With gratitude - pinning, pinning and more pinning

I guess we'll just have to continue my exercise in gratitude for awhile. I thought of many things I am grateful for each day in November and have since. Unfortunately, there isn't enough time in a day lately to get it all blogged!

A dear friend called one day and asked me if I'd heard of Pinterest. I hadn't! She said I should really check it out. So I did. I checked it out. I requested an invitation. I received said invitation. I spent hours pouring through pins. I became hooked. I may now be addicted!

Pinterest is an online visual scrapbook of the Internet. You can create boards to organize ideas for the home, DIY crafts/projects, clothes, jewelry, etc. Pictures accompany the ideas which are linked back to the original source, such as a blog. It's like your 'favorites' list in pictures. It's awesome!

If you haven't checked out Pinterest.com you really, really should.

With gratitude - a tree for fall

Day 5

I follow many blogs. They have become a good thing to scan through as I'm waiting at dance class, speech or after school pick-up. One of my favorites is petitelefant.com. Allison Czarnecki writes in a style I find fun to read. She also likes many of the same things I do, so its interesting. She posted a picture of her gratitude tree and I wanted to share a picture of ours.

This is our first year. I originally saw this idea a few weeks ago on Pinterest (its a really fun virtual bulletin board site that is ADDICTIVE!!!!!).

The girls are both contributing and its been interesting to see what they add to it. I was pleasantly surprised to see Miss A sitting at the island writing a couple of tags this afternoon. She added at least two because as she said, "I forgot to yesterday." We have so much to be thankful for. I'll share our list after Thanksgiving...it should be interesting.

With gratitude,

Back to a routine

I loved every single, solitary minute of our mostly unscheduled summer. However, all good things must come to an end. For me, new good things will come soon. I'm determined to make it happen.
I'm going to recommit myself to exercise on a regular basis. While my clothes still fit I'm not feeling so 'in shape'. So back to that Physique 57 I've blogged about before. Let see how this goes.

My closet (and pretty much my entire house) has gotten away from me this summer. I've accumulated far too many things and its time to purge, give away and declutter my house. Once all that decluttering is done hopefully cleaning won't be quite such an epic undertaking. This one may prove me wrong but I'm hopeful.

Finally, I'm already thinking about what I'm grateful for. November is just around the corner and I'll be posting every day. Join me - you can cheat and start thinking about what your grateful for now. Trust me, its far easier than you think.

What are you most looking forward to as the fall begins?

Inspiration

This article recently caught my eye. It's definitely worth your time to read it. You will be inspired by a daughter's love. You will be inspired by an artist's giving spirit. Inspiring!


Image from Minneapolis Star Tribune


Click here to read the article from the Minneapolis Star Tribune. I hope you enjoy.

Minnesota Nice

Mr. M, the girls and I have had the pleasure of spending time at our lake place this summer. I bought a little plaque that now sits on a bookshelf there that reads, "Heaven is a little closer in a home on the water." I've come to believe that over this summer. There is something so peaceful about looking out over that water each morning and watching the moonlight dance across the gently rocking waves in the dark evenings of northern Minnesota.

A couple of weeks ago we finally had everything ready to put the boat in the water. So we loaded up and headed over to the nearest entry point. We pulled in and immediately saw 3 kayaks sitting on the landing. Mr. M got out of the pick-up and headed over to ask them to kindly move so we could get the boat put in. Conversation ensued and when the girls and I arrived on the scene he introduced us to Bowman, Max and Rob (David is also pictured at this link but I didn't see him).

Here they are!

Turns out these three were on Day 4 of their journey down the entire Mississippi River. I've heard of people doing this but never had I met any of them. These guys were from the South (Ole Miss and yes, ma'am) and very excited to hear that they may see some wolves on the next stretch of their journey. They gave us their card and the girls and I have been following their journey ever since.

They are challenging themselves in their "yaks" and raising funds for ICM in Oxford, Mississippi and The Gardere Community Christian School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The video on their homepage tells all about it.

Take a minute to check out their website here. You can also "like" their page on Facebook and get updates and GPS locations as they stop each day. They were planning on spending 60 days on this journey.

They are nearing the end of the "Minnesota" leg of their journey. Last week, while at the lake, I read this list on their blog and had to chuckle. It's always fun to read an outsiders view of my home state.

Top 10: Facts about Minnesota
10. “Minnesota Nice” is just as amazing, if not better than southern hospitality. On the reals.

9. Every, repeat EVERY Minnesotan who has a lawn facing the river keeps it manicured to perfection. Yes, everyone. It’s almost creepy.

8. Minnesota is the only state with portages. Thank the Lord.

7. If ever you are in a shortage of Christians, they all happen to reside in abundance in northern and central Minnesota. Take your pick.

6. Violent thunderstorms will appear out of a clear sky.

5. Ice fishing tournaments and snowmobile races do exist.

4. More marriages are ended here over fishing-related disputes than alcoholism.

3. It’s ‘you guys’ not ‘y’all’ and ‘soda’ not ‘coke’.

2. They actually care about the environment and really enjoy being outside thus their public parks are off the chain.

1. Indians, pow-wows, gatherings, totems, and talismans are all real and still exist today.


Perhaps you can even donate to help their causes. Or if you have friends in the areas they will be journeying through let them know. Spread the word!!!

New project

I've had this great camera for a few years now. There have been a few opportunities and classes that have helped me figure out settings and what to do. They help me for a few days and/or weeks and then the camera gets put away for awhile. When I pull it out again I'm lost. VERY frustrating and all my fault!

So I recently came across Big Picture Classes online (I'm sure it was through a blog somewhere but I can't remember, sorry). I started with a couple of the free classes which were kind of fun and at least got me to use my camera on a regular basis. Now I'm taking one on photo editing. I have ALOT to learn and may always need a little catch-up session when I try to get a great picture. It's still fun to play and try to figure it out.

Here are a few of my pictures to inspire you to try something new.

Happy Learning!

Fave Read

A few weeks ago the Book Fair came to Miss A's school. I had volunteered to help set-up so on that afternoon Miss K (my constant sidekick) and I went in to do our part. We set up books, moved tables, and put boxes away. Miss K charmed the librarians and was shown a great corner complete with stuffed animals and toys.

The Fair opened for business the following week so the girls and I had to stop and shop (what's not to love??? Beautiful, well-written books being sold to benefit the school. It's a win-win). It wasn't hard for either of them to find several books that were perfect for our collection. I'll admit I picked up a few myself, mostly for them but one for me.

On the top of a side bookshelf this caught my eye.

I guess the word, ordinary, and the subtitle, "A Mother's Memoir" were enough to make me think I may like it. I started to carry it around with me to dance class, speech sessions and the short wait at the end of the school day.

Katrina is a usual mom who decided things were getting too complicated. The process of self-discovery led her and her family to leave suburban life and find a quaint hilltop on which to rebuild a new life of simplicity. She also reminded me of how quickly kids grow up. Her two sons were entering and then finishing high school. Mine are just starting school but I know it will quickly be time for graduation...yikes!

I've been itching to clean out, organize and simplify our home in preparation for a fun summer. I've also started to think it would sure be easier to clean, keep things neat and organized if I just didn't have sooooo much stuff!

I also try to remind myself all the time that its really the everyday moments that I (and the girls) will probably remember instead of the big productions that we sometimes put all our effort into. I love the morning cuddles when our kindergartner wakes earlier than we do and we get a few minutes of quiet time. The toys, crayons, hand-drawn artwork and school papers that clutter my home now will someday be gone and I'll wonder why its so neat around here. Walking through every water puddle and pile of dirt is really not that big of a deal. Eating sometimes requires spilling on the floor and very sticky fingers. Learning to read is a process and a certain mother needs to remain patient even at the end of the day when all I would like is a few minutes of peace...a few minutes one way or the other won't really matter.

I'm grateful for whatever it was that drew me to this book. I've finished it now. I've already sorted through the office and taken a load of stuff to the church's rummage sale. There's more to be done but not so much that I can't enjoy a quiet, simple moment here and there. 

Something fun to do

For several years now I've had the opportunity to travel to an occasional conference with Mr. M. Since he's working I usually have a day or two on my own. There is always a wonderful group of wives looking for things to do. However, when I get away on these rare trips I'm happy to spend a few hours on my own as well. I think I've mentioned it before but its bliss to have only yourself to get ready, sit peacefully and watch the Today show in bed, order room service or shop.

We found ourselves in Washington DC a couple of years ago. I had just received a new camera for Christmas and really didn't know how to use it. I found a few books but I need hands-on training to figure things out. So while getting ready for our trip I looked at the Washington, D.C Convention & Visitor's Bureau's website. I found a link to Washington Photo Safari and checked it out. It sounded perfect...a walking tour of our country's capitol, a lesson on how to take great pictures and a guide with much more experience than me who could help me figure things out. So I signed up!

Dave was great and the time flew by. There were only 2 others in our group so we were able to ask any questions we had. We also got lots of first-hand knowledge and trivia about the city that I may not have gotten otherwise. There is something about the perspective of a local resident.

Fast forward to this past winter. We were heading to Charleston, South Carolina. I always search for "City X photo tour" when we're heading to a new place. Sure enough, a lovely woman in Charleston was doing the same thing. So I signed up!

This time I recruited a friend and fellow farmer's wife to tag along. We ended up being the only two members of the tour that morning and had a BLAST learning about the history of Charleston.

The beautiful ironwork that has become a signature of Charleston.

The beautiful gardens.

And this beautiful, mossy tree that was so charming to me.

The moral of this story is simply to check out what is offered locally. I highly recommend these photo tours. You get great pictures that YOU took. A local resident shows you the city and tells you the 'insider' information.

Words

I'm a big fan of words. I love quotes. I find them very interesting. I love things with words on them, artwork, blankets, pillows, a cute end table I found for the lake, jewelry. I have a tray in my kitchen with the alphabet scrolled on it. I love paintings with words. Right above the computer now is a painting from a local street fair with this phrase, "Your wings already exist...all you have to do is fly." There are pictures in my living room that say, "How we spend our days, is how we spend our lives," and "Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away." I have a cute tray propped up on my kitchen counter that says, "Candy Cane Kitchen & Bakery." You name it and I probably love it. I think I'll take some pictures and try to get them posted although I'm not sure when that will be. It is the holiday season so cut me some slack.

In the mean time here are a few good quotes that I revisited recently.

There was an old owl lived in an oak,
The more he heard, the less he spoke;
The less he spoke, the more he heard,
O, if men were all like that wise bird!
-Punch magazine

If you think education is expensive,
try ignorance.
-Derek Bok

I have generally found that a man who is
good at excuses is usually good at nothing else.
-Benjamin Franklin

Well begun is half done.
-Greek proverb (I think Mary Poppins borrowed this line)

The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.
-William James

What matters is in a character is not whether one holds this
or that opinion: what matters is how proudly one upholds it.
-Germaine de Stael

Send me your favorite words!

Cool stuff

So I just discovered Lisa Leonard is doing a giveaway! She has a terrific blog {click here to read} and super-fun jewelry {click here to shop}. I happened to get a Father's Day gift for Mr. M from her as well.

Anyway, here are a couple of my favorites.

family crest necklace

I love initials and this is perfect!

key to my heart necklace

I love, love, love this. The key for Mr. M of course and then the sweet charms for my sweet girls. Does it get any better?!?!?!

fly free necklace

I love this sentiment in general but perhaps its especially fitting as I am officially the mother of a school girl this Wednesday. Kindergarten here we come!

Lisa Leonard also has a son who will soon have heart surgery. Say a prayer and think good thoughts.

What's your favorite? Comment and let me know.

An unkept house

I love to look at home design and decorating magazines. I also love Pottery Barn (love may not be strong enough a word!) and miscellaneous other home decorating catalogs that so kindly arrive in my mailbox from time to time. I love to get ideas and dream about what a house I design and build one day would look like. Aren't these beautiful?!?!?!?!!! If you want to see more click here.

Don't misunderstand me, I am fully aware that designing and building my own home may or may not happen...ever. You also have to understand that we have a great house already that has truly become our home. We've painted nearly every room in here and put my own 'stamp' on them. I love most everything about this house and could easily live here for the rest of my life.

When I get these great home magazines and catalogs they have beautiful rooms, fully decorated and completely uncluttered (see above photos). There is no stack of mail sitting on the dining room table, no toys from two lovely daughters on the floor or every other flat surface of the room and no dust in the corners. You can even see the top of the desk. When does that ever happen?

My house, on the contrary, looks that neat only when I'm hosting a birthday party or other such gathering (and only for a small window of time). Most days you will find mail on the counter, toys on the floor, clothes in the living room (from a small girl who has decided to change for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th time that day!) and perhaps even...gasp!...dirty dishes in the sink.  Oh yes, you will probably also find laundry on the floor of the laundry room (dirty) or on top of the washing machine or dryer (clean).

I've come to the conclusion that I like it neat and uncluttered but not enough to devote every waking moment to keeping it that way. When I have a free moment I'd prefer to catch up on email, read a magazine, paint my nails, watch TV or sit quietly without two sweet voices asking questions, telling stories or singing songs. I do not want to follow people around picking up everything, every waking moment of the day. Not my thing although God bless you if that is your thing.

Another thing I often think is that someday the little people of this house will no longer have blocks, dolls and little outfits that they like to try on. Some day they will grow up, move on and I'll wish I had those little fingerprints on my windows. So I leave them around more then I probably should. At a recent art festival I saw a sign that read something like, "Please excuse the mess, my kids are making memories." I love that sentiment. I nearly bought it but decided that it would only add to the clutter around my house. (smile)

So we will always live in our home whether it is this one or a dream home we build someday. There will always be 'stuff' around us. If you stop to visit you won't find a photo-shoot-ready bunch of rooms. You'll find a house that's used and occasionally abused...just as it should be, I guess.

The above quote seems especially fitting and was the inspiration for this post. Gina Sekelsky, Dreamland Designs owner and lettergirl on etsy, wrote it so beautifully. Doesn't she have the best handwriting?!?!!! Check out her blog which is always full of wonderful quotes. If you're in the shopping mood you can check out her etsy shop too. Click here.