Happy Mother's Day

it's that time of year

For me, the holiday season brings an internal shift that feels comforting and whole. Perhaps it's the excitement of getting to see family and loved ones that I only see a few times a year; maybe it's the cooler weather accompanied by hot cocoa and sweet baked goods; it could be the holiday music with it's familiar tune; or the general spirit of giving. Yes, it's probably all these things combined.

I understand that for many, the holidays can be a time of contention, with endless shopping lists, to do's, necessary engagements, etc. etc. But, while not always possible for everyone, this is why I have made it a point to keep this time of year simple.

Some may perceive my lack of Christmas decorations as Scrooge-like...my neglect to buy a tree blasphemy. And the passionate shoppers may not understand how I can avoid going to a mall at all this Christmas season.

But those aren't the things that bring me joy.

I find peace in sitting by the fire at my dad's house and reading a good book, or making cookies with my cousins and aunts (a family tradition...which ultimately involves hysterical laughter at some rather riské creations). I'm looking forward to the puffy white of the midwest winters, that gift of snow which graces the trees and smooths the lake for cross country skiing. There's something soothing about the slow and steady accumulation of small gifts that include mostly hand-made, local products from the farmer's market becuase while I buy my gifts, I know that money will make another's Christmas a little brighter. And I take pleasure in tiny creations, like these Christmas cards that may have flaws, but are made with care.
I'll admit, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. But each year I become better at finding calm in the present (moment not gift), being focused on family more than things, and being at peace with what I have accomplished this year- great or small.

Hi everyone...
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of delicious food, family, and friends.

My mom came in town to visit and it was nice to have her here. We spent Thanksgiving Day at a friend's house along with roughly 30 other people...many friends from school and a few others that I met that night.

It was an outdoor event as you can imagine it would have to be with that many people. Unfortunately, that lovely rain that we had been anticipating for so long decided to make it's appearance on that same day. It was fortunate that my friend NM had the foresight to ask me to help her throw some tarps over the ramada. Well, we didn't exactly just "throw" them over. It was more like careful tiptoeing 10 feet in the air on a wooden structure half rotted by the sun as we nailed the tarps down. No injuries, though, and a good adventure. NM also did a fabulous job decorating the place on a very small budget. It was really special...the picture does not do it justice...

On Friday, we went for a hike at Sabino Canyon. The sky was cloudy off and on, which made for amazing light on the mountains. I love that kind of day in the desert.

The strangest thing was that this contorted saguaro was in bloom...I have never heard of a Saguaro blooming in November. Perhaps it was confused?

At that point we had pushed my mom's soar foot a bit too far, so we may our way for supper. Fortunately, her foot seemed to feel a little better after a good bit of Mexican food at El Charro, a gorgeous sunset, and some sleep. The perfect ending to her trip...

The best things in life aren't things...

Put In Bay, Ohio

Ahhh....Put In Bay....we made it....

Did A LOT of eating on the island...my new favorite restaurant...Axel and Harry's Waterfront Grill...best food I have EVER had....yum!

Mom and I looking a little windblown after our big golfcart adventure...it was cold but a blast. (I don't want to admit it, but Ryan was actually a good driver...only with golf carts though...sorry, Bub)

Riding bikes around the island was my favorite thing ...these cruisers were great fun...took this picture while riding...skill, huh?

:)

Sorry Mom...the dock was closed..no super jumbo crab legs...maybe next time.

don't shoot! (you gotta see this one big)

Welcome to the Real World...One Last Big Shabang!

Ryan graduated...who would have thought? lol...actually, he's one pretty smart kid and I'm proud of him! mmmmm......cake......

My parents rock!

My parents are the best that any daughter could ask for. In fact, they are both pretty awesome people all around. Case in point....tonight my dad and I are out for a nice moonlight stroll around the lake. On our way back, we see this guy sitting by a motorcycle and my dad asks how he is doing. He tells us that he ran out of gas and so in that regard, he's not so great. But my dad just happens to have a few gallons of gas in the garage...he goes to get it and when the guy offers to pay for it, my dad declines, several times. How awesome is that? I bet he made his night...or at least made it better.

And my mom...she's pretty darn awesome too. In addition to putting Ryan and I first in almost every possible way, she's also very giving to other people. One time, she was making her way through the Burger King Drive through and noticed a homeless lady in a parking lot. She all but chased the lady down to give he some money...$50...after talking to her, my mom new that this was someone who would probably choose to continue to be homeless, but still offered her help anyway. She even tried to pry a little to see if she could use her mad recruiting skills to find her a job.

Two pretty selfless people. I love them and have a lot to learn from them!