Monday, February 28, 2011

You have got to be kidding me!

Another x?@2*! snow day!! 

We are at about 5 snow days which in itself isn't so bad but add at least as many days with delays and probably over double that in days home from school because of being sick and I am about to slaughter this winter!!!  I know that spring is coming because the birds are noisier, the temperature is not in the negative numbers and I have even seen grass (not here but in valley type places).  But right now I would really like to take Punxsutawney Phil, shove him face first in the snow and ask, "Is this what an early spring looks like?  Really?"

Ok, I am done now.  I just needed to vent on the blogfront rather than on the homefront.  To another day filled with fighting over legos, cabin fever, and trying not to mastermind plans to kidnap a groundhog...

peace 

Saturday, February 19, 2011

My bad!

I totally meant to highlight the jewerly artist that produced my ring in my post Thursday.  In my haste to run out the door, I completely forgot!  My big bad!! 

So without further ado, my beautiful, simple-but-elegant, textural ring was made by Chris Mueller who has a lovely shop on Etsy.  Chris has an eye for clean modern design inspired by nature.  Love it, love it, love it!  She also was wonderfully helpful and patient with walking Matt through the process of a more commplicated order through etsy.  Thanks so much, Chris, for your personal customer service and your original work! 

Here are some of my favorite pieces from her etsy shop:

Freshwater pearl, textured, etched, sterling silver bracelet

vibrant blue Australian boulder opal - ring - sterling

Lily Pad Earrings with Frog - 14k Gold, Sterling silver

So check out Chris' shop!  She comes highly recommended.

peace

Thursday, February 17, 2011

From my Valentine...

Matt and I have never been very into Valentine's day.  Sure, we have gone to dinner or to see a movie but we have always viewed it more as a Hallmark holiday where people are encouraged to spend reckless amounts of money on unnecessary stuff.  Married for 8 1/2 years, two kids and an intense job life, later however, have encouraged us to use Valentine's day as a reminder to appreciate and celebrate the one we love.  Not to replace everyday affection and appreciation but just to remind us that thoughtful gift giving is more about giving a piece of yourself than consuming commodities.

And this Valentine's day, I received a most wonderful and beautiful gift.  My engagement ring and wedding band were passed down to me from Matt's mother's mother.  I have loved these rings for their history and family significance.  I have felt very honored wearing the rings of a strong woman I never had the pleasure to meet but have heard so much about.  I have often looked at those rings on very ordinary days and wondered about the everyday life of the woman who wore them before me.  60+ years of living and use, however, have worn those rings down and they cracked.  Not wanting to risk ultimately destroying the rings by repairing and continuing to wear them, I retired those symbols of love and commitment some time last year.  Below is my Valentine' day gift for this year:  a new engagement ring/wedding band.  Not to replace my family heirloom but to continue what they symbolize; everlasting commitment, honesty, love and devotion.  Thanks, babe, I love it!

  peace

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

End of a season

Swimming season that is.  Abigail had her championship meet last weekend.  Before joining the swim team, she had been taking swimming lessons almost constantly for three years.  It has been amazing, though, to see how enormously her skills developed in just one season by practicing twice a week and having a chance to be surrounded by her older, more experienced teammates. 

Here she is in action!



peace