New Years Resolve

Perhaps it's because I just turned 35, that my seeking and striving have ended. I'm perfectly content with where I am in my life, and the circumstances that surround me.

I simply want to do more of what I know to be important, only I'll do it better and with less inhibition.



Take cooking for example, and the imaginary resistance that stands in its way.

Buying the ingredients, assembling them intuitively. Most important, showing kids that dedication to nourishment, and happily made memories does come naturally.



A rustic life always has rough edges, in a household my size you can't expect perfection. And perhaps that is what I'll take the most pride in this New Year.



My loving husband by my side, our friendship strong, our inner-knowing. We are going to make 2009 our healthiest year ever.



What's that? Pepperoni and chocolate-drizzled cream puffs aren't considered healthy?



Who in the world told you that? Well, you can listen to whoever you want. Our lives are our own to live, however imperfectly.

And that, I resolve, is what matters. Be blessed.

Outlet Love

Before you read any further, I should warn you. My husband has all the taste genes in the family. Sure, I've learned a thing or two about classic design and quality, but I can't help tending towards the kitchy every now and again.



Take these mugs for instance, I long for my children to present me with one bearing "World's Greatest Teacher", while my husband raises his eyebrows at the mere thought of such paraphanalia cluttering up our cabinets.

And though I'd never stoop to such nostalgia as wearing an actual embroidered holiday sweater (unless my friend was the artist), I still long to celebrate my tea drinking with the appropriate seasonal cup.



Now, this one's a little harder to explain.

It's ceramic, or terra cotta rather, and if you knew my friend Jay, and his taste for the eclectic, you'd totally understand why such rustic realism rubs off on me.

Plus these vases, lest you mistake them for sculpture...I can't imagine celebrating next autumn harvest without owning a pair.



Which brings to mind Jason, Jay's partner in Abode design (seriously, check out his apartment). He's all about big presentation in the smallest of spaces.

These mirrors, he would totally respect.



Of course I have my thing for metalwork, Grandma's cookware,



...and imagined trips around the world with good friends.

Momversations

Jodimichelle first caught my attention when she started throwing Target giftcards around. No, she is not affiliated with Target, it's just her way of overcoming her tendency to hoard, as well as trying to repent for being selfish and greedy. Her assessment, not mine.

I actually find her to be quite bold and courageous, and figured this from the start, as I automatically do of any Momversationalist.

But Jodimichelle definitely took it to the next level by recording her own segment of a Momversation. And what kind of friend would I be, on the internet or otherwise, if I let her be seen talking only to herself.

Two-year-olds LOVE dollhouses!

Polly Pocket Sparkle Style House

(keep an eye out on ebay)

Hello Kitty Light Up Dream House

(keep an eye out on ebay)

Sweet Streets Coffee Shop

Sweet Streets City Dinner and a Show

(keep an eye out on ebay)

My first office

I have a gift for making unbearable basements into office space. Here's the first house I lived in with my new little family, back when I was sure I'd turn out to be a metalworker, you know, as in jewelry design?

Didn't happen.

Destiny, are you trying to tell me something?

As you may have noticed, I'm kind of over the whole blogging thing. I wouldn't go so far as to call it "so 2008", at least not 'til that ball drops, and officially dawns "year of the message board". It's just that what I'd like to create seems impossible.

You know, a slice of homeschooling life prettily-decorated, favorite resources at your fingertips, endless time spent on-line tweaking this and fiddling with that.

Doesn't mean I can't still enter amazing contests!

Take Anne, culinarily-endowed mother to seven, happened upon her site by complete serendipitous accident! On a whim, decided to enter her contest (just left a simple comment) and like the luck of some ordinary draw I WON, my second dangblasted contest!!!

Remember my first?



So, thank you Internet for existing, although my contributions are becoming more sparse and thin. And forever be blessed, awesome tech-savvy moms who take time out of busy lives to create joy within.