It's Complicated

I went to see the movie "It's Complicated" today. It's a great movie about divorced parents getting back together 10 years post divorce for an affair. Reminded me of my life...not the affair part, but the "dealing with divorce" part. This couple has grown children that still are adjusting to their parent's divorce. It's true to life. And...Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin Rock! I love Alec Baldwin. He's one of my fav guys and I adore his acting and cuteness. Sweet!

It's a good movie that is honest and shows how one's decisions in life affect all of those around you. I think my ex-husband needs to see this flick! Something to think about...

Christmas

The "Old Days" Chris & Lesley Christmas 1992

Chad & Chris

Lesley

Snowmen...

Tiny Tree...Perfect!

Christmas 2009 has come and now is going. Another year of memories and smiles with a few tears thrown in for good measure. All goes together to make us who we are. It was a beautiful sunny day on the Oregon Coast today. Up early to Mom's to unwrap gifts, then to my brother's for dinner. Home now for a quiet moment to reflect and then off to watch movies at Mom's.

I haven't been faithful in blogging lately. Somehow I just couldn't get to it. I have no idea why. It's just something inside that did not want to put the words on paper. I promise myself that I will be more faithful and update more often.

My two children, Chris and Lesley are the joys of my life. They have turned into two fine young people. Lesley's boyfriend, Chad is a fine young man and I am thankful for him in my daughter's life. Life has not always been so fine. My kids have had their ups and downs and it's been a long road, but with the years have come some maturity and they are my blessings. I love being with them and being a part of their lives.

Christmas Break is half over. I've spent the first half preparing for today and now I have another week off to relax and work on some art projects. I want to "play" with dominoes, polymer clay and design work. My goal is to create inventory for my new Etsy store site: Boxcar Annie. I'm also vowing to become more organized and have less baggage. I'm paring down and keeping what is really important to me and letting go of some of the things that no longer hold any use for me.

I hope your Christmas was special. It's never perfect...but it's all good. May God Bless You All!

Leavenworth Getaway

The Cascade Mountains near the town of Leavenworth, Washington

Last winter I won a 3 night stay at a spa/hotel in Leavenworth, Washington. Leavenworth is an charming village at the eastern base of the Cascade Mountains. It's a German-themed town and a wonderful place to visit. In August, I "cashed in" my prize and took my best friend, Susan with me as her birthday present. We each took our daughters along too which made it the perfect girls' weekend getaway.

After driving 8 hours, we were ready to enjoy the pampering at Solstice Spa Hotel. This great boutique lodging has three plush rooms above a full service spa and retail salon. A very quiet and intimate setting, it's perfect for couples or like we did, a girls getaway. Our room had a fireplace, leather furniture, two plush queen beds and a bathroom that seemed larger than my house! From the spa breakfast of fruit juices, yummy spa cookies and Tillamook Yogurt, to the box of fine chocolates placed upon each bed every day, no detail was left undone.

We enjoyed great massage treatments from the Solstice staff and then melted back up to our rooms. We shopped till we dropped and enjoyed great food and fun in the charming town of Leavenworth. It's definitely a place to visit!

Discovery

Ok...so I have lived all my life in the same small town. But...I have been in the city of Portland which is 75 miles away so many times it seems as though it's my second home. Traveling over Highway 6 through the Coast Range, driving the road from memory, knowing each little twist and turn. Watching the road, being safe, keeping those eyes on the road. Never once had I diverged from the road and been to U.S. Forest Service Jones Creek Campground. Yesterday I did.

A friend has been camping there this week (it's her first time there too) and asked me to join her for a day on the riverbank. When I turned off of Highway 6, I was blown away by the beautiful campground and facilities. Private, quiet sites with dappled sunlight filtering through the tall trees, made me want to immediately go home and get my tent! The day use area has easy to navigate steps down to the river and the water was wonderful. The river is quiet there and perfect for kids and families. Lazily floating on the river, I enjoyed the warm rays of the sun and good company. I hesitated to leave, the afternoon was perfect!

We couldn't believe that we didn't know how wonderful the place was! Always driving by, we never knew such relaxation and rejuvenation opportunities were available right off of the beaten path. It pays to pause and enjoy the moments of this crazy thing we call life...

It's Time

It's time...almost time to return to work after a summer of adventures, travels and r & r. One more week before the school year begins and "early to bed...early to rise." I'm looking forward to another year of working with students, parents and reconnecting with my co-workers. The "little universe" that is high school is never dull and there is always something going on. I suppose that "something" could be called "drama." Yes...little bits of drama everyday when you are working with teenagers. But I wouldn't change it for all the time in the world. Watching young people grow into adults and learning to deal with "real life" is fascinating. It keeps me young and reminds me to take one day at a time.

But before school, there is one week...one week of summer vacation left. Unfinished chores that are on the "to do" list beckon me with guilt. I turn my head away from the list and listen to my heart that tells me that the jobs will wait, but the summer days will not. Deep breaths and warm sun are on my priority list this week. Time is of the essence and I will not waste it...so where is my lawn chair and bring me my ice tea...The lazy days of summer are here for me!

photo above is the tiny city park in Christopher, Illinois where my father grew up. I visited there in June with my parents.