Keepin' It Real

Last night the hot air in our house forced us to hang out in our big backyard. The air was cool, the lawn watering was done and Eric, Bumblebee and I just sort of explored the backyard.

Yep, I am still pregnant.

Here's Eric, he can never just give me a normal look when I take his photo.

I was too lazy to put on my own shoes, so I slipped into Eric's loafers. A classy fashion statement if I do say so myself.

Finally, Eric got this wonderful shot of Bumblebee as we were hanging out.

What did you do last night?

Poppies

I was wandering around the yard recently, thinking about how badly I need to borrow a weed whacker, when I spotted a little group of poppies. They had quietly grown up in a hidden potion of the yard, only announcing their presence when they had opened up.

The yard has been a source of constant surprise. Little flowers, herbs and other mystery plants keep popping up in little corners of the yard. Every time I find something new I wonder who planted it and what was their vision?


I wonder what will survive to see next summer and who will be living here at that point, we're going to have to move again next Spring. Same town, new place.


Thanks to my sweet hubby who went out and took some pictures for me because he knew how much I loved the poppies.

A Festival and a Fort

Yesterday we hit up the local art festival. We had thought it would be a small event, but we were mistaken.

There were tons of people and many many things to see and do. People had come from around the state, not just our town. They also seemed to be genuinely enjoying the event.

There were a couple of tents with different musicians playing simultaneously. The weather was wonderful and there were loads of artists.

Eric and I wandered around from tent to tent, checking out the goods. There were many regional artists making Western art, which isn't really my thing (I am into Baroque art and that's not big in WY), but it was nice to see that there is a vibrant artistic community within the state.

The art museum was also having an open house. The current exhibit was of Jorge Santos. He lives in New Mexico and we noticed that New Mexican highways were a common backdrop in many of his works. Considering that Eric grew up in NM and I spent many years there we recognized the landscape instantly. With that said, his work is not landscape at all, but has a decidedly Surrealist influence.

Also, you'll notice in the photo above that there were lots of painted buffalo. I think most cities or states have their own version of this with different animals. Artists are asked to decorate the buffalo in their own unique style. I love that WY has chosen to go with the buffalo.

Finally, we had our first fort night in our new digs. We have fort making down to an art form, so it came together quite well if I do say so myself. We settled in with some yummy snacks and had a lovely evening.

Two Thirds

Yikes. I have less than three months until my due date. Two thirds of the way done! I guess it's been kind of sneaking up on us for a while here (like 6 months), but I am really starting to get excited. My new morning alarm is being kicked in the gut from the inside out, a little creepy, but oddly reassuring.

The other day I finally had my first stranger ask when I am due. I was quite thrilled. Not half an hour later I was asked again. So, apparently I am looking pregnant now. Although I imagine the belly rubbing makes it a bit more clear. I think most people don't rub their bellies if there isn't a baby involved, although I could be wrong. I will have to test my hypothesis.

Every Saturday I go online to several sites and see what progress our little girl has made. This week she's opening her eyes and more of the kicking (I'm sure) will happen. We are also into the realm of reassurance that she'd have a good chance of survival if she was born today although I'd like to cook her a little bit longer thank you very much.

Now that the third trimester is upon me I suddenly feel a little frantic about all of the things that still need to get done before she arrives. I guess I had better get busy!

Hot One

Yesterday was full on summer. The day was hot, hot, hot. I took Bumblebee on a mid-morning walk and about halfway through she looked at me and seemed to give up all hope that she would survive. She's a bit on the dramatic side when it comes to heat.

Later, we had our first barbecue of the season over at my parent's house. Mom and I had a little trouble getting the grill going, but it finally took off.


We had veggie burgers and some veggies. Have you ever had pineapple on a veggie burger? It's so good. Dinner was delicious. The highlights included Dad and Eric thinking that they were hilarious joke tellers and Sam having a little mishap with his beverage. Mom and I just bore witness to the nonsense.


When Eric and I got home we discovered that our house had been turned into a blazing inferno. OK, that's an exaggeration, it was just uncomfortably hot. I opened the windows turned on some fans and tried to keep my enthusiasm high. I tried to stay low to the ground, so I may have been crawling around taking photos, not my most glamorous moment.

Soon I gave up on trying to pretend that I could handle the heat and rolled around on the floor with Bumblebee. Just a note, when you're 6 months pregnant rolling-in spite of a distinctly rounded belly-is not very easy. Getting off the floor involved some serious grunts and maybe a pathetic plea to Eric for help.

In spite of the heat it was still a delightful day because:
a) Barbecues make me happy
b) It was the start of Eric's weekend.
c)Sometimes a girl just needs to roll around on the floor and be wimpy.

Odds and Ends

Let's see, today seems like an odds and ends sort of day...

Yesterday I went out for decaf coffee with a friend. It was nice to get out and socialize, that has been the one downfall to our move, not many friends yet. I was so happy to get out and get to know a new (sort of new, I kind of knew her already) friend.

While on my outing I had my first local newscaster sighting and it was a doozy. Just a reminder, Eric and I try to sight local newscasters wherever we live, yes we know it is slightly creepy. Anyway, the main lady anchor for our local news was out with a friend sitting just feet away. I stared and made it obvious that I knew who she was (I don't claim to be smooth). Hey, it's a small town she probably loves feeling like a real celeb. I contemplated asking her for her autograph and a message to Eric that read You snooze you loose. Love, Newscaster. I opted not to do it because it seemed crazy.

Today I am doing a lot of sewing, or at least that's the plan. I have an ever growing pile of things that need to be altered, fixed or just re-purposed and I should really dig into it while I have the time.

Tonight we're barbecuing at my parent's house. I am excited, I love a good vegan barbecue.

Eric opted to save fort night for this weekend as he returned from his business trip and was utterly exhausted after a couple of very long work days. So, we are preparing to do a fort night in the coming days.

What are you up to?

Time to Come Home

We made it over 8 years without spending a day apart. I kind of thought we'd be one of those old couples that got to say that we'd never spent a night apart, but jobs get in the way of those types of things. Eric has been out of town on business. It is a short trip and not really a big deal, but I think I will mention it. Mostly because it's on my mind.

Last night I called Eric in his hotel room to see how his day had gone. We ended up talking for over 2 hours. I know, you're more than welcome to roll your eyes.

I was reminded of the time I on a vacation to Montana with my family. Eric and I were just dating at the time. He was house sitting for my family while we were away. Every evening while I was away I would give him a call. Mind you this was in the days before the widespread use of the cell phone (think 1998) and phone costs were not what they are today. We talked a lot and ended up with a humongatron phone bill. When we were finally reunited we were so excited to see each other, it had been a couple of weeks. Our cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing, apparently we find each other hilarious.

Last night after I said goodbye I settled in for the night and was so thankful that after all of these years Eric and I are still chatting away and laughing for hours. He's coming back tonight and I think we'll celebrate with a fort night, providing that he gets home early enough. We haven't had a proper fort night since we moved to WY.

Yesterday

The past few days we spent house sitting for my parents who were on a little journey to Montana. I was only a bit jealous. OK that is a fib, I was really envious, particularly when they called to tell me exactly how beautiful it was in Montana. Thankfully it is currently beautiful and green here in Wyoming and I didn't have time to dwell on missing Montana.

Sam had stayed behind because he is taking summer courses in order to graduate early. I think he is trying to outdo Ben and I and that's OK, he has already promised to support me when he becomes a millionaire. Anyway, when his classes let out yesterday afternoon he joined Miss Bumblebee and I for a walk in the park.

We walked for a while, talking about our most current obsessions. He is about to get his license and has been obsessively pondering car choices. He actually has saved up for the purchase of a car. When I was his age all of my money went to thrift store shopping and garage sale-ing.


We finally sat down in the grass on top of a hill and just talked as we looked out. It was really nice. We both obliged each other by listening as we discussed our personal obsessions. Mine is the baby in case that was unclear. Yes, it's true-in spite of my best efforts I can't help but think about this little girl nonstop. It certainly doesn't help that this little one seems to be in a state of constant motion, she doesn't let me forget about her for even a moment. I swear she is practicing cartwheels or maybe she is trying to learn this dance (I'm sorry, but that video NEVER gets old).

When we sat down Miss Bumblebee first ran circles around us, barking joyfully. Apparently bringing ourselves down to her level was a thrill worthy of celebration. Soon enough she settled into my lap and just watched enjoyed and the view. Dogs are good that way, they can just enjoy quite simply..although she too may have been pondering her own obsessions (eating cat food, staring intensely, whining, licking her foot).

Ben

Today is my brother Ben's birthday. Here are 24 reasons that I celebrate my brother today.

24. He loves a toy poodle. I think it takes a special man to truly love a toy poodle. Bonus fact the poodle is named Coco.

23. He is a new husband and I am certain that he is doing an amazing job as a friend and spouse to his lovely new wife.

22. He let me pretend to be his second mother throughout our childhood. Sam did that too, it was nice of them.

21. When we were little he would join me in writing and performing shows for our parents.

20. He likes a good debate. I find this to be both maddening and endearing.

19. He has a good heart, whether he admits it or not.

18. He moved to the same town as our Grandmother and he and Sara make it a point to be close to her.

17. Even though we are separated by a great distance (and I really miss him) he makes it a point to call regularly and just to keep connected.

16. He just bought his first home. He's got it together.

15. He is really good at his job, like really good.

14. He's funny.

13. He once bought a machete (much to my horror) and had a friend throw fruit at him while he sliced it midair, it was pretty funny.

12. He knows how to have fun, uncomplicated fun.

11. He gets the worst/best gifts. Seriously, he got me this.

10. When he was little he wanted to stay at home forever and adopt tons of children. While the plans have changed, he's always that kid.

9. He used to ask my opinion about whether I thought certain things were cool. How I miss those days.

8.He eats more food than any human should.

7. He pushes himself to succeed and he does.

6. After years of taunting (gently) me about veganism he is now vegetarian.

5. He is one of the two people (my Dad too) who can tease me about my big fat (pregnant) belly.

4. He is incredibly loyal. I admire that deeply.

3. He is impulsive. He gets crazy ideas, like, I'll canoe across this lake even though it's several miles wide and I'm not experienced as a canoer (canoeist?). Sometimes this makes me nearly vomit with worry (it's my nature), but nobody can say that he doesn't live his life.

2. He makes really funny mixed CDs.

1. He's one of my best friends.

Following the Sun

Mia is in love with the new place. I can still call it our new place right? I mean we've lived here two months...When does it stop being the new place and turn into the place that we live?

Anyway, at our apartment in Denver we had no direct sunlight at any point throughout the day, it was not a lot of fun for Mia, the Mistress of the sun. She loooves to soak in the sun. I think she'd be happy if we lived in Arizona, but we don't and we probably never will.

Since we have moved into our new place she has unlimited access to patches of sunlight. She has mapped them out throughout the house for the entire course of each day. Right at sunset the light creeps across the kitchen floor and so does Mia. Eric took this photo of just such an event. Sometimes she will zone out and the sun moves a bit without her, rest assured she snaps out of it and soon creeps into the light, closing her eyes in ecstasy.

Integrating More Color

Eric and I have been nesting a lot in our new place, moving things around, trying to merge our old style with the attributes of the quirky house we are now living in. We have discovered that color is key in our new place. We have lots of windows and sunlight is pouring in constantly, making the house seem so cheery and welcoming. So, we are pulling out all of the color stops-so to speak-and we're just rolling with it. I think the added dose of color reflects the extra happiness we've been feeling as of late. Here are some ways that color has been sneaking in:


Our Venus, well we got her at a roadside sale in New Mexico about a decade ago. She has gone through the wringer, following us on many moves, losing her head at one point and spending some time in a tiny bra that I made for her. Now, she has a new look. We've painted her a baby blue and she looks lovely.

Here are the little pieces of glassware that Eric recently found for me at an antique store. I think it's those little touches here and there that really bring a style to life.

Last night we (and when I say "we" I mean Eric) painted our record shelf a light greenish color. Formerly the shelf was just a bland blond wood, now it's a bit more vibrant.

Here are a few Danish Modern pitchers we found at a thrift store for almost nothing. For some reason mid-century design is really under appreciated here in WY. We are quite excited about that fact.

While this is not an exhaustive list of the extra colors we are now exhibiting I think it reflects how much we're getting into it. For me, the place where I live should reflect my mood and be an inspiration. What impacts the way that you decorate?

Connecting

Lately I have been feeling a new sense of connection. I am sure it is a result of the many ways in which my life has changed within the past few months. I was trying to think of the last time I felt this connected to everything and I couldn't really recall ever having felt quite this way.

It seems that I have always had an agenda, something that must be done. Lately, while I am still full of agendas, I feel as though I am more able to just be where I am at. I am not looking for anything. Living closer to family, having a garden, taking long walks through nature and not just city parks, being pregnant, feeling so happy with my marriage, being creative, being motivated.

What makes you feel connected?

100 Days

Well, well, well I have a mere 100 days until my due date. Tomorrow I head down into the double digits. I can't believe how quickly this is happening and how loong it seems to take all at the same time. I have so much to do before she gets here, but I also feel so ready to meet her. So far here is what I know of motherhood and pregnancy:

• I have had it easy. I thought pregnancy would be really hard on me, but it's been easy. I feel bad for my pregnant friends who have been put through it all.
• Sometimes I love to just sit and watch my belly move as she kicks around. It is really kind of freakish, but it's so comforting as well.
• It's getting ridiculous to get up from the floor, lots of awkward rolling and rocking before I can heave myself up. The first time this happened I was sitting on the floor when the phone rang. I tried to hop up and go to the phone, but end up rolling and flopping about, making myself laugh hysterically. My stomach muscles seem to have abandoned me for the rest of the pregnancy.
• I have no idea what baby things I actually need.
• I love this little girl so much.

Anniversary

Yesterday was our 8 year anniversary. It was a lovely day. Eric worked all day so I decided to decorate for the anniversary. I got really excited and used lots of colors. I think the end result was more of a child's birthday look than an anniversary, but it was still festive. Below is the card I made for him, you see it ended up a little more birthday than anniversary. You can't read the card, that's personal.

Card for my husband of 8 years!

When my hubby got home from work we got dressed up and then took Bumblebee for a walk. Then we went out for a romantic dinner. We tried a new (to us) restaurant that is willing replace any meat on their menu with tofu. Yum! We sat at the restaurant and talked for a nice long time. We had planned to go to a movie, but never made it.

There is a good shot of my tummy, for those of you who've been asking (almost 26 weeks)

We ended up taking some photos at home and reminiscing about our wedding day. Eric also gave me some lovely glass pieces, but I haven't gotten a good picture of them yet.

We finished off our lovely anniversary with popsicles. Perfect.

Eight Years

Eight years ago today I woke up in my old bedroom at my parent's house. I opened my eyes the moment the sun crept through the window and realized that it was finally here, wedding day! Seriously I went from sleeping to wide awake and totally excited. Then I realized that it was still really early and I had to wait all day to talk with or see Eric. How was I going to make it all day without talking to Eric? Why had we chosen to have a wedding later in the day? We should have scheduled a 5am wedding, that's acceptable right?

The night before had been the wedding rehearsal and dinner, it was strange to have friends and family, from all over, meeting up for one event. We did the rehearsal and it was fun and easy going. Our nephews were running around like lunatics, people were chatting, it was just so nice and laid back. We went to dinner at a local Chinese buffet, mostly because it had vegan options and not so much for the high quality of food. Some of our friends had never met, while others hadn't seen each other in years. They all hit it off marvelously. After the rehearsal dinner my Dad and Eric took me back to the church (which had a good sound system) and played some music that they had made for me; it was one of the best moments of my life.

Back to the morning of June 16th, 2001; I went out to brunch with my bridal party and most of the rest of the day was sort of a blur. I was very calm and I was cataloging funny stories that I wanted to tell Eric later that day. I painted my nails, did my hair and makeup before we left for the church.

When I finally got to the church I was ready, ready, ready. Unfortunately we still had a long time to wait. Little wedding day dramas popped up, but they didn't even register on my radar. I just wanted to see my best friend. What a cruel thing to do to people on their wedding day, one of the biggest days ever and the betrothed are not supposed to see or speak to each other until the big reveal.

Finally, it was time. My friends filed out ahead of me, just as we had practiced at rehearsal the night before. I was standing outside the church with my Dad (who also married us, one of the perks of having a pastor for a father) when a friend showed up late. She started crying. I am not really sure why, but then I wanted to cry. The calm of the day disappeared. I think more than anything I was very nervous to walk in front of friends and family when all I wanted to do was be with Eric. I started singing a ridiculous song in my head to keep the tears from falling. I didn't want to be a bride who makes her grand entrance while sobbing hysterically. I was wearing waterproof mascara, but I didn't really want to put it to the test. Singing the song in my head calmed me down and soon I was trying not to laugh.

It was time to walk down the aisle. I had my tears under control and I looked straight ahead at Eric. He looked so handsome. I knew he would, but wowee. We made eye contact and sent our silent brain waves, you know the ones that couples send back and forth (those really creep out my brother Sam), and we were both just so happy to be there at that moment on that day. Once I made it down the aisle I glanced around the room and spotted my family and all was right in the world.

The service was wonderful. It was so special to have my father walk up the aisle with me and just turn around and perform the service. The best part of the wedding day was immediately after the ceremony when Eric and I had just a few minutes alone in a back room to see each other and realize that we were married. Married!

Now, eight years later I never, for one second, forget how blessed I am to have married this wonderful man. Being married is super cool!

I Don't Miss the City

Eric and I spent much of our time outside this weekend, wonderful. I don't miss city living one bit. Here's why...

Bench near the trail head at the Audubon Society.

Eric on a hike.

Planks on a bridge.

Moi.

Flowers, there were thousands of these little purple beauties.

Feather on the ground.

What did you do this weekend?

A Few Things

What have you been up to this weekend? I have spent much of my time outdoors. The weather has been beautiful and mild.


I spent some time this weekend following my hubby around as he worked on a music video for Marilyn Roxie. You can see it below.

Isn't the video wonderful?

Also, I love Eric. A lot.

Finally, I would love to thank Chrissy for the lovely blog award. The rules are to pass it along, but I don't want to leave anybody out. So, consider yourself awarded!

Locks of Love: Another Reason My Mom is AWESOME!

My Mom has very long hair; it's also quite thick, like as thick as your arm. She also has this habit of being incredibly giving. She quietly donates as needed; she gives blood, volunteers for everything and even gives her hair. Generally her generosity is quiet and under the radar, as she would prefer it, but yesterday was a little different...

My Mom works as an oncology nurse and encounters patients who lose some or all of their hair during the course of their treatment. Yesterday, at her work, was a cancer survivor celebration barbecue. My Mom chose this day to give her hair to Locks of Love which makes wigs, mostly for children who suffer from hair loss. As part of the event she asked one of her patients, who has lost her hair to cancer, to do the honors of cutting off her long hair. My Mom used the opportunity to draw attention to two causes that are near and dear to her heart, what a clever lady.

First, let me note that the above photo is not her normal hairstyle, she had it separated for donation. Eric and I stopped by her office for the event, which ended up being an EVENT.

Mom had an entourage of friends, patients (friends), reporters, photographers and camera crews following her around. The barbecue and hair cutting ended up on two local news stations and in the paper. She was not quite comfortable with all of the attention, but it was well worth it.

Sharyn (above) is a cancer survivor who has lost her own hair to cancer. My Mom was quick to point out that her donation, while dramatic, was nothing compared to those who quietly lose their hair as a result of cancer treatments.

Sharyn nervously set to work chopping off my Mom's hair. It took quite a while because, as I mentioned, my Mom has some crazy thick hair.

The crowd applauded as each ponytail was removed.

After the cutting was complete my Mom stood with Sharyn while we all oohed and ahhed.

Here she is after the chopping and before the styling that soon followed. She later told me that when she walked into the hair salon one of the stylists looked up and nervously asked, "Did someone do that to your hair?" Apparently she thought my Mom had been to the worst hairdresser on the planet.

Finally, here she is with her beautiful new hair-do. I'm so lucky to be her daughter.

What To Keep

Last night Eric and I had a long talk about what we pack around with us. We just moved and got rid of a lot of excess baggage, but as we are acquiring all of the little things that go with having a child we are realizing that we want to rid ourselves of even more of the unnecessary objects that we pull around from place to place. I love the idea of all of my stuff having a specific function (yes, sentimentality is considered a function) or purpose for taking up space.

First we started a project pile. We have loads of little unfinished projects that are just waiting to be complete, we decided to give all of those projects a home. Now, when we are bored we can just go and complete something from that pile. We were able to cut through some clutter (how many pairs of giant sunglasses do we actually need?) and get together a few things to take to the local thrift stores. It is so liberating to let go of junk.

Then we hit on the sentimental stuff and we began to wonder just what is worth keeping and what is not? For instance we will always have the above panda bear with the duct taped arm. Eric loved it so much when he was a little boy and it's just not something either of us feels he should throw out. So, while it has little function in our lives it will remain with us, living in a trunk with a few other super sentimental objects.

What do you have that you just cannot part with?