Time Is Flying...

Holy cats! It's October...and I'm way behind.
Admittedly, when I started this endeavor, I was motivated after watching Julia & Julia. However, after a few months in and being dealt some cards I wasn't expecting, I realized that life doesn't always go the way we want to write about it!

I haven't given up!! I need to review my list as I'm not even certain what's still on it ( I know, I missed sheep shearing)! Apple picking...is that on there? Hope so...going this week.

As Way Opens

Well, in meeting today, I realized that whooping asses isn't in my nature. No matter the hurt others have caused or the untruths that have impacted my life, hurting others isn't an option for me. While it would be easy to do, it wouldn't sit right with me. The intentions of others, the negatives they are dealing with and, the mean-spirited motivation behind their actions, will eventually surface without any help from me. So, cross off #366...I'm returning the cans for some olive branches and a peace dove.

There's Still Time

I have 4 months to bust out challenges and hopes on my list. I can do it! I'm focused (sort of)!

The other project that has my attention is my other blog, http://parentingpoliticspillowtalk.blogspot.com/.
This week, I will be communicationg about the politics of relationships - particularly those that are started on facebook, the psyche of liars, as well as other topics and people who need to be addressed. Before I start that though, I want to add one more to-do onto the list.

Usually, I am the mediator...the communicator...the peace-keeper. I do, admittedly, tend to move away from relationships, quickly, that I view as unhealthy to others. This prevents me from really letting loose...from saying what's on my mind, from being...hmmm, what's the word...a bitch. So, I've decided I need to #366 learn how to open a can of whoop-ass. This morning, I got myself a case of cans and will work my way through them. While I realize I have until 12/31/10 to do so, the expiration date on the cans is fast approaching. So, I'll be steadily, with great detail, letting loose. Woot!

25 Cents

The kids wanted to set up another lemonade stand (we had a coffee cart, too!)...this is the second in a couple of months. Inititially, they wanted to charge $2.00 for a drink and cupcake, but were talked down to 25 cents per item. I wanted to make a stand for them, but with packing and school haven't had the time. They couldn't care less...they're thrilled with a table and piece of paper.

Flowing

One of my favorite things about summer in Colorado is that there is so much to do. As often as possible on Saturdays, we venture to the Boulder Farmer's Market (the best in the country...no kidding). There isn't just an amazing array of fruit and veggies to choose from, but also organic wine, meats, bread, cheeses, flowers (peonies this week!), herbs and locally made goods - soaps, jewelry, clothing...It's incredible!  If that isn't enough, local restauranst set-up shop - from bufffalo burgers and tamales to indian curry and cupcakes. Delish! After we get what we need and grab a bite, we head over to the Boulder Creetk! Woot! Such a blast. Last week, the water was too cold from the snow melt to do much of anything except hang for a few minutes at a time and jump rocks. In another couple of weeks, we'll be tubing:)  Look for pictures. We love the flow of Saturday.
You can check out the market http://www.boulderfarmersmarket.org/.

Bubbly Toes

I forgot...I've been so out of it the last few months that I've been forgetting to log things that are on the list.

On my birthday, I took a friend who is pregnant to get a pedicure! It was a nice treat.

That's all she wrote...

Simplicity

When we returned to Colorado from Maryland, except for a few valued pictures, some clothing and accessories, and some books - well, lots of books -everything was sold or given away. We didn't even bring furniture! We mailed some boxes - 28 of them - and everything else had to fit in the cars.

So, who would have thought that after downsizing from a 3000 square foot home (not including the basement!) to a 1200 square foot "cottage," as Elsa likes to call it, that I would have enough to sell and a full load to give away?! Granted, alot of the items were kids clothing, toys, some books, random funky knick-knacks, and some kitchenware, but still...do we really need so much STUFF?


Over the years, I had an urge to purge. I saw how accumulating things took away from living life - always worried that something would break, having to repair this or that, keeping all of the junk organized and clean, trying to keep up with the Jones', and taking time out of my weekends to yard sale for things that really meant nothing to me.

When I began my journey as a Quaker, I felt so relieved. Finally, a group who practiced simplicity ( keeping things simple emotionally, spiritually, physically), thereby encouraging me to do the same! Our meetinghouse wasn't ornate - just a small building with a few benches, a large table for sharing meals, some bookshelves, and a kids room. Nothing fancy. Yet, it was so welcoming and grounded. The people made it that way.

After today, I feel like I'm back on track. Don't get me wrong...I still have my collection of antique rolling pins, vintage jewelry, and handmade quilts.  My house still feels warm and cozy. And I don't plan on halting the joy I find in rummaging through antique stores LOOKING at history. But I
realized - remembered - in the grand scheme of life, taking time to collect things is far less important than spending time making memories.


(Oh, and donating things was on the list. The work that Habitat for Humanity does is uplifting in so many ways. They always get my stuff;)