Embracing imperfection... discovering possibilities

Nothing like Nascar

 For at least a decade, Mark and I have attended both of the NH Nascar races... except for those years that I was pregnant or nursing. I had June, July and August babies... so those summer races were completely out for me. And then a year later I had babies that were still nursing. We traditionally spend the weekend, camping in the parking lots with the most die hard of race fans... people from all walks of life, and I.LOVE.IT. It's the most fun, and I always look forward to it. I love how you are greeted by complete strangers as you approach the camper that you pulled over the weekend before. And by weeks end, your all hugging each other goodbye... hoping that maybe you'll cross each others paths again someday. And believe it or not, you usually do! 100,000 race fans, and there is a good chance that you'll run into someone you know or have previously met someday later down the road. LOVE THAT! This year we took the kids... well not the youngest. They are young, and I won't lie... it made for a long weekend. Camping is boring for the kids at the track. Very little for them to do and they can't roam like they do where we camp because you never ever want to leave a child unsupervised where there are 100,000 strangers. We fully expected that our barely 7 Samuel would gobble up the actual race, but it was his nearly 9 year old sister who lit up like the 4th of July. Half an hour into the race, and Sam was b-o-r-e-d. Mikaela was hooting and hollering with the best of them, sporting an ear to ear smile. We don't plan to take them again for a few years. It's really something that Mark and I enjoy doing together, alone (or with friends and family), because we don't get a lot of time to do that. But we wanted to provide the kids with this opportunity to experience it... as there really is nothing like Nascar.

Need to sign off now as I hear the thunder rumbling outside. Just checked in at home to do a little laundry and grab some things. Heading back to camp in a bit!

a summertime hiatus

Last summer we retreated to camp as we normally do, and I left all things paper at home. Sometimes you just need to break away from it all, you know? Do you? I returned to crafting last fall, fresh and with much inspiration. This summer I am retreating to camp again, but this time I'll have many craft supplies in tow. I am preparing to teach scrapbooking classes this year at camp (can't wait!), and also will continue to work on the production of kits. These internet sales, however, will cease until summers end... it's not ideal and I wish there were an easier way to work it out, but the truth is that I will not have consistent access to the internet and I feel that could interfere significantly in the level of customer service I believe my customers expect and deserve. If you have my phone number and need something specifically (or just want to chat!), please do not hesitate to call me! I can easily pull something together for you or sell you a kit that I may still have available. But you will have to call me because I won't know if you've sent me an email, etc.

I have a stack of magazines that I have been hoarding for months (Country Home being one of my favorites), and there is a lounger at camp beneath a tall pine calling my name. Be well, my friends.

small town notes and a little irony

I received in the mail today the monthly newsletter from church, and written on it was a little note...

Tammy, your sunglasses are at the post office

A message from above? Courtesy of my blind kitty who just made her way to heaven?

Don't worry, I'm not losing my mind lol. Just missing my friend and finding comfort in the irony.

I bought these sunglasses Monday night and must have left them there yesterday when I went to mail a package. It's little moments like these that remind me, too, how much I love living in and being part of a small community. Where everyone knows everyone, and where your unmarked sunglasses are found at the post office (and known to be yours).

a summertime find

How cool is this little guy?! I've never seen a frog this big. Mikaela (on the right) pulled him from the pond Sunday during a little fishing trip with her dad (and friend, Megan). He's pretty dang neat. She wanted to keep him in a big bad way, but was happy to return him to his home shortly after we took this photo. I love summer.

Farewell, my faithful friend

Wednesday was like any other ordinary day here. I pulled into the driveway that afternoon and saw my old girl laying on the trailer... sunning herself, just as she was doing here in this picture. And just like any other day, she rose to her legs... happy to see us. But this time something was different. I'd noticed that she had stumbled a bit to her left, and then I'd noticed her droopy jaw and what seemed like an inability to close her mouth all the way. I immediately drove her to the vet who was able to confirm in no time at all that she had an oral tumor. She explained that these tumors come on fast, at any age, and that there would be very little they could do to prevent or slow her death... they could only make her comfortable. They gave her two weeks and explained that she would soon stop eating what little she has been able to eat (she was very thin). It was super hard, especially with all three of my children by my side, to make the decision, but I ultimately decided to have her euthanized. We love her so much. I've had her since I was 15 years old. She'd given us 20 years, and it just seemed so selfish to bring her home where the quality of her life was to be compromised, and where we'd all be waiting for the other shoe to drop. It doesn't make it any easier though, and I can't imagine there will ever be a day when I don't expect to see her or hear her (she was very vocal). The kids are having a hard time with it, especially Samuel who adored her. He gave her the most attention everyday... seeking her out, building her fort-like houses, sneaking her into bed with him. We were going to bring her home for burial, but Mikaela was quite vocal at the last minute in saying that she wanted Boonzie to be here with us, in our home. I felt, with those words, like someone had just wrapped a nice warm quilt around my cold body. It made sense, and felt really good. Two years ago, someone I refer to as my surrogate grandfather died. It was the first time I had lost someone really close to me, someone I still think about everyday and whose presence I miss the most. He LOVED cats so much, but suffered severe eczema so couldn't have one of his own. That said, he'd walk to my home and and/or to my parents home several days each week to visit the kitties. It was not all that unusual to come home to what we thought was our empty house and find Ralph sitting quietly in the livingroom with Boonzie snuggled on his lap, enjoying a chunk of love from our dear friend Ralph. To Ralph, this bit of kitty love was worth the few hours of discomfort he'd experience after, as a result of the eczema. So today, I imagine that she is with Ralph, and that the two of them are at peace and with much happiness together.

Oops!

I received an email from a customer who purchased the now sold out Spirit kit. It seemed that the included brown scalloped Bazzill trim was a bit too short. I immediately realized that I'd made an error. The strip was cut from a full sheet of Bazzill scalloped cardstock and the cardstock is sized at 11.5 x 11.5 ... obviously a bit short when you are trying to stretch it the entire width of a 12 x 12 page. So sorry! What I should have included in the instructional is that the strip needed to be cut, and that the cut ends should then be positioned and adhered an inch apart beneath the buttons and crocheted flower embellishments... hiding the fact that this trim isn't one straight shot. I'm super tired right now, and hope that my explanation isn't only adding to the confusion! I also hope that I didn't cause much frustration amongst those crafting with this kit... scrapbooking afterall is supposed to be fun! I'm super sorry. Thank you, Vicki, for bringing this to my attention. I REALLY need to hear these things... your feedback is invaluable! It's much easier to catch and correct your mistakes while teaching a class. This is a new venture for me and I thank you all so much for your patience and continued support!

We're heading out of town tomorrow afternoon for an extended holiday weekend of what else... camping! I hope you spend your weekend doing all the things that make you happy, and are able to spend time with all the people who mean the most to you.

Some simple May flowers for you!

You are my Sunshine

It's was difficult for me today to capture much of the dimension and sparkle that is unique to this layout...  it's really very striking in person. Trust me! I might add, too, that there is more than $18.00 worth of product inside this goody.. it's quite a bargain! Save the gas and wear and tear... let the postmaster deliver your class to you where you can create at your convenience and within the comforts of your home (in your pajamas... you all know, I LOVE pajamas!). I have a limited quantity of these kits available for sale and wanted to get them up before I headed out for the weekend. As standard, these are sold on a first come first served basis (I will take pre-orders, too, should they sell out). All orders received over the weekend will ship on Tuesday. Below is a detailed description.

All that said... where ever it is that you are spending your time this weekend, have a great one :)

With sparkly product from Heidi Swapp, the warm fuzzy texture of felt Thickers, dimensional goodness made by hand and stitched for you by me, and patterned paper reminiscent of the golden summer sun... this layout is sure to win your heart. Included is everything you'll need to create this 12 x 12 layout, less brown ink (optional) and adhesives. It's recommended that you have handy your preferred adhesive, as well as some dimensional adhesive (3-D foam or Pop Dots) and also some reliable liquid adhesive (to adhere tiny bits of bling to your keepsake). A brown marker is suggested for the purpose of outlining. (Note: I plan to present a post soon with all my favorite most used adhesives, inks and writing utensils). This kit comes complete with pre-stitched pieces, so you've no need to drag out your sewing machine! I will also include the journaling (which can be cut into strips), and if you provide me with a date, I will print it and include it in your kit (You might be able to barely see that I included a date and year in the rectangle at the bottom of the sample page). And each kit will come with 3 additional sheets of patterned paper from this My Mind's Eye collection, so that you can create a second page with the leftover goodies from your first page!

In a card from Mikaela yesterday

"It's a good day for you. If it's good for you, it's good for us to. I love love love you. From Mikaela"

I couldn't help but to laugh. Boy, that kids got it all right. Because it's like this.... if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy! Just kidding of course lol.

The best part of my day yesterday was watching my husband play baseball at camp with the kids, using a tennis ball (that a chipmunk had bitten a hole in) and a campfire poker. Even my aunt commented, as she heard the noise from her campsite... "the sound of Mark playing ball with the kids felt really good... a father playing with his children". She's got that right.

Off to finish up some overdue paperwork before hitting my little studio. Hope you all have a great day!

A little something....

in honor of Mothers Day. Let's all try to make a conscious effort today, and tomorrow for that matter, to do a little less. And live a little more, in the moment.

"...but the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three on them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4, and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in a hurry to get on to the next things: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less".  ~Anna Quindlen

Trash to treasure

Some cards I created last year for Donna Downey's Trash to Treasure Challenge. They were selected and can still be seen here in the June 2007 newsletter edition, The Creative Playground. I have to confess that she TOTALLY made my day, because I personally feel very limited in my card making talents. Unlike my girlfriend, Clarissa, who makes unbelievable cards... and much more. I used to pick at her... "sure,  you can whoop up a card, but lets see that scrapbook layout!". Back in... ohhh was it 2003?... we went to Cropping on the Cape. She worked ALL weekend on one 8 1/2 x 11 inch layout and to this day has never finished it. I've never let her live it down. But not so long ago, she was sought out by Creative Memories and now works for them as a designer... making not just altered items, but OH.MY.WORD... SCRAPBOOK PAGES! LOL! Seriously, the sarcasm is ALL in fun. I truly adore her. And for the record, she is one of the most creative and talented individuals that I personally know.

for your crafting pleasure...

The following kits have been re-stocked and are available for sale:

{It's Our Family} class kit: a 4 x 12 six page cascading acrylic album. Included in this kit is everything you will need to create a family themed keepsake (a generous supply of rub-ons by Daisy D’s and Bo Bunny, My Mind’s Eye patterned paper and twill ribbon, Heidi Swapp Bling, and a cascading six page 4 x 12 acrylic album). {clearly}, this is a treasure that will be enjoyed by many for years to come!

You will need 8 to 10 images that can be cropped to a height of 2.75 inches (width is negotiable). These photos can be in black and white, color, or a combination of both. Your creation will include ample space for documenting the details of your memories. You will also need a circle punch (1 ¼ inches or larger), a paper trimmer, scissors, and adhesive (tape runner, and mini Glue Dots or a liquid adhesive of choice- like Mono, Zip Dry, Diamond Glaze, etc.).

{Beautiful To Me} is a 12 x 12 layout class kit: lift the decorative flap to reveal layers of photos, tucked behind 3 transparency frames... with plenty of room to record your memories. This 12 x 12 layout is tastefully created with lots of product by My Mind's Eye, and machine stitched components especially for you. You will need three 4 x 6 images to work with, as well as a paper trimmer, scissors, paper piercer for brads, an adhesive of choice, and inks (optional).

These kits can be purchased right here using the PayPal store front, or by sending me an email. I will accept checks (by mail), cash (in person), and credit cards (only via PayPal). I promise to have more of the 'It's Our Family' cascading album kits soon, as well 'A Little Book of Love' acrylic class kits. I've a few more additions too! Just finished up a fun new little 6x6 goody today... ordering some custom acrylic for that one! Check back soon!

the good life

This weekend marked the first weekend of our 2008 camping season. We had our share of rain over the weekend and to be honest, I contemplated heading home Saturday morning because the kids were bored. The weather was icky and their friends hadn't yet arrived (we weren't sure they were going to). Their constant picking nearly drove me insane! Everything ended up working out and despite the chaos, I was able to begin work on a new little mini book (will share soon!). Mark returned on Sunday from an overnight with friends and family where he was able to do a little four wheeling. We enjoyed spending some time with my step-daughter yesterday, too! Happy 19th Birthday, Mandi!

These two pictures of Chloe make me laugh so hard. Love them. This was her first time fishing  (they weren't biting).

Sold out!

What a difference a week makes... there is not a single kit available for sale! I am working diligently on new projects, and waiting patiently for more product to arrive. I am accepting pre-orders on some of the sold out kits (*little book of love*, *it's our family*, and *beautiful to me*). Quanties are limited due to the availability of supplies, so if your heart is set on one of these creations, please be sure to voice your interest in advance (first come first served basis).

Thanks again to all of those who have and continue to believe in me... you fuel my passion, and make this possible for me.

Love those Sandcastle Shoes

Picked Chloe up a pair of sandals today... she loved them.

"Thank you for the Sandcastle Shoes mommy!"

 

Thank you!

Did we have a good time or what?! The weekend came and went, and I would have given my right arm for just one more day, but can't deny how good it felt to receive a big hug from Mikaela upon arriving home. Today I'm running on empty.... I'm SO exhausted... it's like going to Disney, when you need a vacation to recover from a vacation. It's all good though... it's what we live for, right?! Late nights spent with some of our favorite friends... scrapbooking!

Anyway, I wanted to take a moment this morning to thank so many of you who made my weekend so much fun... sharing stories, laughs and keepsakes... I love them all! I especially wish to thank those of you who took a class and/or bought a kit! I have been looking forward to the launch of my kit sales for months now. It's a blessing to be able to share my creations with others... I returned with only 3 kits! And a great big hug to Clarissa and Penny for inviting me to be a part of their weekend... *smooch*!

Please do not hesitate to send me an email or give me a call should you have any questions regarding your purchase. You all make this possible for me, and I want to do whatever it takes to make my customers happy. I am eagerly hoping to hear some feedback regarding the kits... if there is something I can change or make better, please let me know.

I have added the remainder of what I have left in stock to my PayPal store and will be working hard this week on additional designs, so please check back. If you are having issues navigating or just prefer to not use PayPal, please just drop me an email or give a call with your needs. All credit card orders must be processed via PayPal, but I am happy to accept your check/money order/cashiers check by mail. I can also meet up with local customers... where a cash exchange is possible, and where customers are also spared of shipping charges (Amen to that, eh?!).

Happy scrapping!

Sneak a peek

To the movies

Sam had run into his grandmothers today after a set of keys for me, and returned not just with the keys, but also the newly released Alvin & the Chipmunks dvd. And a bag of microwave popcorn. Tonight he popped the corn, loaded the movie, turned off the lights and patted a spot on the floor... inviting Chloe to come sit with him. "Come sit Chloe. We're going to the movies".

Just love that kind of stuff. And especially on days like today, when your heart needs a hug.

'almost' there

It's pretty common for this New Englander to lose focus at this time of the year, when I find myself in a funk, stuck some where between a beautiful snowfall and the smell of a fresh cut lawn. Our winter melts into the spring, exposing unwanted treasures and smells one layer at a time. It's a time of the year when I have to dig deep for motivation. It's West Coast images like these that provide hope... reminding me of what exists for us, just around the corner. Patience. I must remind myself to be patient.

Work on the house pretty much came to a halt, and I'm closing in on my own personal deadline... which is a good thing of sorts because I tend to do my best work under pressure.

I'm also gearing up for the launch of Pretty Paper Designs (kits, instruction, custom design work, and more)... product is trickling in! I am scheduled to attend the Savory Memories gourmet scrapbooking retreat the weekend of April 11th -13th, where I will provide instruction and have kits available for sale (more on that later!). It's been a while since I've attended a retreat... I am REALLY looking forward to going!

I had some time to scrapbook on Saturday and made much progress on a 10th anniversary mini book for Mark and I. While I was scrapbooking, it occurred to me that this was the first time I had ever scrapbooked anything about Mark and I. And it felt good. I love this guy to pieces. I really need to work on documenting 'us' a bit more.

Speaking of Mark... he started working at the Mountainside Tattoo shop a little more than a month ago now, and I'm so happy for him. He's putting in hours every other weekend, which seems to be a nice compromise... allowing him to spend time with his family and providing him (and us) with a bit of extra income.

And tomorrow morning, I'm back on the band wagon. The weight-loss bandwagon that is. I've started and stopped Weight Watchers more times than I care to admit. When I've stayed true to the plan, I lost weight. When I wavered, I gained. It's that simple. And lets be honest here... the incidental exercise is not helping me in the way that a structured plan of exercise will help. I know that I need to create a plan... one that is both realistic and non-negotiable. I've got to set some attainable goals.

I started taking a new medication a few months back (Propranolol) to combat the chronic migraines that I've been dealing with for many years... now that I'm not pregnant or nursing little ones. My doctor and I have been working diligently over time to find the right medication, and finally, I've found one that works! I have had 95% fewer migraines since taking the Propranolol, and those migraines that I do have are significantly less severe than they previously were. And I don't feel like I'm on a drug, which is important to me. My body feels it though. I've gained more than 10 pounds since I've started taking this. Absence of the migraines, however, far outweighs the weight gain... It's just another reason why working harder at indulging less and exercise more are of great importance. I'm a little worried about that up and coming gourmet scrapbooking retreat (because the food is that good). There however, will be many opportunities for a few good walks around the Mountain Top Inn property in Chittenden VT. 

Mikaela, Sam, Chloe and cousin Abbe have spent a couple days a week swimming at the new Southern Vermont Recreation Center in Springfield VT. Sam and Mikaela have spent the last 10 weeks working on skills through two sessions of swim lessons. This has been really good for these two, who do not favor the cold weather much. Chloe just LOVES to swim... and has no fear, constantly (and intentionally) testing her limits in the water. Abbey spends time helping Chloe learn to swim while Mikaela and Sam are in a lesson (love that). 

Cat napping

Anyone who truly knows me knows these two things...

1. I'm a night owl

2. I like to take a nap

I was born the daughter of a night owl. My mother has worked nights for as long as I can remember. She tried days once, to spend more time with her then school aged children, but she found herself working all day and unable to sleep at night. So she returned to nights.

I love the sound of a quiet house, and candles that burn (because a child hasn't blown them out). I love to sit outside at camp, enjoying the fire... in peace. I haven't been much into crafting lately, but many of my best creations were made in the very early morning hours. Late nights are also the perfect time for my 20 year old kitty to nest up on my lap... as the kids are forever wanting to suffocate her with their affection (this creates many problems in the Mellish household).

I want this, and have added it to my wish list.... assuming that this very talented artist hasn't retired the design. I discovered Lisa Leonard and her beautiful jewelry designs via a Donna Downey newsletter announcing the newest Inspired artist.

After a late night, little is more satisfying than a cat nap, and it has provided Chloe and I with a formal opportunity to read.

Yesterday, in the early evening, I retreated to the tub, just as planned. What I had not planned on was FALLING ASLEEP. For an HOUR. How is that for Rose Petal Betty! Thank you, Jill!

So much to do and think about...

..but tonight, I will relax in the tub and enjoy a lovely cinnamon, apples and peaches Dead Sea Bath Soak... a Rose Petal Betty product. I happened to have massage oil on the mind just a few days ago, and mentioned to Jill my desire to find a good quality/smelling oil. Last Wednesday, I turned the big 35, and a bit of pamering was deemed necessary ;)

This morning my goodies arrived, which included a bottle of Muscle Rescue massage oil, and a bottle of cinnamon, apples and peaches massage oil to compliment the Dead Sea Bath Soak and the handmade soap I'd ordered. Everything smells SOOOO good... I rubbed a bit of the massage oil into Chloe's skin after a bath this afternoon- she loved that! Good stuff!

ETA the bath never happened, because we decided to watch Little Miss Sunshine. Sweet movie and a good reminder of what truly is important in life. And don't we all know someone in our lives that is well represented by each of the portrayed characters?

Snow is expected to arrive again tomorrow, and that gives a chic who is seasonally sick of the shit every good reason to soak  in the tub. No?

Lots of and lots of tedious work

The kids had four days off from school... closed due to ice on Friday, and snow on Monday. I did begin my hallway project, but my progress has been slower than expected. Partly due to the children being home, and a lot to do with the fact that we live in 108 year old house. Nothing, and I repeat nothing, is ever easy here. No two walls are the same size, and a wall that looks perfectly fine literally crumbles when you approach it with sand paper... as if to say 'leave me alone'. The good news... this provided me with an opportunity to repair some good sized holes (2' x 2' ish). And now I know I can do it... one layer at a time... and this makes other jobs around the house seem totally approachable. We have previously hired our friend in to this... he's a master... he makes work look like art. But he's pricey, and his services are really outside of our budget right now. He did come to help us get passed some trouble spots in the girls room... and Mark finally finished prepping those walls this weekend, so they are ready for primer! I'm priming the hall now, but still need to sand some trim and our stair rail... as I've decided to paint that, too. We ordered some new balusters, too... and I'm anxious to see it all come together!

To be free

Today I am feeling so overwhelmed, in that our house is in serious need of a deep clean, repair and paint. I always have said (since having children) that I manage to get through the first layer, but rarely the second. Today I was scrubbing a door casing in the kitchen, and before you knew it, I was following a trail of dirt and crayon that is seemingly un-ending. And that doesn't even begin to address all the wood trim that is in serious need of paint. Walls, too, for that matter. It's enough to make my head crack open... you know, to allow my brain to bounce from floor to ceiling and back again... a hundred times.

And the theme of Sarah Bowen's week two Best Me challenge is {Free Yourself}. How timely! Honestly since she'd posted it, I'd been thinking real hard... what is that one simple thing I can do to free myself? And today, it's so obvious. Now I know... deep cleaning, repairing and painting an entire house (practically) is NOT so simple, but I've got to approach this with baby steps (or the brain will bounce). So tomorrow, I'm heading to the Home Depot, to pick up some paint... some for the girls room, and some for the hallway (which includes the stairway). My plan this weekend... to begin a project... and just knowing that the process has begun and will get done... that's pretty freeing.

Just one of those days...

Today we woke up just 15 minutes before the kids were to leave for school. The alarm clock didn't go off as scheduled. And yes, it was set properly... it's just old and obviously in need of replacement. Of course, Chloe's soaking it with orange juice a week ago might have been its doom. So waking up felt a little bit like the McCallisters' waking up moments before their flight was to leave (oh how I love those two movies... Home Alone I and II). I am proud to say that we had both kids up, dressed, fed, teeth brushed and snacks packed 5 minutes in advance of school starting. Quite the team we are! Thankfully, we live just a couple of minutes from school (and thankfully, their morning driver, is patient... thanks Jen). It unfortunately didn't stop there.

Aura. That is what I get prior to a migraine, and this one told me it was going to be bad. And I neglected to order in a refill ahead of time, so I have suffered all day. Heading to the pharmacy in the morning. The pharmacy in town (also, the scrapbook store- no kidding!), closed at 6:00.

More?! Oh yes, there is MORE! Mark heads for a shower this morning and realizes there is no hot water. Verdict... our hot water heater died. Quote from Suburban Propane... $1818! Oh sure, here you go! (if only). Hours later, many phone calls, a little help from the bank, and more help from a friend in the business... we've a brand spankin' new tank... and it sits in our garage. Working with a friend, and putting my man to work is going to save us about $800, money best spent on heating oil these days. Thankfully, we've lots of family close by, so showers over the weekend are possible! But Monday... when the gas is hooked up, I am taking a hot bath!

You want to know what makes days like these easier? Chloe was laying on the floor drawing last night while I cooked dinner. She will be 2 1/2 in exactly one week. I just adore these sketches... they are so whimsical... like little cute monsters! Amazing that some of them are the size of a dime (hard to see here in the image, I know). I just kept saying... 'Chloe, these are SO amazing!'. And now whenever she draws a pictures (these have obviously become her favorite), she comes running to show me her 'MAZING' picture. Really, it's simple things like this that make a crazy day all right. The other night, a good portion of the town lost power. That is so creepy... to have to feel your way around the house, and to be running into things everywhere, and to feel panic when you realize your smallest is terrified at the top of the stairs, and if she takes just one tiny step, she may very well fall. I managed to get to her, and then to a little portable light we have so that I could see to light candles. The kids proceeded to engage in a discussion about fire, and I heard Mikaela say "if there was a fire, I would try to help Chloe and (our friend who lives here and is developmentally disabled) out of the house first". I swear I felt my heart expand. That girl has so much compassion, and it just meant so much that she thought first to help the two most vulnerable people in our home. Sam said he'd save the cat, and believe me, he would. He loves that old kitty of mine (she's 20). He makes beds for her all over the house. Love him, that Sam!

The best me

As mentioned, I am participating in Sarah Bowen's 2008 Best Me Challenge, and this weeks challenge is to make a list of 5 (small) things that you want to do this week FOR YOU, and DO THEM.

So here you have, my fab five:

1. Reach out to Shannon

(Shannon is battling Huntington's Disease, a genetic terminal and neurological disease. My relationship with Shannon began many years ago. It was special and I treasured her friendship. Soon after she married (I was in her wedding), she and her husband moved up north and the distance became an enemy of sorts. In the everyday hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to let go of or to not take good care of certain things... and I regret my friendship with Shannon to be one of those things. I've been a terrible friend, and this has weighed heavily on my mind for some time now. I didn't even have the courage to respond to the letter she wrote me, disclosing the results of the test she'd elected to not have... until the tell tale signs were acknowledged. I feel shame, and fear consequence... will she forgive me, will I have the opportunity to right this wrong? One thing is for certain. Today I can make an effort, to at least try. Tomorrow that opportunity may no longer exist.  Shannon is one of the bravest souls I know, truly. And here I am, weak with courage? Today is the day to change that.

2. Catch up with my old friend Trish, via the email address she included in this years Christmas card.

3. Read some more of Bryan Peterson's, Understanding Exposure. 

4. Call my primary care physician to discuss the current methods of treatment for my migraines and the PMDD, and some possible alternatives to those two treatments.

5. Take a warm bath, in peace.   

Thirty five

1. Reach out to old friends... most importantly, Shannon.

2. Spend some time in the kitchen with my grandmother.

3. Go deep sea fishing with Mark.

4. Purchase an indoor plant.

5. Compile my favorite recipes and create something to store them in.

6. Make a stuffed toy.

7. Build on my photography skills.

8. Build a business and establish a means of supplementing our income. 

9. Read a book to Chloe, everyday.

10. Create in advance of summer, an album where I can document the everyday activities and moments of our summer by easily adding pictures and/or journaling.

11. Create in advance of December, an album where I can document the everyday activities and moments of our Christmas together, by easily adding pictures/or journaling.

12. Knit... or to give it a try at least.

13. Spend some time perusing garage sales, flea markets, antique and re-sale shops... for inspiration and things I love.

14. Establish a solution for storage of digital photos, where photos will remain safe.

15. Refinish a piece of furniture.

16. Create some wall art for our home.

17. Complete the renovation of the girls room, Sam's room, and our livingroom.

18. Give the first floor rooms a face lift (paint).

19. Learn to play a guitar.

20. Paint a picture.

21. 1:1 time, each child, once a month.

22. Find opportunities to go to the movies, and more, with HG.

23. Spend some time in Maine.

24. Pick fresh fruit, and make something yummy with it!

25. Teach Mikaela to sew.

26. Deliver a random act of kindness, once a month.

27. Be a better friend.

28. Love unconditionally.

29. Remain conscious of my weakness'.

30. Nurture my spirituality, and support Mikaela's interest in religion.

31. Work to better manage our finances. 

32. Enjoy more 1:1 time with my husband.

33. Go horseback riding.

34. Spend a weekend with Clarissa, crafting like crazy.

35. Sew something fun (un-related to scrapbooking).   

Resolutions

At twelve o'clock midnight, I could have been found ringing in the New Year with family & friends, huddled around a campfire at our familiar stomping grounds... the Crown Point Campground in Proctorsville, VT. It's been our tradition for the last three years to spend our New Years Eve here, and we always look forward to it. The experience is truly the complete opposite of our summer camping experiences... most noticeable, the snow capped pines (soooo beautiful), slippery surfaces, and frigid temperatures. To be honest, we were gifted with warmer airs this year, a peace offering of sorts as we were to receive a fair amount of snow on January 1st! We have received so much snow this year. And while I appreciate it's place in our Vermont economy, and its freshly fallen beauty... I can't deny that I really do prefer the warmer New England months to these cold ones. Oh spring, how I already hunger for you. I did though, REALLY enjoy the snowmobile ride on New Years Eve! We ran on VAST Trails, trails right under my nose that I'd never even knew existed. The idea of being able to ride from southern Vermont straight to Canada on a snowmobile is really pretty amazing! Thanks Doug, for the sled ride!

You know, I really appreciate New Years in that it provides us with a seemingly formal opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. I like that. I've never really been one to make resolutions, and I think it was because I always just assumed that a resolution needed to be something grand (like losing 50 pounds). Fear of failure, I guess. I'm realizing now that a resolution can be something as simple as painting a picture. In February I will turn 35. And this has me thinking more this year than ever about resolutions... how is it that I want to spend the last half of my thirties. That said, I'm finishing up a list of 35 things that I resolve to accomplish or work on over the course of 2008. I will share them here soon enough! And as a means of staying true to my goals, I am (for both fun and accountability) participating in Sarah Bowen's Best Me Challenge. This stuff is just good for the soul... you should give it a try!

Christmas 2007

Did you enjoy the holidays? I sure hope so. I found myself more inspired this Christmas season, than any previous season that I can remember, and I have many to credit for that. To name a few... Ali Edwards, Alicia Paulson, and Rebecca Sower. I made pretty cookies (and then accidentally deleted the images of them that I'd planned to share here!), slowly wrapped every gift... a Christmas chore I've always savored, and most importantly just really tried to be present in the moment. That is sometimes difficult, as holidays are notorious for reminding us of unresolved family conflicts, mistakes, and weakness. But I did it. I shut down the craziness and really felt present in enjoying the intended spirit of the season. And for that I am happy. We spent our Christmas Eve at the in-laws with family and friends. I love to see the kids all dressed up in their coordinating outfits... soooo cute! We got to spend some time on Christmas Eve with my step-daughter, and I know that this especially meant so much to Mikaela and Sam. I'm so glad that they had been provided with this opportunity (thank you, Mark). Mikaela & Samuel woke at 5:00 on the morning of Christmas. They are NOT typically known to rise early. Mark asked them why they were up so early and Mikaela said "I feel like I've been sleeping for 7 days, 7 hours and 7 minutes!". Hard not to laugh over that one! We were able to get them to lay back down with a movie (they fell back asleep), as Chloe was no where near ready to get up. A little after 8:00, paper was flying, and Chloe was repeatedly asking for help as her momma didn't have the heart (or courtesy) to not fancy her packages up with ribbon. Mikaela LOVES her pink guitar, and her new Hello Kitty sewing machine (how freakin' cute is THAT!). Sam was crazy over his r/c 4x4 and has yet another race track (I think he has four now... he is car crazy, that boy!). And Chloe, well it's all about the babies. She loves baby dolls more than any other 2 year old I've met (and I love that about her). My step-son arrived Christmas morning, and spent the day with us... always a good thing. The day ended with Christmas dinner at home (I love that). I'm really looking forward to Christmas of 2008 (I can't believe I just said that!). I just have so many things I want to do... special things in the way of decorating, gift giving and memory making. I'm grateful for the 11 months I have left to prepare for it!

Easy to Love

You can see the rest of this clear little keepsake in the *handmade* gallery (sidebar on right). I'm a bit disappointed in the order of the layouts, but the editing options are limited. I had so much fun making this and am looking forward to the creation of future clear projects!

The parting of the ways

Would you believe that I haven't purchased a single Christmas present? I stayed up late last night, remembering all the things the kids were wishing for. I spent some time online looking for these goods, and then reviewing them here, a place I have frequented for years before making some purchases. Mikaela wants a guitar. A pink guitar. And she wants it badly. She doesn't just want a guitar to bang on. She is begging for lessons. After reading many reviews, I'd found the guitar. But it was twice the amount we had budgeted and with so many others to buy for, I knew I'd have to make up the difference. So today I headed up into the barn, and pulled out the container of baby clothes. The clothing worn by our, last born child. I knew just the kind of clothing pieces I'd wanted for her, and I tediously looked for them over a period of several months. Attached to each of these little items worn by Chloe is a memory. I remember the times she wore those particular pieces that I'd purchased, and the people, places, and feelings associated with the memory. Today I realize that these experiences and feelings are not so much contained to the clothing, as they are to my memory, and I will always have the photos to remind me of that. It's all just another one of those things that nobody ever tells you about motherhood, and the last child syndrome. Anyway, I'm parting ways with the tiny garments... cashing them in for that pink guitar! Shhhhh... it's a gift from Santa!

Welcome

I'm here, finally! Many already know that I have been working on putting together this blog, and like almost everything else in my life, its taken forever. Truth be told, I should be upstairs stripping wallpaper, folding laundry, preparing for a home visit that is to happen later this afternoon... never a dull moment here!

This blog is to serve three purposes for  me. In my effort to better preserve memories and moments, this blog will be used as a tool for documenting my daily thoughts, our photos and the stories that belong to them. So I will apologize in advance if a story about a 2 year old, a 2 year old and poop, and a prized Monopoly game does little to float your boat. Ahhhh, the memories!

I am hopeful that this blog will prove useful in connecting with friends... especially the ones I love to bits and RARELY hear from. You know who you are. Michelle.

And finally, I am looking forward to getting back to work creatively... supplemening our income and supporting my addiction to paper crafts. In early 2008 (think February!), I will be opening my shop (via this blog). The last two classes I remember teaching were at the Creating Keepsakes Convention in Manchester NH last spring. Then a scrapbooking hiatus, a sabbatical of sorts to retreat and enjoy time with family and friends this summer at the Crown Point Campground in Perkinsville Vermont, where we camp seasonally. I have returned to scrapbooking a bit this fall. Finished up some layouts due to a friend, and prepared kits for sale at the Savory Memories gourmet scrapbooking retreat. Many thanks to those who purchased the kits... Vicki, Kelly, Michelle, and all. You are so appreciated! Wished I could have attended this time around, but know that I was there in spirit! In November, I created a mini book with the 6x6 acrylic Picture It Pageframes. I am so happy with the way my project turned out, and will share images with you soon enough. I am LOVING all the new clear creations that are showing up in galleries across the web. YuM! And speaking of YUM! I have been busy at work securing accounts with some of our favorite scrapbooking companies, like My Mind's Eye, Crate Paper, and Melissa Frances, so you can expect lots of goodness packed into each kit. I am SO very excited about this!

Next to me is a clock, and I can hear its every tick- a reminder of all the things I need to accomplish this afternoon. So I need to go for now. Will return later, and hope to *see* you all soon!