A Bedside Book

Do you have this book? Do you love it as much as I do? My sister gave this book to me several years ago as a birthday present. I think the copyright is 1995. It has either been on my nightstand or in my bedroom bookcase ever since. To me it is more than a book, it's like a wise, comforting friend. When I'm down and need encouragement or when I need inspiration or when I just need to read something that gets me thinking in a new direction I turn to this book. It truly is a daybook of comfort and joy. I find that some parts are outdated, but all in all it never disappoints. If you aren't familiar with it, the book is laid out in a one year progression starting with January 1 and running through until December 31. At the end of each month there are "Joyful Simplicities" that coordinate with the season and give great ideas of how to fully enjoy the wonders that make that particular month different from the other 11. Here is an example taken from today, May 26th. The heading reads, "Let Passion Be Your Decorator". Sarah Ban Breathnach reminds us that decorating is "creating a visual memoir through your surroundings." Love that concept! She ends the page with this note, "With passion as your authentic decorator, every room in your home can tell a riveting tale about the extaordinary woman who graces it with her presence." What a timely read for me! It'a been a challenge to decorate this small rental home. With that kind of advice I feel like I have the confidence to make my home not only pretty but comfortable and reflective of those of us who live here. Really, isn't that what makes most homes all the more interesting? To be able to see the personality of the home owner in the space. I would never want my house to feel like a museum, or a hotel lobby. Though at times when the kids were little it felt more like a zoo! Which just reminds me that our homes evolve and change as much as do our lives. I think I will continue to keep this book and its inspiration on my nightstand.

Any Advice?

As you know we just moved into this rental home a little over a month ago. I took this pic of the living room the first week after unpacking boxes. It still pretty much looks the same. No drapery yet on the large picture window... still getting used to the giant fanlight on the ceiling... and that is a putty colored suede sofa at the left of the picture. Yes, one living room, two sofas. It's surprising, though, that it works. There is plenty of room for traffic flow around both of them. My dilemma, however, is this: Now that summer is right around the corner and the temperature outside is beginning to reflect this, I am looking for a way to make the look match the season. A bit fresher, cooler, and lighter. I do love red, can you tell? But I am open to change. Do you have any suggestions? I would love to get your ideas.
Thanks, bobbi.

Unique Discoveries

When moving to a new town it's always fun to see just what makes the area in which you live unique. We have been doing some exploring and, let me tell you, this area does not disappoint when it comes to quirky and unusual things that make it an interesting part of the country. Where else can you buy fresh tacos at the gas station? Or be nearly attacked by giant tumbleweeds! Eek! Or be surrounded by multiple orchards and vineyards. This is the apple capital of the world, you know.

Hubby and I took a little sightseeing drive and came across a tiny neighboring town with a population of 2500 that has an unusual claim to fame. Apparently, there were some dinosaur fossils found in the area and so the town decided to capitalize on this. There are all of these dinosaur sculptures throughout the town. There is also the cutest little park with a pond that I can't wait to take the grandboys to when they visit. As we kept driving, we came upon a sign that just made me laugh and feel a little queezy all at the same time. I've seen a similar sign for rabbits, and it gave me the same feeling. Hope you enjoy this photo montage of a place I am beginning to call home.

I will be away from Blogland for awhile. Hubby and I are traveling to see our son graduate from college with a Master's Degree in English. So Proud!! Be back in a few days.

Sunday Celebration

Today I'm back at the cottage in Tumbleweed Town. (this is what I'm calling it because there are more tumbleweeds here than I've ever seen!) I had a really memorable Mother's Day weekend. It was wonderful! We spent Saturday mowing and trimming the lawn at Gopher Hill. (the pending sale is due to close on the 22nd. Fingers are definitely crossed.) The yard looked great when we finished, but I admit I am not going to miss the 2 hours it takes to mow 4 acres in grass!! Or, the extensive amount of time it takes to weed two raised garden beds and a large garden.

We were planning on a family picnic in a park for Sunday with catering by 'the Colonel', but then we realized our backyard is a park!! So we celebrated and played in that gorgeous setting. Son and daughter, son-in-law and daughter-in-law, and all 4 grandkids were with us on a beautiful spring day. Phone calls came in from our other son and daughter making it complete. A mom couldn't ask for more. I'm allowed bragging rights, so here are some pics of my adorable grandchildren.

Love Being A Mom

Here I am with my husband and all 4 of our (grown) children. Wow, has time flown! Once upon a time, before Scot was born, I had 3 children under 3 years old. Crazy, huh? It was hectic and wonderful all at once. At that time I kept a journal of my daily life. Since Mother's Day is this weekend I thought I would copy a page here from that journal. (You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wish there was a movie)
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 1980:
"The heat today is unbearable. I understand it is going to be even warmer tomorrow. How will I ever stand it? What's worse is we all have colds today. Every single one of us. Poor little Rachel is suffering the most. She coughs continuously, and her little, tiny nose sounds so stuffy and miserable. Ugh! It's enough to become depressed. Craig woke up with a bloody nose this morning. I had to change the sheets on his bed. Then later today we made popcorn, and while the Fuller Brush representative was trying to sell me some soap, the children had spilled the bowl onto the floor and were dancing in it! When I glanced into the kitchen I could have sworn it was snowing!! I wonder if anyone else has times like these? As I write this Kristin is shredding toilet paper into pieces smaller than microscopic and wiping her nose with each piece. Help!"

I REMEMBER

I remember when I could read an entire chapter,

some days even an entire book

at one sitting

without interuptions.

I remember when I could work

for hours at a time in my study,

the hours were dependent on me

not on nap.

I remember when I knew no one

with children

and had no idea what 2T meant.

I remember when no one

called me mommy,

and when no little arms wrapped themselves

around my neck,

no little kisses or hugs were mine.

And I prefer today.

- Susan A. Holton

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

My First Blog Award!

I would like to very graciously accept, and THANK, Karyn & Nola over at
thebloomgirls.com
for selecting my blog as a recipient of One Lovely Blog Award. It's my very first and I couldn't be more thrilled!! These two lovely ladies have a wonderfully informative and inspirational blog themselves. If you haven't checked them out I recommend you do so. They have so many creative ideas to share, and Madison's carrot muffins with cream cheese are just to die for!! (it doesn't hurt that she is so adorable, too)
Thanks again BloomGirls! I'll be smiling all day long.