Happy Birthday Miss Holly

Miss Holly turned four. Such a golden wonderful age.
Where did February go?

Friday Night Date

We saw Anthony Bourdain last night he needs no introduction or reservations.  Seems he reenforced so much of what Lee already knew.   Lee is happy....  There where a lot of life lessons in his presentation.  If you don't mind the f bomb, we don't in adult company, he is definitely worth seeing. 


Pause my blog music first.
Born this Way.  The lyrics from  Lady Gaga's song by this beautiful little girl made me cry.  God absolutely makes no mistakes.  Amen. 

Valentine's Day

Heart of hearts.  What an inspiration children are.  Jacob's hat was drawn by the Crafty Chica.  It's his favorite.  In the garden at County Roads. 
'

The 13th of Month

The 13th of the month is always celebrated at the pumpkin cottage.  It all started with my oldest sister's, Mericia, devotion to Our Lady of Fatima but it continued with celebrating our first date on, yes, a Friday the 13th and has continued.  For us it is about celebrating the every day.


Yesterday we visited Country Roads in Orange because I left my textbook at the office.  Everything always works out.

This little playhouse brings tears to my eyes because my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Henage, gave me a very similar one at the end of the school year.  I think she must have been retiring and knew that I would treasure her gift. All these years later, I remember the kindness of a special teacher that encouraged a shy non-English speaking little girl.  She influenced my love of learning in ways that I am going beginning to understand. 

This lovely Madonna.   I wish I had brought her home with me but, alas, there is a budget after all.  I did bring home a sweet pea to commemorate Valentimes Day. There were countless other treasures but you have to visit yourself.

And finally lunch at Bruxie  Even better than you can imagine. 

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Red Hot Valentine Shoes

I work really hard, I get really good grades, I am a good mama and wife so I think I might treat myself to these shoes.  Just because...yep I said it. I know what you are thinking. Yes, they are expensive but if they last it will be worth it and if they don't I'll cross the bridge some other day.

There are plenty of things that I don't have control over.  Things like my "affliction" or gippiness, that's what we call it, that make it impossible for me to shave my legs, in truth I can shave my left but not my right leg.  Then there are the things I CAN control like sliding my feet into beautiful shoes, having a pedicure, and spending some cash every once in a while.  Worth every penny.

Roadtrip Plans for the Spring

First, we are dreaming of the Alameda Point Fair for the first Sunday in the month of April.  Last year it poured and we missed the fair all together but we are always willing to try again. 

Second, the last weekend of April may include the Remnants of the Past show.  We had a blast the last time we visited. This show will be featured in the April issue of Country Living.

As part of my journey with Simple Abundance, I am diligently working on my illustrated discovery journal.  I've been on this path since 1995 (a very difficult year) and still with every single journey down this path I notice something new.  This time I discovered the book  Delight.  I've ordered the book and will let you know.

This adventure, that we call life,  is about uncovering your authentic self while  acknowledging the beauty of the every day.

Let's Face it IT is all about the Cute

Hello, my name is insert your name here and I am a magazine junkie.
The new issue of inspired ideas is available.  I got mine.  You have to get yours.




Natural Life  anything Dutch inspired is welcome in our little cottage.  Natural Life's little towels are adorable.

Making this Cake

Valentine Cake....have to make it and you can see it here.  Yes, Mr. Lee, we can make this cake.  Think of it this way...a visit to Wallymart, Jo-Ann's or Micheals is guaranteed in the mix.

Okay, truth is that we ARE big on valentine's.  We are BIG on celebrating every day, on celebrating romance, on celebrating that in this big world we found each other, AND have beautiful kids.  Kids that are growing and grown but give us so much to be grateful for.

Valentine's Day gives us a day to honor each other and our children in a very public way.

This little photo is from our visit to the Wild Animal Park a few weeks ago.

Valentine Wish List

Been under the weather...so I had a bit of time to dream up a little valentine wish list.
This little stapler in teal from McMaster and Storm.

 
My recent fascination with birds includes this coat rack.
I think Holly started the trend but I am enjoying the ride.















Lovely shower gel.











Citrus Blossom soy candles.