a day in the life

May the fourth be with you

Contrary to what the title says, this post is actually not about Star Wars, but as I have never once in my 34 years ever thought that this indeed was "Star Wars Day," even with my super geeky fanatic husband, I thought it was still a perfect title.

So no, this post is not about Star Wars, but yet again about my little sister's beautiful book, Any Day a Beautiful Change.
Last night I got to go to Katherine's book reading, my very first book reading. It was, cool. She was introduced by David Hassler, whom considers himself the reason the book was written as he was responsible for their meeting.  Perhaps a joke, but an inspiration to Katherine to say the least.
Then we got down to the reading.
I stood in the back, quietly snapping photos, and looked at the faces of the listeners. Great big grins at times, only to be traded with eyes welling up with tears at other moments. I shared those grins and tears. When I read it the first time, the second time, the third time, and when I heard my sister read her own words. They are powerful. And helpful. And beautiful.

Questions came next, one from Maj Ragain, her old poetry teacher, whether she was still writing poems. She sheepishly answered, no, they didn't come as often. But later, after a particularly moving chapter, he spoke up and said, "No. You still write poetry."

This book is poetry.

Then came another question from the audience. "Do you feel you have aired out all the cobwebs, or do you think there are still more to come?"

Katherine replied, with perfect comedic timing, "This is my father." Chuckles ensued.

I am so glad she wrote this book. And I know you may get tired of me saying it, but it is my job as the dutiful older sister, to tell you as often as I can, you must read this book. You will love this book. So thank you Ben, the ginger haired boy, for telling Katherine "You should write about us."
I'm so glad she did. And for those of you wondering, and asking "Now it is your turn (to write a book)" I will say, no, I'm just happy standing in the back taking the photos.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Finally, yes FINALLY, Jack is starting to clap. He has always been a foot kicker when he is happy, and I was beginning to worry, but today Charlie came running in the room and said "Mama! Mama! Jack is CLAPPING!"
2. Speaking of Charlie, he is less than a month away from four. The past two weeks I have seen a huge change in him. Yes, we still have some three-year-old fits, but less and less often. He is taller. He is more descriptive. He is super fun.
3. Speaking of older, a few days ago Lillian turned 6 1/2. That's right, 6 1 2. My favorite age. Hee hee. I am a crazy person.
4. Speaking of crazy, anyone else tired of this crazy winter? We have had two straight weeks of a horrible virus-Lillian being its latest victim. Give me a solid cold snowy winter any day if it means we don't have this up and down weather of sick. Thank goodness it is the end of February and spring is almost here.
5. And speaking of the end of February, it is a Leap Year. SO happy that I saw on the Ella blog about doing a Leap Year time capsule to be opened in four years. AWESOME and totally doing it. How fun is that. I plan on taking lots of photos, listing some things about the kids, and Lillian and I are going to look some stuff up (as yes, she will be home again tomorrow I'm afraid.)
6. Speaking of photos, I have a mini book due in a few weeks and can't decide what the topic should be. So, dear readers (if there are any left because wow still not blogging as much as I should!) what are some mini book ideas you have planned?
7. Speaking of big decisions, I have a big one to make. Sometimes I don't mind, but this one is just really annoying. Grrrrr
8. Speaking of grrrr..nope got nothing.
9. As I am running out of things to day, I will just show you a picture. Of me. Right now. My studio with my growing favorite photos wall, my new necklace from Charming Charlie (LOVE) and my hair that already needs to be cut...
10. And now for my last thoughts. Yesterday there was a shooting at a high school in the area. A friend from college is actually the choir director there. As of now three of the five students shot have died from their injuries. I can't help but think back to last year where Lillian's school not only allowed, but exposed the entire student body to guns in the school. This is a very stark reminder that it is never ok to bring guns into school. Never. We need to tell our kids if they ever hear about a gun, or see a gun to report it immediately. I am still processing exactly how to talk to Lillian about this, as while I think it is important, I do not want to bring up the other details of that project with her. But just as she corrects anyone who says the word "stupid, hate, or dumb," I hope she will immediately report anyone who has a weapon. My thoughts are with all of Chardon, and all the families affected by this tragedy.

Sad Mac.

As Katherine and Elizabeth have both expressed their sadness, apparently it is my turn. Growing up we always had computers in our house. Always had access to those computers. I remember sitting down in the basement, Daddy working on his, me playing Shifty Sam or The Olympics on a a very square Apple computer. Nondescript except for that colorful little apple with the bite mark.

In high school, in my super stylish ways, I decided that wearing my Apple shirt (with that colorful little apple on it) that said "The Power to Be Your Best" at least once a week was just totally cool. (Cassie, do you remember my shirt??) Now I think it was actually super nerdy. But, I loved that shirt, and I loved passionately defending them to anyone who would speak poorly of them. I don't know if it was my love of the underdog, or just extreme customer loyalty, but no one could convince me to change my allegiance.

But then college came. My Mac world was rocked, and I was jolted into the scary world of PCs. Except for the music lab, the entire campus was a PC haven. After graduating I even owned one-a Dell laptop. I can't remember how many times I had some kind of issue with that thing. I just never really seemed to get them. Once while I was at work I opened up a client disk to look at something, then ejected it. By putting it in the trash can. Because that is what you do on a Mac. That is not what you do on a PC. It erased the client's disk. Oops.

Currently in our house we have one laptop, one desktop, four iPods, an iPad with a few dozen books, many apps, and thousands (and thousands, and thousands) of songs. I hope to soon get an iPhone with the AMAZING 8mp camera. iTunes, iCloud, iMovie, iLove it all. All wrapped up in a pretty little package.

I still feel just as strangely passionate about Apple as I did back in high school. I am not rooting for an underdog anymore. With every major release I would think "Wow. Good for them. Finally some respect." Every time they came out with something else I would cheer. When Steve Jobs came back to Apple, it just got better and better.

So I know it seems odd to have such sadness over losing some CEO who I have never met, but to me he is more than that. He is Gene Kelly. He is Jim Henson. He is Mozart. He is the Beatles. My friend Patrick said it well...Think different... Live your life. Make change. Leave the world a better place.

iThink he did just that.
Thank you, Steve Jobs.

 

Ten on Tuesday

1. I believe this could actually be named Ten Thousand on Tuesday as I have not blogged in so very long. The only reason I am blogging today is because I have a horrible cold and feel awful so I am sitting. I don't sit much these days.
2. The moving plans are coming right along. We found a house, had a good inspection, and now are waiting for the appraisal. Our money guy is working quickly to get us closed on June 23. Not bad since we put in the offer on May 30. Until everything is really set and papers signed, I will hold my breath. But I will tell you everyone will have their own bedroom (well I guess Bj and I have to share ;) I have a wonderfully well lit studio, and there is a sun porch on the back where I will enjoy many hours watching the kids play in the fenced in backyard. I can't wait.
3. Lily has (after today) three more days of school. Then she will be a 1st grader. School has been a bit of a massive stress lately as I have major concerns about the choices and judgement of the teachers and staff. I turned into a full fledged Mama Bear, writing lots of emails, making lots of calls, and meeting with the Assistant Superintendent. Lily may be gone in three days, but I could not let the kids we are leaving behind ever go through this again. I know I am being vague, but honestly this is the kind of stuff that you would see on the Today Show or Anderson Cooper. And if they don't take steps to make this right, it may be still...
4. I miss taking pictures. Oh don't worry, still doing my 365 despite the fact that I haven't posted a photo in FOREVER. I just miss taking client photos. But soon I will have my brand spanking new and gorgeous site up and I will be shooting everywhere.
5. Speaking of taking pictures, OH MY I want one of these.

Not saying that I will actually get it, but I want it.
6. I got that photo from Pinterest. Have you heard of it? It may be the coolest thing that has happened since, oh I don't know, the internet. Follow me if you haven't (Marie Willis Taylor) and see just want inspiration may end up in the new house. OH cannot wait to paint/decorate/play in my new house. I am giddy. And buyer beware, it is time sucking there is so much goodness.
7. Did you hear that Write. Click. Scrapbook. is TWO years old? While I am sad I have been so busy lately that I barely have time to scrap, when I do, this is where I go. There is so much inspiration there. And such wonderful, smart, funny, and dedicated ladies there. I am super lucky to be part of it. Elizabeth, I am proud of you for making the tough to decision to take a break, but come back soon cause it just isn't the same without you.
8. As I prepare to move I am SO excited to make plans with all of my Ohio friends. To sit on my back porch and chat. To scrap. To meet at Hibachi in 20 minutes. To go to my parent's house or Bj's mom's house with just a diaper bag and not a car load of stuff. That being said, I have made so many friends here. Really, really good friends. Friends who were there for me when Jack was born. Friends who came over to chat. To scrap. To eat at Aki. Who love my children. What Marnie said about me over at WCS "Marie - is smart, steady, and loyal. Her photos draw you into her pages but it is her scrapbooking of fierce friendships that makes me wish I were one of her besties." Well, I can't tell you what that means to me. If you remember me for anything, remember that I love my friends. I know they are so very important-especially if family is far away. So do what you have to to find them and keep them-even if it has to start with an interview at a coffee shop over queso. ;)
9. Jack turned five months old! The pictures are still on my camera, but I will tell you I will have another doozy for my 12 attempts album. He is now rolling and turning all over the place, looks a bit like a wild animal when he wants to put a toy in his mouth, has the BEST smile and giggle for his brother and sister, still is a pretty wretched sleeper, has FAT legs, ate Rice cereal for the first time on Sunday, still spits up but not nearly as much as the others, is happy 95% of the time but then WATCH OUT when he gets mad, and loves his Mama.
We all adore Baby Bean :) OOOOOO Do you see that up there on my photo? Why, it's my brand new logo designed by Patrick Jebber of Monsters Unlimited. I LOVE it :) Website coming SOON.
10. Charlie is also super sick. And super stubborn. Won't blow his nose. Potty training is non existent. Ever so slightly makes me want to lose my mind. And yet he is the sweetest, most loving little boy who gives me the best hugs and tells me I look like a princess everytime I dress up.

11. Ok you get a bonus. On Friday I taught a photography class to my MOMS Club. The goal is to help the average user understand their camera a little better so they can capture those every day moments of their kids a little better. Ohio readers I will be teaching it soon in your area too! Anyway, while preparing for the class I found this...
which reminded me of this...
My goodness does time fly.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Good: Did you see? I am one of the newest design team members of Write, Click, Scrapbook. So excited, so inspired, and I think you should check it out. Click on the Blinkie. Look! I have a Blinkie! That's a first too.
2. Bad: I got stung by a bee the other day. Not enough to hurt, but enough to itch like crazy. Still.
3. Good: I went to an AMAZING photography workshop on Friday with my dear friend Rachel. I learned SO much, now have a million new inside jokes to giggle about, and so many new techniques to try.
4. Bad (really, really, really bad) When I was on my way back, Charlie fell and had his tooth impacted, or pushed all the way up into his gum. The ER didn't believe Bj when he said the tooth didn't fall out-they couldn't see it at all. Bj called from the ER and told me what happened. Needless to say I didn't handle it very well. After a night of the worst migraine I have ever had, I woke up and we took Charlie to a Pediatric Dentist and where he had the tooth extracted. It was stressful, horrible, and sad. Charlie is FINE, but still. I think about long term effects, everything from how he will eat corn on the cob to will he have a speech problem; everything has been running through my mind.
5. Good: Charlie said today at the park "I'm so happy Mama. I'm so happy." and "This is fun, Mama!" I think this is his way of telling me it's ok. STOP HOVERING.
6. Bad: I forgot my camera in Ohio. Seriously?
7. Good: I got it back today-all in one piece.
8. Bad: I am on a mission impossible to find another lovey for Charlie. After the accident it has seen better days. Hello, why didn't I buy two at the time?
9. Good: I had the BEST dinner tonight. Organic crock pot chicken, an ALL organic/fresh from a friend's garden salad and some really good melon. Awesome.
10. Good (because it would be best to end this on a happy note): Photo-a-day for May is complete and edited and will be updated here soon. Checking one thing off the list at a time.

Ten on Tuesday

1. I am doing "Thankful" posts on Facebook everyday. Something tells me this is going to turn into a scrapbook page, perhaps even an album...someday.
2. I really have been trying to scrap more lately because I miss it, I need to do it, I want to do it.
3. I am finally reaching the end of the crazy October photo month. Finishing my last October client and on to November!
4. Charlie's new favorite word is "MONEY!!!" He says it all. the. time. And very emphatically too. Would you like some more? MONEY! Comes up with a toy box he can't open...MONEY! Charlie get off the table! MONEY! Sometimes it does sound a bit like Mommy, but he continues to call me Mama and I have heard it when I am not around. I seriously don't know what the exact definition is.
5. I crafted something Christmasy tonight. Haven't decided yet if I will make more for presents yet so you will have to wonder what it is.
6. My city only collects what limited recycling they take, once a month. And we forgot last month. Consequently we currently have seven bags and three bins FULL of recycling out for a very early morning pick up. I really hope the wind doesn't pick up tonight.
7. There is a whole lot of dress-up played around here and a whole lot of running around. Thus, tired girl, all dressed up, taking a break.
8. Tired girl taking a break learns that she may be attacked by a pirate if she rests too long.
9. Did you know that The Trifecta started a Tumblr blog? We did and you should definitely check it out.
10. You know what you should also check out? Elizabeth's new class at Big Picture. It is all about inspiration and finding it and harnessing it and using it in amazing ways. I seriously can't wait. What a great way to start the new year. Hello, she even has an interview with Amy Krouse Rosenthal, one of the most creative and inspirational people out there.

Pretty things

1. Have you heard of Small magazine? It is an online only magazine that comes out four times a year. Tons of cute crafts, recipes, illustrations, cute advertisers, and pictures of sallow looking kids in clothing that costs more money than I would spend on clothing in a year for my whole family, but still, I really enjoy it.
2. One of the reasons I like it is I found Carin Berger in the most recent issue. I immediately put this in my amazon cart. I LOVE her illustrations and I am so excited to find out that she has illustrated for Jack Prelutsky who wrote The New Kid on the Block, a book of poems that I LOVED when I was a kid.
3. I love exploring Etsy, and this is one of my new favorites from Pretty lil things. Seriously. How cute. 
4. Every single thing on the new October Afternoon blog is also quite pretty. AND Emilie Ahern is on the design team. Seriously, doesn't get much better than that.
5. I love this. I saw it forever ago on the Ohdeedoh site and I am slowly but surely making my own little cute coat area. If only I could find the "C" that Rachel gave me right after Charlie was born. I have a "D" (for Daddy) a "L" and a "M," but no C. I even drove across state lines to find another one. Oh well...I'm sure it will appear eventually.
Hope you enjoy the pretty.

Ten on Tuesday

1. I cried about a million times today. And every single one was a happy tear.
2. I sat next to Jess and watched Barack Obama get sworn in as our next President. She cried too.
3. My mom, dad, Elizabeth and Kattie all got to see it in person because they were there. Wow.
4. I had to add Barack and Obama to my computer's dictionary today. Because I was tired of seeing the red squiggly line.
5. But apparently squiggly is a word.
6. I am so exhausted. Today was a long day. Not a walking and standing for ten hours kind of day, but a long day non the less.
7. I know that my children won't remember what a historic and exciting day this was and I know it sounds strange, but I hope they never really understand. Because that will mean this is just how it is. How it has always been for them. I hope that for them.
8. I am proud to be an American.
9. I started today by singing The Star Spangled Banner and My Country 'tis of Thee to Lily.
10. And I will end it by saying a prayer that we will turn a corner. That we will get back on the right track. Here endeth the non-stop two day political extravaganza. Tomorrow will be back to children and scrapping and real life...just with a little more hope in my step.

I got weepy too

Thanks Katherine for sharing this. Now I want to share it too.