Sitting

Self-reflection:

I'm in Florida. It was a planned trip that almost didn't happen (for me). Husband was called down on business. I was to tag along as spouses were invited to attend. Circumstances made it nearly impossible for me to go. Said circumstances took a turn for the better. My head took a little longer to catch up and feel safe about leaving. My heart longer yet as there is still a piece, a very large piece of my heart resting safely at home caring for the kids (along with their caregiver). Aside from leaving a part of my heart at home, this morning I feel amazingly content. Contentment is not a feeling I am accustomed to. It's not necessarily that I don't allow myself the luxury of contentment... 

...interesting. 

"The luxury of contentment." 

As soon as those words fell to the page, the flow of words stopped cold. An epiphany followed. A treasure has been unearthed. Contentment should not be considered a luxury. It should be a normal part of life. Not that life would ever be one contented path free of obstacles and issues, but surely times of contentment should be a part of everyones life.

This foreign feeling is toying with me as my mind fights like a mini ninja to keep it from settling in too deep. 'I'm in my pajamas on the patio. Is that acceptable at a resort full of people?  

Thought process: No one is around. It's what I want to do at this moment. It's what I am accustomed to in my midwestern existence. It is what feels right for me. I will continue to sit here in my pajamas. ' I choose "yes". It is perfectly acceptable. I will continue to contemplate contentment and allow the water in front of me to be a metaphor for this moment.

Calm, content reflection. So that's what it feels like. Mmmm...

Adelia

Story inspired by writing prompt at Stampington.com

Appologies ahead as I do not know how to link up to the exact web page as I am working on my iPad (my computer is in the shop).

Photography by Andrea C. Jenkins featured in Life Images 2008

"Well good morning Sunshine!"

"Hi Mommy"

"Where are you off to so bright and early?"

"I'm going to the bay. There's a ship waiting for me. It's going to take me to a far away land where the magic lives."

"Oh my! A magical land. Sounds perfect. I see you wore your favorite sweater."

"Sometimes it gets cold in Adelia."

"Adelia, huh? Did you remember your toothbrush?"

"You don't need toothbrushes in Adelia, Mommy! The toothfairy lives there and she has all her helpers clean the kids' teeth."

"Well isn't that convenient! So, if you're wearing your favorite sweater, and you don't need to pack your toothbrush, what's in the bag?"

"Books."

"Books?"

"Yup. Books. And my paint. And paper. And a paintbrush. That's all you need in Adelia. Books and paints."

"Hmmm... that doesn't sound like much. What will you eat? Where will you sleep? What will you wear if your sweater gets too hot?"

"That's easy. It's all in the books. Books are magical in Adelia. They come to life. You just read them and they come true."

"So if you get hungry, you can just read 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs'?"

"Yup"

"And if you get hot, you can read a book on winter to bring back the cold?"

"Or a book on princess clothes so I can wear a fancy gown!"

"Oh listen to you giggle! I think you're on to something good!"

"Yeah, Adelia is good. It's all good. I only brought good books too."

"So why the paints?"

"Just in case."

"In case of what?"

"In case I don't have the book I need... or if I miss you while I'm there."

"What happens if you don't have the right book, or if you miss me?

"If I get scared, I can paint a blanket to keep me safe. And if I miss you, I will paint you and then you will be there with me."

"So everything you read and everything you paint becomes real in Adelia?"

"Yup."

"Wow. That does sound like a magical place. I sure would like to visit a place like that some day."

"You wanna go with me?"

"I would love to go with you Honey, but Mommy has work to do around here."

"Silly Mommy! Time stands still in Adelia. You can come with me and when we get back, all your work will still be right here waiting for you!"

"In that case, I would love to go with you."

Taking her mother's hand, "Mommy? Why are you wiping your eyes?"

"Because my love for you is overflowing, my wise little princess. You opened my eyes so wide, the love leaked right out."

"I love you Mommy."

"I love you too Sweet Girl."

The Little Things

So very often the little things are really the big things.

During our recent trip to Florida I came down with bronchitis and was quite sick. I plugged along like a trooper as to not wreck the fun of the rest of the family. At one of our gas stops my kids left the van to stretch. They found little flowers and greens peeking out of the cracks of the concrete. They picked the little bits and presented me with a tiny bouquet. They had noticed my suffering and wanted me to feel better. Such a small gesture that filled my heart and stretched a smile across my face. Love is the best medicine.

May your day be filled with little blessings.

Exhausted

My husband was called away on business last week. His company was shipping him down to Florida for a few days so he could train some of their guys down there. It was spring break for the kids so we tagged along. The kids and I have never been to the east coast so it was pretty special.

I was sick the whole time and am still trying to recoup so I'm not feeling real chatty, but I will say that the trip was good for me in many ways. This morning I was driving my daughter to school and a word settled into my lap. It made itself at home and snuggled up to me nudging and purring like a new kitten.  It felt so good that I decided I would take it home and spend some time with it. Perhaps it will stick around for a while. Perhaps it is here to stay.

The little word that came to play?

Possibility.

This is Ruby Falls. It is a waterfall found deep in a mountain in Chattanooga, TN. The day before we left for our trip we took the van in for an oil change and brake job. The guy working the counter asked where we were going. When we said "Florida", he said, "If you get a chance, stop at Ruby Falls. It's one of the greatest memories I have as a child." We went home, I looked it up. Amazingly, it was located just a few miles from where I reserved our hotel for the drive down. I had never been to Chattanooga before and picked it on a whim. We spent the night at the hotel and went to Ruby Falls first thing in the morning before heading out. I am going to bring donuts to the shop this week in thanks for the great travel tip as it was a very special part of our trip. The waterfall was lit up with many lights and there was dramatic music playing. Quite the scene! The entire half mile trek through the mountain (streams, stalagmites, stalactites) was amazing.

I Lost My Groove

I can't believe I lost my blog groove! I've looked everywhere! One simple hiatus followed by a trip to Florida and it is gone, gone, gone. I guess I'll have to fake it to make it. Come up with a new groove. Head in a new direction. Play around. 

In order to get the ball rolling, I am starting off with a post of random "stuff" (I love random)...



Florida

stingrays at the aquarium in Tampa

lovely little flowers at Saddlebrook Resort

palm with ferns growing on it - cool!

cypress trees (always wondered what they looked like - here are the bottoms!)

tootsie meets gator

Information

I picked up a book at the library a few days ago.

The Collage Workbook

by Randel Plowman

It's fun, colorful and easy to read. It's also full of good information!

For instance, the author shares some great online resources for downloadable images to use in your art. Some are completely copyright free, others supply notes and restrictions on how the images may be used. I can't wait to check them out!

Library of Congress Image Database (has notes on restrictions & copyright use)

Library of Congress' Flickr Photostream (no known copyright restrictions)

Reusable Art (copyright free in the US)

Karen's Whimsy (free images courtesy of the author)

Public Domain Pictures (royalty-free stock photos)

Artists

Here are a few I have been enjoying lately.

David O'Keefe has so much fun and whimsy in his paintings, one cannot help but spread a smile across one's face while indulging in his art.

Chasing the Moon - an up and coming jewelry artist who just happens to be holding a give-a-way!

Jenni Horne whom I have been a fan of for many years now. She paints, she makes jewelry, she teaches art to young children, she inspires! I just love her whimsical style and her cheery use of color. I always feel good after spending time in her space.

I love her even more now that she has introduced me to these delicious paints! I must get my hands on some. Pronto!

Alrighty. Enough random time wasting. Back to work for me. Now... where did I put that 'to-do' list anyway... (shuffle shuffle shuffle).

Hey you! You still here? Well bless your heart for staying through to the end. I want you to know how much I truly appreciate you, my dear reader. I truly, truly do. Thank you for making me feel even a wee bit worthy of your time. What a precious gift you have given me. Thank you!

Choices

Taking my son's forgotten lunch to school today, I found myself stopped at the local train.

The little town is cut in two by tracks.

When the train comes, there's no going around.

One must wait.

Some drivers get frustrated, some downright mad.

Me? I love the train.

It has such an old timey feel.

The rumbling, the metal scraping, the thunderous weight

all feels strangely soothing to me.

I love that it makes everyone stop.

For a minute, sometimes five, everyone is required to stop.

How that time is spent is purely choice.

Some may cuss and fume.

Others dance in their car and crank the tunes.

Me?

I people watch.

I study the art of graffiti.

I laugh at the amateurs.

I bask in the time spent at a stand still with my fellow drivers.

We are in it together.

This crazy trip called life. 

Each traveler chose this road at this time

and ended up at this spot

together

for a moment

or two

or ten.

I acknowledge the other drivers with a nod, a smile.

I turn up my radio, tap my fingers, bob my head.

I snap pictures.

The train passes. The lights stop. The bar lifts.

Travelers back on their merry way.

Perhaps it will make someone late.

Perhaps the pause in time saves someone from a wreck that would have been.

Perhaps it allowed someone time to think, to cry, to rejoice.

Perhaps it sparked inspiration in others as it did in me.

There's just something about a train.

Glimpse

Here is a quick glimpse of our trip to Colorado.

 

Beautiful Wisconsin farmland.

Heading over the Mississippi

Miles and miles of Iowa windmills (yay wind power!!!!)

Balanced Rock in Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, CO

Amazing house built on the side of a mountain. - Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, CO

Heading up the Big Thompson toward Estes Park, CO

That's Mr. Elk to you! - Estes Park, CO

Nebraska sunrise heading home.

Nebraska truck stop (exit 312) had on display a piece of one of the World Trade Towers.

One of my favorite trip pictures. Me and my honey in The Garden of the Gods.

I have experienced so much this past week.

Through my experiences I have learned a lot.

Some of what I have taken home with me...

The world is a very large cup and I want to drink it up.

I am still truly, madly and deeply in love with my husband.

The best way to live is with eyes wide open.

There is much love in the world. Be open and receive it.

Children embrace life at a heart and soul level. Watch and learn.

On the Road Again

Hello Blog Land!

I'm hitting the road.

Off to the Rocky Mountains.

Business not pleasure.

Although...

I'm going to make it my business to find pleasure.

To start out with, I'm dragging the whole family along.

We'll be returning October 3rd

I have an old dinosaur laptop I will try to get working.

If not, we'll catch up later.

Missing you already.

Love, 

Me

 Travel Quotes

Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.  ~Anatole France

I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within.  ~Lillian Smith

And that's the wonderful thing about family travel:  it provides you with experiences that will remain locked forever in the scar tissue of your mind.  ~Dave Barry 

(Ha ha ha!!! That last one set me off in a giggle fit! )

...and what better way to start off a long distance trip than with good ol' Willie!

Help!!!!

I'm heading on a thousand mile trip in three days.

I will be gone for ten.

Mini-van with husband, four kids and mother.

Full house... er... van.

I'm trying to prepare for the trip.

This is what I have done so far.

Yeah, I have made a list of list I have to make.

I still have to make the lists.

Then I have to execute the lists.

Looks like I better get crackin'!

Hanging On While Letting Go

 I've been MIA for good reason.

Bonding with the Big Boy.

This is a picture of his wheels.

After a summer of searching and test driving

he finally has his first big boy wheels!

It's been quite a ride.

An entire summer of searching. 

Small budget.

We have seen rust bombs, crap cars, a few with potential.

We have traveled hours in every direction.

We watched one car die!

I have dealt with honesty, highway robbery, sexist pigs.

We have met some of the nicest people and some not so nice.

We have laughed and we have pounded fists in frustration.

Searching, searching, searching.

Lots of lessons learned. 

Lots of fun had.

End result.

An awesome car!!!!

 Good looking, safe, reliable, sound.

A huge step toward independence.

It pinches.

Being along for the ride is an honor.

 

Adolescents are not monsters.  They are just people trying to learn how to make it among the adults in the world, who are probably not so sure themselves.  ~Virginia Satir, The New Peoplemaking, 1988

You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around - and why his parents will always wave back.  ~William D. Tammeus

Making the decision to have a child is momentous.  It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.  ~Elizabeth Stone 

Your children need your presence more than your presents.  ~Jesse Jackson

Summer Love (camper style)

I love camping!!!

The great outdoors.

Late nights by the fire.

Imaginative children embracing the woods.

I used to be a tent camper.

Physical conditions caused me to move to a pop-up.

The family outgrew the pop-up.

Now we stay in cabins.

Some day,

I would LOVE to buy a vintage camper.

There's just something about them.

They seem to add an extra dose of dreamy fun.

For now, I will covet the campers of others

and all things vintage camper.

For your viewing pleasure...

(Bird Houses By Glenn Etsy Shop)

(Artsy Orange Etsy Shop)

Artsy Orange is run by the magnificent artist/blogger Jenni Horne.

Read about her vintage camper t-shirts here.

View adorable children's camper art (class taught by Jenni) here.

You absolutely HAVE TO check out this website for a plethora of

vintage camper eye candy.

Here is another one.

Big Woody Campers

has some amazing teardrop campers.

Built new with that vintage feel.

Gorgeous!

Perhaps perusing the pictures all morning will keep

your inner gypsy at bay.

If not, perhaps it's time to hit the open road

and do some camping!

The Gypsy

There is a gypsy living within me.

She pokes and prods and needles me.

Trying to get her way.

Wanting me to run.

To flee.

To kill her misery of being trapped too long in one spot.

She loves to travel and dance and wear loud colors.

She peeks at the world through my eyes and whispers...

"Why do you stay here? Where are your fancy clothes? When can we go and play?"

To which I shush her and answer, "Not now my Dear Gypsy. You see, I have family.

I care for them and feed them and they depend on me.

I must stay here in my conservative clothes and live my stay put life.

Some day. Some day we will travel and play and be free."

"Bring them with if you must but we have to go! I MUST GO!!!!" she screams from within.

"I cannot afford to travel the world with four children in tow.

It is a dream of mine but it is not possible on the salary

of a Domestic Engineer.

How about a nice trip to the lake?

Or a walk in the woods?

Care to shop at the market?

They have pretty scarves there!"

 "Scarves? Well... if we must. 

But promise me. We will wander soon.

We will travel far and wide and be free."

"Yes my Gypsy. Some day we will travel free."

 (Tree of Knowledge)

 (Provoking)

 

 (Release of the Inner Beast)

All over the map

Following a trail to a far off place.

Not sure where I'm going.

Know all too well where I've been.

I wander from the trail

exploring and discovering

all the world has to offer.

There is breathtaking scenery

and there is danger lurking.

I get lost.

I call for help.

Someone find me.

Guide me.

Perhaps a compass would help.

Or clear directions to where true north lies.

I have neither.

Instead I must look within.

Find my center.

A good starting point for sure.

I've been all over the map lately. My word of the year (focus) seems to be most challenging. Obviously the correct choice for me as I am proving over and over that I need to work harder at it. I'm feeling lately that it could be my word of the decade for how challenging it has been. I am Stretch-Arm-Strong in a daycare being pulled in too many directions at once.

I am currently facing some life altering challenges and decisions. Some I have the ability to influence the outcome, some I have absolutely no control over. For both types of situation the best bet is to find my center and move on from there. Focus and carry on. Challenging for sure. Think I'll go revisit my meditation post.

Exhausted

Been away.

Did you miss me?

Guess where I was?

Vegas Baby!

First time I ever left the family.

I'm exhausted.

Went away for a trade show.

Stayed at a luxury hotel.

Good and bad in the trip.

good

food was amazing!!!!

four girls traveling together = lots of laughter

didn't lose money at the casino

watched an awesome band

flew without freaking out (too bad)

trip re-confirmed my love for my simple life

bad

one noise machine + one snorer + 3am bedtime = NO SLEEP!!!!

the place was freakin' expensive!!!

threw out my back BAD

smoke city in the casino

not my lifestyle (out of element)

missed flight home causing travel nightmare

came home to more BS political news (depressing)

Add exhaustion to pms and you have one moody blogger.

The following picture best represents my post-trip state.

Out of focus, dark, confused. Lots more to it. Let the picture speak.

If you have reached this point in your reading, 

I thank you for taking the time. The support is appreciated.

Reverb - Travel

Reverb prompt:

Travel - How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?  This past year was a lousy travel year. We usually get one decent trip out of the year and a few smaller trips (local camping or water park). This past year we were only able to do one trip. It was our nearly annual trip to Colorado to visit relatives. The trip was a bomb!!!! Basically, we spent the first half of the trip doing this...

Our van slowly fell apart on the way out. When we reached our destination we did so with no air conditioning, no fans and a loud van. They fixed the first of the problems. We took it for a drive to see how she was sounding and the radiator blew. Spent the next day gathering parts and fixing the radiator, hoses & the likes to find out the U-joints were crap. Three days into our trip we still had a noisy vehicle, no money and tired guys. We decided to risk it and take a much deserved break in the mountains. 

No money left so we simply drove, hiked, fished. It rained and rained, boy 2 accidentally dropped a cactus in the lap of boy 3 and I had to find a pharmacy high up in the mountains to buy a tweezers to pull fine little prickers out of boy's butt and thighs. There were other minor hiccups to the trip as well but we were able to see the mountains, spend time with family and made it home in one piece. Oh. Except for the van. It's quite a miracle that we made it home. We were grinding so loud! Ends up the whole rear end of the van was out. We took it in to have it fixed. While it was in the parking lot waiting for the part, someone drove in and hit it. Like over $3000 damage hit it.


I also had a trip to Florida in the fall with darling husband. I had to cancel due to family crisis. Hubs went without me as it was for his work.

I do not have much travel under my belt and there are many places I would love to see. My dream location is Tuscany but I am aware it will be well after 2011. 


I would love to visit friends across the miles whom I've never met in person. I have dreamed of the west coast for seven years now. I want to see the ocean and I want my family with me. I would love to take a small RV and travel for a month (more if I could) stopping in little towns, taking in nature's splendor with hikes and swims, visiting farmers markets, flea markets, eating the local fare of wherever we plant our feet for the night. Before I start really dreaming and adding detail, I better get my butt to the store for some lottery tickets! Gotta run!

How R U ?

Driving down a highway I have never traveled before I was completely taken by the view of this brilliant old sign on a little old building. I believe the property was once a gas station
or fix-it shop of sorts. Now it sits alone on the outskirts of town
acting as a storage shed of sorts. Four letters stand proudly at the top.

These two made me think of you! How R U ?
Have you traveled off the beaten path lately?
Changed things up in life? Gone on any adventures?
Captured any treasure? Do tell!