She Wasn't Kidding When She Said it Was Fun.

My sister didn't even know what I was talking about when I said "I want to visit Smeeks today."   She got a funny look on her face and responded "What the heck is Smucks??"    (Only she didn't say "heck.")


 "It's called Smeeks" I said, "Trust me, you are going to love it."


So we looked up the address and it turned out it was just around the corner from Hauley's house.   Can you believe it, she has never even noticed it as she drives to and from the mall!  


We pulled up to the front curb and discovered no parking and no entrance. You have to drive down the side alley and park in back.  This is what you will see . . .   

When you walk through the door, you will say "Ooooohhhh this is sooooooo cute!"   That's what we did, along with three other people who walked in after us.

Candy and brilliant colors = instant happiness. 

 As we moseyed to the back we saw things that took us right back to the playground at Grandview Elementary.  Hauley and I started screaming:


"Hey!!!  I found a Hoppy Taw . . . Look there's a Chinese Jump Rope . . .  Chick-o-Sticks, remember those . . .   Didn't you just love wax lips . . . Oh my gosh, do you remember mom's purse, it always had Sen-Sens, and here they are . . . They even have the Violet gum mom used to chew!"   

I wonder if it annoys the clerks when they hear people getting so excited about stuff like T-Berry Gum, and the photo booth?  


I'm sure you will get overly-excited too when you first visit Smeeks.   That's part of the fun, discovering your past there among the buckets of goodness.

I have good news for you Canadians.  They have Canadian candy bars here! (Kristi, I wondered which was your favorite.)


And Vegans, they have stuff for you too.  Vegan candy!   There's something for everyone here at Smeeks -- even sugarless candy for those of you who can't eat sugar.


That's not all.  I have more good news to share.  You don't have to visit Arizona to visit Smeeks. Did you know that as we speak they are working on their online store!!!  

http://www.smeeks.com

You have to pay them a visit and buy stuff for your Easter Baskets, and Christmas stockings . . . any Festivus that your family celebrates.   (But don't visit yet, it's not open.)


I stocked up for Easter (and my birthday) while I was here. 

My kids are going to love me.   They think Pork and Beans bubble gum is way more fun than getting a pack of Orbit.


Smeeks is just as fun as StephaNIE said it would be. 

***

P.S.  When you leave the store, make sure you visit Frances, two doors down.  It's worth a peek.  

Cute cloths, jewelry, things for babies, pets, and a few trinkets for your house.

P.P.S.   This is the text I got from Eden today as he tooled around Washington D.C.  "Visited the White House today.  It's waaaaaay smaller I thought it would be.  It had like, no yard!   Went to Souvenir City and got half of a coffee mug that says 'D.C. was expensive, I could only afford half the mug.'   Mom, I bought you a thimble because it is virtually indestructible."

Savoring Springtime with the Zonies.

It's Spring break!  In the early hours of the morning (3:30 a.m. to be exact), Eden hopped on a bus with a bunch of middle school peers and drove to LAX.  He's now wandering around Washington D.C. and having a blast.  When I got home from dropping him off, Claire and I decided to take a spontaneous trip to Arizona to visit my sister,  Hauley -- pronounced "Holly."  (Why my mother felt that she had to improve on the spelling is just beyond me.  It reminds me of a trucking company instead of a beautiful berry.)   


We loaded our bags in the car, waved goodbye to the rain, and headed off for what was sure to be a comedic weekend.  My sister is hysterically funny, and beautiful.  I still envy her long mane of hair.


The exodus from California was breathtaking.  The hills are rolling green, covered with wild flowers.  About half-way to AZ, Claire took a turn at the wheel as we drove along the 10.  Hair raising moments letting your daughter merge onto the freeway next to a huge 8-wheeler.  This driving thing is raising my blood pressure. 


Hours later, we pulled into my sister's driveway, at the perfect time -- dinner hour.  

Hauley took us to a neighborhood joint around the corner from her house -- Postinos, a hip restaurant in what used to be an old post office building.   We took a seat out on the patio and took advantage of the beautiful Spring weather.  I'm sure the Zonies are savoring their last few weeks of that -- it will be scortching hot here soon.  


The menu was tantalizing, I didn't know what I wanted to try.  Hauley recommended the Bruchetta Plate, and warned "Trust me on this, you will want your own plate.  I'm not sharing"

As we waited for our Bruchetta, I looked around.  There were all sorts of people out and about.  A middle aged woman rode past on a beach comber with a Yorkie in the front basket, and several couples headed for an intriguing deli next door.  I wish I had a cool restaurant in the middle of my neighborhood.  I'd be there all the time.


Our food was delivered, and I fell in love.  I am definitely making this when I get home.

Do you know that this is only the second time I've been to Arizona.  Where have I been all these years!!!  It's only 6 hours away!  So many fun things to do here, and the weather in Springtime is amazing."   I definitely need to come out here more often.

Eden Is a Poet, And I Didn't Know It.

Eden's printer didn't work last night.  Like always, it was out of ink right when we needed it.  In a panic, Eden emailed his homework to me, so that I could email it to his teacher.  This is what he sent.

A Poem In Your Chicken Soup BOWL

You can find a poem deep under the sea

Or above the shimmering canopy of a tree

They are hiding, asleep deep under the ground

And come to life when happiness is found

They brightly stare at the sun's warm dance

And barely gleam in the shadow of plants

Poems can be found in your heart and soul

Or even in the warmth of your chicken soup bowl

You sometimes see them in the bliss of the night

And in people you see, dancing under the light

You hear them in the voices of the ones you love

Even those who rest in heaven above

***

The Story Behind All is Well

Many of you may recognize this necklace, but what most of you don't know is the story behind it.  It was a very powerful occurance that linked me to my sweet, sweet friend, Stephanie Nielsen, aka Nie Nie.  


 If you would like to read about how All is Well came to be, my friend Elizabeth, aka Da Momma  asked me if she could share the story as part of her Festivus Celebration, which includes a segment on Spiritual Artists.  I felt a little hesitant because it was very personal, and very spiritual.  But after I talked it over with Nie, she said "share it" so I did.


If you do happen to visit Da Momma, I hope that you will read the comments at the end of her post, they will make you cry.   I get messages like this on a regular basis, when people buy this necklace from my shop.  Humbling notes about great trials.  They give me pause to think, and to ponder my own beliefs about life, and death, faith, hope, and enduring trials well.  And it gives me an opportunity to share my feelings about the same.


Elizabeth is connected to the necklace too.  We met a couple of years ago when she purchased the All is Well necklace from my shop.   At the time, she had just given birth to a baby daughter, who was gravely ill with a liver dysfunction.   We stayed in touch, and through our conversations, I've learned that  Elizabeth is a witty journalist who writes about motherhood, and teaches at Harvard University.  She is passionate about her family, good food, and cooking.  What I love most about her though, is that she has a child named Eden, who just happens to be the baby girl who was born ill. 


Meet Eden, my youngest customer when she was just a babe.   Isn't she adorable.  

She is now a thriving toddler with a fiery personality.

All is well.

The Daily Uniform Got an Update

I hate to admit this, but I pretty much wear a t-shirt and flip flops every single day.  I have an excuse though, I'm trying to avoid wrecking my nice cloths when I'm making jewelry, cooking, or working on a big house project.    I've pretty much  ruined every shirt I own with grease, glue, and red sauce.  Plus, I'm on a big diet, and I don't want to buy new cloths until I'm "half the person I used to be."   Right now, I'm only one third of the person I used to be.   But I'm happy about that.


Today however, I decided to switch things up thanks to Jennifer at the Pleated Poppy.  I started out with the standard uniform:  American Eagle t-shirt, Calvin Kline jeans from Cost-co (yes, I buy jeans at Cost-co), and no shoes.

Then I added a few of my Anthropologie treasures, all items I bought on sale:   A pair of grey flats, and a gray and orange cardigan.   (I could move right into that store and live.  I love it that much -- especially the sale room.)

I put on jewelry, which rarely happens.  Pretty funny huh, since I design and sell jewelry.  I wore my favorite Crystal B button necklace, and my favorite Crystal B vintage rose earrings.  I'm glad I saved a pair for myself because I can't get those vintage Lucite flowers anymore.

I topped it off with a flower headband.  Also Crystal B.

And, I ended up with this . . . .   

A step up from the standard uniform.  Thanks Pleated Poppy for making me work a little harder at looking nice today.  It will pay off.  I have a meeting this afternoon with a troop of Boy Scouts.  (As if they will even notice.)

Rants

Your shoes go in the bins right next to the front door, not next to the bins.  How hard is it to bend over take that extra step!


Hang up your towel!!!!  Why must it live in a heap on the floor!!!


Who pulled my clean laundry out of the washing machine and left it on the floor????


Why is the word "floor" in every sentence I utter, when I'm talking to you guys???


Who left the lid up on the toilet seat????  I almost fell in!!!  And by the way . . . flush!!!  


Why are there dishes on every surface in the house??? Rinse your plates and put them in the dishwasher!!!  


Who left their drink in the back seat of the car???  The cup disintegrated and now there's a pile of soda in the cup holder!!!!


If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times . . . FLUSH!!!!  How hard it is to push that handle down after you zip up your pants!!


No, you can't have a ride to school!  It's at the end of our street!!!!!!!


Who consumed my entire 2 months supply of sugar free candy bars in one single day??  I'll know who it is when I discover who has severe diarrhea.  Since nobody flushes around here, it shouldn't be hard to figure out.


Who dropped gum wrappers on the floor???  The garbage can is like what .... 5 steps away???


Who left all the empty cereal boxes in the cupboard so it looks like we have plenty of cereal when we really have none????  How many times do I have to tell you throw the empty boxes away!


(I'm sad to report, this is me on a daily basis, ranting to the invisible children who live in my home.  Their names are "It Wasn't Me" and "She Did It")


Thanks for the suggestion Elizabeth. I feel better now that I got all that off my chest. 


P.S.  There's a giveaway on my giveaway blog.  You should enter to win!

Random Thoughts on a Rainy Afternoon

Last night, I stayed up until 1:00 organizing my studio.  It's looking better!


Around 9:30, p.m., Eden and I bickered for over an hour as we tried to build an Ikea shelf.   That weird little tool they give you to tighten the screws about sent us over the edge, but we did it.  We are proud.


I fell asleep to the sound of pounding rain.   It was so loud, I had to cover my head with a pillow.


This morning I woke up late, and couldn't find the car keys, or my shoes.  I had to grab two different pair of flip flops which I've been wearing all day.  I'm too busy to look for the proper mates.

Because of the rain, my car smells like a blend of P.E. shoes, and sour milk.   The car pool hates it, and so do I.


When I got home from dropping off at the middle school, I ran pell-mell for the garbage cans because I heard the truck pulling up to the curb.  I made it in the nick of time, which is a good thing, because the garbage cans are overflowing, and they smell worse than the car.


What does pell mell mean anyway?  I have no idea, but I love the way it sounds.  I say it as often as I can, which isn't often enough.


When I was in the back yard pushing the cans, the sun peeked through the blanket of gray sky just as I passed by the jasmine.  It looked like it had been adorned with glistening crystals -- Mother Nature's chandelier.  


I dashed inside to get my camera, but I couldn't find it.  I spent 10 minutes trying to retrace my steps.  Then I remembered that Eden borrowed it last night to make a video.   


I found the camera, and discovered Eden erased all of my photos, including a super cool shot of a cupcake made with my new Ikea cupcake pans.  I was bummed about that, and even more bummed when I went back outside and found the sun had been replaced by more rain.

Later in the day, the sun came back.  It was a tease that lasted about 2 minutes, just long enough to get some pictures of the jasmine.  


Sadly, the crystal drops no longer glistened in the light, but it was still beautiful.  

As I snapped pictures, the rain poured from the sky and my hair got wet.  I now look like Einstein.  I would share a photo, but it would probably scare you even more than it scared me. 

Help for Japan - In Honor of Preston and Ami

Last week my cousin sold his house, quit his job, and got on a plane headed for Toyko, Japan to be with his girlfriend Ami.   The plane landed 15 minutes before the quake.  My family spent the next 48 hours wondering if we would ever see him again.  It was a time for pleading prayers.    As I watched the images on television they weren't about people in a land far away, they were happening to someone I personally knew, and love.  I got a small taste of what thousands of others must be feeling on a much deeper level.


Two days after the quake, modern miracles allowed Preston to see, and talk to his mom via Skype.   It was such a relief to know that he, Ami and her family are doing ok.   But, ok, is not fine.  Ok is not well.  They are surrounded by grief, rubble, and nuclear power plants in trouble.  They need our help.


So rather than sitting back thinking about how glad I am that this isn't happening to me, I am changing my state of mind.  I am thinking about how I can make a difference.  Hence this post, in honor of Preston, Ami, and all those who are suffering right now in Japan. 


I am selling these beautiful little earrings made with Japanese fresh water pearls and aged brass findings for $12.00.  I will personally donate all the proceeds from the sale of these earrings to LDS Philanthropic Services, a charity that provides humanitarian aid all over the world.  But in this case, the money will go to aid Japan.   You should know that I chose this charity because they do not use any of the money donated to cover administrative costs -- all of it goes to charity.


It's a win/win for all of us.  You get earrings, we both get to help, and the people of Japan receive aid.  

If you would like a pair, click on the Pay Pal button below.    

If you would prefer to make a direct donation to LDS Philanthropies (Humanitarian Services) you can do so my clicking here.  You can specify in the comment section that you would like the money to go directly to aid Japan.


Spread the word.  Tell your friends about this post on Facebook, and Twitter.  You can paste this link in your message and it will bring them here. http://www.beutlerlife.blogspot.com


P.S.  As of 3/20, our collective efforts have contributed $280.00 to aid Japan.  Thank you friends.  Every little bit helps.  Imagine what would happen if every able adult in the United States gave up lunch 1 day a month and sent $5.00 to their favorite charity.   Wouldn't it be amazing.

What's A Girl To Do?

I've done it now.  I've fogotten the password to my online cell phone account.  There is nothing I dread more than walking in the cell phone store to work on phone problems, but I have no choice.  I need them to look up the password.  The guys behind the desk hate it too.  We have a long history, and most of it is not pretty.  It involves the shutting on and off of certain phones.  It happens when you have teens, but I won't go there.  If you have little ones, you'll experience it yourself some day, and I don't want to ruin it for you. :)  


And if you are thinking . . .  "Why doesn't she just call customer support?"


My answer is "Are you insane?"  


I'm not even going to attempt calling customer support, that's even worse.  Getting past the "press this option" buttons drives me nuts, and then I end up on "please hold" for 45 minutes.   When I finally get a real person, it's someone with a foreign accent and I can't understand a word they say because I don't hear very well over the phone!  We both end up saying "What . . . what was that??" for a good 5 minutes.  Then the phone dies and I have to recharge.


What was I talking about again??  Oh yea, remembering stuff.   (Ahem.)   I need to get a better password method, that's for dang sure.  I have so many now that I can't keep track of them all.  I think I'll remember, but I never do.  Just like when I put an object in a special place so that I remember where it's at.  I never remember the special place!


Any tips??  Do you have a password method I should know about?  


P.S.  I just now remembered that I had Book Club last night, even with reminder emails and a calendar reminder on my phone this morning!  (Agh.)  Sorry friends.  I was really looking forward to talking about The Distant Hours.  But I did remember my hair appointment . . . so I've got that goin' for me.

Out to Lunch, Be Back Tomorrow.

No time to write today.  I'm off to L.A.   Claire has an audition for a car commercial.  In the meantime, enjoy a picture of my Ikea purchases from yesterday.   Do you have to go to the bathroom first thing when you get to Ikea so that you don't end up in a panic as you get lost in their never-ending maze?  I do.   And by the time I check out, I have to go again.   That place takes forever to get through.  Next time I'm packing a snack.  No wonder they have a restaurant in the middle of the store.

Loved these tall and skinny cupcake pans.

Bins for my organizing frenzy.

Awesome fake plant for my coffee table. 

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words

Eden had his wisdom teeth pulled last Friday.   Rather than tell you about it, I'll show you.

Day one, he looked like the Joker.  Days two and three, he bore a striking resemblance to these cartoon charcters .

The best part was watching him go under. Always entertaining.




P.S. Blogfans recieve a 10% discount in my Etsy shop.  At the time of checkout, enter the coupon code: blogfan  

I Blame You, Fast Food Chains

Eden is getting his wisdom teeth pulled tomorrow.  I promised him that we would go out for dinner before he has to give up chewing for a while.  He picked Stromboli at our favorite Italian pizzeria.   As we sat there sipping soda, the conversation turned towards our upcoming trip to France.


Me:  When we visit France you finally get to see the Eiffel Tower, Eden.  Aren't you excited!   Maybe we can take a tour of the mustard factory in Dijon while we are there.  That would be kind of interesting.


Eden:  No way am I going near any mustard.  You know how I hate mustard.


Me:  Eden, you really have to stop being such a freak about food.  When we go to France, be adventurous and give everything a try.  You never know, you might fall in love with mustard and come home a changed man.  


Claire:  Yeah, Eden.  There's a whole world out there beyond chicken nuggets.


Eden:  No way am I going to try gross French stuff.  Snails?  So discusting.  Who would ever even think of cooking those things???  


Claire:  I ate them and I thought they were ok.


Me:  I'm going to try everything.


Eden:  Mom, French food is the worst food on the planet and you know it.


Me (in a very shocked tone):  What???  Are you kidding me?  French food is amazing! You have just insulted an entire country my friend.  I think you might just get kicked out the minute your foot touches French soil!


Eden:  Oh come on!  Who are you kidding.  If it's so great, why aren't there any French restaurants around here.  Name one French restaurant within 10 miles of our house.


(Long pause.)


Eden:  I rest my case.

***

See what you have done fast food chains.  You have tainted the taste buds of my son.

***

A sincere apology to the good people of France:  S'il vous plaît pardonnez mon fils insensé.

Repurpose

Sometimes it pays to go shopping in your own house.   I've been using this vintage laundry basket to store fabric in my studio.   Voila! Now it's my new side table.  I need to go buy some new glass for the top -- something a little more substantial.  I think I'll pay a visit to the glass shop this afternoon now that I have several things that need mirror, and glass.  Wait until you see what  I do with this giant antique frame.  It's going to hang on my stair landing next to Mrs. Meers.  

S

Conversations In the Carpool

The carpool has a new morning ritual that commenced shortly after I discovered Santa sitting on a tree stump next to a pot bellied pig.  


I pick up Anna, and then Jonathan and Page.  As soon as Paige slams the door, it begins --


Santa, Santa, Santa, Santa, Santa Santa!!!


The chant continues along the route to the middle school, builds just as we round the corner of Radical Drive, and ends with 'Awwww, man!'  as we pass Santa's house.  We see Santa's pig sniffing around the front door, but no Santa.  It's disappointing. 


One day though, as we were chanting away, we rounded the corner, and there he was -- Santa and his pig sitting side by side on the front lawn.  Santa was wearing purple satin pajama pants.  Cheers erupted from the back seat of the car: Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!   


I enthusiastically proclaimed 'I told you!!!  I told you he lived here!!!'


The carpool responded simultaneously: That.  Is. So. Cool!!!!!  Santa has on lounge wear! Too bad we don't have a camera.


The conversation continued a few days later . . . 


Eden:   There's only one pig out here, but I bet there is a whole herd in the back yard, and only one gets to come out front per day while Santa does the Ab Lounge on his patio.


Jonathan:  Yeah, I bet it's a herd of flying pigs -- instead of reindeer!!


Paige: That would dispel the saying 'When Pigs Fly.'


Eden:  All we need is faith and trust . . . and a little pixie dust! 


Anna:  There were no pigs in Peter Pan, Eden.


Jonathan:  Maybe Santa's pig is not a pet.  Maybe it's next year's Christmas dinner!


Eden:  Yeah, during the summer months, Santa is a butcher.  He pretends he likes the pig, but come December . . . whack!


Anna:   Have you noticed that the pig hasn't been out at all lately.  It's been like two weeks.  Maybe he's  been sick.


Eden, Jonathan and Paige:  Yeah!  With swine flu!!!!


Jonathan:  Do you get that from eating  raw pork??


By now, I have pulled in front of the middle school.  I am laughing my head off as I park next to the curb, and  the car doors open.


I bid everyone adieu: Bye Carpoolers!! I think before school lets out this year, we need a picture of you guys with the pig!  We can put it on the carpool bucket list.


Eden replies: We don't have a carpool bucket list, but yeah, that would be way awesome to get a picture with the pig.  Even cooler if Santa was with him in his purple pajamas.


The car doors slam and I drive away, still laughing.  In  fact, I will probably think about this later today, and start chuckling all over again.  The things Eden, Paige, Jonathan, and Anna say just kill me.


Only 10 weeks left, and I will be done driving them to school forever -- done with carpools forever!   I never thought I would see that day come.  I've been counting the weeks, months . . . years even.  Truthfully,  I think it's going to be a little sad when it actually happens.  


I'm going to make that photo happen for selfish reasons.  Years from now, I will have something to look at to remember the good times. 


I wonder what the pig is named???  That's a conversation starter for tomorrow.

Chaos

The painters have finished, but my house is still in chaos mode.

Bathroom needs to be reassembled.

And I need to sew a shower curtain.   I knew I saved that pom pom fringe for a reason.

But, on a good note,  I did attack my studio this morning.  I did as you advised Christine -- I spent an hour working on one section at a time.  The east wall is looking good.

Now it's on to the laundry mountain.  I so dread spending the afternoon in here.  While taking this picture, I realized I need to finish the curtain for this window.   I've got waaaay to much to much on my plate this week.    


Friends, I will be turning down all invitations to lunch.

Bring Back the Family Dinner

I sure have seen Charlie Sheen a lot in the media lately. Does it bother you, like it bothers me? It breaks my heart watching someone with substance abuse problems battle their demons. I wonder how Charlie's family feels watching this happen to him? Actually, I don't wonder, I think I know. I have friends and family members who suffer from addictions.  I'm sure I'm not alone in proclaiming that.


It's worse watching a person that you love, isn't it? A person who one day makes a choice that changes them forever -- and over the years you watch as their countenance changes from light to dark -- that is, unless they get help.  I always wonder if there is something I could have done to help prevent the people I love from ever going down that dark road. Sometimes even small things can make a difference.


Last week, I went to a function where my friend Joanne spoke about the importance of eating together as a family. Did you know that children who eat around the dinner table with parents on a regular basis are less likely to smoke, drink and use drugs? I thought that was a pretty bold statement, but Joanne backed it up with data from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, and several other reliable sources. I did some hunting today on the internet, and what JoAnn said is true. Statistics show that children who eat around the dinner table are less likely to smoke, drink and use drugs. A regular family dinner around the table is a small thing that could make a big difference in the life of someone that you love.


I think about my own youth and the times that I spent with my family around the dinner table. We didn't do it often and we were not very connected, nor did we communicate much. But, there was a time before my dad died that we went to dinner at my grandparents house every Sunday afternoon. Those times that we spent together eating around my grandparents table are some of my fondest memories. I'm not kidding when I say that. There was a certain comfort there. I loved that my grandmother would make special meals for me. I loved that we laughed and talked, and celebrated holidays and birthdays around her table. I loved watching her cook. I loved it when she asked me to help. We were connected through those meals and conversations. I know they drew us closer together as a family. 


Joannne's presentation inspired me to get back to basics and gather my family around the table again.   I don't know about you, but sometimes, that is really hard to do -- especially when you work, or have kids involved in extracurricular activities, or don't like to cook. It seems as my kids have gotten older, they are home less and less.  I'm noticing that we aren't as connected as we used to be.  Sometimes our kids don't need the dinner as much as they need us. They need the conversations, the laughter, and knowing that they are loved. I know my kids need that from me.  


As Joanne talked, she also asked questions. She asked the group "What are some of the reasons you don't cook, or have dinner around the table?


There were LOTS of hands raised, let me tell you.  We all had the same issues:

• My kids always complain about what I make. (That happens to me all the time.)
• I never know what to make.
• I don't have the right ingredients in my cupboards.
• It takes too long, and I hate cleaning up the mess.
• We are too busy to sit down at the table.

Joanne knew that would happen.  She came prepared and gave us help for each and every issue.     I want to share her advise because it was amazing. She reminded me that cooking meals is do-able, even if you have 4 kids who play soccer (which Joanne does.) Her family eats at home almost every night, and they eat food that Joanne prepares. Believe it or not, she doesn't cook very often. She has a method that works for her.   I have to confess, that I used to have a method that worked for me too, but I slacked off.  Not JoAnn, she is a wise woman, who walks the talk.   


Even though I was a slacker, I can tell you this -- if you are consistent and find a method that works for your family, you will be able to get a meal on the table without a lot of work, or mess.  And even better, you can save a bunch of money because you shop less and eat out less. All good things, if you ask me. I might have enough money to buy that Anthropologie outfit I've been eying.


If you are interested in ideas about how to get a homemade meal on the table without cooking every single night, click here. I challenge you to give it a try for 30 days. I guarantee, will be glad that you did.


Thanks Joanne, you wonderwoman you.   I'm getting back on track and bringing back the family dinner.


Post Script:  This photo is one of the few pictures I have of my entire family.  It was taken at my grandmother's kitchen table after a family dinner.

Indecision

In a former life I used to be an interior designer.  I loved that job -- it was my career for 15 years, back in the 80's when everything was Southwestern, the color of the desert.  How mint green got thrown in there I'll never know.  I've never seen mint green in the desert, have you??   I don't need to tell you that I avoid those 80's pastel colors like the plague.  I got pretty darn sick of them, along with bleached cow skulls, and that print of the American Indian sitting in profile on a horse.  It was EVERYWHERE, including my mom's house.


I still work on little projects every now and then, mostly for friends.  Every single time I help someone redesign their home, I am a good decision maker.  I pull paint chips and fabric swatches and say to the client in a confident voice "Here, is what I think you should do."  I go shopping and fill the cart with accessories I know will work in the newly furnished room.  The client is thrilled.  It's a breeze.


But . . . when it comes to my own house, I have a huge problem.  I have commitment issues.  I just can't decide -- I like way too many things.   I like vintage.  I like industrial.  I like post modern.  I like Swedish country.   And I like colors -- especially green (but not mint green.)  I don't know what I want to live with.  A little of this, and a little of that.  Ask my friends, it annoys the heck out of them. 


For years now, I've needed to repaint my kitchen.  I've had paint samples taped to the wall forever -- at least 3 years now.  I just can't decide.  But today, I took the leap.   I was forced into it.  We are thinking about selling our house, which means that I have to get this kitchen painted.   So I grabbed my paint chips and pretended like I was making decisions for someone else -- which in fact, I am if we put up that for sale sign in a few weeks.   In three minutes I had picked my colors -- subtle, that anyone could live with.  I went to the paint store and slapped the chips on the counter and said "Give me three gallons of each please (because I decided to paint the  bathroom and all the trim in the house too.)   


I drove home with the paint and started to panic.   Then I got a text from one of my friends who said "Quit worrying about it, you aren't going to be the one living with the colors.  You are only painting to make it look fresh.  If the new owners hate it, they can redo!!!!  She was right.


Today Juan commenced work.  The minuted he put the brush to the wall, I started worrying.   What is wrong with me??  Why does working on my own house take so much out of me???  I really don't get it.  It's just paint!!!!!


I'll let you know how it all turns out when Juan is done.  I'm guessing that when I see it all complete I will hear the voices "It's too bright!!  It's too yellow!!!  It's too  shiny!!!   If I do, you have my permission to slap me in the face and yell "snap out of it!!!!"    All I ask is that you be gentle.

Sneak Preview

I walked outside this morning to take out the trash.  The air smelled like perfume.  There are blossoms all over the neighborhood.  Spring is on it's way, and that means that the lilacs will be here soon.  I can hardly wait.


For those of you who are still shoveling snow . . . here's a sneak peek.

Enlightened, and Uplifted

 This morning, I had to prop my eyes open with tooth picks so that I could drive the car pool.  I had waaaay too much fun this weekend.  And most of it was not planned.

Thursday night, I got an email from my awesome friend Wendy.  She said "Hey, I think you need to come to our Enlighten GoPro photography workshop  at the beach this weekend.  I think you would fit in nicely with this group of women, plus one token man.   And by the way . . . one of the women is your friend Meg!!"  

How do you turn that down --  an invitation to hang out with  Blue Lily AND my blog friend Meg, whilst improving my photography skills?  It doesn't get much better than that.  Except for the fact that I already had an awesome weekend planned with my scrapbooking friends who I LOVE, and who I was expecting to laugh with for two whole days.   It was a deliemma to be sure.  But, I knew that Wendy and Tyler are leaving this week for their "around the world" adventure.  And since they are not coming back for a long while, I had to say "yes" to the beach weekend.    Fortunately, my scrapbook friends are cool.  They understood.

So, off I went to the beach house for two days of instruction.   I have no words friends.  It exceeded my expectations in every way.   Wendy and Tyler are  not only gifted photographers, they are gifted teachers, (and gifted entertainers who perform spontaneous circus tricks).  They speak my language.    This is what I learned:


I learned that I truly enjoyed meeting, and spending time with the 8 other residents of the beach house.  They are on their way to becoming Pros -- I still have a lot to learn.  I hope we keep in touch.

I learned that you should never use a long lens when
everyone else is using a short lens.
If you do, all you get are butt shots of the other photographers blocking your view of the subject.  Which may, or may not be a good thing, depending on the butts.

I learned that Meg is as genuine, and fun to talk to
in person, as she is in the cyber world.
Plus, she makes me laugh . . . really hard (and so did Trish.)

I learned that Cam, the token man student, and Tyler the instructor are witty, as well as good sports.    They let us tie a fancy scarf around their necks for a photo op. 
(Cam, I'm still laughing about the story you told Tyler.  
Small world . . . Temecula.)

I learned that this gorgeous couple should be Anthropologie catalog models, and that they must be great parents, their children were so, so nice.

I learned that this little lovely is good natured.  She was freezing to death, and didn't make a fuss while 11 people shot picture after picture of her sweet face.

I fell in love with her sandy toes.

I learned this boy has a killer smile when you say "hey cool hat, will you let me borrow it sometime??"
  Maybe not . . . my head is huge.

I learned that it's really fun to take pictures of
children who are not your own.  Who knew!   

These eyes made my heart melt . . . .

. . . and these brown boots, too cool.
I need a pair -- do they make size 6?

I learned that this couple is getting married in a few weeks . . .

. . . and that they love each other, which made me smile.

And finally, I learned that you should never, ever post pictures like this on your blog, unless you want "pay back."  Meg, it was a reality check -- I look nuts and need a girdle.


**

Wendy and Tyler thanks for the best weekend ever.  Just as you promised, I left enlightened, and uplifted.   Now let's hope I remember everything we talked about.  Hope to see you in France this summer.  In case I don't see you before you leave . . . adieu!!

***

P.S. Seriously, if you are interested in improving your photography skills, or want a family photo that will knock your socks off,  hunt Wendy and Tyler down this year while they are traveling the world. Their schedule is on the Blue Lily website.  


P.S.S.  After the workshop I drove up to Anaheim and spent what was left of my weekend at the scrapbook festivus (making jewelry).  It was worth it.  I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. and laughed myself sick -- even though I got absolutely nothing done.