Happy Day!

Today was a very happy, good day. Work went really well, as I was working with some of my favorite people, and everyone (including me) was in a pretty good mood. I swung by my favorite coffee haunt after work for an iced Americano, and then headed home. Eric's daughter called to say that all is well with her pregnancy, and that the baby's heartbeat was strong...good news!!!
Eric and I are getting ready to go on our Alaskan cruise with his family at the end of this week...we are so excited! Even if the weather is not great, we will have so much fun just being with everyone, sightseeing, relaxing, and shopping. It is cool to be on a big cruiseliner, no matter where it is headed. Everyone keeps telling me how beautiful Alaska is, so I am happy to finally get to see for myself!

Peppermint Soap, Raindrops and Evergreen Trees

Earlier this evening, I took time out to go take a relaxing, hot, peppermint- scented bath. The bathroom window was open (no one can see in, it is too high!), so I sat there in my nice hot water, and watched it rain. It was beautiful to see these huge drops of rain, against the backdrop of a very old, tall Evergreen tree...it almost seemed mystical. During this time, my noisy neighbors down the street broke into choruses of drumming and singing. Normally, that sort of thing might annoy me when I am trying to relax, meditate even. Today, however, I found it entertaining, and almost nice to hear their happy sounds...I really do appreciate living in the Pacific Northwest most of the time, this is one of those times.

Cherry Cobbler

This weekend, I tidied up our back room, and it turned out really nice. We threw out some things, and put others in the basement. This morning, I went to Home depot to pick out some paint for our now uncluttered room. I have had a sort of "spaghetti sauce red" in mind for some time now, but I have been unable to find that exact shade I've been imagining. I did, however, find something close, and it is called, "cherry cobbler." It is a deep red, and I think it will look nice with the wide white baseboards, brown carpet and chair, and light wood paneling. I had to keep those colors in mind, when thinking of my paint, also. I really wanted to do some sort of chocolate shade, but that would have made the room too brown, I think. Anyway, I will post a picture when it gets done. I had to buy this pink primer to put down first, so that the dark color will take. Otherwise, you end up applying many, many coats to achieve your ultimate goal. I just might wait until next weekend to do this, now that I think of all that work...

Happy Mother's Day!

It is almost mother's day, so I am thinking of the best mom in the world...no other than my own! My mom had me when she was 21 years old, and thinking of that now, it sounds like she was still a baby herself! I think back to when I was 21 years old, and I could hardly handle a bank account and a job, much less have a baby. But my mom, even though she was young, was the best mother that anyone could have hoped for, and she still is!

My sister and I were awakened every morning to a chorus of "rise and shine girlies!" When we did rise and eventually shine, our breakfast was always waiting in the dining room...sometimes mom would make pancakes or waffles, sometimes it was cereal and toast. There was a little pile of our vitamins, and some juice or milk to drink.

Christmas and all holidays for that matter, were magical in our house. We were very traditional, and always had the most beautiful, brightly decorated tree, stockings that were filled to the brim with treasures, and lots of fabulous toys when we awoke on Christmas day. Another favorite tradition was watching all of our animated specials that were on every year...thanks to Mom, we never missed them! Shanon and I would bundle up on the sofa, covered up with a warm blanket in our jammies. Mom would make us hot chocolate with marshmallows, and it was so much fun!

Another good memory I have is of always thinking that my mom was very cool. I loved it when she came to school for a conference or just to visit...I was always very proud of her and so happy to see her.

I always felt so safe and cared for, like I didn't have a care in the world. My mom made my childhood so very happy and wonderful. I am 39 years old now, and she is still just as perfect as ever...I thank the heavens every day for my lovely mom.

Pie And Coffee!

Today, Eric and I went out for pie and coffee. We went to our favorite breakfast place, knowing that they make pie as well. I had mine a la mode, and Eric had his with whipped cream. The pie was fabulous, the coffee was great, but the company was the very best thing. I have decided to make more time for pie and coffee time in my life!