Morning: How It Goes

Each day begins the same. I wake up a few minutes before everyone else. I am not sure if it is my internal alarm clock that buzzes somewhere deep in my subconscious or possibly the subtle rustle of a baby and a basset hound that gain intensity as the sun rises above the horizon, light leaking in the gaps between the window frame and the blinds.

Eric never wakes up early. I look over at him and see his breathing, slowly in and out. Sometimes just watching him is enough to put me back to sleep, but then there are the joys of morning. The first smile from Cordelia. She has to look for her dad and then for Bumblebee. She pats Eric's face. Her chubby hand is particularly uncoordinated first thing in the morning, fingers waving in the air above his face before making contact. We are just a tiny family enjoying our moment.

Then it's over the quiet moments for sloppy smiles and morning breath are replaced with the getting ready for the day activities. A different kind of joy. We bumble through the house, hair sticking out in all directions, passing the sweet girl between us for cuddles. Somehow we all end up dressed fed, changed or let out. Lunch is packed and Eric is out the door.

I stand there bewildered for a moment and then I take a deep breath and carry on. I make the bed and pick up the house, getting myself ready along the way. Cordelia and I spend some time playing and then she's ready for a quick morning nap. As she nods off I watch her chest expand and contract with each tiny breath. If I hunt around the house I can see the the cats and Bumblebee have also retired to their nap spots.

Silence reigns for about an hour. I text Eric funny jokes (or at least I think they're funny), check in with my family and do whatever else I can with that window of time. Admittedly I sometimes just sleep right along with the gang.

Soon enough Bumblebee whines to go on a walk. We all get ready and head outside, breathing in the fresh air. Lately it has been so windy that the air pretty much forces itself down our lungs, no need to bother ourselves with the effort of breathing. I talk to Cordelia and Bumblebee about spring and sun and whatever else happens to catch my eye. Sometimes Cordelia mumbles or sings happily as we stroll.

When we come home it's time to play or read or just roll around on the ground until lunch time and that is how the morning goes. What about you?

A Few of My Favorite Things

I took a page out of The Sound of Music for my post today...

A sleepy pooch.

Bumblebee passed out in the morning. Apparently a solid night of sleep isn't enough for her.

After a Bath

I love the after the bath moments when I have a snuggly little girl wrapped up in a too big towel.

He Talks With his Hands

I love that my husband uses his hands as much as his voice to tell a story.

Green Growing Things

When we were living in the city I would drive past a business called Green Growing Things. I loved the name of the store a lot. Now I am always on the lookout for green growing things that promise me that winter is nearing its end.

What are some of your favorite things today?

Winds of Change

Last night the winds came. Wyoming is notoriously windy, but last night the winds were really intense. I could hear the wind howling all night long, feel it seeping in through cracks and under doorways, forcing itself. This morning the winds are still howling, but they seem to have brought warmer air so it seems that they are blowing out winter and making way for spring.


Also, along with the changes of the new season it is time, or nearly time, to get the girl into a crib in her bedroom. I have been dreading this, but the time is nearly upon us.Until now she has been in a bassinet by my side of the bed. The problem is a)she takes after he mother and is not a good sleeper and b) I am against the whole "cry it out" method. Maybe I am too soft hearted, too naive or just too stupid, but I truly cannot let her cry it out. I am in no way making a judgment against mothers who are able to do so, because we've all got our own way of getting through the challenges of parenthood. For me I feel it in the very marrow of my bones that I need to answer a cry for comfort. I feel as though nature made us to be close and accessible to our little ones. With that said she will soon be able to get out of her bassinet and it will no longer be an option. So I am trying to gather my nerve and move this lady into her own room.

I know that, in the end, we will all be fine and better for it, but it is sort of a bittersweet time. I am letting go of this little girl one tiny step at a time, hoping that in the end she will be independent and still know that her parents will always be there when she needs comfort.

Call for a little help/ Need Ideas

I could use a little help from you, my friends and readers. My family has a bit of difficulty when it comes to eating together. Eric and I are vegan, so that rules out all animal products. Another member of my family doesn't do anything with spice (I mean anything), tomatoes, onions, garlic, re-fried beans. We are constantly struggling to come up with a yummy menu for get-togethers. I'd love your input. Any suggestions?

Eric's Top 10, at least for today

10. He makes me laugh all the time. For instance the other day he tried to entertain Cordelia and I by inventing dance moves. By the way most of his "dance moves" involve, at some point, miming a baby dragon hatching from an egg.

9. He is sarcastic with animals. I have told him many times that sarcasm is lost on the animal kingdom, but that doesn't stop him. He actually talks to Bumblebee as though she were a human.

8. He still holds my hand.

7. He loves Mexican food, but hates all peppers. He pulls peppers out of salsa. It's those kooky little things that make him so unique

6. His bowling ball is named Monster and it's actually inscribed on the ball. When he goes bowling he sometimes has his scores printed out and then gives me a play by play of the entire bowling game or if I'm lucky games.

5. He has a tiny chip in his front tooth. I really love it; a little wabi sabi.

4. He is endlessly patient and supportive. What more can one ask for? He is always encouraging, but never demanding.

3. He marches to the beat of his own drum, literally and figuratively. He was in marching band yes, but he also does what he feels called to do, even if it isn't the most obvious choice.

2. He actually made a request that I mention that he is a)obsessed with futuristic wizards and b)is working on a zombie rock movie that is NOT a musical.

1. He is my very best friend.

Black and White

I've noticed that a lot of bloggers have color days and weeks. I thought I could share two colors with you today. We have a lot of black and white around our house. I mean a LOT! So, here are a few ways that I found it this morning. Also, here is my infamous joke about black and white...it's funny click here.

Eric's guitar

Sweet shades

Dish towels

A painting by my hubby

A hastily made bed

Salt and pepper shakers

The Sound of Ice Falling

Late yesterday morning I put Cordelia in the front carrier. She waved her mittened hands in excitement. Bumblebee whined with anticipation. She knew that her turn was next. I grabbed my keys and the cell phone before putting the leash on Bumblebee. I made her sit before we stepped outside, she needs a little (big) refresher course on her manners. After she took the obligatory seat we stepped out into the cool morning air. The sun was out and it was probably 10 degrees above freezing, but it felt a bit warmer.

We started out on our journey. Bumblebee paused at every possible spot where she could check her "pee-mail" and leave a few messages of her own. She trudged along with her nose to the ground following a myriad of unseen odors. I paused at a crosswalk, looking down at my little girl who was keeping a close eye on Bumblebee.

Soon we were at the nearby park. I could see the clouds clinging to the tops of the white mountains in the distance. Following our normal walk path I spotted an open area to my left. Bumblebee looked up at me as though she were asking permission to explore. I consented and she bounded ahead to the end of her long leash.

I stood still as Bumblebee rooted around through the moist ground. Cordelia was quietly observing with her tiny little serious face. It took a moment for me to notice, but when I did it seemed to fill my ears. At first I couldn't place it, a quiet dropping sound all around me. Almost like rainfall, but the sky above was sunny and clear. I felt compelled to discover the source of this quiet sound. Turning around I realized that there were trees behind us. I soon realized that the sound was made by bits of ice falling onto the soft ground as they were warmed and loosened by the sun. They were beautiful glittering bits of light, sparkling as they fell to the earth with a soft thud. It was one of those moments that felt as though it were meant for us to see and enjoy. The three of us marveled for a few more quiet minutes and then walked back to the main road, to the sounds of the day.

About Last Night

Last night when Eric came home from work we decided to visit the book sale that is held by the library. We went in and I began to feel a bit giddy. I love books, but even more than that I love a good deal on books. The prices were right and there were countless books coating the aisles. I reminded myself of a serious book purge I did recently. With that in mind I slowly walked the aisles lightly touching the binding of the books, imagining them in the library I want to have. No! I shook myself out of the stupor and spent the rest of the time just looking. Eric, on the other had, found some vinyl records (he collects) and managed to keep himself to a limit of 4 of $1 each. So we walked away with very little damage done. We will have to restrain ourselves for the $1 bag sale this weekend.

Anyway, after that we came home and made vegan pizza with some of the soy cheese we had picked up on our recent trip to Denver.


Eric pretended it was nasty...


but it was delicious!


After that we hung out listening to the new Goldfrapp album which is 80s synth pop inspired! It was really good. Cordelia bounced around, she really reacts to the music. Then before you know it we were watching Lost. Is anybody else confused by this final season?

3 Random Items

I have a few random thoughts scattered through my brain and I thought I'd share them here with you today...

Random Item #1)Yesterday I was on a lovely walk with Cordelia and Bumblebee. We were enjoying the mild temperatures and our first looks at spring. In the distance I saw a dog, a malamute to be specific, it was not on leash and did not appear to be attended by any human. Oh no, I thought another stray. I always keep my eyes open for stray dogs because I don't want them to approach us. I have a baby and a dog I can't really fend off a potentially aggressive animal. I began to take evasive action when the dog broke into a dead run straight at us. I looked around for anything to put between the dog and us, just in case it was out for a fight. Bumblebee got really excited and ready to play. She has no sense at all when it comes to other dogs. Then, before I knew it the dog raced past us. That's when I realized that there was a car keeping pace with the dog. I peered into the vehicle expecting to see an elderly dog parent, but it was a woman about my age. I could still have written it off that maybe she had a broken leg or something, but the malamute whizzed past us again. Not even breaking stride as it rushed by Bumblebee (she whined in excitement). It crossed a couple of streets and went into an alley, all along it was followed by the car. The dog pooped in somebody's backyard and was about to take off again when the woman hopped out of the car, seemingly in perfect health, and ran to the dog, scolding it and putting it in the back of her vehicle. I couldn't decide if I was more impressed by the lack of motivation she had to walk her dog or the effort it must have taken to train the dog.

Random Item #2: I have several sewing projects in the works, but I think my sewing machine has officially died. Time for a new machine.



Random Item #3: Anybody have any recommendations for a good sewing machine?

Random Item #4: I made vegan French dip last night. It was really good! I used seitan (picked up on our trip to Denver) and the dip was made of veggie broth, liquid smoke and soy sauce. I got the idea from my mom. Thanks mom it was goooood.

Beautiful Little Life

For much of my adult life, or really just much of my life, I have been busy. I'm an on the go type of gal. Going to school, gallery openings, social events, working on my bajillion (that's an exact number) projects, working, and spending time with Eric. I have spent little time in my home, using it more as just a place to rest or maybe work on art. So it is really no surprise that people raise an eyebrow when they hear that I am a stay at home mom right now. I see their minds whirling. I have spent much of my life living in a fairly non-traditional manner. Up until a year ago I had been (for quite some time) the sole provider and now...here I am unemployed and staying home much of the time. I really do understand when people ask, "Don't you get bored?"

The answer is simple. No, I don't. I feel so blessed that I get this time. Every single day I thank Eric for working, and he thanks me as well. We both know that if I were to work right now we'd be in a much different tax bracket. We both are highly educated and capable of generating a real income, but we decided to put that off for just a bit. We decided that it was far more important that one of us stay at home with our girl.

Every day I remind myself that this time with Cordelia is so fleeting and that I should do nothing but revel in it, in her, in our time. Truly this is the most precious time of my life. My days are quiet and slow. Cuddling, cleaning, sewing, mothering all of these things make me feel so tied to all of the mothers before me. I don't feel anything but thankful, no boredom, no resentment that my life has been put on hold...because it hasn't been. I get this little girl and this quiet life for such a short time. There will be a time when things change again, but I don't want to think about that now because this is now, this beautiful little life with a husband and a daughter.

3D Extravaganza

On Friday afternoon Eric asked if I wanted to go out to a movie on Saturday. Hmmm, could we, I wondered. I mean we're new parents we don't get to be remotely spontaneous...spontaneity right now is to only plan one day in advance. So I asked my mother if she and my father would be willing to watch Cordelia. They were. Date at the movie it was!

We went to the new theater built on the edge of town. It was big and clean, cleanliness is a joy only to be had in the newest of theaters. We decided to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D. Have you seen a 3D movie lately? Gone are the red and blue glasses. Now you get these great ultra thick nerd glasses. The technology has really advanced. When the previews started we were treated to a sneak preview of Piranha 3D. After the preview was over the man next to me looked to his son and whispered,"That looks awful." I just looked at Eric and nodded, we thought it looked AWESOME. Pretty much anything in 3D is awesome.

Eric out for coffee after the movie

After the movie was over we grabbed a quick cup of coffee and talked about 3D. Then we went to pick up our sweet little lady who had just woken up from a 2 hour nap.

Have you seen a 3D movie lately? Extravaganza

Spring!~

Today is the first day of Spring. I always eagerly anticipate this day. I am a big fan of springtime. I love watching for the first robins to appear, the first looks at green growing things. Last night I was so excited that I stayed up all night...oh wait no that was because I had a baby who decided she want to cuddle all night instead of sleep, well that was nice too.

We have snow on the ground still, but it is that thick wet stuff that doesn't even pretend it's going to stick around very long. I am garden-less this season, but I think I will get serious about a container garden on my back porch. I am not sure what I want to plant.

Are you feeling the tickle in your green thumb?

Stuffed Robot and More

We got a package in the mail yesterday from some of our friends in Canada. We have a growing troop of Canadian friends, kind of interesting. Anyway, we ordered from our friends and were expecting this package. We are big on supporting artists, crafters and the like. We have many friends, like us, who are very creative. So we decided to see what our friends were up to at Copoc Crafts (a group on facebook). I ordered Cordelia a couple of things...

A stuffed robot, which she loooves.

She likes to grab onto the limbs and whip it all over the place.

We also got a pair of overalls for her. They are super cute. I can't wait for her to be able to wear them!

I just love buying one of a kind objects from talented folks that I know, or those that I find on places like Etsy. What about you? do you have an Etsy site of your own?

Another Family Visit Draws to a Close

Bumblebee with her Uncle Ben

Cordelia with her Uncle Ben

Cordelia with her Aunt Sara

Well another family visit is drawing to a close. Ben and Sara, along with their pooches, are heading home today. It's a bit weird as the rest of the family is here. While the visit was quick and different than usual (I'm a mom now) it was so good to have the whole family at home. How we've grown. What once was just my parents, two people in love, there are now three children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, one granddaughter, two cats, a dog, three granddogs, four grandcats.

Contrary

Usually I am quite contrary when people, or tradition, tell me what to do. You say I should wear green toady, well then I am going to wear all blue. Then I keep the folks that like to pinch at bay with an icy stare. Who pinches anyway? That's just rude. Anyway this contrariness is a weird trait that I've always had. I think maybe it's a first child thing. I'm not really sure nor am I particularly proud that I've often had that 'tude.

*As I am typing Cordelia is sitting in my lap,cranky that I won't let her pound on the keyboard and she is whining and moaning and grabbing my hair, it's ridiculous. Just thought I'd share that with you.*

Anyway, as I am getting a bit older I don't feel quite so contrary. I will wear red on Christmas and Valentine's Day if the mood strikes and today I think maybe it's time for a little green. It's my favorite color for heaven's sake. Eric's even in on the act. He has green pants and a green and white tie, that's just crazy festive. So today I shall wear some green. Cordelia too. Maybe a shamrock behind Bumblebee's ear... We are a little bit Irish you know, Cordelia and I, not Eric or Bumblebee (she's French). Maybe we can even get crazy with a little family river dancing...

OK, ya got me this photo was not taken this morning I am still in my pj's right now. My hair is sticking up from Cordelia pulling on it and I think I probably still have sleep crusties, but I will wear some green today!

Are you wearing green today?

Knick Knack Attack

When Eric and I first went away to college we were on the lookout for friends that were couples, just seemed to make sense. We did find one great couple who were a little bit older, a little bit more mature, and a whole lot of fun. There names were Shag and Lex. He was over 6 feet tall and she was under 5 feet, but somehow it all made sense. By the way Lex could do the worm and I was eternally impressed. Anyway, we used to go over to their place to enjoy dinner and games.

Eric and I were always in awe of their immaculate home. It was cool and together and looked like a place where real grown ups lived. We each had our own places at that point and the same could not be said of our apartments. One day our conversation turned to the topic of their home and how cool it was. Shag offered up an explanation, he said that it was because he had banished the knick knacks; they didn't have any. I looked around in wonder and realized, for the first time, that he was telling the truth. There wasn't a knick knack to be found, anywhere.

I left that night pondering this stylistic choice, clearly it made an impression if I am still thinking about it a decade later. I couldn't believe it. I had always thought of knick knacks as the flair, the personal flavor of a home. An object could be a conversation piece, a reminder of a trip, or just a cherished heirloom. How could somebody banish knick knacks?

Well, fast forward a decade and I present you with this...the place where knick knacks go to die.

This is what we did with all of the knick knacks we unpacked with our recent move. AHHH, too much, too many. A few of them are truly special, like the slide votive holders, but I don't have any connection to many of these items, can't remember when or where we acquired many them, yet here they are following us through time and space like a little dust catching knick knack comet tail.

So now Shag's words are echoing in my mind. I need to rid myself of some of these knick knacks, they're out of control. So, looks like we are going to reduce our baggage once again, nothing like a move to get the downsizing juices flowing. I already feel so much better.

Do you have a personal opinion about knick knacks?

An Unexpected Early Arrival!

Yesterday afternoon I sent my mother a text, asking if they'd heard from Ben and Sara. We knew they were on their way up from Arizona, but didn't know when they'd arrive. Ben is one of those kind of people who, by day, is a straight laced banker and the rest of the time he is completely unpredictable. So, we knew that he would arrive at some point within the next week. My mom didn't text me back so I called her cell and Ben answered, he'd arrived with Sara and their two pooches.

We hustled to get ready and head over to my parent's house to see them. I haven't seen Ben in far too long. He and Sara hadn't even met Cordelia! So it was a great day. Everything was as it should be. Ben and Sam were loud and kind of obnoxious. We played a game and had a lovely time. Now I am going to soak it up while I can.

Dream and Time Change

Last night I had an awesome dream! The kind of dream that I was proud of when I woke up. It was a musical soap opera dream. Yep, you read that right. In my dream there was a musical number where a young woman was lamenting the fact that she was married to her true love's father and pregnant with his sibling. There were rhymes and dance sequences and longing looks, pauses for effect. Quite dramatic. I wish you could have been there.

How are you doing with the time change?

Paint By Numbers

This morning I am busy at work on a paint by numbers painting. Yes, I do actually know how to paint. This paint by numbers effort is not without a purpose. I am doing it for our video project for Andy Mason! We are getting ever close to completing our children's DVD.


Eric opened the windows and this is a rare moment of peace between Mia and Bumblebee. Usually they are at it like cats and dogs. Ha ha.

What are you up to this morning?

Father and Daughter

One of the best parts of the day is when Eric gets home from work. Cordelia and Bumblebee get really excited. Bumblebee races around the house barking and whining with delight. Cordelia is a bit more reserved than that, but she sure is happy to be around her father. Her whole body tenses with joy and she makes these ridiculous grunting sounds, sort of like a tiny ape. She smiles and laughs...but that is mostly at Bumblebee.

I was lucky enough to be gifted with an amazing father and I am so happy that Cordelia has been as well. I love seeing their relationship develop.

Eric and Cordelia, before bed snuggle

Morning Quiet Around the House

This morning is beautiful and overcast. I can just see the base of the mountains in the distance. Eric left for work a few moments ago. Cordelia has rice cereal crusted on her face even though I just washed her off...that stuff is tricky. I am thinking that my brother and sister-in-law will be here next week. Happy that Eric passed his big French test. All is good. All is quiet. I think sometimes quiet days like this are just perfect.

After breakfast


Bumblebee's vigil

Laundry to be folded and put away at some point today.

A tiny hand that wants to grab everything!

How's your day going thus far?

Hold Me Accountable

OK, so I am putting it out there in the public domain, mostly so you can hold me accountable. I will start my running regime this very week and compete in a run this summer. I've said it and it's out there. I have chosen a plan and now it's all about seeing it through to success. Not that I am hoping to win any marathons or anything of that sort. I just want to be a model of good health for my daughter. Plus, after having done the whole giving birth thing it seems like pretty much anything else is attainable. I have been working toward the idea and I think I've even mentioned it here a couple of times but now there is nothing holding me back. Time do just go for it!

So, hold me accountable...and join me if you like!

Selling Me Stuff

Since moving to Wyoming Eric and I have become really thrifty. I mean REALLY thrifty. We have become those cheap-o's who revel in not buying something. It is sort of like a game to us. When we started on this little journey we were right in the thick of rampant consumerism. We would buy what the world told us we needed to buy, regardless of how practical it was. when we stepped back and took a look at it all I found that the world of the sale is quite an art form. For instance, I have discovered a weird obsession with discovering the sneakiness of advertising. I am always watching the subtle ways in which companies are trying to push their products and brands upon us. Most recently I have been obsessed with commercials and the way that color plays a role in the sale of a product.

For example there is a cereal brand and the box has red, purple and white. The commercial has a woman prancing through this gorgeous house with red, purple and white everywhere. The advertisers have sold me on this imaginary world that looks so perfect...maybe I should just try their cereal. Once I noticed this commercial it was like a light turned on, most commercials use this simple strategy. What a strange and detailed art form. I am really impressed with modern advertising, packaging and the art of the sale, but there is something I love a little bit more...



I love vintage finds. I really do. Even more than that, perhaps, I love vintage packaging. I love looking at the way in which products were sold to us in days gone by. Take this gorgeous cake decorator set. My mom gave it to me, still in the original box. I love looking at the little details that, once upon a time, sung out to the consumer. Now they are kitschy and collectible. How interesting it all is.



Do you see those little details too? Do you feel like you're super cool when you do find them?

Monday To Do List

Now that I am not sick, in the middle of a move, or on the road it's time to get some stuff done. I thought I'd make myself a thorough to-do list today

• Bake some bread
• Pay bills
• Take a nice walk with Cordelia and Bumblebee.
• Figure out what's going on with Ophelia, our cat, she's constipated. Not really something I ever envisioned myself dealing with...
• Bake some peanut butter cookies
• Finish the dog beds for my brother's pooches
• Give my cousin Erin a call
• Pick a new book to read
• Play with Cordelia
  
• General Monday clean up of the house.

What's on your to do list?

Triumphant Return From the Mile High City

We just got back from a quick weekend jaunt to the Mile High City, otherwise known as Denver. We went for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to the following:

• School (Boo)
• Visiting friends
• Stocking up on vegan goodies
• Coast Guard business (more on that in a moment)
• Record shopping (unsuccessful)

We drove down on Thursday afternoon. Cordelia slept the entire way. It was like a tiny miracle. When she woke up as we were getting into town she was laughing...not sure what she was laughing at. We got to our hotel room and called it a night; we're new parents we get to do that you know.

Friday morning Eric was at the school and I visited my friends and co-workers from a previous job. I mostly just showed off my little lady, didn't get much opportunity to visit as it was rushed, but it was nice to see the old gang.


Friday afternoon we visited a college friend, Petra. She made us a delicious lunch. She has this great ability to make wonderful meals from simple ingredients, YUM! We caught up, played with Cordelia and walked to the nearby record shop.

I should mention that Bumblebee came with us, but she spent the day at her old dog daycare. When we finally picked her up she was beyond exhausted. She had played her little heart out.

Saturday morning we went shopping, buying things like seitan, vegan soaps and shampoos, tvp and other vegan goodies. I will say that I really miss vegan shopping in the city...it's more challenging in Wyoming.


Then Eric went off to a boat show to represent for the Coast Guard. Oh yes, I should probably mention that Eric joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary. It's the civilian branch of the Coast Guard. Yes, they are in WY. Eric joined to do search and rescue and patrols, but this day was all about teaching the youngsters.


When Eric was done with that we made one more stop at Whole Foods. Our hearts were the teaniest bit heavy when we were talking to the store clerks who were all vegan..we're a bit veg isolated here in WY. We ate a lovely lunch and headed home.


Cordelia drove...she's extremely advanced.


When we got back we unloaded and did laundry. Bumblebee passed out.





The cats missed us a little. We hope.