un-named as of yet

sparkling pink flamingo earrings

these just make me happy :)

I'm going to list them in my etsy shop in just a moment....

mad face

Poor Pete, our adorable, lovable family dog had to endure a pedicure this afternoon. He is not typically grumpy - but after having to go outside and deal with snow up to his chest to do his business, and then this - he's been a tad bit put out today....

snow day

We had measurable snow last night into today... it's been 4 or 5 years since that's happened... so beautiful! Mat (my husband) got some great shots.
Our town is pretty much shut down... it's a snowday for everyone, and strange after growing up in Minnesota that a few inches of snow here forces everyone to slow down and enjoy it!

Listening

I was doing some errands this afternoon listening to NPR, as usual, and as usual, their programming is fantastic. All last week, as a matter of fact, I listened to 'the story' and 'this american life' among other programs and learned new perspectives on our collective history as Americans, particularly the stories of many black Americans who had the courage to speak out, go to jail, and in general, suffer the wrath of parents and other authority figures (not to mention prejudiced persons) to begin the process of some of what we're all experiencing now. For real.

Today, though, I was listening to the entire speech that Dr. Martin Luther King gave in 1963, his "I Have a Dream" speech for the first time as an adult. It's different now then it was when I had to learn about it as a teenager, and radically different in the present, against the backdrop of Mr. Obama becoming President Obama tomorrow.

I Had Goosebumps. My entire body shivered with emotion and my eyes began to well up with tears at 50 mph. I had to pull into a parking lot because my vision was blurred, and more importantly because I really had to listen. His voice, even in a recording some 40 years old, resounds with courage, conviction, hope, optimism and the knowledge that a day like tomorrow would come. I was compelled to be there, in that moment this afternoon with all of my being. I wish that he was alive to be a part of this, can you imagine?

so today, I really listened - not just listened like I did in a social studies/history setting so many years ago.... I mean that today I listened with my whole entire body, mind, soul and spirit - and I am better, brighter, deeper, more luminous, more expansive and lighter because I really listened.

in love with donuts

Just added to my etsy shop - in my 'life's a beach' collection:

... 'avocado moon' and 'framed in ivory' -

I think it's the year of the donut for me so far :)

sea-squared-inspiration

My daughter's friend Evan came to visit a few weeks ago, and brought along some of her new creations... and in the process, she gave me a couple of donut shaped beads made of hematite, I think, and I made myself some earrings that I love :) As a matter of fact, I'm wearing them right now!

My mission this week has been to find more donut shaped beads that inspire me, and after some amount of searching, I found some that really make me smile

.... new today... drum roll.... introducing:

Sea Squared.... more new designs to come :)

checking in

It feels like a very long time since I've posted anything here. I miss writing when I feel too busy/rushed/involved in other things to stop and examine what I'm thinking about. I also have little tolerance for excuses for not doing something, particularly my own excuses.

Instead of that, I will share with you that the time that I spent with family over the past couple of weeks was absolutely priceless. We connected, shared, laughed, cried and felt the joy that was present in our gathering to celebrate. Random comment: if you have not played "Partini" - it's a board game - you really should rush out to purchase it, and then invite your family and/or friends over for a blast! It's a great game, and winning almost takes a second seat to the fun it is to play. So, back to my earlier thoughts - each year we all go through things that we don't expect to, we learn things that we don't necessarily want to, and gain experiences that we couldn't foresee...

There were a couple of kind of big things that affected all of us - a family member with a diagnosis of a brain disorder, and a marraige that came apart... Each of us has worried, prayed, rejoiced and cried... alone. The gathering of all of us provided healing, comfort, and the easing of anxiety when you see for yourself that one you love and worry about is in fact, doing well in spite of the burdens they've beared.

So, hallelujiah for love and family. Hooray for hugs and laughter. Here's to whatever tomorrow has in store with a strength and a smile.