Under the Lunar Sky

I just had to.... never before have I seen a Lunar eclipse, so I felt the need to especially make the effort to see this one, considering that an eclipse on the Solstice hasn't happened for a couple hundred years and won't again for a couple hundred years more. I've never viewed a lunar eclipse. It's always been one of those things to add to my life's 'list'. A few years ago on Christmas day I was fortunate to view the Solar eclipse that happened then, but never anything under the night time sky.
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And what a beautiful night. Crisp and clear, and completely bone chilling cold outside. But even more so, me, being frozen by the wildness and ancient thrill of those particular minutes viewing an orb that I have loved for so long. How in those moments I was witness to something spectacular.
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It was hard to turn my gaze away from the strange colors of red and orange. Normally the silver white light leaves that feeling of comfort and familiarity, and with the freshly fallen snow laying low on the ground, the world was one of illumination and brightness in the dark. Then slowly the creeping darkness did come, until almost all was black. Then something amazing, when the world I knew turned into a foreign dream. The feelings of wonderment and apprehension mixing together as the moon became a stranger. Asking it, friend or foe?

Having a bit of retro fun.

It's that time of year again! When taking out the lights for our tree, the Hubs put on his puppy dog face and said "Can we use colored lights this year?". Yuck. I hate anything but white lights for my tree. But, I do have to say that the colored lights I got last year for our deck were, well, pretty. Why not for the tree?

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So with colored lights and colored bulbs and hearts, here it is. One retro, rad looking tree.

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And getting out the rest of the decorations, I wasn't feeling the full blown all-Holiday-in-every-corner-of-your-house-decorated thing, so only a few items actually made it out of the boxes. I have to say, it's kind of nice this way. Nice to have a simple Holiday. We won't be traveling, or having a big family dinner with 30+ people, no stresses, just...simple.

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*My Mom has gotten me a Peanuts or Lucy item every Christmas since I was a Junior in High School. The one time you are the Lucy lead in a Charlie Brown musical and you get to be Lucy for life!! But... I love her!!

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I found this night light last year. Could not pass it up. How fun it is to have this little happy Santa glowing every night until Christmas morning.
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And here is the pies de resistance. The family heirloom. The tree in all my Holiday memories. My Grandparents did not have a very large house. It was really very tiny, so with having no room for a live tree, this silver number was purchased and sat in the corner every year behind the front door. There would be lights or decorations and smaller boxes of presents underneath, but with the simple fact that even though they had no room, they made sure they had a tree for those Holiday celebrations with that part of the family.

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And lastly, but the best part of all... Fritz.

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Happy decorating to all!

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I took a picture of this picture that hung in my room or in my house for almost 15 years. I wanted to remember it, but didn't want to hold on to it anymore. A vacation in the Caribbean, a small Mexican tourist trap, and a painter.
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The fad of the time was to paint works of art with spray paint and use objects (cardboard cutouts, rocks, bowls, anything) to achieve some type of 'scene'. It was amazing to watch a work in process at how quick the artists had become. I'm sure it was more about getting American dollars than the art, but still fascinating.
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After viewing three or four artists around town, I just couldn't quite decide. I had given up on my quest for the perfect picture until the last stop of the day. And there it was. In my favorite colors with a scene that instantly felt 'me'. The paint was still a bit damp, but I wasn't disappointed that I hadn't witnessed the artist making this one. The mystery of how it became was just as important to me as what the painting said to me.
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But over the years, and changes in life, the girl who stared into the painting with wonder and dreams is a completely different person now. No magic anymore could be seen coming through the art. So off it went. Sold to a young lady. But I'm OK with that.
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She can have the dreams and wonderment now.

Wednesday Craft? Update

I have had two plain stools for the past ten years, and every one of those years I have wanted to make them a bit... prettier. But I also wanted to give them that splash of unexpected color. You see, I'm an Autumn girl. Dark rich colors consume my life. Now it's time to add that brightness here and there.

I'm loving it. And have plans for a few more color changes in my life. So it is kinda crafty right?

Absaroka Air

I've been letting things slide by me,

And I've been trying too hard to get by too easy.

But this morning when my room was only sunshine,
I think I finally made up my mind.

I'm headed back home again, on this empty highway.

I'm gonna take in that clear Absaroka air,

And let it take my breath away.

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I've had a hard time believing

In all things that give me life.

So I've been tryin' to find some meaning.

Some words of wisdom to move my wrongs into rights.

And if faith can move a mountain,

Tell me what's going to move my faith?

But I believe in that clear Absaroka air,

Because it takes my breath away.

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Can you ever go home again,

And find who you were back then?

Will I find the strength to remember,

All the things I came back for?

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I've been letting things slide by me,

And I've been trying too hard to get by too easy.

But this morning when my room was only sunshine,

I think I finally made up my mind.

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Chris & Johnny/Storyhill

From the Clearing Album

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This is one of my top five favorite songs of all time. And for some reason it called to me tonight, beckoning out, surrounding it's melodies in my memories of a very special place for me. I've been struggling with the message in this song for awhile now, just wondering if it might indeed be time to head home. To find that piece of me that has been missing for so long. Questions of who was I back then compared to now have been haunting me and something feels like this might be my chance to break free and finally find who I am to be.

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The Absaroka mountains are real, and it has been way too long since I have been there. Maybe that's where I could find some clarity? I'm going to try my darnedest to make it there this summer, because it's true... I just need some Absaroka air.

Parting Ways.... For Cold Hard Cash

I decided that with the need of a few extra pennies to pay bills, it was time to list a few things online to try to sell. Hopefully they will, but who knows when or if? Parting with a few of the things is no big thing, like the ring below. It was a promise ring from my ex. It was the first nice piece of jewelry any boy had ever bought me, but it's time to (hopefully) say goodbye to it. I actually had forgotten about the ring, but it's out there now for anybody to buy! Selling my flute is a little bittersweet. I love music and playing it. In my much younger days, I played the piano and the flute and a bit of the guitar. Piano was always my favorite with the flute coming in second. I have since forgotten how to play and really have no wantings or plans to re-learn the flute. My dream now is to learn the cello...

A Little White and Blue

A year before my Grandmother passed, she called me over to her house one day to give me a plate. Over the years she had given me plenty of kitchen items so I was quite shocked to see the plate she had ready for me. My wonderful Grandmother knew how much I loved white and blue pieces and wanted to make sure that this was in my possession. I asked her about the plate and how she came to have such a piece of delicate treasure. She let me know that it was her Great Grandmother's and Grandfather's wedding dish set. This was around the 1890s and sadly only this one plate has survived. When I look at the plate, though, it makes me wonder about the life that these long ago relatives had led. Someday, I hope to find out.

Lime Green Coffe Mug, I Heart You

A new addition. Love it!!!

Out My Front Door

Swimming in colors of orange, I stood on my deck a few nights ago, just being, just breathing. Letting the last bits of setting sun swarm over me, body and soul, I calmed my mind and let all thoughts of stress of the upcoming months slide away.
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Closing my eyes and letting the glow of the sunset slip through my lids, I was reminded of one of my most favorite places in the world. Somewhere that always wraps myself in peace. In this place there is a beautiful meadow below the towering mountains, that fills with wild flowers and grass every summer. So many times did I find myself walking out of the trees of the forest to wander down to the sunshine, to find a rock or the wet earth, and sit. No technology, no cars to bother me, only pleasant quiet sounds of nature in all it's beautiful symphonies.
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It has been many, many years since I have been back to that specific place, and although I miss it terribly with each passing year, it's still there. In my heart, in my memories, always there for any moment that I need to steal a piece of time, and just be.
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In the comfort and confines of places we live, when the world gets to be too much, all we need to do is find that somewhere out our front doors to have those healing breaths, and to feel the sun or moon, the wind or rain, and be. Just be.

Take a Bite

But if you do, prepare yourself for a trip to the dentist! These fish are carved out of rock. Not very tasty I would guess.




We were at the National Gem & Mineral show in Billings, MT this past weekend. The local club has a show every year, but this time it was the National gathering. For us weirdos who love rocks, this was awesome!
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The display below is one that my parents put together from some of their collection of fabulous rocks. The one in the middle only comes out for public view for these special events. My late uncle found it along the Yellowstone river a very long time ago. It is a Montana Moss Agate and weighs in at 63 1/2 pounds. I'm sure that many of you may not know what an agate is, but they are incredible rocks that when cut open, can have many wonderful "pictures". If you find a good one it may weigh in at 5 to 10 pounds and depending on what's inside can be sold for hundreds of dollars. This big monster? It will never be cut, and we cannot even fathom what the cost would be on the market. Although my parents have never contacted the Guinness Book of World Records, they know for a fact that this rock would be number 1, as the current one (if memory is working here) is only around 30 pounds.
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We told Fritz when he looked at it, that it would be his when he is old enough to lug it around!

The show also had the Moon rock that is usually at the NASA museum. It was loaned to the club and was a big hit! How amazing to see something that you normally wouldn't!

And of course, there was some shopping to be done. The Hubs came away with a fossilized fish from a million or so years ago, from Wyoming (which we have wanted to plan a trip to dig these up for ourselves sometime). And I fell in love with the below pictured lapis lazuli ring. I haven't taken it off since Saturday! Every show I go to, I try to come away with a different kind of stone, and years past I have kicked myself for passing up the lapis. Lapis means stone in Latin and Lazuli is the passed down name for the ancient mine (mostly mined in Afghanistan) that these stones were found in. It's funny that the stones name is "Stone from Lazuli"!

In Color

On the walk that Fritz and I took the other day, I couldn't help but notice all the wonderful colors surrounding us. I love this about the world, how in different seasons, all you have to do is take a peak to see pallets of colors swirling around. Even in the white of winter there is much to see.
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Here is a Bed and Breakfast hotel. I have always wanted to stay in one of these, and before we move away from this town I hope to give this one a go. It is listed on the National Historic Registry, and is such a darling house. I really enjoyed how much the landscaping gave privacy to this house on a busy street.

It truly thrilled and amazed me to see this tree with it's gorgeous deep red leaves. I walked upon it and smiled when I noticed these tiny green leaves mixed in. The green leaves looked lonely, as they were the only ones mixed in with the red. Makes them seem more important somehow.

I have seen this house before, and always take a moment longer to stare at the wonderful use of color that the owners have given to the outside. How brave for them to not go the traditional way. Actually, there are quite a few houses here that seem to be done like this. Across the street from my Grandparents old house, was one painted in vibrant purples. Of course my Grandfather shook his head at this, but I found it fascinating. Houses painted like this are saying to the world, I will not conform.

A Tiny Smell

Call me crazy... A few days ago I got a whiff of something delicious. Not food cooking on the stove nor a sweet perfume, but a silent sent of fall.


I'm not ready to meet this Autumn year yet, but catching the smell of fall was a nice surprise mixed in with the blooming of flowers and light Summer rains. I love fall. It is such a wondrous time to see the world getting ready for the cold days around the corner.

The colors of changing leaves slowly floating down to the Earth's floor while walking along one of my most favorite streets here that is lined with glorious old maples. My Grandparents house was located on one of these streets. I remember fondly a few times of raking all of the leaves into that huge pile to jump and play, or to simply just sit still on their cement walkway, staring up into the aged trees. Peering through the different colors to find the sky. Although that house is no longer in our family, those treasured memories are sure to stay.

A Smell of Wonder

We have one beautiful lilac bush in our yard. It use to be much bigger, but we had to cut some of it down to make room for a small addition to our house. When I sit at my computer if the wind is blowing, I can see it sway with the breeze. And when we have the window open the sweet smell drifts inside. Purple lilacs are my favorite and I have never taken pictures of them before, so yesterday I wanted to capture them in different times of the day.
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First... early afternoon.

Second... start of sunset.

Third... Last bits of daylight.

I love the last one the best when the sky was actually a bit hazy with its own purple color. I have dreams to get all printed and framed. Did I mention I love lilacs??

The Difference of Two Pair

I have an addiction.... shoes. It use to be a serious problem when I was working full-time and would have to dress up with cute clothes and stylish shoes, but now? Not so much. Being a mother 24/7 has left me with no calf muscles to speak of from the days of four inch heels and no need for the new purchases of those "it" shoes. The only real comfort for my feet now are the flip flops busted out even in the winter time. Oh well.
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However, when I saw these black satin shoes calling my name a couple of months ago, I couldn't resist. They are Nine West and were an absolute steal! Of course I don't have a need for them much now, but you never know when a night on the town with out the kid could happen, right?

The more practical side of me was in desperate need of a decent pair of walking shoes. With the glorious weather happening now everyday, my Croc flippers were not cutting it anymore. Last night the Hubs and Fritz and I went off to a sports store to check out if there would be anything worth buying. I haven't had a decent pair of tennis shoes since high school, so with plans to walk a ton this summer I knew it was time to buy. And just like that, and at the first store, I found them. The best part? They were $25 bucks off the price!!!

Yes, my feet are thanking me...

Tea for Two and Pretty Rocks for One

The weekend spent at my hometown was long, tiring, and good! The garage sale was a success and when I went out to look at some of the other places that were selling there treasures, I discovered these lovely tea cups. I have always been in love with these delicate services and wish that we would still take tea in them nowadays! I have passed by them in antique shops and seem them at other sales but since I already have a ton of different kinds of collections, I have passed on purchasing them. But when I saw these two I gave in!!
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When I showed my father my awesome find, he informed me that my late Grandmother Mary use to collect tea cups and saucers as well. He told me that he thinks he has her collection somewhere in storage and that I could have them when I have more room to make a formal display out of them.
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Also my other late Grandmother Dorothy, had beautiful tea cups as well. My Grandfather still has them so I can still peer at them behind the protective glass cabinet and appreciate the interesting beauty that all of her collection has.


My first official Mother's Day was very special! Fritz (well, his Daddy) made me a cute little hand-made card and bought me some turquoise jewelry. I got a lovely necklace of the beautiful green stone mixed in with a different kind of stone that I have to drag out my geology books to figure out what kind it is. I also got turquoise earrings and a pretty pair of lace-agate and sterling silver earrings. The turquoise set matches perfectly the bracelet that I had bought at one of the sales. Now I have a matching set! Of course I will not be able to wear the necklace for awhile yet...Fritz and his little fingers are still a little too grabby for my liking, but the earrings are small enough that I can wear them anytime now!
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Thanks to Fritz and his Daddy for making a lovely day for my first Mother's Day! Love you two!

My Hubs and His 3 Pictures

The Hubs is not much of a photog, rarely ever picking up a camera and when he does? He is the type of photographer that cuts peoples heads off! He did however capture three images which I absolutely fell in love with. The first one is my all time favorite. It is maybe a half hour from our house (near Palisade Falls/Hyalite Lake Canyon) and I can't wait to go back there this summer!


These next two are over in The Breaks in Eastern Montana. He goes there for a couple of days each year to look for antler sheds and to hang out with the "guys". Eastern Montana has a completely different look from where we live closer to the Rockies. It still has its beauty though!



There are Elk in the background of this photo. I am positive that when the Hubs went to take this pic he was jumping with excitement. He usually cannot contain himself when he sees these huge, glorious animals. (you might have to click on the image to make it bigger to see them)

Wish I Was Here...

My second favorite place that I have discovered...

Kathryn Albertson Park - Boise, Idaho

So peaceful...

So quiet...

Perfect...

One, In the Words

I have an addiction. At times I believe it is a little out of control, but ohhhh... so good for me.

I love books...

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The way a new book smells or the quietness of a small used book store. I love any and all books. I haven't counted all of my collection for a couple of years as I think I would be too scared to know exactly how many I own, but I believe it is in the 200s?! See... an addiction.

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As I was reading yesterday I stopped and had a curious thought. Of all the books in the world no one is reading the same word, the same sentence that I am reading at that moment past. Yes, the possibility of a different person reading the same book as me is quite likely, however not at the same chapter or paragraph (not counting read-alouds in book groups). How interesting I thought. Reading any book, it can take you to such wonderful places whether filled with light, sorrow, laughter or any emotion, but it's just you in that world. In that moment you are truly alone with those words filling the pages.

Special Surprise

I was awakened from a nap (yes, middle of the day-Fritz was up a lot the night before) from a man phoning me to get directions to my house. He told me why he needed to find my house, but in my sleepy daze I didn't quite understand. A few minutes later he arrived with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. For me! My wonderful cousin sent them to me for my Birthday (a few days early...good job cuz). I was so excited to have fresh flowers arrive for me I could hardly contain myself from jumping with joy! Isn't it always a treat to have such an awesome surprise? I am off to smell the blooms before bed. Goodnight!