I Think This Is A Bit Pathetic

You may recall this post, where I asked for tips on how to make friends in our new town. Well, it looks like Miss Bumblebee may need to socialize a bit too. I realized that she needed friends when she tried to play with our robotic vacuum yesterday. Just for your information Eric has named the robotic vacuum TW05-28

Bumblebee used to be terrified by the robot vacuum, so I was quite surprised when she started leaping around it, barking and wagging. She pounced and circled for several minutes, attempting to lure the TW05-28 into a game of chase.

Unfortunately it completely ignored her offer of friendship. Don't feel too bad for her. We will soon be paying a visit to her best dog friend and she will get loads of romping play time!

Life TO DO list

I have been thinking a lot about the things that I want to do with my life. I have an ongoing Life TO DO list. Not just the daily to do list, which currently includes researching new insurance carriers, making a shopping list for our upcoming trip to the city, grooming, doing some pre-natal yoga and taking Miss Bumblebee for a walk. I am talking about things like long term goals, places to see, things to do, etc.

Here are a few things on my Life To Do List:

I want to go to Madagascar and have a look around. I guess they're in a state of civil unrest, so this may have to wait a bit. Admittedly I love lemurs and I think that maybe, just maybe, if I visit Madagascar the lemurs will make me an honorary princess (I should note that I feel similarly about manatees and the platypus). Also, the landscape, from what I have seen, is really beautiful and unlike anywhere else on the planet.

Give up the use of nail polish. Technically I have managed this feat for about a year now, but it's an ongoing battle. I had a series of bad encounters with nail polish that colored my nails yellow (gross) and it took forever to grow it out. Plus I am the kind of gal who paints her nails and they chip or smudge within a few moments. Now I am on the war path and I think I might win.

Finish my thesis. Ha ha. I have no choice it's got to get done within the next year, but I'd rather finish sooner than later. I really am nearly done. I do have some valid reasons for procrastinating, but they are quickly losing their ground.

Start an animal rescue. I want, in my heart of hearts, to dedicate my life to this.

Become a better seamstress. I can sew a little bit, but I want to be good. I want to be able to design my own clothes and make them so that they fit perfectly. I feel like that would be a great outlet for my creativity.

Get my PhD. Although I definitely need more of a break from school before I dive back in.

Buy a home in Montana. Eventually this must happen.

I want to be a mother. Many people joke that I've always been a mother, just in need of some kids. Let's put that to the test shall we?

OK, this one is weird, but I've always wanted to whittle wood. Not a lot of whittling mind you, just maybe one thing. I remember being a little girl and cutting at a stick with a kitchen knife. You know, now that I write it out it sounds much less interesting. Let's keep this one as an alternative.

Learn Spanish and Russian and any other language that strikes my fancy.

I want to take the Grand Tour. After my art education it feels entirely necessary. I mean what else am I going to use an MA in art history for?

Learn how to swim. I can swim a bit, but really it's sad to watch. I dog paddle and tread water. I also invent my own techniques. Don't even get me started on my diving, no seriously it's really bad and my family has it on video...they showed it to Eric before he married me. Anyway, I'd like to be able to do the basics.

What's on your list?

Farmer's Market

I have been waiting all summer for the farmer's market to start up. Apparently in small town Wyoming they get a very late start. I'm just glad that they have one at all! Last night was the opening night of the now bi-weekly market.

Eric and I went over to check it out and enjoy the great small town vibe. There were kids and dogs, people chatting after a day of work. I noticed that there was sidewalk chalk and bubbles for the little kids. It was lovely. I also like that the event was held in the evening, the weather was perfect. There were a variety of vendors and some dinner carts as well.

We settled on a hay bale to watch a local group which included two adorable little girls playing violin with a group of seniors.

In case you are wondering that is indeed my pregnancy muumuu!

What did you do last night?

Protected

It's a strange thing to be pregnant. I mean, not just the part where I am growing a human inside of me, although that is pretty darn weird. I am talking about how people have become more protective of me since I have really started to wield the power of the pregnant belly. Eric has always been a complete gentleman, but now there is an added tenderness and a hint of extra concern as I stumble around through the last couple months (just under two months if you want to be accurate). My mom has taken to walking on the street side of the sidewalk when we are out together.

It's not just friends and family, but strangers as well. I have noticed that people are a bit more polite about letting me cross the street and they hold doors even when I am approaching from a long way off. I also enjoy the polite smiles and kind words. Though I must note one strange woman stared at my belly with a shocked look, as though she had never seen such a thing as a pregnant lady, that made me laugh.

Anyway, I remember those days before I was pregnant (seems like I've been pregnant forever) when I felt a bit extra protective of our pregnant ladies. We, or at least I, tend to think of pregnant ladies as more than just belonging to themselves, but sort of as property of everyone. Isn't that weird? I really don't mind this phenomenon. I think it must be something deeply ingrained in us as a species. I mean, sure we are protective of babies and children, but pregnant ladies fall into the same category.

It kind of reminds me of early childhood, that feeling of being so protected. Don't get me wrong, I love my independence, but it is oddly familiar to have other people so concerned for my safety. I wouldn't be surprised if people offered to hold my hand as I cross the street. Now, I suppose I could find this to be a little annoying, but instead it makes me feel really happy about this little girl. I know that all of this attention will soon be transferred onto her and she will be SO watched over, it's nice to give this support system a trial run for her.

With that said I will certainly be quite happy to be able to trip and fall in peace once I am no longer pregnant. Now I worry about stumbling (one of my hobbies) because I know it will draw gasps from horrified onlookers. I may give someone a heart attack if I take one of my signature tumbles or trips.

Need Some Ideas

We have lived here for just a few short months, but we're having difficulty making friends. I need your help. Here's what we're looking for:

• Nice people. I think that is more than obvious. Who wants mean friends?
  
• People who are at least respectful of our veganism. We don't need our friends to be vegan, but we do need them to understand that we are vegan. It seems simple enough, but we're in cowboy country.
  
• People who are comfortable being around a baby. I mean that kind of goes without saying.
• Some folks who have a good sense of humor.

Now, we've been trying to make friends, but it's a little awkward. Eric's work isn't really an option. He mostly works with the 80+ crowd. So, we've been trying to go to local events an such, but we're having difficulty breaking the ice.

Where do you go to make friends? Any suggestions are welcome!

The Falls

Yesterday afternoon Eric and I decided to take Bumblebee on a little hike at a nearby waterfall. We took the 10 minute drive to get to the trail head. The hike is really quite easy, so nobody worry about the clumsy pregnant lady walking on difficult trails near terrifying drop offs. Although Eric was very attentive whenever I did anything that looked a little precarious. I am not sure if this is due to the pregnancy or if it's just my normal clumsiness that had him concerned, but it was really sweet.

The day was really hot, but the hike was well shaded. Bumblebee annoyed Eric by (ahem) marking her territory about a million times, so it was a little slow going. We did enjoy all of the flowers and butterflies that seem to have laid claim to the area.

The waterfall itself was beautiful and cooled the air significantly.* Side note, my parent's elderly dog once fell down the waterfall. Thankfully it was in the winter and he just fell into snow, but it's one of those events that has entered family lore.*

Generally we just wandered around exploring some of the trails that go up and around the falls.

Finally we sat on some rocks near the water's edge and watched Bumblebee as she explored the terrain.

Mystery Chimney

Many of you know that we recently moved into a quirky rental house. The longer we live here the more we notice the little things that are just a bit off about it. I think the house has gone through many incarnations and reflects a little something from each change it's been through. The floors aren't entirely level, the walls play fast and loose with the notion of a straight line. Really I don't mind, it kind of reflects what type of gal I am. I respect a good guesstimate (estimate+ guess= guesstimate) and clearly many of them have been employed in the creation of our humble abode.

The other day I was returning from a walk when I took a look at our roof. I noticed that there was a chimney right on top. What?! There is no fireplace in my house, not even the remnants of a fireplace. How could that be? I went inside and took a look around, secretly hoping that somewhere, somehow I had missed a room with a warm cozy fireplace. Not that I want to start a fire right now, it's crazy hot, but it would be nice this winter. I tried to look in the general location below the chimney. I looked in closets and cupboards. I searched the ceiling for some sign that there had once been bricks. Alas, I couldn't find the secret room with the fireplace.

I mentioned the chimney to Eric and he had to commence his own search as well. I guess it's just human nature. Anyway, neither of us could find any indication that there had ever been a fireplace in this house. So, either the house has just been totally gutted and refurbished or there is a tiny fireplace in the attic. We're not allowed in the crawlspace attic and I don't think we'd want to go in there anyway. So, this winter you'd better believe I will be looking for any telltale smoke coming from that chimney. If I see it I will know without a doubt that there is a gang of squirrels living in the attic using a charming little fireplace.

What are you up to?

Isn't this a great photo? I didn't take it, my husband did. He's a great photographer and only rarely does he take nature photos. Anyway, I thought you might like this photo even though it has nothing to do with the rest of the post.

Let's see. Today is Eric's day off, so we get to spend the whole day together. What to do? Here are the stats for today:

• It's going to be crazy hot. We have no a/c so at some point today we will both roll around whining about the heat. Don't worry, we'll manage to overcome, but I fear it's inevitable.

• We need to go for a bike ride by the river this evening.
  

• I may need to give Ophelia (our fat cat) a haircut. Partially because it's hot and partially because it's pretty funny to cut her hair.

• We must to get new Wyoming license plates. We realized a couple of days ago that our plates expired last month! Yikes. I thought they expired at the end of this month. Anyway, we're going to stop living like outlaws and turn ourselves into legitimate Wyomingites.

• Wash Bumblebee. She's smells BAD. I am tempted to describe the odor, but I will refrain just in case you are eating as you read.

What are your plans for today?

Pregnancy Update: Cutting Edge News

Well, after months of waiting you'd think I would have noticed the moment it happened, but I didn't. I was sitting on the couch eating an afternoon snack of applesauce when all of a sudden it hit me, I was using my pregnant belly like a table! I don't know why, but I've been waiting for that moment and suddenly it was upon me. I was so thrilled (really people, it's the simple joys) that I had to take pictures. Thankfully I seem to always have a camera within reach so I could bring this important photographic evidence to you the reader. Don't you feel better?

While we're at it I have a few pregnancy related things I want to share:

I have 65 days until my due date. Wowee.

We were at a percussion show the other evening and she started bouncing around, clearly reacting to the music. Eric was so proud (he's a percussionist).

I was recently at a store that had pregnancy parking and I used it. I felt really cool!

I cannot get up like a normal person. I have a technique of rolling around until I get the momentum going, it's really elegant...

I have gotten a pediatrician. I feel like a good mother being so prepared and all.

Anyway, enough about me and the unborn little lady, what are you up to?

Happy Birthday Sam!!

Sam, my youngest brother, turns 16 today! Holy smokes I can't believe he's 16. I am sure he'll be off to the DMV first thing this morning in order to get his driver's license. Since I used his photo in yesterday's post and he hates when I take his picture I decided to add Miss Bumblebee in her birthday celebration gear to this post.

I would like to take this time to list 16 reasons to celebrate my youngest brother.

1)He is really interested in learning. If he doesn't know something, he will research it.

2)He's self-aware. He has this sense of who he is, even when he doesn't know just where he's going in life. It's pretty amazing.

3)He is cool. You know, he's too cool for school (although he does in fact go to school).

4) He really cares about the feelings of others. After encounters with people he will often reflect upon the experience and question whether or not he said and did the right thing because he doesn't want to hurt people's feelings.

5) One of his cats rides on his shoulder like a parrot.

6) He plans for the future. As I mentioned yesterday, he has been saving up so he could buy his first car...and he did. I think my 'car savings' was a jar of change that I raided for coffee. Now he is saving up to buy a house.

7) He let's me call him Sug (pronounced Shoog) which once began as Sugar Booger when he was a baby. I don't know many people who would allow such a nickname to stick around.

8)He's really easy to talk to. Not like a normal teenager, he can have conversations that span everything from music to the world economy.

9) When he was little he named his fish Jason.

10) He's really good at making conversation. He asks questions and offers insight like a pro.

11)He made the choice to go vegetarian by himself, when he was in elementary school!

12)When he asks for advice from others he actually listens and takes it in, sometimes too well.

13)He has a bamboo plant that he's been taking care of for years.

14) He's learning to play drums which is pretty cool.

15)He's a giant. The youngest member of the family now towers over us all in height and we're a very tall family (well, maybe not my mom...sorry Mom).

16)He's really funny. He has a great dry sense of humor.

Happy birthday to Sam!!!!

Feeling My Age

Yesterday my youngest brother got a car. He's been saving his money for many years in anticipation of this time in his life. Tomorrow is his birthday and he will get his driver's license. Do you remember how amazing it felt to get your license? How liberating it was? Well yesterday was his big day. Sam stopped by with our parents(he's still only got the learner's permit) to show us his new car.

We took the official tour of his car. His first wheels. We were so excited for him, even though he remained cool about the whole thing. There was just one feature to his car that left him puzzled, the tape deck. He had never used a tape player. Oh me oh my, Eric and I were shocked. Sure, we knew he was a child that knew CDs and ipods, but really? He had never used a tape player?

So we broke out a box of a few mixed tapes we had saved from years gone by. We were looking through the tapes with Sam, explaining to him just how important a mixed tape once was. The art form that went into a mixed tape. You had to choose the right mix of songs, creating a flow from beginning to end. You had to make sure there wasn't dead air or that the tape wouldn't run out mid song. Once the tape itself was perfected it was time to decorate the tape case. Hours could be spent drawing and collaging the perfect tape case.

Sam is pretty hip. He likes our old school taste, it's gone out of style and is on it's way back in. So Sam is game to try out this retro trend. Still, he didn't even know how to fit the tape into the tape case! Eric had to take him out to his new car and give him a quick tutorial on how to use a tape player.

Later when I was talking about this with my parents my mom mentioned that Sam once asked her how to use a rotary phone! It's so strange how the world has been quietly changing on us. I think about the big changes, but those little changes are often escaping my attention. I couldn't help but think about our daughter. How different her world is than the one in which I was born.
She will never know a world that:
1)Doesn't have cell phones.
2)Doesn't have the Internet.
3)Uses tapes and records (well, we do, but it will be a mere novelty to her).
Can you think of anything else? There are tons of examples I'm sure, but suddenly I am drawing a blank. Mostly because I am thinking that I really want a rotary phone.

A Few More

You may recall that last Monday I began the arduous task of uploading old family photos. I have been very busy, as there are hundreds and hundreds of photos. I have been finding little gems mixed in with the usual Christmas gathering photos. I thought I'd share a few more just because they are so great.

I love this photo. It's such a personal moment. Who took the photo? When was it taken? I always have so many questions when I look at these types of photos. What were the circumstances? Who treasured this image so much that it was kept for all of these years?

Eric and I aren't exactly sure who this girl is, nor do we know the circumstances surrounding the photo, but it is just such a great picture. I mean look at all of the elements: her outfit, her pose, those socks, the look on her face. The whole thing seems like it should be on a Hallmark card with a little funny caption...what would it say?

Do you have a favorite old family photo?

Jackpot!

Yesterday we hit newscaster gold. For those of you who are not aware Eric and I have a long standing obsession with spotting local newscasters. I am not sure why, so let's not investigate the psychology behind it right now. Maybe that can be a post for a really boring day when I don't have such thrilling news.

Yesterday evening we headed to the local baseball game. We were torn about the whole thing since it was a Montana team (where our real loyalties lie) versus a Wyoming team (our home is in Wyoming). OK, so we weren't really torn since we aren't seriously into baseball. For us it's all about the people watching, mixed in with a little game watching.


We took our seats, looking around for interesting characters (one of my favorites being an older gentleman with a shirt that read I'm a Keeper). When we finally focused on the field we discovered that one of the local newscasters Jacqueline had thrown the first pitch. Eric and I exchanged incredulous looks and watched as she sauntered up to the press box. So, Eric and I spent the rest of the game spying on the newscasters.

Additional highlights included:

The French family behind us. I was eavesdropping on their conversation, hoping it would be thrilling, but they were just talking about baseball.

A small girl who was obsessed with the mascot named Hobart, but she kept accidentally calling him Walmart. "Mom I wanna gooo see Walmart.".

The old woman who was chosen as sweetheart of the game. She got flowers.

A cup of pink lemonade. My favorite.


What did you do last night?

A Bit About Yesterday. Mostly Random

Yesterday morning started off well when Eric recounted his bizarre dream. We were sitting down to breakfast. He had coffee, I had orange juice and we were eating some cereal with soy milk. As is often my practice I asked him if he remembered his dream. Usually he doesn't, but if he does it is generally bits of information from the day before all jumbled together. He looked at me with a little twinkle in his eye. I knew he'd had a good dream. He had dreamed that a hair eating possum had attacked him and tried to eat his hair. He recalled feeling stupid because he knew he should stay away from hair eating possums. I choked down my laughter and a spoonful of cereal. The rest of the day I tried to bring up hair eating possums as much as possible because that's how I roll.

Yesterday was really hot. People were moving slowly all over town. Eric and I went out and ran some errands, but the heat was just too oppressive to really be outside. I know my brother in Phoenix is rolling his eyes because he's dealing with triple digit heat on a daily basis and I don't think we ever hit the triple digits.

Early evening hit and the entire town lost power. It was really pretty amazing. With no fans we were forced out of our house. We grabbed Bumblebee and drove around town, with the a/c going. People were out all over. It was really nice to see people taking walks and out on their porches. Who knew so many people lived here? I would love it if there was an evening power outage every evening this summer. Sure it's hot, but I saw so many neighbors talking to each other, people reading on their porches, kids outside with their parents. It was like TV, Internet and video games didn't exist. It was also kind of like that part of the movie Bambi when he first learns to walk, it's a little awkward but he soon gets the hang of it. Anyway, power was restored after a few hours and people slowly went back indoors as the sun began to set.

What did you do yesterday?

Summer Evening Second Try

Last week Eric, Bumblebee and I attempted to go and see the weekly outdoor concert in our small town, but it had been canceled. So this week it was on. After dinner we grabbed a blanket, Bumblebee and our camera and headed to the show.

It was a regular small town American experience. There were hundreds of locals out with lawn chairs, a few entrepreneurs pulling around a wagon with treats, lots of dogs, and tons of people of all ages. What was this amazing show you might ask?

Well, we watched the Municipal Band. The band played a bunch of old big band songs. There was a gentleman with a great voice who would introduce each song and give a little background history on the song. Halfway through the evening a local musician gave the band a break and played a quick set.

The crowd was great. We were highly entertained by a little girl who was doing her own tumbling routine a few feet away. Her tumbling kept bringing her ever closer, for a look at Bumblebee.

The weather was so perfect. The night was lovely. We'll definitely head back next week.

Plans and Goals

I am smack dab in the middle of pregnancy, actually more like 2/3 of the way through it. Yesterday I was at the library and I even checked out a book called Nesting, hoping to get some ideas to take my nesting to the next level. While my brain is pretty much buzzing in circles around the idea of a baby I am trying to make other plans lest I become one of those women who can only talk about their baby. Although, in my defense people keep asking, how am I supposed to ignore their questions?

Back to my plans and goals...
When I was speaking with my cousin the other day we decided to work toward a common goal together even though we live several states apart. We are both going to choose some event, a marathon or triathlon, that will be in our area about this time next year and start training for it. Obviously I am not going to start training for anything right now, with me being a bit more limited physically. I haven't been running in quite some time. I do try to maintain an active lifestyle and I do exercise regularly, but this will be a whole new experience.

Eric is eager to join in with us, so there will be a lot of mutual support. The plan is that we will all check in on a weekly basis (for me this will begin after I have had time to recover from childbirth) and make sure we're all still motivated as well as giving any tips or advice we may have picked up. I am really excited at the prospect of going at this with others. The idea of a specific goal will help us to maintain our steam. *Mom, I think this may result in some babysitting opportunities for you.*

Have any of you ever done such a thing? I know a few of my readers are also runners. Do you have any tips? I am a little concerned as I will be physically able to start my training right as winter hits, but I am determined to see this through.

Awkward on the Phone

I am really awkward on the telephone. I don't know when this happened to me. I recall a time, not so long ago, that I could handle a phone conversation with skill and artistry. Now...well it gets weird fast.

First, let me start by saying that this whole post was inspired by a rare successful phone call, so I am definitely going somewhere with this. I think I am going somewhere with this.

Anyway, when I was a young girl I picked up my phone skills from my Mom. For the first 12 or so years of my life I would answer the phone, "Hello, this is Maria. How may I help you?" Eventually this got weird and I had to scale back my professionalism. Although I do admit to occasionally using my work voice to answer my own phone. Usually I realize what I am doing halfway through and then I start laughing hysterically, making the caller uncomfortable or entertained-depends on the caller.

I remember being able to talk on the phone for hours in high school. For the life of me I cannot recall what was so riveting or important. I do seem to recall watching TV with friends while talking on the phone. Also, there was a lot of talk about boys.

Since high school and the widespread use of the Internet my phone skills have begun to wither and die. While living away from my family I would talk to them once a week, but awkwardness was never really a problem, because immediate family doesn't count. My skills were stagnant at best. I began to turn into a phone recluse, refusing to be the one who ordered take-out (thanks for stepping up Eric) or to call the landlord.

Now, when the phone rings I really don't want to answer it. It's not that I don't want to talk to the caller, but I fear those weird moments when we talk simultaneously. I have forgotten the elegant dance of conversation. I need eye contact and body language to talk comfortably.

Yesterday afternoon my cousin, and dear fried (the one with whom I went to the New Kids on the Block concert and if you haven't read that post then you're missing out), called to catch up. Of course I wanted to talk to her so I answered the phone. I am not going to lie there were some weird pauses as we both tried to speak at the same time, but in the end we managed to have a very pleasant phone call. We caught up, talked about potential projects, planned for the future and it was overall witty and charming. I hung up the phone feeling more confident in my telephone skills. So now if you call me I may just avoid an awkward melt down, but don't hold your breath!

Are you weird on the phone too?

Today is a Day to Listen to Records

Today feels like a day to play records. The weather has been hot. Our small house has been even warmer. I am getting used to the constant hum of the ceiling fan as it has become a regular member of our family.

I think maybe it has something to do with all of the photos I have been scanning (see yesterday's post), but I am feeling sort of nostalgic. I generally lean towards romanticizing times gone by. Maybe it's just the long summer days. I am not really sure. Lately I feel like wearing dresses...yes this has a lot to do with the fact the it's easier to wear a dress when you're this pregnant...and flowers in my hair, baking bread (or cookies), listening to records and looking at old photos. Do you ever feel that way?

Here is my plan for the day:
1) Continue to go through the huge box of family photos.
2) Bake a loaf of whole wheat bread, before it gets too hot to have the oven on.
3)Listen to records. I think I will start off the day with some Dion (no, not Celine Dion, but this guy), he makes me really happy.
4) Do some writing. I will do some writing for fun as well as some work on my thesis.
5) Drink as much pink lemonade as any one human should.

What are your plans for the day?

Family History

Eric and I are both historians. I am not sure when it happened, but both of us have become the keepers of the family history. With the impending arrival of our first child we have been giving a lot of thought to her family history. I think it all started over a discussion about a collaborative piece of art we would like to make for her. We finally settled on making her a family tree and things have gotten out of control from that point. We have both been going over our entire family histories. Have you ever done that? It gets out of hand FAST. If that weren't enough we have also decided to scan all of the old family photos that we have. We are afraid that the quality of the photos will continue to degrade, but saving them onto the computer is just another way for us to preserve them. Needless to say this has become quite a project.

So, this morning I find myself wearing archiving gloves and scanning photos. Don't worry I don't look too professional I am wearing a pajama t-shirt that reads I put ketchup on my ketchup.

Here are some of the photos that I have already scanned. Some of them are really straight forward, while others are strange and a little confusing. We're saving them all because we're meticulous like that.

I can't help but wonder what the circumstances were that led to this photo. Were Eric's grandparents having a picnic? Was this a local hangout?

This photo is so strange to me. Why was is saved for all of these years, who was this man whose head is obscured?

While looking through the photos I first noticed that Eric's parents had let their family histories intermingle in the photos. I am having difficulty figuring out which side is which as there is very little labeling done on old photos. Then I noticed that my family photos are also interspersed, thankfully they are labeled on the back to avoid confusion,but there is something sort of beautiful about that mixing of family histories. Somehow I can't help but think that it will all make sense to our daughter. Although it will all be well organized by the end of the week, just because.

Then I found this photo, it's my mom. She's 7 months pregnant with me. She could never have known that someday her daughter would be nearly 7 months pregnant with her first daughter, looking at this picture and feeling so connected with everything. I wonder if my daughter will someday continue the cycle?

*PS Has my Mom aged at all? Ding dong she looks the exact same.

Breakfast Picnic

Yesterday morning Eric and I decided to go on a breakfast picnic.I woke up early as is my usual practice, particularly with this little girl jumping around inside my guts. I started some banana nut muffins, knowing that I'd have time to finish them before Eric was up and ready to head out. Once everything was prepared we grabbed Bumblebee and headed to a nearby park.

I packed our vegan breakfast up in our adorable little picnic basket, a wedding gift.

I addition to the banana nut muffins I made a breakfast burrito for us to split , some fresh fruit, coffee and juice.

We had our pick of the picnic locations because there just aren't many folks picnicking first thing in the morning.

After breakfast and some nice conversation we took Bumblebee on a walk through the park before starting off our day.

What did you do that was out of the ordinary?

Finding Inspiration

Eric and I were recently talking about creative inspiration and where it is found. Do you find your creative inspiration within yourself or do you pull it from external sources?



Here is where I find my inspiration:

My own juicy brain. I have a very active interior world. I have a long running inner monologue (which never turns off) and sometimes I manage to get myself inspired.

My husband. Eric and I talk all of the time. He is often very helpful when I just need to talk out an idea, to figure out the next step, or just to get motivated. He is really good at pumping me up to get to it, whatever it may be.

Nature. Being outside is like this never ending source for inspiration. When I really let myself take a good look at the little things that make up the big picture I can hardly contain myself, I feel like I must get to work. I am inspired by patterns created by light, pebbles on the ground, the smart eye of a robin, anything.

Books. I love to read and often I find my interior world influenced by the voices of authors. I wonder how the author would describe a situation, what it would look like, how that translates into reality. Other times I am influenced by art books, just seeing what other people have accomplished gets me gung ho to do something myself.

Profiles. I know this one is weird, but when I see someone with a unique nose I want to memorize and paint it. Hooked noses always have me eager to get to a canvas. I am not sure why I am so interested in noses and profiles in general, but they really make me feel like painting or photographing.

Other People. When I have a friend, or see a fellow blogger who has been really productive I feel like I should answer the call as well.

Winter. When I am trapped indoors I find that I have two options 1. Be creative 2. Go stir crazy

So, where do you find inspiration to be creative?

PS What do you think of the new header that Eric made for me?

Summer Evening

Yesterday evening Eric and I decided to get out of the house for a bit. We went to the park with the hopes of seeing the weekly musical performance. There were tons of people scattered through the grass, but no band. It really didn't matter because the night was just so very beautiful. Eric, Bumblebee and I plopped ourselves in the grass to enjoy the perfect weather.

We watched as the gathered crowd realized that there was not going to be a band. People slowly began heading home, but a lot of folks decided to do just as we were and stayed to enjoy the evening.

After we were done relaxing in the park we decided that it was time to go to a local coffee shop. It is all part of our scheme to meet people in our new town. So, we dropped Miss Bumblebee off at home (coffee isn't her thing) and headed out again. On the way my parents called and decided to meet up with us for coffee. I think they really just wanted to stop by our house to see Bumblebee, but they settled for us.

We were surprised to find that there was a small concert going on at the coffee shop. My parents didn't stay for too long. I think this is mostly because Bumblebee wasn't present.

Eventually Eric and I headed out, but we decided to drive around town, take some photos and just talk.

We had the windows down and some music playing as we drove. It felt like when we were teenagers, we often would go out for coffee and then drive around enjoying the cool night air. Finally we came home and opened the back door to find our little gatekeeper demanding an explanation for our absence.

She was also willing to accept bribes.

Trip to Grandma's House

Yesterday morning I woke up bright and early, ready to head up to northern Wyoming to visit my family. Before heading out of town I took Bumblebee for a walk, curled my hair (mostly to hide how badly it needs a trim) and then my mom came and picked me up.

We left town and headed out on a beautiful drive through the green hills. Usually Wyoming starts to turn more yellow around this time of year, but the recent rains made for quite a lush landscape. We chatted as we passed deer and antelope and shared concern for drivers who appeared to be either falling asleep at the wheel or merely directing their attention to their cell phones. I had packed some cookies for a mid-morning snack and we enjoyed those babies along the way.

We arrived mid-morning and I got to see cousins, a second cousin, my aunt, my uncle, my grandma and great grandma. We spent the time talking and looking through photo albums. I noticed that my grandma has my awkward pre-teen years very well documented.

The thing about visiting my grandma is that she has several books, toys, etc. which have been around forever. For instance, I got to eavesdrop as she read the above book to 2 year old Levi. She has a particular way of reading the book that doesn't seem to change. I have always loved the book, but my brother Ben looooved this book as a child. Actually I believe that he has had our grandmother read it to him even into his teen years.

I get the same sense of permanence when I visit my great grandmother. Her house has changed little over my entire life. All of the extended family has come to count on the timeless comfort that her home brings. The red carpet, the black couch, the oil lamp, it's all there every time. There are toys that all of us played with as children, miraculously still in tact. There is a part of the wall with pencil marks measuring our heights as we grew over the years, still there.

I know that nothing really lasts forever, but sometimes it's nice to feel like they will.

Family Visit

Today I am taking a quick day trip out of town with my mom. I get to see my cousin, whom I haven't seen in far too long. Additionally I will get to see more of my extended family (whom I have seen a bit more recently).

I am looking forward to a road trip with my mom. See you tomorrow!

Tuesday Morning Walk and a Tangent About My Pregnancy Muumuu

This morning Bumblebee and I took an early morning walk after dropping Eric off at work. I decided to head out early for two reasons: 1) It's hot. 2) I have a standard glucose screening test and I can't have anything sugary before the test. The sooner it's over the sooner I can have a peanut butter cookie. Yep, cookies have become a priority.



We went down by the river to enjoy the warmth of the early sun mixing with the cool air coming off the river. Well, I went there for that reason, but Bumblebee really had no say in the matter. She's happy enough if I give her plenty of time to sniff disgusting things.


Here we are on our walk. You can see, from my silhouette, that today I have chosen to wear my stylish maternity muumuu (for those of you out of the loop a muumuu is a non-flattering house dress). I am really happy to be sporting muumuu's, never at any other point in my life have I felt so confident wearing something of this caliber. Strangely I've gotten more than a few compliments on my maternity muumuu. Either way, it's like wearing a giant cotton t-shirt and I love it.

Speaking of muumuu's (yes, I am still talking about muumuu's) I was at my OB check up yesterday and there were literally dozens of pregnant ladies packed into one room. It felt really weird. I've been around one or two pregnant ladies at a time, but this was like a pregnancy party. We all took a good look at each other's bellies and nodded approval at our pregnancy muumuu's. Just for those of you who are concerned the check up went very well and all is going perfectly thus far.


Anyway, back to our morning walk....

Bumblebee and I strolled along the river's edge and greeted the joggers, bikers and walkers we passed. The morning light was just right, the temperature was perfect, it was a wonderful start to the day.

Now, I am off to my glucose screening followed by a peanut butter cookie. What are you up to today?