Confessions of a Jewelry Designer

Life Lessons

2012-02-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

I have learned some very good lessons of late. This is definite proof to me that we never, ever, no not ever, stop learning. While some of these lessons have been some of the most beautiful and profound moments of my life, others have been some of the most difficult and borderline tragic. The following bullet points my newest AHA moments:

Life is fragile. This was demonstrated acutely in my dad’s cancer diagnosis.

There are always new beginnings, even when you don’t think that it will ever happen.

Inner soul reflection helps to heal old wounds that were paralyzing for the past 25+ years.

You never know how many people your life touches and influences. My family has been flooded with love, care and concern, from directions I never would have imagined or guessed.

Friends, true friends, stand by your side right through to the end. They take the bullet with you, and sometimes for you. But they never ever leave your side. I have been blessed with a couple of those in my life.

Love comes when you least expect it. You can be in sweats, and love sees you in your ball gown.

I usually try to see the good in everything. I am a cup half full sortofagal. I am a “find the lesson” in each experience kind of a person. And each one of these things noted above has taught me an incredibly valuable lesson - - - I cannot be in control of all things in my life. I cannot control that my dad has cancer. I can’t make it better. I can however learn that love pours out all over you from places and people you didn’t even know, to lend comfort and teach you that life is meant to be shared.

I have learned to let go of survival conditioning behaviors that have impeded my ability to love fully. I have learned what a true friend is. This was a very painful lesson, but one necessary to understand and recognize that truth comes in several forms. I will never forget this lesson. And finally, and most importantly, love. True love. Love that sees you in your ugly but views you in your perfection. Having found that, maybe for the first time, I want to hang on to it. I think I will hang on for at least forever.

An old boss of mine told me that these types of experiences are opportunities to build character. I remember at the time telling him, “But Kent, I already have a good character!” He was right. He was right indeed. My character, my moral fiber, my spirit, have all been built, shaped, and influenced significantly over the past few months. My life, my heart, my spirit will never be the same. And you know what? I am glad.

Cinderella

2012-01-11T15:10:00.000-08:00

In this whirlwind ride of challenging times ahead with my dad, it is difficult to keep my head and wits about myself. While I want to believe I really have my finger on the pulse of my every waking moment I, unfortunately, do not. And I may think I behave or react or respond in a certain way because of certain things, perhaps that isn’t at all why. I think that sometimes as much as I would like to think I have it all together, there are times when it feels miserably broken. I am not good at broken. And it is in those moments wherein I feel like a 6 year old; vulnerable, lost, and scared.

I have only then to look at this:

And then I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that my life is good. My life is happy. I may be turning the big five ohhhh, but my life is not over. I realize that I am not Cinderella (as much as my dad thinks that I am), but I really do want to live happily ever after.

Facebook Status

2011-12-07T20:56:00.001-08:00

Don't you find it comical sometimes how we have become so wound around Facebook? Me included. I have found out more about people who I went to high school with than I think I probably ever wanted to know. And at one point I also found it funny that people would change their relationship status. I had been in relationships and I didn't find it necessary to change my status on Facebook to let everyone know about it. That was until yesterday.

Yes, I changed my relationship status on Facebook. I went from being single, to being in a relationship. I guess I never really got it before. I get it now. I want everyone to know, and it is true....it's on Facebook afterall.

The Ugly Word

2011-11-30T21:45:00.000-08:00

There are several words and phrases that we don't say at my house. We don't say "shut up". We don't say "you're stupid". And we absolutely don't say "I hate you".

All those words are ugly words.

But there is no word more ugly, frightening, or painful as the word cancer. That word was spoken in my family this week. Our family is shaken, however nothing rocks the Root foundation. We will not crack. We will not break. We will stay strong, stay bound to one another, and love one another right through it all. When one feels broken, the other will step forward to bear the burden. And through it all we will pray, love, laugh, pray, hold hands, listen, and pray. And at the end of the day we will know that God is good and He is in control.

I love you daddy.

Go/NoGo

2011-10-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

In my day job the term Go/NoGo is used daily. In this context it refers to whether or not we chase a project. There are several factors that weigh into that decision like size of the project, potential gross margin, and local experience in that area. We look at all the criteria, and based upon a weighted scale, we decide Go/NoGo.

I have always been rather fond of Ben Franklin’s decision making model. I use this model in most key decisions that I make. To say I am fond of it, well let me just lay my cards on the table…. I have a spreadsheet. There, you happy?

The basis of the model is really rather simple. You frame the decision in the form of a question, something that is answerable in either a yes or no regarding a course of action. Then you list the pros and cons, attaching a 1-10 importance rating scale to each of them. The next step is to assess the probability of the pros and cons by attaching a number to it. If the outcome is certain, then it would rate a 10. Once I have weighted, and assessed the probability, then I pretty much press GO on my spreadsheet and it magically multiplies the weight by the probability and totals the Pro and Con columns. Sometimes I will even weigh in my gut feeling. I am sure that Ben would have done this too. In the end, the decision really comes down to simple math.

Sometimes these decisions put us at a crossroads in our lives and the decision, when weighty, really feels too big for the spreadsheet ~ and logic really doesn’t seem to be the appropriate approach to these decisions. What then does one do? Ask Marge – she would say “pray”. Ask Jen, she would say “go with your gut.” Ask Cindie, and all I can say is that I wish it were as simple as an algebraic equation.

Baking Divas

2011-10-19T09:18:00.001-07:00

One of those things that I am working toward with my grandkids is instilling a few of things:
1. Grandma’s house is a fun place to be
2. The importance of laughter and having a good sense of humor
3. Baking is a staple of life
4. Singing songs makes the time fly by and lightens our heart
5. Nothing beats a good nap

This past weekend, all of the above was accomplished, save the nap part.

We started our adventure by heading to The Chicken Nugget Place, AKA McDonald’s Playland. Perfect. Much to this grandma’s dismay there were 58 (okay not that many) snotty nosed kids with dirty hands playing in the middle of the big play toy. Eeewww. I just bathed them in hand sanitizer when they got back to the table. It went something like this:

Maycie: Grandma did you see that boy with dirty hands?
Me: Ummmm, which one? They all had dirty hands.
Maycie: The one who was picking his nose.
Kayla: Gwwwoooosssss
Me: Let’s go outside and hose you two down.

Then it was back to the house for our cookie baking adventure. This time I introduced the art of …. Stirring….

And here you have my baking divas. Their grandma wouldn’t be caught dead in an apron, but I’ll be darned if they didn’t look precious!

Happy Fall!

The Rules of a Lady

2011-10-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

No.1 - Play hard to get.
No.2 - Be the woman a man needs, not the woman that needs a man.
No.3 - Always accept a compliment.
No.4 - If he leaves or gives up on you, remember, it’s his loss. Not yours.
No.5 - If he doesn’t respect you, then you deserve better.
No.6 - You’re beautiful and no one has the right to tell you you’re not.
No.7 - Don’t fall for a guy who isn’t willing to catch you.
No.8 - Embrace your flaws and be true to who you really are.
No.9 - Never lose faith in finding your perfect someone.
No.10 - Cover up. Being a mystery is sexier than showing off every inch of yourself.
No.11 - Being single doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you’re strong enough to wait for what you really deserve.
No.12 - The little black dress is a classic for a reason.
No.13 - A real lady holds her head high, but never her nose.
No.14 - Never underestimate the power of a warm greeting.
No.15 - For the love of decency, never chew with your mouth open.
No.16 - A lady knows her limits no matter what, stick to your guns.
No.17 - If you expect him to give you girl time, expect to give him guy time.
No.18 - A subtle, yet noticeable lip bite possesses exceptional power. Use with caution.
No.19 - True beauty comes from within. Ask Marge, she always told me this.
No.20 - Confidence is sexy.
No.21- Never let a man define you. Be amazing on your own.
No.22- Don’t get your hopes up, don’t let your guard down.
No.23- If you’re not worth the trouble then he’s not the worth the time.
No.24- Be refined, polite and well-spoken.
No.25- Act like a lady, think like a man.
No.26- Be classy & fabulous always.
No.27- Always be yourself around him. If he can’t accept you for your quirks, then he’s not worth it.
No.28- Remember; if he wants to, he will.
No.29- Your dresses should be tight enough to show you’re a woman, but loose enough to show you’re a lady.
No.30- If you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best. -Marilyn Monroe
No.31- Never regret something that once made you smile.
No.32- A true lady doesn’t start fights, but sure knows how to finish them.
No.33- Do not stereotype guys; they’re definitely not all the same.
No.34- Always classy. Never trashy. Just a little nasty.
No.35-If you don’t stand up for yourself, no one will.
No.36-Never underestimate the power of a name. Use them. Be remembered.
No.37- You can never be beautiful unless you’re happy.
No.38- Always have a comeback.
No.39- One can never be too classy.
No.40- If he does not have a chance, tell him. Don’t lead him on and make him think that he has a chance when he does not.
No.41- To the world you may just be one person, but to one person you may be the world.
No.42- Don’t wait for Prince Charming to come and save you. Remember, being independent is more attractive to men.
No.43- If you love him, tell him. Chances are, he’ll feel the same about you.
No.44- Flirt with him enough to show your interest. But tease him enough to make him chase you.
No.45- You will never find the right guy if you are looking for the wrong reasons.
No.46- Never turn around to look back. Without doubt, he’s still looking at you.
No.47- No man is worth your tears, and the one who is won’t make you cry.
No.48- Beauty gets the attention, but personality gets the heart.
No.49- A sincere smile is a lady’s most beautiful feature.
No.50- It’s better to be hated for who you are than be loved for someone you’re not.
No.51- Don’t just expect to find love, wait and it will come.
No.52- A guy doesn’t ever have to be more than a friend, sometimes things are better that way.
No.53- You shouldn’t need to raise your voice. If you’re dealing with a person who won’t listen unless you speak forcefully, then they aren’t worth dealing with.
No.54- Never apologize for what you feel. It’s like saying sorry for being real.
No.55- A man willing to do anything just to place a smile on your face is one worth keeping.
No.56- Be happy. Someone could be falling for your smile.
No.57- Never make a man a priority in your life if you are just an option in his.
No.58- A lady should be able to make a man smile with her clothes on.
No.59- Talk loud enough so people can hear you, but soft enough so he’ll have to lean in closer.
No.60- Never show you’re intimidated, it shows weakness.
No.61- Remember; the treasure doesn’t do the hunting.
No.62- Make a man fall for your intelligence, not for your body and your double Ds.
No.63- Always act like you are wearing an invisible crown.
No.64- Respect from others come from self-respect.
No.65- “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
No.66- It’s better to know and be disappointed than to never know and always wonder.
No.67-Being intelligent is sexy, don’t play stupid.
No.68- Take a risk, even if you fall. Because if that’s what you really want, it should be worth it all.
No.69- When asked for suggestion, don’t be afraid to give your opinion. Being assertive is an attractive feature, indecisiveness is not.
No.70- You were born an original. Don’t become a copy.
No.71- “A wise girl kisses but doesn’t love, listens but doesn’t believe and leaves before she is left.” -Marilyn Monroe
No.72- If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn’t want you, nothing can make him stay.
No.73- Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius. It’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.
No.74- If he’s willing to cheat with you, he’s willing to cheat on you.
No.75- Crying does not mean you are weak. Not crying does not mean you are strong. Never be afraid of being yourself.
No.76- Every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway. So always dress your best and walk with confidence.
No.77- Success is the best revenge.
No.78- Never be afraid to love. You’ll sabotage yourself without knowing.
No.79- The moment you stop looking for something, you will find it.
No.80- It’s better to be alone and dignified, than to have companionship and be taken advantage of.
No.81- Beauty is about living your life and being happy with yourself inside and out. Not worrying about what people think of you.
No.82- Don’t let doubt cause you to ignore your heart. Trust your heart.
No.83- Yelling during an argument means you’ve already lost the fight.
No84- Remember that if you give a second chance you’re saying that you have forgiven his past. Don’t keep holding it against him.
No.85- Don’t be upset and caught up in something you cannot change. Instead, move on and smile. You deserve to be happy.
No.86- Your smile is the sexiest curve on your entire body.
No.87- Love never fails. If it fails, then it’s not love.
No.88- Be generous with expressions of gratitude such as: ‘Thank You’ and ‘I appreciate that’.
No.89- If there is anything a lady should blow, it should be his mind.

Perspective

2011-10-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

It is absolutely crazy to think that in this very second, right now, some one is dying; someone is cheating on their wife, someone is writing a suicide note, someone just lost their daughter, someone just got diagnosed with cancer, someone just got in a car accident, someone just found out they’re pregnant, someone just took another person’s life, someone hasn’t talked to their dad in years, someone is abusing their spouse, someone is signing divorce papers, someone just committed suicide. Right there in that very second, all of that happened somewhere out there in the world, and I am worrying about the rain??? Gaaaaa!

Keep Perspective.

Love

2011-10-11T11:34:00.001-07:00

Yes.... these are my rose colored glasses.

My Boy

2011-10-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

I was talking to my oldest daughter yesterday and she was telling me about Brandon, my grandson, her baby boy. She said "Mom, I don't know what it is about him, but it is different. I feel different about him than I do the girls. It isn't that I love him more. It is just different."

I can relate. I seriously can relate. My girls were/are my loves. But there is just something about my boy. I don't know what it is, but it is different. J'Amy's words rang so true that it just caught me so off guard, and made me ponder. What is it that connects me sooooo to my Jake. Bottom line is.... he is Jake, and he is mine, and he is perfect...to his Mama.

Random Island Pics

2011-10-07T20:43:00.000-07:00

So, I was going through my Hawaii pictures and sometimes I just took pictures of random things that just caught my eye. Here are a few:

The rusty handrail that was falling apart, but it kept you from a couple hundred foot drop off.

I really think this must have been the original Garden of Eden

Everything covered in moss that could have moss growing on it. Except of course my water shoe clad foot.

Beautiful mist spraying over the rocks

A gorgeous hybiscus. Man they were beautiful.

Can you see vacation on my face? Yes, I am sure it is there....

Island Food Experiences

2011-10-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

While in Hawaii we had so many great food experiences, whether it was at Matsumoto’s in Hale’iwa where we had incredibly yummy shaved ice…. Yes, I will take mine with Lilikoi, Coconut, and Mango flavoring please, and could you just put that incredible sweetened milk on the top and yes, I will have the splash guard. Thank you.
To Kahuku Grill on the North Shore.
Let me tell you, this place is faaaamous!! Even the Governor of my humble state of Utah thinks it’s great. They even have his picture as an endorsement hanging on the front of the restaurant, along with his “Vote for Gary Herbert for Governor” picture.

But by far and away our most incredible dining experience was Mama’s Fish House located in Pai’i. OGM (inside joke that was had by all on the trip) it was fabulous. The views were amazing.

I walked the shore and picked up a few shells that were really absent everywhere else on the island. But don’t let me kid you….this picture really isn't about the shells - - - it is all about the bracelet! An amazing piece that I invested in while on the Island.

The flower arrangements inside …. Stunning. They even arranged flowers on the toilet....Seriously....
The décor was incredibly eclectic. We were all fairly certain that the gentleman in the photo, dark hair, back to me, was someone famous… we weren’t sure who, but Al pretty much confirmed he was a character actor in….well something.

Dinner was scrumptious….something that I know the Pioneer Woman couldn’t have even accomplished. Do I look happy? OGM, it was amazing!

He Would Be So Proud

2011-10-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Last night as I drove home from Ashley and Drayton's new little nest, I was struck by the gut wrenching though that he would be so proud of them.

On Saturday night the girls got together and did a Halloween crafting marathon extravaganza. They made a myriad of different decorations.

As I pulled out of Ashley's driveway, and looked at the front of her house with the witch's legs hanging down from the soffet of the house, I thought to myself, "they didn't get this from me." The girls both share a love for this season that was given to them as a gift from their father. Even though he never really told them how much he loved them, I know that he did.

For as much as I take great joy and pride in my girls knowing that, for the most part, I raised them on my own. I have only to look at them, especially during this time of the year, and know that he is just as much a part of them as I am .... and you know what? I am glad. They got the very best that he had to offer, and I am glad.

And even though he never really told them how proud of them he was, I know that he is.

Hawaiian Adventures

2011-10-03T11:11:00.001-07:00

So the past couple of weeks I was on a gorgeous Hawaiian vacation. I was able to visit Oahu as well as Maui. I will be blogging about some of the other adventures in the next little while.
This part of the adventure is focused on the very last one of the trip… The Road to Hana. I had heard much about how beautiful it was, and it sure didn’t disappoint. It was so lush and beautiful in a jungley sort of way. There were stunning views and gorgeous flowers.

This, I thought, was one of the most interesting stops along the way. Here we are, only six miles out of Hana. See, the Hippy surf board says so.
Here we have the Hippy’s chair. The Hippy’s Dog. The Hippy’s Rooster. The Hippy’s Gnome. Every Hippy has a Gnome don’t they? But seriously, can you beat this view?

Home is Where the Heart Is

2011-08-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

I have always felt strongly about being a California girl. Ask me. I will tell you that I am a valley girl from SoCal. And yes, I can totally pick off a valley girl accent. Further to that, I was a valley girl long before it was the thaing to be one. Just sayin.

But I find as life goes on and I, ahem, age.... Home is more where my heart is. There are so many things about Utah that I love. How can you not love this, the amazing skies:
There is so much beauty in the Wasatch, so incredibly majestic.

This is my little Bountiful valley:
And the sunsets....seriously....
Although Utah may not be this:
It certainly is this:

And therein lie my heart.

The HB

2011-08-23T11:33:00.001-07:00

So a couple of weekends ago I visited the HB. See - - it really is the HB.

I helped a sista out with an organizational project that seemed a bit daunting. Please note the use of plastic storage containers. I love plastic storage containers. Please see in the closet and note the further use of plastic storage containers.
I love the Harris family. I do live in Utah - - I could be a sister wife, just sayin.
We ate at Dukes, fish and chips to die for….

Another reason I love Huntington Beach?

This…….

This…....
And of course this……..
Did I mention that I love plastic storage containers and the beach? Oh ya, I guess I did.

Lady Bug

2011-08-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl my mother used the name Ladybug when there was a strong admonishment coming. Kinda like this “If you think for one minute Ladybug that you are going to stay out past 11:00 p.m. you can just think again.” Ahem, the preceding is only an example and not anything my mother ever said to me. But for Ashley, it has always been a term of endearment. She has been Ladybug, Bug, Buggie.
From early on she was creative, making hats for the pups for every occasion. Please see photo below. Maggie is the Angel (well duh), and Scooter was really excited that year in the role of the Christmas Tree.

As Ashley grew, so did her hair. This pose depicts “Hurry and focus the camera Mom.”

I know that on August 17, 1987 something absolutely miraculous happened. A perfect little baby girl was born. The angels sang.
We have had our ups and downs, my little Buggy. What mother and daughter hasn’t? But this I know… No mother ever loved a daughter more than this mama loves you. Happy Birthday my little ladybug! Muah!

Ism's

2011-08-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

The following is a list of my recent favorite Kayla-isms and Maycie-isms:

Kayla

· Mmmm, I-wish-iss! = Mmmmmm delicious!

· Bye I gotta shop (ummm where do you think she gets that from???)

· Whenever she is tattling, her hands go on her hips, and she says No faware = No fair! Mommy, Daddy no sharwing wif me.

· As she steps on Brandon, “sorry bud”.

· I’m a poop maaachine! (my favorite!)

Maycie

· Singing - - “We are in a washing achine, washing achine”

· In a high pitched princess voice “Let me take you to the princess castle where we can see Sweeping Cutie” ummm, that would be Sleeping Beauty. But don’t you dare try and correct her, I always want her to call Sleeping Beauty “Sweeping Cutie”

· Grandma, did you see those futterflies?

· Guess what Mom, Jesus is real. Grandma said so.

· Grandma, I love you the sun, the moon, the stars, fishing, fairy princess castles, gum, the ocean, and Cinderella.

I don’t think that this Grandma can stand too much more than that.

I Miss Everything

2011-07-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

I miss the little things.
I miss everything.

I miss the way your kitchen smelled.
I miss your soft hands.
I miss your sweet chuckle and big radiant smile.
I miss the sound of your voice.

Sometimes I can close my eyes, concentrate, and I can hear you.

I miss the little things.
I miss everything.

That's The Way She Rolls

2011-07-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Sherwood Schwartz, creator of Gilligan’s Island & Brady Bunch (two of my most favorite sitcoms whilst growing up) passed away last week. My children have long since known that I make up lyrics to the tune of the Brady Bunch song regularly. Here is my latest version. In Sherwood's honor, please sing along with me to the Brady Bunch melody:
Here’s the story of a dog named Maggie
Who was living the perfect dog’s life.
She loved her ball and to chase it…
That’s really all there was.

Here’s the story of a dog named Scooter
Who would laugh at her wild and crazy ways
He would lay down and ignore her
Like any lazy dog should…

Till the one day when Maggie just decided
To be true to her own dog self
She must run and chase her true love
Because that’s the way she rolls.
The way she rolls. The way she rolls.

That’s just the way Magdalena rolls.

Here is the pictorial version of the same song:
Here’s the story of a dog named Maggie

Who was living the perfect dog’s life.
She loved her ball and to chase it…

That’s really all there was.

Here’s the story of a dog named Scooter

Who would laugh at her wild and crazy ways

He would lay down and ignore her

Like any lazy dog should…

Till the one day when Maggie just decided

To be true to her own dog self.
She must run and chase her true love

Because that’s the way she rolls.
The way she rolls. The way she rolls.

That’s just the way Magdalena rolls.

I know, I know....brings a tear to your eye doesn't it? It's a love story, what can I say?

4th of July - Huntington Beach Style

2011-07-06T15:13:00.001-07:00

This year I was fortunate enough to spend the Fourth with my friend Marika and her family. See look how cute we are:

And look how cute our toes are. Not that you care about our toes, but you know me…. I am all about the toes.

We started off our morning at the Huntington Beach parade. It is the largest 4th of July parade on the west coast, and probably west of the Mississippi, but at least on the west coast. Little children leaned in to see the action.

But the standard attire was this:

Please note the strategically placed star and matching sunglasses, thank you.

Every parade has its fire trucks. But the Huntington Beach parade has the vintage pumper truck with Blaze the mascot dalmation. Here we see Blaze regally riding.

Then we see engineer Bob giving Blaze the two finger signal. I don’t know what the two finger signal is…but Blaze does. He is, after all, a super hero dalmation.

I think the part that got me the most were the veterans and active duty military. Some gave all, and some were impacted for life.

Some have the spark of patriotism that shows in their walk. God and Country.

After the parade we headed back to the Harris abode where Roger grilled up some incredibly yummy tri-tip, and shrimp.

We finished up with fireworks. Please note the firework reflection in Uncle Fred’s glasses.

What a great holiday courtesy of Harris and company.

Life Garden

2011-06-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday began as a lovely Sunday morning. I had thought I would commune with nature and plant the flowers that I had bought well over three weeks before that still remained in their plastic quad packs. Gorgeous day… I changed into my red sweats and ugly white tee shirt and sat on the patio for a time; drank a little coffee; contemplated solitary patio life; contemplated what it would be like to have the life of a dog and only run and chase balls for a living. Ahhhh the life of Magdalena.

I started planting the flowers that I had ignored for a few weeks, I felt guilty as I had to throw away several of them that had been neglected beyond repair. I am not exactly sure whether they were wholly and fully neglected, or whether or not Scooter peed on them. It could be either… just sayin’. I got all the flower pots planted, weeded the side planter, swept and washed the patio down.

There is something about planting my garden that is fulfilling to me. I don’t know whether it is the feeling that I am starting something fresh and new, or whether I like to nurture and watch it grow, or whether I am anxious for tomatoes. I just know that year after year I plant my garden with great anticipation.

This year I decided that I really should plant my life garden. I want to do it with the same level of anticipation, excitement, and hope with which I plant my petunias, tomatoes, peppers, and marigolds. I am tired of solitary patio living. I want to travel to a romantic destination with….. someone. I want there to be a PaPa in the Grandma realm. I guess that as much as I am really good at making marinara, gazpacho and salsa from my garden, I am less successful in the cultivation process of my life garden. I need to work on that.

Today Was a Good Day

2011-06-22T14:26:00.001-07:00

I believe that there are some days that are easier to get through than others. I also believe you have to count your blessings when/if you can. I further believe that good days are measured relative to the person who is measuring. This is me today.

I am thinking that today was a good day.

Random Facts and Simple Items of Interest

2011-06-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

The garden is not growing.

I love my iPod Touch.

Brandon's head smells yummy.

Maggie is pouty.

I want to be someone’s priority.

It is nice to have a house full of people.

I miss my Grandma.

Kayla twitches her nose when she smiles big.

I need new carpet.

I love my feet right after a pedicure with Sonny.

In September, I will be swimming in the ocean in a place I never have before.

The planter in the front of the house is planted with red and white petunias.

I love Maycie’s song “We are in a washing a-chine, a washing a-chine”

Coffee is a gift from God.

Three dogs make a lot more dog poop than two.

I want a love in my life that completes it.

I love Words with Friends (carrillosun if anyone is interested)

I love my Daddy, and I will always be his Cinderella.

Just sayin’

In a New York Minute Everything Can Change

2011-06-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

The lyrics from the Eagle’s song New York Minute, hit home this past week. They read:

And in these days
When darkness falls early
And people rush home
To the ones they love
You better take a fool's advice
And take care of your own
One day they're here;
Next day they're gone

Literally, in a New York minute everything can change and does. As those words floated through my head along with the lyrics Don Henley hauntingly sings, my mind drifted to days and times when he was still here.

I remembered leaving work, going to my car and having it all decorated, with love notes he left all over it. I thought about the bill that he must have run up at Peg’s Flower Shop in Sunland for sending me flowers every 9th of the month. I remembered going to the Eagles concert and racing Lee Majors. I remembered him sneaking up behind me at Hober’s Pharmacy and snuggling my neck with a stuffed animal, and later finding that same stuffed animal in my car with a note that said “Please take me home and love me” more referring to him than the stuffed animal. I remembered our honeymoon, and the flowers he had delivered the next day to MRS. Cindie Lund. Then I remembered the sign he painted “It’s a Girl”. And then ditto when the next one came. I remembered him in the brown sweater, sleeves pushed up, his long legs, and his curly long hair. I remembered that man, not the one he became. I mourned him. I wept for him. I loved him.

Bathroom vs. Birthday Party

2011-05-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I am not a good closer. Sometimes I struggle with completion. I know, I know ~ I am in therapy. But the first step is admitting you have a problem right?

Sometime back I tore apart my bathroom downstairs when the plaid wallpaper just wasn't doing it for me anymore. Back in the day, I used to tear apart a whole room, paint it and redecorate it in 6 nano seconds. But when I tore apart the bathroom I forgot that I am now...Ahem... 49, it took a lot longer. I enlisted help from all sources available. They completed - - came through for their Momma, but I am still left to finishing. And, as I so bravely admitted above, I am a poor closer. So.... enter my dilemma.

Do I finish up my bathroom or make a run up to Idaho and surprise my baby brother for his birthday? Bathroom..... birthday...... bathroom...... birthday......

Being the great closer that I am
want to be ------------- BIRTHDAY!

Jake and I loaded up and started the 5 hour trek northwest. We had a great time visiting, listening to audio books (I love my new iPod Touch!) We stopped in Brigham City on our way. Being in that little town conjures so much in me. So many swirly emotions that I don't know how necessarily to address them all. It was there that I felt more alone than I have ever been in my life, completely isolated from everyone who loved me and every thing familiar to me. It was also a place where I have never been more loved in my life. The place where all my children were born. The place where I couldn't swing a dead cat without hitting an ex-husband. A place so stifling that I knew if I didn't escape it, the pure essence of my life would be sucked from me. And yet, all that said, when I go through I can't help but admire the beauty of its gorgeous and majestic mountains

And the quaint feel of the tree lined Main Street.

Jake and I had the opportunity to talk about where he came from, where he is going. We reminisced about times gone by and fun times in Brigham City. It's good for a boy to remember his roots. It is good for all of us to Remember Who You Are and What You Stand For.

We arrived in Boise and had a great time visiting with my Mom and Daddy. I always feel so connected; so plugged in when I spend time with my parents and my family. They encourage, they love, they help me to remember who I am and what I stand for.

Mike got the fishing assortment that every boy wants....please see Power Bait photo...

And if you don't get the correct/enough fishing accoutrement, then there is this - - The Sportsman's Warehouse gift card.

And seriously - - - you have to look cute when you fish right? (Ahem, that would have been my birthday present.....but hey, I did give him an econo sized jar of smoked almonds....you can take that fishing right??)

The birthday party was the right choice. My little brother will be 48 in a few days. And while I don't know everything about life, making the right decisions or being a good closer - - this I know, I made the right choice between the bathroom and the birthday party... Love you Miquito!

Mother's Day

2011-05-10T15:33:00.001-07:00

To say that I feel blessed as a mother probably sounds so run of the mill. How do I say how incredibly lucky I feel to have three beautiful, healthy, happy, well adjusted, funny, wonderful children?

First, both of the girls called me and wished me a Happy Mother’s Day. Jake woke up first thing in the morning (closer to noon) and the first thing he did whilst stumbling out of bed was to come find me, kiss me, and tell me Happy Mother’s Day. Seriously? It doesn’t get better than that…. but wait, there’s more. Earlier in the week, each one of my kids posted on Facebook their own version of me.

J’Amy’s read:

“Well words can't really put into perspective how perfectly wonderful my mother is. Yes, you all should be jealous! :D She is by far the most remarkably loving mother and Grandma. She has stood by my side through everything, when I look around and can’t seem to see anyone in the clouds….There she is.”

From the moment she was born, my little nickel baby, she was my first love. The day she came I looked at her and knew that my life would never be the same again. The amount of joy, laughter, and pride that she has brought to my life is immeasurable. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for her and all that she has brought to me.

Then Ashley:

“An Ode to my Momma you never cease to amaze me whether that is with your talent, kindness or beauty. You have forever & will forever be the best teacher I have. I can't tell you how much beauty dwells in you & is shown in your everyday life. I love you SO much Momma & can never express how blessed I am to have you! -Buggie”

Ashley has always been my little ladybug - - my Buggie. She blesses me. She warms me to my soul and in her I see a light that transcends this world, an eternal flame. Every day of my life I am grateful for her. It was not by a stroke of luck that she is mine and I am hers. She is a precious part of my life, my journey. I am forever glad that she is mine.

And last of all, my Jacob, the man of many (NOT) words:

“I changed my profile picture to one of my favorite memories that I have with my mom to honor her for mothers day. I love her with all my heart and couldn’t ask for a better mom. I love you momma :)”

Ahhhhh my dear and sweet Jakie boy.... He has been my darling baby boy. He has been the light and joy of my life. There is nothing that compares to the love between a mom and son. I can look at him and feel his happiness, his sadness, his joy, and sometimes his anxiety. He and I are connected ~ we get each other. He is my precious, my baby, my son. There is nothing quite like it. .... I love you!

The week started wonderful with such beautiful things on Facebook. And then on Mother’s Day the girls made an incredibly yummy dinner, that I didn’t have to lift a finger to prepare or clean up after - - - niiiiiice. Maycie made me an absolutely stunning, seriously stunning, pipe cleaner necklace. J’Amy had the kids make me a darling flower pot with all of their handprints and B’s footprint…precious! And fun little miscellaneous decorating items. Ashley and Drayton gave me the perfect plant – Moses’ cradle in the perfect pot - - a HUGE coffee cup. Seriously, I don’t think she could have picked anything more aprapos. And Jake surprised me by getting off early from work just to come and spend the day with me. Sometimes, the gift of time is more valuable than anything.

Again, to close this post with what a blessing my kids are to me seems trite, but you know what? They just are.

Muah!

Obsessions

2011-04-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I write just to let things loose from my mind, perhaps even releasing the notion that they are bad in some way. And sometimes they just need to be said. For this post, it is simply something shared. The following is my list as I see it today:

The pursuit of knowledge
Lists
Feeling buoyant in the ocean
Leo Carrillo – it pulls me, it grounds me, it centers me
The early morning smell of dew in the garden
Perfect coffee
Cute toes
The smell of a baby’s head
Soup
Hot sun on cool skin
Purses
Beautiful sunsets
Color and texture
The sound of wind in trees reminding me that we don’t always see what’s there but we certainly can feel it

Easter

2011-04-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

So what a beautiful day it was today! I woke with an absolute glow ~ not sure what that was about, but either way, I am not questioning it. I am just going with it!

All was in order for the big day:

Bunny Towel - Check.

Easter Eggs Hidden in Plain View - Check.

Easter Cupcakes - Check.

Then along came the kids - seriously I don't think it gets cuter... First this,

Then this,

Then this??? Help me Rhonda!

Kayla and TeeTee

Ashley and Drayton

How did I miss a picture of J'Amy and Eric?

= = = Insert Picture Here= = = =

It was a great day filled with love, family, cupcakes, deviled eggs, and oh ya, fairy dances too...

Muah!

The Voice that Whispers in the Back of Your Head

2011-04-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

I know we all know that Voice. You know the one that says “Hey remember those butter cream cookies in the kitchen???”; or the one that says “Nah… you don’t want to go to the gym tonight.” I think the Voice is commonly referred to as Jiminy Cricket. Okay, well I know that Jiminy wasn't reminding me that there were butter cream cookies in the kitchen....

In the movie Pinocchio, the Blue Fairy tells Pinocchio “You must learn to choose between right and wrong.” Pinocchio says, “Right and wrong? But how will I know?” The Blue Fairy answers that his conscience will tell him. Pinocchio, being completely naïve asks, “What are conscience?” Jiminy Cricket pipes up with, “What are conscience! I'll tell ya! A conscience is that still small voice that people won't listen to. That's just the trouble with the world today...”

So here I am listening to my conscience, listening to my gut. And sometimes doing the right thing isn’t easy. It hurts. But I also know that if I think about how difficult it is to do the right thing in my life, I can only imagine how difficult it will be to live my life doing the wrong things. People think that doing the right thing is hard, and I agree with them, it is hard. On the other hand, doing the wrong thing seems easy, but seriously, it gets hard fast. And then undoing the wrong thing seems to take a lot more time and energy than we thought, all the while taking the effort away from the initial focus of - - - doing the right thing. So in the end, doing the right thing turns out to be doing the easiest thing.

And after all, who wants Jiminy Cricket saying “Go ahead, make a fool of yourself, then maybe you'll listen to your conscience.” No thank you.... not me.

Rainy Days and Mondays…

2011-04-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

I think I am either having déjà vu, or I have titled a previous post the same. First it is a rainy day, and second it is a Monday. And further both days are gloomy, whether it is a Monday or a rainy day. Today is gloomy. This is a picture from Olympus Cove.

And this is the Vortex Radar.

Hint: Blue and Green ain't good.

This is downtown Salt Lake - - Are those roads or rivers?

Sometimes shaking the gloom of a Monday lasts on into Tuesday, and on a bad week by the end of the day Wednesday. I have this just nagging feeling that this could last into Thursday. I don’t know… just sayin.

Typically, Spring brings such a sense of freshness for me, a feeling of new beginning. Hope springs anew. My daffodils are blooming, sometimes the tulips (if the varmint deer haven’t done a throw down on them.) Why does Spring feel so different this year? Kind of like I am still waiting for the Spring trigger to go off. I think something is missing; maybe something lost. Maybe it is warmth. Maybe I just need to get out of my head. Maybe I need to have eyes wide open; to get anchored in the love and beauty that surrounds me despite the fact that it is a rainy day and that it is a Monday.

Perhaps seeing the beauty of my front yard…right here…

It's Just How I Roll

2011-04-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

As life rolls along, you tear your bathroom apart because the plaid wallpaper doesn’t look as cute as you thought it did 7 years ago when you put it up. You find that there is two feet of piled up leaves in between the border of the fence and the concrete and finding the wherewithal to clean them out absolutely escapes you. You realize that two little weiner dogs can deposit an ungodly amount “fertilizer” on the lawn over the winter. And just about the moment that you wrap around all of these little factoids, anomalies, and realizations, a curve ball hits you. Who knew you were playing baseball? It is basketball season for God's sake. You take this in stride; you make the best of it. You even try to spin it in a positive light. But in the end, it was still a curve ball that hit you like a sucker punch. Just as you finish reeling from the shock and awe of it all, something bright and sunny happens. But you question it. You second guess it, because after all, that is what you do. You are the queen of second, third, fourth and fifth guessing. Typically when something is too good to be true, it usually is. I am holding out hope that this good thing is true. Because that is just the sortofgal that I am. You know - - it's just how I roll. .

Old Friends/Good Friends

2011-03-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

They say that 56% of your waking time is spent at work. I guess that means that you better like your job!

A couple of weeks ago I was visiting friends and family in SoCal and had the opportunity to work out of our Irvine office. I got to see Susan, Cheri, Cathy, Peggy, Janette, Linda - - all of my old TKC family. It is hard when we were such a close knit organization to be acquired by a larger company with different values and culture. Somehow, we have managed through and survived it.

I love these pictures and I also love that we are all still good friends.

.

Life is All About the Moments

2011-02-07T14:17:00.000-08:00

I will always cherish and remember the time that I spent with my grandma. I loved the way that she made scrambled eggs. And she would cut up my banana…. I loved that. These are the Moments I hold near and dear to my heart.

This weekend I had Maycie Jean overnight. We did our regular routine of chicken nuggets, cheese, and cut up banana. We read books and sang songs. Please see below for Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and associated hand motions….this would be “like a diamond in the sky.”

We also baked cookies…We started off with all fresh ingredients, kneaded, rolled out, cut into those perfect Valentine cookies….. ummmm not…..

Maycie will now demonstrate the proper way to arrange store bought cookie dough on a round baking sheet.

When I asked Maycie if she thought the cookies would be good, she handed me some dough and said "I don't know.... You taste it."

We got them all arranged and put them in the oven to bake.

I put 10 minutes on the timer.

Maycie: Grandma what are you doing?

Me: I am turning the timer on so that Grandma will remember that there are cookies in the oven."

Maycie: Silly Grandma, you will remember.

Me: Trust me, I won't.

And in the famous words and gesture of Maycie Jean she says.... "But you will..." Duh, Grandma....

For the next ten minutes, we did princess poses....

Taste testing of uncooked cookies...I don't recommend this...

We even completed a rousing round of calisthenics involving heads, shoulders, knees and toes....you know I am all about getting daily exercise.

We even had a momentary stare....

Then that was it - the timer went off and out came our hard work....

I know that Life really is about the moments. I know I will never forget the moments of my grandma's and my time together. I pray that Maycie Jean will always remember ours!

Muah!

The Princess Party

2011-02-02T15:37:00.000-08:00

So, seriously, will this birthday ever end??? It started with a lovely weekend with my parents - - birthday dinner with Mom, Daddy, Mike and Shelly…. Ham, roasted potatoes, green salad, asparagus, and rolls. And of course, Mom’s incredibly yummy pineapple upside down cake…

Then to the Melting Pot for seriously yummy delishousness of shrimp, scallops, and salmon… a cheese fondue to die for, and one of the best Caesar salads I’ve ever wrapped my lips around…

Then on to last night with some of the best Mexican food I have had in quite a long time. It was followed by a Princess Party - please don’t confuse this or me with a Party Princess. It was just a Princess Party…. Please see photos. This will explain a lot.

Divas...yes....we are all diva princesses...

Through the midst of it all, Brandon remained fairly ambivalent.

Jake was just glad to be there with his Princess crown on.

Maycie and Kayla helped with the unwrapping part.

A good time was had by all, and I am seriously ready to put this birthday to bed. Can someone fetch my scepter and cape?

Muah!

Momma Needs a New Pair of Shoes

2011-02-01T16:29:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me knows I love shoes. Shoes, shoes, shoes. Pumps, flip flops, boots, mules, sandals, clogs, tennis shoes, sling backs, dress shoes, pant shoes, hiking boots….I have them all and at least a few pairs of each…okay, more than a few pairs of each. Did I say I love shoes?

Well just yesterday I got these darling little numbers in the mail… How cute are they?

It isn’t as if I really need a new pair of Frye Veronica Slouch boots. But okay, I really needed a new pair of Veronicas. I did. I swear I did. Ask my Mom, she’ll tell you.

The application for these are just endless. You’ve got your denim skirt, your skinny jeans, your kaki skirt… good grief, I could go on and on. See, I told you.... look how cute they are!

Truth be told, I needed these like a hole in the head, but I love them anyway!

Birthdays.....Aaack

2011-02-01T16:05:00.000-08:00

I’m really not much of a birthday person and almost always approach January 31st as I would any other day. And this "no big deal" attitude toward my birthday has really started since I turned 40, because let’s face it, it’s not as if my life is really going to change for the day - - It is not as if I can just lie around and eat Ben & Jerry’s Brownie Batter ice cream and celebrate the fact that I’m one year closer to qualifying for Medicare.

Perhaps contemplating, on the 10th anniversary of my 39th birthday, things like…. how long will it be before I’m required to cut my hair short and have it fixed at the beauty shop once a week? And when will I be too old to call my kids and sing silly songs with them, or walk like an Egyptian? When will I finally feel like the adult my age suggests I should be? Because most of the time, I feel pretty dang immature for my age.

Fortunately, I have my physical body to remind me of what my mind hasn’t yet accepted. For example, I find I can no longer wear the fitted, light-colored t-shirts and snug ribbed turtlenecks I used to wear with equally snug jeans without also wearing a vest or jacket to hide the Michelin demon residing around my midsection.

I was pleasantly surprised to have these show up at my office…thanks K! I guess the 10th anniversary ain’t so bad.

Because after next year, in the profound words of Raymond Ned, “It’ll all be over but the cryin”.

.

Loved

2011-01-31T13:24:00.000-08:00

Call it a personality flaw. Call it a quirk. Call it whatever you want to call it, but I have this difficulty, this situation. I really have a difficult time letting someone take care of me. For so many years I have been incredibly independent~I've had to be. I have only allowed but a very few people into my life and have rarely let down my walls of protection. Don’t mind so much the walls, but seriously be careful where you step ~ watch for all those land mines that I carefully laid to protect myself.

There are two people who know nothing of walls and land mines. When they look at me they see a young little barefoot girl chasing in the backyard. They see a young lady, full of promise going to the prom with Robert. They see their daughter… their cute little blonde baby girl (yes, I used to be blonde) and they love me. They don’t see damaged goods. They don’t see a single mother who used to struggle. They see me ~ right to my soul they see me. And they unabashedly love me. My mom makes my coffee with just the right amount of sugar and half and half. My dad listens intently as I tell boring stories of work. They are the two people in my life who I let take care of me.

I love you so much Mom and Daddy ~ thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for loving me despite my incredible flaws. Thank you for my beautiful sunshine daisy and wanting to buy it for me because it looked like "happy". Thank you for always wanting the best for me and for constantly praying for me. Thank you for believing in me.

Muah!

Missing You

2011-01-24T13:34:00.000-08:00

There are so many times during my day, week, month and year that I miss you so deeply that it encapsulates me. I wish sometimes that I could just twitch my nose and I would be sitting on the couch next to you in your living room in Newhall. I find myself daydreaming of you, mom, my daughters, granddaughters and me baking cookies in your kitchen and you pretending to look away while Maycie Jean sneaks a taste of cookie dough. My soul aches for you to know my girls and my grandbabies.

I recently read something that reminded me of how I feel, it went something like this:

Even though the feeling and sound in my heart gets softer, it becomes like the train that whistles in the distance a few times a day that is just always there but not so loud that you notice it daily or even weekly. It is just there until the moment when you are dancing in the kitchen as Neil Diamond sings, "she got the way to move me, cherry" and then the playlist suddenly ends and it seems so very quiet until you hear that train call from miles away and you find yourself paying attention again. It catches you. And then you notice it each time for a while after that.

I hear the train whistling and my heart aches with missing you. It is painful right to the middle of my chest. I know how lucky I was to know you, to call you my grandma and my friend. Today it overwhelms me. Today I can close my eyes and dream that I am in that beautiful Newhall house where love abounded, where there was always a yummy smell from the kitchen, and where my soul was fed. But when I open my eyes, it is just me here in my living room, missing you terribly and the distant sound of the train’s whistle.

I miss you my precious grandma…

.

Fire in the Sky

2011-01-18T13:27:00.001-08:00

Last night the sunset was monumental. Besides happening at a very poignant moment, the colors radiated throughout the evening sky. It is so amazing to me the color that is thrown from the reflection off the Great Salt Lake.

It was truly a moment ~

Thanksgiving turns to Christmas OVERNIGHT

2010-11-29T14:24:00.000-08:00

Okay, so first of all, I think it is time to take this down.

Second, can I just say “huh???”

First this… (yes, I am wearing sweat pants...no comment please)

Then this….

And then this…. I left my gloves out in the garage so I didn't track the snow in everywhere. I went out the next morning and they were frozen solid.

Holy Snow, Batman!

Trans Siberian Orchestra

2010-11-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

On Thursday night I saw TSO for the first time. What an incredible experience!

The light show was amazing.

The music incredible.

Did I mention pyrotechnics?

Wow..... seriously unbelievable.

Yes.... I will be going again next year!

What a Beautiful Bride!

2010-11-16T14:53:00.001-08:00

I always love doing custom work, especially when it involves a wedding. I had such a fun time designing this lovely necklace for Hope. Below is my finished design. She was so thrilled with it.

I came across her wedding blog post here. Look how darling she is!

How fun would it be to get married in Disneyland? I love Disneyland. I think I will go put my Pump Up the Grump sweatshirt on ~ featuring one of my favorite dwarves.

Muah!

My Coned Dog

2010-11-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

I don’t know, maybe it is my warped sense of humor, but I find this funny. A weiner dog with a cone.

Here she is in happier times. Look at how incredibly fine she is. Please note the seasonal necklace. Thank you.

Then there is this…

The Cone of Shame.

Maggie and I speak the same language. I get her. She gets me. These are the top five things I hear her saying…
1. Pah-leeeese… no self respecting dog should ever be photographed like this.
2. Seriously, do I need to open my mouth and let out some foul odor to get you to stop?
3. Okay, okay, I know I have a little root grow out. What? I have been busy.
4. Maybe if I don’t make eye contact she will stop.
5. How much more do you really think that you can humiliate me?

And this…

The shame of it all.

Who knows Maggie, maybe there is a lesson to be learned here... just sayin...

Chicken Enchiladas Suiza

2010-10-20T14:24:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I have to say right up front this is a modified version of a Pioneer Woman chicken enchilada recipe. But seriously - - this is some incredible oooeeey gooey madness going on. You will love it!

Ingredients
2-½ cups cooked, shredded chicken
(1) 14 oz. can chicken broth
3 Tbsp Oil
12 whole corn tortillas
1 whole large onion, diced
(3) 4 oz cans whole green chilies, diced
1 whole jalapeno, seeded & finely diced (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika
½ cups heavy cream
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
1 cup sour cream
2-½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, Grated
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Picante Sauce (optional)
Cilantro, Chopped

Preparation Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tortillas for no longer than 20 seconds, just to soften (do not allow to become crisp.) Place tortillas on a stack of paper towels to drain.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in separate skillet over medium heat. Add onions and jalapenos and saute for 1 minute, just to start the cooking process. Add chicken, half of the green chilies, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Stir together. Add ½ cup chicken broth and stir. Add cream and stir, allowing mixture to bubble and get hot. Turn off heat and set aside.

In a separate large skillet, melt butter and sprinkle in flour. Whisk together and cook over medium heat for one minute. Pour in the rest of the can of chicken broth. Whisk together and cook for another minute or two. Stir in the other half of the chilies. Reduce heat, then stir in sour cream. Add 1 ½ cups grated cheese and stir to melt. Add ½ teaspoon paprika. Check seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed.

To assemble, spoon chicken mixture on top of tortillas, one by one. Top with plenty of cheese and roll up. Place seam side down in a 9 x 13 casserole dish.

Pour cheese mixture all over the top of the tortillas. Top with extra cheese if you’d like, then bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro.

Serve with picante sauce, if desired.

The Pioneer Woman even finishes off her recipe by saying "Faint as necessary". Honest to goodness, I think that should be a step in the process!

.

The Road Home

2010-10-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

They say that death is a natural part of life; and I guess in real terms, it is. However, having never been faced with being in the midst of death, it had always been incredibly frightening to me. I wasn’t present when both my grandfathers and my maternal grandma passed away. But I did experience the profound sadness that accompanies the loss of your loved one.

As my sweet Grandma’s time was approaching, I started to feel sorrow creeping in. It was difficult for me to understand my Dad’s calm countenance. His strong faith and belief that Grandma was headed to a better place created in him such a sense of peace.

I arrived in time to spend some hours with Grandma before she passed. In those hours, Daddy read to her different passages of the Bible and sang to her. We reminisced of wonderful times together as a family. I put lotion on her hands, Chapstick on her lips, and kept her mouth moistened. I whispered in her ear words of encouragement, and told her it was okay to go. It was her time, in God’s perfect timing.

Those last few moments were priceless. I watched as she lifted her eyes, spoke without words, and raised her hand to the angel who took her on the journey home to be with Jesus.

We will miss you my beautiful Grandma. But in the midst of our grief, we are happy in knowing that you are dancing with Grandpa and laughing with Uncle Jim and Uncle Clayton. And most of all, we are comforted in the knowledge that you are at peace with your Heavenly Father.

Muah.....

Internationally Speaking

2010-09-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an interesting week it has been on Etsy. This tends to be a slower time of the year for me in my shops on Etsy. Perhaps Americans aren’t buying right now, but a big shout out to the rest of the world!

This last week I shipped to:
New Zealand
Netherlands
Ireland
Turkey
Great Britain
Australia
Canada (3 times)
Spain
Peru
Israel
South Africa
Belgium

What an interesting week. It just may be that Americans aren't buying as much as those around the world. I say ~ Bring it on!

Smootchie Lips, Mischievious Grins, Sweet Smiles

2010-08-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

I don’t know about you, but I find that when I look into the eyes of these beautiful girls I know, beyond all things certain, that God is brilliantly amazing at creating perfection.

Here we have smootchie lips.

And here we have mischievious grin.

And here we have sweet smile.

Perfection in two little girlies….

.

Seeking My Soul

2010-07-22T11:22:00.001-07:00

Seems as though life takes us on journeys and we sometimes wonder when/if we bought tickets for the ride….and while on this adventure we feel like we left something at home, like your toothbrush or camera…

Well my journey has been so crazy lately, that I think I left behind my soul/heart somewhere. I am not sure if I lost it on the last adventure, or whether it accidentally got kicked under the bed and I just can’t find it. My world has seemed so twirly lately that I had to do something…And at the risk of being overly metaphorical, I can just say that I wasn’t capable of putting someone else’s oxygen mask on when I was totally gasping for air myself. Taking care of everyone else first was just killing me.

There are few places in life where I can go and center myself. Sometimes it is just in my own space of creativity, but mostly it is at the ocean, on the beach, and more specifically in the water at Leo Carrillo Beach. So I went.

This is the place…right here….in these waters…

And in this sand...

And of course Lifeguard Tower #3 holds special memories… and I won’t go there right now…but I can still see Sandy the Lifeguard’s face…..

I spent time watching the sunrise, and one morning at 5 a.m. I got up and went for a walk on the beach and found these little treasures…

And saw this… I don’t know, maybe I have been away from California too long, but seriously, who walks their miniature pony on the beach?

The sunsets were phenomenal.

My spirit was nourished. As for my soul/heart, I am still looking….

Spring Break and Wildlife Refuge

2010-04-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

So the past week Jake was away for Spring Break with his buddies. There I was, a mom alone, left to her own devices. Hmmmm…. So I thought maybe I would play music really loud…. I could walk through the house wearing only a towel…. Boy, the possibilities were endless. But what I really enjoyed was the quiet… the simple quiet of it all.

I was sitting on the couch late one night polishing some jewelry, and I heard this strange noise. It was kind of a scratching sound. I stopped, listened some more….and nothing. Hmmm, must be Scooter lying under the magazine rack scratching himself. And once the foul odor of dog gastro-intestinal distress reached my nose, I was fairly confident the scratching sound was Scooter. The week went on rather uneventful, occasional noises, frequent dog smells.

Jake arrived back home on Sunday evening. He was drawn downstairs to slay monsters and kill enemy soldiers ~ ahh the world of online gaming. As he was sitting down there with his AK57, he heard a noise coming from the fireplace insert. He sprinted up the stairs and said “Ummmm mom, I think there is something in the fireplace downstairs.” We went down together and banged on the top of the stove. The next thing I knew I was hearing this:

Muskrat Susie, Muskrat Sam
Do the jitterbug out in muskrat land
And they shimmy
And Sammy's so skinny

Nibbling on bacon, chewin' on cheese
Sammy says to Susie "Honey, would you please be my missus?"
And she say yes
With her kisses

And now he's ticklin' her fancy
Rubbin' her toes
Muzzle to muzzle, now anything goes
As they wriggle, and Sue starts to giggle

And the next thing I heard was that cooing and chirping sound…. Okay…so that is what I heard coming out of my fireplace - The Captain and Tennille . I think Susie and Sammy already did the raccoon love dance and I have their love children nesting in my fireplace.

Great…a momma and her babies in the fireplace. Raccoons can be fierce – seriously fierce. I looked up homeopathic ways to deal with varmints and I am leaning toward letting them grow up in a loving warm environment until they are 10 weeks old. At which time the momma and youngsters will leave the nest for bigger adventures. I think that is my solution of choice, given the sticker shock alternative of the “Critter Gitter.” Good Lord, $1,200 to $2,000 to get them out of there and do you think they really “relocate” them??? I think not. I can’t be responsible for Susie and Sammy’s love children’s demise. I just can’t do it.

So, welcome to the Poulson Wildlife Refuge. Tours are conducted daily 5 am- 12:01 am.

Year One

2010-03-01T13:25:00.000-08:00

Every time I look at Kayla I think she is an old soul, kind of like she has been here for a while and is pretty skeptical about it all. Last night was her first birthday celebration. It was met with a little bit of apprehension. Witness the look in the eyes - - There she is all safe in mommy's lap...what is this birthday stuff?

Then what is up with all the presents? Wait, I think I am supposed to be opening these.... Thanks everyone for your support, but I think I can take it from here....

I wonder what this one is......

Prada maybe?

Uh... nope - Radio Flyer - - even better!

And what about that birthday cake thing? I don't know what all the fuss is about.... What?!?! Seriously, I get in my highchair every day, sometimes even twice a day....

Okay - here it comes.... Wow, the cake.... Can I be more underwhelmed? Alright, alright.... I will stick my finger in it .. there - are you happy?

Well, alrighty then .. not too shabby.....

Maybe just another couple of bites....

This is just pretty darn yummy... and much easier to eat when you use your entire fist....

What?!? What are you looking at???

Okay, seriously....NO ONE told me that this ewwiee gooey yummy bit of madness was going to go right straight to my hips....

Love you little Miss Kayla!!!!

Birthdays and Parties

2010-02-07T11:50:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel sometimes like you just wish everyone would forget that it is your birthday? Like it is just another day? Well... I have. But I also know that I would feel yucky if the people who love me didn't celebrate it either...Geesh what a woman huh?

Mom and Daddy came down for the weekend and for my birthday we headed to J'Amy & Eric's. Maycie kept following me around with a birthday balloon that she was pretty insistent should be attached to my body at all times.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Kayla was just pretty sober most of the night

With intermittent smiles, and pouts.

This was the scene in the kitchen. Kirk with the asparagus, Mom making sure everything was going as planned.

J'Amy and Grandma.... pretty ladies!

Ashley and Drayton

Maycie helping Grandma open presents...

Maycie helping Grandma read cards...

Maycie helping Grandma eat her birthday cake....

It was a perfect birthday - a happy day... although the candles on the cake were arranged in a "4" and "0".... ya right that is it... my 7th anniversary of my 40th birthday :)

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The Blurrrrrr of Time

2010-01-04T15:38:00.000-08:00

So, as I continue to think about where the heck time has gone....here is some of the pictorial evidence which proves my theory that my grip on time is slipping.

This is J'Amy getting ready to leave for a high school dance.

This is J'Amy with her family this Christmas...yes...two babies later....

I remember rocking J'Amy just like this...now it is me rocking my granddaughter Kayla... see the evidence of time slipping away?

I remember Ashley like this...an awkward teenager in braces....

Now she is a beautiful woman, happy and engaged to a great guy...

Yes, my grip on time is slipping right between my fingers.. Oh wait, those are J'Amy's fingers with the bling her darling hubby gave her for Christmas

It's all just a blurrrr....

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

It is Christmas Eve here at the humble hacienda.

The list reads something like this:
1. Presents Wrapped - check
2. Prime Rib Roast ready - check
3. Lists made - check
4. Last minute stocking stuffers - not checked
5. Last minute jewelry items - not checked

(Yes, Maggie's Christmas necklace DOES say "I Believe"

6. Cup of coffee - check
7. Ding Dongs - check

So it will be a white Christmas here in Bountiful. This is the scene in the backyard:

In my Christmas mailer this year I wrote "My grown up Christmas wish is that each of us live in gratitude." I hope you will take time to reflect on your life and be grateful for all the blessings God has given you.

Merry Christmas!

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Pretty is as Pretty Does

2009-12-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

After visiting Thailand for a few weeks and seeing all the poverty, disparity, and challenging living conditions, I came back home with a renewed sense of gratitude. I am grateful for the simpler things in life that I have always taken for granted. I am grateful for the fact that if I want a box of Ding Dongs, I can go buy them. Further, I am grateful that I have a car to jump in so that I can go and buy my Ding Dongs. I am grateful that I can put half and half in my coffee. All that important stuff aside, I am grateful for my children.

I am grateful for my two beautiful daughters and the joy and happiness their sheer existence brings me. My mom always drilled the adage “Pretty is as Pretty does”. Both my daughters have an inner beauty that makes this mama proud. I am grateful for you two!!

Rush of the Season

2009-12-18T11:13:00.001-08:00

This was the night sky last night. Can you believe how stunning? I saw this tree completely backlit by the setting sun. I stood and looked at how gorgeous it was and remembered that my camera was in my purse. The definition of the tree is perfect, and as the branches extend they almost look ferny. In the rush, rush, rush of the season, it was nice to stop for a moment and see the beauty of a silhouetted winter tree. Take a moment, if even just a moment, to appreciate the beauty of the life around us.

WOW!

2009-12-16T07:38:00.001-08:00

Well, I think those of us who have the "artist" in us, and expresses ourselves creatively, want to be recognized in some way or another. Yesterday, when at one of my favorite online supply haunts, the owner of the shop contacted me and asked me if it was okay to have some of my items featured on the front page of her supply catalog shop.

Well I was very flattered to say the least, and replied with a resounding "Golly are you sure you want me?" But this morning, low and behold, there I am right on the front page of her store. Holy cow! I am sure this is subject to change, so I am capturing it here for posterity =)

I am bathing in the sunlight of fame...basking in the glow.... I know, I know I should just totally get over myself right now. But I thought it was kind of cool to be on the front page of a supply catalog!!! I honestly am grateful for the opportunity and exposure! Thanks Susan!

Light Bulbs

2009-12-14T10:11:00.000-08:00

There are days in life when a light bulb goes on. And when that light turns on, you see that the room is not necessarily any different than you remember, however, you see it more clearly. Perhaps the absence of light made areas of the room unapparent or less obvious. But when the light switches on, you can’t imagine how you missed it before. Light bulb moment for me over the weekend.

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Thom Kha GOONG

2009-11-24T12:23:00.000-08:00

While in Phuket, which by the way is pronounced poo-ket (for those of you who want to pronounce it using English phonetics - - don’t say it out loud you will come up with a pronunciation that shouldn’t be used in public) we found this wonderful restaurant called Subai Subai. The English translation is Happy Happy. In my opinion, it was the best Thai food on the entire trip.

It was a little hole in the wall place in an alley. The cute little waitress was a pistol. In my pathetic Thai I asked for Thom Kha Goong, which is a delectable soup made with coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, mushrooms, and prawns.

The waitress kept repeating that the soup was pronounced Tom Kah GOOOONG... I neglected to ask for the soup “mai phet” which means “not so spicy”. Note all the little flecks of red in the picture of the soup...

The result was this:

Note to self: To avoid the oh so unattractive look of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, remember to say “mai phet” when ordering your Thom Kha GOOOONG.

The Elephants of Maesa Elephant Camp

2009-11-23T14:29:00.000-08:00

As we were driving up to the elephant camp, I searched back through my memory banks of what my preconceived notions were about elephants. Some of those emanated from a lack of knowledge, and others can just be attributed to stereotyping. Being around them completely changed all of that for me.

These are some of the most interesting, intelligent and sweetest creatures God put on this earth. This is a picture of Duanpen. She was a matriarchal elephant in the group. Look at her sweet eyes, cheerful demeanor, and happy little smile!

Elephants rank high in the world’s most intelligent species. They have behaviors that are not typical in animals such as grief, mimicry, sense of humor, art, memory, and language skills. The skill I saw demonstrated at the camp was art. Yes, elephants do paint! This is a picture of Wanpen painting. He was right in front of us, and had I not seen it, I wouldn’t have believed it.

Elephants are a highly social animal. They love playing together and being part of a community. The mahouts (elephant caretakers) ride the elephants down to the river and they bathe them. The elephants seemed to really enjoy being scrubbed and would lay right down in the river. It was amazing being so close to these massive animals and to see how they live.

They are closest to human in terms of learning. Humans are born with 28% of the adult weight of their brain. This means that the other 72% will grow with them over time. Elephants are born with 35%, the closest percentage to humans across all the of the known species on the planet. Most animals are born with 90% of the adult weight of their brain. This means that those animals born with 90% of their brain mass are born with instinct and little ability to learn. This indicates that elephants have the highest amount of learning to undergo next to humans and behavior is not mere instinct but must be taught throughout life.

These certainly were amazing animals!

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All Things Tinkerbell

2009-11-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

Last night/this morning has been All Things Tinkerbell here at the humble hacienda. Yes, folks, that's right... Maycie Jean... Here we have Maycie in her new Tinkerbell jammies:

And then our Tinkerbell slippers, complete with dingy balls...

And of course our very own Tinkerbell pose....

We spent the evening playing with Maycie's new Tinkerbell doll, flying her all over the living room, kitchen, bathroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom.

We collapsed in a forest of pixie dust and woke this morning before the sun rose ready to start our Tinkerbell day all over again.

How perfect of a day for this Grandma and her little Tinkerbell...

Holy Hill Tribe!

2009-11-19T11:53:00.000-08:00

I will be posting over the next several weeks some of my experiences while over in Thailand. When people asked about my vacation, I answered that it really wasn’t a vacation ~ it was an adventure. And that it was.

Part of the purpose of the trip was to buy Hill Tribe silver ~ direct. Some who follow my blog are jewelry designers as well, and we all know about Hill Tribe silver. It is 99.9% pure silver, where sterling silver is 92.5% silver with other alloys added for strength. This is a picture of some various Hill Tribe Beads.

Hill Tribe silver is produced by the Karen Hill Tribes just out of Chiang Mai, Thailand. We had the amazing opportunity of meeting with Niki Passenier, who graciously invited us to her home, fed us a lovely lunch, and we shopped through her silver stock. She deals directly with the people of the Karen Hill Tribes. Her silver is so beautiful and unique.

We also went to several retail shops in Chiang Mai and purchased some beautiful silver. This is Marika and I at one of the shops. All of those clear plastic boxes in the background are boxes of Hill Tribe silver beads. Cue the Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire song …. “Heaven, I’m in heaven. And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak….”

Thirty Years Later

2009-11-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

Well, I hate to admit it ~ but yes, it was 30 years ago that I was a Verdugo Hills Don. What is a Don? Even in high school I wondered what a "Don" was. I still don't have an answer to that question 30 years later. I wonder if anyone knows what a Don is... anyway...

My reunion was a great experience! I saw so many people that I haven't seen in years! I found the perfect little black dress ~ however I think I was showing more cleavage than I wanted, and it was a constant adjustment...but oh well. It was nice to spend time with old friends! This is a picture of my friends Roger Wallace and Danny Gaylord. They were some of my best buddies in school.
This is me and Linda Strandquist. We have been friends since elementary school. We both went to Sunland Neighborhood Church together. Linda recently reminded me of an incident at church when I punched her in the mouth because she was being mean to me. I guess that is what you do when you are in 5th grade and are frustrated. Ummmm I am so glad that I grew up!

Mayor Randy

2009-10-07T14:55:00.001-07:00

It was Mayor Randy’s birthday a couple of days ago. I called him, got his voicemail, and sang my best Marilyn Monroe version of Happy Birthday Mr. Mayor. Well, not really, but I did call and sing Happy Birthday.

In my ever elusive quest to get organized, I was sorting through some old pictures and came across these. I was flooded with the memory of this trip. And I thought I would share it with you. First – the background…

It was a couple of months before we were scheduled to leave office. The Mayor had decided that he would not run for re-election. And given the nature of politics, I knew the incoming Mayor would choose his own staff. So, the Mayor happened upon some VIP tickets to see a shuttle launch. We all took vacation time, anted up the airfare, and off we all went on a Griswold Family Vacation like none other. Who would have put together this unlikely group? An engineer, attorney, cheerleader, a fake poop salesman, and a human resource specialist? I am going to leave it to you to decide who was who. We arrived in Florida on a Wednesday ahead of a Friday morning launch.

Our first adventure on Thursday was to head over to the Kennedy Space Center. It was here that we saw a really great 3D movie about space.

Sonya and I thought it was a fabulous movie ~ the Mayor slept through it.

Friday came and we got news that the launch was delayed and they were going to shoot for Saturday morning. So we decided to head over to Orlando and went through Universal Studios. It was there that the two most famous Mayors met, Mayor Randy Fitts of South Salt Lake, and Mayor Augustus Maywho of Whoville.

Everywhere we went Craig wore shorts with black socks… what is up with black socks? We totally made fun of him the whole time. I mean seriously….

Saturday morning came and the shuttle was delayed again. They thought they might get an afternoon launch. As the day went on, we knew it wasn’t going to happen. We all piled into the white cargo van and headed for Miami. How much more Griswold could we be? We played car games. We played “I am going on a trip. And on this trip I am bringing (insert something here that starts with an A)”. Then the next person says “I am going on a trip and I am bringing…” and they must recite all the previous contestants entries and their entry with the next letter of the alphabet. If you forget one of the entries, then you are out of the game. I think that Kyle won. But I do know that the Mayor cheated a couple of times. We recited that laundry list of things we were going to bring on the trip several times throughout the trip.

It was Craig’s keen memory that landed us here at Joe’s Stone Crabs in Miami. This restaurant is certainly not to be confused with the chain restaurant. It was a pretty hoity toity kind of a restaurant. Randy left his 7-11 Big Gulp cup in the lobby.

We walked the streets of Miami, and the beaches. We did a little beachcoming, butts up in the air, and saw a little bit of sand sculpting. The Mayor even picked me a coconut off a real live coconut tree.

Then it was off back to the hotel. Craig was the designated driver of the van, however, when he started nodding off, I took the helm. Sonya was the co-pilot and map reader extraordinaire. We made it back to Orlando with three sleeping men in the back seat. We were lost. We couldn’t find our hotel. Lordy almighty. I think we drove around for 30 minutes before one of the guys woke up and guided us back to the hotel.

What a great adventure to watch The Shuttle Launch That Wasn’t. I cherish the time that I spent working for the Mayor. It was by far and away the best job I have ever had. And he indeed was the best boss I have ever had.

What Do Trees Say?

2009-10-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have a fond memory of meeting a guy (who is now a very dear friend) for the first time. We met at a park right here in Bountiful. You know how first time meetings go... I was a little nervous. We sat in the park and were talking. It was a lovely late summer evening. The wind was whistling through the trees.

**Point of note, I have always loved trees. Perhaps this stems from my time in Brigham City's Parks and Recreation Department where we nurtured and planted trees to become Tree City USA....ya, maybe that was it...**

meanwhile back at the park.... As we talked about the trees, I was really surprised that he had never really thought about trees in the way that I always have... that they are a living, breathing, beautiful part of this earth. They dance, they sing, they weep, they shed, they have their spirit renewed. It was a lovely first meeting for my friend and I and we often reminisce about that day and what he learned about trees.

What does my beautiful 50 year old sycamore tree say to you?

She is saying, "aren't I blessed! Look at me waving in the wind, bending in allowance for whatever comes my way. Rustling my leaves in perfect harmony....and I am smiling, can't you tell? I am dancing with my friend the wind".

Why yes she is....

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Class Reunion

2009-09-30T12:55:00.000-07:00

So my class reunion is just around the corner. Okay, I am just going to be honest here… just because I think we are at that stage of our relationship, it is my 30 year class reunion. How is that possible when I am only 26? Uh um. Don’t answer that.

So I have been perusing my wardrobe trying to figure out what I can wear that will make me look like the 26 year old that I think I am. I found in the deep recesses of my closet this darling little black number that I thought would be perfect. I bought it online a couple of years, okay a few years, back for an event. The dress never once slithered over my hips after the day I first received it in the mail, tried it on, then went and ate a Ding Dong. Needless to say, I won’t be wearing that dress.

Why can’t I find something classic… kind of like what Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffanys.

Well, maybe because I ate that Ding Dong (and subsequent Twinkies) that have led me to the place that I will just have to settle for some layered, ruffled, frumpy frock. I am destined to wear that Gunny Sax dress I just know it…

I wonder if I can lose 37.5 lbs. before the end of October.... probably not...

How Unique are You?

2009-09-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

Well according to this cool little widget that my mom sent me… I am one of a kind :) Which, most of you who are reading this right now are saying a collective “whew”. Try it out and see how many others there are in the United States with your same name. It is kinda fun!

HowManyOfMe.com

There are

or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

It is Good to Be the Queen

2009-09-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

When I was young me and my two brothers wanted a dog. We wanted one bad... But Daddy was fairly reluctant. Then came the day that Mindie came to our house. This cute and darling little weiner. Daddy would not let her come in the living room. Okay, well then she was allowed in the living room, but not on the couch. Then she was allowed on the couch, but not in the bedrooms. Then she was allowed in the bedrooms, but she couldn't sleep with us. Then she became the Queen and she could be anywhere in the house.

In our house it is Maggie. She is the Queen. The Alpha Queen. She was just sitting there minding her own business, going about the duties of her kingdom. You know, sniffing, rolling, just being queenly, when Scooter had the audacity to breathe.

Wait… what are YOU doing in MY backyard?? Ya, you. I am talking to you.

What you want a piece of me?

Who is the queen? Who is the master?

Ya, that is what I am talking about.

You had enough yet sport?

What? You are gonna run away now? Ya, that is what I thought...

Big Baby… No one thinks that’s cute…

It sure is good to be the Queen…..

Squirrel!!!

Being Still

2009-09-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Interesting how an autumn morning, with the breeze blowing through my sycamore trees can make me completely introspective. It brings me back to a place and time in my life when things were so tumultuous, when life seemed so messed up. But this year, I am grateful. I love my life. I love all that is in it. I feel peaceful for the first time in many, many years. On this morning, the breeze is crisp. The contrast of the incredibly blue sky with wispy white clouds and the green of the Wasatch is staggering. The quiet of the day is soothing. All my senses are heightened. I love this day.

Unique

2009-08-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

It was Ashley’s birthday the other day and we celebrated at J’Amy’s house. We took a couple of pictures of us three girls. Here is one that I just love.

As I looked at it, I was reminded how different my girls are from one another. And not only that, but how different they are from me. We are each so unique in our way of thinking, and I love that about us. I have always tried to encourage my children to be themselves, but always to remember who they are and what they stand for. In fact, that is a sign that hangs above the front door so that when my kids leave the house, it is the last thing they see before leaving the comfort of home.

Some time back I read this poem that really struck me of things that I hope for my kids. I thought I would share it with you.

Take These Thoughts With You On Your Journey To Your Dreams

Don't ever forget that you are unique. Be your best self and not an imitation of someone else.

Find your strengths and use them in a positive way. Don't listen to those who ridicule the choices you make.

Travel the road that you have chosen and don't look back with regret. You have to take chances to make your dreams happen.

Remember that there is plenty of time to travel another road - and still another - in your journey through life.

Take the time to find the route that is right for you. You will learn something valuable from every trip you take, so don't be afraid to make mistakes.

Tell yourself that you're okay just the way you are. Make friends who respect your true self.

Take the time to be alone, too, so you can know just how terrific your own company can be.

Remember that being alone doesn't always mean being lonely; it can be a beautiful experience of finding your creativity, your heartfelt feelings, and the calm and quiet peace deep inside you.

Don't ever forget that you are special and you have within you the ability to make your dreams come true.

~ Jacqueline Schiff ~

Newer Creations

2009-08-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

So with all the remodel going on my creativity has really suffered. The makeshift kitchen has been in the studio. My creative juices just don't flow very well when I am sitting in there and all I can smell is the pizza pocket that Jake just heated in the microwave.

However, I have been able to get a few things out - - - All are available in both of my Etsy Shops. My steampunk shop, which uses watch movements and Victorian style jewelry can be seen here. And my Lilikoi shop, which uses semi precious gemstones, sterling, silver and fine silver can be seen here.

Day 30 of 37

2009-08-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

Well it is all coming together! Yay! Here are the latest pictures of everything. The appliances are in, all except the dishwasher. There are some minor punch list items to be done, but all in all I think I am just about there!

Jake even scrambled eggs over the weekend on the new stove…seemed odd, but you never know what a 17 year craves and why he craves it. I think it is kind of like being pregnant.

I soooooo love my new faucet. It is totally the bomb. I am really digging all this counter space too! Having the microwave over the stove is a real bonus.

I totally need my mom here to help me organize. Whenever she comes and stays at my house she organizes for me. I love that about her. I really look forward to her cleaning out my utensil drawer. But the best of all is when she does the sock basket. Seriously, I love that. She is the queen when it comes to organization and I totally need her to set me up…. Maybe I can fly her in for the weekend…. hmmmmmm

Day 23 of 37

2009-08-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

So here is the granite!! Wow! It has totally begun to pull the kitchen together! Yesterday Mitch the Tile Man (M-TM) came. He started putting my random thoughts into a pattern. We drew it out and before I knew it, it started to be a pattern. Hmmm is this a sign from God? Maybe I should marry this man…. No one ever seems to be able to put my random thoughts and asymmetrical behavior into a pattern… let alone put it into tile. There may just be something to that… anyway, I digress…

Tile on the floor will also need to be patched and I appreciate M-TM’s attention to detail and that patterns should be maintained and matched. I appreciate consistency. And I also appreciate M-TM’s ability to put my rambling, random, asymmetrical thoughts into some semblance of order…. well ..... at least as it relates to tile!

Day 15 of 37

2009-08-11T15:28:00.001-07:00

Well here are the updated pictures of the cabinets! Aren’t they gorgeous!! I soooooo love cherry! I really love wood with character and this wood has a lot of that. But what I am really digging is the color variation and the beautiful knots in the wood. It is just stunning.

Carlos, the painter, is such a hard worker. He showed up at my house on day 12 and painted from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. I kept trying to feed the poor boy (geesh I am turning into my mother) but to no avail. But 9.5 hours later, I have a lovely buttercream paint throughout!

Check out the canned ceiling lighting… I am sure that I am going to be able to illuminate my neighbor’s kitchen 2 blocks away. Hmmmm...I guess there won’t be any more streaking through the kitchen - -

The Moment

2009-08-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gone through something in your life when all time seems to stop? When everything around you seems inconsequential except that very moment?

Seems like an odd interruption in the middle of Day 12 of 37. It actually happened on Day 10 (just in case anyone is keeping track). Anyway….

That moment happened for me. While it didn't completely happen in a moment, it was over the course of several hours. I will never forget what I saw and how I felt right then. It was altering for me. I will never be the same ~ ever.

Amen.

Day 10 of 37

2009-08-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, so at the beginning of this project I was really excited about the fact that my kitchen was going to be all brand new ~ and then it happened…and then I was certain I was out of my mind for thinking I could handle a remodel project all by myself.

But how does that saying go? What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger. . . Okay I have some pretty mean strong forearms ~ I don’t need to get stronger, but I was fairly certain on Day 6 of construction that I was going to die. Yes, I was going to keel over and die right there - - - ‘kilt on the spot…. Why you ask? Two words - - sheetrock dust. Lordy almighty. Day 6 brought the men from hell…. the sheetrockers… I think it must be a game for those folks to see just how far they can blow that stuff throughout the house… Everything was covered in a layer of it. I don’t care how much I covered the furniture, how much I closed the doors throughout the house. It was everywhere…the goobers in Maggie’s eyes were even white…. Eeeeewwww.

Day 7 – I cleaned

Day 8 – Cabinet delivery folks showed up and piled 4 trees worth of wood in my living room.

Day 9 – All those lovely trees look beautiful in my kitchen - - - when they are installed as cabinets.

Day 10 – I think they are painting today.. Yay…(she said with mock enthusiasm) now it will be paint fumes…

I am going to have Popeye forearms soon…. I just know it....

Day 2 of 37

2009-07-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

So, it is now day two of construction. Yep…. day two.

Maggie doesn’t know what to do with herself.

She sniffs. She howls. I can relate ~ I too have been sniffing and howling.

We have set up a makeshift cafeteria in the jewelry studio. We have the essentials – the microwave and the Senseo coffee pot. We also have miscellaneous items of interest on the top of the microwave, just in case you might want to stir your coffee. But, if you do, you have to wash the dishes in the bathtub. We are pretty much opting for disposables.

This is what I will be eating for the next 4 weeks (please note there are only 290 calories and is worth 6 points on Weight Watchers.)

This is what Jake will be eating for the next 4 weeks. Good thing he is a boy with an incredibly speedy metabolism. Can you imagine eating pizza rolls for 4 weeks?? Lordy…

Every night before I go to bed I will pray for the remodel event to be over quickly….amen.

Before and After

2009-07-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

So all weekend was spent getting the kitchen ready for demolition. With the help of my son, I boxed everything out of the kitchen cupboards and got it out of the way. I found things in my cupboards that I didn't know existed. I found things in my cupboards that they don't make any more. Did you know that a 10 year old circus peanut shrinks to half its original size?

So this is my kitchen in the morning:

And this is my kitchen this evening:

So I am gutted. Slit right up the middle and gutted. I no longer have a sink, a dishwasher, or an oven....but hey what is four weeks?

Ughhhhhh.

Taking one for the Team

2009-07-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had to do a job that you really didn’t want to do? Well of course you have, we all have. Whether it was mowing the lawn (I never had to do this – that was a boy job), or picking up the dog poop (oh wait, I never had to do that either – another boy job), or maybe it was Spring cleaning (THAT I have done). Well today I am doing a job that I really don’t want to do.

The receptionist at my office works Monday through Wednesday. The back up receptionist is on vacation. Great – who is third in line? Me… well actually I am not third in line, I just decided that it was probably a good thing for me to sit up at the front desk and see what it is like to have a constantly ringing phone, and plastering that lovely “Good Morning” face on. You know, just basically taking one for the team.

I arrived bright and early at 8:00 a.m. at the front desk. The phone didn’t ring until 9:20 a.m. No one came to the front counter until the Fed Ex guy showed up at 10:18, then the mailman at 10:27. The phone rang a grand total of 26 times in the first 4 hours. What am I doing here? I have updated my Etsy shops. I have edited pictures for my Etsy shops. I have read through everything I can find to read through regarding updates to our health insurance, 401k, the employee savings and investment plan, and wellness plan. Did you know that there are 7 benefits to drinking water? It keeps your brain healthy, it flushes toxins, it regulates your body temperature, decreases the risk of heart attack, increases your metabolism, gives you healthy looking skin, and my personal favorite, it helps you lose weight.

So much for being in the trenches, taking one for the team, and all that bologna! What I learned today is:
1. If I were searching for a job and my three choices were:
a. Bus Driver
b. Dog Groomer
c. Receptionist
I would for sure go into Dog Grooming.
2. There are 29 sale pages on the Chadwicks of Boston Catalog.
3. I can think of 8 different ways to answer the phone with different intonation in my voice.
4. Handling someone else’s phone is gross.

All that being said, it takes a special person to be a receptionist – and I guess I am just not that special =)

Muah!

The Monster Under the Bed

2009-07-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

Some time back I posted about taking a PMC (Precious Metal Clay) class from the master of the masters, Sherri Haub. Since that time I have made a few pieces, but I have always used a friend’s kiln to fire the clay.

I have always been seriously chicken of fire, flame, and okay I will admit it, anything that gives off heat. I quit using electric blankets because I was afraid they would catch the house on fire….

Well….my friend Marika has been torching her PMC since taking the class. She is all about the flame… She has taken some metalsmithing classes and can wield a mean Crème Brûlée torch. She has been gently coaxing me to try it…

So, at the last bead show I bought a torch and heat tile from the tool man. I kept it under the bed in my jewelry studio, but sticking out far enough that I could keep an eye on it.

Marika: Have you torched yet?
Cindie: No, I don’t have a fire brick and I don’t have butane.
Marika: You should get it. It isn’t that big of a deal.

So I went to Freshman’s downtown and bought the fire brick and butane. I stored it in a cool dark place just like the box said, right under the bed.

Marika: Have you torched yet?
Cindie: No, I have stored it in a cool dark place.
Marika: You should do it. I will send you a step by step guide.

I read through the step by step guide. It doesn’t say whether you have to set your flame at 2” long or 5’ long. After all I don’t want to get too close to the flame. Hmmm.. I don’t think I can do this.

Marika: Have you torched yet?
Cindie: No, I am trying to completely research it to make sure that I am doing it right.
Marika: You should do it. Here, I will send you a YouTube video on how to do it.

So I watch the video and see the flame thrower. Hmmm. That looks pretty scary. What if the butane leaks and causes an explosion? What if I accidently catch the desk on fire? What if my room isn’t ventilated enough and I die from inhalation? Geesh.

Saturday morning I wake up and decide this is the day I become a flame thrower. I prep the room. I get everything even remotely flamable off my table. I open all the doors and windows in the entire house. I crawl under the bed in the jewelry studio and pull out the beast – the monster of all monsters – the flame thrower. I read the instructions. I reread the instructions. I put butane in it. I put on my protective eye wear. I take off the child lock. Lord almighty, I am sweating. I pull the trigger. There it is - - the blue flame. I watch it for awhile. I hold the monster flame thrower in my hand to get used to the feel of the power in my hand. Then I turn it off. Whew. I pull the trigger again. I lit that little silver clay sucker right on fire and held that flame for two minutes. It was done. I torched.

Cindie: Guess what.
Marika: What?
Cindie: I torched.
Marika: You did???
Cindie: Ya, no big deal.

I am now officially over my fear of the monster under the bed ~ the torch.

Grandma's "C"

2009-07-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

The other day I was sitting in my jewelry studio and there was a discarded piece of wire on my desk. It had a loop in the end and then it kind of curled around. Looking at the piece of wire, I was reminded of how my precious Grandma would write my name. She would loop the top of the "C" and loop at the bottom.

I took that discarded piece of wire, and formed it into my Grandma's "C". I hammered it into shape, added a crystal quartz rondelle to the bottom, and oxidized it. This is what Grandma’s “C” looks like.

I have always attributed my creative nature to my precious Grandma who nurtured it in me. She is the origin of many things good and right in my life ~ primarily my mother, but for many other qualities as well. When I wear my Grandma’s “C”, I will be reminded of her inspiration to me, her profound faith in God, and the beauty that comes with age.

Muah Grandma!

Breaking up is Hard to Do

2009-06-30T13:44:00.001-07:00

You know the song - - - oh didn’t you just swoon to Neil Sedaka? I still see him just like this:

So, I am going to be starting a remodel on my house and I got a few bids. I really liked one contractor. I think I even bonded with him (in a contractor/client sort of a way). Anyway, when the third bid came in substantially less than my original contractor, I felt horrible. But hey, that extra money would come in awful handy when I am also trying to get windows installed.

I called the contractor and the conversation went something like this:

“Hi Boris (okay, not his real name – I made it up), this is Cindie.”
“Oh Hi, Cindie. We sure are anxious to get started on your kitchen!”
“Ya, about that. So I have decided to go with another bidder.”
“What do you mean another bidder? What did we do wrong?”

Cue Neil Sedaka

I actually found myself saying, “Oh Boris, it isn’t you. It's me.”

Geesh, breaking up with a contractor is just about as bad as breaking up with your boyfriend!

Father's Day

2009-06-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

What a great opportunity this year to spend Father's Day with my daddy. It was a quick weekend up and back to Boise, but priceless in the time that we spent together. Saturday we went to the movies and saw the new Star Trek movie. My mom was a good sport and went along. She never quite "gets" why the Klingons and Romulans have to look "weird". Okay Mom, that is Star Trek... they are aliens..... Anyway, Mike and Shelly and Mom and Daddy and I got into the theater with our ginormo trough of popcorn, two cokes and candy that Shelly smuggled in (sorry Shell, I ratted you out.) For those of us who are true Star Trek fans you know what I am talking about here - - I thought it might be difficult to jump from this:

to this:

Ummm you know, not only did I jump ~ I kind of leapt - - - ya, it worked.

What a great time! We went from that movie adventure to a groovy time (man I haven't said that in a long time) at home laughing, playing games, and just all around silliness.

Sunday brought a yummy barbeque with the entire family to celebrate the dads. My two brothers who are incredible men and fathers...

And then my daddy. The perfect example of a father. He is a godly man of honor, integrity, and humility. Besides being able to fix ANYTHING - - he also makes a mean potato salad.

I love you Daddy!

Muah!

Draykin - He Fick it!

2009-06-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Okay so I know that title sounds a little strange...but that is Maycie speak for "Drayton, he fixed it!"

So the other day I put a lovely 13x9 of brownies in the oven and put the timer on for 35 minutes. Thirty five minutes later I wasn't smelling any of that eewwwy goooey chocolatey luciousness.... Ummm no. The oven had heated up to maybe 90 degrees. The stinkin oven broken. . . .again. . .

Now this isn't just any oven. This is a circa 1961 General Electric brown beaut. Check this little darlin out:

Well.... so Jake took the lower element out and sure enough.... electrical issues.... again.

Cue rescue music.

Ashley calls Drayton, and along comes Mr. Rescue with his tool belt. I know girls... hold onto your seats.... a boy and his tool belt.... Okay, well he wasn't actually wearing the belt - it was sitting on my kitchen floor. ANYWAY, Drayton to the rescue. He fixed the oven. Now what do you think he can do about THIS stove... circa 1961 too...

Thanks Draykin!

Muah!

Mr. Ginormo

2009-06-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

So there I was watering my hanging flower pot, picking off the dead blooms, just basically minding my own business. And what before my wandering eye should appear? A prehistoric monstrosity of a dragonfly, trying to blend into the greenery. Okay – nice try Mr. Ginormo ~

Ashley was kind enough to photograph Mr. “Leave me alone I am drying my wings.” I was way too freaked out. Good grief I almost deadheaded him!

Okay I am going to go faint now....

Cherry Cheesecake Crunch

2009-06-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

1 cup quick oats
1 Super Moist yellow cake mix
2/3 cup butter cut in small pieces
1 (20 oz.) can of cherry pie filling
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese (softened)
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
½ tsp. vanilla

In a bowl, mix together oats and cake mix. Cut in butter. Spray the bottom of a 13x9” pan. Pat 1/3 of the dry mix in the bottom. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Remove from oven.

In a bowl, whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla. Spread over the top of the cooked crust. Top cream cheese mixture with the cherry pie filling. Pour remaining dry mix evenly over the top of the cherry pie filling. Bake at 350° for an additional 35-40 minutes.

Serve with whip cream or vanilla ice cream.

Variations:
Apple pie filling, strawberry pie filling, or mixed berry pie filling. Can add ½ c chopped nuts or ½ c toasted coconut into dry mixture.

Raining Flowers

2009-06-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

Once a year in my back yard it rains flowers. It especially rains flowers when Uncle Jake and Maycie Jean are involved. It kind of goes something like this… “ Uncle Jake, up!”

“Look! Flowers!”

“Pretty!”

It's raining flowers!

“Maycie you have flowers all over in your hair.”

“Tip toe through the tulips”

You totally thought of Tiny Tim…. I know you did…. And if you didn’t…. you should have!

Zebra Butts, Yummy Blankets and Babies!

2009-05-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

So the kids were up the other day at the house and it was certainly a day to be outside with rootbeer floats on the front porch swing and exploring.

Here we have a wonderful picture of Maycie’s cute little zebra butt. Doggone she is cute from the front AS WELL AS THE BEHIND!

Then we have our new little Kayla Kim sitting with mommie on the front porch swing blowing really good bubbles as all new little ones do..... She decides that blanket might be worth a good chewing.

She goes in with one fist.

Then two…

Then mommy pulls it out and she smiles.

Maycie loves her little sissy! So do we!

Thank a Vet

2009-05-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

It is such an amazing thing to drive up my street and see this sight. Something inside me wells up when I realize the sacrifice so many have made to make and keep this country free. So that when we walk into the church of our choice, go to the library or post office, we don't have to worry that a bomb will go off when we walk in. We are safe in this country.

General George Patton said "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died, rather we should thank God that such men lived."

The Garden

2009-05-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

One early spring morning I walked into my backyard took a look at it and wanted to vomit. There were so many weeds. The border of the garden was falling apart. The planters looked terrible. Last year, the garden was not a priority and I really let the whole thing go. I just couldn't think that I wanted to even plant a garden this year. But then I started thinking...what about that gazpacho, the marinara, salsa...

So I thought.... well, I should probably plant a couple of tomato and pepper plants. Onions were coming back voluntary, and heavens sakes, there was the oregano and garlic (that I can't kill for the life of me) and the chives... okay. . . okay. . . just a few...

Off to my favorite garden center. Before I knew it I had 10 Amish tomato paste romas, 8 Moscow tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, anaheim peppers, and my personal favorite, salsa peppers. Heavens to Betsy, there were even tomatillos, basil, zuchini, and lemon cucumber plants in my cart. God help me, I had carrot, mesculine and swiss chard seeds, and a stray bag of walla walla onion sets.

And here you go....

And the garlic and basil that just won't die....

So I was sitting out on the porch thinking - - wow - I really did a great job... I cleaned off the patio, cleaned off all the chairs got everything spiffy. Then those pots started calling me. What was I supposed to do?

Off to the garden center again....

And this:

And this:

That is it! I am totally done... now I can enjoy porch life again. Now if I can only get all that dirt out from under my fingernails....

Easter Shoes

2009-04-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

So, it was Easter in Bountiful. I decided this year I wasn't going to buy any candy for the Easter baskets - - but then it was those darn Reese's eggs that got me... and of course the boys needed gummy worms... But for Maycie, I didn't want the candy thing. So I stocked up on PacPac (Maycie's word for Dora the Explorer) and Finding Nemo fruit snacks, raisins, a play purse, her very first pet ( a goldfish named Nemo), and her new little "Bawbi" (Barbie) dress up shoes. At first she wasn's so sure about those shoes ~ but as soon as we got those on her - she was clicking around all over the house in them. Who cares if they don't fit? They totally have bling on them and they click when you walk don't ya know....

All in all we are hopeful that Nemo survives and that Maycie has plenty of days of play in her Easter shoes!

The Pups

2009-04-09T10:31:00.004-07:00

Last week I took Maggie and Scooter, the pups, in for a dental cleaning. I was so taken back when the vet told me that they were reaching their life expectancy. Huh? It was then that I realized they are both 9 years old. Wow, not so much the pups anymore. Mindie, my childhood pet dachshund was 13 years old when she passed into puppy heaven. I can’t bear the thought of losing my little Magdalena. And as much as I complain about Scooter, I would miss him too. Throughout the years I have always tried to get someone to take Scooter. Whether it was Mike when we divorced, or whether I have tried to cajole my nephews into taking him (I secretly know that Sammy would take him in a heartbeat), or telling Jake that when he moves out he must take Scooter. It will be a horrible, horrible day in my life when those pups join Mindie.

Maggie and Scooter in their younger years sporting hats that Ashley had made for them.

Maggie today, sporting a little bit of gray.

We have always teased that we should get a little bit of a touch up color for her. Good grief, a girl needs a good colorist doesn’t she?

Muah!

March vs. January

2009-03-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

Is it really March 29? It really feels like January 29! My little weather center here in the kitchen that tells me the ambient temperature inside and out. It indicates that it is a toasty 70° inside and whhhaaat??? 31° outside. Huh? Yesterday it was 70° and sunny. This morning at 2:00 a.m. I was awakened by a howling fierce wind. “It” was coming. Round about 9:00 a.m. all was quiet and then it came, five inches in less than an hour. My poor little gnome didn’t know what to do with himself. His little built in solar lamp was completely snuffed out. What does one do to entice Spring to her realm??

I thought about the garden the other day... now I am glad it was just a thought.

Good thing that Jake got out yesterday and fertilized the lawn when it was 70° outside!!!

Come on Spring....

Quail in the Garden

2009-03-15T21:25:00.000-07:00

So this afternoon I was standing in the kitchen staring mindlessly in the backyard. My attention was drawn to the fence where a quail couple was taking a Sunday afternoon stroll. They were so beautiful. The male kept watch as the female pecked around the backyard looking for anything that resembled food. They will begin to nest soon. Last year I had this nest in the front yard! I have a pot that looks like it is overturned that sits out in the front planter. Mr. and Mrs. Quail decided that it was the right place to nest. I learned a lot about quail that year. I learned that once the babies are hatched they never return to the nest. They also are able to run the minute that they are born. I can't wait until Spring!

When Did it Happen?

2009-02-15T18:18:00.000-08:00

I remember a little boy who loved Barney. I know he would die if he knew I was blogging about this - but he really did have a Barney the Dinosaur t-shirt. He loved to ride his bike and throw rocks in the creek. And yes, he ambushed kids walking to school. He rode on the fire truck with his daddy in the Peach Days parade.

One day he started skateboarding and hanging out with his friends. He turned into a great baseball player. He was mowing the lawn and shoveling the snow. The next thing I knew he was driving and working.

Turn around once and he is walking. Turn around twice he graduates from Jr. High. Turn around a third time and he is a handsome man going off to a Valentine's Day dance.

My precious baby boy - - - when did you grow up to be this handsome TALL guy???

First Work

2009-01-24T08:57:00.000-08:00

I totally meant to put pictures in of the things I made while at my class. So here they are. A couple of them I used with molds and the rest I textured and then either cut them out by hand or used a cutter. I am not so sure I like the bright silver of these charms, as I am a more oxidized sort of a gal. I will wait to do this until I find the right project for these items.

This was way fun, and I am excited to explore this avenue a bit more. Stephanie, Julia (two of the ladies I met at the class) and I are going to have a play date soon so that we can create together. That is a really fine thing - inasmuch as Julia has the kiln.... niiiice. I can't wait to experiment! I have bought the new clay and have decided that I will use found objects for texture. Upcoming items soon!

Me and PMC

2009-01-21T10:12:00.005-08:00

What a great opportunity I had a couple of weekends ago. Do you ever feel like things happen for a reason? Like you are in the right place at the right time? Like karma smiled at you? Like… well, you get the picture. So it was with me. I have wanted to take a PMC class for some time now. PMC you ask? Precious Metal Clay. For those of you who are jewelers you know what this is, for those of you who aren’t, precious metal clay is made from microscopic fine silver particles, a non-toxic organic binder and water. It is worked like clay then fired in a kiln. ... What is left behind is 99.9% pure silver in whatever shape you created. Remember your days with Play Doh and there you have it. Let me tell you I made some of the best Play Dough spaghetti and meatballs you have ever tasted – it was only natural that I would want to dabble in PMC.

ANYWAY… I started looking into a class and I happened upon Sherri Haab’s website. Sherri has written 17 craft books, six specifically geared toward jewelry making and design. She is one of the leaders in the industry in the use of PMC in terms of crafting and design. As I read more about her, I found that she lived in Utah. I fast forwarded and found that she was teaching a PMC class here in Utah - - the upcoming weekend!! Wow! What an opportunity! I made a phone call – got in the class, and before I knew it, Marika (my friend and business/bead sista) was booked on a flight to attend the class with me.

What an experience, in more ways than I can describe in this post. I had the opportunity to learn a technique from one of the foremost teachers in the business, and to meet some of the most incredible people! I am excited about the new avenue in jewelry design this has opened up for me, and for the exciting new friendships that will develop.

I am so thrilled for the opportunity, grateful for the experience, and excited about this new adventure!

Grandpa Ake

2008-12-29T19:18:00.000-08:00

Today is your birthday!! My precious grandpa would have been 96 today. Unbelievable to me… Unbelievable that he has been gone 25 years. Seems like not long ago that he looked at me with those sweet tender eyes as I walked down the aisle. I will never forget the look on his face…never.

I hope that you and Grandma are celebrating your birthday in perfect style - - it would be with that incredibly yummy german chocolate cake that only grandma could make…

Your little queenie bee wishes you a Happy Birthday my precious Grandpa. Many happy returns to the day of thy birth. May sunshine and gladness be given. And may the dear father prepare you on earth for a beautiful birthday in heaven!

Gratitude

2008-12-29T19:03:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a Christmas it was! The day started out perfectly mahvelous!! The kids were thrilled with the Scavenger hunt to find each of their main presents – J’Amy and Eric got the Wii, Ashley a Mac Notebook, and Jake an iPod. The day was perfect. Maycie was pretty much done after she walked into the living room and saw all the Santa had left for her…the Princess Tent, Dora the Explorer Vanity… does it get any better? Well, it does when you can put Barbie Mariposa on the DVD and curl up on the bopee with your favorite blanket and chocolate milk!!

Breakfast was fabulous ~ great job J’Amy!!! Then off in blizzard like conditions to the great northern reaches… All was going along fine at 65 mph in 14° ambient temperature, along with 40 mph wind gusts. All was just fine until . . .the VW buggie just stopped…quit…I had just enough time to cross over 4 lanes of traffic as the car came to a complete halt. I checked the ignition – nothing - - Fortunately, the kids were in another car and I called and they came back. And then… my knights in shining armor. . . my son-in-law and his precious dad… they came and rescued me. They sacrificed their Christmas morning to come help me get my little buggie off the side of the road and towed to the dealership.

My previous post signed off by saying “Endeavor to live in gratitude.”

I am so grateful to have such a precious son-in-law who loves me and would sacrifice whatever it took to help me. I am grateful that I have the resources to fix my car. I am grateful I have raised such good kids. I am grateful for Eric and his daddy Kim, who came to my rescue. There really are true knights in shining armor – and mine is a hero to not only this mother-in-law, but to his little baby girlie too!

Love you Eric!!

Christmas when I was a Child . . . then . . . Christmas as me now…

2008-12-21T20:02:00.001-08:00

I remember the Christmas when I was 7 years old and I went to bed Christmas Eve, after meticulously placing the cookies and milk out for Santa, and Mom coming in to say prayers. I remember after she left I prayed my secret prayer to God in Heaven begging him to tell Santa that I really had been a good girl all year… I sure wanted that Thumbelina dolly. You know the one where you pulled the string and her little head rocked around and she made a cooing sound. Then I remember getting a little older and still was anxious for Christmas to come and I would go in and get in bed with my little brother Mike ~ trying to convince him to wake Randy (our big brother) up. I also remember as we got older that Christmas mornings seemed to get later and later ~ much to my parents' delight.

Then I turned into a parent ~ and the whole thing started over with my children. Not to mention the precious granddaughter!

Now when I go to bed on Christmas Eve, I pray my secret prayer to my God in Heaven begging him to give warmth to those who can’t sleep at all because it is so cold. I ask him to give hope to those who seem to have lost it. And with a most humble and grateful heart, I thank him for his gift of the babe born in the manger.

Endeavor to live in gratitude.

Muah!