At least I'm trying...

I've been quite the grown-up lately, keeping on top of things and being neat and tidy. I know, you're impressed. right?

Anyway this past weekend got away from me and so did yesterday for that matter. Hey life gets busy sometimes. And to make matters worse, the holidays are in the air. Holidays make creative (somewhat flighty) people drift off into a la-la magical land of, "I wonder what I can make today or Ooo, lets decorate and forget all else" state of being. Very anti-grownup I'm afraid.

Because of this I decided today was a day to resort back to "timer cleaning" (you know when I set the timer for 5-15 minutes per room (whichever I feel I can commit to) and clean my little heart out).

Problem is when you're a person who needs a timer for cleaning...

You never know where you put the dang thing the last time you used it.

it's sad really.

Hmm...

I wonder what I can make today?

So happy...

Some time ago, I picked up these paintings at a yard sale for a dollar. Yes yard sales pretty much rule the world. Of course the frames were in all of their seventies glory when I bought them, but nothing a little paint couldn't fix.

At first I painted them with more of an antique type paint finish and I have to say it didn't do it for me. Every time I'd walk past them I'd think, "Nop, that's not doing it for me. They need to be white."

So yesterday I finally pulled them off the wall and slapped some white paint on them, which lead to me taking care of some other neglected yard sale finds.
So happy.

My sis-in-law and I were talking the other day and she asked, "if you could think back to a time when you were the happiest. When would that be?" (or something like that). And besides the obvious--marriage, kids--I wasn't quite sure.

But yesterday I was reminded that I'm the happiest...




...when there's a project on my mind and paint on my hands.

Now that's bliss baby. Solid Bliss.

So good to know...

Writer's Workshop Prompt:
10 Reasons why you love your job.

Only I'm changing the prompt a little (well, kind of a lot) because I'm rebellious like that.
And my slightly (well, kind of a lot) tweaked prompt shall be:

My one job.



A strange thing happens when one becomes a small town person, and now I find myself saying things like, "Aww man, I don't want to drive into town today." Into town? Really? Who am I? But this is my reality people. I own it. Because it's true.

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have to make round trips "into town" and back 20 times a day (slight exaggeration), but I do, across horrid, bumpy dirt roads no less (feel sorry for me yet?).

So sometimes, after picking up one kid and waiting for another to finish music lessons or the like, I hang out "in town" instead of driving back and forth. This process often irritates me because I always have SO MUCH TO DO at home.



But on Monday I was given a gift. While hanging out "in town" watching my kids play at the park a sweet gift flooded my mind and my heart as I heard the Spirit whisper, "This is your one job. The most important job you will ever do."

It wasn't a warning voice as in, "This is your one job so you better not mess it up." But a sweet reminder, a special feeling of permission given to me by a loving Father in Heaven that it was okay for me to put all other things aside because this, my one job, was what mattered the very most.



Now, because of this precious gift, when I am with my kids I am really-- WITH MY KIDS. The need for multitasking is gone. Because after all...




I only have one job.

Woo-hoo...

I told you I was setting some goals. And I meant it. So this morning I whipped me-self up a little goal calendar (for one particular goal. I'll make others for other goals) because I'm a visual person and things such as this make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

As you can see I didn't spend any amount of time creating or perfecting my calendar because I have much to do these days. You know. With my new goals and all. I just slapped it together and added words of things that-- by working on and accomplishing this particular goal-- I'll be able to better enjoy in my life.

Hooray for goals. Hooray for progression (it's my favorite thing about being alive you know. Progression. So Fabulous.)
and Hooray for happy little doodled calendars that bring me joy.

The bus stop of loveliness...

Today, whilst at the bus stop with Mr. Waylon, I was gifted a bag of rolls, home baked by my lovely neighbor. "I got to baking this morning..." She said. "And these are for you."

"Lucky me." I squealed. And I meant it too. I was hungry at the bus stop. And bread is my favorite food group.

Along with feeding my hungry belly, this act of kindness also confirmed to me what I had been feeling all day, which is this...

I need to make time to do the things I love each and every day. That's right I said each and every.

If I want more creative time then I need to "pencil in" more creative time.

If I want to get back to playing the piano... pencil it in lady. Pencil. it. in.

In other words I'm setting some goals for myself. That's right...goals. I'm taking charge of my time, prioritizing, and living each day to the fullest.

And someday. Yes, someday. I'm going to be able to gift others with bags of homemade goodness, of one form or another, to brighten their days too.

Yes I am.

Breaks over...

(Norman's mom)

Once upon a time...mostly back while my oldest three were little... I oozed creativity. Creativity was my life's breath. I wrote, painted, decorated, reupholstered furniture, sewed, made crafts, sold crafts and created precious family heirlooms for my kiddos (to name a few).

Fast forward to now...

The other night my younger three pulled my canvas "monster" book (that I never finished sewing together) out of a memory box and squealed with delight (okay so they didn't squeal but they were very excited to look at it, pass it around and touch every page) "What is this?" They asked. Had I really never shown it to them? "It's a story I wrote when Landon was little." I told them. "Wow!" They exclaimed. "Did you paint these pictures yourself."

"Yes. It's a story about a little monster named Norman who is afraid of children." I explained. "Would you like to hear it?" We sat down and read the story of Norman (incidentally, when Monsters Inc came out my kids were quite convinced that they had stolen my idea. cute) and afterward I thought...What the heck am I doing with my life? Why have I abandoned creativity? Why?

And now I CRAVE creativity. Yes, I needs me some creative time RIGHT NOW.

Anyone want a canvas book? I'll make you one. And maybe I'll even sew it up for you too.
Maybe.

Sail away with me...

(this table was my last lucky find, while still a resident of the Valley o' the sun)

Last night I had the strangest dream... I sailed away to China in a little rowboat to find ya... no I didn't really (those pesky 80's songs. They just pop up when you least expect it).

I actually dreamed that several of my blogging friends (and some that I just stalk) came to my house for a fun little blogging people's get together of sorts. It was a bit awkward if I'm speaking the truth because all of these women. that I admire. were in my house. My house. And one of my favorite designing bloggers was making a phone call IN MY ROOM. Most of you have met my room before (it looks a lot better these days. I'm slowly evolving) and it was in all of its disorganized glory in my dream. Thanks dream for making me feel like crumb after all I've done to try to change. Thanks a whole heck of a lot.

Anyway, then came the part when I was asked to show the blogging people persons some of the interesting things to do about town...-crickets chirping-... I had nothing. So my mind quickly transported us to the Valley of the Sun, my beloved (P.S. people from the Valley of the Sun never call it "the Valley" (except for the broadcasters on the evening news) I bring this up only because it bugged me in my dream that I was calling it that)

Safely in the warmth of my "Valley" home I turned to my guests and, with a happy gleam no less, announced that I would be taking one and all to my (brace yourselves) FAVORITE THRIFT STORE. Oooo. Rowdy. But when I googled it to find its location the address came up as being on the corner of Southern and Pecos (?) This hurt my head. Even away in dreamland IT HURT MY HEAD. "How can this be?" I questioned. "It simply doesn't compute." I groaned.
But the google map said it, right there-- Pecos and Southern--marked with a big, b0ld star. Well I knew good and well that Pecos and Southern are parallel running roads that DO NOT INTERSECT. so I caused myself to wake up. so I could prove to myself that I was right. And I was.

So what's the moral of this dream? Well I figure it can be one of three things...

1) I need to have a blogger people persons get together of sorts at my house.

Or

2) I'm being chastened for not knowing more about the rich abundance (?) of fun things to do in the town where I now reside

Or

3) I've been estranged from my "Valley" home and thrift stores for far too long and a trip is in immediate order. immediately.

Then again it could have been a dream no more profound than sailing away to China in a little row boat to find ya or some other such meaningless fiddle-faddle.

And yes I just said fiddle-faddle. And yes I kind of liked it.

This much I know...

What a weekend we had. A weekend of bad news. First from my hubs and then from a friend. And though my mind reeled around, trying to think of possible solutions... What could I do? How could I help fix things?... I ultimately came back to the same conclusion that I always come to during times of trial, which is that I have very little control over what happens in my temporal life.

And that's when I remember and take great comfort in knowing that I do however have all control over what happens in my spiritual life. Nothing (aside from my own hardheartedness and stupidity) can stop me from growing spiritually and enjoying the presence of my Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ in my life. Nothing.

So I spent a good part of the weekend trying to stay close to the Spirit (fasting, praying, attending the Lord's house). I allowed the Lord to manifest His power unto me and I found comfort, hope and joy in the knowledge that He lives, that His work will go forth and that He is always there for those who come unto Him.

What a comforting feeling indeed.

Be careful what you wish for...

I'm in a hurry this morning. No time to blog. No time at all. But I want to blog because I told Mr. Blissful I would and also I wanted to tell you about my new glasses. So while I'm waiting for my eggs to cook (breakfast is the most important meal of the day. even if you're busy) I'll do just that.

Okay, first of all I lied. These are not my new glasses they are Paige's new glasses. I don't wear glasses, but I covet these.

When Paige put them on her cute face I said "Oh my gosh those are so flippin' cute. I want some." (or something to that affect). So Paige let me put them on my not quite as cute face and when we showed Mr. Blissful a wide grin spread across his saxy face and a gleam shone in his eye to boot (I think he was picturing me as a saxy secretary, that's what the look on his face would suggest, but I can't say for sure :} ).

Anyway "nerd" glasses (that's the modern lingo for them. you know the word on the street. yeah I'm up on these things) are the stuff right now did you know that(I did because I'm really cool and up on these things you know)? And I WANT SOME.

So I was fixin' to order me some fake ones when I remembered...
Hey I'm 41 years old. Chances are I just might need glasses FOR REAL.

Looks like an eye appointment is in order toot sweet. :)

Do I really have to come up with a title for this post? Blah, I hate titles...

"You need to blog." Mr. Blissful encouraged last night.

"Nah, I don't feel like it." I answered.

"I'll watch TV while you write. Come on."

"Eh. don't think so."

"Isn't it Self-Portrait Tuesday or something like that."

"I don't do Self-Portrait Tuesday anymore. Besides it's Wednesday, the day I do Writer's Workshop."

"See. You need to do Writer's Workshop."

"I can't I'm too tired."

"Sure you can."

"Zzzzz..." with my daytime clothes still on no less. Told ya I was tired.

So I missed Writer's Workshop this week. I mean I guess I could still do it but eh, I don't feel like thinking that much right now.

So instead I will tell my friend Rachel that I like her idea of posting about the many adventures of Mr. Landon on his mission. And as soon as I get the writing bug again I will do just that.

I've thought about posting Mr. Landon's address so all y'all could write him happy little messages, but then I remembered that I have no idea who reads this here blog and I don't want anyone to write my baby nasty mean spirited messages. Not that I think anyone would really do that but you can't be too careful when you're talking about your baby. Am I right? And as Landon said himself of the people he meets, "They either bless us or curse us." So I know there are those out there who like to curse people if they happen to disagree with them and again, I don't want anyone to curse my baby through the mail.

So I thought, "How 'bout facebook?" I could post his address on facebook. But I'm friends with people on facebook that I haven't spoken to in over 20 years and I wouldn't want one of them to write to my baby and say, "Your mommy is a twit" (do you love the movie Matilda as much as I do?) So I guess facebook is out too.

And I can't post my email address for all y'all to email me for his address because my email address has my last name in it and I try to keep my last name from this here blog. So in short, I guess all y'all can't write my baby happy little messages. Dang it all.

But I will tell you that he is doing very well and having some miraculous, heart warming experiences. And even though I miss him SO MUCH, I wouldn't trade this time for anything. Having a missionary son is FABULOUS.
If I do say so myself.
And I do.

If I must, I must...

On Sunday my dear Mr. Blissful looked me straight in the eye and said, "You need to start blogging again."

To which I replied, "Eh. My heart's just not in it right now."

But when Mr. Blissful talks, I listen (stop laughing Mr. Blissful. Okay so maybe I don't completely listen, but lets just say I try to be accommodating when I can :} ).

Anyway...

So I'm going to try to get back into blogging. For my dear Mr. Blissful. Because I kind of like him a little.

Today I blogged over at Words for this Day. My other blog. That I love. Because Mary at Blogrock made it so dang cute. Did I ever tell you that a little splash of red is my favorite color. Not full on all over red, but a little splash of red. Yes I love a little splash of red and that's what my other blog has. love.

But I never write over there even though I really want to write over there. So today I did, write over there I mean. And you can read it by clicking the cute button below (see the fabulous splash of red) if you feel so inclined to do so. Thank you much and have a fabulous day.

A morning serenade...

I've been away from blogging for what feels like forever. I've missed it, but I've just been too busy to do anything about it.

Until...

This morning.

This morning I allowed myself a little downtime. It started with a need to hear Phantom of the Opera music. I love that music (I really need to buy the CD--and no I don't own an MP3 player because I've always had children at home who call, "Mom" every five seconds and one cannot be plugged into such a device and still hear themselves being beckoned every five seconds. So don't be making fun of me for it okay. alright.) so I clicked on some Youtube whilst making school lunches for the kiddos.

Someday I must do an entire post dedicated to the music of the Phantom. I love stories such as that and I love how brilliantly the music captures the emotion of the story. And furthermore I love talented people who bring such brilliance to life for my enjoyment. Thank you talented people. Thank you.

And speaking of great stories that evoke great emotion...
There has been great weeping, and wailing and nashing of teeth at the Blissful house over a certain book entitled "MOCKINGJAY" (I'm sure some of you have heard of it--the third in the Hunger Games series-- you know) Anyway I haven't read it by my dear daughters have and oh my... that's all I can say... oh my. Such drama. Such confusion. Such heartbreak and sorrow. Thank you talented writer person. Thank you (I mean that sincerely. I love books that can do that).

Anyway...
So I'm watching Phantom music this morning, which leads to watching Beyonce sing Phantom music, which leads to watching Beyonce and Josh Groban sing together, which leads to watching Josh Gorban and Celine sing together, which leads to watching Josh sing (because I had forgotten how much I love Josh) which leads to tears, of the crocodile variety, streaming down my face when I listen to Josh sing "To Where You Are" because it reminds me of my Dad.

Whew... you just gotta love music.

And again I say, Thank you talented people. Thank you.

Now I must go find my long lost Josh Groban CD (did I mention that I love him--and that I don't own an MP3 player) because downtime is over and I very much desire for him to serenade me while I work. Sing to me Josh. Sing. to. me.