colorful day

I meant to post these quite some time ago! So I am wishing all of you a very happy, colorful day today :)
My dear friend Diana and I drove up the coast to my favorite nursery in Solvang - oh joy and rapture! - and these pics are some of the results of that day. 

Oh, do I ever love foxglove... is it so beautiful or what!
Have a joyful day! And don't forget to click on Stand By Me, below, if you haven't already!

Stand By Me

Click on this link: STAND BY ME and you will be amazed and delighted at all the time and effort it took to record and mix the song "Stand By Me", sung by street musicians from all over the world. The result is nothing less than outstanding! You'll be thinking about it all day. In fact, I bet you'll watch it more than once. And you'll share it with others too. SO COOL. 

Happy 23rd Birthday Daniel

Wings of Watercolor

I painted wings of watercolor on your arms to help you fly
As I held your arm it hit me that too soon you’d really try
And you’ll fly away without me for those wings will be your own
But your watercolor memories will always be at home

Red and blue wings, childhood’s sweet things,
Never release the rememberings
Red and blue wings, childhood’s sweet things,
The colorful swirls that the brush brings

I painted wings of watercolor and I looked into your eyes
And I deeply breathed this moment that took me by surprise
It was like so many others and will be like many more
But this watercolor moment was first of yours to soar

Red and blue wings, childhood’s sweet things,
Never release the rememberings
Red and blue wings, childhood’s sweet things,
The colorful swirls that the brush brings

I painted wings of watercolor, it was many years ago
And I so enjoyed those moments, how much you’ll never know
I will always be your mother, you will always be my boy
And your wings pretend or grown up will always bring me joy

Red and blue wings, childhood’s sweet things,
Never release the rememberings
Red and blue wings, childhood’s sweet things,
The colorful swirls that the brush brings

Happy 23rd Birthday Daniel - I love you

I'm sending my oldest son off to Ethiopia tonight. He's going to be an intern for a wonderful non-profit organization (Ascend) for 2 months and he's going to be working his butt off. He's an International Relations major and he wants to help improve policies and education in third world countries, so this is right up his alley. It's an amazing opportunity for him. It will probably be a life changing opportunity for him. I'm just doing the nervous mom thing. And from Ethiopia, he'll fly to London for another 2 month internship - this one with BYU, and a more political focused internship. Another great opportunity. And okay I admit it - our family is jealous he's going to England (and Scotland!) without us. London was hard enough, but Scotland hit below the belt! Anyway, I love this boy. LOVE HIM. And am so proud of him. How can a mother not be proud of a son who wants to help the world? I'm just tired of saying goodbye to him. When he was in Argentina for 2 years... OY. But again, such amazing experiences. So it's hard. As a mother you're always torn. You love where his wings are taking him. You just love it when his wings bring him home too, and wish that happened a little more often. But that's why they have wings. And that's why you have all these precious memories, to keep in your heart when they're out there using their beautiful wings. 

wooking for a wabbit

"candy-gram"

"carrot delivery from Mr. McGregor"

"would you believe Bugs Bunny's large white long-haired cousin?"

"of the German Spitz variety?"

*BOING*

okay this is clearly not working. I know they're in there. 

*BOING*

All right forget the bunnies. Did I mention how much I love to run on the grass? Run and run and run and run and run and run and run and run and run and run and run and run and........

road trip etc.

Flew up to Salt Lake City and stayed with my cousin Shell (xoxoxo) while my boy was finishing his finals, packing, checking out of his apartment, getting his malaria pills in order to live in Ethiopia, going into work one last time, saying goodbye to roommates, and tying up whatever other loose ends needed to be tied up in order to take off and leave for home. This is the morning he came to pick me up - it was so awesome to see him! The weather was gorgeous, I had my boy all to myself, and we were on our way!
We talked the entire 12 hours, from central Utah to southern California :)
I'm sad to say I didn't get any pics of the massive mountain ranges in central Utah that were still covered in snow...... they are my all time favorite mountains and their beauty never ceases to amaze and astound me. I never get tired of looking at them. But here are some huge mountains on our way toward southern Utah that were still mighty impressive. 
A quick hello to Daniel's aunt Dianne (my partner in crime) and cousin Sam in southern Utah since he won't be seeing them again until August when both his internships are completed and he's on his way back up to school again. 
Okay this was the only part of our road trip that was not as fun...... talking so much through the butt ugly state of Nevada that we neglected to notice we were literally in the middle of nowhere on empty. And it was a million degrees outside. You could say we were slightly nervous. But lucky for us it all worked out. So we were able to laugh about it. Whew. 

In any case, it was a great trip, and we're home, and even though it will only be for a few extremely chaotic days, one of my favorite things in the entire world is having all 3 of my boys under the same roof :) So stay tuned for another update as we get Daniel ready to leave for his 2 summer internships in faaaaaaar away lands. 

Blog Hunt

(*Blog Hunt graphic credit: Marta @ m.writes)

If you're reading this Monday, I have already flown to Utah to enjoy a little road trip with my oldest son. He's driving home from college, and I thought it would be awesome to spend a little extra time with him (ie have him all to myself), so I'm accompanying him on his trek home. This is especially important to me, being that 4 days after he arrives home we will be sending him off again! On his 23rd birthday! To far away places! For 4 months! AARGH! You'll undoubtedly hear more about that (ad nauseam) soon enough. But for now, let's talk about blogs.

During the next few days as I am doing everything humanly possible to avoid public toilets while traveling across the burning wasteland otherwise known as Nevada, I thought it might be a fun diversion to turn your attention to some of my fave blogs. 

It's true that I have been known to go through blogs like tissue. And I'm always on the lookout for new blogs. But I'm very loyal to the ones I love. As you can see, I already have quite a few listed on my right sidebar. I actually keep up with most of them, and appreciate each one for many different reasons - meaning I appreciate the creators of the blogs and their talents for many different reasons. Here are 10 of my faves - and why I admire them - to treat you to something fresh and new without overwhelming you with a huge list:

Is an activist by how she lives / Sabina from barefoot in the orchard

Takes amazing photographs / Maria from Maria Nissen's blog

Warms my heart with her story / Stephanie from the nie nie dialogues

Energizes me with her shop / Catherine from red shoes blog

Inspires me with her art / Aimee from Artsyville

Makes me laugh / Kate from sweet potato pie

Wish I were more like (serious talent envy) / Marta from m.writes

Is decorating her first home / Christine from Lavender and Limes

Is a person you wish you knew / Cindy from quaint handmade

A breath of fresh air / Melissa from Operation NICE

   

my Theory of 3 Things

1. MAKE YOUR BED

So, I have this Theory. I've been thinking about it, and working on it, for years. It's really just a simple Theory about the very basics - the absolute utmost essentials - of what it takes to make me feel good about myself so I have a good day. It's so basic in fact, you may actually laugh. Especially that it took me so long to figure out. And especially when you read what I came up with. You'll be tempted to think I'm an absolute simpleton. But remember, this is just MY Theory. 

Now, I readily admit that there are many other important factors that go into a making a good day. Prayer. Family & friends. My beloved dogs. Flowers. A clean car. My favorite earrings. Taking photographs. Service. Hugs from my kids. Creating things. That list could go on and on for all of us. Things big and small, and for each one of us they are different. These things are all obvious and go without saying. And let's not forget: just getting out of bed and getting our teeth brushed - sometimes we're having a good day just by doing that :) My Theory of three things are just the three things that make me feel good about myself somehow - that get me motivated, and out there, and present. And believe it or not, diet Coke is not one of them (try not to faint).

I have absolutely no clue why these three completely random things turned out to be the ones that make such a difference for me - they just do. I've tested them over and over again and it's true. I can guarantee that if I do these three things, it's like my planets fall into alignment and I can face the day with confidence, feeling good about myself and my place in the world. Who would have thought, eh? 

UNMADE LOSER BED! LOSER!

After years of sometimes making my bed and sometimes not, I finally figured out what a loser I felt like when I don't make my bed, or just do a quick, half-hearted job of it. Every time I'd walk in my room during the day it would get me down. It just doesn't take that long to make your bed, and the return you get is so amazing, because it makes you feel SO GOOD. And every time you walk in your room, you have this lovely gem to look at - what a great feeling. 

2. GOOD 'OL MAYBELLINE

I'm not a big make-up wearer at ALL - in fact mascara is all I wear besides my clear lip gloss, which can hardly be defined as make-up. I guess I'm just reinforcing to myself that though I'm not a make-up girl, I still care to put forth some effort into myself. I do feel more finished, a bit more polished, even when all I'm usually wearing is a tie dye shirt and jeans. It does make a big difference.

3. A GOOD HAIR DAY

(this is my experimental movie star photo)

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Never - and I mean NEVER - underestimate the power of a good hair day!!! Whatever that means to you, do what you need to do to feel good about your hair. Don't spend your day making excuses for why your hair looks awful. When I'm having a good hair day I can face just about anything. I don't even know why - it just makes me feel like I'm on top of the world. Now, on the flip side, that doesn't mean become a slave to your hair. That's not a good hair day - that's wasting your good day. Just take the time to make your hair look great and enjoy it. Dadgum, do I love that feeling!  

What do you think your three things are? It's harder than you think!

and this was before Pilates!

My darling friend Sue from Morro Bay sent me this video and I just HAD to put it on my blog! It is really adorable - but you have to watch the entire thing for it to really drop your jaw! Just keep watching and you'll see what I mean. Now THAT'S entertainment! I'm sure these fit little ladies had no problem fitting their tiny rear ends into anything, while my arse still overfloweth onto the kayak ;)    

Have a great day everyone, and stay tuned - I've got some fun things coming up...

Bucket List

So I was over on Sweet Potato Pie's blog the other day, and saw her post about her bucket list. It hit me at a time when a lot of these sorts of things had already been milling about in my mind, keeping me up at night. So I decided it might be a good idea to start on my own list. It was harder than I thought. I did half of it pretty quickly - the last half took a lot more thought. 

I decided that this is really just a Bucket List of sorts. Rather than it being all about places I want to visit or things I want to do, it also includes things that are important to me... things I wouldn't be content to leave this life without knowing. Does that make sense? I wonder if that's a control freak thing. In any case, here's my list... I'll probably change it a gazillion times :) Feel free to join me and make your own list too - I'd love to know what's keeping you up at night ;)

25 Things

1. record my music

2. be healthy

3. walk Luna - she deserves it

4. be able to move freely again

5. see the Northern Lights

6. go whale watching & swim with dolphins

7. live in a small town with seasons

8. have my big fat butt fit on a kayak again

9. and I want to OWN that kayak

10. and I want to live near a lake where I USE that kayak

11. learn all about photography instead of fake it

12. really play the guitar instead of fake it

13. find a way of volunteering that is really fulfilling

14. keep writing

15. live in a house that reaches it’s potential

16. be surrounded with flowers every day

17. find my niche. I know it’s out there

18. continue to make/create things

19. travel around just a little more - 4 or 5 more places

20. teach my boys the most important things

21. live inside my favorite colors and smells

22. always try to be Christlike

23. know that I’ve made some kind of an impact

24. feel that I’ve left the world a better place somehow

25. stay around long enough to see my kids established and happy 

Easter Blessings

Happy Easter my friends :) May our Savior's love and His Atonement, sacrifice, and the miracle of His Resurrection renew your faith and warm your hearts and homes this Easter Sunday. xoxoxo

a terrible loss

Yesterday a little neighborhood boy lost his long and brave battle with cancer. We have all dreaded this moment, but knew it was eminent. I am broken hearted for his family, who I know are in such terrible pain right now. I am broken hearted for his friends, trying to make sense of something terrifying. I am broken hearted for every parent that has lost a child - I simply cannot imagine it - and every parent like myself who is thinking this hits just a little too close to home. I have lost dear friends and acquaintances and family members over the years, and it is always crushing and impossible to believe. But when death takes a child... it makes your very soul cry with anguish. My comfort is that I know this sweet boy is finally free from his earthly struggle, finally at peace, finally on the other side, in a better place. I am so relieved his body is no longer suffering. I know within my heart his flame still burns, and his spirit still lives. I know he is at this very moment, enveloped in loving, welcoming arms.    

girl can't help it

I know, I know - I admit it - I've already posted a plethora of photos of my front roses starting to bloom. And I apologize. But see, what you don't know is... how there used to be only sparse white iceberg roses there - until last January when my youngest son and I planted 12 pink Queen Elizabeth hybrid tea roses in between each iceberg rose bush. I've never, ever had pink roses before! And I've never had tea roses before - I will actually be able to have fresh cut roses to bring inside! And the more they bloom - so large and so gorgeous - the more delighted I become! And come on now... how could I refuse to post this picture of my precious Luna and Angel, posing so nicely in front of all these beautiful blooms!?!?

Have a very happy and very PINK day :)

Cow Pie

Oh my gosh, there was no way - NO WAY ON EARTH - I could pass up this old sign. What a score! Are you freaking kidding me? It was the red paint that caught my eye because I love red. But then I saw "manure" and it stopped me in my tracks. And then I read "no. 1 in no. 2" and I thought oh my lands - heaven itself sent this sign down to me. Raising three boys? And then all their friends? Who used to think it was funny to have toilet clogging contests? And half the neighborhood? Who used our bathroom as if it were a public facility? And all kinds of manure involved accidents that occur even after you think surely those years should be over by now? And my own precious dogs on top of that? With their own Poo Garden right outside? And little ailments that catch me unawares right when I think things are going just fine? My entire LIFE has revolved around no. 2!!!!!!! You best believe this sign is going to be displayed in a prominent place. It sooooo sums up my life on sooooo many levels.....  

Shell :)

There is no one in this world more beautiful - inside or outside - than my cousin Shelly. She is going to be absolutely mortified when she sees this post, but I had to. Shelly just turned 50 (if you can believe that) and her adorable family gave her the cutest Mexican fiesta to surprise her. Oh - I guess I should say that's her husband John in the picture with her - he doesn't normally wear a sombrero. Shelly has five wonderful grown kids and six precious grandchildren, soon to be seven - who all love her immensely. She would do anything for anyone, and do it with a smile on her face. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen Shelly without a smile on her face. I've adored Shelly my entire life and I'm blessed to call her my cousin and precious friend. Happy birthday Shell, with your beautiful smile and heart of gold. I love, love, love you :)