Every Friday, The Gypsy Mama hosts what I believe to be one of the most inspirational link ups around. Five Minute Friday. She throws out a topic, we write for five minutes. We don't worry about edits, rewrites, spelling; we just go for it. It has helped me learned a lot about myself as a writer. I encourage you to check out the other brave women participating, and give it a whirl yourself! You never know what you heart might spill out when you give it a time limit. ;)
I would not question who would want to read it. I would self publish through Amazon and worry about the rest later. I would have deep knowledge in the fact we all have stories within us, boiling and bubbling in our veins, just bursting to be shared, explored, DOCUMENTED. I would have faith in my abilities to build words upon words in order to convey my emotions. I would stop worrying about who I might offend, and go forth and share my story. I would stop fretting over painting the idea that I was a happy, optimistic, positive girl throughout my pregnancy, because the truth is...I was petrified I wouldn't get to live to see my little girl grow up. That is harsh but it was my reality. My pregnancy was the biggest paradox I've ever lived; it was full of hope, but there was also so much unknown. I would write my heart and throw out the rest. I would embrace all that I am. I would throw my entire being in the project, knowing full well it is worth it and that our journey, my facets of a fairytale, will be well worth the work, the sweat, the tears. I would not let fear become my obstacle in this dream, but kiss hope and ask her to join me.
I'm in a cheery mood today and I'm embracing it for every tiny little ounce it is worth. I slept better last night than I have in months. Isn't it incredible how much better the world looks through eyes that have actually rested?
Sweet Lindsey of The Pleated Poppy hosts What I Wore Wednesday every week. I love to link up and to gather inspiration from all the other cute gals who link up as well. Here is what Little Miss S and I wore on Easter. I do have to confess, I had our outfits planned for quite some time. I'm silly like that.
(They did something so above and beyond for Sookie. I had tears streaming down my face. It was the sweetest gesture I've experienced in awhile. It was so kind, it will have it's own blog post soon. They are actually closed right now, but cannot get enough of all their gorgeous goodies!)
I made some killer deviled eggs this morning, the sun is shining (even though it is only 45 degrees!) and I'm listening to Sugarland during the bliss that is nap time. (Yes! She's getting better at napping...more on that later!) Sugarland always makes me bounce with giddiness in my steps.
My jeans are damp with english breakfast black tea and remnants of Sookie's bath water from earlier tonight. The girl loves a splash party with her momma. Oh and the tea is because I became too excited while talking and apparently forgot how to swallow. Thus, spitting up tea everywhere. I will have to wash them earlier than I was anticipating but they are physical evidence of a good day. Yep, I drank breakfast tea with dinner because I am rebellious like that.
A few weeks ago I was basking in things like, sushi and 30 rock, bubble gum shower gel, a subway sandwich balanced with donut holes and almond joy eggs, and bubbles and birds.
Driving around with our dreams in a jar
And it’s all right here
I’ll feed you ramen and you’ll braid my hair
Anything goes when you don’t even care
When you’re this far in love
If it gets any sweeter than this I don’t want to know
I don’t want to know
I want a garden and you want a coke
Living is simple when lovers are broke
You can fix anything with a kiss
{Katie Herzig; Sweeter Than This}
Can you see the sneaky little guy hiding in the tree?
There were also Saturday morning dance parties, slurpees and the park despite threatening rain clouds.
She had a strange fascination with this pole. Rory jokingly confessed he had failed as a father already.
Mmm slurpee drool.
Snowy Sunday afternoons, The Golden Girls, and a 14 month birthday cookie with gooey green icing.
This is blurry but I love it.
This morning the little things that make life sweet? Random pieces of edible Easter grass dancing haphazardly on the floor, plastic eggs spinning in delight, new swimsuits and sunglasses anxiously awaiting summer almost as much as I am, washing new clothes; reveling in the fact that when I am focused on being a mom and I let the rest of the world wash away, those are the best days. Today was the bold reminder of the strong and shining women I have in my life. Today was a wonderful last minute lunch date with this giving, loving, happy, gorgeous gal I am so lucky to have in my family.
Today was writing songs at bath time; I washed Sookie while Rory played guitar. Previous to this she softly blew on her spoonful of soup and I think I died of cuteness overdose. I adore going out but I also am intensely fulfilled during our nights of the team that this family makes, our simple yet magical routine of dinner, bath time, music, pajamas, bed.
Today was a welcome day of slowing things down after the go-go-go of the weekend. Today I was grateful to settle back into my momma role, after having to rely on Rory and my mom too much since Wednesday's chest pains. I pride myself on taking care of Sookie; it breaks my heart when I have to ask for help.
This was a fun week to remember through photos. I'm slowly but surely catching up, and that alone gives me motivation to keep at this fun little project.
I have an extremely thrilling announcement to share this week and I cannot wait to go into details! I'm teaming up with my dear friend Shelby to bring you all a fun and happy happy project! :)
One of my goals this week is to stop being so hard on myself, but push myself to be better in the areas where I can be.
Love this quote...
"Begin somewhere; you cannot build a reputation on what you intend to do". ~ Liz Smith
Hello beautiful people! I hope you are all having a lovely weekend. It has been a crazy few days around here, which reached their crazy peak last night when I spent a few hours in the ER. I'll go into detail later but for now I'm focusing on all that is right. It could be so much worse; I am counting my blessings today even more so than usual. Kisses and snuggles with my girl are that much more meaningful and precious.
Although, I do have to say while sitting there staring at the atrocious curtains that separate the ER rooms, I came to the genius conclusion Nate Berkus did not design them. And that perhaps he should. It would make the agonizing wait for test results much more pretty.
Something else that would make life much more pretty? Some Stella & Dot jewelryof course!
These are a few of my favorite things we have lately! I think I wear my soiree studs every day; I love how simple they are, but they pack a punch of shine and let's face it, we could all use a little more glitter in our lives.
We are having a killer special today and tomorrow, get 25% off one item with coupon code SPRING11. My site is HEREand you enter the coupon code at the checkout. This is an amazing deal! :)
Just wanted to let you in on the goods, I didn't want to keep such an awesome sale to myself. Pick up something pretty for yourself, or for Mother's Day for that extra special lady. :)
Happy Easter Weekend! I'm taking it slow but excited to embrace all the little joys tomorrow like pink lace leggings, yellow ruffle cardigans, all the goodies to put in Sookie's Easter basket, our loved ones, and of course...Peeps.
I never wrote a post for March goals and still haven't for April goals yet either. I have started a new ritual though; if I've had a rougher than usual day, before I go to bed, I spend a few minutes looking online for quotes, videos, anything that makes me smile. I truly believe going to bed angry, upset, sad, hurt, stressed, is never a good thing. If you go to bed content, chances are you are giving your tomorrow a big shot of a positivity boost. :)
I thought I would share a few things that have helped me pick out the joy lately.
One. When we are connected, it means we all believe in each other.
I love her. How adorable and SMART is this girl?! She has life figured out.
I hope Sookie is this perceptive when she gets older.
Two. Own Hero
Three. Be Gentle With Yourself
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
Four. What You Have
Be thankful for what you have;
you'll end up having more.
If you concentrate on what you don't have,
you'll never, ever have enough.
-Oprah
Five. Happy Thought
What are your favorite quotes to lift you up and remind you how wonderful life is?
Some days rock and some days roll Some days everything is cool but some days I can't get it together
{Dixie Chicks; Thin Line}
Some days I feel seventeen again; I'm listening to the Dixie Chicks, Tori Amos, Ani Difranco and wanting to cut inches and inches of my hair and put pink streaks in it. Maybe I'm going through a much delayed rebellious phase. Maybe Little Miss S inspires me to be silly and live like I don't care what people think.
Lately, I simply cannot get enough of these pig tails.
I know it is extremely goofy, but these pigtails are a symbol of a lot of struggles for me. I look at her sporting them with such merriment and I can't help but feel like they are a badge, a ribbon to showcase the possibility of everything.
(See? Further proof I'm regressing to my teenage years; I'm finding deep meaning and introspection in something as normal as pigtails.)
I love those chubby little hands, that bow, wisps of her hair.
This was literally seconds after she took 5 steps at the park. Her first 5 steps. We were just chilling with our Sonic happy hour real fruit slushes and she was doing her usual slither up the hill. Glamma said, "Why don't you just get up and walk?" And you know what? She did just that. She stood up. She took a step. Then about four more. We laughed, we cried. I know the uphill gravity gave her the missing piece of confidence she was missing. It is pure elation watching a piece of yourself walking on her own back toward you with such exploding euphoria.
We've been doing a lot of impromptu trips to the park lately. I love this. I get giddy just watching her take in the activity and buzz around us. She eyes the older kids with such jealousy and I tell her it will be okay, she will be big soon enough.
R was out of town this weekend and I kicked it with my girl. I confess, the three year old in me wanted to throw a temper tantrum about being miles past exhausted and needing "me" time that allowed the luxury to check back in with those pieces of myself that aren't mommy; but instead I put on my big girl mommy pants and we basked in the beauty of Katie Herzig's Apple Tree album, delectable frozen yogurt from Red Mango, swinging at Glamma and Poppa's, and the ever intoxicatingly simple pleasure that is sidewalk chalk.
I love this. I can see her little thought bubbles in her head saying, "I got this momma, really I do."
We ended our Saturday with Annie's Organic Mac and Cheese and a fabulous big girl bath for her. Because a pink bowl of bunnies swimming in cheese is the perfect way to celebrate a Saturday night. (& yes, that is the adult in me talking.) I was in such a good mood I might or I might not have slipped some to Jack in his dog dish. The pup loves his pasta.
I hope you all had a weekend filled with simple joys.
It is a rainy overcast day here, but we are swimming in raspberries, blueberry pancakes, the new, magical Alison Krauss album Paper Airplane and coloring pictures for Glamma and Poppa. (Okay, I did all the coloring.) But coloring is good for the soul.
Yes, still playing catch up with Project 365!
{2.27.11} Bunny piggy at Target.
{2.28.11} Queen Zebra. ;)
{3.1.11} Inspiring spring Utah sunset.
{3.2.11} Yellow smile.
{3.3.11} Crazy hair, silly girl in tub.
{3.4.11} Rhinestone cowgirl boots!
Love them!
Thanks Momma!
{3.5.11} Hanging out with cousin Ronna
I can't believe another week has gone by! Happy Monday!
The sun is shining and I have some caffeine pulsing through my veins, so I decided to make something. I am by no means the craft goddess I daydream of being, but I think the most important thing is to have fun with it and recognize it as a creative outlet, if nothing else. It also helps to let go of the notion that everything is always going to turn out perfect.
I made a cute spring fabric rosette headband and it was super easy!
I started out with some fabric glue.
Next I took a headband I already had, some fabric and started wrapping away. You can find plain headbands like this at Target. I think they were $3 for two? Or something wonderful close to that.
I didn't glue all the way around, just at both ends, but I wrapped it tight and snug.
After this I made some fabric rosettes. There are a billion tutorials out there (okay maybe not that many, but there are a lot!) so find what you like and try out a few different techniques to decide what works best for you.
Then, I simply glued the rosettes onto the headband. Brain surgery, right?
And...voila! You have yourself, your daughter, your best friend friend, your sister, your mom, etc, a darling new spring headband!
So cute, right?
Before it dried, I decided I liked the green rosette in the center, so I switched.
I'm having fun with picnik's collage feature. Can you tell?
Also, I swore I would never ever dress my daughter in animal print
however
a zebra in pink sparkly high heels?
Come on! That is too fabulous to pass up.
Little Miss Sassy Pants,
You cry at 1 a.m. I pick you up. Rub your back. Change your diaper. Give you some milk. I still have pangs of not being able to breastfeed, but I'm forgiving myself. I feel a deep comfort in the fact my body swaying back and forth is enough for you to be calmed. And when you put your head on my shoulder? I'm goo. Grateful, cliche silly mommy goo.
I have to laugh at myself because lately here I am thinking my baby is this little girl all grown up and you are so tiny still. Young I should say. Sweet. Innocent. Alright... most of the time.
And I realize it isn't enough for me to tell you things are happy and good, I have to show you. It isn't enough for me to tell you we are happy girls in this house, I have to show you how to be content. I have to be joyful for you to grasp the notion. I have to show you how to love, how to smile even when you don't want to, how to summon your courage at your darkest moments.
This responsibility is both frightening and monumentally beautiful. Even though at times I wonder if I have it in me, I know I do. I'm so ready to continue to rise to the blissful occasion of being your mom.
At 14 months you are daring, vocal, shining brighter than ever. You are pushing limits, testing waters, spreading your wings.
I look at you and can sense that you are at a sacred age. You are on the verge of blossoming and the anticipation of our walking talking girl is so sweet, so precious, so surreal. I'm not in a rush for you to emerge from this cusp, because I know there is no going back. At the same time I will not miss out on any of everything that is now because I'm too busy trying to clench it all in my hands at once. I happen to be giddy over the stage you are in now. In the morning you softly stroke my eyelashes and your movements are so gentle, I wonder if you are questioning where your gorgeous long lashes came from, because it definitely wasn't me.
Your latest trick is to repeatedly say momma momma momma and I retort back daughter daughter daughter. You grin with the knowledge of what we went through to get you here. The words on my lips are nothing short of pure perfection; the spoken promise of a hope so big it lights up the whole sky, the biggest most astonishing gift I've ever been given.
