New Blog

Well as you may or may not know: I love quotes. My Transitions book is based on quotes.  I have a quote widget on my blog.  I receive a daily inspirational quote email  I am always on the look out for great quotes for inspiration.  I enjoy reflecting on quotes and using them to center myself before I begin each day.  Often times I'll share favorite or especially inspirational quotes on FB.  Today I followed a link from a friends' FB post and found a new website that includes an entire section of quotes.  They also post a daily blog that I plan on adding to my sidebar.  The new web site is called Tiny Buddha.  It's rather ironic that I found this site today as my SIL asked me if I'm studying Buddhism.  Perhaps the universe is giving me a gentle nudge in that direction.  Anyone out there have a suggestion as to where I should start if I choose to move forward with such a study?

Peace!

Mellow Yellow Monday!

Can't wait for warm weather so we can get outside and make more handmade papers!

Peace!

Quick Hello

Well this is just a quick hello today.  I woke up in the middle of the night with a stomach bug so I'll be resting for the rest of the day and evening.  Hopefully I'll feel up to a longer post tomorrow.  Have some news to share, but want to think and process the information before I write anything.

Peace!

Friday Fill Ins-8

And...here we go!

1. Ooooh, I have a new follower, thanks for visiting and following Mama Thyme. 

2. Vacation week is over, waaaaaaaaaaa, I can't stand it!

3. How the heck did I end up with so many things I want to do with so little time?

4. ___The beach is one of my favorite places to visit n and I took a walk to and on the beach this week.  Sadly the bottom of our boat ramp has collapsed.  I wonder if the association will do the repairs.  

5. I'm not a procrastinator ;), I'm not!

6. Time off it has to be good.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to pictionary with the kids and M(if she is up for the challenge), tomorrow my plans include working on the taxes and Sunday, I want to relax and prepare for the school week!

Peace!

Eat Less Move More

So I've been on the quest to eat less and move more over these last many months.  I was doing quite well and actually lost about 20lbs!  My clothes fit better and I actually purchased jeans a size smaller than what i used to wear.  I got through the holidays relatively unscathed but after Christmas I fell off my eat less bandwagon just a bit and gained back 5 of what I lost.  I desperately want to be healthy and stay healthy for my kids.  R has been working his tail off over at 40 M and has lost a significant amount of weight without adjusting his eating habits too much.  I guess working in 30 degree weather lugging plywood, 2x4's and other various carpentry materials will do that to a person!  So I am going to re devote myself to my health initiative that I began at the beginning of this school year.  I am starting to incorporate Shakeology into my repertoire.  It is a health drink that can be used as a supplement or meal replacement.  Today was my first Shakeology day!  It is delicious and I have a plan on how I'll incorporate it into my life.  Non work days it will be my lunch and on work days it will be my supper.  We'll see how I do.  I am also trying to add more water and green tea into my diet.  I know that I don't drink enough water so I am working that angle.  My final piece is the moving piece.  I wish I loved to exercise, but I never have loved exercise.  I would much rather sit and read a book, clean my house or work on my other passions such as blogging and photography.  I have two new workout cd's and  my pilates machine downstairs.  I have no excuses.  I guess I just have to make it part of my routine and turn it into a healthy habit.

What are you working on theses days?  Any big goals or wishes or heart's desires out there?

Peace!

Wordless Wednesday

Simple Woman's Daybook Week 8

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...I see the darkness of evening although I have been noticing that the darkness is coming later each night.  Spring is coming.  



I am thinking...that I should have called C today.  Somehow the day got away from me!



I am thankful for...school vacation.  Leisurely mornings, an extra cup of coffee, limited plans and schedules all make me a happy woman.



From the kitchen...yummy crunchy chicken and saucy broccoli with cranberry sauce. mmmmmmI have a spoonful of rotisserie chicken salad left.  



I am wearing...slippers, comfy old jeans, a black long sleeve tshirt, a purple Irish wool cardigan, and a military inspired black vest.  All my top layers are buttoned and zipped for extra warmth.  My look isn't fashion forward but it is helping me stay warm as we try to conserve our oil by keeping the heat at a chilly 58 degrees for most of the day and evening!



I am creating...plans to put together several sets of cards including my angel print on original watercolor, hot wax prints, and photo cards.  I have the opportunity to sell them at an Angel Art afternoon in April so I'm hoping to boost my inventory this week. 



I am going...to have to go to school to retrieve my small paper cutter that I left there before the licensers visit!  Ugh!  Maybe I'll just go to walmart and purchase another.  



I am reading...the new Percy Jackson book.  It's great so far.  I'm now halfway through and completely into the story.  As soon as I finish this post I'll be putting my computer away so I can do some more reading.  Hey by the way did you all know the John Grisham is now writing children's novels?  We picked one up at Borders today.  I looks interesting. 



I am hoping...that all the men working at 40 M will be there again tomorrow and continue their incredible productivity.  I am also hoping that the weather warms up so that the work over there isn't so uncomfortable.  



I am hearing...the quiet of a house full of family members each doing their own thing.  The tv is off and it is relatively quiet.  I love when my home is peaceful and quiet. 



Around the house...I want to enjoy a day at home tomorrow and possible do our taxes.  It will be good to put some money into the bank. 



One of my favorite things...is sitting in my quiet house.  Doesn't happen often but when it does I am in heaven.  Right now is one of those times.  I am blessed.



A few plans for the rest of the week:  hanging with the children, hopefully visiting with some friends...C and M and then sadly getting ready to go back to the weekly routine. 



Here are two pictures I am sharing..

Thinking Spring

Peace!

Mellow Yellow Monday!

Satisfying Saturday!

Well today was a great day!  It was very busy but a good busy.  I was up at the crack of dawn thanks to R's alarm clock, but it wall all for the best.  I had to prepare to go to 40 Mayflower to collect questions for the kitchen designer.  I also needed to complete the preparations for n's belated valentine's get together.  I made pizza dough, finished cleaning the house and helped hang pink and white streamers from the ceiling downstairs.  It was very festive.

I spent time over the last two days  thinking about how to gather supplies to create more cards in order to sell them.  A friend at work is interested in a set of sunflower cards.  I am also going to look into joining the local art guild in order to show and hopefully sell some of my work through their gallery.  I think it is time to take myself more seriously as an artist and work towards making some extra money doing what I love.  So many people out there are able to sell their work why shouldn't I believe that I can do the same.  As I did  a little research I found the best website.  It is called clearbags.com and it has just what I have been looking to purchase for a very long time!  Very exciting.  Almost like the universe is pushing me towards this goal.    We'll see what happens.

I also spent time visiting 40 M today.  Much progress has been made.  Jump over to Restoring the House That Built Me and you can check out the latest update.  I am excited for all that is to come as we move forward with this project.

I have also decided to get serious about my health.  I've signed up for a product called Shakeology.  It is a vitamin rich meal replacement health shake that has been shown in studies to aid in weight loss,  reduce cholesterol numbers and aid in good health.  I have  a plan in my head that includes this product incorporated into my philosophy of eat less move more.  I'd like to see tangible results by the summer.  Fingers crossed!

Happy Saturday!

Peace!

Friday Fill Ins!

And...here we go! 

1. New experiences and possibilities are all around us we just have to open ourselves up to the opportunity!

2. I took an unexpected turn on a daily walk and was rewarded by the abundant beauty that surrounded me!

3. I'm looking forward to VACATION!!!!!!

4. I never could have imagined how my life would change as we began the process of trying to sell Dad's home last year at this time. Now we own the home and are rebuilding it from the inside out.  The funny thing is that 3 out of the 4 people so far who are working with us on this project have the same names of my cherished Uncles who have long since passed away.  Weird huh?
 5. Try to find joy in all you do.

6. My positive outlook on life (even in the midst of turmoil) is what's extraordinary about me.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to our regular Friday routine, tomorrow my plans include ordering our kitchen for 40 M and hosting a belated Valentines party for Nina and a few friends and Sunday, I want to relax and be creative!


Peace!

Simple Woman's Daybook Week 7

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...I see the darkness of a winter evening. 



I am thinking...that the warmth of spring can't come soon enough. I am looking forward to a warm house again.



I am thankful for...the upcoming February vacation.  It will be a wonderful change of pace.  I'm hoping to rest and relax during the week.  



From the kitchen...I have a spoonful of rotisserie chicken salad left.  It was delicious.  



I am wearing...slippers, tan cordueroys and a brown shirt with a one button 3/4 sleeve sweater.  



I am creating...plans for a belated valentines party for n and her friends!  Heart shaped pizza, candy, cupcakes, dancing and games.  It should be fun.  Four girls and lots of red and pink.  



I am going...to have to go out and finish picking up the kitchen.  



I am reading...the new Percy Jackson book.  It's great so far. 



I am hoping...that  my children will stop bickering and talking and just sit peacefully on the couch and watch their shows.  Their constant chattering stream of consciousness is getting on my last nerve tonight.  I took a vow of silence for the rest of the night after supper thinking that maybe if I don't talk that they might quiet down too.  No such luck.  



I am hearing...the tv.  House of Anubis is on.  Good show for a kids  show. 



Around the house...I want to see more throws in order to stay warm and toasty.



One of my favorite things...is sitting in my quiet house.  Doesn't happen often but when it does I am in heaven. 



A few plans for the rest of the week:  working Friday and getting ready for n's get together. 



Here are two pictures I am sharing..

Thinking Spring

Peace!

SAS

Entry 3 in the photo challenge Secrets About Secrets.

Peace!

Mellow Yellow Monday!

Wishing for the warmth and beauty of Spring and Summer!

Thinking

Over the last several weeks I've been thinking a lot about my cat Fluffy.  He has been with us for about seven years.  He adopted us.  It was summer time and he was skulking about our yard.  We had taken care of two other strays (Handsome and Double) but that ended up not working out so well.  So when this new feline showed up I honestly tried to ignore him.  I didn't think R would tolerate another feline friend.  I was wrong.  It was R who finally said to me "Will you just feed that cat already?"  So we fed him outside.  I'm pretty sure it was a Friday.  The new cat was skin and bones.  The entire weekend this new friend spent on our back porch; sleeping, eating and drinking.  He has turned out to be a wonderful blessing in our lives.  He is beautiful and well mannered and due to his coat style he came to be known as Fluffy.  A year or so later we found out that our Fluffy had once lived across the street  with another family who had basically put him out of their home.  His name had been Eliot.  Who names a cat Eliot?  Anyway I spoke with his former owner and he had no interest in reclaiming his cat.  So Fluffy has been with us since then.  Most of the time he has spent days and nights outside with occasional sleepovers in the house.  Anytime we would come home or spend time outside Fluffy would appear from the woods or under the shed and spend time with us in the yard or even inside at times.  This winter has been different.  He has spent a lot of time inside.  He sleeps inside every night.  Lately he has looked very old to me and when I pat him I can feel all of his bones  It makes me sad as it reminds me of my childhood cat Dale who died from feline leukemia.  Fluffy's coat even resembles Dale's coat when she was sick.  I tend to catastrophise things but the behaviors I've seen from Fluffy; accidents, more time sleeping,  waking me in the middle of the night and inside bathroom accidents lead me to believe that he is sick.  He is such a big part of our family that I dread what might happen.  I guess it is just a wait and see game right now.  I'm hoping that when the warm weather comes maybe we'll see some improvements.

Peace!

Friday Fill Ins!

And...here we go! 



1. Family sustains me.

2. Through all of life's ups and downs I have counted on my best friends to stay by my side and helped me weather what comes my way. My best bfl is alway there for me and I am eternally grateful!  

3. Trust is essential in all relationships and must be earned and then carefully nurtured.

4. I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason even when that reason is not immediately evident.  I just have to have faith that it is all  for the best.

5. Parents are a treasure that are not always  appreciated until it is too late.  Honor your parents now, tell them how much you love them every day because one day they'll be gone.

6. In order to truly hear what was said sometimes you must simply listen without responding.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with my family, tomorrow my plans include open house at school and checking out the progress at 40 M and Sunday, I want to work on some creative endeavors!








Peace!

Busy Week

 Well I guess I've been spoiled with the many snow days we have had this past month.  This week was the first full week we have had in a long time and I am exhausted.  The children were tired too.  It was evident in the business of the day.  The extra excitement of valentines day added to the business.  I'll be going in to help in one of the other classes on Fridays for a while.  I am very curious to see what the class is like.  Should be interesting.

Peace!

Wordless Wednesday

Simple Woman's Daybook Week 6

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...I see the twigs and leaves peaking through the sparse snow left on my back hill.  The light is bright and the day looks cold. 



I am thinking...that people come into your life for a reason.  I am always amazed when I learn more about a person and realize how much we have in common.  It's uncanny.  



I am thankful for...the abundance in my life.  Everyone struggles at times but it is what remains in abundance that sustains us: family, friends, health, optimism, faith, good will....



From the kitchen...I have nothing!   Honestly I'm tired of cooking.  Tonight just might be cereal and milk for supper. (btw last week's lemon ricotta cake that sat for three days before being served was delicious!) 



I am wearing...school clothes. Cream colored sweater, brown patterned open swing vest, khaki pants and soon my brown boots.    



I am creating...valentines!  Melted wax prints incorporating silver oil pastel all in seasonal colors.  I'll be mounting these on black card stock and writing a message inside each card.  I wish I could work on such projects all day every day! I finished assembling the cards for a parent at school.  She loved them! 



I am going...to go to bed early tonight as last night's sleep was fitful and interrupted by Fluffy my alarm cat!



I am reading...the new Percy Jackson book.  It's great so far. 



I am hoping...that picking up the morning hours at school will not be overwhelming.  The class is challenging and I'm not entirely sure what I am walking into.  We'll find out on Friday.  My plan is to do a lot of observing and only intervene if absolutely necessary.



I am hearing...the tv.  R is watching the Chopper show on Discovery.  The patriarch on this show bugs me to no end.   





Around the house...I see much work to be done.   There are always jobs waiting to be completed.  It is a lived in home.  That is ok with me. 



One of my favorite things...is going to bed early and curling up under my cozy covers!  (30 minutes and counting)



A few plans for the rest of the week:  getting through Valentine's celebrations at school, n's haircut, back to Friday mornings at work, open house on Saturday and resting and relaxing on Sunday. ,



Here are two pictures I am sharing..

Peace!

Mellow Yellow Monday!

Superbowl Sunday

Well I know today is Superbowl Sunday, but my heart is just not in it!  Wish the Pat's had not blown their chance.  I'll watch the game but only for the snacks (smashed potato topped with bacon, cheddar cheese and sour cream) and the commercials.

On a different note I'm reporting back regarding my lemon ricotta cake that had to be frozen and then wrapped tightly and held at room temp for three days before presenting it to my friend at work.  Well it turned out to be delicious!  I will definitely make this recipe again.

Strawberry Sauce

Lemon Ricotta Cake

Lemon Glaze

I also want to share with you pictures of my artistic endeavor from last week.  I finally put together the wax print cards for a very special mom at my school.  She is such a sweet heart and does a lot of extra stuff for us at school and she worked so hard to prepare the school for our licensing visit.  During that time she commented on the wax print valentines card I had given to one of the directors, so I thought I'd make her a set of cards.  I hope she will enjoy them.

Peace!