents (above), to what felt like endless shopping (both on the ship and the port), card games, Karaoke, delicious food, amazing chocolate cake, room service, dancing until 1 in the morning, giggling with my sisters, sightseeing in Mexico, zip lines and rock walls, holding hands and laying in the sun....there is just too much to say.


If you need a vacation let me just say this- for us, the cruise did not disappoint.

Gather round for Conference

For my fellow Latter Day Saint families I have wanted to share a little tradition our family does for conference, we have been doing it for several years now.

Each Conference season we pick a new puzzle for our family to work on. Over the years we have gotten quite efficient, cracking the puzzle on Saturday morning and setting a goal to finish it by Sunday night. I clear the living room and move our dining table in front of the TV, complete with goodies and munchies galore- free for the taking, IF you are helping with the puzzle.

As you can see we are still in jammies, hair undone and sodas already cracked. From the looks of the photo, this was Sunday afternoon, with the puzzle almost finished.

My kids are always excited to see what puzzle I pick out for us. (this was a Walter Wick puzzle, one of the displays we saw at an art museum)

Okay, turn your head to look at the puzzle. I have uploaded it 5 times and it keeps flipping it, regardless of the fact it is normal on my computer. *

The family loved this puzzle, plus it had a few "I SPY" elements or hidden goodies to find. Sometimes we will do a place we have been or a place we want to go. We get competitive, too, complete with a 'tap' of a piece, to let others know you are having success at your corner.

I will be the first to say it isn't perfect.

There may be bickering over which section of the puzzle someone gets to sit by, or who gets to finish the edge.....

But I have been amazed how this has changed our conference weekend. I have seen my kids get into the talks, commenting and talking about it with me as we work quietly. I have felt like we are growing closer and making memories, instead of 'shushing' each-other form across the the room. Most important, we all stay awake, eager to finish what we have started- and while there around the table together, gentle lessons are learned and vital conversations had.

I love our puzzle weekend, and just wanted to take a minute to write about how great it has been for our family.

This year I am boarding a cruise on conference weekend, hoping I get time to catch up with my DVR and the spiritual messages shared when I get back in town. I was surprised at how disappointed my kids were that we would miss our puzzle weekend. We may just have to make it up another Saturday, soon. It is satisfying as a mom to think they even care.

Me and My Big Mouth

(At the St. John's Chapel where Patrick Henry gave his "Liberty or Death" speech)

Well, political friends, tonight was the caucus meeting for my state and district. I showed up ready to hear what everyone else had to say, maybe contribute a thought or two, vote, take names of who is accountable for future reference, and head home.

I was among friends and strangers both, but everyone was there with a purpose- make a change in our leadership. Before I knew it, my name was nominated...and voted for...and won.

I am now a district delegate for the state and county conventions, AND the treasurer/secretary of my district.

Okay...keep breathing.

I want to be overwhelmed, really I do, but I just can't. I can't feel stressed or burdened. I can't force myself to feel nervous.

I feel great. I keep thinking about seeing this image in the Smithsonian:

This photo was taken as the original Star Bangled Banner toured the country after the battle of 1812. I stood at the feet of that flag and I tell you, it was nothing short of sacred. Singing the The Star Spangled Banner is a whole new experience for me, and the things I saw while on my "Freedom Tour" last year are still fresh on my mind.

I am bothered by 'representatives' that don't represent. I am bothered by a Congress that feels they know better than the people, and a President that feels he knows better than the people, and the whole lot of them, with the media tucked in their pocket telling the people they aren't smart, informed, or elite enough to know what is best for them.

I am searching for a Thomas Jefferson......anyone, from any state, who is not afraid to 'swear on the altar of God' that they will be willing to defend tyranny. For me, sitting in the Jefferson Monument, reading the Bill of Rights, pondering his God fearing words, was truly spiritual, inspirational, and sacred.
Could we visit the floor of the House today and feel it a sacred place? Would our national leaders vow to honor God, morality, or even the CONSTITUTION, and then vote true to their WORD?

This is why I have no qualms about being a delegate. I can't wait to actually have a voice, and talk to people, and encourage people to wake up.

It isn't much, I know, it won't change the country..... but it may change the voice my district sends to speak for us.

And if every district in the nation has people like me getting involved, and sending new representatives who are ready to listen to the people into Congress...well, then, now you see, that is how differences are made.

Why I Must Have Books

As a little girl I remember adoring the books in our home. I couldn't wait until I was old enough to understand the gothic love stories by Dorothy Eden (read them when I got old enough), but spent time flipping through old college text books of my mother's, or reading from a yellowed page fairy tale book. Both of my parents tend to hoard books, and it was a pleasure to study strange things like hypnosis, iridology, or pioneer stories in the cold basement of our home.

Babysitting money was saved for trips to the bookstore in the mall, and when that was not an option the Bookmobile came to the rescue of our little rural town on the hill.

I must have been about 14 when I checked out something different from my usual fare of teen romance. It was called Killing Mr. Griffin.

I couldn't put it down. I hurt for the teenagers responsible for a teacher's death....I hated the mean teacher (who was the spitting image of my cruel science teacher at the time)......I was disturbed and moved. It awakened a need for unusual stories in my life, a need I still enjoy satisfying.

Sometimes I read stories to relax and get away. Sometimes to glean a bit of spiritual or political knowledge, but mostly, I read to think and be surprised. I love books that make me cry, books that make fall in love again, and books that I am sure would offend any morally responsible woman.

The last book I read, The Guernesy Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, is a celebration of the written word. It is a novel compiled of letters to and from a variety of characters. I fell in love with all of them, (even the mean snippety neighbor) and found the historical elements the icing on a cake of beautiful people living beautiful lives. It is a simple and understated novel that moved me. While reading I kept thinking back to stories I have read, times books have helped me transcend my lot, books that have changed behavior, and books that have made me a better person.

I am truly sorry when someone tells me "I don't really read much..." it is like a stab to my heart. Like a person who is not really alive.

I buy books. I trade books. I quote lines from books and copy sentences into my book about books. I give away books and judge covers of books. I drive my husband mad with all the books I am so sure we need.

I am not the brightest reader around, that I will admit freely. But I am fierce about the books I love, I dare say, that is just as good as being intelligent.

To see more of my reading obsession check out my Shelfari page. If you are on this site, please make me a friend so I can see what's keeping you up at night.

Swap your unwanted books at paperbackswap.com and keep every books in people's hands!

Sunscreen Optional

I know that 'sunlight' is practically a dirty word these days.

It is up there somewhere with plastic grocery bags and Sport Utility Vehicles to a lot of super savvy folks who, I am sure, are a lot smarter than a silly girl like me.....BUT.....

I love the sun.

When I travel with my husband you can bet my first questions will be What is the temperature there? and Is there a pool?

I get giddy over packing up to head to the pool for a day. Ipod, magazine, new book and tanning lotion in hand. There is something about the smell of water, wet cement, and coconut tanning oil that makes me feel like a kid again, without a care in the world to trouble me. I have reached the super intelligent conclusion that it is because I worshiped the sun as a little girl.

Warm days were spent at Grandma's pool in West Covina with the palm trees barely fluttering in the breeze. I would lay with my head in my arms and watch my skin get darker, like a badge of honor in relaxation.

I would let my hair dry crazy and curly, fascinated over it's lighter streaks that peeked out. In the pool I was a mermaid or weightless ballerina, and my short curly hair was magically longer and silky. The pool meant playing, thinking, imagining, and escaping.

That's me, in the middle. Oh, how I loved that patchwork swimsuit.

It's funny, because I know as adults we can pine over the 'not so perfect' bits of our childhood, but seeing the smiles in this picture and thinking about days by the pool with my family, usually singing and dancing as well as swimming, just remind me of how wonderful the sunshine filled everyday moments really are...

........which is why I am on the eternal quest for sunshine and a pool.

Sunscreen optional.

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!