Happy Birthday Young Lady!

Time to wish lovely lady I once knew a happy birthday. She turns 18 is just a few short minutes. I have not been able to speak with her since she was 7. Over the years, I have shed many tears over her and my forced separation. I have long-awaited the time when we would be able to speak again. That day is nearly upon me, and now I find myself hoping she will be open and receptive to communications.


Serina Mae Thomas (aka: Sera), I love you so! Years apart have only made that love grow stronger. I hope that one day you and I will be able to speak again... you have only to send me a note or look me up on Facebook, and you will find me there. I hope this day is simply wonderful for you. Happy, happy, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sera!!!

Photojournalism and Speaking Out

I am realizing something about The Law of Attraction. I know that it is critical to *feel* your intentions. Not just think or wish, but actually FEEL them. The new thing I am learning is that, at least for me, it helps me to speak them, out loud, to someone. Not like “I want…” or “I wish…” but “I AM GOING TO…”

Today, for the second time I have had a photo published on the front page of our newspaper. This week, for the second time, I said a variation of “I am going to have a photo on the front page” ALOUD. Two front page pictures and two verbal statements that it would be so. Hmm… I see a connection!

Today’s photo excites me for two other reasons, it is artistic AND a story was published along with it.

When I say it is artistic, what I mean is that my photographic forte has been artistic first and portraiture second, only recently adding journalistic to the mix. Journalistic photography tends to be different (to me), in that is usually is more raw and rough. The paper has published a few photos that I feel were portraiture or artistic, but usually, when I look through the folder I keep of photos published, my artistic eye thinks “blah!” Today’s photo documents a story, and tells a story, but I also like the balance and color and lines I see in it. Here, let me show you what I mean…

Boring front page photo:

Artistic front page photo:

See how the curving line of snow and ice pulls you through the photo? How it’s rough and bumpy and bright, while the concrete asphalt is smooth and dark. Looking at the concrete asphalt, it’s shiny on one side (where the ice was just broken loose) and dry on the other, except a set of tire tracks. As your eye follows the curve, you notice the trucks at the end, lifting the ice and preparing to carry it away. And what’s this on the side? People, little people walking along and working with the ice, even throwing it by the shovel-full. It’s a picture that is dynamic and tells a story. One more thing… the sky. I love the blue sky on top of it all, which to my mind is in contrast to the snow and ice so prevalent in most of the image. So; yeah, that’s what I mean about it being artistic. These are the things I see when I look at this photo of mine.

As far as there being a story. Every other photo which has been published has had a caption under it, but nothing more. Last summer, when I first spoke with the publisher of the paper about submitting photos, she indicated that if I sent in a photo that moved them, they might expand on it by sending out a reporter to do a story. Today’s photo HAS A STORY! On the front page! The story is about the winter weather clean-up that the city does every year, often in January. It’s a first for the story, AND it made it to the front page too! Whoo-hoo!!!

What’s interesting to me about submitting these photojournalistic photos is not only the challenge of finding and taking a compelling image, but also the randomness of it. I recently compared it to gambling, for while I might take a truly interesting and great photograph, if there’s another story that’s more interesting, my photo may never make it to print. There’s a bit of mystery in waiting to see if and when my photos will appear. This photo was actually taken and submitted five days ago; it just now became significant enough (and complete enough with the story) to find the space on a printed page.

Another thing of note is that I’m thrilled EVERY time I see one of my photos in the paper (like this one of frost from last Sunday)...


I get happy and excited every time a photo is published.

Here's another one from last Sunday that was also taken on a morning of beautiful frost...


Though I’ve only woken the family jumping and screaming with the first front page photo, they all make me happy and smiley for the rest of the day.

What do you do that brings you joy every time you accomplish it? Is there something you’ve been dreaming of and have yet to try? I challenge you to go out and start doing it, but first, make certain to speak aloud to others “I am ____” and then go forward, knowing you will succeed!

Flip-Flop Knitting

I've been knitting so much this week that my hands have literally dropped the needles. I've also been enjoying knitting as never before. Why then is everything feeling like it's flopping and needs to be frogged (a knitting term for ripping something out, you know "rip-it, rip-it")? Do I dare rip all my work out and start over?


My Swyaze Socks. My socks, mine. The first is ready to bind off, and guess what... they don't fit. I can't get them on. So, do I send them off to an Aunt and mourn my lost yarn or do I frog them and mourn the lost sock and time?


My Sunrise, Sunset Shawl. I LOVED the first yarn. I don't like the second. I've also realized I just don't have enough yarn to finish the pattern the way I've done it. So, do I frog a whole 170+ yards and change the pattern? Do I add the first color back in? Do I keep going and see how big it is, then add more of the darker color at the end, by the faded color?


Why do I expect *everything* to be perfect? Can't I just let something go and be imperfect? Would I be able to enjoy the finished object, or would it ALWAYS bother me?


On a positive note, I am making progress on some projects for my Mom and her friend's costumes for the Arizona Renaissance Festival. They run a play place for kids called "Toy Island", and all three members of the troop wear red and yellow. I'm working on quilted hats, knitted mitts, and here is one of the crocheted scarves for them...


Thanks for listening to my rambling. Last week I was so excited by my knitting and this week it all feels like a flop! ;P

Metaphysics - Mental Causes for Physical Illness

For several years now I have found great help from a book by Louise L. Hay, "Heal Your Body The Mental Causes for Physical Illness and the Metaphysical Way to Overcome Them". This was my first (and so far, only) introduction to "Metaphysical" things. I'm sure that I still don't use them to the fullest of my ability, but I do find this gem of a book to be immensely helpful. Here's what I do. (Usually when things get "really bad" and my body's screaming "LISTEN TO ME!!!") I write a list out of my current ailments, noting the side of the body they are on (if any). Today's list looked like this:

cough, congestion, runny nose, slight fever, 3 canker sores.

Then, I start reading through the book.

Excerpt from "Heal Your Body"

Problem	Probable Cause	New Thought Pattern
Cough	A desire to bark at the world. "See me! Listen to me!"	I am noticed and appreciated in the most positive ways. I am loved.
Congestion see: Bronchitis, Colds, Influenza
Colds (Upper Respitory Illness) see: Respitory Aliments	Too much going on at once. Mental confusion, disorder. Small hurts. "I get three colds every winter," type of belief.	I allow my mind to relax and be at peace. Clarity and harmony are within me and around me. All is well.
Respitory Ailments see: Bronchitis, Colds, Cough, Influenza	Fear of taking life in fully.	I am safe. I love my life.
Nose	Represents self-recognition.	I recognize my own intuitive ability.
Nose, Runny	Asking for help. Inner crying.	I love and comfort myself in ways that are pleasing to me.
Nose, Stuffy	Not recognizing the self-worth.	I love and appreciate myself.
Fever	Anger. Burning up.	I am the cool, calm expression of peace and love.
Canker Sores	Festering words held back by the lips. Blame.	I great only joyful experiences in my loving world!

I find it interesting to compare and summarize the similar thread that ALWAYS seems to run through the ailments Probable Causes and New Thought Patterns.

Holding words / thoughts back.
Too busy.
Acknowledge and care for self.

Then I write out the New Thought Patterns as a list / paragraph of phrases for a new Mantra. Then, I put it somewhere I see it each morning (in the bathroom/bedside/dresser). Each morning, I pause and think about the list. I don't always read it all, but I think about it. I find focusing on the positive new thoughts is more helpful than pondering over the more negative causes. Just being aware of the causes helps, but the biggest help comes from the new thoughts I'm focused on.

I am noticed and appreciated in the most positive ways.
I am loved.
I allow my mind to relax and be at peace.
Clarity and harmony are within me and around me.
All is well.
I am safe.
I love my life.
I recognize my own intuitive ability.
I love and comfort myself in ways that are pleasing to me.
I love and appreciate myself.
I am the cool, calm expression of peace and love.
I create only joyful experiences in my loving world!

I must say, this post is (even for me) a little daring to write. It "puts me out there", opens me up, shows a weak-side, and also gives you plenty to "judge" me on. That makes it hard to share. BUT, this book and method has worked many wonders in my life, and I feel that the risk of sharing is less than the guilt of not sharing and giving you the opportunity to try it for yourself.

I sincerely hope that you too can get your hands on a copy of Louise L. Hay's "Heal Your Body" and try this out for yourself. It's been amazing for me!

It's Time to Get Up and Move!

Thanks to my friend Marie, I've been thinking of riding bikes again.

Today, during a break from cleaning MY bedroom (usually I'm cleaning my BOYS' room) I started looking at pictures from our recent trip. Wherein I found a photo I'd snapped of a super cute Sunflower Beach Cruiser by Nirve. ACK! I guess I *do* have good taste, at least in bikes... I don't think I can justify $450 for a new bike, not when I have a Juki TL 98Q Quilting Sewing Machine I've been eyeballing. So, what to do? I remembered Becky raving about Craigslist recently, so I thought I'd peek around there.

No luck anywhere near me in Wyoming, so, I started searching in Utah. Wherein I found this little setup:



Listed for JUST $100!

I guess I'd seen this type of trailer / tandem thing before, but never really thought about it. In the past, I've looked into getting a trailer for the boys, but it seemed cumbersome, after reading about the In-Step Pathfinder, it seems to be just what I'll need to ride with Frank and pull Jack along.

Even though it was 3 1/2 hours away from me, I was excited about it. Well, I have talked with the seller twice today. Turns out that TOMORROW, she's driving to Denver, and can drive right through my town and deliver it to me! YEAH!

So, I went from thinking about riding bikes one week ago, to being able to do it tomorrow! Sometimes this Law of Attraction stuff is just so cool!

New goal, starting as soon as I'm over this cold, I want to start riding with the boys to the grocery store (about 1 mile away) and then the library (1.5 miles). The rec center is about 2 miles, so we can go there too. I'm really excited about this!

Quilt Pattern - Crack A Lackin

Sound the Trumpets... my first quilt pattern is completed!

Crack A Lackin

Frank named the quilt (and thus the pattern).


As you can see...


...there's just *a touch* of excitement about it around here...


I've also opened a shop in etsy to sell the patterns. Tom has created (a very basic) web page for my new company, Suzy Qute, which you can find at www.suzyqute.com.


As a Grand Hurrah Special, I'll be offering the first ten patterns up at half price... so hurry over to my etsy shop and be one of the first to see what a wonderful job I've done!

[And I'm not at all pround of it either!]

Quilt Design - Almost A Job

Perhaps your tired of hearing about the Nitty-Gritty aspects of creating a quilt AND pattern to go with it... but do you know, I've been keeping track of my time and in the past six days, I've spent over 20 hours on this project. That's "almost like having a job!" And of course, I'm intending to make it lucrative, but, for someone who's "only" job has been running a house, homeschooling, and sorting out mounds of medical bills, adding 20 hours of ANYTHING to a normally busy week is quite a bit.

Tonight, I hit my wall. I miscut one piece, but one measly inch (over the course of 80" it doesn't sound like much). It was easy to fix, but not with the time crunch I was in. Instantly my hands started to itch (a nervous thing of mine) and I knew I was Done. I called Tom up and he encouraged me to take a break (I spent an hour cuddling with the boys on the couch) and push out the quilting until tomorrow. Tomorrow I won't have help from the machine owner. I have used a long-arm machine four times before, but the last time was last May and I had trouble with it. I guess, just like the rest of this project, I'll have to figure it out myself.

It's been enlightening to me that I've wanted to create patterns for so long. Finally, last week I decided I was going to do it, and I am doing it. I've realized that all this time I was waiting for someone else to encourage or nudge me, and really, I just had to make the decision and go for it. I've been so excited, but true to my nature, I've also worn myself out a bit.

I'll be leaving for Arizona AFTER my planned day of Monday. The trip will still happen next week, but I want to finish the pattern this weekend so I can get paperwork in order and pack (kinda HAVE TO do that) before leaving in the middle of the week.

Oh yeah. I JUST finished the quilt top - again. I decided it wasn't done with just the piece-work and added two borders. Today I also designed, cut, and pieced a scrappy back for the quilt. Now, I have to pin on three giant zippers so tomorrow I can "zip it" onto the quilt frame (at 8:30 am with Jack in tow!)

Be Careful What You Ask For... Keith!

What you are about to see DEFINITELY falls under the "Be careful what you ask for!" Mantra.

Our Incredible Friend, Keith, was recently released from the Hospital in Massachusetts. He went in for a "simple" back surgery in July and FINALLY, last week, (this is October folks - JUST THREE MONTHS after going in for "about a week") was able to go home.

I blame what you are about to see on the fact that Keith is still in a frequent, drug-induced-delirium. {He's probably bored too.}

Keith mentioned it.

Tom created it.

I'm just the messenger here, folks!

Here, by request, is "Jack with a Goatee!"


I don't know. I just don't SEE any of Tom in Jack.

Do you?


SERIOUSLY!!!

Jack IS His Father's Son.

There has never been any doubt about that. This just helps to confirm what we've all known (and at times feared). Tom has replicated. He always says "a little chunk of him broke off and is starting to grow."

Be afraid. Be very afraid.


"Luke... I am you're..." Oh! Never mind!

"Some things are just better left to nature to occur on their own."

I think facial hair on a three year old falls into this category.


PS: The Three-Year-Old Facial Hair was Photoshopped in, not drawn on the person himself. :D

A Productive Day

I like it when I have productive days. Today was one, even though, by the end of it, I've realized that just like Jack (Saturday) and Frank (this morning), I'm coming down with a head-cold. Now. As far as The Law of Attraction, I TOTALLY called these colds too us... about four days ago I found myself thinking "it's pretty amazing (considering how busy we've been) that none of us has been sick on this trip." Then I thought "I'm glad that we're all feeling well though." So, whether the thought brought the colds, or I just recognized that we were all completely run down, I knew we were about to be sick.

Even with colds all-around today, here's what I accomplished:

• Made bed (easy)
• Sorted LOTS of laundry with Jack's help
• Washed, Dried, and Put away 3 loads with 1 more still drying (remember, my machine does about 2 to 2.5 "normal" loads... for example, one of my "permanent press" loads had 23 articles!)
• Unpacked and putaway all contents and suitcases - THREE suitcases worth.
• Unpacked another large shopping bag.
• Made Well Visit Appointment for Frank (actually, made it last Spring, but the Pediatrician left town, so I had to find another doctor and make a new appointment).
  
• Packaged and shipped two boxes to my Aunt.
• *Forgot* to pick up the mail at the Post Office when shipping the boxes... picking up our held mail was the whole reason we'd gone out! Whoops!!!
• Researched Halloween Costumes. Looks like I'll be sewing:
  
  1. Jack - Indiana Jones Pouch & Leather Coat
  2. Frank - Ash (Pokemon Trainer) Shirt & Hat & Gloves
  3. Jacob - Ash (Pokemon Trainer) Shirt & Hat & Gloves (I'll just cut and sew these at the same time, Jacob's a size smaller, so, I'll probably serge a bigger seam allowance to make his a touch smaller).
  4. Ariana - Witches Costume - My neighbor friend wants to learn to sew and her daughter wants to be a witch. Mom doesn't want a "normal" tunic witch with a green face. She wants something cute and spunky. The costume she likes is quite pricey ($70). So. Desire + Deadline = Perfect teaching opportunity.
• Had School Bookwork Time with Frank

• Cleaned out the boys' clothes. This was a biggie for me! It included:
  Eliminating a whole laundry basket of size 3.
  Loaning another basket full of size 6 clothes to Jacob.
  Emptying four boxes (with smiley faces).
  
  
  Sorting "keep" clothes by size and season, then folding and storing in smiley face boxes, with labels.
  Sorting through four pair of cowboy boots to find a pair for Jack and one for Jacob to wear.
  Hanging up all the new winter clothes I just bought and/or had on-hand.
  
  

• Dishes
• Garbage
• Visited with neighbor for an hour.
• Watched Pokemon movie with boys - TWICE! (We weren't feeling well).
• Editing and uploading at least 2 dozen photos to have printed for Aunt Lou.
• Called and talked with my Mom.

Through it all, I had a congested/drippy nose, developed a tender throat, AND used my Xopenex inhaler three (or four) times... I've used it more in the past two days than the last six months. Not liking that and trying to determine what the stimulus is that's causing my airway to constrict. :P

I *guess* that about does it for today!

WOW!

Exploring Blogland

When I first started my blog, I didn't know much about them other than my friend enjoyed her's. I began writing for and TO my friends, through my blog. Then. I wondered how to attract other people to my blog... I still wonder about that.

Now, I have people I know personally, and those I know through a few swaps / give-aways. I have other people that I know just from comments... on their blog or mine. Basically, I've found I enjoy "meeting" other people though their blogs.

Generally, I'll be reading something I enjoy, and see a link, or read a comment on a post, I'll like what they say, and follow a link and find their blog, then, *viola*, I have another blog I enjoy reading. Today, I think that happened when I discovered PinsandThimbles.

I was reading Anne Brumley's post that was basically about finding our focus in life, and I thought I'd share my response:

I too have a million things going at once. Recently, I’d “slowed down” and wound up being bored and miserable. In the past few weeks, I’ve started picking up the pace and getting “more involved” and I feel invigorated and excited by life!

My Aunt, who’s in her 70’s and I’m in my 30’s, advises me that “to every thing there is a season”… there was a time when she was REALLY busy, but these days, mostly consist of her, a few pets, taking her mother to town, and LOTS of quilting. Her home is quite and calm, as is her life.

So. I guess what I’m saying, is that it’s important to do what motivates and excites us. It’s also important to accept where we are in our lives and know that one day things will be different, so, enjoy today and look forward to tomorrow!

Here's me reminding you to Enjoy Today and Look Forward to Tomorrow, with JOY!

Calming Winner

I have calmed down SIGNIFICANTLY since Wednesday where I discovered that I have a very treatable case of a little arthritis in L4-L5-S1 and also a little narrowing of the nerve passages.

On Thursday, I met with the Physical Therapist (whom I liked a great deal). Our meeting went very well. He put my fears at ease and answered my (many) questions. The long and short of it is that I have a series of "micro injuries" over the years, specifically from child-birth, weight gain, lack of muscle strength (see first item about delivering HUGE babies), age, and genetics. Basically, with a little focused work, I'll be feeling significantly better in "three, maybe four weeks." The fact is, I'm *extremely* flexible (to a fault) and I'm motivated, so, a few exercises twice-a-day, add back Yoga, next week introduce Hydro Therapy (pool time) and so on, and I'll be on my way to feeling better than ever!

-------------------------------------

For the Benevolent Birthday Bonus, there were 20 people who submitted by the deadline, and the Random generator chose...

Number 10. Let's see who the Lucky Lady is...


So, Charlotte of Owl Love to Stamp, please send a comment with your snail mail info (I won't publish it) and I'll get your goodies sent off!

Thank you all for playing along in my first (successful) blog-gift-giving session!

Take It Easy!

I think I just need to take it easy! On myself and others! I've been told that I "expect too much of others". Well, it's not just others but myself too!

I made myself a nervous wreck today before going to see an Orthopedic Spine Specialist about my recent, ongoing, continuous back pain. In the end, I came out feeling MUCH better than I went in! The news was good and quite the relief. Still, I received a phone call shortly after getting home and after the call, I totally Short-Circuited on my kids, my puppy, and my hubby (my Mom however was spared from the Rampage - of course, she wisely stayed out on the front driveway when she saw the Storm Brewing!)

Tom and I calmed down and offered apologies. Frank and I talked and made A Plan, in case I get upset tomorrow. Jack. Jack could care less that I blew up (not even crying when I dumped out his Otter Pop in the process). While it's nice that Frank is sensitive and emotional; you gotta love Jack! He TOTALLY knows how to "stay in his own boat" and just float down the Stream of Life, happy as can be, and oblivious to what other people are doing in their boats!

Repercussions

I'll apologize now, because I think this post is going to be disjointed and "all over the place!"

Repercussions, as defined in Merriam Webster Online:

Main Entry:

re·per·cus·sion

Pronunciation:

\ˌrē-pər-ˈkə-shən, ˌre-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Latin repercussion-, repercussio, from repercutere to drive back, from re- + percutere to beat — more at percussion

Date:

1536

1: reflection, reverberation2 a: an action or effect given or exerted in return : a reciprocal action or effect b: a widespread, indirect, or unforeseen effect of an act, action, or event —usually used in plural

— re·per·cus·sive \-ˈkə-siv\ adjective

Tom had a headache. A very bad headache. It lasted for MANY hours and was so intense! Noise and light became unbearable. He thought he was experiencing his first migraine. Upon further inquisitions, I discovered that all the pain and trouble were on the right side of his head. I said "it doesn't sound like a migraine, it sounds like a tumor" ... because it sounded like pressure on his brain causing the trouble. Then. I thought about an injury from last Monday.

While in Riverton, he walked into an open door (one on his truck that lifts up, but couldn't go all the way up because of an awning or something). When he hit the door, he knocked himself to the ground... not an easy thing for someone who's 251 pounds (he's lost 25 pounds recently! YEAH TOM!!!) Afterwards, he reached for things that weren't there and stumbled about until he found the cab of his truck. He laid his torso down on his seat and left his feet outside. He says it was "ten minutes" before he could see again. Of course, since he couldn't see, who knows how long it really was. He'd cut himself right at the hairline on his right temple. The next morning, he said it felt like someone'd been kicking him in the head... since I'm sure he's had this happen in Bar Fights, I believe he wasn't exaggerating.

So. I thought back to this walking into something (again... he'd hit the same part of his head about a week earlier, though not quite as hard) and all the pain he was having and decided he must have a concussion. He was in A LOT of pain. I'd called around and got him an appointment
the first thing the next morning with a Chiropractor.

That night the pain in my hip / thigh / sciatica / lower back returned with a vengence (thanks to my FINALLY starting a garden with the boys...

ALL I did was dig and rake a SMALL bed for the corn. REALLY! It was just 4' x 6'. That's seriously a small amount of gardening!!! Of course, I've been having trouble for the past three weeks since grading the front yard for sod... so, my body still wasn't healed. But REALLY we have a VERY short growing season here, and I wonder if these will even beat the frost... the corn should be productive by the 12th of September. We still "need" to get the carrots in the ground. All they have are corn, and marigold seeds mixed in with the strawberry plants (which I don't expect any production from until next year).

Anyway, my left hip/back was hurting, BAD! So bad that when I tried to lay down and go to sleep, I **literally** jumped out of bed to "get away" from the pain. I wound up on the couch. Standing doesn't hurt it. Sitting doesn't hurt. Just laying down. I've been completely deprived of sleep the past three weeks and Tuesday night was THE WORST!!!

Tom fetched me from the couch around 2:30 am. His head felt better and he wanted me to go to his appointment in the morning. I poo-pahed him. At 7:55, when he got up, he came downstairs and told me to get myself ready, because I'd be going to the Chrioprator.

I did. I've been going to Chriopractors since I was eight. Every one has their own unique approach and touch. Usually, I feel a little "tightness" or a "pull" in the area(s) worked as I'm walking out. This doctor did a different approach AND I felt better when I left. Relaxed. No pain. The true test came at bedtime though, when I was able to sleep without pain in my left hip!

This turn of events was good for me, but, the doctor whom I'd spoken with the day before, wanted to know where my husband was. I described things and he too thought a concussion might me the culprit. The doctor STRONGLY urged me to get Tom to a doctor. In fact, I was on the phone making the appointment when the doctor came in to see me. He realized whom I'd hung up with, handed me my phone, told me to call back and make the appointment before he'd treat me, then left the room! That's pretty amazing (to me). That a doctor would thank you for hanging up, but ask you to call back.

So. Yesterday afternoon, 10 days after the injury. Tom went to a doctor where a concussion was confirmed. His right eye-lid (unnoticed by us) is still droopy. His right eye is having trouble tracking. And of course, all the pain he's still having, all on the right side of his head. The doctor wanted to order a CT Scan as a CYA procedure. Since it's been so long, he's not too worried about more complications... just need to let things heal up. Rest and Time.

I'm still concerned though. And, quite honestly, tired of listening to all the "my head hurts" every afternoon and evening. So, today Tom had to drive back to Evanston, about 1 1/2 hours. I told him I'd take him. So he could rest and his head wouldn't hurt so bad. I thought it would be a good test to see if it would help, him being able to relax and sleep while riding instead of having to focus while driving. It also would be safer than him continuing to drive with this obvious pressure in his head.

Well. His lead found out that we were with him and why. Then, not an hour later, his boss called. We were headed to another call at the time, but, we got sent home. Apparently, my driving him is a liability for the company... because if we got in an accident, la-la-la... So. Even though Tom can do his job and I can drive him to-and-from his job. We're not allowed to because of the risks to the companies legal department. I understand. I get it. But really, I think of Tom and I as a team. He's hurt (a little) and I can help. Why shouldn't I be able to? If your spouse / friend drops their vehicle off at the shop for the day, you can drive them to work, right? Their boss usually appreciates them getting to work. Especially when there have been LOTS of personnel conflicts about coverage in the past few weeks. It should be okay that a wife A) wants her husband to be seen and treated when he's hurt himself, and B) wants to help him continue to do his job.

I feel sad that our society has disjointed it's members to the point where all the parties of a family are suppose to report separately to work / school all day, every day, and aren't "allowed" to help each other out.

[Okay. End of RANT. It's safe to come out now!]

So. About thirty minutes from Evanston, I discovered that the "fix" was likely to take ALL day... like five or six hours! In the past, I've always gone along for the drive, been there 20-30 minutes, then headed back. So, the break and stretch would be nice, but I hadn't "planned" to be gone ALL DAY.

After dropping Tom off, we headed out to find the Chamber of Commerce. On our way to it, we found several photography worthy old buildings, but this really caught the eye of our camera...


I tried to explain that phones use to be fixed objects, not mobile devices. I'm not sure if the message got through. I'm also not sure the boys saw the humor of my wanting to pose with my cell phone against a phone booth...


EVENTUALLY (EIGHT) photos later (many of them more of the sidewalk than *ME*) Frank took the one you see above (well, I did tweak it with Pioneer Woman Adobe Photoshop Actions).

Back to playing in the booth...


I did warn you that this post was bound to jump around a lot, didn't I? I don't think I mentioned that it would probably turn into a book though!

One more shot to show you near the phone booth. Not because it's such a great / clear shot, but because it'll show you my haircut. I had my hair cut last month. First "new" style for me in... EIGHT YEARS!!! I *always* get an undercut, all-one-length cut. The length fluctuates slightly between my chin and my shoulders. It gets cut every six weeks - religiously. So. My first NEW STYLE in eight years and NOT ONE PERSON notices or pays enough attention to comment. Here. you can see the layers falling around my face...


It's a slight layer / stack at the back, but still pretty much all the same total length. I'm enjoying it, although my round brush broke and so when I do blow it dry, it's just been with a flat brush. Anyway, I know My Mom wanted to see it, and I thought I'd share with you. I had my hair cut differently and *no one* cares! Boo-hoo! :*(

[And now for something different...]

Frank and I trotted on over to the first Farmer's Market of the season. It looked promising to start...


Turns out. This was one of TWO produce vendors. There were also TWO bread makers and ONE Salami. The rest of the TWENTY or so vendors were all arts and crafts and wares. This is okay and everything, but shouldn't it be called a "Craft Show" instead of a "Farmer's Market"? I'm just sayin'!

We came home with this patehtic lot.


I mean, I'm sure they'll TASTE good, but the price? They lot of it was $21. The cantaloupe fits in the palm of my hand. The asparagus is pencil thin. The beans and potatoes are nice, but they were $5 each.

I guess we're just spoiled by Lander's Farmer's Market at Sprouts in Lander last year. They had eight to ten produce vendors each week, just one jewelry vendor and the price was 1/4 to 1/3.

Anyway, we enjoyed going, but we'll probably go to our Sister City's Farmer's Market next week, but I doubt we'll go back to this one. Maybe in a few weeks, to see if some other vendors come.

So. There you go. No posts and then THIS! The Mega-Post from hell! Enjoy!

Kids and Their Pets

Isn't there just this special, magical bond between kids and their pets?!

Yesterday Frank wanted to borrow my camera to take pictures of his cat, Zoom Zoom. I found a series of pictures, where Frank was sitting on the couch and his cat walked by his feet, then sat down. She looked left. She looked right. Then, she looked up at her Master. Look at the relaxed peace in her face...


...I mean, it looks like she's about to fall asleep, even though she's just walked over and sat down.

Here's another picture of Frank and Zoom Zoom recently...


One of the funny things about them is that instead of saying "Here Kitty, Kitty" in a high-pitched voice or even calling her name, Frank calls Zoom Zoom to him by clicking his tongue. Perhaps this is from my dog Chandler, whom I had until Jack was a baby. I called the dog by clicking my cheeks like you would to tell your horse to "giddy-up". Anyway, Frank just says "Zoom Zoom" and clicks his tongue and she immediately runs to him and follows him wherever he goes. It's very cool. :D

Thinking about all this is peaceful. I love seeing the bond that Frank has with his pet. I'm eager to provide the same thing for Jack (by way of a dog for him). In the meantime, whenever there's any Pet-Related Frustrations in our home, I just remember how Frank and Zoom Zoom are... what comfort they provide for each other, and I get out my cleaning supplies and take care of whatever the issue may be.

I am so glad I followed my gut and was able to give Frank his cat!

Just Our Luck

As luck would have it. In addition to being overwhelmed, overworked, and generally exhausted.

• Tuesday afternoon/night - Frank developed a runny nose.
• Wednesday night - Jack developed a runny nose.
• Thursday evening - Jack added a slight fever to the mix.
• Thursday evening - Tom crashed early, "feeling terrible" with a sore throat and fever.

I've been tired, but taking regular time out to rest... like yesterday afternoon, I put both boys down (Jack slept, Frank rested until his radio music turned off (a "quiet" timer I use for nap-times), and I slept for 90 minutes. I've been trying to relax and take it one-step-at-a-time, but, it is hard to keep all these balls in the air!

Our 9:00am closing on the house Friday? We're still suppose to close on Friday, but we "just need to be flexible" and PATIENT with when it will happen. The bank is STILL waiting on ONE piece of paper from the VA. Our last lender didn't send in the paperwork to show our previous VA loan as paid off. So, even though the credit reports show the loan paid off, the Veteran's Administration must send a special paper over. Even though we already gave them a Certificate of Eligibility. What's most frustrating is that we applied for the loan over two months ago, and now, at the moment of closing, they still don't have all the pieces in place. In the past week, we've had AT LEAST SEVEN things that the loan officer needed "right now". I've been very confused by all the last minute running about. I guess my loan officers in Arizona really knew there stuff, because with them, I seem to remember getting a list, brining everything in, and being done with it.

Anyway. Positive thoughts for today. We'll close by lunch-time so I can start masking and painting the house... with a whole bunch of people who are feeling GREAT! :D

Washday - CELEBRATION!

What does it say about my personality, that perhaps the single-thing I am MOST excited about with the upcoming change in housing is that today was the last time (in the foreseeable future) I would have to find myself here...


...at the Laundromat? I was SO EXCITED about this being our last day there! I even brought balloons (and cookies). No. Really. I did. Look...


I brought balloons and decorated the place with them. And when people would walk in and look at the questioningly, I would tell them "We're buying a house tomorrow, so today is our last day at the Laundromat, and THAT is a reason TO CELEBRATE!... Would you like a cookie?"

In case you're wondering. They were Lofthouse Sugar Cookies, with white frosting and Patriotic Sprinkles. And no. No one else ate any. :P Phooey on them!

This truly has been the nicest place I could have washed laundry each week (other than my own home). It's clean. It's bright. And the employees (especially Jolynn, the Manager) are very friendly and nice. If it weren't for the process being so exhausting, it could have been... fun.

Actually, I guess today I showed myself that it could be fun even while being exhausting. Oh well! I'm a little tired for such thoughts right now.

If I were witty, or poetic, I might have something clever to say. To this scene, I'll just say this...

...farewell!

Make New Friends, but Keep the Old.

One is Silver,
and the Other Gold.

That's a song we use to sing in the Girl Scouts.

Today I am SO EXCITED that I am LITERALLY jumping for joy!

Yesterday I made two new friends. Roxie I met at the laundromat, only to discover that she just moved into my apartment complex (in fact, I have her moving boxes from beside the dumpster!) She has two boys, ages 2 & 4.

Amy I met online yesterday and in person today. Her 5yo son is actually over playing with my boys. We hit it off SO WELL! AND... while giving her a private, 2-hour-tour of Rock Springs, she loved the houses for sale on our street. She took her hubby over, and, well, they are writing a contract with the developer in about two hours! I've actually called the developer and left a message... I'm going to ask him for a Referral / Finder's Fee... I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

It is just SO COOL to be making new friends! I now have four great lady friends here in Rock Springs with a total of eight kiddos (5 girls and 2 boys) to hang out with me and my 2 boys... hey, we've got a balance of genders now! I've also met several other ladies, but I can see that I'll be getting together with these ladies A LOT!!!

Oh yeah! Amy, who's buying a house just down the street, has been homeschooling her oldest for two years, and our 5yo's are both going to be in Kindergarten this year. We're already talking about sharing teaching responsibilities. I'm just SO EXCITED and I HAD TO SHARE it with you!

Also, I mailed off my Summer Sassy Apron Swap items today. So, that's a relief! I had fun making them and hope she enjoys them.

:D

Out of the Mouthes of Babes

Mommy, did you know that when you talk grouchy to me that will get me to shut up and talk to Dad and brother? And if you talk nice, that will get you talked to.

Yep. Here on Great American Grump Out Day, that's what Frank just told me, in a nutshell "talk mean and I won't talk with you, talk nice and I will." I wonder if he knows the whole "flys with vinegar/honey analogy?"

That he should tell me this is pretty funny in more ways than one... just last night I was thinking to myself "I really need to talk nicer and more with my boys." Like, actually talk with them and sit during the day and cuddle with them and not just always telling them what we "need / have to" do next. My throat is hoarse because of all the "talking" I've been doing lately.

We've had two REALLY busy days getting things in order for our House Purchase. Today an ad ran in the paper for our apartment. I had eight phone calls and three appointments for people to look at it. The first call (and first visitor) has paid the application fee to the apartment and the transfer fee to be added to the lease. If he's accepted, then, next week we'll ask for the deposit and first month's rent to hold the apartment for him.

This afternoon I found myself smiling. I've been busy all day. I think a lot of why I'm smiling is that things are falling into place for the house. We needed to make pay $400 for the Appraisal today. This morning our Arizona tax refund hit the bank... $643. :D By the 15th, we need $1400 in our account to close with... my friend got her economic stimulus payment yesterday, so, we think we should have ours in time. Even if the economic stimulus hasn't arrived, we're planning a trip in two weeks with my Father-In-Law. I thought we'd be sharing the cost, but we just received a check from him for the full amount of what I've paid for the hotel and the tickets (another $820)... so, that's another bonus!

Anyway, I'm glad to be getting things all set up. Now, to excavate my boxes from storage and get to packing!

Disappointment Shock

Since this afternoon, I have just been going through the motions of life in a state of shock. Someone has rejected me; in the process they lied and gave / took away some things that meant a lot to me.

You’d think that having known a person for nearly three decades, I’d know about their habits… I just keep on believing in the best, thinking love and patience will win out. It hasn’t, and today, I was hurt badly and, worst of all, I feel that the injury was completely intentional. It makes me want to cry… no, actually, I have cried.

I persist in thinking the best of people. In believing in them and what they say.

People say I have “High Expectations”. I do. Of myself and of others. They say it like it’s a bad thing. I think it’s good to have high expectations. They say if you shoot for the stars, you might fall short and hit the moon… or something like that.

This week I have learned that the word of a certain person is worth less than the filth that surrounds her place of business. And. It’s going to cost me… my entire Economic Stimulus Payment, because I believed in her word.

I just struggle with this. I’ve been trying so hard to think the best of people, I guess I haven’t been getting in “The Feeling Place” of what it would feel like to have them be honest and good.

This is bigger (to me) than it sounds when I write it. That’s because while I want to write to express myself, I also don’t want to dwell on the details or drag someone else down.

I guess I just need the therapy of expressing my feelings, and I hope that it helps me to let go and continue my journey down the stream of life.

Thanks for listening.