lovegreendog

adios

2006-12-07T19:15:00.000-05:00

i'm moving.
you can find me here

monday, monday

2006-12-04T15:09:00.000-05:00

today i received a lovely little package!
the second picture is my attempt at a close up of the garland - it is so pretty!
and can you see that sweet card and choco-loot? yum.
thank you Katie :)

today we had our first snow
the snow melted as quickly as it landed,
but it was exciting anyway
things are starting to feel festive around here
and it looks like we may get the tree this weekend!

another joke from our girl-

where do snowmen keep their money?
in snowbanks :)

my 2 cents

2006-12-02T13:27:00.000-05:00

have you ever checked out photostamps.com?
i love this idea, and wouldn't this make the cutest stamp?
the price however, was not so cute.
instead i offer this
my virtual stamp for everyone to see.

the stamp was created in the lab
now go make one of your own ;)

holiday

2006-12-01T07:39:00.000-05:00

for me it doesn't really begin until i look back -

i opened my christmas05 picture folder and started down memory lane....

my son was convinced the tree skirt was a blanket to snuggle up under
we had a sad looking fake tree
we had started remodeling the living room and front porch
my son was in diapers
my daughter couldn't wait to wear the dress my M.I.L. made for her
my daughter told me she hoped we could have a real tree for the next year
we had installed a woodstove, and the house was just too dry for a real one
i was preparing for the busy season at work
the dog found the present my daughter got for him. he chewed through the gift paper. i taped it all back together and nobody ever knew.

the wreath has been hung on our front door and the holiday music is playing.

are you ready for the holiday?

and the new favorite joke around the house is:

what does a snowman eat for breakfast?

frosted flakes!

meme time

2006-11-29T15:04:00.000-05:00

i took this from acumamakiki
thanks K!

when is the last time you held hands with someone?
yesterday
you wake up as the opposite gender, what's the first you do?
check to see if i have facial hair and scratch my balls
have you ever touched an electric fence?
um...no.
where is your mom?
home in maine today :)
morning or night person?
i like the morning
what is the last movie you watched?
Family Man, i really love that movie
things about the opposite sex you notice first?
they are usually doing something stupid - just kidding guys....
i first notice posture, i am weird that way, all about "the stance"... sucka - remember that song buffalo stance?
ever been in love?
yes
what's something your friends make fun of you for?
being overly polite
what is your curfew?
what?!? no curfew here
would you ever dye your hair red?
i have, and i liked it, but it was too much maintenance for me
what's your worst personality flaw?
holding things in
what career would you wish to be in?
education - i know you don't see the grammar/comp./spelling here - but i've got that! i do.....
which country would you like to visit?
France
Do you want a well paying job or a job you enjoy?
a job i enjoy
do you wish to have the same best friends when you're older?
YES!
do you believe in needing religion?
i believe in finding what works for people.
i'm still learning about it myself.
where's your dad?
in maine
When were you last on the phone?
this afternoon with some rude chick at city hall - i put her in her place with my overly polite ways
what shoes are you wearing today?
barefoot by the woodstove feels soooo good
do you like math?
i secretly loved algebra in high school
what about history?
i love it, but i hated it back in school
have you ever seen 5 squirrels at one time?
i have seen 5 at once. in a park where people feed them. they are ballsy little things - i was afraid of 'em.
those beady eyes with their wirebrush tails digging for crumbs at your feet, like they might run up your leg and start pulling your hair out for the nest - creeped out! i was...
can you touch your nose with your tongue?
no i can't!
do you have a brother?
yes i do!
did your great granddad fight in the civil war?
not that i know of! enough exclamation points yet?
do you like hugs?
from my family, yes.
do you want to be a doctor?
i would like the salary of a doctor, i would be McChatty.
what do you do right before you go to bed?
check on the kiddies
right when you get out of bed?
stretch
do you want to be famous?
not really
do you do your own laundry?
have i ever mentioned laundry here?
no. that's because this is my warm and happy place.
i really dislike laundry, not so much the washing ,drying, folding - it's when i walk by a room and see my laundry efforts strewn across the floor. that is upsetting to me. damn it.

yes, yes!

2006-11-27T18:37:00.000-05:00

a wonderful mail package arrived!

have i ever mentioned how much i love mail?

i do. i do. i do.

i've started the book and i can't stop lookin' at the bag.

i am one grateful girl.

thanks for the mail goodness Nessie.

and thank you Pink Sky for putting together the swappage :)

giving thanks

2006-11-23T10:34:00.000-05:00

in moments that seem like they will never pass
when the kids are bickering, tattling, picking at each other
i take the moment
and give thanks
i am thankful that they have each other
that they do play together
that we are a family, learning as we go along
thankful that we sleep in warm beds, and eat every day

thankful for family - near and far
for lessons learned along the way
especially
thankful for my grandmother showing me that in every darkness there is light
and that there is goodness all around if we are willing to look for it

thankful for the strong women in my life
who have taught by example

thankful that through it all we've stuck together,
that when it would have been easier to leave
we chose to stay

thankful for good things
like these:
good books read by the woodstove
for toasty toes
and handpainted mugs filled with cocoa

thankful for dear friends i've grown with through the years

thankful for the kind words you leave me when you visit

we will feast on turkey today. not candy- i am thankful for that too

happiness to all of you,
A

morning conversation

2006-11-21T20:46:00.000-05:00

tomorrow morning i will wake up
my boy will come downstairs
he will eat his oatmeal
i will sneak in the a.m. news stories on the t.v. while he finishes breakfast
then he will ask me for candy
i will say "no"
he will say "how come?"
i will say "because it is not even 8:00 in the morning."
then he will reply "but we just went 'trick or treating' last night!"

this has been the morning talk in our house since Nov. 1st.

and a side note:

there is an enormous turkey in my fridge that is not thawing

and it's ugly

spc glam

2006-11-16T17:17:00.000-05:00

made with this
more glamour shots here

TILT

2006-11-15T14:46:00.000-05:00

it's time for hats!
i love hats
even though we lose so many through the season

running around getting hot, taking off the hat - and Bam! it is lost....

hats and snuggles, mittens and cold noses
it's getting to be that time again!

more love here and here

edited to add:
wow, all day i thought it was thursday!
thanks nessie noodle :D

2006-11-13T20:54:00.000-05:00

some of the photos from our beach day
friday

friday

2006-11-10T13:36:00.000-05:00

today is beautiful.
i took the kiddies and the dog to the beach.
we shot a roll of film.
i am making my first of many attempts for a holiday photo.
the dog escaped.
we got him back, thanks to the retractable leash he had on. he got all twisted and limpy. we caught him.
now that i think about it, it must have been a sight to see. the three of us hollering and strategically placing ourselves for the capture...

so the photos need to be developed.
my littlest has that "squinty-strained-smile" thing going on.
the oldest is a poser. she strikes a pose. she tries to coach the little one to pose.
the dog was too busy digging holes and trying to escape to be in any of the shots.

the weather and the huge waves and the togetherness - it made it all good.
the fresh air and warmth made everything okay.
i think maybe we'll go back later on, when the light is a little softer and the tide is going out .
minus the dog though! he can stay safe at home.

TILT(ed)

2006-11-10T00:18:00.000-05:00

in the early hours of friday morning
i thought i'd write down some thursday love
in the form of a bulleted list
and post a random sea life photo that i heart

the pomegranate out at the grocery store
striped baby socks
cherry and chocolate together
bookstore goodies at the check out counter (like book plates - aren't they so fancy and romantic?)
people over in my sidebar - click it out people!
warm pavement and walking in my driveway barefoot in november
no school on friday, and back to a clean moldless school on monday - finally!
cookie crisp cereal
wish lists
ornaments and holiday decor
the wood stove smell in the neighborhood

more love here and here

spc back then glam....

2006-11-07T20:18:00.000-05:00

10 points if you can name this one:
"Bamboo earrings
At least two pair
A Fendi bag and a bad attitude"

growing up glamorous meant big
big hair, and bigger earrings, and sunglasses you could hide behind
it was driving with the windows down, the wind taking you far away
it meant lipstick and eyeshadow, and name brand clothing
glamorous was low slung belts over tunics and leggings
pumps and denim handbags

it came from music videos and my pink cassette playing FM radio
it was for "big girls" and i wanted it so bad

i'm still digging around for what glamour is for me these days...

more glamorous pics here

sweetness

2006-11-03T20:05:00.000-05:00

sometimes you click a picture that makes you want to just grab your baby
and kiss 'em under the chin.
this is one of those :)

TILT

2006-11-02T16:07:00.000-05:00

i almost always have my camera in my purse
and sometimes when i am driving
i will see
and so i point and click out the window,
and it's amazing what happens!

driving and photographing it's what i love

original thurs. love here
more thursday love here

not again....

2006-11-01T16:07:00.000-05:00

i can't upload photos today.
halloween photo(s) here.

spc imperfect

2006-10-31T14:23:00.000-05:00

for the imperfect body image so many of us carry....

more portraits of imperfection here

TILT

2006-10-27T06:57:00.000-05:00

i don't like bowling much.
but it's thursday,
and thursdays are for love-
i love the little shoes!

original love poster here
more love here

self portrait challenge

2006-10-23T22:06:00.000-05:00

i spent many days as a drifter
as passive and spineless
mostly invisible

today i forgive myself for staying silent when i should have spoken up for myself
for looking away when i needed to be strong
for excuses i made for others
i am not holding on any longer
my jellyfish days are over

and this forgiveness is my gift

more imperfections here

while i was gone

2006-10-22T09:42:00.000-05:00

i went to bed early everyday, each morning i felt rested.

i picked up a knitting project.

i dug out the old Minolta SLR and fell in love with it - again.

i stopped drinking soda. it hurt for like 3 days.

i stopped though, i am soda free!

the fam took a train to the New England Aquarium.

i fell in love with Amtrak

and penguins, and sea turtles.

Amos Lee is my new boyfriend.

i got lost in the bookstore.

i squealed over the grand opening of Target in my hood.

i got new warm gloves and drank a hot chocolate.

i played outside until my nose was numb.

the leaves are blowing. it seems like nobody in the neighborhood is into raking this year. i love that. it is red and brown, yellow and orange, all around us.

i made a banana bread. it was scrump.

i bought and read a book in one day.

we visited grandma's. we watched these cuties on the tele.

had some girl time. my daughter is growing into a comedian!

i can't wait to catch up with all of you.
thanks for the visits and comments while i was out :)

whatever happened to her?

2006-10-18T09:16:00.000-05:00

greetings from my grandmother's house.
i haven't fallen off the face of the planet,
or run away.
my computer is a virus machine.
grammy was kind enough to let me on her 'puter.
(thanks gram)
i hope to be back soon.

t.i.l.t.

2006-10-12T14:51:00.000-05:00

for all the times you are told "just a minute", "hang on a sec",
for all the times you have been put on hold
and you wait, and wait, and wait ( i am so sorry)
for the smiles
for the patience you have with your brother, your mother and your daddy,
for being an animal lover,
a nature girl,
a science girl,
an inventor,
a baker
for all of these things and a million more...
i love you

more loves here

spc imperfections

2006-10-10T07:48:00.000-05:00

my imperfect eyesight.

i could wear contacts.

i love glasses.

more imperfections here

photobooth friday

2006-10-06T13:34:00.000-05:00

this has one been posted before
but his little face peeking out makes me smile
so it's getting another turn
for photobooth goodness check the originator here
and there's also some photobooth over here too
(thanks for the nudge Nessie)

575

2006-10-05T16:32:00.001-05:00

the worn and torn page
soft like velvet in my hand
words warm me like scarves
new pages so smooth
the promise of escape
begins on page one

find more beautiful syllables here

self portrait challenge

2006-10-04T13:48:00.000-05:00

"no a dirty seagull feather doesn't make me happy" i could have just smiled but i didn't

it took me a while to decide about this month's theme of imperfections
it certainly seems a lot like this
and boy did that hit me hard
feb. was the first month i participated in what was then SPT
turning the camera in to look at the things i didn't like was a little too easy for me
by march i couldn't bear to document myself for any amount of time
when april rolled around and things lightened up a bit i got back into it
and i haven't stopped since
the thing is now that i have been on a roll
i like what i see
i have never said that before
in my life
and for me
staying too long on the imperfections would change that
i'm not going back to her
so you'll see me here
interpreting this theme as differently as i can
no blubber rolls, zits, gray hairs, or ugly spots
not now
i spent too much time- or wasted too much time, on those things already

look into imperfection here

fall colors make me happy

2006-10-01T21:10:00.000-05:00

and another random autumn tidbit:

my girl can't decide if she wants to be a cheerleader or a vampire for halloween
what a toss up...

meme anyone?

2006-09-28T17:46:00.000-05:00

swiped it from her

1. FIRST NAME.

Angela

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

saving that story for some other day

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?

today, my brother left to drive out to AZ, and i prepared a birthday package for his littles - to put in the mail,sniff - here i go again....

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?

i do, i love hand writing things

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?

i prefer no lunch meat thanks.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?

yes. i think i am funny. i'd be friends with funny me.

7. DO YOU JOURNAL?

i used to. i did until i was like 16. one day when i was 18, and i thought i knew everything,i read the journals. i hated them and thought they were so lame i threw them away. years of angst and growth in the can, shit. what was i thinking?

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?

Yes.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?

how much will you pay me?

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?

i love cereal. all kinds.

honey nut cheerios, fruity pebbles, cap'n crunch with crunchberries. does anyone remember strawberry shortcake cereal? it was a box of crunchberries. they don't make 'em like that anymore....

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?

never, then i always hate that i didn't untie them.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?

i can be strong, it takes effort for me.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?

maine mud. it's coffee ice cream with a fudge swirl and oreo cookies.

yum, it's twice as nice with chocolate jimmies on a sugar cone. oink.

14. SHOE SIZE?

8.5

15. FAVORITE COLOR?

green

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?

the blubber i can't seem to get rid of.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?

geesh, since my whole family is out in AZ without me, i guess it'd be them.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?

Not necessarily but I would love if others played so I can read your answers!

(good answer Kristen)

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?

jeans and black keds

20. LAST THING YOU ATE?

mashed potatoes

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

the kids are yumming over some brownies i made tonight.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?

lime green

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?

i love the smell of the soap aisle at the grocery store

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?

"out of area" when i picked up and said hello, there was nothing, ugh

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU'RE ATTRACTED TO.

i notice posture, how someone stands or moves reveals a lot

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO ~~YOU STOLE FROM~~ SENT THIS TO YOU?

Yes! i love sticking to the point, acumamakiki rocks! check her out :)

i love reading the blog she ripped it off of too. deb rocks with her DAT, check it out.

27. FAVORITE DRINK?

i like coffee, i like tea, i like alotta....oops. i do like coffee and water and vanilla chai.

for Beverage: i love margaritas with salt

28. FAVORITE SPORT?

not very sporty - thus the blubber. will you think i am a super geek if i tell you i like watching figure skating?

29. EYE COLOR?

green

30. HAT SIZE?

hat's don't often fit quite right on me. i don't know my size.

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?

nope, i like glasses

32. FAVORITE FOOD?

i love fresh tomatoes

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?

i like the happy endings, scary movies give me nightmares

34. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?

black t-shirt

35. SUMMER OR WINTER?

fall is my favorite, for the color and the slow down. for school shopping and hot cocoa.

36. HUGS OR KISSES?

yes please.

37. FAVORITE DESSERT?

i like cheesecake with strawberries

38. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?

a book club selection, are you ready? Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons.

not sure i will finish it, there are a lot of titles on my "to read" list that i would rather be reading

39. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?

i don't have a mouse pad.

40. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV?

Top Model, gawd i love that show

41. FAVORITE SOUNDS?

the ocean, the kids singing, their laughter, husb. truck pulling in the driveway, wclz

42. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?

neither, sorry people.

43. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME?

ironically AZ

44. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT?

i can blow spit bubbles

45. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?

maine

46. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?

taken not sent

47. NEWEST THING YOU'VE TRIED?

not drinking soda

48. ONE THING YOU'D CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF.

i would say what i want more often

49. WHO DID YOU LAST SEND A CARD OR LETTER TO?

hmmm...the birthday packages will go out tomorrow, before that it was Nina

i am a mail Lover

50. WHERE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT IF MONEY WERE NO OBJECT?

i would visit art museums around the world, or visit every photobooth listed here

t.i.l.t.

2006-09-28T10:25:00.000-05:00

one of my favorite "thinking spots"
a drive away from town usually ends here
and the scene is always the same

peaceful

more love here

self portrait challenge

2006-09-26T17:19:00.000-05:00

we are almost 18 months apart
and night and day
we are close and far all at once
and now miles will separate us
i wish you happiness in your new home
with much love and fun in the grand canyon state
i can't wait to travel out to see you all
brothaah
i will miss you so much

more people with people here

t.i.l.t.

2006-09-21T16:11:00.000-05:00

not only do i love thursdays,
i love mushrooms
especially on pizza

lookin for love? find it here
in fact, join in- and post your end of the week loves...
come on, you know you want to :)

self portrait challenge (finally)

2006-09-21T06:19:00.000-05:00

we went into the state park this week,

to explore the bridges, the pond, the mushrooms and smell the nature.

he kept saying "The forrest is weally nice."

so cute.

it took all week to get this photo to post.

not impressed with Blogger.

see some more people pictures here

t.i.l.t.

2006-09-14T20:47:00.000-05:00

i love to drive
and i love songs about driving
even better when a driving song comes on while i'm driving

i drove all night - cyndi lauper
fast car - tracy chapman
cruisin' - huey lewis
little red corvette - prince
all i wanna do is make love to you - heart

don't even get me started....

more thursday love here

grammy

2006-09-14T11:28:00.000-05:00

happy birthday to you
i love that you always have your camera out
that there is always room for us
along with a hug and kiss
your special factor is beyond words
i love you always
xo

self portrait challenge

2006-09-13T10:21:00.000-05:00

go, go, gadget arm...
i will be digging out the tripod for the september challenge
i think, but......
who else will do this with me?
my dog and my kids, maybe husb.
they are usually the only ones who play along with me and my camera games,
not that there is much choice because we all live together......

the rest of the month will be interesting

more self portraits with someone(s) here

into the orchard

2006-09-09T07:19:00.000-05:00

we ventured into the apple orchard
picked some of the best cortland's ever!
only no one really likes them except me -
husb. says they are sour, the kids loved the first dozen they ate, but i guess they have had enough.
oh well,more for me!
they are so scrump, snappy, crisp. i am not using them for cooking. no. these are for fresh eating only.

here's my little guy telling me how he loves the leaf on this apple. he really loved it, look at his face. so seriously sweet.
my girl was more business like in her picking.
"only the red ones" she kept saying.
yum, she did pick some of the reddest, most plump apples.

this is what i needed.

self portrait challenge

2006-09-07T14:11:00.000-05:00

Bentley listens to me

on a lot of days he listens better than the kids and husb. combined

this one's for you B.

you're my "with someone" for this self portrait

doesn't that make you feel good boy?

yes? oh youwannatreat?

more self portraits with someone here

t.i.l.t.

2006-09-07T08:38:00.000-05:00

candy corn
it's a sign of fall
it's here
it's tasty

more thursady love here

hanging in the balance

2006-09-06T20:28:00.000-05:00

school hasn't started because of a mold problem
my glasses are on order
there was no produce at the store today
really, no fruits
and i have been needing some fruits, ahem

so this state of waiting is settling
and i am not liking it

my girl needs to get on with the school year
she is so very badly wanting to meet her teacher
and classmates

it's almost too much
all of this waiting

my belly is turning from it all
and this blog feels like it's turning into a toilet bowl for my mind's poop
where i dump it all
and flush with the publish post button

i am thinking we will venture to an apple orchard tomorrow
get some fruit, do something, take some pictures
my camera has been tucked away for all of Sept.

the leaves are beginning to change
and the mornings are cool
the beaches are deserted, and i've got a few extra days with my favorite girl
yes, things are just fine

oh man

2006-09-03T20:02:00.000-05:00

an oldie to show

the glasses

that met their death

in my purse this weekend

i am an irresponsible glasses wearer

i don't have any new photobooth pics

and now i am saving for a new pair of specs

ack........

photobooth

2006-09-01T12:26:00.000-05:00

i hope to post later today with some goodness of my own
if you're fixin' for some booth fun
checkity here

t.i.l.t.

2006-08-31T14:59:00.000-05:00

the beaches are becoming ours again

the visitors and tourists are going home

and i love having a parking space, a place to spread out, and the freedom

to let the kids roam ahead

don't get me wrong, folks are welcomed warmly for visiting

maine is known for our friendly natives

but when they all go home, when things seem a little quieter

this is what i love

it just feels like you can breath a little deeper,

wait in lines and traffic a little less

leaving you with a little more time to enjoy where ever it is you're off to

this is what i'm lovin' today

how 'bout you?

more loveliness for you here

of mice and pumpkins

2006-08-30T08:22:00.000-05:00

my girl & cinderella

last wednesday we saw a performance of Cinderella
it was more magical then i could ever begin to describe.
we rode the bus into this small town
and the shops were calling me, begging me to go in, to stroll the streets and get lost
but we had a show to see
and all of it was amazing!
the sets where unlike anything i have ever seen before.
i would live on the set of this play if i could. the marketplace, the castle, the curtain....
oh the curtain! it had a role, so very clever these writers are.
then there was the pumpkin scene....looking in thesaurus for synonym to magical....
....charming, enchanting, wonderful - all of it was this and more
after the show ended we had the amazing opportunity to go on stage to meet the prince and princess!
my girl hugged her, and kept telling me how much she looked like my sister-in-law at her wedding
this was the finale to the Family Summer Fun program we were involved with through our community center
it really was special
during the performance my girl leaned over to whisper "Mom, I can't believe this is real!"
and i confess
a tear spilled, there was joy caught in my throat.
she does that to me.
surprises me with her words, her smile, and understanding.
we saw magic that day, we saw and felt it
and we can't wait to go again, to go to the theatre and be amazed

spc (enclosed) 4

2006-08-29T06:55:00.000-05:00

look out! i am photographing myself in public

i've given up the fear that someone is watching

because for the most part, no one really is

people are so consumed with their own doings

they don't take notice of a mother with a camera and her two children

nobody sees that the camera is pointed in

that for a few minutes i am photographing myself

to passers-by i am on the playground with my kids, camera in hand -

one of those document every breath mums

and i certainly am that too

but self portrait lover, self portrait taker, this is me more and more

look inside more enclosed spaces here

thoughts strung together in a nonsensical way

2006-08-28T09:57:00.000-05:00

i am one of those worse case scenario people. which accounts for the large size of my purse. i like to be prepared, and yes i was a scout , thank you.

paper cut? oh yes, of course i have a band aid. your shoe lace broke? why yes indeed, i've got a spare pair of laces you can have. that's me. the one who thinks of the ridiculous and prepares for it. brushes, combs, earrings, and coins, it's all in there. just in case. you never know....

so where am i going with this? where am i going with any of this? i am not sure. tonight i need typing. fast button pressing that makes words appear. my thoughts, my words. i guess that's what it boils down to. taking a look at these, thoughts and words. because through out the day, i don't have the time. there aren't many moments i am not digging in that too big purse. looking for an answer, a "save the day" solution for someone else.

but there are no answers for me there tonight. so i am left with the keyboard, and my mind's wanderings.

school starts on next tuesday. i don't know why so late this year. we are usually an august start community, but there will be one more week of summer for us. together. my girl is already putting together outfits for the first day of second grade. long sleeves and a skirt, or short sleeves and pants - she hasn't decided yet. whatever the choice i will die a little when i see the backside of her hop and skip up onto those bus steps. when she gives a little wave as the bus pulls off. yes, a piece of me will be stuck in that folding bus door, screaming. wait! i am not ready for you to have her for almost a whole day. lump in throat, reach for purse, i know i've got tissues in there some where.

so soon it will be just me and the boy. we've already got a date for the library and cookie /cafe stop lined up. we'll be starting up play group at the community center, and maybe a read 'n paint session at the local paint your own pottery place. there's plenty for us to do. mostly we'll do it with a smile, but that first day without her - we'll pine for her, just like last year. counting down the moments until the bus pulls up and we are together again.

so this week we'll lay low, spend some quite time together. we've got books to return, and there's all kinds of new store fronts down on main street to look at. so maybe we can do that. one more summer stroll.

i am all over the place here. forgive me.

as i reread this i am reminded of an old high school english teacher. he would pass out at this display of grammatical disregard. sometimes i 'd like to do it all right. these words and thoughts, completely organized, and punctuated, correct if you will.... but really what's the sense, it's all mine, i can have it how i want, right? today i don't want correct, neat,perfect, i don't even want prepared, or to look at my large solution filled hand bag. i don't want any of it really. today i would like to lay down on the floor and kick my feet, scream my face off, and pound my fists into the floor. today i have already been witness to this scene with above mentioned boy. at the time i was counting the seconds down to the end. now it's tempting. that would feel good. i think. to get it all out. all of those things kept inside. just let it rip. on the floor. yes, that is tempting. instead i am typing it out, all of those things. type it out.....deep cleansing breathe - by the way, who knew you would use lamaze more after child birth? i still find myself retreating to my "warm safe place"

i was pissed when i left the grocery store and realized i had forgotten the 5 things i had gone for. the thing about my oversized purse is i can't squeeze in a fully stocked produce department. damn you bag - i didn't want you anyway, remember?

and the world is just so crazy right now. i don't dare turn on the tv until after the kids have gone to bed. it's frightening to me.

can you see me spiraling?

this is me overwhelmed.

just to let you know

2006-08-27T19:23:00.000-05:00

people ask what i did yesterday and i have to stop to think really hard
summer is almost over, and the kids and i need to be separated
we can't wait for school to start
i am still in love with the library, there's a job opening there hmmmm...
eating tomatoes with a shake of s&p is scrump
maine has the best corn this year, no salt or butter needed - it is that good
i think dune grass is really pretty
i keep rambling about things i like to avoid the things i don't
that's a revelation for me, that last line there....huh

photobooth friday

2006-08-25T08:44:00.000-05:00

the bottom half of a polaroid
photobooth july '06
favorite scarf

photobooth lovers look here

t.i.l.t.

2006-08-24T10:05:00.000-05:00

helium balloons make me sing

yes they bring something out in me

move me to song

husb. things i am a weird woman in regards to helium balloons

which only makes my love for them grow

i just want to fly away on a bunch of balloons,

it just seems possible, doesn't it?

like when you first hear of Mary Poppins and her umbrella floating travels

what a dream! that image resulted in days of open umbrellas indoors

hours spent climbing upon things in the bedroom and jumping down, only to land with a thud

balloons take me back to that feeling of anything is possible if you try

more thursday loveliness here

trois 3

2006-08-23T18:31:00.000-05:00

you have been three for three days
we've eaten the last bit of cake
the presents are all unwrapped
the house put back together
(we are still playing with balloons though)
in these three days we've celebrated
your laugh, your smile, even your grouchiness
with hugs, kisses, and millions of birthday wishes...

but i have one more, from just me

i wish for your satisfaction in the way of everyday sorts
contentment in now, in the air you breathe
even when things seem mixed up, i long for you to have the feeling of
'it'll all work itself out'
because this is what you have given me
in your being
your sweetness, your tight fisted fury, your smiles and tears
since you've come into my life
it has been a life of satisfaction, content, togetherness
maybe it's because you are second baby
maybe because i have done this whole toddler thing once before
the first time around -with your sis-it was question filled and so full of doubt at every corner
i don't know what the explanation is but
since your arrival i feel collected, centered,
like this is the way things were always meant to be.
i want that for you

xoxo

spc (enclosed) party

2006-08-22T13:52:00.000-05:00

we were enclosed for the birthday party
i had high hopes for outdoor activities
it just didn't happen though
there was a parade of visitors that lasted into early evening
some yummy cake, thoughtful presents, laughter, and an all around good time
squished into our small house

more enclosures here

comment quack

2006-08-19T07:03:00.000-05:00

green: holy quack!

blue: what's up?

green: comment spam, you haven't noticed?

blue: no, i guess she's deleting that quack

green: maybe she'll get a comment telling her how to put an end to it

blue: let's hope.

green: really....she's a little crazy these days, did you see that ridiculous weather letter?

blue: deb liked it, and i did too, you may want to shut your quack hole, lovegreendog holds delete power

green: she has gone bananas, we're frickin' rubber ducks dude.

photobooth friday

2006-08-18T10:52:00.000-05:00

shiny,happy,people
hampton, nh
july 06

more photobooth friday goodness here

letter for weather

2006-08-17T22:29:00.000-05:00

Dear Weather Systems of the North East,

Please pass by holding all of your water in until Sunday is over.
We have plans.
Plans for a fun time.
That is plans for a fun time Outside.
I would love to celebrate the cutest 2 year 364 day old boy.
I would love to do this Outside.
The thing is...last year I ended up with cake smeared in my couch, deep carvings in my soft wood floor, scratches on the walls, and a smelly bathroom (all by accident of course).
This all occurred because it sprinkled. We were inside. Under cover.
Weather Systems of the North East, you could not just hold it in.
Well, I am asking you this year- try a little harder.
Just wait a little longer. Come on. Please.I know you can do it.

Sincerely,
mother of two
who has gone bananas
writing an online letter to the weather

t.i.l.t.

2006-08-17T07:25:00.000-05:00

i am not much of a bike rider

in fact i start off embarrassingly wobbly

and helmets? ugh, not a double chinned girl's idea of cute

but this week i've been seriously considering it

maybe it's the basket i love or the old wide seats,

i want an old big bicycle

i want to carry home in my little basket the perfect ingredients for a delicious meal

with some fresh flowers for the table

i would nod a friendly hello to the passers-by

my girl would be riding just ahead, and baby boy would be chillin' in the back

in one of those kid carrier seats that float off of bikes like a mystery

husband would lick his plate clean and compliment my superb culinary ways

and we'd all chuckle

then dick and jane would come over for an evening glass of wine

and we'd watch the kids and their dog spot frolicking out on the lawn

i'm getting a little lost here...

since we've been back from the island i am filled with these imaginings

looking to lose yourself? take a looky here

self portrait challenge (enclosed)

2006-08-15T06:49:00.000-05:00

yesterday i traveled on the ferry with the kids
we went to an island not far from land
a small community surrounded by water
where people seem to mostly get around on bicycles
it was much more inhabited than i had imagined

of course i fell in love with it all
the solitude that surely arrives after labor day, when all the visitors have gone
when the people kick back and are thankful it's all over for another year

i fell in love with the idea of getting to the mainland by ferry
going into the city for supplies and whatever
i fell in love with the handful of seaglass we found in the rocky shoreline
scattered bits of soft and smooth glass, little jewels for the taking
yesterday we were enclosed,encompassed,surrounded by water, and i fell in love

more enclosed portraiture here

back on the 575

2006-08-14T14:37:00.000-05:00

so hot and steamy

you wake me in the morning

i drink you slowly

you want another cup? get it here

photobooth friday

2006-08-11T14:47:00.000-05:00

even though i look a little nervous/startled in this one, i like it
my mom was with me this day
she wouldn't get in the booth , claimed she looked "a fright" (which she always says)
i think i might have one or two pictures of us together (i mean with me as an adult)
and i wish that wasn't so...

when my littles ask for a photo with mum, i say yes, 'cause i know what it means, it's important
and it's us - their lives are clearly mapped out to look back on, see where they've come from, how we've grown, all four of us - their mum and dad scattered throughout those photos

so when they ask for a picture -it's always a yes
so what if i have more than one chin and a bit of every meal on the front of my shirt?
...someday we'll look back and say "remember when?"
i like that

for more photobooth friday check in with the lovely andrea

t.i.l.t.

2006-08-09T20:49:00.000-05:00

i love a fresh fauxhawk on my little guy!

the phrase fauxhawk makes me laugh everytime i hear or say it, kind of like...

skunk juice or snaggletooth tiger, or how about when my great aunt calls her dog Muffin - yes that one gets me to tears!

have you ever heard of a dog named Muffin?

Muffin is one of the 3 most popular cat names in Maine, right after Mittens and Missy

a soft mini breakfast cake, how does a dog end up with a name like that?

i dunno, i love it though. cracks me right up every time....

lookin' for more love today? check it here

spc (enclosed)

2006-08-08T18:13:00.000-05:00

the retreat

for a few moments of solitude
i make my escape

in a most usual way

door closed
comfortable seat
some reading material

in a house that is still learning the meaning of privacy
where nothing seems to belong to anyone
these moments of solitude are minute

for more enclosed portraiture look here

photobooth friday

2006-08-04T07:12:00.000-05:00

sizzlin' summah
1/4 of a polaroid set
more friday happiness here

goodness sentiments

2006-08-01T21:03:00.000-05:00

i can't believe it's august

and i can't believe i just typed that

because normally i kind of roll my eyes when people talk about "how fast time goes"

or flies, passes, whatever

but really, i don't know what happened to july

it's gone, and it happened, and here i am wondering when...

we crammed a sunset trolley ride, ice cream, bowling, an anniversary celebrating 7,

yes count 'em 7 years

of lovely goodness between me and my man,

a scenic lobster cruise, time with school friends, babies born,

a concert, photobooths, camping trips,

books returned, and new ones checked out from the library

more ice cream, and this month was the best my mailbox has ever seen,

and all those weddings, it all happened so fast.

and this month my little guy turns 3.

so we will bring on the cake, the balloons, all that jazz that is a birthday, and more ice cream

he is going to be three, and i am one of those people talking about how time flies

and wondering where it goes

because i swear it was just yesterday i was warming bottles and changing diapers

counting baby fat rolls, and how many teeth, how many pounds,inches,alll that growth

and it all keeps pushing forward

and here i sit in it

amazed, because it really seems like it all happened overnight....

photobooth friday

2006-07-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

sisters in hampton beach,nh

i wasn't ready!
crackers....
this is the most unflattering photo i've seen of myself in a while
but alas it's a photobooth and thus still fun
along with all the fun i've been having this summer,
i've consumed some fun foods - you know what i'm talkin'
those beach treats
ice cream, fried dough, pizza, delicious greasy french fries
sigh, it's taken it's roll, i mean toll
and the fun consumption must come to a halt
but the boothing, yes that will continue!
this is the first of a series of three, the others are pure cuteness

for more photobooth friday delights visit andrea!

is it really thursday? t.i.l.t

2006-07-27T13:47:00.000-05:00

it seems like every where i go these days
i am running into these
fortune tellers
everywhere
on the streets, in the arcades....
i am turning corners and there they are
and you know i can not resist
i have to put the money in and see what she says
because i am a lover of the cards, and there is a history of "the cards" 'round here that no one speaks of - in public anyway
so here she was another "lady of knowledge"
and this time she didn't have much nice to say
but i love her anyway, silly gamer of fortune
wonderings, longings, wishes of what may come

more lovliness here

note-
if you love these fortune tellers as much as i do, check this out
and add to the fun!

fill it up again

2006-07-27T06:07:00.000-05:00

i went to a concert
it rocked
i've always loved the indigo girls
when i was a younger i loved that they where two girls that could kick guitar ass and sing
i still love that, but the music means more now
the stories, the philosophies
seeing them play, it was really great
three 5 human opened for them, and they rocked out hard
i wish i could provide a link filled post with other cool things, but it's just not happening today

my sister and i made it to the front for this photo,
which was a lot of feet stepped on and hands pushing us forward
which was all a little scary
it's thursday and my ears have stopped ringing, and i haven't stopped singing
the closing performance with three5 and IG of midnight train to georgia was superb
i don't think i've ever heard it that good. yes, it was that good.

thanks for a super fun night out sista :)

self portrait as boother

2006-07-26T10:03:00.000-05:00

wow, i am not going to tell you how long it took to upload this photo or any of the other computer crap that's been going on

i will tell you that i heart photobooths

i frequent the polaroid variety, because it's close

but this weekend i was in hampton, nh (computer issue preventing from linking directly, check this site out people. locate a booth near you and use it)

home of arcade, fried dough, pizza, nacho, and ice cream galore

and yes

oh yes

there is the old school booth

at playland arcade

the kind of booth that flashes right off as it gobbles your money

so that your first picture is off guard, unsuspecting, hilarious

and the swivel stool, the waiting for development, the mirror on the front...

i just love it all

this self portrait was inspired by the photobooth friday originator and another photoboother

every friday, a fresh list of links to other photobooth lovers

and it's only wednesday

so check it out and join the fun

grrrrrrrr.........

2006-07-25T14:52:00.000-05:00

why?
blogger is not working for me.
i have things to post about, photos that are fabulous.
things to show.
blogger people : i am asking with pleases, and politeness....fix this shiitake!

added
i am also having problems with the computer
i can't comment on anyone's blog
i tried the handicap alternative, nada, mute
tried typing in random crap, hoping those magic scrambles would appear - zero
i get the white box with dreaded red "X" where there should be annoying slanted letters
ttsssssskkkk

self portrait challenge as.....

2006-07-20T13:23:00.000-05:00

disguised

in case you wondered

2006-07-17T19:39:00.000-05:00

our dog loves bubbles as much as we do

grammy is rockin' in computer class with her solitaire card playing suaveness

i am a winner

we went to yet another wedding this weekend

and i can't wait for this coming weekend

my little guy is now sleeping in a toddler bed

i love blueberries on my corn flakes (pretty sure i say that every chance i get)

the library is our new favorite hang out - my little guy doesn't tear or eat pages, and my girl is in information/chapter book heaven

holy crap! she will be a second grader. she has taken to perfecting her "cursive signature"

i am becoming a beach mama, and i wish these summer days would go on forever

t.i.l.t.

2006-07-13T11:33:00.000-05:00

it's been all about weddings this summer
and there are still more to come
i certainly didn't enjoy going solo to one

but when i'm with the other half, it seems so romantic

there's something about a wedding that makes me gush like a fool
the dresses, the flowers, fancy cars, and the words
oh the words are goose bumpy, heart quickening love
yes, i am one of those when i am with my other
the vows, the rings, the kiss .
he always looks over to me with a smile
and the hand squeeze
which speaks volumes
in that fingers clasped moment
he remembers our day, when we did and said these words that are spoken
we remember all that has happened since, and wonder what is yet to come,
taking comfort in knowing we'll have each other
yes, this is me
a romantic lover of weddings

and of course there's the cake, they are so pretty
so spectacular with flowers of frosting and edible ribbon
i love it all

get your love here

catching up

2006-07-11T17:58:00.000-05:00

she was an angel

i am still speechless

when did she grow? how did we get here?

she had sparkles in her hair

she danced with her dad

and cousins,

and anyone who was on the dance floor

she was the life of the party, her excitement so contagious

we twirled our skirts, ate cake, and jumped for what seemed hours

i loved every second

self portrait challenge

2006-07-11T15:46:00.000-05:00

self portrait as canvas painting

you've read that i am an artist here
but you haven't seen much of my work
so today i share me with you

more self portraiture here

2006-07-10T17:36:00.000-05:00

ahhhhhhhhh

that's my sigh of relief

my girl was the flower girl in a wedding this weekend

it was fun, she looked sweeter than i can say, and she danced like it was her last day

but i am glad it's done

more photos later

t.i.l.t.

2006-07-06T07:39:00.000-05:00

it's the 6th of july
i am still loving the sparklers
or is it the photographing of fire flying sparks that i love?
hmmm i love all of it
the sparks, the smells of campfire and sparklers, the marshmallows
sleeping in tents and waking to bird chatter

what are you loving today?
check it out

self portrait challenge

2006-07-06T07:31:00.000-05:00

self portrait as a brunette

it's july
new self portrait challenge
a fill in the blank of sorts,
self portrait as_____
get the details and see some portraits here
grab your camera and go!

sum,sum,summah time

2006-07-05T20:31:00.000-05:00

summer lovin'

nothing says summer fun like the
blue of the pool
or heart shaped sparkler trails

so super busy with weddings and outdoor fun,
i am behind in all sorts of bloggie things

nina - your package is almost together, and i am in love with my pin :)
more photos to come....

uno

2006-07-03T07:26:00.000-05:00

portland head light, not far from where we are

thanks for the meme
debr and acumamakiki

One Word for......
yourself : happy
your partner : love
your hair : help
your mother : super
your father : dad
your favorite item : camera
your dream last night : none
your favorite drink : latte
your dream home : spacious
the room you're in : cool
your pleasure : reading
your fear : falling
where you want to be in 10 years : studio
who you hung out with last night : husband
what you're not : rested
your best friends : sanity
wish list item : clothes
your gender : girl
the last thing you did : read
the last thing you ate : cereal
your life : good
the last person you talked to on the phone : mum
who are you thinking of right now : kiddos

tag you're it!

4th of july

2006-07-01T16:05:00.000-05:00

sun on our faces
the grill all smoky
sparklers will be our show after the sun sets
marshmallows on carefully chosen sticks toasted to perfection
yes, these are the things that make summer

t.i.l.t.

2006-06-29T07:16:00.000-05:00

i love the compass rose for all it's travel promises it seems to hold

those who came before us, lives depending on which way the wind blew...

it all just makes me want to hit the road

to venture beyond the backyard

to "go see what i can get into" as my grandmother says

this compass rose along with a few others can be found here

if you are looking for more love this thursday check here

pop art finale

2006-06-28T13:16:00.000-05:00

here's the finishing touch for june's self portrait challenge
i have to admit i am relieved this is done
on to next month's challenge
check it out

come on try something new....

575 gone fib

2006-06-26T07:34:00.000-05:00

down

slowly

we go round

our lassoed horsies

lumber into summer sunsets

one deep breath offers weekly haiku prompts

for details,inspiration, and links to more participants go visit!

Saturday, brought to you by the color red

2006-06-24T19:45:00.000-05:00

my sweet friend K is 8 months along
she was in her sister's wedding last weekend
100% emotional and 100% beautiful
she is smart, funny, and kind
she will be a wondeful mum, i just know it
and i can not wait to meet this baby

and it is officially summer in Maine
the berries are topping our cornflakes
and it all magically happened overnight
welcome summer,
take a load off your feet and sit a spell.....

photobooth friday and a splash of orange

2006-06-23T19:50:00.000-05:00

yikes!

this was a photobooth fizzle

something went wrong,

but i am not quite sure what

this was a booth at the back of the arcade

i will be sticking with the booth at the front from here on out

oh yes there will be a next time....

here is some orange from the parade we saw today :

mastermind of this week's colors and photobooth friday is this lovely lady

t.i.l.t . brown bear

2006-06-22T17:12:00.000-05:00

these old bears will live forever
patched and stitched
friends for life

more thursday love here and here
more color coded fun here

wednesday green day

2006-06-21T21:44:00.000-05:00

there's a party going on don't ya know?
grab your camera and join in, see it all here

spc pop art 3

2006-06-20T06:23:00.000-05:00

yah baby........

i just called to say
it's my 100th post

there's a lot of things i love about this corner of the internet
mostly it's the people and ideas listed in the sidebar to the right
so if you haven't clicked through - go on!
writing has really awakened a lot within
putting together words for myself, organizing thoughts, it's good
and a relief,
a freedom of sorts to empty out this insidechatter that is often pushed aside for "later"
even if it's just a few runonsentences strungtogether

something is stirring inside
i'm pointing the camera inwards
my sewing machine has seen the light of day for weeks straight
i've received joyous mailbox treats
writing, crafting, always photographing
doing so many things
that are me
again

i feel like i'm just warming up though, so don't touch that dial
this is only the beginning......

more pop art here

575 pathways

2006-06-19T10:19:00.000-05:00

unsure in footing
tender feet step light and fast
held breath escapes me

for a weekly theme to write about in haiku

check here

thanks deb for the inspiration

i thought of you this sunday

2006-06-18T19:52:00.000-05:00

i thought of you today
when my children celebrated their daddy

i thought of you
wishing i could fully do the same, celebrate
always so wishful,
every 3rd sunday in june

at the thought of you on
other days i am disappointed, angry, and filled with sorrow,
and always asking the same question
still sitting with the pit of that question

why weren't we enough?

sniffle and mope

2006-06-17T21:27:00.000-05:00

i've been riding the solo train for a while
(because of husband's neverendingwork)

sigh...
wedding reception must be the loneliest place to be uno

all those loving glances exchanged between the newlyweds
the flowers, the rings, the vows
the dances
it's all too much to bear alone

i miss dancing, flowers, and hand squeezes, all of this
and a million more things

go kiss your spouse

photobooth friday

2006-06-15T21:14:00.000-05:00

frame 1 : solo again.....
frame 2: yeah! it's the end of the week and i'm in a photobooth!

love the photobooth? so does she.

t.i.l.t.

2006-06-15T07:48:00.000-05:00

have i mentioned my love for my baby's feet?

toe-toes, piggies, piglets, toogies, footsies, by any name they are sweet...

and is it me, or do they never stink?

more thursday love here and here

in the meme time

2006-06-14T19:33:00.000-05:00

Accent - new england? lazy with the r's, easy with the quips

Booze - margaritas- with alotta salt anytime, or a rum&coke with my sister

Chore I hate - folding laundry-no one ever puts it away, they like to take my work and fling it around the house. that is upsetting to me. very.up.setting.

Dog/cat - 1 boston terrior named Bentley. he is my best friend and worst enemy

Essential electronics - i'm liking my phone these days, it has a radio - perfect for walks and of course the digi cam- can't leave home without it!

Favorite perfume- not big on perfumes, i do like this funky little sampler i picked up shopping w/my sister,i love the nature smell - can't believe i paid just $3 for some thing so fancy and super !!! and i do love this

Gold/silver - i used to be strictly silver, but i am growing into gold

Hometown - livin' in the hometown again

Insomnia - doesn't happen often now that baby boy sleeps through he night (hallelujah)

Job title - artist, got a problem with that? haha

Kid(s)- we have two. our girl is 7 and our boy will be 3 in August. they are both my favorite surprises.

Living arrangements - living in our first home husband and i bought together. remodel is our way of life.

Most admirable trait - i have been told i have the patience of a saint, if my dog could talk he might tell you otherwise

Number of countries visited- 1, i have been to Canada twice

Overnight hospital stays - only when i had my babes. the first one 2 days ,the second one i stayed for 24 hrs. exactly

Phobias - falling off a ladder, or step stools, i hate climbing up on anything including bleachers

Quote - "The greatest part of our happiness depends on our disposition not our circumstances" Martha Washington

Religion- got my fix in parochial elementary, that was enough for me. not quite sure what you would call me these days.

Siblings - two older sisters, one younger brother

Time you usually wake - 6:30-ish AM

Unusual talent - i can blow spit bubbles

Vegetable I refuse to eat - cooked cabbage, or baked beans, as a kid i would cry at the smell of either

Worst habit - holding my breath

X-rays - many, too many- mostly chest and arms

Yummy foods I make - i kick ass at cheesecake and any other cakes, i love to bake but hate to cook

Zodiac - i am an aries and was born in the year of the sheep

thanks debr and acumamakiki for sharing this great meme!

now it is your turn!

self portrait challenge pop art 2

2006-06-13T11:21:00.000-05:00

billboard me
made with this

i am floundering in this pop art challenge

to see some great stuff go here

books before boys

2006-06-12T20:40:00.000-05:00

i have a friend who used to sign all her notes to me b.b.b. - books before boys
she is still my best friend.

i am that girl in the bookstore smelling the pages, feeling them, and maybe i am already 25 pages into the book before i reach the register.

i spotted this meme over at a fellow book lover's blog and swiped it for myself.

thanks acumamakiki

3 most influential books
She's Come Undone by:Wally Lamb - i read this when i was in H.S. and i think i may dig it out for another time around. i remember feeling so in awe of W.L. and his writings about Dolores. it's been a while and i can't remember as much about her, time to visit again.
The Dive from Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer this is an amazing story about love and the sense of responsibility that often rides beneath that emotion, if you haven't read it you should give it a try
Ernie's Ark by:Monica Wood this was the first book of short stories i ever finished. the characters will stay with you. Monica Wood is a Maine author, she is brilliant, and if you haven't discovered her yet - what are you waiting for?

3 books read more than once
I have not finished a book twice, I am currently reading The Hours for the second time

3 great books I personally hated
if i can't get through the first 100 pages of a book it's history for me. by "get through" i mean find interest, connection with a character or place....
The Corrections - never finished
A Blessed Event- skipped a lot of pages, and read the last pages so i would know how it ended for a book club meeting (sshhhhh)
Memory of Running- this story had the lamest ending in my opinion, but i did finish - in hopes of something fabulous to come - disappointed

3 books for pure pleasure
for quick reminiscent wonder i'll dig into some YAF
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by: Ann Brashares
Sloppy Firsts by:Megan McCafferty
Flipped by:Wendelin Van Draanen

3 great books I should have read, years ago
The Dive from Clausen's Pier by: Ann Packer
The Patron Saint of Liars by: Ann Patchett
The Secret Life of Bees by: Sue Monk Kidd - not sure when that came out but everyone was surprised i hadn't already read it, i loved all the girls in that story

Last 3 books ordered/bought
Elsewhere by: Gabrielle Zevin
The Austere Academy by: Lemony Snicket
Salem Falls by: Jodi Picoult

Last 3 books read
The Ice Queen by: Alice Hoffman
A Blessed Event by: Jean Reynolds Page
Memory of Running by: Ron Mclarty

and 3 I can't wait to get my hands on (this meme is so fab. why not make it a little longer eh?)
Adverbs by Daniel Handler
The Whole World Over by: Julia Glass
The Mercy of Thin Air by: Ronlyn Domingue

there she goes again

2006-06-10T10:04:00.000-05:00

this picture,

the face making, goofing,

not wanting anything to do with the camera

she has other things to do - no time for mom's memory making gig

for a moment i am a little sad

her toes touch the floor when i hold her in my lap

and she runs off at the spotting of a school friend - with no look back

she's growing, i guess that's what they do

up and away, you go

but there are those moments you linger - in a hug or tuck into bed, i know you

you are sweet and fresh, and mine

all this came up with this foolish photo

and i love you so,

i just had to write it down

photobooth friday

2006-06-09T07:01:00.000-05:00

this was their first sitting together
adult free
look how serious she is, with that clenched smile
frame 3... up pops brother for a pose
frame 4... bam! he's outta there

for more photobooth loveliness check in with Andrea

things i love thursday

2006-06-08T06:53:00.000-05:00

note cards
especially the square variety

this is one that i made

now i can't stop buying the blank ones
i want to make more,more,more

square notecards just seem special
of course there is the extra postage required
but that's part of it , i am also a stamp lover
when you get a square in the mail, there's the bonus of more than one stamp
and for me the stamps are mini-art

four equal sides of greatness

more t.i.l.t here and here

self portrait challenge pop art

2006-06-06T14:59:00.000-05:00

lipstick was always the deal sealer
once that tube was whipped out we knew
the holder had a plan, she had some place to be

check out more self portrait challenge pop art

mailbox bliss

2006-06-06T14:48:00.000-05:00

wow! i received a mail packet of goodness.
it was really nice to go out to the box and find a surprise amongst the bills!
over at The Whole Self there was a pin give away, and i was lucky to get one.
the pin is the sweetest little thing, and the other goodies were icing on the cake.
Thanks a bundle Nina, and your mailbox bliss will be arriving shortly ; )

photobooth friday

2006-06-01T21:41:00.000-05:00

take #2 with sister-in-law-to- be
i love how i put my glasses on in kissy photo upper right, what was i doing?!?
and the money? i dunno
my favorite is the rabbit ears in the lower right photo

note to self:
check booth background curtain; this 90's era one was a fun surprise when the photos developed

for more photobooth loveliness check out the fabulous hula seventy