Feelin' the Flow, Baby

Cute Lil Dude

I won lotsa "really cool" loot!

The Man of the Hour

The other "Star of the Show", Dutchie the {Adorable Orange} DoDo Bird

We had lots of fun at the Designer [Toy] Convention in Pasadena last weekend. I have to say, my husband was really a hit! Everyone lo-o-o-ved his creations- super impressed with his 'artism' (ha) and style. I do believe it got the flow of good energy goin' for Jordan's toy and his artistic life. You should have seen the jaws drop when artists, toy-makers, sculptors, everyone saw Dutchie. I think the connections made will be valuable in Jordan's artistic pursuits. I already knew he was good- but I think it helps to be able to show others and see their resoundingly great responses. Sometimes the busy daily grind gets in the way of taking time to be creative. It was also really fun for our friends to come check it out. It was really fun to see everyone and share this experience with them. More to come on this, I am sure.

We Love the Urth (and our BFFs)

Nothing like an evening with sweets and our best friends to make me feel better. After canceling our dinner plans, uncanceling, canceling again- we settled on swinging by their crib armed with some irresistible treats and caffeine from across the street. Both so good for the soul. We honestly do not know what we would do with out Nicki and Nate. What a remarkable pair! Jordan and I talk a lot about the fact we really lucked out with these two! It makes life so much sweeter to have a couple we adore in our lives. Time always flies between our 'meetings' and 'weeklies' and we always wish we could see each other more- but any thing we do is so much fun. Even when we sit around and pick on each other's imperfections!

We are spoiled and grateful to call these two our BFFs.

Break in the Rhythm...

The past four days have once again brought me to a place of sheer gratitude- grateful to be on the 'road to recovery'. Grateful for my health and for that of those I love. For a furry, four-legged best friend to sit, lay, walk, cry, just "be" by me in my best and in my worst moments. For a two-legged, auburn-haired best friend who brings me lip balm, soup, grilled cheese, tea, and hugs to warm me inside and out, who tidies the kitchen in the dark of the wee hours of morning before embarking on his own long day- and who loves me just as I am, no matter how much of a mess-- and who works his tail off for lil' ole us here at the home front. For a family who is there to listen to me, hacking and all, while I can hear the honest love in their voices through the phone lines, and feel it in their texts. For a work family who graciously covers and works my missed shifts. For friends who send their love and hours of blogs to keep me busy.

This season has brought me to a place of focusing on what I have- and how wonderful it all really is. The break in my healthy, care-free, usual, day-to-day rhythm has been a rough one. I can not remember being this sick in many, many (maybe ever?) years. My days have consisted of the cozy bed and not a whole lot else - not even an egg nog latte in sight! Now that I am starting to peek around the corner to the other side- I am reminded that even a break in the rhythm is good once in a while. (Albeit doesn't always come in the form of illness).. But recharge, rest, recoup, give myself an daily agenda that consists of literally nothing more than making it through the day, feeling a little better at the end... I may have had to miss out on some stuff these past few days, but checking out and into my bed has helped me to appreciate the blessings in my life.

Laguna

Before the take-down of this nasty bug going 'round, Jordan and I bolted down to Laguna Beach on a quick Sunday date evening. We have been wanting to see the Jeremy Fish exhibit at the Laguna Beach Museum of Art, and knew we would have to just squeeze it in when we could in this busy busy time of year.

We love the trees in Laguna.

My attempt at 'stealing a photo'.

There's always one that makes you wonder, usually plenty.

Watercolor by teenager- pretty cool.

On Fire for Fall

Love the bouquet left for me by Jordan this afternoon... The label on the flower wrapping titled them, "On Fire for Fall" ha- We certainly are. So much so, we brunched on pumpkin pancakes and tuned into football.

Into The Future

Getting all "dialed-in" to chat up the fam on Skype... Nana B & Big Poppy and Joe have ordered their new webcams and we 'saw' Campbell and Lize this afternoon! So much fun- we're calling Oprah next. The future truly is here.

Mad About Plaid

My favorite thing after the glorious Egg Nog this season is plaid. Must have been the school uniforms that burned a special place in my heart for it- but I have never stopped loving it! I currently have my eye on this adoorable mat.

Deep Breath

Thoreau was on to something when he said, "An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day"....

I can not go on a walk without thinking about my dear mother- the wise walking woman of the world. So, that is at least three times a day, as my sweet Matilda and I pound the trails and chat about our findings. It is so refreshing to breathe deep and take in the nature around us. I feel blessed every time we hit the trails. One of the beautiful things about our town. Wish I took pics on our walk today- but I shall say it was just what I needed to start this busy day ahead.

My "always chipper" walking companion.

Sweet Anticipation

I am back! I have been inspired to journal, write, photograph, share again! Busyness and a broken camera has kept me down... but I am going to rise above! Looking forward to having time to write another post soon.