First Day of Fall is here

There’s always a period of mourning as you anticipate the ending of another summer. Don’t they go faster every year that passes? Probably the best distraction from this mourning is enjoying the most beautiful season of all - which is Fall.

A great way to commemorate the Equinox event (Sept 22) is a Hunting and Gathering adventure walk. It is almost time for putting out your Autumn décor which is always enhanced by a potpourri of natural elements. Pick a crisp, sunny day to invite your walking buddy to head out to a nearby park.

With large baskets on your arms, start gathering pretty leaves, pinecones, acorns, twigs or anything else nature leaves on the ground for you. While sipping on some hot, orange spice tea, get inspired to start your Fall decorating with your hand picked elements from Nature. 

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Vacation Getaway Recap

    I grew up in Seattle and making a road trip to vacation at the Ocean was a favorite tradition in my family. We revisited this tradition with a recent trip to a coastal fishing town in Washington called Westport. We spent time doing all the touristy attractions. We climbed 135 steps to the top of the tallest lighthouse in the Northwest and learned about what an enormous job it was to keep a lighthouse operating. (Now replaced by simpler, modern technology) I didn’t realize that every single lighthouse has a different light signal so sailors know where they are.  We dined at the oldest resort in Washington. (we did our best to ignore the ants that were crawling around on the table – but couldn’t help but laugh about it after) We browsed the gift shops, the Oyster Farm, bought cans of best Tuna you’ll ever taste, toured the Museum, and even spent a few hours tasting and lunching at the Westport Winery.  When we weren’t being tourists, we enjoyed walking the beach looking for whole sand dollars while taking in the wonderful sea air. It’s actually a pretty decent work-out to walk against the wind and trudge through the soft sand. (an excuse to eat more!) When you grow up with certain smells and sounds it is so very nostalgic to experience them again. We happened upon a great driftwood structure that we surmised locals had spent many hours constructing. But mostly we ate – and every meal was seafood.  And it was all great seafood – crab, oysters, clams, tuna and prawns and then we’d do it all over again. Don’t worry though – we ate our veggies too – my sister introduced us to the best Bloody Mary ever!

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Live a Little Bit Greener

I believe I was in Junior High when Earth Day (April 22) was established. It seems that for most of the population it’s been largely unnoticed until the last few years. It’s hard to change some of our habits that are not supportive of a healthy planet, but it certainly is worth the effort. One easy and kind of fun change is to use Re-Useable Bags for groceries and shopping. Anyone would be proud to carry this custom bag on your shoulder. And you can also be proud of your efforts to living a little bit greener.

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Hug, Love, Save, WIN!

Our seamstress, Nancy recently came to Monica with an offer she couldn’t refuse. Nancy (whose Mother is a Breast Cancer Survivor) volunteered to make a Quilt to help raise funds for Breast Cancer awareness in collaboration with Monica’s Non-Profit Organization, HUG LOVE SAVE. Monica, said "YES, by all means!" Friends of Nancy and all of us at the office donated dollars so Nancy could purchase lots of pretty Pink and Brown fabrics. She used The Buggy Barn's "Heart Crazies" pattern and we all fell in love with the quilt when we saw it.

HUG LOVE SAVE is selling raffle tickets at two upcoming events. Just in case you’re in the area, see them in Booth 326 at the Northwest Women's Expo in Seattle, WA on March 27th-29th. Or if you're in Spokane on April 19th for Race for the Cure you can also purchase $1 tickets in their booth at the Spokane Women's Show. Nancy who doesn't let a scrap go to waste made four tote bags for Hug Love Save team to carry to all their events. The winner will be notified April 20th. All money raised will be donated Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Eastern Washington Affiliate. Isn't it great to know that savvy and talented girls like Nancy and Monica are getting together to make great things happen!

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Put a Little "Spring" in your Step!

At this time of year, those intermittent sunny days are a welcome reminder that spring has to come eventually. On days when the sun doesn't shine, here are some ways to put a little "Spring" into your step.

1. Wear some flashy jewelry. The other day I wore chandelier earrings to work—even though my ears drooped, my spirits lifted.

2. Make cupcakes and share with co-workers. Before last week, the last time I made cupcakes my son was in grade school. Besides having goodies to share at the office, I had a fun trip down memory lane.

3. Buy yourself flowers. Mandie brought in a beautiful bouquet of Gerbera daisies and tulips for our monthly luncheon today. I vowed to buy myself some flowers on the way home. 

4. Visit a greenhouse or conservatory. We have a beautiful free conservatory at one of our parks here in Spokane. What a great way to get your fill of blooming greenery and oxygen-rich air.

5. Rearrange accessories in your house. I love to move vases, pictures, pillows, and other accessories around. I've had my post-Christmas décor for six weeks now—time for a change!

6. Make a dangler to hang outdoors. This fast little project gives me the chance to combine beading, painting, and some scrapbooking on a project that I can complete in an hour or two. I love to make danglers for friends in their favorite colors and themes.

7. Watch a lively and warm movie! A couple of fun ones are Under the Tuscan Sun or Mama Mia with all its great music and sunny Greek scenery. This is definitely not the time to watch Dr. Zhivago!

8. Feed the birds. You may not get immediate payoff, but in a few days, when the birds are enjoying your generosity, you'll get a great dose of chirping!

9. Work on a spring quilt. Combining all those pretty colors and spending time sewing is a sure-fire way to lift the spirits.

10. On the warmest part of Saturday, get outside and go for a walk. Invite a friend to join you and discuss all your ideas for sunny vacations. Send me ways that you put a little "spring" in your step and I'll pass them along.

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Buttons, Bows & Boobs!

Look what we discovered - Members of Quilters of South Carolina have created one-of-a-kind bras for Breast Cancer Awareness. The exhibit consists of 49 original works of art which are unique, entertaining, humorous, and beautiful to make the public aware of breast cancer, to memorialize those lost to the disease, and to honor survivors those lost to the disease, and to honor . What an impressive and light-hearted way to bring attention to raising awareness! Click on this link to see all the bras.

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Make the Best

Here are some words to help us stay grounded and strong while we deal with uncertainty.

Be GRATEFUL for every Blessing that you have.

 
Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find pleasure in simple things.
 

Being resourceful makes you stronger and more resilient.

 
Make the best of your circumstances. No one has everything and everyone has sorrow intermingled with the gladness of life.

 
Create your own standards. Be YOU. Don’t let criticism worry you.

 
Do things you enjoy – and make choices that manage your debt.

 
Envision your future to be everything you desire.

 
Do what you can for those less fortunate than yourself.
 

Laugh, smile, feel good at every opportunity.
 

Remember the sage advice, “This too shall pass.”
 

Be GRATEFUL for every Blessing that you have.

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All About You - Part 2

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Lime green

22. FAVORITE SMELLS? The ground after it rains, fresh rosemary and coffee.

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Lynn :)

24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Gymnastics (have to admit I'm getting tired of "diving.")

25. HAIR COLOR? Natural or colored?  Oops - "Only my hairdresser knows for sure."

26. EYE COLOR?  Depends on what I'm wearing.  Usually green, but sometimes blue.

27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No.

28. FAVORITE FOOD? Adams Crunchy Peanut butter

29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I'm under the seat at a scary movie. Happy endings, for sure.

30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (recommend you see this one as a rental only - the first one was much better)

31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Green with blue and tan owls.

32. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer (I still have 14 things to do before it's over)

33. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs

34. FAVORITE DESSERT? Homemade Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie

35. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?  "Have your Cake and Kill Him Too" by Nancy Martin

36. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Wireless Mouse - no pad

37. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Guilty of watching "Swingtown" that I DVR'd.

38. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles.

39. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? I'm not sure if it's further to Brazil or Australia.  Both were long, long flights - especially coming home!

40. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?  Some tell me I'm artistically inclined.  I have to work at it though.

41. DO YOU FORWARD CHAIN E-MAILS?  Almost never.  However, in this case.....I suggest you delete my answers, fill in your own and send them to your friends to get to know you better.

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All About You - Part 1

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Sometimes I tell people that I'm named after Debbie Reynolds, or maybe Deborah Kerr, but I might have made that up.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? When I stepped on the scale.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Not as much as I wish I did. When I write fast, it's pretty sloppy (which is most the time).

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? I always get chicken, but I do have a fondness for roast beef too.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, my son is Murphy.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I'd like to think so.  I'm not nearly as high maintenance as everyone tells me. HA!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Apparently, I'm not completely "sarcasm-free."

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.  But appendix - GONE!

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Never!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Grape Nuts

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? I've eliminated "tie-shoes" from my wardrobe.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
I can't decide if I'm getting emotionally stronger or weaker over time.  Physically, I'm no Incredible Hulk, that's for sure.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?  Chocolate, no question.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? If they smile.

15. RED OR PINK? Pink.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My memory.  It seems to be diminishing.....I'm sorry, What was the question?

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Murphy, when he is away at college.

18. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Brown.  (I know, how boring)

19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? 3 strawberries and a Wasa cracker

20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? I'm listening to a downpour of hail and "Smoky Mountain Hits" is playing on the CD player.

(2nd part of the list to come!)

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14 Things to do before Summer is over

1. Loose the swimsuit weight - ha!
2. Sit in the canoe by the waterfall at Horseshoe Lake and sip Lemon Drops
3. Get one of those European Pedicures that Carolyn keeps raving about
4. Have an old fashioned picnic with fried chicken, potato  salad and strawberry jello (wow, that one brings me back to my childhood) 
5. I need at least four more “floats” in the pool. Crystal, come on over!
6. Be the willing recipient of all the homegrown tomatoes and zucchini that I’m offered by my zealous gardening friends.
7. Finish up my fun summer reading before they're due back to the library. Currently enjoying Nancy Martin's Blackbird Sisters Mysteries including, "Cross your Heart and Hope to Die," "Have  your Cake and Kill Him Too,"  "A Crazy Little Thing called Death."
8. Take a ROADTRIP to Seattle to see the Mariner's play. (and win, hopefully - however, I hear you can get tickets cheap)
   
   
   
9. Have an old-fashioned double scoop chocolate ice cream cone. If I'm going for all those calories, it's gotta be chocolate.
10. Drive up to Greenbluff to pick ripe Peaches. Just slice the peaches, sprinkle with powdered sugar and arrange in pre-baked pie crust - Yum!
11. Talk Murphy into a day at Silverwood Theme Park to get soaked on the Thunder Canyon water ride. (forecast is 100 degrees on Sunday)
12. Go up to Priest Lake, lay on the beach and watch the Meteor Shower on August 18 
13. Throw the final pool party of the season - but make it easy - Pizza and beer!
14. Meet girlfriends at Anthony's to watch the Falls from the patio - if I leave right now, I can make it for the earlybird dinner special.

What's on your List? Write up 14 ideas and do AT LEAST 3 of them. 

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