talk amongst yourselves.

Sometimes I think conversation is dead. Don't tell me you haven't noticed or maybe you have and you're alright with it because you'd rather jump off a just-high-enough-to-break-your-legs-but-not-kill-you building, rather than shoot the breeze.  I understand, to a degree. {Recently I experienced a momentary epiphany {that zero people are likely to believe} that I may be an introvert, living in an extroverted shell.  But, more on that later.  Or never. Because it isn't going to make any sense at ALL.} 
At times I feel starved for conversation.  About nothing and something and maybe what seems to be utter nonsense merging with half-formed ideas.
I flush things out when I say them out loud to someone I trust and believe in and I did last night with my friend, Andrea. I sat in her bathroom, painting my nails and jumped right into the deep-end. And I intend to tomorrow evening, with my husband, on our date {I emailed him a heads up with topics of conversation, poor guy}.  And the next day and the next. My poor friends.
But really,  I need to talk. It's how I understand the world and you and me and the relevancy of almost anything.  Of course, I need to listen as well because I learn.  When I hear people expose explanations, intentions and promises, I grow, too.  And then a new idea comes. And a new one and on and on and on.
And when I do decide to share, it's as if I can't stop. I don't want to turn off the talking and go to bed.  I want a clock that freezes so we can follow where the story bleeds.

Because conversation is like connecting all of the random, small dots, in my mind.  They are so singualr until I talk.  And then they are all connected and I make sense to myself.

For those in my life who listen, I thank you.  You must think my mind is similar to a cluttered airport hanger, where you've had to learn to navigate through curves and turns.  Boxes piled high, filled with old files and confusing paperwork, but perhaps it's interesting. Or maybe you humor me.

Converse with me, if you please.
About anything or nothing.
I just want to talk and hear and get lost in words.
And leave with connected dots.

so, wherever you are... {and that ol' recipe box}

                                                                      

Where are you, today?  In life?
I'm sitting at my decidedly modern living room table {a bit too plain for my taste, but It works and is huge, which I find useful} and typing on my computer.  I watch my daughters playing, by the stairs.  Kensington is pretending she is a nurse and Frankie has on a too-small shirt and no pants.  She has learned to strip herself of clothing, socks and hair ties.  They are taping band aids on a box.
And after this, they'll go downstairs and dump out all of the toys on the ground and argue over who gets the purple horse and I'll break up four pulling matches before 10am.  And then I'll fold napkins and curl my hair and maybe sing a few songs.  I'll make three lunches and wait for the mailman and water plants.  I'll chat on the phone with a girlfriend and wait for Sean to come home. The girls will have a Popsicle on the steps and I'll wave at neighbors. The girls will ride cars on the carpet and we might play chase and I'll wipe up the table 14 more times. I'll go see a friend, this evening and talk about life. I'll finally flop into bed, at the end of the night, tired.

They're happy. He's happy.
They're content and good and playing together, like I had always hoped.
He's fed and smiling and making jokes.

This is where I am, in life.  A home with too many rooms, two daughters, a dog and the dearest of husbands.  Good friends. Good people. Good feeling in my heart. Real faith and fantastic food. Good music playing in the background.
And on most days, it isn't any more extraordinary.

This is where I am and I'm all here.
Well, once I post and close this silver, metal notebook, I'll be all there.
And it's good to be here.
On the days I struggle with being "all there" or feeling like I'm so very small and what I do is so very unimportant {even though everyone will tell you that raising children is the most important thing you can do, I defy any mother to walk through it and not wonder if you are making any bit of difference, once in awhile}, I remember the quote from Arthur Conan Doyle, "To a great mind, nothing is little".
It's true, don't you know?
What you're doing, if it's what you are supposed to be doing, isn't little.
Do you ever feel it is?  Am I the only one that becomes consumed in the smallness of daily laundry piles and baby talk and dollhouse rearrangement, that I forget the magnitude of what I'm doing?  Please console me and tell me I'm not the only one.
Even when you feel it and even when I feel it.
Our lives are important and what we are doing must be swallowed whole, each day.

So, I'm off to play and then to cook and do some home-school preparations {to say that is to still try and wrap my head around the fact that I'm doing it}.

And wherever you are-be there.  Be all there.
Children or no children, what you are doing is every bit as important as the next person.  If you're working towards the right thing....it really is.
Go forth and do small things!

***

Oh, and about that recipe box.
I want to give one to each and every one of you but ..... I can't.

I've come up with a compromise, if you'll allow it.
The recipe box is filled to the brim with recipes and I would like to give the box to the person whose comment resonated with me the most.

Jenni Segar, I understand the "scent reaction" you speak of.  I have those all the time and I believe it's why I burn candles each and every day.  It reminds me of times, people and periods of my life.  I hope, one day, when my daughters are grown, that they will smell a candle and think of "home".  I hope.
Jenni, I would like to send you the recipe box to enjoy so please email me your home address so I can package it up for you.

For the rest of you that loved it so much, I would like to pull one of the recipes out and mail it to you.  I doubt that taking out a few recipes will even make a dent in that exploding box.  If you would like one, please comment and let me know!  Send me your address, for goodness will be on its way to you, shortly.  I love having an excuse to send mail.
Give me one.

***

For those of you who are reading Almost Amish with us...where are you?
Are you still reading?
Hello....?
I'm going to start reviewing two chapters each Monday, so we aren't still reading this, come December.  I'd love to hear your thoughts, so do share.

***

Image via here.

a most wonderous and beautiful thing.

 Ode to Joy. {Fourth Movement of Ninth Symphony.  Beethoven.}

Be embraced, millions!

This kiss for the whole world!

Brothers, above the starry canopy

Must a loving Father dwell.

Do you bow down, millions?

Do you sense the Creator, world?

Seek Him beyond the starry canopy!

Beyond the stars must He dwell.

Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth. Book Review {Chapter Three}

Please join us, as we read Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth.  You can read my review of Chapter One, here and also read the equally compelling comments from fellow readers.  Each week, on Monday, we review a chapter.  Join us!

****

I'm learning that keeping my words few is both challenging and wise.  It's hard to do this when you are talkative and enjoy conversation.  It's hard to do this when you have a million thoughts, on a hamster wheel, in your brain.  It's hard when you feel the need to talk, in order to understand.
But I'm learning a new way.  Surprisingly, listening is more rewarding than hearing yourself speak or even having someone affirm what you have to share.

Speaking less and listening more.  There's so much wisdom in it and I'm already seeing how it is beneficial in so many ways.

So, it makes sense that I share few words on this chapter.  It's a subject that is difficult to understand let alone converse about.  Money is powerful, polarizing and scary, for many people.  Keeping my words few will allow for you to share and for us to let chapter three really sink in. Perhaps the best conclusions from this chapter will come, months from now, when we heartfully asking the Lord to reveal His plans.

There are so many discussions that could stream from this chapter. I don't really know where to start or if I even should start with a specific talking point.

What I DO know is what I, personally, was able to take away from this chapter.  The ideas were simple, yet profound.
These were my heartfelt take-aways.

1.) Every purchase, big or small, needs to be considered.
2.) Frugality offers me the options of a simple life and a life where I can give more to others.

3.) Having money, a home, clothes, cars and other material possessions isn't a right, it's a privilege. Be mindful that it can/will be gone, someday.
4.) Just because everyone around me lives a certain way, means nothing.
5.) If I already have something, the impulse to buy another comes from somewhere.  Investigate.

For myself, this chapter is yet another piece of the puzzle I've been putting together lately.  Simplicity, in its truest form, means understanding what is most important and investing in that. Not being sidelined and distracted by the seemingly urgent "needs" of the present.  Ironically, that foundational truth doesn't come so simply....but I'm still striving.

Now, it's your turn.  Share with us!

****

enjoy {and happy weekend}.

Special thanks to Frankie and Kensington, for making a heart, merry.

Ms. Pat

I love a good story.
And my latest favorite goes a little something like this....

Ms. Pat Who Teaches Ballet and Tap

There's a woman named Ms. Pat and she teaches tap.
She teaches tap and ballet and how to swing side to side.
She lines up the little ballerinas and mine is at the end and mine begins to slide. Slide, side to side.
The end where I used to stand, 27 years ago.  With Ms. Pat. On the end. Side to side.
Yes, Ms. Pat who teaches ballet and tap.
So many years, teaching the smallest of classes to the most unprofessional of students.
And Ms. Pat taps. And Ms. Pat twirls and Ms. Pat passes out animal cookies.

Ms. Pat has large hair and Ms. Pat has thin legs.
Ms. Pat has a thick voice that curls at the end and Ms. Pat calls you "Doll" and "Sugar" and "Honey".
She teaches small and she teaches little and she teaches were no agent would visit or medals handed out.
But Ms. Pat teaches ballet. Ms. Pat teaches tap.

Parks and recreation classes are where Ms. Pat laces her shiny, black shoes and she wears a t-shirt and orange lipstick and dark, dark eyeshadow.  She smiles and signs you in and signs you out and says, "See you next week, sugar" and it sounds like she has been smoking for her entire life, perhaps more.

And her classes are fun and not so sophisticated and Ms. Pat sits on the ground and stretches with the little, pink, fluffy girls {and one boy} and lets them run around and pretend arabesque and be ballerinas for a few more minutes. Even if they're a bit late.

Of course, us parents can always, for a few minutes, wait.
Ms. Pat gladly teaches ballet.  Ms. Pat gladly teaches tap.

But Ms. Pat was once a dancer, even more than we know.
Ms. Pat was once on Broadway and Ms. Pat was always the star of the show.
She told me of stories of her old studio, yes. The one she owned and ran.  She owned a studio in Chicago and that is where the story really began.

For Ms. Pat was once a real ballerina. And she once was a real shop stopper. She danced and danced and was in show after show.  But of course...in this class....no one will know.

Because Ms. Pat let me in on a secret, when I asked why she doesn't teach at a fancy studio for kid dance stars.
She simply said..."Darlin'...kids are supposed to be kids. Don't press them all too hard."

And that is when I loved Ms. Pat much, much, much, much more.
Because she was right, after all....kids are kids for a short time, only. Let them only explore.
Don't push too hard, but twirl, twirl, twirl.
Don't make them stone.
But, whirl, whirl, whirl.

You are a gem, dear Ms. Pat. Dear Ms. Pat, who teaches ballet and tap.

today and tomorrow.

Hello friends and Happy Sunday!

There won't be any Small Spaces Sunday post, today.  Sorry!

I'm also going to give some readers an extra week to catch up on their reading of Almost Amish.  Many ordered it online and are just receiving it, so they are still working through Chapters one and two, as well as collecting their thoughts, regarding.

We will cover Chapter three next Monday, the 27th.

I hope you have a great week!

Happy Birthday, Baby. {a day early}

You get better, with each passing year.
Happy 34th, to the husband of my dreams.

Little House on the Prairie

“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” 

-Laura Ingalls Wilder

Several months ago, I found this set of books, at a church rummage sale.  It's beat up, used and in pretty bad condition.  

But it was one dollar and I didn't have the collection of Wilders books and really wanted to start reading them personally and to the girls, at some point.  

What I really loved about this set {and what made me a bit sad that it was discarded} was the inscription on the top.  I have a really hard time letting go of items that have personal notes attached, so I always have a pinch of pity, for an item that was once thought over and then thrown into the garage-sale pile.  Isn't it sweet? The mother wrote a note to her daughter....I wonder what

I grew up watching Little House but certainly didn't have a affinity for the show {or books} until the last year. I think about moving to the country, all the time, and maybe watching Ma and Pa sit at their tiny table, in their log cabin, makes me day dream.  Sure, I know it wouldn't be just like that, but still.

We're allowed to construct our dreams the way we want, no?

Although, I could do without Nellie. What a beast {Then again, I'm sure we all have a bit of Nellie, in us}!

There is something fantasically perfect about their way of life but I know that it doesn't appeal to everyone.  Maybe it wouldn't appeal to me, if I lived in it, for more then a week. Who knows, but for now, I'll enjoy it.

Did you grow up reading the Little House books?  Do you have a favorite?  I know that the ones I hear most about are "Little House on the Prairie" and "Little House In the Big Woods" but do you have one that you enjoyed more?

I would love to hear.

Maybe these could be the next books we read, together?

life is good.

Sean and I stretched out, in the kiddie pool the other day {yes we did} and at the same time said, "This is the life".

Because this is the life.
Simple yet full.
Because life is good.
It's always good.
Even when it's hard and it hurts.
I feel blessed, inside my heart, for the ability to finally understand that.

appreciation without understanding.

This past weekend I spent time doing two really interesting things.
Both activities are things I am not familiar with and have no depth of understanding, concerning.

On Friday night, I went to see my friend in a production in which she was the female lead {she was amazing}.
On Sunday afternoon, I traveled to LA to attend the Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival, to see my friend, who is a amazing chef, at his very own booth {his dessert was the best one there!}.

Of course, I have been to countless plays, musicals, both on Broadway and off.  I have Playbills, ticket stubs and many programs, from pretty incredible venues, all over the world.  I can sing a wide array of show tunes and am able to carry on conversations concerning "theater".  Heck, I was even in a few productions in high school, if that will win me street cred.

And of course, I love fine dining.  Sure, I'm not a bonafide foodie, but I can talk their lingo and have eaten at some seriously prestigious restaurants. I can tell if food is good and I can tell if it's bad.  Many of my friends are food snobs {love you guys} and so I'm educated, somewhat and much appreciate a fine cut of meat to a bologne sandwich.  If it's fine dining, in SoCal, chances are Sean and I have tried it.  Or have it on our short list.

Even still, I couldn't help but realize that I was out of my element.  Not in an awkward way but in a way that made me keenly aware that I am not part of either of those worlds.

I have never fit in with theater people.  I've always wanted to and I have always admired them.  Their craft and their magic.  Their talent.
They're  just cool.
And I'm not theater people.

I have never fit in with foodies. Chefs. Pastry chefs. Restarunt owners.  People who work with food every day and have a true understanding of it.  I'm not one of those people.
I can cook a good dinner but I can't tell you why it's good.  Take out a ingrediant and you might as well run for the hills because I won't know how to fix it.
It's not in my bones.  It's not part of my make up.
And I'm not a foodie.

And then I had a moment when I was walking up and down the aisles at the festival.  I had just finished eating a duck sandwich and a shot glass full of gazpacho {YUM} and was thinking about the art of food. And then I thought about the art of theater and I realized that I love learning about both these things. I love learning about other peoples worlds and passions. I love seeing people in their element and hearing about what makes them excited.
I thoroughly enjoy learning about theater and food. Even though it isn't in my wheelhouse. Even though I don't get it. Even though I don't fit in. Even if  I don't love it the with the same intensity, or choose to involve myself with it, outside of supporting loved ones.

Personally,  I've always admired those in my life, who have done that for me.  I blog, write and connect with people and when I decided to throw a blogging conference {a crazy thing to do, to almost everyone except people who blog}.  Every one of my close friends showed up before, during and after that event.  Most of them don't blog at all.  But they were there. They gave up their time to care about my interests.  They supported me and learned about what I love, even if it isn't their "thing".  They've done it for everything that's been important to myself and our family.  And I do it for them.
They tried to understand, out of love.  I try to understand, out of love.

Isn't that the way it should be with us all?

On a larger scope, it made me think about it, this way...

I think, on the whole, most people stray from what they don't understand.
They stray because they are afraid {afraid of loving, relationships, children, outlets, feelings, passions, avocations etc}.
If they don't "get it", it doesn't exist and isn't important.
Fear turns into misunderstanding turns into a lack of care, concern or love.  Eventually it ostracizes.

And this goes beyond hobbies and interests.  This goes beyond career choice and bleeds into the human response and how we relate to one another at a deep, gut level.

I have never understood the fear of something "different".  Fear is power and and a power that is much larger then us so if we let it invade our souls, we become ineffective.

Sure I don't agree with some peoples life choices.  I don't like certain places, things or groupings. I don't care for lots of things that this world and its people, present. I don't condone specific lifestyles.  I don't understand so many things because I am wired a certain way and because I have a specific set of core beliefs.

But I'm not afraid.
I just try to understand.
Even if I don't get it.

Because nothing is won with fear.
But so many things can be won over with curiosity and the attempt to lovingly understand.

Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth Book Review {Chapter Two}

Please join us, as we read Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth.  You can read my review of Chapter One, here and also read the equally compelling comments from fellow readers.

***

I knew this chapter would hit home and be the most interesting and convicting, of all her chapters, for me.
I struggled with my use of technology for almost five years.  It's only within the last 6 months that I have gained control and see great merit in Sleeths arguments.

It's hard to talk about social media and technology because it doesn't matter what you say, someone is going to take it personally and react as though you are making a personal indictment on their usage.  Allow me to state that when I share, I'm sharing about my own experience.  I'm not you and only you can truly evaluate your experience with social media, video games, Twitter, FaceBook, cell phone texting and the like.  Sure my experiences are sprinkled with things I see and share with others but I'm not the expert.  Merely a person who has watched the changing trends of online technology, over the past five years.

Honestly, after this chapter, I just wanted to sigh because once again, I have no answer.

I don't even know if I have anything of merit to share with you.
I've been blogging for over five years of my life.
I've never been a parent without blogging.
I've opened and closed a FaceBook account.
I've opened and closed a Twitter account.
I have a Pinterest and Instagram account.
I text.
I email.
I talk on the phone.

After doing all these things, I really feel that technology does steal something from people.  Whether we willingly admit it or not, I believe an educated person would have to acknowledge this.  The time it takes to engage in the many social outlets alone, is immense. Privacy is at a premium. Children are more addicted then ever before.  Communication without a technological device has almost evaporated.  Kids are dependent on the television, iPads and internet games.
There has been a price to pay, for the benefits of technology, I believe.

I was on a Twitter page the other day, finding a link.  I saw, on the users profile, that she had tweeted some 14,000 times.  Truth be told, that's not even considered a lot, in the life of a "tweeter".  People who defend their Twitter often explain that "it doesn't take any time at all to send 140 characters!", but think about it.  If each tweet takes only 30 seconds, that Twitter user had already spent 7,000 minutes of their life!  That's almost 5 full days!

We could really make this argument for any form or technology. I've heard people that say they have "no time" for a blog, but they spend plenty of time on FaceBook or surfing the web aimlessly.  Some people prefer browsing and commenting on other peoples posts.  Some enjoy Instagram.  Some text, all day, every day.  Some shop Etsy, like it's their job. Some PIN until their eyes bleed {guilty}.

No matter what the technological vice, we must all take stock in where we fall on the technology spectrum.

For myself, I had to evaluate how technology made me feel. About everything.
About 5 months ago I had to make hard choices.  I cancelled my FaceBook, shut down my Twitter and stopped blogging, at my online home and made the difficult choice of not hosting a fourth conference.  I had a good size following on each and several other online guru's said that it was "blogging suicide" and I believed them.  It was hard to cut off things that aren't "bad" and that I watched other people use.  I almost felt like a child who was on a "time out" for bad behavior.  I was watching other adults be able to safely use technology {my assumption}, but I had to learn that I, as the human being God created, am not capable of exercising self control {at that point in my life}. Perhaps I'm making myself sound like a online glutton and I wasn't necessarily out of control, but I felt like it had a strong hold on me.  Does that make sense?  It held too much of my attention.  It held a piece of me.
I had to say goodbye to things and some people didn't understand.  I'm sure they still don't.  Some people gave/give me a hard time.
But that's ok.
I couldn't be a slave.

I had to step back and realize that technology was using me and I wasn't using it. 

My favorite quote of Sleeths, in this chapter, was the following:

"We love the allure of convenience; we hate the tyranny of a digital dependency."

Isn't that the truth?

With all technology, I appreciate what it provides me but never want to be a owned by it and that is what I see, in our culture {and what I saw, in myself, about 6 months ago}. Yet, I think so few people would admit they are or take the steps to change.  Look how long it took me to admit it!
With some people I know, I expect them to have their cell phone out, while we are enjoying a meal, and they are emailing or checking their Twitter stream.  I know to expect, with some people, that I will get texts from them and nary a phone call.  And even still, I know that with some people I truly have been the last in line to find out important "happenings" because I'm not on FaceBook or Twitter.
These things annoy me and make me sad.  They make me sad that communication has changed so drastically and they make me sad because I DID THEM.

It's the new normal for our society and it's hard to go backward, which is what I've done and what I am am journeying towards, daily.  I was there.  I lived there and I was all about it.
But, for some reason, I'm somewhat scared of it now.

Perhaps it's because I don't want my children to be dependent on it {hello-is anyone else totally against 10 year olds having iPhones?!  It's everywhere!}. I thought Sleeth was right on in her assessment of technological detriments, on kids. Just because the other 5th grader has a cell phone doesn't mean your kid needs one!  Just because the other 5 year old is allowed to watch iCarly does NOT mean your daughter needs to have that same privilege.  We have pulled back on technology, in regards to our children. I've also pulled back on my use of technology, in front of my children.  It's a choice.  It's all a choice.

Or perhaps it's because I am sensitive and the constant feed of information ways heavy on my soul.  When I hear hundreds of sound bytes from cable news, read opinion posts on everything from parenting, fashion and the demise of government and am privy to hundreds of images about peoples life, it's so hard to hear my own thoughts.  Weed through my opinions. Decipher.
Or Perhaps I feel like nothing is sacred anymore.  Everything is shared. Good, bad, ugly.
Or perhaps I just want to talk to people in person.  I want to sit down and actually TALK to someone, over coffee.  I want to hear their voice, see their eyes well with tears and take time.  

Because of the emergence and excitement of the immediate, I feel like we don't take time anymore.  Time for talking, getting to know each other and sitting, in once place, for over 4 minutes.
Because the phone rings.
The cell phone buzzes.
We have to update something.
Download an app for our kids.
And so on.

Who knows.

Like I said, I don't have many answers, all I have is the tugging in my heart that something is "off" in our generation, as it relates to technology.
Sure it has it's benefits, as does almost everything.
But I feel like we accept the benefits and want to ignore the pitfalls.

In the end, I want to use technology for good and in the right way. A way that the Lord would be pleased with.  I suppose we each have to evaluate our use, in that light.

What would the Lord be pleased with?
Is our FaceBook use for Gods glory?
What about the web sites we visit?  Are those glorifying the Lord?  Bringing us closer to Him?
What about the things we tweet/send into cyber space?

Those questions are the only things that make sense to me because I can talk myself into just about anything.  When I use the Lord as my measuring stick, it changes the dialogue, in my mind and heart.

My gripe, with the second chapter:
Much like the first chapter {and more than likely, this will occur throughout the entire book}, I felt her personal examples were a bit aloof and grand.
I also didn't care for her use of scripture and specifically as it pertained to her reference of Proverbs 18:2 and blog posts/commenting being an example of this.  This actually wasn't because I'm a "blogger" and therefore I felt personally attacked.  Rather I feel that scripture could be used for literature and writing, on a whole, if that is her argument.  Isn't most all writing based on opinion, really? Isn't Almost Amish based on opinion?  I get the sense that Sleeth regards online work {such as blogging} as a lesser form of opinion/literary work.  This seems ironic to me, considering that her forward remarks were written by a blogger-at-large. 


***

It's your turn.  Please share, so we can all learn and grow, together!

Small Spaces Sunday {Ed. 4}

Welcome!

Small Spaces Sunday is a weekly link up and a place where you can share with all of us!  Join us as we share our homes smallest spaces and are reminded of Gods blessings in our lives, one nightstand or bookshelf at a time.

-Feel free to share any small space, in your home.  Tell us where it is and why you love it.  Most importantly, tell us how the Lord blesses you, each time you walk by it!
-Link up so we can visit your blog!
-Feel free to share on Instagram and use hashtag #smallspacessunday
-{no button in your post, directing people back here, necessary}.

Our downstairs bathroom sees a lot of traffic.  We spend quite a bit of time on the lowest level of our home-it's the family den, the laundry room and the homeschool room.  Up and down the stairs with piles of towels, pajamas and stray socks.  It seems that is my job and downstairs is where it all gets folded.  The girls play for hours, reading books on the couch and rolling cars on the floral carpet-using petals for roadways.


I do like bathrooms that are fancy and pretty but I'm also practical and we don't have the money to rip out tile or put in new....anything.  We have kids through our house all the time and they are in and out of the bathroom, daily.  So, I desired to keep it tidy and somewhat low-maintenance.
When we first moved in, I ripped out the original medicine cabinet and the hole in the wall still sits there, behind the garage sale mirror {$5!}  I painted the original lighting and we painted the room a nice blue color.  When I saw the blue, I felt ocean.  Which is interesting because I don't gravitate, often, to the coastal decor look.  What I do like is the maritime motif.  Call me crazy, but there's something about an old ship captain, all gnarled and grizzly.  It just makes me smile.


So, our downstairs bathroom has ships everywhere.
A paint by number ship, a picture of someone's family trip, on a ship, in 1940. 
A vintage ship decanter, full of beach sand {compliments of my partner in crime, Amanda}.
Random paintings and pictures, all found at garage sales for $5.00 or less. 


I'm not sure why this space makes me so happy. More than likely because had I acquired a zillion dollars in my pocket, it would have been designed totally different but I was forced to stretch and use what was available to me.  Those are the spaces that end up being my favorite and usually the greatest reflection of our family.


Share your space with us!

here. in spirit, that is. {and a recipe box}

{For anyone that is reading Almost Amish, please feel free to still comment or email me, your opinions.  I so appreciate those of you who have shared and I would love to hear from the rest of you}

***

Hi everyone.
I haven't been around much this week and I really think that it has something to do with the book we are reading, together.
It's hard for me to read something and not begin to immediatly begin internal reflection.  It's such a interesting book, in that sense.  I can't put it down and although I don't think that some of the changes Sleeth recommends will be ones we implement, the overall premise is getting to me and I am doing a lot of thinking {Not in a "I don't want to blog" way but more in a "I need to be quiet in order to hear" way}.

Because of this, I feel less pressure and intent on doing so many things a day and a strong pull towards resting in the moment.  Personally, I've been working on this and in actuality, becoming much better at it.  I'm finding that I approach the end of my day and I'm satisfied with things I did fully, rather than things I finished.  This concept has taken me a long time to adjust to, being a type-A, go getter. At one time I would measure accomplishment by the amount completed, rather than the quality therein.

With this said, I have to admit that this book is taking a toll on me.  It's challenging my mind to deliberate, when making daily choices.  I've been letting it ruminate and choosing to write with intention, not just write because it's a new day {also a habit of mine}.  So, that is where I am and I wanted to share because I do enjoy my daily interactions with you and have missed them but am also enjoying the room to really let her words seep in and take root.

***

I also wanted to share something I found at an estate sale and would love to pass along to someone.
On one of my recent journeys to estates, I found a small recipe box.
Modest in structure, materials and composition, it sat alone, on the kitchen sink.
You know that people walked right by it, opened it and then shut the top and moved on.

I can tell you right now that this isn't exactly the gold mine of estate sales.  It's not even something that most estate sale shoppers would take, it if was free.
But I would.  And I did.

Because inside this box is years of someone's life, in the kitchen.  Who knows what these recipes were used for?  Which ones were good, which ones were flops and which were her favorites.
Her handwriting is all over this sweet containers contents.  Time spent, sitting at a kitchen table. She wrote out hundreds of ingredients.  She clipped sweet, small pieces of the newspaper, magazines and circulars.

It's full of time, memories and love.
Left on the counter.
Until I saw it, captured it and brought it with me.

And I know that one of you would love it, use it and treasure it.
Please tell me why you want this sweet box and I'll send it to one of you.

I won't play favorites, promise.

It just needs a home and I want to find it one.

Happy Thursday, friends.
I hope your day is beautiful.

Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth {Chapter One Review}

{I'm well aware I've been reading about the Amish, on my Nook.  In fact, I read the first chapter while getting a pedicure.  On my Nook.  And then walked over to Islands for a greasy hamburger. And then got my eyebrows waxed. The irony is not lost on me.}

Happy Monday, everyone!
I wanted to state a few things before we begin reviewing this {or any other} book.

My real desire behind reading Almost Amish is to step back and take a look at how I and our family navigate through life.  To reevaluate choices we make and take a closer look at the motivations behind life decisions. Both big and small.  I want to learn more about simple living because something inside me feels compelled to do so.  Like the Lord is drawing me out of my comfort zone and challenging me to look at life differently.

I hope some of these things are true for you.

That is the motivation for this book review and nothing else.  As such , I really want to make sure that this post and subsequent posts {and comments} are inviting and welcoming for all readers, even if we don't necessarily see eye to eye on suggestions, opinions and thoughts that the writer {and other readers} my propose.  I want people to share but do so in a careful and caring way.

We all are on a life journey but we are not all on the same life journey.

I would love if we could all share our hearts, thoughts and opinions.  The subjects that are discussed in this book are close to home, so it's not like we are picking wallpaper colors, here.  It's heavy stuff!

Let's start!

***

ALERT: I am not a woman of few words, when it comes to book reviews.  Just so you know.

Chapter One: HOMES

I knew that this would either be the chapter I loved the most or hated with the most fervor, seeing how much I truly adore the idea of a "nest" and making my house, a home. I wasn't sure if the chapter would challenge my dependance on a structural landmark as the "foundation" for our family.  Perhaps it would make me feel guilt for how much love and care I put into decor and cleanliness.
All in all, I was a bit nervous to start the book and especially to jump right in, with this subject.

I actually walked away from chapter one not feeling as guilty about my home, as a structure but more dwelling on what I think this book is going to "do" to me.  I can already sense that this isn't the type of book I can read, put back on the shelf and think, "That was nice.  Next".  It's going to be more than that, for me, and I believe it's providential.
That's not to say that I am going to agree with everything written {I've already raised an eyebrow or two}.
But, for some reason, the message is speaking to me.

In chapter one, Sleeth opened with an overview on the allure of the Amish and I have to say that I was able to identify.  I've watched several documentaries on the Amish lifestyle and read one book.  It's fascinating in a "Wow. I commend them, but could never do it..." type of way.  Similar to how I would admire a heart surgeon.  There is a sense of awe that accompanies your observation but never quite enough to cause you to commit to anything, aside from an acquaintance with the subject.
Until now.
What hit be between the eyes was when Sleeth began questioning WHY people are so interested in the Amish lifestyle.  They can poke fun at it, talk about why it's "weird" and so on, but it's definitely captivating.

I suppose it's captivating because it's different and this is where the wheels started cranking, full speed.. 


Without going deep into a sociological discussion, I think that it's harder to be different than we would care to admit.  Sure, people can be hipsters, go Vegan, drive a Prius, be a crafter, work in the fashion industry, vote for Obama, go green, be a yogi, join a rock band, start a running group .  These are small choices that make us uniquely differentiated from our cousin, best friend or mommy at the park, but these aren't alienating life decisions that place a chasm in between us and the rest of society {well, they do if you are a Republican, in California-ha!}.
For the most part, we are all much more similar then we think.  I do believe much of that is by choice.  Furthermore, I believe much of this somewhat unintentional {on our part} likeness is caused by media, technology and the constant stream of data that each of us receive on a daily basis. We all see much of the same input.  We hear the same news, read the same papers, are told the same daily messages from television, radio, celebrity, trash magazines. Our children are fed the same educational standards, attend the same activities based on season.  We subscribe to the same fashion trends that are delivered thanks to the latest Vogue, Elle or W magazine.  We intake thousands of sound-bytes from FaceBook, Twitter, PINTEREST, Instagram, Tumblr and blogs {there's that irony again}.
All day long we are consuming thought after thought after thought and have you ever wondered how many of those thoughts are actually YOURS.  Not the thoughts, opinions or values of the sender?

Imagine a life {much like the Amish} with zero input.
You are forced, daily, to discover who you are as a human, living being, without the aide of anyone else {with the exception of your family and community members}, telling you what your home should look like, how to do your hair, the rules on how to throw a party, the proper way to socially engage someone or the best way to plant a herb garden.
You come at your own way.
You figure it out.
You self develop without the constant aide of outside influences.
Self discovery.

That isn't to say that we, as "normal" Americans don't have moments of self discovery or understand who we are.  That's not it at all.  We just have to navigate through the ongoing stream of data, noise and opinion that we receive daily.  It's just our reality.

It's a really interesting concept, actually.
I'm not sure I'm nailing it the way I want to.  Am I?  Did you start thinking about these same things?

The two concepts I enjoyed the most.

Concept One.
When she began to write about the home as a foundation for the family, I really settled in and began to evaluate.  I admire so much about the Amish and their principles regarding family, dependency and home life.  From the onset of the chapter, I knew I would need to reflect, yet again, on my desires and motivations for why I do certain things to and for our home.  Instantly, I was struck with the passage that said, " Though their kitchens lack granite counter-tops, stainless steel appliances, and twenty-five cubic-foot electric refrigerators, the Amish spend far more time and produce many times more food in their kitchens than do most other Americans."

It made me think on the importance of doing rather then having.  When I surf PINTEREST, I can pin a cute printable that says, "Simple is the best!" and then two seconds later, I'm totally derailed by the millions of images of remodeled living rooms, kitchens and master bathrooms that are totally redone. They are fantastic and beautiful and instead of appreciating them, I want them.  I think that is where the problem begins and maybe the Amish understand the human condition better than I do. Therefore they guard themselves from that temptation.  Some may say that's taking it to the extreme, but who is to say that extreme is always wrong? 
I'm not sure yet.
What I do know is the idea of having a completely simple and functional home is appealing {to me} because it strips away the dependency on things and puts it back on people, relationships and what really matters.
The Amish kitchen may not have turquoise cabinets {like mine} or a Kitchen Aid mixer {like mine} or a enormous fridge that is bursting at the seams for four people {like mine} but they have everything they need.  So I suppose my questions to myself is, "Do I need all that I surround myself with?  If I don't, why have it?  Is that wasteful? What about the things I desire?  Is it wrong to want to remodel my already functional kitchen?  Should I indulge and enjoy the fruits of our labor or should I take the money and donate it?  Save it?"
This idea gave me more than enough to think on.  Adopting the Amish philosophy regarding material possessions could drastically change how I do, what I do.  I'm assuming it would for you too.  I would no longer look at our home as a self expression {which is what we are encouraged to do through decoration, collections, paint color, art and so on} but more as a central meeting place, with simple basics for sustainability and hospitality.


It scares me just as much as it entices me.
I guess I have a lot of thinking and stretching to do.


Concept Two.
I enjoyed looking at the home as a family haven and an opportunity to be hospitable.
In my mind, this is what our house is and what I hope it continues to be.  Since I was a little girl, I have always desired a large family of my own and I knew, as a young adult, that if the Lord didn't bless me with many children, I would fill my house with loved ones, friends and neighbors.  In this small way, I feel that I understand the Amish a little bit.  Their entire lives center around family and I admire and desire that. However, I feel that living in mainstream suburbia, we will have to deal with several unavoidable disadvantages, that the Amish don't experience.
We don't live with all of our family members, like the Amish.  Remember the part of the chapter when they described the family home?  There are quarters where the grandparents live and they all are under the same roof?  That concept is wildly different then what we are presented with, here in California {and I'm assuming the rest of America}.  People have enormous houses for four people and the idea of moving in with your in-laws isn't considered admirable, it's considered crazy.  It's rare that children live with their families past high school {well, most of the time} and when you do meet a family that does live with aunts/uncles/grandparents, you turn your head sideways and think, "That's brave. It must be temporary"  Is it really that absurd of a concept or have we just conditioned our minds and hearts to live at an arms length?  We have caller ID so we don't have to talk to someone if we don't want to, we text instead of call and we see our family only when it's convenient, as to avoid uncomfortable situations.  I'm sure that not every family member in a large Amish household gets along perfectly with everyone else. Guarantee, personalities collide.  The difference may be that they learn to deal with it and in turn sharpen their patience, ability to love and graciousness, towards one another.  While the rest of us learn the fine art of avoidance.
Also, I believe our society struggles with the built-in family time, with extended family.  Between crazy work schedules and the millions of activities that families now participate, families depend on quarterly holidays to be a "catch-up" time, rather then seeing or talking on a regular basis.  I definitely think we have something to learn from the Amish, in this regards.  Families live closer then ever, to one another, and see each other less and less.  When I was working with children on a daily basis, I became keenly aware of this model of family.  People are a stones throw from their family but have limited involvement in each others lives.  It's simply not a priority because people are busy and that means fitting one more thing in.  It's sad, to my way of thinking.
It's a different model for the Amish.  Family is priority one.  Not just your children but all family.

What do you think of this concept?  Am I off base?

Secondly, I appreciated that Sleeth touched on family dependency as a strength and not a weakness.  I have long seen depending on one another as a blessing but have heard the opposite sentiment, on more than one occasion.  Many see dependency {emotional, physical, financial or otherwise} on another family member, as total weakness. People want to handle everything on their own.  It's control, power and a feeling of self-satisfaction , derived from knowing you don't need anyone else.
Even still, I think that learning that everyone has something to contribute and that something or someone can be vital and essential to you, is a beautiful and humbling idea.  I like it.  Personally, I love the idea of people depending on me for things and I love following through for them.  I also love the notion that I can count on others to help me.  It's gratifying and the model of Jesus himself.  Looking out for and loving others.  Putting them first.  Ourselves last.  Working for the common good of the entire family {and when I say family, I also mean friends that are family} and not just our small family unit.
Again, this Amish mindset would be a total mind shift for society as a whole, if fully implemented.
Lastly, I loved the Sleeth regards hospitality as a commandment and imperative.  I believe it is!
How can we ignore verses like this?

Romans 12:10-13
^{10 "}Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality." 

 We have these amazing homes and dwellings but I feel we can learn quite a bit more, from the Amish, about true hospitality.  Think about what we commonly regard as a good hostess.
Clean house.
Perfectly matching linens, plates, flatware.
Colorful, mixed drinks.
Great music playing.
Catered food that is perfectly displayed.

I've been to plenty of parties, gatherings and events where all of these things had taken place and yet the host was frantic {I have also been this hostess}.  Fretting about every last detail and less worried about the guest.  The people and their comfort.  This problem happens when it's all about us.  I can guarantee the times I was frantic, at an event, it was because I wanted everything to be perfect so it reflected perfection, which in turn made me look good.  That's the honest truth.
The Amish {or at least what we are reading about them, in this book} see the importance of true hospitality.  Opening up your space {no matter what it looks like} to be a warm, inviting and caring place for the weary, the downhearted, the joyful, the family member, the traveler, the neighbor or the hurting heart.
The Bible says nothing about a PINEREST-worthy table scape.  It merely says to be hospitable.  And the times I felt a host was most hospitable was when I stepped foot in a calm home, a candle was lit and they invited me to sit down and talk.  Maybe there was food.  Maybe not.  But the intention was to draw closer to the person and not the party. To ultimately have the Lord glorified in our discussion and meeting.

My gripe, with the first chapter
I did have a sneaking feeling, at times, that Sleeth portrayed her family as a little too untouchable.  There seemed to be a great deal of mentions as to their elite education, correct choices and ultimate superiority {as it pertained to simplistic-life living}, which less mentions about their mistakes and learned lessons, along the way. This made it a bit hard to relate.
Perhaps I was being too sensitive.  Did you sense this?


I also am looking forward to reading the rest of the book and hoping there are moments of honest disclosure about the drawbacks and difficulties, growing up Amish.  I see so many positive virtues about their lifestyle but would also think it necessary to learn about the important struggles and pain they feel, living so differently.  For me, I would desire a very well-rounded perspective about the lifestyle. 


***

I understand that my review was a LOT to read.  If you did read it, in its entirety, I'm humbled and thank you.  I didn't edit my thoughts because I wanted it to be as complete and thorough, as possible.
Like I said at the beginning, these are MY thoughts and I want to hear what you think just as much as I wanted to share.  In no way do I assume or prescribe my thinking as the "only" way and never want a reader to feel as such.
Please feel comfortable to share however you felt, while reading.
We all have something to learn, from one another!

Small Spaces Sunday {Ed. 3}

Welcome!

Small Spaces Sunday is a weekly link up and a place where you can share with all of us!  Join us as we share our homes smallest spaces and are reminded of Gods blessings in our lives, one nightstand or bookshelf at a time.

-Feel free to share any small space, in your home.  Tell us where it is and why you love it.  Most importantly, tell us how the Lord blesses you, each time you walk by it!
-Link up so we can visit your blog!
-Feel free to share on Instagram and use hashtag #smallspacessunday
-{no button in your post, directing people back here, necessary}.

When the kids take a nap, I hurry and clean and then I plop down in my comfy chair.  It's just deep enough that I can sit in it, cross my legs and be completely at ease.  I love it.
The deep breath I release, when I sit, is so cleansing and calm.
It's in this chair that I journal, to each of the kids, in their personal journals {don't start feeling guilty that you don't do this...I feel blessed if I get to it, 3 times a week} and I read, have a afternoon cup of coffee and enjoy my time with the Lord.  Often, I sit in the chair sideways and throw my legs over the side and stare out our slider door, to the backyard.
It's the quietest part of the day and while I love the noise that constantly surrounds me, those small, silent moments are quite nice.
I find those are the moments where the Lord is exposed the most, in my life.
When I'm quiet and still.  Sitting down and not moving.

Please share your small space with us and link up!

Friday Round-up: Happy Weekend // Don't forget // These kids // I'm loving //

I hope you have a happy weekend.  I'm planning on it!  {does anyone ever plan on having an unhappy weekend?} No matter what you have planned, I hope you take a few moments, lay outside on the grass and face the sun.  Feel it on your skin and soaksoaksoak it in and breath easy.
Or maybe go out and run and feel the sun that way.
I've been running more lately, have I told you that?  I don't think I have, but it's been wonderful and good for my energy level, my emotional well-being and my spiritual relationship, with the Lord.
More on that later, I think.


And don't forget about Small Spaces Sunday Ed. 2 that will take place on Sunday.  Link up and share your beautifully small nooks and cranny's, with all of us. I know that I love seeing tiny pieces of a home that, otherwise, might go ignored.  Let's illuminate the small!
Also, don't forget about Almost Amish Chapter One review, on Monday! I'll be back and sharing with you what I thought, how I plan to implement Chapter One in my own day-today and would love to hear from you, as well.  Get reading {maybe in a lawn chair, with a cold iced tea and sunscreen?}!

Now for these kids.
I present my two darlins. Rapscallions. But darling rapscallions.
I know. Stop the cute train because you just pulled into the station.

 And, as far as I'm loving....
Sometimes I find the neatest things {or so I like to think} on ETSY.  This shop makes me smile because it's not like anything else I have found.
I would happily wear this:

I found this post and it was wonderfully convicting.  Let's call those around us, this weekend, and tell them they are special to us.  I already started.

Someone just emailed me and told me they found this. I bought 10 copies {and so did my friends and family} and plan on showing them to my kids someday and saying, "See!  I WAS COOL AT ONE TIME!"

****

Alright, I guess that's about it.
I'll see you on Sunday {I hope!} and hope you enjoy the weekend, truly.
{tell me what you'll be doing!  i love hearing!}

We love Long Beach.

I'm a huge fan of the historical portion of Long Beach.

I love the old stories, the homes and the winding neighborhoods.
Of course, many things have changed and people view some of the neighborhoods as "less desirable" then they once were.  Honestly, I think much of that is in peoples minds and they aren't truly aware that the crime rate is very similar in their own tract, but we all choose to believe what we want, right?

I love the city of Long Beach and Sean and I have said that as long as we live in Southern California, we won't live anywhere else.  In fact, when we were shopping for houses the first time {when you could buy a million dollar home with $25.00 as a down payment} we looked in several other neighborhoods and it just didn't feel right, to us.  We are Long Beach through and through.  Something about the people, the list of amazing historical landmarks that are steps away from us and the rich diversity of residents.  In all three of our dwellings, we have had amazing, salt of the earth, neighbors and we enjoy the many benefits of community outreach projects, numerous neighborhood events and a general feeling of welcomness.

We love Long Beach.

While we have zero plans to move in the near {or distant} future {fret not, Mary}, I do like to dream, just a little bit.  God is calling me to pursue a more simple life and so I'm not really sure how that plays into the constant and revolving "let's just buy a new one" pattern that I see our society constantly trapped in {and this doesn't just pertain to houses, truly}.  And to be honest, I won't fib....I walk around our house and think...."My oven is about to break and the handle won't even open and our electrical work is horrible. All our outlets are original and don't work and the doors have brass doorknobs and there are nails in the floor and our closets smell like mothballs and the paint on the outside wasn't finished and our garage door is broken!  Let's REMODEL ALL THE THINGS!"
I'm asking the Lord to break me of that soundtrack and make me genuinely and daily appreciative for the amazing blessings we do have, when I feel that often the go-to response of mine and my generation, is to just go out and fix it/get a new one/buybuybuy.
It's hard for me but the first step is observing the tendency.  It's easier when I say out-loud..."Just because the garage door is broken doesn't mean we HAVE to fix it."

Learning I have a choice and also learning that just because the money may be accessible, doesn't mean I have to spend it.   It's difficult to get into that routine, but boy.  It's a nice change.

That being said, I do love certain neighborhood tracts and the amazing architecture of the homes and will, at times, drive through and think...
"I wouldn't mind living there."

The beautiful part about sections of Long Beach is that the homes don't look like every other home on the street.  Each is different and they aren't so stacked on top of one another and squeezed so tightly that they are encroaching on each others lawns. When I drive through some neighborhoods and you can lean from your window into the window of your neighbors home, I feel like it's "property muffin top".  There's just too much, in too small a space. Am I right?  I think it's also lovely that very few {almost none} of the homes have been remodeled, in the historical portions of LBC.   They are all original, which is unlikely and rare, in most neighborhoods. It seems my generation has become very good at ripping down entire structures and rebuilding.  Much to the chagrin of purists, that loved the original models.

Last evening, we went to CONCERT IN THE PARK at Los Cerritos Park, in the Virginia Country Club.  I had a lovely time with friends and family and as we were driving away {much past the children's bedtime}, I said to Sean, "Can we just drive down a few streets?"
"Of course!", he answered.  Because we both share the same taste in homes and adore the long and wide streets of the VCC, I already knew what His answer would be.

Sidenote: My friend Andrea lives in there and the first time I visited her home, I'm not sure I spoke for the first 10 minutes.  It was that lovely {what else is lovely is that she never mentioned she lived in that neighborhood or bragged about it, which made me love her 10 fold}.

Back to last night.....

As we were driving, I snapped a few shots {very sloppily and quickly and on my cell phone}. One of the houses that is my favorite looked extra beautiful last night, with the sun setting behind it {it's pictured, in the middle}. I thought I would share so that we can wonder what is going on, within the windows and perhaps make up a story about a sweet old couple, named Leon and Eliose, who are sitting by the fire and sipping their evening cup of Earl Grey.

And who knows.....
Maybe if Sean and I ignore the garage door long enough and don't fix the shotty electrical wires and maybe don't get new tile in the bathrooms and stop fussing with the hollow, cheap doors....

Maybe we will save enough pennies to buy one of those houses, someday.
Or maybe not.

What I do know is driving down the streets will always be free and that's good enough for me.

blog all the things {and Almost Amish details}

Hey Howdy Hey everyone.
How are you?
I'm feeling better, after a nights sleep.  Thank the good Lord for Nyquil, soft beds and sweet husbands who make you coffee, without you even asking.

Alright, so the post title.
Have you ever seen this?

It cracks me up and simultaneously describes some of my blog posts.  On my old blog, I tried to make cute catch-all phrases, for the days that I wanted to post about 27 random things, which offered no cohesiveness.
Now, I just tell it like it is.
It's a random post and I'm going to BLOG ALL THE THINGS.
I've been told one of the cardinal rules of blogging is to post about only one subject at a time.

Oh well.

On with the random parade.
But before I BLOG ALL THE THINGS....

****

Almost Amish Details:
I'm so excited for everyone who will be joining me in reading this book.
What I would like to do is read a chapter a week.  After looking in to the book further, there are 10 chapters and each seems to be specific. I don't want to detract from the message by covering more than one at a time. Does that work for you guys? 
I would also love, if a chapter really speaks to you, for you to feel welcome to email me some of your own responses so I can share with everyone.  It's a community, afterall!

I will blog about the first chapter on Monday the 6th!  Get reading! {and email me, anytime, with your thought!}


****

Alright.

Just several of my abundant estate sale finds, lately:

Lunch pail goodness (never been used and still has the liner and thermos!}.  A good ol' construction workers lunchbox, from the 1950's.  I dig it.

A sweet, re-useable, embossed tablecloth, with a gold shimmer and padding on the bottom.  Still in original box and begging to be used, this Christmas:
 

One of the estates I went through contained quite a collection of matchboxes.  Many were in plastic sleeves, so they are in pristine condition.  I just love that people used to have collections.  I feel that the habit of having a collection is dying off, don't you?  If you could collect anything {that you don't already}, what would it be?  Or do you already have a collection?  I would love to know!


A bunch of small little plastic animals, mushrooms {think Alice in Wonderland}, and cupcake sticks.  Very random, but sweet, nonetheless.  Except for the creepy bunnies,  And then I turn around and saw Christmas candles. Some in good condition and some not so much.  But still.  They made me happy:


One of my favorite finds, in a loooong time.  This pair of squirrel lamps are a set from the famous potter Van Briggle.  Love them, the color and the fact that they are squirrels but cost a pretty penny.  Hey....even high class people love woodland creatures, am I right?

A never use Wedding album, from the 50's.  Good intentions, left in a old garage {which made me sad}:




And my latest project.



 Recently, I was given a working 8mm projector unit, with a entire collection of one family's home videos.  It's rare to find these in good working order and although I had to fiddle and work on it for a few hours, I got it to work, nicely.  The light bulb still works {good thing, because they are almost obsolete and very expensive} but the picture is fuzzy.  I'm working diligently to figure out the problem.  I want so badly to watch the videos and get a glimpse into someone else's life, from the 1950's-70's.  Priceless, really.

***

 And then there's my girls.  Growing so fast and being ridiculously adorable at the same time.  Sure, there are moments that I yell, "OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!" {don't you?}, but overall, I can't complain. These children are pretty great.  They keep me entertained, all day long.
Look at K with her best pals.  They take a small dance class at the local parks and rec.  It's pretty cute.
and then there's Frankie,  So very sweet and spicy. 
My daughters are amazing.
I'm blessed.



 Alright.
I think that's it.
WAIT!
It's August?  Is anyone else excited that we are a month away from officially being able to celebrate Fall?!!

Ok.  That's really it.

And sorry I had to BLOG ALL THE THINGS, all at once.
Sometimes, it just happens.

{oh and I'm linking up with Simple Design.  God check out the site!  It's awesome!