Life.

Life is busy. Crazy. Has its ups and downs. Why can't it be like a Disney movie? Oh...wait...maybe not. It's easy to see the path of others, make recommendations based on experiences we haven't had. My (unsolicited) advice: stay open, be kind, honest, and learn from everything. Look for people who need a listener..and be that. I'm still trying. Everyday. I guess that's the most important part. 

The Holidays

This time of year is always bitter sweet. Many things to be thankful for...health, my two sweet angels, a handful of great friends and following my heart and doing my dream job peddling vintage wears. Then Jill Black AKA Debbie Downer chimes in and reminds me of unhappy discontent in my life. Having just lost my stepdad, Tom, to Parkinson's related illness, has me more thoughtful this year. What can I do to change my attitude? My life? And keep unhappiness at bay? Sounds like I'm starting my unofficial New Years resolution list.

1. Be honest...to thine own self be true

2. Be patient (with myself and others)

3. Learn a new skill or hobby

4. Spend quality time with friends

5. Learn to cook! (fish?)

6. Call my dad (long story)

7. Do more yoga and train my mind to stay quiet and calm during practice

8. Get outside 

9. Make plans and adjust accordingly 

10. Be better/the best version of me...kind, calm, relaxed, attentive, compassionate and wise

Sounds like a difficult list to attain. Perhaps I'm insane. 

Until then, maybe I can just work on the fish preparation! 

Scarves...the perfect Autumn Accessory

Givenchy 1970s Logo Cotton Scarf

Givenchy 1970s Paris Logo Floral Colorblock Scarf

Fiorucci "Oh Boy" 1980s cotton scarf, made in Italy

The little things

Things keeping me happy today:

1. Devon's baby fine hair on my face

2. Chloe reaching for my hand

3. Riding my Schwinn with the girls

4. Hearing Stephanie's smile over the phone

5. Napping for 41 blissful minutes

6. Fall weather 

7. Halloween! on Thursday 

20 Years

So...just had/

survived my 20-year high school reunion. Wasn't planning on going, but very glad I had a change of heart. High school wasn't a good time for me. Insecure, isolated, pushing others away. I realized last night that everyone was going though the same struggles. It just felt so awful to me at the time...like no one could understand. I did have a handful of good friends who knew me and stood by me. I am strong, resilient, flexible, independent and spiritual. I am a mom, a caregiver, a best friend, a sister, an artist, a wife, a daughter... But most of all, me. I am on this life journey and wouldn't change a thing about my past or present. 

Orange is the new Green

So, kid 2 (you know, the high-spirited one) was on orange at school yesterday. For those not in the color-coded school system, that is one color away from principal and calling mom...I love her sweet teacher and her explanation of Devon's infractions. "She is too smart for her own good. She doesn't follow directions or listen. She is a leader. That's what we need to focus on." I couldn't agree more. Miss Miss was on green today. 

And focusing on her reading and writing. Signing her up for karate as we speak/blog?!?

My House

I've lived here for almost 9 years. Today was the first day I did yoga outside, in my backyard. With the shaded back porch, pre-fall temps and quiet house, it seemed the perfect set up. Even found some yoga tunes on my spotify. I was on number 8 of my 10 breathing exercises when mike and the girls came home early. I felt silly doing yoga alone on the back porch. Went inside to check on them and put out fires. Kid 2 needed to poop and the bathroom(port o potty) at WR Lake was unacceptable. Can't say I blame her! After they left, finished my DIY fire 60 class and looked around at nature. My yard is amazing. Happy fall.