introspection

It is an introspective day. mission, initiative, motivation, direction.
snow and ice falling.
school called off.
housebound and loving the quiet moments.
My sparkly ladybug will be 18 at the end of the week. We have grown together and woven over the years and as she readies herself to fly... I am grounded and will watch her soar to her next experiences. I am exceedingly proud of her senior project, Art Empowerment blog, of her volunteering in the schools. Giving her time to lots of youngsters, and of her willingness to keep working and skating through the trials and tribulations of her senior year, sicknesses, and fatigue.
I am also especially proud of my loving effervescent rainbow girl for working so hard at maintaining her high level of dedication to her studies, constant motion, skating, and sledding yesterday with excessive 12 year old gusto and abandon. laughing in glee as she flew over the slick and frozen earth.... racing her favorite friend, aquatic racer, in fun and happiness.
I am feeling the effects of flying through the air and slamming and taking air as we flew over the frozen golf course. Neck radiating dull annoyance, reminding me I am aging. What fun... I was wishing for skiing but that will have to wait for one day soon! All is frozen and frosted slick on Cape Cod. Spitting falling snow drops.... sounds like falling ice particles. Ahhhh... lovely February day.

coastal grass flow

mid January….

...today feels like spring after the arctic vortex and rain …. today is a gorgeous blue sky sunshine filled day. Green white pines and light brown to grey bark and shadows fill the window. Muted color and light fill the air. lovely. The ice and snow have mostly melted into the ground, ponds, streams, and ocean…. it is a great day to go for a walk. My trusty Macy dog and I will head out shortly to explore. We already found a beautiful woodpecker who didn't make it through the cold snap. We put lots of nuts and seeds out for the bird population here during the cold months, so interesting to look at a beautiful bird who has expired on the earth, in leaves and looking so natural in it's passage. Listened to an owl early this morning. The birds make life so rich here. Their music, visits, cuteness, and beauty. We love them. Enjoy the day, it is a beautiful gift.

Thanksgiving weekend is over. Have a good handle on Christmas shopping as I started that back in August. This years mantra…..less is more. sincerity, home made, local, love. these things speak volumes. Wishes for more sweet moments with our loved ones. time… wishes for time with special folks. our folks. our kids. our loves. furry puddles of love on our beds. smiling faces. give more to others that we don't need. donate what we are not using so that others may have warmth and rest from worries and weariness. quality. made in America. wishes for close to home. and for others to look at the recycle/upcycle, reuse, vintage fun we find along our path…. have had our favorite shopping experiences to date at thrift stores from Boston University's Goodwill, to Second-Time-Around on Charles and Newbury Streets, Goodwill's on our travels and great thrift stores we found this summer in Balston Spa, NY, as we searched out the area for colleges. fun, fun, fun. Most of my sparkly girl's school uniform came from the Teen Exchange, although not enough people utilized  this important resource and it has gone out of business. used, tire, plastic bottles…. it's all good. even if it's just us. We love it, although it would be better if you'd come along with us and we'll show you just how fun this is. and … It has begun. the holiday frenzy. There it is…. the onslaught of ads, emails, visuals everywhere. I am going to be the most careful yet. not to over buy, spend, or spread the not useful. I am pledging it here. Just want to spread my commitment. useful and love are my words for the emerging holiday season…. simplicity

cool november….

cool, damp, rain. cape cod mid november.
bustling beginning and I'm looking for a simple season. wishes for twinkle lights and snowflakes. meaningful moments rather than excess. love to hunker down with my family and friends. Cherish making meals and treats to enjoy, create, and look forward to time spent by firesides with our children and furry companions under blankets.
simple meals and healthful walks, skating on ponds and bogs, bright colors in snowy landscapes, and a hope of skiing. Which I love beyond words. Time with my 17 year old ladybug, 12 year old glittery rainbow girl, my darling Canuck boyfriend and our families as time allows.
looking forward to a Thanksgiving day turkey trot and meal with cousins and the crew, a solstice celebratory dinner, twinkle lights everywhere, and sparkly embellishments, ribbons, cellophane, glassine, papers of craft and the holidays, and especially evergreens indoors. These moments are right around the corner. I feel prepared to enjoy this year. The simple gifts are in the basement waiting for embellishments, I am recharging, preparing and planning.