bits and pieces..

I've done it.

2006-08-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

I've made the move!

http://www.pumkinlittle.typepad.com

I'm feeling a little woozy still..but settling in. sigh. Hopefully you all can find me over there.
hugs.
erica

blogger is a demon.

2006-08-19T15:05:00.000-07:00

I was going to post pictures.
I think blogger is possessed this week.

is anyone else having issues with the beast?

around town.

2006-08-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

Marlin fishing is a big deal in Cabo. We were lucky enough to sneak a shot of this guy.

Favorite resturant.. I don't want normal food anymore.
yum.

In San Jose. slug bug.

SPT challenge. Enclosed spaces.

2006-08-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

The theme for SPT this month is "enclosed spaces". This picture isn't exactly that is it?

The complete opposite.

The enclosed space is the cluttered room that I'm sitting in right now. I room I don't want to be in.

The enclosed space is the insane schedule that will start in just a few short weeks.

The enclosed space is the daily grind.. laundry, housework..sewing.

I do not want anymore enclosed spaces. I'm sharing a beach picture today.

finisterra

2006-08-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

This is where we spent last week. Cabo San Lucas.
My husband practically had to drag me away.
This was the view the morning we left.

I'll be posting pictures all week.
(if I can get the pictures to post.. stupid blogger)

destination cabo.

2006-08-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

Today's the day. We leave the kids with Grandma B... Tomorrow we fly out. I can hardly believe we're going... pictures will follow next week!

Volcano

2006-08-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

We live by an active volcano. We see it almost every day. Most of the year it is covered in snow. Even in summer.
The volcano is indeed ACTIVE. The last eruption was in the 1920's. You can see still creeks that run warm. Steam vents that reek of sulphur.. aka ROTTEN EGGS..what a yummy smell..

and the kid's very favorite.. BOILING MUD... what an eerie sound this stuff makes..

But it isn't all HOT.. Even in the middle of July there is SNOW!
Frozen lakes..and alot of SNOW..

Did I mention that some of the snow is Pink? Quite alot of the snow is pink actually, caused by an algea that grows on the snow in the sierras. A strange and wonderful thing that amazes the kids and me too.

and it smells like watermelon.

Tastes like watermelon too.

Spt Challenge--Enclosed Space.

2006-08-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

Tub room

Inside us there is something that has no name, that something is what we are.
Jose Saramago.

oodles of berries

2006-07-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

A fine perk of living here. I think that you must have special talent to grow things at 5000. I do not have this talent. Thankfully, raspberries just grow on their own. Oh blessings!!!

thoreau

2006-07-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

Brown-eyed girl.

2006-07-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to grow these for years. This year they are there! I'm so thrilled! I also have a bed of echinachea (purple coneflower) that is coming up as well! I LOVE SUMMER!!!!!!

wish you were here.

2006-07-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

show & tell.. coffee pot

2006-07-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

All is well in the world! I remembered and am actually HOME for Blackbird's famous show and tell!
This is what we're using right now. We just discovered French Press coffee this summer. usually it's a percolator of the thrift store variety, refurbished by my very handy father-in-law) .
I love it! Except that it doesn't stay HOT for very long..but the flavor is so good!

and here is my dream machine.. I know. SIGH. Now if Joke could only find one of these for 70% off retail ;)

Sweet Summer

2006-07-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

"They are much to be pitied who have not been given a taste for nature early in life"

Jane Austen

I'm so glad my parent's passed this along to me!

Self Portrait Tuesday- Me as

2006-07-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

a doormat

"mama said there'd be days like this, there'd be days like this my mama said".

Do I have a sign on my forehead that says "Walk all over me?" do you ever feel that way??

for more spts check here
http://www.selfportraitchallenge.net

Dinos!

2006-07-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

We're home!
Ten days away.
3000 miles.
whew.

The first collage.
Royal Tyrell Dinosaur Museum!

Okay..then there is this picture.

sorry nice lady.

All points NORTH!~!!

2006-07-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posting.
Vacation has happened. We're in Alberta, Canada. Just over the US border.
The land of open prairies and big skies
We've put 1400 miles on the Suburban.
Visited the Royal Tyrell Dinosaur Museum
Visited with Friends
Have eaten more varities of chips that I had any idea existed. Dill Pickle? Ketchup? (Californians are so sheltered. ha.!!! :)
I can't add pictures yet..hopefully soon.

Happy summer!!!!
-e

SPT.. "me as as a shadow"

2006-07-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

Me. As a shadow. Just a shell of who I am.

Photographed on the rocks at the beach.

for more spts www.selfportraitchallenge.net

11th B-day

2006-07-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Pete!

I'm just a few days late posting.. we celebrated on the right day though! Where has the time gone? I swear, with every birthday that comes and goes I have to ask myself that question.

Happiest Place!

2006-06-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

A very merry unbirthday to you, to you.
A very merry unbirthday to you, to you.
So come along and sing the song and join the jamboree..
a very merry unbirthday to YOU!

The song. Still ringing. In our ears. We are still spinning!!

reasons I'm smiling.

2006-06-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

It's summer.that's reason #1. Finally 80 degrees!! (--the picture doesn't show 80..but I swear..it's at least 80. that dumb thing is on the back deck..and it is evening already. just trust me!)I'm not even a LITTLE cold.. at all..

Reason #2.. I've been working in my studio..cleaning and painting. Of course I should be packing but with half of the kids gone with Dad, it's sooo quiet I can't help it! The room just makes me smile all the way to my toes!

Reason #3..shopping yesterday.. I found this new little sassy top. Just a tee.. totally cheap.. but i'm in love. perfect for our little trip to the city.

Reason #4.. our trip. We're going to visit this guy. I love him. I asked Ab if she remembered going to Disneyland.. "Yes Mom.. they have the Teapots". We definately need to go back!

So. If I don't post for a bit, this is why. New pictures coming next week!

Go entertain yourself here. www.gofugyourself.com It's my favorite..shhhh.. ;)

Self Portrait Tuesday Pop Art #3

2006-06-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

MADE POSSIBLE BY.

I got a Nikon camera
I love to take a photograph.

A bit of Paul Simon for a Tuesday SPT. Can't get the song out of my head.

more spt's click here... www.selfportraitchallenge.net

The beginning.

2006-06-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

Our summer season is officially starting..and starting with a BANG!
Our summer is looking something like this--- I'm looking forward to the fun, but dreading the busy!!

-trip to the city for wedding/visiting old friends.
-an anniversary and son's birthday
-Disney!
-family visiting for 4th
-trip to canada!!!
-school trips. backpacking-thankfully, i'm not going ;)
-trip alone with hubby! *definite highlight to summer*

I'm already dreading the start of school and cold temperatures. I need to live in the moment, but I need to soak up more sunshine first!

For them.

2006-06-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day.

Kittens!

2006-06-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

Is there anything cuter? I'm not certain that there is..even if you don't like cats! We spent the day with friends on their small farm/ranch and had a wonderful time. Horses, cats, a baby goat! The kids were in heaven!!! I'll be sharing more pictures here I'm sure.

Although our area is very alpine just down the canyon you can find farms and ranches. The oaks are a welcome break from the pine trees. The temperatures are usually warmer which I won't complain about! :)

SPT Pop Art. week 2

2006-06-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

multifaceted.

popart week two

for more spt's

www.selfportraitchallenge.net

Alas.

2006-06-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.

-henry james.

Self Portrait Tuesday POP ART week One

2006-06-05T17:25:00.000-07:00

I'm early!

Pop ART.

Week One.

This week I was trying to steer away from the Warhol look. I wanted a more billboard appearance, like something you would see on the side of a building.

I wanted the image to not look like me.

For more SPT's check out the new site

www.selfportraitchallenge.net

Not missing

2006-06-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Just doing my Civil Duty. As in Jury Duty.
When I was called for Jury Duty I had no idea I'd actually be seated on a jury. My first time in that position.

Twenty hours of jury duty spread over two days. Seated in an old courthouse. Deciding with 11 other jurors the fate of one man. A fascinating two days. I learned alot about our system, about people and about how tedious court proceedings can be.

When all was said and done the charges were read. Guilty. Posession of drugs for sale, among many other charges.

Self Portrait Tuesday-Intro week 5

2006-05-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

I may as well be standing here naked. I cant' believe I'm showing you my studio. I dream of a day when my studio will be perfect. Today is not that day. I am perfectly content here though. Alone with my fabric, sewing machines and iron... Listening to the radio or a movie I've seen a hundred times. I share space with the washer and dryer (it's a long skinny room).. The dryer keeps me warm in the winter. Two windows look over the creek. The space is cramped but it is mine.. messy though it may be. Welcome. Pull up a chair. Dig through the scraps of fabric like most people do. :) One of these days I'll show the whole picture..clean. I promise!

For more self portraits check out the great new site here

www.selfportraitchallenge.net

Color of my life.

2006-05-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Green is the color of my life...at least this week.

Show and Tell. Rocks.

2006-05-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

This week? it's ROCKS.
What kind of rocks you ask? I'm not sure. Blackbird showed all sorts of rocks, big and little..

I'm showing Agates.

Here is the beach where we found them. Agate Beach at Patrick's Point, California.

self portrait tuesday. introductions. week 4.

2006-05-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

I'm not hiding today. No swings. No children. No feet. Me. This morning.

Things you might not know about me if you just read this blog

but I'm certain you know if you've met me.

I cannot sit still. I'm always wishing I were somewhere else (unless I'm sitting in the sun, then I'm perfectly content). I'm overly critical of myself. I only watch movies with happy endings.

For more spt's click here

www.selfportraitchallenge.net

Things I love about today.

2006-05-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

-Hearing the choir sing.
-Looking outside and seeing everything green with new growth.
-Having only two children home..and knowing the other two are safe :)
-Splurging on THIS and not hating doing dishes quite so much.
-A quiet evening and movie all to myself.. ahh bliss.

evening blossoms

2006-05-17T20:34:00.000-07:00

It's 8pm. There is an eerie glow outside. The sky is lit up bright orange. The trees are glowing. The water is glowing. The children are glowing. The air is still. The air is warm. These are blooming.
At 5000 ft spring is usually late to arrive. Every bud and blossom is welcome. Every ray of sunshine praised! May it be a long, long summer.

Self Portrait Tuesday- Introduction

2006-05-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

What do you need to know about me? I'm a big kid. I love to play!

For more SPT's check out the new site
www.selfportraitchallenge.net

breathe

2006-05-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

Eighty degrees in the mountains on Mother's day. Very unusual and wonderful. While driving around yesterday we passed many cars all with their windows rolled up. I just wanted to scream "ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW and INHALE!!!" The day was just too beautiful to worry about messing up your hair!

Don't just breathe to live.

Live to breathe.

just a note.. hanging out of car windows is NOT normal behavior! I looked in my side mirror and saw that.. snapped pic..and said in my most mom voice "Back in the Car..and don't do that anymore!"
:)

show and tell..favorite tee..

2006-05-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

Blackbird wants to see a "t-shirt". This one is my favorite. Thin weight. "Don't bug me". What could be better?

This one is Abby's. From Old Navy. I wish they made it in my size..you know for days I'm a bit more cheerful! :)

blooming

2006-05-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

I love spring.

Tired and uninspired.

2006-05-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

I did manage to pull a picture from the archives though. I love the dark sky, the reflection on the water and the endless hiway. I have been down lately. Stress always weighs heavily on me. I am not a person that thrives under busy schedules and social situations. I want to retreat. Be alone. Be quiet. To sew, cook and clean; to sit in the sun and be still.

SPT.. introductions.

2006-05-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

who am I? I am "Mom". Always and everyday. Never a break.

I am so thankful.

well, it's about time.

2006-05-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

All I can say is "FINALLY". Spring must finally be here! We're still waiting on the tulips but be certain I'll post a pic if they ever bloom!

Show and Tell Thursday- Keys

2006-05-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

That time of the week again and Blackbird wants to see KEYS. This was easy. Here they are and completely unremarkable. Besides keys, this is what is on my keyring. Nothing flashy. Nothing showy. Nothing cute.

-swiss army knife, red
-saftey whistle from REI, green
-FOB for the suburban
-Library card tag thing.
-hair elastics

Self Portrait Challenge Tuesday. introductions.

2006-05-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

Introductions.
The theme for May.
Hi. I'm erica. Before joining SPT.. this was my self portait. My feet. I know it's silly but you always have them..and you can always get a picture of them. (my hubby doesn't take pictures and when he does and they are of me...let's just say they aren't my favorite pictures!)

Great Explore #2

2006-04-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

Going on a "Great Explore" was not something we only did only once in awhile when I was growing up. We wouldn't necessarily have to travel many miles either. You just have to go somewhere new.
The weather has been so amazing here lately. (please note: NO SNOW) We can't stay inside. Housework is being neglected. Schoolwork is being neglected. The black dog is constantly in the creek because she's too hot. I am in heaven.

This week's Explore took us closer to home. We started with a Rocket Firing. I sat in the sun and took pictures. "The hills are alive with the Sound of MUUUSSSIC"..wow... what a place.

The off to an old railroad turned trail. Tunnels and bridges... finished with the first frappucino of the season.

"Six, please"

Stand in the place where you live.

2006-04-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

show and tell a street.
wow.
thrilling.
Blackbird's is much more exciting! :)

Self Portrait Tuesday- April Fool- last week!

2006-04-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

A cartwheel. How many did I do as a kid? I'm surprised I can still do one without killing myself. Can you?

Life is too short not to try!

more self portrait silliness here. Self Portrait Challenge. (new site)

Tagged! 10 simple Pleasures!

2006-04-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Autum! A tag, a tag!
10 Simple Pleasures.

1. Sunshine. This is the park by our house. By next month it will look like this again. I cannot wait.
2. Coffee in the morning and blog reading.
3. Flip Flops
4. Vintage Tablecloth on the table.
5. Buffalo China
6. Hearing the kids laughing
7. Watching the dog chasing Robins out the kitchen window
8. My sewing room
9. Laundry fresh from the dryer.
10. Pride and Prejudice--THE version. you know the one with Colin Firth.

Great Explore!

2006-04-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

A great explore? You pick a place on the map you've never been.. and just GO!
We just had to get out of the house today so we loaded up the kids and headed out. Our destination was about 2.5 hrs north of here in Alturas, California. Talk about REMOTE. The sky was huge. We saw so much country..and wildlife- Canada Geese, ducks (duck, duck, GOOSE!) muskrats and marmots, pheasant, Sandhill Cranes. Even a herd of Buffalo (captive) and antelope(running free!) Most people of California as one big city.. a big "Los Angeles".. but there is certainly a huge state above it, far away from the hustle and bustle.

Show & Tell- an outfit.

2006-04-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

Show and Tell Day.. Blackbird and Deb want to see an outfit.

Just home from school. Nothing exciting but this is what I love to wear. Jeans and a sweater.. a tank. Wedge sandals for school..but flipflops now... of course.

stolen post.

2006-04-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

I AM: drinking coffee
I WANT: to say home from school
I WISH: I could say NO more often
I HATE: dog hair everywhere..
I MISS: summer.
I HEAR: the furnace running and the birds chirping.
I WONDER: if summer will ever arrive.
I REGRET: biting my nails to the nubs yesterday.
I AM NOT: completely awake-- yet
I DANCE: when I'm alone.
I SING: in the car.
I CRY: at church
I AM NOT ALWAYS: friendly
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: messes
I WRITE: not very well.
I CONFUSE: MANY.
I NEED: a vacation somewhere warm.
I SHOULD: get moving..
I START: many, many projects
I FINISH: what inspires me.
I TAG: ooh.. all who don't normally do these!

Picked up courtesy.. Joke, SarahLouise and Blackbird --does this mean I'm on the team?

Self Portrait Tuesday- April F o o l s!

2006-04-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

Spring has finally arrived! I'm a bit desperate for SUN.

To see more self portrait silliness click here (old site) or here. (new site)

april 17th?

2006-04-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

We sat in church and sang " Not one darksome clound is dimming, Yonder glorious morning ray. Breaking o'er the purple east. Symbol of our Easter feast". While we sang, it snowed and snowed and snowed. Snow on April 16th is not unusual for the mountains of Northern California. Waking up to a FOOT of snow on April 16 th. However, the sun is shining today. We're praying that winter has laughed it's last..and spring is coming!

easter eve

2006-04-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

- posting has been scare.
-life is just so busy.
-vintage pin. enamel and rhinestones at my little thrift store.
-the eve of easter and it is snowing.
-egg hunt today and we are already sick of eggs hardboiled.
-church services tomorrow at 6 a.m.
-must sleep now.

sunshine via UPS

2006-04-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

Doom and gloom left when THIS arrived. I'm in love. I'm inspired. sigh. Can I just sit and stare all day?

[this is Flea Market Fancy....]

Self Portrait Tuesday- April Foolishness...week 2

2006-04-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

9 months pregnant with baby #4. Snorkeling in Catalina. This photo sits BEHIND other presentable ones in the "Catalina" photo album. I always laugh when I see it... then want to kill Kent for taking it! ha.

Butterfly

2006-04-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you .

-nathaniel hawthorne

Grateful Friday

2006-04-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

I'm borrowing Grateful Friday from foursweetpeas. I love reading her posts every week, and she's inspired me! Thanks Heather!
-I'm grateful for sunshine. finally, after weeks and weeks of snow and rain.
- for gas in the suburban to get out of town
- for work finished
- for dogs playing in the yard
-for tea.
-for happy children.
-for freedom to be
- freedom to do.
-for migraine meds.

dance fever

2006-04-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

Dance recital time. Pictures and Dress Rehearsals. Only a month left to prepare. Never a dull moment around here!

One little girl in a sea of tulle tutu's.

Dapper Dan or Mobster.. he couldn't decide!

Self Portrait Tuesday- April Fool- week 1

2006-04-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

I'm just not in a crazy "april fool" sort of mood today. Acumamakiki
is though.. go look! She's funny! :)

raising my cute quotient.

2006-04-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

This blog has been dismally short of "cute" lately. Here to help that is my niece Mari. 10 weeks. Sweet and chunky..and everything BABY. Isn't she the sweetest?

is it summer yet?

2006-04-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

Four inches of snow overnight.
Some sick April Fool's joke courtesy of Mother Nature!

We are ready for summer.. lazy days at the lake.. sunshine. Heck.. I'll just settle for some SUN!

Show and Tell Thursday- chocolate!

2006-03-30T14:48:00.000-08:00

This week.. Blackbird has requested "Chocolate". Astonishingly, I'm not a big chocolate person. I like it, don't get me wrong..but usually mixed with something else like TOFFEE.. or peanut butter! Or in Chocolate chip cookies.
In a lapse of consciousness last week I grabbed a bag of these at the grocery store.. and hid them from the kids.

Chocolate is usually a holiday food. Sees Candy is a favorite here on the West Coast. I love their chocolate at Christmas, or these lollipops anytime! www.sees.com

Coffee Hound!

2006-03-29T11:48:00.000-08:00

I just love my local thrift store! I just never know what I'm going to find!

Coffee Hound Mug $2. Even my hubby likes this one.

Self Portrait Tuesday-Time [week 4]

2006-03-28T08:06:00.000-08:00

So much of our time is spent waiting. So much of MY life is spent waiting. How much time I wonder?

This is the last of the Self Portrait Tuesday "Time".
Looking forward to what April brings. For more selfportraittuedays folks..click here. ht.

Once Upon a Time.

2006-03-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

I love old things. I love thinking about how things old things looked when they were new. This is the town near our house during it's "boom" and bustle. The town is just a shell of what it used to be. Born a mill town like many towns in California. The mill has long since closed. I came across this picture of it in a museum this past weekend. Alot of the buildings and houses are still standing. Alot have fallen down. They were built in a rush to house workers. Built without foundations. The old hospital still stands as well as the jail. The People's Church. The Opera House. And these are the people who worked at the mill and lived in the mill town.

as they saw it

2006-03-26T14:17:00.000-08:00

Well the kids took the camera and snapped some pictures. This is how they saw our weekend. Crazy kids!

Show & Tell Thursday- Windows.

2006-03-23T11:31:00.000-08:00

Show and Tell time again.
Blackbird and SarahLouise have requested windows. Here is one.

We're getting out of Dodge tonight, to the Biggest Little City in the World. Then up to Tahoe for skiing and snowboarding with the kids. Have a great couple of days!

Wee Bunny

2006-03-22T09:15:00.000-08:00

I just adore Hillary's patterns. http://www.weewonderfuls.com. I'm completely "softie challenged", but with her help, miracle's happen! If you love sewing you must make one! :) I can't wait to make another!

Self Portrait Tuesday Time {Week 3}

2006-03-21T11:15:00.000-08:00

Yes.. my favorite kind of morning.
Spent in my sewing room. Coffee in hand. Creating. Sending. Sharing. This is me. This is how I love to spend my time.

More selfportraittuesday folks here..

100 things.

2006-03-19T07:13:00.000-08:00

It's the 100th post. I thought I'd celebrate by doing something appropriate. Most bloggers do this at one time or another.I guess it's now or never right?
I guess this also goes along with the Confessions thing.. If everyone disappears after today..I'll know why.

100 Things About Me-
1. I swore I would never do this.
2. My feet are cold.
3. I bite my fingernails.
4. I was married at 19
5. I probably should have waited.
6. I'm glad that I didn't.
7. I'm Anglican. Most of the time.
8. St. Patrick's Hymn makes me cry. every time
9. I don't like housework.
10. I don't mind the WORK.. it's just the TIME it takes
11. I'm a horrible organizer
12. I'm a good driver.
13. I like it when everyone is happy.
14. I don't like being home alone at night.15. I am afraid of the dark... a light on helps.
16. I'm obsessive about a good pillow.
17. I'd rather not eat if what is offered isn't what I want.
18. I can drink coffee all day.
19. I can drink TEA all day.
20. I must be drinking something.. all day.
21. I'm a horrible snacker. CARBS are my friend.
22. I am self conscience.
23. I embarass easily.
24. If you're coming over. Call first.
25. I don't like my routine interrupted.
26. Home is my favorite place to be if I am alone.
27. I love to drive...anywhere.
28. A trip to starbucks can cure most bad moods
29. Until I get home again.
30. French fries are my favorite food...the right kind.
31. My closest friends don't live near me.
32. I miss them desperately all of the time.
33. I've had one of them since we were nine we are now 33.
34. We can still laugh like we did way back then.
35. I must be creative.
36. I do not have just one thing I do well.
37. I cannot be idle.
38. I love to be warm.
39. My fingers are cold.
40. I love fabric to distraction
41. Music can shape my whole outlook.
42. I love old things.
43. I love fire. Candles, woodstove..campfire..not in a burn your house down way though.
44. I'm terrified of heights-flying, bridges, chairlifts.
45. I'm scared about the future.
46. I am afraid for the saftey of my children all of the time.
47. I'm scared for them emotionally.
48. I fear making mistakes that cannot be reconciled
49. I am tired often.
50. I love sunshine.
51. Flipflops are my favorite shoes
52. okay. Uggs in the winter even though they are UGGLY.
53. I love the internet.
54.. more than television.
55. I am social but I'm picky about my friends.
56. I love email.
57. I get bored easily.
58. I get discouraged easily.
59. PMS is not my friend.
60. Migraines. Constantly.
61. I am often misunderstood because of them, I think.
62. I am NOT a morning person.
63. I get stressed out easily.
64. My body doesn't handle stress well.
65. I never graduated from college.
66. I regret it.
67. I am a bit resentful about it
68. I am horrible with numbers
69. Numbers=money.
70. I am teaching math part time to second graders.
71. I am opinionated.
72. I love tequila.
73. my most BLISSFUL moment was on a beach in tahiti for my 25th birthday.
74. happiest would be the births of the children.
75. The moment most at peace with the world I'm still waiting for.
76. I covet my husband's attention.
77. I need personal space and time alone.
78. I love that he puts the kids to bed for me.
79. I love him desperately.
80. Do not touch me when I'm sleeping.
81. Touching in general I just don't like.
82. Massages? Nope
83. I was a pedicure virgin until last fall.
84. I just learned to snowboard.
85. Snowboarding makes me feel young.
86. and cool.
87. and happy.
88. I have a toe ring.
89. I love blue jeans
90. and cardigan sweathers.
91. I am wearing my hair in braids because I WANT to
92. I am a big procrastinator
93. I'm getting wrinkles.
94. I have a dimple in my shoulder.
95. I use sunless tanner.
96. I don't pay bills.
97. i love lip plumper
98. I keep wondering when I'm going to feel grown up
99. and not like I'm 15.
100. Today isn't the day.

Birds! inside and out..

2006-03-18T14:35:00.000-08:00

The birds are here!......
Inside--
I found this lovely little crocheted piece at the thrift shop.. $3... I just adore the colors..and the work. Spring won't be outside for a few more months, so we have to have spring inside!

And out--

We have Jays and Flickers..and of course these little ones! The only guy that would stay for me to steal a photo!

Show & Tell Thursday- Dishin'.

2006-03-16T17:02:00.000-08:00

Butter Dishes that is. No. I didn't forget, I've just been having one of those days. I've been having one of those WEEKS. I hear they are going around.

So the BUTTER DISH is what we are supposed to show at Blackbird's request. Thankfully I picked up something to hold butter at the thrift store a few weeks back...what a bargain-- $3!
A butter bell. I thought I was original. Ha! I see everyone has one! Seems I'm in style.

We don't have an "official" butter dish. I'm hoping when BB finds the perfect one she'll share. I'm sure she will.

Remembering Vacation.

2006-03-15T22:04:00.000-08:00

Honeymoon Island, Florida. November 2003

Time for another "Remembering Vacation" post.. I need to remember..especially today. Especially this week.

This vacation has special meaning. I got to meet for the first time.. "internet" friends...met through eBay of all places.. but then over through IM and over the phone. They are so very real to me. Best friends. We haven't met since this meeting. I miss them something fierce.

I think this pic is allowed. If I don't post again, they have killed me.

Self Portrait Tuesday- time [week 2]

2006-03-14T13:11:00.000-08:00

let's be honest. while I think that the concept of documenting time ( a picture every day for 30 days) is intriguing, I just don't have the time right now to do it justice. I'm sticking with what I can do. Document my one free morning a week. My one block of time that belongs just to me. Well.. not really. No time is really only our own. We are always sharing it aren't we?

This week I'm sharing mine with a migraine. Constant companion. Constant frustration. I just want it to leave me alone.

The lighting was also different this week. We're having crazy snowy weather, and the sky kept getting bright then darkening.

Last week's post. Time- Week One.

For more on selfportraittuesday.. click here.

icicle prison

2006-03-13T14:27:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't be a normal week if I didn't post at least one WINTER picture. I just can't believe the first day of spring is a week away. Seems like a sick joke. The forecast? We're not talking about it.

I think these icicles are the biggest they have been since we've moved in..amazing to see. These are outside the back door.. not a hazard to anyone.

Ace the Pointy Kitty.

2006-03-11T10:53:00.000-08:00

I finally made a softie.. a whole softie. The last few I've attempted never have been finished. One is missing ears and the other, well is more like a monster. Thankfully, Hillary from weewonderfuls came to our rescue with this great pattern!! She calls it "Pointy Kitty"..

so much fun!
Pattern by Hillary.. www.weewonderfuls.com

You can get your pattern here..

Upside-Down.

2006-03-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

do you ever have days like this?

Show & Tell Thursday [eyes]

2006-03-09T07:46:00.000-08:00

Someone suggested it. Blackbird's requested it. Everyone is doing it.

Blue. Just like my Dad.

I'm locking the door.

2006-03-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

That's it.
I'm locking the door to my sewing room and making these.
No homework. No dishes. No laundry.

Good night world.

[ps. it is snowing again...]

Self Portrait Tuesday- [Time] week 1

2006-03-07T08:07:00.000-08:00

This week I'm breaking gently in to the TIME theme. I had thought when I was taking the pictures during the morning that no one could tell the time was different. I can see now..the light has changed on the wall..interesting.

about spt.
....Call me crazy but when I joined SPT I had this funny notion that it was just about snapping a few "cute" pictures of yourself now and then and calling it good. I had no idea of the journey that it would take me on.
When I've mentioned Self Portrait Tuesday to people in the "real" world, you know the world outside of blogging, I'm met with quizzical looks. SPT does sound a bit self absorbed. "You take pictures of yourself? And post them? On a BLOG???" It does seem rather..self important.. or whacked!.. So why do so many do it? I can't answer for them, but I can answer for me. You might be surprised to learn that I do not like my picture taken... I'm getting over that phobia! I've been giving an artistic challenge and I am merely the subject. I am starting to see the pictures less as ME..and more as just art. Of course still ME..but I think become less attached to the images and what YOU all think of ME. That is the journey of SPT. Letting people see..and letting go. I would encourage anyone who hasn't done it yet to try it.. you might just be surprised.

for more on the journey of spt.....http://www.selfportraittuesday.blogspot.com

and the snow continues.

2006-03-05T22:54:00.000-08:00

“O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?”

Percy Bysshe Shelley

The Mikado

2006-03-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

--We're back home after a whirlwind trip down the mountain (in a snowstorm) to see Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado. We were able to see this at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California's oldest private university. What an amazing experience. We went as a school because a member of the faculty had a friend on in the Cast. (Lord High Executioner). We were treated to a backstage tour of the theatre and green room before the show by "KoKo" himself. Most of the kids in attendance are now ready to declare themselves theatre majors. :)
Here are a few pics .. though none of the show.

Stage tour. Set built by UOP theatre students.

Prop table.

Program. Just one more show. A matinee. Sunday afternoon. If you're anywhere near Stockton.. you must see it!

Show & Tell.. Calendars!

2006-03-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

Show and Tell Thursday again! I almost forgot! We're blanketed in snow (see below) and buried in work. I need a distraction. This week..Blackbird (for Badger..who is soo funny and I hope feeling better.) has requested Calendars. I love calendars! I do not, however, like writing in them...anywhere. We have a family calendar/schedule thingy on my Husband's laptop. Other than that, I do not want to see the schedule staring at me, day in and day out. I much prefer a pretty picture.

This calendar from "Graphique de France" hangs above the computer desk. SOMEONE forgot not to write on it..and has written then smeared the ink. [ GRRR to HIM. ]

This one is my frou-frou calendar hanging above my ironing board in my sewing room (maybe I'll show you someday) I've always loved Mary Engelbreit and buy one year after year for this room. I usually end up saving them too because I can't bear to part with the pictures.

Same picture. March 2.

2006-03-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

Same picture. Different Day. Another 7 inches while we slept. Happy dog.

March 1st?

2006-03-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

How very ironic to have snow on March 1st. Seven inches of snow. We have been hoping and praying for snow all winter. ( a very odd winter filled with warm rain, some snow and horrible ski conditions)
Now this. And the forecast? SNOW for 10 days. IN MARCH. We're trying to have a sense of humor. :)

Self Portrait Tuesday- All of Me.

2006-02-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

all of me.

the final week.

for more about self portrait tuesday click HERE.

a reminder

2006-02-26T20:02:00.000-08:00

There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.

Mahatma Ghandi

"List Friday"..a day late..

2006-02-25T17:39:00.000-08:00

Okay.. so I've been officially TAGGED by Sarah Louise. I'm part of a team. Blackbird says the uniforms are black and white. I can so totally live with that.

So. Where do I want to go? I mean..really want to go, should I not ever get another chance to travel??? I want to see England and Europe ( you know the big tour..I want to see everything!) Just my hubby and I, the first time. Then we'll take the kids. But we have to stop in NY on the way OUT of the country to see my friend Catherine.

Movies to watch?

Pride and Prejudice, the old one.
Amelie
Under the Tuscan Sun
Sound of Music
Bridget Jones. ha ha.

People to Talk to-

travel agent
blogging people who have actually BEEN
Servane in France.

Things to find out about-

ticket, rail passes
money exchange
passports
language.. ooh lala

Things I must bring-

Nikon d70 and extra batteries [alot of extras]
hubby's laptop
MY fluffy pillow
migraine meds :( ugh.
VISA

Things I MUST DO/SEE..

Cornwall
English countryside
Eifell Tower
Venice

Show & Tell Thursday [meal]

2006-02-23T07:35:00.000-08:00

Show and Tell time again! I love Show and Tell days. Especially on Thursdays, because they are the "Fridays" of my week!
Okay. For this one Blackbird wants to see a meal. A meal. Hmmmm.. I must admit I was a bit frightened, because let's face it, if HE posts..we're all in a bit of trouble! ;)
Well, I am what I am. Wednesday's are pizza night around here. [The second night in a row of dance lessons, and I just ain't cookin'] They are also my kid's favorite dinner night! So here it is....
"When the Moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that's amore"..........

My new best friend.

2006-02-22T16:55:00.000-08:00

My latest thrift store find. I'm in love!!!! This trunk belonged to the mom of a lady who worked at the thrift store. The lady showed me a picture of this glamorous woman and said she traveled all over and something about World War II. I wish I could remember all the details!
[ [the plate was just an 'extra'..]

Self Portrait Tuesday- Week #3

2006-02-21T07:35:00.000-08:00

bad picture week: The ones you want to tear up..
I'm not showing for validation.. but showing because this is part of the assignment.

A girlfriend handed me a stack of pictures this weekend. This one was and I could see it in her hand before she gave them to me.. her hand was covering part of the picture. I thought. "Oh dear God.. let that not be ME"... Guess what. It is, and looking about like I did five or six months pregnant. I know it's all angles and the pink shirt and what-not but oh, gosh. I hate this picture. Nevermind I'm with a COW.

So.. selfportraittuesdayers. Here it is . all of me!

For more selfportraittueday pics.. click here!

happy birthday noah!

2006-02-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

noah and papa..

february 1999

and Noah today!

Turning seven.

There is no one quite like Noah. I wish you could meet him.

He'd hug you and tell you all about the his "burth-day". He has a bit of an accent...some say he sounds a little british. He lives BIG. Everything he does is big. He smiles big. Laughs big. Fights big (ask his older brothers) and he loves big.

Happy birthday Noah!!

[bowling big at his party yesterday]

coffee roasting..again!

2006-02-18T21:39:00.000-08:00

This past summer I took up a new hobby. One involving one of my favorite things in the world.. coffee! I had heard that you could find a popcorn popper at a thrift store and roast your own coffee beans. Being addicted to coffee and CHEAP, I began the search for poppers. Only a certain kind will do. (westbend poppery II) We found a number of poppers and all summer long roasted our own coffee beans. You can't roast in the house without making the place stink and setting off the fire alarm so we have had to put this little hobby on hold for the winter. Also, it's freezing outside and the poppers just don't work when it's that cold!
Until tonight.
Somehow, I ran out of coffee!! I always have some coffee ..somewhere, but I couldn't find any. We resorted to roasting in the basement furnace room..which worked quite well. [not sure why we didn't do this before] I'm so excited! Fresh coffee again! Here is the site with all of the info..and coffee! http://www.sweetmarias.com

from green to roasted in just 4-5 minutes!

in church

2006-02-18T09:51:00.000-08:00

show and tell continued..

2006-02-16T21:57:00.000-08:00

Here it is..the whole truth. I couldn't wait until Friday.... :)

Depression Glass Salt Shaker..purchased in Fairview, OK during our family reunion trip last summer. I prefer these over a t-shirt!

Frozen Window inside the house. Halloweenlover had it right. We are experiencing a cold snap! The outside temp was 8* when I took this picture!
Thank you BB for such a fun show and tell!!!

Show & Tell [thursday version]

2006-02-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

That time of the week again! This time Blackbird has requested "Something close up".
Easier said than done.. so I've done it twice. ha ha.. One pretty. One interesting. Tomorrow I'll post the big pictures.

secure

2006-02-15T10:12:00.000-08:00

Be like the bird that, pausing in her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing that she hath wings.

Victor Hugo.

Self Portrait Tuesday- Week 2

2006-02-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

Hands.

I have horrible hands.

You can say it.

I know.

Yes. I bite my nails. I always have.

From time to time I'll quit. They grow. They are ugly. They peel off.

I'm just not meant to have pretty hands.

When I was little I had warts on my left hand. Warts dotting my whole left hand. They finally went away. Thankfully. Now I have a spot on my right hand. From what I don't know.

My thumbs are cracking from dry air.

seriously ugly hands, girls.

KT Tunstall- Eye to the Telescope

2006-02-13T17:31:00.000-08:00

New music. Just downloaded from iTunes.
I'm so in love!
If you haven't heard her you simply MUST!

go now.
don't get one song.. get the whole album!!!!

bits and pieces..

I've done it.

blogger is a demon.

around town.

SPT challenge. Enclosed spaces.

finisterra

destination cabo.

Volcano

Spt Challenge--Enclosed Space.

oodles of berries

thoreau

Brown-eyed girl.

wish you were here.

show & tell.. coffee pot

Sweet Summer

Self Portrait Tuesday- Me as

Dinos!

All points NORTH!~!!

SPT.. "me as as a shadow"

11th B-day

Happiest Place!

reasons I'm smiling.

Self Portrait Tuesday Pop Art #3

The beginning.

For them.

Kittens!

SPT Pop Art. week 2

Alas.

Self Portrait Tuesday *POP ART* week One

Not missing

Self Portrait Tuesday-Intro week 5

Color of my life.

Show and Tell. Rocks.

self portrait tuesday. introductions. week 4.

Things I love about today.

evening blossoms

Self Portrait Tuesday- Introduction

breathe

show and tell..favorite tee..

blooming

Tired and uninspired.

SPT.. introductions.

well, it's about time.

Show and Tell Thursday- Keys

Self Portrait Challenge Tuesday. introductions.

Great Explore #2

Stand in the place where you live.

Self Portrait Tuesday- April Fool- last week!

Tagged! 10 simple Pleasures!

Great Explore!

Show & Tell- an outfit.

stolen post.

Self Portrait Tuesday- April F o o l s!

april 17th?

easter eve

sunshine via UPS

Self Portrait Tuesday- April Foolishness...week 2

Butterfly

Grateful Friday

dance fever

Self Portrait Tuesday- April Fool- week 1

raising my cute quotient.

is it summer yet?

Show and Tell Thursday- chocolate!

Coffee Hound!

Self Portrait Tuesday-Time [week 4]

Once Upon a Time.

as they saw it

Show & Tell Thursday- Windows.

Wee Bunny

Self Portrait Tuesday Time {Week 3}

100 things.

Birds! inside and out..

Show & Tell Thursday- Dishin'.

Remembering Vacation.

Self Portrait Tuesday- time [week 2]

icicle prison

Ace the Pointy Kitty.

Upside-Down.

Show & Tell Thursday [eyes]

Self Portrait Tuesday POP ART week One