“Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.” —Sir Winston Churchill 

I decided I really need (want) to get back into writing this blog. I took a break, much needed, but felt something is missing. I like to write. I write all day long (or think about it...). So, I'm not sure what will end up here...probably a little bit of this and that (so aptly named, no?)...Of course I decide this on the morning that starts one of the busiest weeks of our year - I mean really, why not?

For today I'm going to leave you with this. Sounds perfect - Art & Dessert Therapy! After the fireworks booth I think I may have a HUGE therapy session! YES!

This poster is one of the reasons I miss being on a University campus. Not that I participated in anything, ever, but because of how wonderfully unique the culture(s) is when so many people are thrown together for some higher(?) education.

AND when you find these fliers ^^^^^^^^^^ taped to a wall you think, "Yes. Go for it people." (Of course I won't go for it, but I will look up the website and send links to many people!)

In conclusion....

Have a great day friends.

And buy some fireworks! Set the sky ablaze with color!

“You can't stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” —Winnie-the-Pooh (A. A. Milne)

Where oh where have I been?  I wish I could say I've been off doing something fantastic, but really I've been here just doing the usual. Troy was sick for a week. I've been working, volunteering, spending time with family and friends. Life has been busy at times and quiet at times. Just doing a little bit of this and that.

I did have a FANTASTIC girls night out with two amazing women. We went to The Fireside. Amazing drinks, amazing food and amazing friends. What more could I ask for? If you are local or passing through the area you should really, really check it out!

I so want a cheese platter. I would like one nightly. My idea of bliss.

I obviously need to plan a little trip with my martini girls again soon.

I've been trying to decide where I want this blog to go. With Archer getting older there is less of an emphasis on him (his choice - I'm respecting that, but don't worry he isn't gone forever!), so I need to decide what I really want to do here. Maybe I'm over thinking it. Most likely. I have a tendency to over think sometimes...There will be a Mabel post in the near future. She's begging for it...Yay!


...and in closing I want to share this quote. I love it. It's one of those life lessons that I try to remind Archer of daily. Happy Day friends!

“The art of being yourself at your best is the art of unfolding your personality into the person you want to be...Be gentle with yourself, learn to love yourself, to forgive yourself, for only as we have the right attitude toward ourselves can we have the right attitude toward others.” —Wilferd A. Peterson

"I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." ~Rita Rudner

My husband is the best. Really. He's funny and quirky and I might just be the only person who could ever live with him. Well, me and Archer. Oh and his parents - but they got rid of him fast! :)

Sometimes he leaves stuff laying around.
You know like this:

and this:

But that is all good because he is kind and funny and smart and kids LOVE him. 

And...he's really helpful. Like he lets me know when sloppy joes for dinner would be a good idea. 

And...he's good with colors and clothes. I know, I know some of you who KNOW him think clothes? fashion? Troy? NO. But really, he is. He chooses to wear those clothes from the 1940s. I swear he can match stuff and make great outfits if he wants too!

Case 1: I come home from shopping with a new skirt, shirt, whatever.

Troy: It's nice. But you're never going to wear that.

Me: YES I am! (slightly indignant)

Fast forward a year (or so). I pull said garment out of the closet.

Me: I never wore this.

Troy: I know. I told you you wouldn't. 

In these cases I think he is undermining my freewill. Just saying.

Case 2: Recently I came home with two new tops in color (i.e. not black) - turquoise-ish and purple-ish/pink (I could ask Troy what colors they are but he isn't here). He takes one look and says that they are nice...and then he says what I'm really looking for...

Troy: The purple-ish/pink one will go with anything. Jeans, the green shorts, the brown shorts. The blue one with jeans and the brown shorts but NOT the green shorts. 

Me: Ya. I knew that about the blue one. Not with the green shorts. (Note to self: Do NOT wear the blue shirt with the green shorts!)

See? He's helpful. Although there are times that he will tell me something matches and is just wrong. He does not believe in pale pink and brown. According to him that shouldn't happen. Just in case you were wondering.

And...If anyone is wondering what Mabel looks like RIGHT NOW...

Poor girl lost her insides. She's getting 'em all redone. I'll have Troy update on that later.

Happy Monday friends!

"Sweet childish days that were as long as twenty days are now." - William Wordsworth

While Spring cleaning with Troy last weekend I found Archer's first pair of cowboy boots under the couch. I dusted them off and they are on a table in the living room now. And as I was dusting them off I thought of this picture, taken about ten years ago (he is wearing said boots and his Power Ranger jammies).

I love this picture. I love this quote. Last night on the way home from youth group two of the boys were talking about how time passes so much quicker now that they are "older" (ya, older at fourteen! Yikes!).

I know we can't slow down time or go back to visit this sweet little boy in his boots and jammies. Oh, how I'd like another day with my four year old boy. However, we can be present in the moment; cherish and be present in the days with the fourteen year old boy. Celebrate everyday we're given.

Happy Day!

“It always seems impossible until its done.”—Nelson Mandel

I'm having a TGIF type of Friday. Just happy to see the week come to a close.

Sick car. Sick computer. Sick kid. Bookend (long) meetings.

Meetings over. Healthy kid. New computer on the way (waiting right now for delivery). Fixed car.

All is well. Life is good.

*Prayers for a family who has a baby who is having seizures (in hospital as far as I know now and no known cause of seizures - scary) and has a toddler who broke her elbow last night would be much appreciated.

“After all these years, I am still involved in the process of self-discovery. It's better to explore life and make mistakes than to play it safe. Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.” - Sophia Loren

So, I finally filled up the hutch. I was (a bit more) inspired after I got out my regular kitchen valance which matches the napkins and place mats (above). I needed bright and cheery just like you all said (you all are SO smart! Thank you for your input.).

I fooled around while taking pictures, different settings, flash/no flash...Then when I looked at the photos I realized that none of them were very good, but really didn't want to go back and take more so you get to experience my experimentation.

One of my favorite things to do is put photos in little places through out the house. I find a photos and tuck them in places. I move them around...so many photos so little time. That's my Papa Bud up there in the gravy boat (that just sounds silly).

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. I bought these for my Grandma about 25 years ago. When I went to Minnesota as a child there was this Paul Bunyan park with a HUGE Paul that could talk and when I walked in he said, "Welcome Jerrie from Bellingham, Washington." It freaked me out. A lot. It took my grandpa quite some time to calm me down.

Well there it is. It's finished. Well almost. I like to move things around all the time so it's constantly evolving. And I'm thinking of making a little banner for along the top that might be fun.

It's a chilly day. I'm bundling up and heading out to run some errands.

Happy Day!

"We are all gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and adventure to discover our own special light." - Mary Dunbar

I love that this quote was in my inbox this morning. This is exactly what we've been telling Archer his entire life and I am happy to say that I really think that he gets this idea. He is unique and doesn't let anyone force him to conform to what they think he should be (that even includes his parents most of the time).

Anyway...Just wanted to share the quote.

Christmas Eve is in a couple days and the to-do list is long. What to do? What to do? Well right now I am deciding what not to do on the list. Seems logical to me. So, I am off to do or not do what is on the list!

Be the light of the world friends and enjoy the process!

“Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right'. Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.” - Napoleon Hill

This quote made it's way into my in-box today and spoke to me in that motivational way that resonates in your heart, but aren't sure where it will take you. Hope you enjoy it as well.

The picture is from a year ago today. I have to say that Archer no longer mows the lawn like this. Well, at least he hasn't for awhile. Last year I think he just tried to entertain himself during what he thought was a long chore, which in reality only takes about 20 - 30 minutes.

I had thoughts in my head for several posts over the past week, but none came. Hmmm...I'm feeling a bit unmotivated. I had a nice little piece written, in my head of course, for Mother's Day, however then Friday came and I was hit with a horrible Spring cold. Horrible. I spent the whole weekend (mostly) in bed.

So, I just want to say Thank You to my guys who took care of me this weekend. They cleaned the house, did yard work, made their own food, brought me Starbucks and flowers and most of all let me rest. I am on the mend, still not a 100 percent, but getting there.

Happy Monday friends. Remember, the time will never be "just right," - just DO! :)

oh another note? what the heck happened with my fonts today? aaaahhhhhhhh!!!

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” - Laozi

A few things I'm loving right now:

1. longer spring days
2. good books (I have been very fortunate in the book department lately. Go here and check out some of my latest reads).
3. great friends
4. a four day weekend (glorious!)
5. buds on trees
6. yummy drinks with a lovely friend tonight!
7. peeps. yep, the marshmallow kind. Yum!
8. tulips at the grocery store...splashes of spring
9. my new shoes 
10. a stack of new magazines waiting to be devoured
11. some new scrapbook supplies to create with
12. switching some stuff up at home to greet the new season(s)
13. paperbackswap.com 
14. friends who twitter (twitter is so much fun!)
15. cats who love to bask in the sun and pretend to be big, bad hunters until the birds are right in their space then they run! (that is the best!)

It's getting closer. When I drove by the bank the thermometer said 54 degrees. Spring is almost here. While I am one of the "snow" people (as in I don't hate it) I am ready for Spring. Longer, warmer days and new growth - what is not to love? 

“Count your joys instead of your woes; Count your friends instead of your foes.” - Irish saying

I like the saying above because it reminds me of Archer. He is pretty lighthearted and carefree. He is friends with most people he comes across and the few he doesn't get along with he doesn't fret over. Lots of joys and few foes. That is Archer.

I thought I would do a little this and that post about Archer today (as I had the cute picture taken when we went to Gig Harbor over the weekend.

Archer's {this and that}:
*watches That '70s Show every morning before school and sometimes after school
*has gotten really "into" music lately from today's Top 40 to our 80s faves to country to alternative to 60s & 70s...He has eclectic taste just like his mom and dad...Current faves - Word Up (yep, by Cameo) and You Spin Me Right Round (you really can't hear that one enough - believe me.)
*requests Shephard's Pie at least two nights a week for dinner. He loves meat, gravy and potatoes
*makes coffee at home and drinks his fair share
*loves animals
*sleepwalks still (kinda thought he might outgrow this)
*is learning to play cribbage from his Grandpa David
*likes playing all sorts of games. Of course he loves video and computer games (he is a WOW kid and Call of Duty? LOVES it). However, he also likes Monopoly (I hate it, but play it because I am working on that mom-of-the-year award), Clue, Blink (he always wins), and Jenga. However, he does not like Boggle at all!
*likes school - never complains about going. He actually thinks year round school sounds like a good idea.
*enjoys going to the eye doctor and dentist (so not my child)
*loves his family. He thinks all of his grandparents are cool - loves to spend time with them. He adores his aunt DeAnne and thinks uncle Alex is the best.
*likes to build things - wood shop is one of his favorite classes and is looking for wood to build his mom shelves over spring break or summer...first I have to decide what I want.
*he's a great kid that is growing up just way to fast. I drove by the high school yesterday after school and saw the flocks and it really dawned on me that that is where he will be next year. Makes me excited, sad, anxious, hopeful...all those and more.

Happy Wednesday friends!

“Dream your dream. Follow your heart. Imagine. Listen to the wind. Drink sunsets. Be free. Let the wonder never cease. Believe. Wish on every star. Create adventure. Be kind.” - Debbie Coulter

I have had a lot of thoughts running through my head lately. I've been trying to pin them down in writing either in my journal or my macJournal which is my super groovy computer journal. Love. it.

Thoughts that began with the new year and continued to grow, change, evolve with the loss of my grandma and the healing that has been happening. It is all good. Just new. Different. Change.

So, if I seem a bit off, a bit "touchy-feely," a bit introspective, a bit distant it is this inner change. All those things - introspection, distance are all a part of where I am right now. And it is good. I keep saying that. It is good. Because really my life is good. I am blessed. I am thankful for who I am, what I have, my family, my friends, my God. It is all good.

So, there we have it. A fair amount of words that don't really say much except that here I am changing! (and it is good...sounds a bit Martha huh?)

Thanks friends for your love, encouragement and support during the past few weeks. And, thanks for the nice comments on the "new" blog. I felt time for something fresh, fun, bold. Hope you enjoy!

Random. Who me?

In the absence of anything else to write I thought I would post here something I did on facebook a few days ago. The instruction was to list 25 random things about yourself. Some of you may have already read these...I could do this again...I keep thinking of randomness!

1. I was born and raised in Bellingham and I like it! :)
2. I tried moving once, to Tacoma, when I was 19...it lasted a month (a fun month really!).
3. I met and married my husband in less than a year. ;)
4. We are still happily married 14 years later.
5. I love coffee.
6. Specifically, a grande 2-pump Cinnamon Dolche non-fat latte from Starbucks
7. My best friend is also my cousin. I am very lucky.
8. Margaritas are fantastic.
9. So are Martinis.
10. I am a cemetery secretary.
11. I also am a substitute teacher and academic tester.
12. I really, really hate mustard! (thanks Andrea!)
13. My favorite foods are Thai and Mexican...oh and dips...I love appetizers.
14. Ok, I just love food. Eating is lovely.
15. I don't have a favorite color - I get joy from them all.
16. However, I have been loving orange lately.
17. I love Rocket Dog shoes.
18. I hate to shop for clothes.
19. I love my siblings. All of them.
20. Vegas is great.
21. I am a homebody.
22. Reading is one of my greatest pleasures.
23. I have a mild addiction to magazines that I am trying to break.
24. My house is usually a mess, but it is better than cleaning it.
25. My favorite "outing" is sitting with a friend or two sipping coffee and talking.

Thankful.

Last night around eight I went to facebook. This is nothing new. I probably spend too much time there. I wanted to change my status - it is almost an obsession. I didn't really think about it and wrote "Jerrie is thankful." It just came out. I wasn't even sure why. Then, Jodi, wrote "What u thankful for?" (in techno speak...love it!).

That made me think (thanks a lot Jodi!)...What am I thankful for? Huh.
My husband is home with a bad back. My son is home sick. My grandma is in the hospital with heart problems. Money is tight. I have several deadlines that are looming. My house is a mess (and I invited people over this weekend - still come please...the house may still be a mess though). And on and on.

So, what am I thankful for? I'm thankful for it all. For the little things. For the big things. I have a wonderful husband who is funny and kind and loves his family. The boy, while sick, is doing well - likes school, is fun to be with and loves his family and friends. My grandma, while still not doing great successfully made it through surgery yesterday and I will be able to see her today. I have a home. I have food. I have time to sit with a cup of tea, read a book, watch a movie, cruise blogs.

In short, there is so much to be thankful for if I stop and look at it right.

Thanks for stopping by...I am thankful for you my real-life dear friends, my blog friends, friends I haven't met. Thank you.

mish mash on Monday

"Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after."
- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

This is truly going to be one of those "this and that" posts. Not a lot going on here. Due to weather and attitude I haven't been out and about much. Been holing up and staying home.

1. On Saturday I went to my friend Susan's house for the afternoon. She is teaching me to knit. This is the start to my very first washcloth. I am almost finished with it now. I have to say, knitting is fun, addictive even. And anyone who knows me knows I love paper - the scrapbook store is like a little piece of heaven on earth. I can see the yarn stores becoming that way...I really can. This picture isn't great, it was taken with my cell phone, however it shows that a) I can knit and b) the cool orange/yellow/white yarn I picked up for my first project. Fun, fun. Thanks Susan!


2. I met my mom this morning at Starbucks. Gotta love that. She was up for the day, teaching CPR, errands, etc...So, before her busy start we met for a little breakfast, coffee for me (of course), and hot cocoa for her. I use to see my mom at least once a week and since she's moved it has been closer to once a month. I still drop by the house and see "the kids," however it is so not the same. I miss my mom, BUT here she is...today!

3. I just found out my grandma, my only living grandparent, had a mild heart attack sometime in the last few days, not sure quite when, but she is doing well and is in the hospital making nurses question their profession! The quote is for her. Grandma did NOT want that tea they gave her, she doesn't like tea, coffee for her (and of course my coffee-lovin' cousin did the duty and smuggled some in...naughty, naughty. I would never do such a thing. hahahehe!).

4. Big Love starts Sunday. HBO. Be there. 'Nuf said.

5. I found Shimmy on FitTV. Now that is some fun stuff. I am glad I am doing it in my living room...I do not think I should be doing this anywhere in public or even at home in front of people. I know my friend Katrina has done belly dancing classes - she is much braver than me. However, I am lovin' the shimmy at home.

Genius

This is marketing genius, don't you think?

Calling lard "snow cap" with a mountain and a heart makes me want to run out and buy some RIGHT NOW!

Let's thank my dear cousin, Lorinda, for sharing this. As she was walking through the grocery store she spotted this and whipped out her phone and shot me a picture. Gotta love that! 

Happy Wednesday! We have no school due to flooding/power issues. So, today is going to be a lazy, lounge-y day with a little bit of this and that thrown in for fun!

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." - C.S. Lewis

Did you know that January is National Hot Tea Month? It is also Oatmeal Month, Soup Month, and Prunes for Breakfast Month. However, Hot Tea Month appealed to me more so I think I may celebrate that. :)

You may remember my love of Yogi Green Tea from a previous post.  Want a free sample of Yogi tea? Go here. 

In addition to Yogi Green Tea I love the Pomegranate White Tea from Trader Joes and many types of Celestial Seasonings (White Pear - YUM), and a few from The Republic of Tea (Pomegranate Green, Cinnamon Plum, Kiwi Pear Green). I also have a fondness for plain ol' Lipton Black.

What is your favorite type of tea? Is there anything particular you like in your tea? Sugar? Honey? Please share...I love to find a new type of tea...although I think my cupboard is getting a tad full...better get drinking.

And now I am off to enjoy a cup of tea...I leave you with these words: Always sing from your heart (from my Yogi tea bag this morning).  Enjoy!

"I do think New Year's resolutions can't technically be expected to begin on New Year's Day, don't you? Since, because it's an extension of New Year's Eve, smokers are already on a smoking roll and cannot be expected to stop abruptly on the stroke of midnight with so much nicotine in the system. Also dieting on New Year's Day isn't a good idea as you can't eat rationally but really need to be free to consume whatever is necessary, moment by moment, in order to ease your hangover. I think it would be much more sensible if resolutions began generally on January the second."  ~Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones's Diary

I love this quote. I love this book. So funny.

As I have said before I don't make resolutions. You can refer here - I have the same sentiments...and  here...for one of my (many) favorite poems. 

I have selected a word for this year, as I did last year and the year before. I will share that sometime next week. Right now I am enjoying relaxing before we get back in the (school) swing of things. I am not ready. There I said it. I know most parents are eager at this point to send their kids back, but I'm not. Maybe it is because I only have one (plus one or two or more that have been here daily except Christmas), I don't know, but we have had a nice break and I feel like it shouldn't be over quite yet. 

Happy 2009 all!

"If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you." ~Gladstone, 1865

I love mornings like today...where I wake up earlier than the rest of the family, I'm not overly tired (although I anticipate a nap later), where I can sit on the couch with a cup of tea and enjoy the morning. I like a little time to adjust to a new day, most of the time I have to wake Archer after I've been up for ten minutes, so vacation days are heavenly for me.

This morning I made myself a cup of tea (contrary to popular thought I drink tea first thing in the morning - the coffee, oh-the-blessed coffee, comes later), I sat on the couch in the quiet with my book. Delightful.
I love Yogi green tea. Not only does it taste divine, I love the little bits of wisdom with each cup of tea. What a nice way to start the morning.
Things are getting back to normal around here. Not sure what normal is, but I guess we'll find out. Troy is off to work today. I will begin the un-decking of the halls. While I absolutely love Christmas decorations it is time to get the house back...I will keep up some winter things - snowmen and a few glittery do-dads that make me happy - to give us cheer during the after Christmas lull. Archer will continue to enjoy his Christmas break - no doubt with some friends over, video games, Monopoly if he can find some sucker to play with.

Have a great Monday. May your day be filled with kindness!

"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." Margaret Cousins. 

You may have noticed this picture on my sidebar and in my blog at other times...the reason is I love it. :)

I was surprised when I signed on and saw that I haven't posted since Tuesday. I thought to myself that you all must think I have nothing else to be grateful/thankful for...I think you may be feeling a bit sorry for me. Don't worry, you don't have to - I'm fine, really! While the week has been full, it hasn't been any fuller than any other week. I've just allocated my time in different ways over the past several days. It is funny though, how if I haven't written to you all for awhile how I miss it. It takes me a bit then to get back in the groove and decide what it is I want to say. And quite honestly I'm not sure what I want to say yet. How about a few things I am thankful for:

1. my guys. I love being home with them. I love coming home and having them both here. We have a lot of fun as a family. We laugh, we talk. We all get along really well (even though Archer is a teenager and Troy is...well...Troy - haha). I am blessed that this is the family that I have been given.
2. coffee. Really, do I need to say more?
3. my little sibs - Alex and DeAnne. I am thankful that as they have gotten older that we can talk, hang out, just be together. They are both fun, have unique personalities and almost always answer my phone calls or texts.
4. my computers. I really like them both. They keep me connected, in touch with so many others. I am thankful that I live in a time where we have technology that helps us stay connected or reconnect with people. I think of my computers as a tool for friendship that just happens to house my photos and lets me play games! :)
5. coffee. I think that I need coffee. What do you think?

Have a fantastic Saturday. I am off to organize/go through my Christmas things in the garage. If you don't hear from me soon you may want to call search and rescue. Thanks.

Happy November!

As November rolls around I am finally feeling "in the swing" of autumn. My body and mind have adjusted to the cooler weather, darker mornings. I have enjoyed watching the leaves swirl down off the trees and all the glorious colors only this season brings. Looking forward to another month of splendid autumn (then the winter/autumn begins and while I enjoy it - I love the snow don't hate me - the rest of technical autumn doesn't have the same feel).

I like November. For me it is a perfect mixture of quiet, relaxing days and days filled with fun and joy. Of course I look forward to Thanksgiving at the end of the month as well as many birthdays (Troy & Lorinda turn 37 this year - I'm just sayin' is all). However, for the most part the days are "normal" - home with the family, coffee with friends.

A few days ago I shared a quote on gratitude and it seems like November is really a perfect time to really reflect on being thankful and gracious. A month to slow down and remember/reconnect with what is important. I plan on sharing some of my favorite collected quotes on gratitude and thankfulness this month and share some of what I am thankful for as well - from the big stuff (family, friends, health) to the little stuff (no red lights in B'ham -haha, coffee )...I have started many gratitude journals, you know the ones that are suppose to be filled out daily, and usually only get a few days in before I forget to fill out a day, then two...you see where this is going. So, I am hoping to document a month here. We will see.

I love this quote:

“He who can give thanks for little will always find he has enough”

Today I am thankful for: Horton who is home and healthy at this time, green tea, and my electric kettle from Starbucks.

So, to you all I wish you a wonderful November!

p.s. photo is by my dear mother-in-law, Lee, taken in her garden