Mom & Dad

My mom and dad celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on November 5, 2009. Fifty years is a long time...my parents have stuck it out and although life hasn't been pretty at times, it has been constant. There is something to be said of "sticking it out." I should know. I was divorced after 23 years of marriage and will never celebrate a 50th anniversary.

Yeah...I believe it's better to hang in there and roll with the years...

Winter Days

It's the midst of winter and it's wet on the Oregon Coast! I hope we get a bit of sunshine in February. Who am I to complain though? Compared to the people of Haiti, we are tremendously blessed. It breaks my heart to see all of the pain that those people are experiencing. We have no idea really.

I'm a class advisor with two other co-workers for the Freshman class at Tillamook High School. Every year we have a huge Charity Drive. For 10 days life will be crazy with dinners, auctions, and other fundraisers as our school usually raises about $100,000 for charity. That's a lot of money for a small town of 4400 in an economically depressed area. But somehow, miraculous, really, the generous community members rally and donate to the drive. The monies are shared between many good and deserving causes.

I plan to be much more active in my blog. I don't want to "peter out" and let this blog die a quiet death. No...it will flourish and be a place to spill my heart as I probably say too much too often.

Let's see...words for the wise...hmm...how about this:

"I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death."
Leonardo da Vinci

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!