List of Perfect Things

Do you have one of those books that is so you, you almost feel gypped that someone beat you to writing it? And, at the same time, you are so thrilled that someone else out in that big, big world is an awful lot like you?

There is a book I treasure called Love Walked In by Marissa de los Santos. For me, it is one of those books. I love it for the way the narrator talks right to the reader. (I just love it when books do that.) I can relate to the way the main character always imagines her own life as an old movie. I love the quirky descriptions of people. Most of all, I love this book for the surprising love story. (Some time I will have to tell you how I came to read this book, but that's another story.)

Tonight I started reading this lovely book again. In the first few pages, I was struck by a list of perfect things. The main character was talking about Philadelphia Story, which now I have to watch again, and she said the movie belonged on the list perfect things. Being the compulsive list-maker that I am, I had to sit down and make my own list of perfect things. The first six on my list are from the book. The rest are my own. I hope you enjoy a few of my perfect things.

• a starry sky over the desert

• grilled cheese sandwiches

• The Great Gatsby

• the Chrysler building

• white peonies

• those little sketches of hands by Leonardo da Vinci

• hot pink post it notes

• the Mall in Washington D.C.

• the duets of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

• Etta James singing At Last

• a perfect triangle of Baklava, dripping honey and bringing back all kinds of memories

• To Kill a Mockingbird

• that moment your newborn daughter stares into your eyes and you know her, bone deep

• a hammock under the trees in early spring

• Monet's Waterlilies (in person - not those insipid reprints on umbrellas and totebags)

• Van Morrison's Crazy Love

• MoonPies and RC Cola

• polka dots

• the very first daffodil of spring

• My Fair Lady, the scene at Ascot

• huge, old, curly brass beds

• VW Bug convertibles, vintage or otherwise

• Airstream trailers

• ferry boat rides

• faded vintage quilts

• Niko blue hydrangeas

• dimpled, pudgy baby knees and feet

• windmills, silos, and old red barns

Wishing you a perfect day to add to your own List of Perfect Things.

Sursum Corda!

The Summer List

Week 52 of the Wednesday lists
I always have several to do lists going, and like every other teacher I know, I have quite a long list of things I hope to accomplish in the next two months. I thought it might be a nice change of pace to make another kind of to do list for this summer. As I began writing, I kept finding myself writing my normal to do list. I decided to strike a compromise with myself. For every need-to-do item I add to my list, I would add two just-for-fun items. Hmmmm....

The Summer List
* clean and reorganize the garage * spend an evening catching fireflies with Sloane * bake banana bread and deliver it to the new neighbor * wash all the walls and baseboards, then touch up all the dinged up paint * have a girlfriend play date at least every two weeks this whole summer * take Sloane to an amusement park to ride all the water rides * cull old pictures and reorganize digital photo files* spend an evening with Jeffrey doing whatever he wants  * spend an afternoon at used book stores * change color of front door and shutters * make Koolaid popsicles with Sloane like I did when I was little * work with Sloane to finish her Alaska scrapbook * master at least the basics of Photoshop * have friends over for a family game night * watch lots and lots of old episodes of Chopped * hang new house numbers * go on at least two photowalks in June * buy some peonies and spread them all over the house * redecorate Sloane's bedroom *plant the zinnia seeds my friend sent me for May Day * go on at least two photowalks in July * get back to regular blogging and commenting *attend a Springfield Cardinals game with my family * have a long phone conversation with my high school best friend * get my new classroom ready *read many, many books * go to the ocean to celebrate our twentieth anniversary *  empty bookshelves, dust, cull, and reorganize * have a long conversation with my college best friend * enjoy out of town family * make Sloane's fourth grade year scrapbook * host a Summer's Here! dessert party * learn about exposure * go see an outdoor movie * go flea marketing * have at least four photoshoots with non-family members *

Don't you just love meadows of wildflowers?

40 Things

Week 24 of the Wednesday lists.
Ten months ago I wrote a list of 39 things to do before I turned 40. As a blogger, I've learned that publishing my lists is a painless way to keep me accountable. Plus, the emotional support I receive from my blogland friends is powerful, heady stuff. As I read over last year's list, I realize that what I was craving in my life was more creativity and connection. Thanks to my list, I gave myself more of both last year. I also used the list to be sure I accomplished some lingering tasks. As I begin my 40th year, I still yearn to follow my creative passions. I still long for richer, deeper connections. I still have a mental list of things to do that I never seem to get around to. I wonder what else this list will show me? What other adventures will it pave the way for?

40 things to do before I turn 41

1. paint my front door & shutters & add new house numbers
   
2. buy a Lisa Leonard necklace
3. go to the beach again
   
4. turn Keri's 100 ideas into a regular blog feature
5. host Blog Camp St. Louis
6. rent a boat and stay in a cabin on the lake
7. interview my father-in-law
   
8. spend my time well this year
9. take four camera classes at my local photography store
10. be featured on Shutter Sisters' Daily Click
    
11. get settled in and feel at home in our new church
12. create and hang my inspiration board
    
13. make walking a regular habit
14. photograph 5 different teenagers
15. go back to the Philbrook with JD
16. clean that garage once and for all!!
    
17. have two art dates with Katie
18. transfer all my home videos to DVD
19. find the perfect apple crisp recipe and bake often for Jeffrey
20. learn all the manual settings on JD
    
21. tearoom date with Dulcy
22. buy a vintage record player
    
23. go visit Grammy
24. write thank you notes promptly - all year long!
    
25. participate in some street art of my own
26. host a Christmas party again
    
27. have a date night every other week
    
28. begin art journaling
29. mail out Christmas cards this year - on time - not in February
    
30. read all the forgotten books that are living on my shelves
    
31. learn Photoshop Elements
32. finally finish compiling all of Sloane's Friday Album (a picture every Friday from her first year of life)
    
33. do This Is Not A Book
    
34. visit the Art Institute of Chicago
35. begin morning pages again & this time keep doing them
    
36. make and purchase a book of my blog's greatest hits
37. go cliff jumping with Sloane at Johnson's Shut Ins
38. keep up with my pen pal project
39. frame and hang all pictures I've collected
    
40. do something I absolutely think I can not do
    

The scan above is my favorite page from number 37 last year.

A Habit of Gratitude

I have been thinking about rituals; about their power and import. I've also been thinking about gratitude. And so. I want to tell you about a classroom ritual I have created.

I believe that your first actions set the tone for the entire day. If I am right, then we must be intentional with each new morning we're given. In Lawsonland we begin our day with a song, a bit of physical affection, a kind word, and time to ponder and reflect. Not a bad way to start the day, is it? Here's how we do it:

Every morning I greet my second graders at the door with a hug and a song. I mean it. I stand in the hall by our door, sing the "Good Morning Song", look each child in the eye, and hug him or her. Believe it or not, I don't even feel silly when other adults pass by. We all have the morning routine down pat. My second graders pile in the door like puppies, chattering among themselves as they unpack, make their lunch choices, and get out their Brain Book. It gets quiet pretty quickly, though, because I always have a writing prompt on the board. The students read it, take a moment to think about it, then they write.

How great is that?
Each day this week my students have written a list of ten things for which they are grateful. Every morning brings a new list. No repeats. I make a list, too. Every morning. Before we head to morning meeting, we take turns calling out items so I can create a class list, which stays on the board all day long. Sometimes I find other thoughts squeezed in between the lines, written with a suspiciously wobbly hand. It's as though some student just could not keep their thanks to themselves.
Today I asked my class to focus their list on small things. Things they may never have thought to be thankful for. Things like Chapstick, zippers, and character band-aids. Here's a peek at today's class list: "my stripey toe socks, friends who share gloves, pencils that just got sharpened, the lotion you brought for us to use whenever we want to, playing chase, Tootsie Pops, squashy pillows, no indoor recess, chicken patty day, firetrucks - the red ones, not the green ones..."

They get it. Oh, they get it. Please, God, let them keep it.
An attitude of gratitude. That's what I am trying to teach. Mindfulness. A full and thankful heart. An awareness of our blessings. I spend my days trying to light fires that will burn their entire lives. Gratefulness. What better habit could I teach?

Like most people, my thoughts turn to gratitude at this time of year. Every day for the next ten days, I plan to post about gratitude. I hope you'll join me.




Gratitude tattoo by Fancy Hunt. Tootsie Pops by ktpupp. Sharpened pencils by cyoachim. Stripey socks by luna.nik.

The Happy List

Week 40 of the Wednesday lists
This happy list has been in my side bar for the three years I have been blogging. Have you ever read it? It's a really good list; a list of things that never, ever fail to make me happy. What things would be on your list?

love
kisses
flowers
little girls
brown eggs
arboretums
french toast
Frank Sinatra
Godiva truffles
summer tomatoes
a room full of books
hot pink post-it notes
Rosamund Pilcher stories
the sound of rain on a tin roof
vintage bicycle with bell & basket
first two Anne movies by K. Sullivan

the busy ants crawling in peonies
raspberries on baby bellies
the taste of honeysuckle
cupcakes and lollipops
magnolia blossoms
Victoria magazine
children laughing
gorgeous hats
office supplies
smell of lilacs
library sales
polka dots
tiny toes
whimsy
love

Orphans

One of my favorite Tom Waits albums is called Orphans. He said that he had all the songs wandering around loose because they didn't seem to fit with any particular album. Finally he bundled them all up and created a home for them. Their own home - Orphans. This post is full of my orphans. Posts I began, but never finished. Good writing, or at least appealing to me. But orphans all the same.


I believe that it is in the dailiness of our lives that we find real beauty. It is in the ordinary that we really dwell. Much more than milestone birthdays and special moments, our lives are created in the day-to-day moments, habits, and pursuits we choose. I believe it, and I do my best to live it. (4/28/10)

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I love this quote from my friend, Jeanne:
"Babies are such a lovely way to start people." (9/18/09)

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My name is Relyn. As in Ruh-Lynn, which actually sounds prettier than it looks sitting there like that. I get Ray-Lynn all the time. ALL THE TIME. I also get Ray, Ree-Lynn, and most notably Rahh-Lynn. I just answer to anything that starts with an R. I mostly just get a good giggle out of it. But, really, when you have known someone, taught with them, for five years, you really should be able to pronounce their name. (10/11/09)

They say,"It's the thought that counts."
I say, "Think harder." ~ Ebay commercial

And for a bit of fun today, a shamelessly materialistic post. Here's my wish list:
* a gift certificate for a monthly pedicure * huge gold ring; a knuckle grazer * an amazing chronometer * iPhone * tickets to Wicked * another family trip to Disney * a convertible * (11/27/09)

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I believe I've told you before that as a Momma and a teacher I am a firm believer in early bedtimes and consistent bedtime routines. The first makes certain that children get the rest they need. For second graders, pediatricians say 10 or 11 hours a night. The second gives them another constant in their life, which brings peace and contentment. A consistent bedtime routine also cues the body for sleep. (12/8/09)

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I told you already about my best book of 2009. What amazes me is that out of those 259 books, only 27 of them were rereads. I usually have a list of favorites that I reread every single year. Books like The Hiding Place, To Kill a Mockingbird, A Year of Pleasures, Isabel's Daughter, When Venus Fell, The Pull of the Moon, everything by Helene Hanff, Chili Queen, and Secret Garden. It's not a plan to reread them, I just notice that I tend to. I'm not sure why I didn't last year, but it was a year full of new-to-me books. (1/1/10)

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I love your list. I started laughing when I read your comment about a list of what's great about lists. No kidding. Here's my version:

1. Keeping lists give you a record of your life.
2. Marking off lists gives you such clear sense of accomplishment and celebration.
3. If you pay attention, you'll learn what your true priorities are. For example, if something stays on the list for years, you don't really want to do it.
4. It's an easy way of capturing all that's in your scattered, racing mind.
5. Written well, they can be a sort of autobiography. (1/29/10)

I've sat here at my desk and cried my way through lunch. Again. No, there's nothing wrong. It's just that my heart gets so full that it all bubbles out in tears. I was visiting my friend Maithri and ended up crying. Have you heard the story of the day water came to the desert? (10/14/09)

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Magic moments. Magic has been on my mind a lot lately. I guess because this Fall has been so blessed. Jeffrey and I passed a personal milestone a little more than a month ago, and I was so busy I forgot to mark the occasion. Sometime in mid October we passed a date I've been watching for. Jeffrey and I have been together longer than we have been apart. I've spent more than half my life with my heart belonging to Jeffrey. (2/1/10)

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I wanted to tell you about my word for the year. I do know it's already February. I told you that sometimes I take a while to warm up to a new thing. I'm ready now. My word last year was YES. I almost kept it for another year, it's such a wonderful concept - saying yes. And I did say yes last year, a good bit. But, perhaps, not as much as I intended; not as much as I wanted to. I didn't take the risks I intended. This year, that will change. In fact, that is already changing. My word for 2010 is LEAP! My post title (Leap as You Run) came from a song by Big Smith. Listen. (2/8/10)


You probably know by now that Team Lawson is big on experiences and not as much on things. Though we make an enormous exception for books and magazines. So, did I ever tell you about Sloane's Christmas present? We bought her an entire hiking kit. Great walking stick, compass, hiking boots, hiking guide to the Ozarks, reusable water bottles, and a fanny pack stocked with everything from band aids and bug spray to granola bars and trail mix. Of course, we also included a series of writing utensils and her first Moleskine to be her hiking journal. (3/27/10)

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Susan's pictures brought back a memory of a time when we lived in an old farmhouse on a dirt road out in the country in Oregon. There was a falling down house in a field nearby. The house was absolutely over-grown with lilacs. I wanted them. Badly. So, my four-year old nephew, my husband, my brother-in-law, and the dog all jumped in the back of the truck with pocket knives, buckets, and secateurs. They cut and cut lilacs for me. I had armfuls of them. I smelled lilacs in my dreams long into the summer. I can still smell them now. (3/29/10)

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As an elementary school teacher, I teach every subject every day. Since it's not possible to be an expert in every single subject, a good teacher has to become an expert in her pedagogy, her teaching. If you know how to teach well, it is possible to teach anything. Of course, I'd be spending every night cramming if I had to teach middle school math, but I think you get what I mean. (4/21/10)


My number one book last year was Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell. When I choose it, I didn't know that it had been made into a film by and incredible independent film director. I have to tell you, I was pretty nervous about it. How would these beautiful Ozarks be represented by a director from New York? I got my answer last night at a special screening of the film. I wasn't disappointed. (5/17/10)

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Good Things:

• "Fotofenfefish, that's how plants make food for themselves." ~ Sloane, age 8
• I took Sloane and Lauren to pick wild tiger lilies yesterday. I loved it when they both promptly decided to have huge tiger lily bouquets for their weddings.
• Lauren excitedly asked, "Can I please pick some to take to my Mom?" She couldn't wait to share her bounty. (6/10/10)

Do you have orphans, too? I'd sure be interested in reading them.


The images are from the photo day I wrote about a few days ago.

Dreaming of Impossible Things

I love serendipity and synchronicity, and the way things on your mind seem to circle back into the dailiness of your life again and again. Last Sunday, I began a list in my journal. (I told you I was an irrepressible list-maker.) The list is titled Things I Long For. It really is a list about things. This one contains no strong, character-driven wishes. Just a list of material things that would delight me. Today, I was reading some old posts by Maddie of Persisting Stars. One she wrote struck a particular chord with me. Perhaps because it references one of my favorite quotes of all time.

There is no use trying" said Alice, "One can't believe impossible things."

"I daresay you haven't had much practice" said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast!" ~ Lewis Carrol, Alice in Wonderland

I love that quote so much because I believe in impossible things. In fact, my favorite "quote" is actually a Bible Verse. Jesus looked at them and said, " With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." ~ Mark 10:27

I love dreaming of impossible things. I find it amazing to realize just how many impossible things have come true for me. Here's my best example. I spent my childhood reading fairy tales, pretending to star in them, and writing my own. I also spent it in a warm and happy home with parents who loved each other and us. When I was a young adult my mother really believed it wasn't possible that I would find a man I was willing to marry. At least not without changing my standards. You see, I was bound and determined to find my own knight on a white horse. I would only marry a man who was a wonderful as my father. I wanted a man who would treat me as well as my Dad treated my Mom. My father really is extraordinary, and Mom worried for me that no more such men existed. I refused to believe she was right. I just kept on dreaming impossible dreams. And praying faithfully; asking God for what some thought impossible. About a year and a half later, at our rehearsal dinner my mother gave a toast. She told the story I just related and said how very glad she was to be wrong. She said that Jeffrey had made all my fairy tale dreams come true. She was right.

She still is right. Jeffrey and I have been joyfully married almost 16 years. Impossible dreams come true every day.

Here's to your impossible dreams coming true, too.

The whimsical illustration above is by Lisbeth Zwerger.

Hula's Great Idea

• Do you carry a notebook around just to write lists in?
• Do you write items on your to do list that you've already completed just for the thrill of marking it off?
• Do you currently have at least three different lists going?

If you said yes to any of the above, congratulations! You are an official list lover. Why not join me for Hula's great idea? Like most brilliant ideas, this one is simple. One list per week for a year. Such fun, yes? I borrowed this idea from one of my favorite bloggergals. I was double-delighted when I saw that two other bloggers I love had the same idea. Care to join us?

Stop by tomorrow for list one and the giveaway winner. Happy Monday, friends.


This list, and many pages of creative wonders await you at many small guesses' photostream.

updating The Big List

Week 16 of the Wednesday lists.
We've been enjoying having Jeffrey's parents with us so much this week that I missed my Wednesday list. Oh well - better late than never. A while back I wrote a list of 39 things to do before I turn 40.

The BIG List Update:

1. write that article and try to get it published - not sure why I keep postponing this one
   
2. get back to doing this brilliant idea
3. bake some bread from scratch
   
4. start saving for a Big Girl Camera
   
5. join GKGirl in doing this
6. read at least three professional books from cover to cover instead of just dipping in and stealing ideas - one down, two to go
   
7. make my Blog Camp St. Louis idea really happen
8. read a book in a genre I never read ie. a biography instead of a memoir
   
9. buy and play with a fun camera; Polaroid, Holga, or Fish Eye - I'm half way there. My friend loaned me her Poloroid 600. Now I just need the film.
   
10. interview my father-in-law and capture the real version of the story I want to write - he's here till Tuesday. I guess I'd better get busy on this one.
    
11. have a real life pen pal
12. take a class and learn a new skill
13. finally let go of some of those magazines I still have horded
    
14. get settled in and feel at home in our new church
15. eat Indian food again - done on our trip to Columbia
    
16. make walking a regular habit
17. meet in person at least four new blogging friends
18. attend this - I traded this for the family trip to Columbia. We had a wonderful time.
    
19. find the perfect apple crisp recipe and bake often for Jeffrey - I've been working on this one. Jeffrey would like me to find a recipe that has the sweet crumblies on top. Can anybody help?
    
20. spend an entire afternoon in the hammock
21. buy a vintage record player
    
22. go see Wicked (or another Broadway show)
    
23. take a weekend trip with Mom and Dad to an unexplored Missouri destination
24. have my own Moo cards made
25. find a way to turn my blog into book form - I have tried and tried. Does anyone know how to do this with Blogger??
    
26. go visit Grammy
    
27. take an online course
28. participate in some street art of my own
    
29. start up date nights again
30. begin art journaling
31. host a swap on my blog - who's interested?
    
32. make a gift for someone
33. read all the forgotten books that are living on my shelves
34. buy Photoshop Elements - Yeah for Jeffrey and Sloane. This was my Mother's Day present.
    
35. learn Photoshop Elements
36. read all of Jane Austen's novels
    
37. wreck a journal
38. transfer all my home videos to DVD
39. try something I absolutely think I can not do - This turned out to be my biggest surprise. I really didn't think I'd be able to save enough to buy a great camera. I did.
    

Only four months to go. I'd better get busy. Good thing I have the summer off. What about you? What are you working on right now?

another BIG list

Week 43 of the Wednesday lists.
I have a confession to make before I share my list for this week. Two years ago I wrote a BIG List and it was energizing and wonderful. Last year? Well, I... uh.... well... OK, OK, I wrote one and then didn't do a thing. Actually, I did one thing. And it was the most important one, but still... I have no idea why. I guess I was preoccupied with other things. But, it's a new year (my years always begin in October) and I find myself full of energy and optimism.

41 things to do before I turn 42

1. paint my front door & shutters & add new house number
2. submit an article to the Somerset family of magazines
3. buy a Lisa Leonard necklace
4. create at least one lesson a week for the Smart Board
5. turn Keri's 100 ideas into a regular blog feature
6. meet at least two new blog friends in person
7. write and MAIL at least one letter a week
8. plan and host a parent night for my students and their families
9. interview my father-in-law about his childhood
10. spend my time well this year
11. take four camera classes at my local photography store
12. attend the theater at least twice
13. create and hang my inspiration board
14. make walking a daily habit
15. have at least 5 paid photoshoots this year
16. plan and attend an artsy-crafty art night for 4 or 5 girlfriends
17. learn how to quilt
18. be brave and attend the women's retreat this year
    
19. transfer all my home videos to DVD
20. finally find the perfect apple crisp recipe and bake often for Jeffrey
21. tearoom date with Dulcy
22. call my mother every day
23. go visit Grammy
24. write thank you notes promptly all year long!
25. participate in some street art of my own
26. have at least five weekends this school year with absolutely no working
27. have a date night at least once a month
28. begin art journaling
29. mail out Christmas cards this year - on time - not in February
30. read all the forgotten books that are living on my shelves
    
31. begin to learn Photoshop Elements - at least learn how to put a logo on my photos
32. finally finish compiling all of Sloane's Friday Album (a picture every Friday from her first year of life)
33. spend more time with my brother, Persephone, and her Mom
34. spend real time with my parents at least once a week
35. begin a girls cooking night with Sloane
36. make and purchase a book of my blog's greatest hits
37. go cliff jumping with Sloane and Jeffrey at Johnson's Shut Ins
38. attend at least two concerts
39. frame and hang all pictures I've collected
40. family trip to Disney
41. do something I absolutely think I can not do

What's on your list? Go ahead, inspire me.

The photo is one of Jeffrey's favorites of mine.

wishin' and hopin'

Week 28 of the Wednesday lists.
Did you ever see the Ebay ad last year? It went something like, "They say it's the thought that counts. I say, 'Think harder.'" Ha. I loved that one. No thinking needed, here's my Christmas wish list. Though I do want peace on Earth and all those other lovely intangibles, everything on this list can actually be bought with money. Let's not talk about how much money. OK?

My Not Very Realistic Christmas Wish List

a playhouse for me

and one for Sloane

a Louis Ghost Chair

plus these chairs for the back yard

this book and this one

this perfect quilt

to take pictures like her or her

this camera bag or this one

this or any photograph by this genius

a big original oil painting of hers to hang over my mantle

a beautiful bathroom with a deep tub for soaking

this calendar and this one

to take Sloane to this and back here

to take a class from this amazing photographer

to meet in person, these wonderful blog friends. And you. I want to meet you, too.

What about you? What's on your list this year?

Click on the pictures for the original sources.

So I'm a little behind...

Every year I make a list of my best ten new reads for the year. When I sat down to make my list for 2012, I realized that I never finished my 2011 list.  Instead of being smart and doing '12 then, I waited.  Ugh.  Now,of course, it's nearly time for 2013's list.  Well, better late than never, right? 

In 2011 I read 311 books.  I read many children's book for work as well as my own pleasure.  I read shelter books, memoirs, crafting books, short stories, and beautiful cookbooks.  I love young adult literature, great fiction, poetry, and non-fiction books about my passions.  Most of all, I love a good story.  Here's the best of my reading for the year 2011.  

Relyn's Best New Reads of 2011

10. Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo
9. The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston
8. The Night Bookmobile by Audrey Neffenegger
7. Let's Bring Back by Lesley M.M. Blume
6. Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio
5. Matched by Allie Condi
4. Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas
3. Missed Connections: Love, Lost & Found by Sophie Blackall
2. Witch Child by Celia Rees

and the winner is...

1. Pursuit of Happiness by Maira Kalman

Silly Celebration, Take Three

Did you notice the calendar today? It has become a tradition for me to celebrate this triple date. Last year, I celebrated nines. The year before, eights. I love to celebrate and any silly reason will do. So, today, in honor of the date and of being excited over the little things, I offer you...

Ten Lists of Ten

all lists in no particular order

Ten ways to take care of yourself
so you can take care of everyone else

• make time for breakfast
• read for at least a half hour every day
• do that one thing on your to do list that keeps nagging at you
• get your family outside and take a walk
  
• buy yourself a delicious smelling shower gel and a new scrubbie
• invest in a good pedicure at least once a season
• that other thing on your to do list that keeps nagging at you? Mark it off. For good.
  
• take yourself out on a date
• watch your favorite chick flick and don't worry about the calories in your favorite snack
• call your best friend
  

Ten youtube videos that will inspire you

• to cook
  
• to draw
  
• to create
  
• to dance
• to make a list
  
• to live with faith
  
• to make a big gesture
• to watch an old movie
• to be a part of something fun
• to find beauty in unusual places
  

Ten healthy(ish) snacks to try

• pickled carrots
• pickled okra
  
• hummus and baked pita chips
  
• peanut butter and banana sandwich
  
• raw cauliflower with peach salsa
  
• string cheese - surprisingly good
  
• yogurt covered pretzels
  
• wasabi almonds
  
• apple slices and peanut butter
  
• 1 piece of Dove dark chocolate
  

Ten posts that will make you smile

• dirty dishes
• pretty as a picture
• mid-century sticky
• list twenty-four
• whirling butterflies
• insectia
• once more to the lake
• rabbit hole ripples
• they make me happy
• words and pictures

Ten things to be thankful for

• every easy breath
• good health
• a job
  
• the right to vote
• laughter
• good books
• hot, running water
• indoor plumbing
• comfortable shoes
• love

Ten websites to check out

• Loganberry Books
  
• Rollip
• Vagabondish
• Kids in Mind
• Stick
• Shop SCAD
• Daily Click
• Song of the Day
• Su Blackwell
• Thxthxthx
  

Ten ways to say I love you

• Creol - Mi aime jou
• Indonesian - Saya cinta padamu
• Italian - Ti amo
• Pig Latin - Iay ovlay ouyay
• German - Ich liebe dich
• Urdu - mai aap say pyaar karta hoo
• Lebanese - Bahibak
• French - Je t'aime
• Russian - Ya tebya liubliu
• Dutch - Ik hou van jou

Ten books I read again and again

• Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
• The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
• Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher
• 84 Charring Cross Road by Helene Hanff
• Boy's Life by Robert McCammon
  
• When Venus Fell by Deborah Smith
• Underfoot in Show Business by Helene Hanff
  
• Pull of the Moon by Elizabeth Berg
• Cooking for Mr. Latte by Amanda Hesser
  
• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgeson Burnett
  

Ten habits that will bring you joy

• spend some time each day with an animal
• write down the day's blessings before you go to bed
• take a walk every day
• do a series of stretches each morning before you begin your day
• drink lots and lots of water
• write thank you notes for even the littlest things
• sing. every single day. sing!
• do it now - whatever your it is
• try to do a random, secret act of kindness at least once a week
• make time for your friends
  

Ten ways to bring more joy to others

• work to be a more considerate driver
  
• spend the day with your mother
• mail a letter to your grandparents
• start a weekly family night tradition
• support a child through World Vision or similar
• look for more ways to practice good manners
  
• buy a child new crayons and two coloring books - join them
• keep your word
  
• give a grown up a silly gift, like bubbles or wax lips
• be enthusiastic!

Mosaic credits: 1. 10, 2. Ten.Dez.Diez.Dix, 3. 10

An Accounting

Most years on or around my birthday, I make a list of things I want to do an accomplish in the next year.  The last one I made had to count for two years because I accomplished so few things the first time around.  Plus, I didn't get around to writing another one on my 42nd birthday.  Last year was a tough year.

My birthday is on Monday, so I am putting some serious thought into my next list.  Here is an accounting from the last one.

41 things to do before I turn 42

1. paint my front door & shutters & add new house number;  Oh, we did a lot more than that.  Yay, us. 
2. submit an article to the Somerset family of magazines; I'm afraid that I am still a big chicken. 
3. buy a Lisa Leonard necklace; I actually didn't do this one.  I just changed my mind. 
4. create at least one lesson a week for the Smart Board
5. turn Keri's 100 ideas into a regular blog feature
6. meet at least two new blog friends in person; I met one.  Hi, Marilyn.
7. write and MAIL at least one letter a week
8. plan and host a parent night for my students and their families
9. interview my father-in-law about his childhood
10. spend my time well this year
11. take four camera classes at my local photography store; They were fantastic!  So glad I did this one. 
12. attend the theater at least twice
13. create and hang my inspiration board
14. make walking a daily habit
15. have at least 5 paid photoshoots this year
16. plan and attend an artsy-crafty art night for 4 or 5 girlfriends; Turns out I'm not very artsy-craftsy.  But, I did plan a few play dates for several girlfriends. 
17. learn how to quilt
18. be brave and attend the women's retreat this year; It was wonderful, too.  Also glad I did this one.  
19. transfer all my home videos to DVD; Is this even possible.  How much will it cost me? 
20. finally find the perfect apple crisp recipe and bake often for Jeffrey
21. tearoom date with Dulcy
22. call my mother every day
23. go visit Grammy
24. write thank you notes promptly - all year long!
25. participate in some street art of my own
26. have at least five weekends this school year with absolutley no working
27. have a date night at least once a month
28. begin art journaling
29. mail out Christmas cards this year - on time - not in February; Ha.  This may be on my list forever.  I did make it by January this year, at least. 
30. read all the forgotten books that are living on my shelves
    
31. begin to learn Photoshop Elements - at least learn how to put a logo on my photos; All I really learned in the logo part.  I've decided to let go of the Photoshop idea for the foreseeable future.
32. finally finish compiling all of Sloane's Friday Album (a picture every Friday from her first year of life)
33. spend more time with my brother, Persephone, and her Mom
34. spend real time with my parents at least once a week
35. begin a girls cooking night with Sloane; Might have to give up on this one.  I really, really don't want to do it.  
36. make and purchase a book of my blog's greatest hits; Nope.  I did, however, make my first family yearbook and I love it. 
37. go cliff jumping with Sloane and Jeffrey at Johnson's Shut Ins
38. attend at least two concerts
39. frame and hang all pictures I've collected; We are more than half finished with this surprisingly big project. 
40. family trip to Disney; We tried to make good on this one.  Prices had gone up too much.  Still saving...
41. do something I absolutely think I can not do; I left my beloved school.  And survived. 

Well, whaddya know?  It only took me two years to accomplish 21 things.  That doesn't really sound impressive, I know.  But, here's what I discovered.  Having stated the goal, I automatically begin to make changes toward the goal.  I don't always accomplish them, but I make strides.  For example, I did not mail a letter once a week this year.  I did, however, send a letter at least once a month.  That's a lot more than I would have done otherwise.

So what about you?  Do you make BIG lists of your own?  What do you put on them?  Come on... give me some ideas.  I have another list to make soon.

A Change of Pace

Summertime has officially arrived in these parts. Maybe not according to the Earth's calendar, but according to our school calendar. One week ago was the last day of school. It feels odd to begin summer vacation in May, but it is wonderful to get enough sleep each night. I've been spending a lot of time this week working on my blog, not that you can tell it. My head is bubbling with ideas and I have about 12 partially completed posts. I've also reorganized the garage, begun to deal with mammoth piles of paper that seem to gather during the school year, put together Sloane's first grade memory book, started Sloane on her summer reading program, and more. Best of all, I've read 4 books. And that's just during the Me Time.

In June, we have summer school for Sloane, which is much more like summer day camp, complete with trips to the pool and the amusement park. We have a trip to Oregon in July. Other than that, we have a lot of time to just be. To play, to read, to laugh, to explore. Sounds like heaven doesn't it? My version anyway.

My chore for this afternoon is to create a loose schedule for our summer. I've told you before that I'm a girl who likes schedules and loves lists. I find that if I am somewhat organized, things happen. Otherwise, the creeping laziness of summer sets in. Of course I want summer to be full of long lazy days full of play and laughter, water and books. I want it to be a time of exploring and memory making for our family. I got to thinking that most of you probably felt the same way. And so, I offer you two things.

A brief list:

Summer Fun List

~ road trips ~ zoo class ~ rainy day movie marathon ~ Koolaid Popsicles ~ naps ~ hammocks ~ book lists ~ slip n slide ~ participating in the library programs ~ drive in movies ~ water fights as you wash the car ~ backyard gardening ~ trips to the Farmer's Market ~ days at the pool ~ hikes back to a cold water creek for a dip ~ chasing fireflies ~ baseball ~ fireworks ~ picnics ~ growing your own salads~ girlfriend dates~ finally getting to that item that's been on your To Do List since last September ~

And a question:
What did I miss? Please tell me some your favorite summertime activities.




I believe this vintage image came from an art journaling workshop I did last summer. Not sure. Sorry.

A Passion for the Next Big Thing

Today's guest inspires me with her steady pursuit of all things creative. Arlene, of Geek Inc., is a poet, a photographer, a mondo beyondo list maker, a mother, and a passionate pursuer of creative endeavors. If you don't know her already, you are really going to enjoy today.

i seem to struggle

with the word
passion.
i don't know why.
it just doesn't resonate with me.
the idea of it does, but it's like the word itself is a road block for me.

so i googled the meaning and one of the meanings i got spoke to me...
compelled or ruled by intense emotion or strong feeling.
compelled.
compelled.
immediately that word grabbed me and hooked me and reeled me in...
i recognized myself in that one word.

and then
i searched the thesaurus for similar words...
animation, eagerness, excitement, fire, frenzy, intensity, transport.

again-
flashes of recognition, flashes of myself.


and now that i have established some acceptable terminology for myself...what is mine?
what is my fire, my frenzy, what inspires this in me...the truth is, if you read my blog at all,
you make think me flighty when it comes to what lights my fire...
i have skipped all over the map
but i think that is part of my passion, that is what drives me...
ideas and trying something different,
mastering a new skill, a feeling of accomplishment but also that
double edged excitement of wondering what will come next?

i'm always thinking of the next big thing...
what is required, making lists, gathering supplies, doing research.
some things {photography} i stick with...
others i may try fanatically and then totally drop them for now {knitting}...

at the moment, a quick list reveals::
an upcoming writing class {which scares me out of my ever loving mind},
photography {& daring to shoot in RAW}
paper-cutting, painting, race car driving, yoga, wooden window boxes,
trying to make pizza dough and tomato soup
from scratch, crossing things off my mondo beyondo list {while adding more},
building a robot of grand proportions out of recycled materials,
daring to be me more often....