Once Upon A Time...

...there was a girl named Aimee.

She worked at a job where multiple dentists would yell at her and be bossy and mean for insignificant, petty things and be their typical weird selves.

So one day she started a blog to help escape the pains of the day. To find creativity again while her soul was being sucked. (Think: the Hallows at Azkaban.)

She quickly fell in love. And the blog blossomed into something she would've never guessed or imagined.

Never ever.

So many dear friends, near and far, from the past resurfaced and she was able to experience all over again why she had loved them so much in the moment when their lines crossed.

She made friends she never would have imagined. She would find herself thinking about them throughout her day and caring about people she had never officially meet. It felt so much more healthy than reality tv.

She had many happy, joyful moments. Sad moments - tears even. Reflective moments. All with her blog and its many old and new friends.

There was a unity that was hard to put into words.

Then the day came where she began kicking herself that she used her name in the url. Because she was going to have to grow up and be a real person. A professional even.

You see, way back when she started her blog she wasn't really thinking it mattered if she had her name in her blog. Foresight did not exist. Remember, she was just a girl needing a creative outlet. There was a time when she was happy to see people googling her name and finding her world on the world wide web. That time is not now.

She refused to let this creative outlet come to an end though.

Because a part of her would have to die if she did that.

So she wondered about many things.

Would keeping her blog the way it is affect her ability to be a professional? Would she feel comfortable with that kind of disclosure available in the world? She had never been a private person. She was always free with sharing things about herself. How did she feel about those boundaries though?

Would she need to change her url? What could be a title that would make her happy? Blog titles aren't easy to pick. Would her friends know how to find her? Would they follow her to her new site without her name?

What would she do with the Google issue? Why did they have to be so good at their job, dang it?

So she thought and she thought - for months even - and couldn't make any decisions.

Standstill.

Until she needed to make a decision sooner than later.

So she decided to have her blog friends tell her what to do and she lived happily ever after.

(Thanks for any input you could give me on the issue.)

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Can He Get Any Sexier?

What people.com? My celebrity man crush has a band?!!

This mystery man, Ryan Gosling, keeps increasing his stock in this recession economy. Not only is he good looking (the kind that is actually real - not celebrity crazy, unrealistic good looking), has Mormon roots, played an amazing role in Half Nelson, melted our delusional hearts as Lars, dated Rachel McAdams, but now he SINGS and plays musical instruments??

But of course he does.

The jury is still out on his abilities until I hear the full album. Intriguing all the same.

I have told Scott before that if by some totally random, universal perfectly time chance (in hell) he was in the same room with his #1 celebrity girl crush and that girl wanted to love on my Scott, that I might give him a get-out-of-trouble-with-your-wife-free-card and let what happens with celebrity girl crush stay with celebrity girl. (Of course, in my heart I know this would never happen but then it makes me a really cool wife for entertaining the option so if by chance it did really happen he, of course, wouldn't want to really do it because of his cool wife that is back at home while he is with celebrity girl that doesn't even compare to his really cool wife at home. Win-Win.)

Ryan Gosling is my get-out-of-trouble-with-the-husband celebrity boy. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the universe will make it happen.

Or.

I might just settle for free tickets to his concert.

But like I said, the jury is still out.

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Emotions & Bathtubs

I am almost 30 and I finally realize I have trouble with too much down time. Maybe I don't have enough hobbies but after 3 weeks of sporadic commitment, I am getting a little antsy in my pantsy. I like routine. I like responsibility. I love being productive. I like being forced to wake up before 9:30am and being tired before midnight. This 3am to 9:30am sleeping routine is making me feel like I am 18 again.

Thank heavens there are jobs and vacations in the near future.

Frankly, this lack of responsibility is making me emotional. I am down, hopeless, and believe my future is bleck and blue one day and the next I am loving everything in sight and believe everything is going to work out fantastically in my life.

Oh emotions, you tricky little devils.

For example, last Thursday was a Seattle summer dream come true for me. It started out with a walk with 2 of my favorites at Greenlake, talk, talk, talk, hit up the neighborhood lemonade stand on the way home (paying homage to my childhood), dinner with Meghan and Ryan, followed by a round of mini golf and go karts on a warm Seattle summer night.

It didn't end there. Oh no. We then went to a late 11pm movie.

Because we're cool like that.

It was just one fun event after another.

The movie was Away We Go, which I'm sure many of you have seen by now. I am not going to write a review though it was a lovely movie and you should go see it too. What I am going to talk about is one particular part. This won't spoil anything so don't be afraid to keep reading if you haven't seen it.

Lately, I have been very sentimental about family, but particularly siblings. I think the older you get the more you realize how important it is to be around people that truly know who you are. And what better people than your sibs, right? The people that know the real you - both good and bad. Well, there is a part in the movie where the main girl goes bathtub shopping with her sister. See this picture. It was this part.


Remember? They have a moment talking about their parents in the bathtub. It was really sad but sweet, right. It got me all teary because it was so familiar. Siblings knowing your history. Being with you through all the stuff that goes down in families. Seeing you through childhood, and into your rowdy adolescence. Watching loves and heartbreaks. Being there for the big and little milestones until one day you are talking on the phone reminding your 35 year old sister that you are in fact almost 30 and grown up and yes, she is really 35.

Like sands through the hourglass...

Shan, has referred to an article that has provided much thought for me about the role of siblings in our life. I LOVE the ideas this Time article raises about sibs. It will take a click but well worth the read here. The main highlight is this:

From the time they are born, our brothers and sisters are our collaborators and co-conspirators, our role models and cautionary tales. They are our scolds, protectors, goads, tormentors, playmates, counselors, sources of envy, objects of pride. They teach us how to resolve conflicts and how not to; how to conduct friendships and when to walk away from them. Sisters teach brothers about the mysteries of girls; brothers teach sisters about the puzzle of boys. Our spouses arrive comparatively late in our lives; our parents eventually leave us. Our siblings may be the only people we'll ever know who truly qualify as partners for life. "Siblings," says family sociologist Katherine Conger of the University of California, Davis, "are with us for the whole journey."

Life partners. Amen.
Thank heavens for life partners.

I realize that siblings can mean many different things to many different people. I have friends and cousins that have been with my through enough of my history that calling them life partners would be completely appropriate. I'm sure I could cry my eyes out in a bathtub with a few of these people that aren't bound to me by blood.

There is just something sacred about being in the presence of people that get you - because they knew you when you had pigtails and sang to Paul Simon Graceland as you drove to California to visit your Grandma Betty who would make you roll-ups every morning if you wanted.

For various reasons, I drove home a bit emotional after that movie even though I had an incredible day. I was nostalgically melancholy and thankful and quiet inside and I can't really pinpoint why, but there were my emotions going all over the board again in just 12 short hours.

And the most important thing to remember about emotions? They aren't permanent.

So you just got to be with them as they come.

I'm sure I will be back to my normal, less extreme emotional self in no time.

Until then, I'll just hop on the roller coaster and keep giving all these emotions a big fat hug.

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Tie Me Up

Check out this customized necktie dress that was featured in the daily etsy email (you really should sign up on the list if you haven't).

There is something very sexy about it.

So many creative people in the world.

That's all.

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Recession Proof

Tonight, in a summer-tv-blues-desperate-for-something-to-watch-isn't-this-the-same-exact-episode-of-Wipe-Out-that-was-on-last-week-and-the-week-before moment, and after seeing that we were #78 out of 90 on the hold list for a DVD series at the King County library, I finally was able to get the thumbs up from Scott to sign up for Netflix. Woohoo!

I have had a number of friends tell me they had or were going to sign up to save themselves the cost of the ever-increasing movie ticket. I believe Netflix and Apple are the two companies not feeling the effects of this economy crunch (still can't believe how many iphone were sold).

So we can check off on the Hipsters-To-Do-List to sign up for Netflix and we plan on FINALLY getting iPhones by the end of the summer because our Verizon contract is up tomorrow. {Visualize me dancing}

Bottomline: We're so Generation Y/Millennials/Trophy Generation cliché.

First on the DVD que: HBO's: The Wire. Reviews? Anyone? Anyone?
First on the Watch Instantly que: This American Life: Season 1 & Sexual Healing

Saw the image below via PopCandy. This was on her friend's Netflix recommendation page. It made me laugh. Hard.

Any movies/documentaries out there I MUST SEE? I have millions of movies at my disposal now. It makes me feel so cultured.

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So What's Next?

Upon graduation, the biggest question I have gotten is the "what's next?" question which I love and hate all at the same time. I love it because it means that school is done (hooray!) but fear and anxiety are also nested just under the surface of that question for me. It was safe and easy to say "I'm a student." People don't expect much out of a student and I found comfort in little to no expectation for 2 years. I can't say those words anymore as much as I would love to wrap my legs and arms around it and hold on tight. I've got to make something of myself now. Eeekkk.

But really though, I know you are probably thinking it: What's next for you, Aimee? So here it is, my friends. Once we finally made the decision to stay in Washington we were able to start making plans again. I don't do well in limbo. Oh no. Limbo and I have some work to do together.

I am going to be working 1-2 days a week at a group practice in Redmond. The women that I will be subleasing space from seems like a wonderful human and mentor whom I will be proud to be learn from. I will be there on Wednesday and eventually Saturdays too (hopefully as clients come pouring in!). On the off days I plan on supplementing my "hobby" by working somewhere that will pay me lots of money to do mindless work or find an agency job (slim pickings right now) that will pay me less money but will build hours towards getting licensed. Either way, it is lovely to have a plan again.

In the meantime Scott, my husband and personal designer, and I have been working on my brand. Many times in therapy I use the example of how our life is a story and how going to therapy can give a witness to ones experience and help in the healing process. I am trying to tie that idea into my brand without overdoing it. The words of my brilliant, articulate friend Rushie said it best:

"I like how we can learn so much by going back a few chapters, and rewriting a few.

Like how whatever happened wasn't actually our fault. And how that changes the next chapter.
We are all living breathing stories. I love and hate that. Life makes and breaks your heart, no?"

Well said, Rush. Well said.

So everyone, what do you think of my new business card?

(front and back)

Feel free to start being my biggest referring partner. (I will send gifts).

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Art Show Day Change

The gallery opening is actually on Friday night instead of Thursday night.

Friday NOT Thursday.

So we will see you FRIDAY. Friday. Doors open at 6pm close at 9ish.

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Artwork Americana

photo by Scott

Remember how Scott had some art showing back in May? Well, he has even more photographs showing next Friday, July 10th from 6pm-9pm at the same gallery. The theme is Artwork Americana and I am really pleased with the photos he is choosing. It is such an enjoyable process for me to watch a picture go from fresh off his camera into Photoshop, then printed, put inside the frame and hung onto the wall. You will only get the joy of seeing the photo on the wall, which I promise is also just as enjoyable in its own way.

Please come and join us because I just can't think of anything better going on that night, can you? I didn't think so.

Blaubak Gallery
133 Lake Street S.
Kirkland, WA 98033
(Located in downtown Kirkland on the right side of
Anthony's Home Port in the lower parking lot.)

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Curly Girl Cards

Can you tell that I am currently unemployed/relaxing and have plenty of time to find things to talk about here on my blog? Please feel free to ignore me if you are sick of my posting.

I have recently come across these very cute cards from Curly Girl Design being that I have had the good fortune of receiving 2 over the last month. I always love finding thoughtful, artsy cards. The website is pretty stinking cute too.

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Product Love

Products I've been loving in the month of June

#1: Opi's No Room for the Blues

For a little graduation love, my friend and hairstylist Emily had my mother-in-law bring me up a nail polish color I have been on the hunt for since last summer. I've been wanting a turquoise and/or Tiffany Blue™ (its trademarked) color for the summertime. Matte not glossy. She spotted No Room For the Blues last minute at a beauty supply store and it is making my summertime nail dreams come true. Thanks, Emily. My friend Kara wants a job at making up nail polish and lipstick names. What do you think of this name, Kara? Fitting for the summer, no?

#2: Grandma Sycamore's Homemaid Bread
My cousin Lizz also sent a wonderful package for graduation. Since being in Washington, Scott and I have yet to find a bread we like as much as Grandma Sycamore's. Inside this package was two loaves, that I quickly froze so I could pick a time when we could savor each piece. On Sunday, I had my first PBJ on this wonderful bread and it was heaven in my mouth. Oh, how we miss you Grandma Sycamore. I've resolved that I am going to my local grocer and begging for them to start carrying this bread. Lizz, you have made our week bread eating so wonderful. Cinnamon toast, toasted cheese, and breakfast sandwiches have never been better.

#3: Oregon Chai Caffeine-Free Original Chai Tea Latte Concentrate

We have loved this for a long time but recently bought another box and have been drinking it more reguarly. Half milk, half chai does the trick for perfect morning or late night drink to warm the body just right. Because let's be honest: chai is sooo good with or without caffeine. I also believe when Scott makes it for me it tastes better. He thinks I am lying and just lazy but it is the truth.

#4: M•A•C Cosmetics Mineralize SatinFinish SPF 15 Foundation

Since they discontinued my favorite tinted moisturizer, I was lost to know what to do. I am not a foundation person (I'm sorry Suburban Heresy I'm just being honest. I know you are disappointed in me). They gave me some samples of regular foundation to try and appease my saddness and when I used it Scott asked me what was on my face. Oh great. Foundation makes me feel cakey. It doesn't feel light on my face like a tinted moisturizer does. But I know I need something to even out my skin tones and give it a smooth look. S0 I returned the foundation and explained my problem and a Mac girl gave me samples of the mineralize and told me to mix it with my moisterizer. So far so good. It gives my skin a glow that I like and feels really light on my face. I am going ahead and making it official this week by buying a real one rather than just the samples. Anyone else out there like the mineralize?

#5: Well, I just can't think of anymore in this moment and this post is long enough. Bye.

Oh wait... I have one now.... British Bangers

Scott has got me hooked. I didn't think I liked sausage until I married Scott. Especially when he cooks up a British-style Banger. Yum Yum Good! The flavor and spicing is just so tasty.

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The GIANT Cake

Meghan blogs about the making and journey of her amazing, epic cake here.

Thankfully,
1) no one or thing died in transport
2) it did not fall over walking into our house
3) no child licked the cake before I got there.
(Although I am sure Parker wanted to)

Did I mention how beautiful and delicious it was?
Amazing.

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The Decision

To those who care:
We are staying in Washington for a few more seasons.
Or possibly longer.
Or maybe shorter.
Who knows exactly?
Because frankly, we aren't quite done with Seattle yet.
Hooray.
Aimee

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Surprise, Surprise: The Obvious Announcement

Did you watch the Jon & Kate divorce episode tonight?
Thoughts? Opinions? Tears, cheers, or who cares?

I must admit that it was my first full episode I have ever seen but in honor of the celebrity divorce I thought it was appropriate for me to do a plug for preventative couples counseling. I heard them say a few times that it was a slow process of falling apart which is usually how it goes with divorce. I am a big fan of couples counseling (obviously) and here is why. Ready for my therapy soap box? Hold on tight.

In America, we have little problem going to the dentist twice a year for preventative exams. We schedule our 6 months cleaning appointments so we don't have to go through the awful pain and dental trauma of root canals, crowns, or heaven forbid extractions. We love our teeth and usually want to keep them until our dying day. Dentists try and catch the fillings each visit so your teeth don't rot and fall apart. If caught early enough we save ourselves from greater cost and pain down the road. It is normal and expected that we take care of our teeth and because of this dentists are rich and Americans have lovely pearly whites.

But when it comes to preventative work on a very, if not the most important relationship in our lives we hesitate because of cost, shame, or lack of time. The slow, churning, under-the-surface problems can lead to resentment, sadness, and miscommunication or lack thereof (as we saw with Jon) that if not addressed, results in divorce or just two people, unhappily co-existing in the disguise of holy matrimony. Sad. Very sad. Who wants that for their relationship? I don't believe that the majority of couples get married thinking they are going to get divorced when they grow up (think 1980's anti-drug campaign).

American's teeth are beautiful but the divorce rate is crazy high.
Why aren't we taking care of our relationships the same way we are taking care of our teeth?

What happens very often is that couples go to therapy when it is time for the relationship to be "extracted" so to speak. One person is so emotionally divorced from the relationship and they spend most the time trying to convince the therapist why the divorce must happen. At that point it is more difficult to do much recovery work. If the couple would go to counseling when little problems pop up (or cavities - keep going with my metaphor here!) it could possibly help the marriage in significant ways down the road. No need for extractions when you have done the work on your marriage, right? A few visits to the therapist a year might save yourself from emotional pain, divorce expenses, child support, and all the other complicated mental, spiritual, and social cost of ending a marriage.

There is no judgment from me about the decision of the Gosselins. Honestly, I get that some problems are more intense than yearly checkups. The whole subject of divorce makes me wonder that if our culture spent some more time and focus working on the little issues we might be able to prevent some of the bigger ones.

Point of my post: No reason to be embarrassed to go to counseling if there seems to be some bumps in the road. You might find that it is actually more interesting than going to the dentist.

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Not Your Mommas Game

I had a grand weekend. GRAND.

The primary highlight was being invited to A Girlfriend's Guide to Gaming Nintendo party by her Majesty Sizzle of Sizzle Says. I was a silent reader of Sizzles for about a year, had sent her my favorite chocolate chip recipe awhile back, but it wasn't until the last few months that our blogging friendship ripened a bit more. She truly is one of my favorite bloggers. Witty. Sarcastic. Funny. Irreverent in the best way possible. Open. Honest. And she is in Seattle. Even better. Her blog is so refreshing because you feel like you are talking to a good friend. I find myself nodding in agreement or laughing to myself as I read her daily posts. You don't feel like she is trying to be someone she is not. She is just herself and she shares her feelings so freely. I believe we were meant to be friends.

So awhile back I get an email from her inviting me to an all girls Nintendo party. Uh, yes please. She was kind enough to let me bring my + 1, Meghan. So off Meghan and I went to our fancy party while the brothers had a playdate.

Free valet.
Fancy Seattle brick studio.
Champange and Diet Coke.
Meet Sizzle - in person. Hooray!
Funky furniture.
Nintendo DSi.
Mario Kart.
Chicken Satay.
Brain Age.
Crosswords.
Rhythm Game.
Beautiful Seattle night.
Fellow Bloggers.
Cool People.
Happiness.

If the fancy blog party had ended with those words it would have been a delight. But no friends, it did not end there. As we sat down at the last station, the nintendo girl starts pulling out a brand, spanking new Nintendo DSi box. As she is doing this, I looked at Meghan and wondered if they were just messing with us. Was this whole party just the bait to get me to buy the machine? Is this where they insert the sales pitch? Oh no friends, it is not. Not at all. I asked the kind lady if she was showing me how to set up this machine for educational purposes or because it was going to be MINE. She told me that, yes, yes indeed it was mine for the keeping. A free Nintendo DSi just for coming to a party where they treated me like a really important somebody? I was so excited! Quite possibly the most excited party person. See below:

If they hadn't wooed me with the handsome drink servers, chic atmosphere, and free gaming swag they figured that throwing in 1000 free points to download games and a cartridge game would be the icing on the cake. Icing it was. I still have a yummy, sugary taste in my mouth.

The night was so much fun and I have been playing on my DSi all weekend (and secretly during church). My brain age is getting younger every minute and meeting friend bloggers in person is always a treat. Virtual friends becoming real-life, in-person friends. Lovely. Oh, how I love this community.

I get it: Nintendo isn't only for 14-year old boys. I totally get it now.
Brilliant marketing, Nintendo.
Brilliant.

Thank you for being awesome, Sizzle.

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Pomp & Circumstance

{And now for my last post on graduation... I promise after this we can put Aimee's graduation to rest and move on with all the other important blogging matters.}

Sunday was the commencement. I did not walk for my undergrad but I felt like this was an important milestone in my life so I wanted to hear them officially call my name so that I could remember the experience. Thanks to everyone for sitting through the church speech. I think we all got that SPU is a Christian college. And everyone thought they were getting out of church that day. Unfortunately, they didn't even play the pomp and circumstance song which really bummed me out because in my head I practiced hearing that song as I walked to my seat. Bum, bum, bum, bum, buuuuuuum, buuuuummmmm (those are the words to the graduation march if you didn't realize) ..... Here are some pix of the people that I love dearly and that were there for the big walk.













It was a great weekend. I love moments when you have so many of your most favorite people in the whole world all together in one space. It doesn't happen nearly enough in life so I have to suck up every moment of it.

Thanks to everyone who also celebrated by screaming and cheering for me in their respective areas. I felt your love from all those miles away!

And now, the school chapter of Aimee's history has ended.
It was a lovely chapter, friends.

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The Big Surprise

On Friday night, my loves threw me my first ever surprise party. I was shocked that they 1) decided to do it even though I have told Scott on multiple occasion that I didn't ever want a surprise party 2) didn't blow it - seriously I HAD NO IDEA 3) they let me go out in my sweats and my hair back knowing that I was going to be coming home to a house full of people. In the end, I didn't really care. If you really love me you won't care if I am in my sweats, right?

Again, indulge me with these picture heavy posts.

Gotta love my facial expression in these pictures. I was genuinely so surprised.
It actually scared me when I walked in before I realized what was going down.

Is this not the biggest ass cake you've ever seen? You want to eat some, don't you? Seriously, I looked over at it and I about died. Meghan loves me so much that she made it her goal to make me the HUGEST cake in all the history of graduation cakes. I almost didn't want anyone to eat it, but eat we did and it was as tasty as it looked. Thank you, Meghan!

Shan made me these darling graduation treats. She is getting so crafty and I felt like my food spread was something off of a blog I would be jealous looking at. You know when you read other peoples blog and they throw a party and all the details are so cute and you feel like a big loser because none of the parties you throw look that pretty. Well, the surprise party food was blog worthy and so pretty. I was so proud of them. Martha Stewart would've be proud too.

Eva brought rootbeer and we had these treats from Costco which are so delightful to the taste and only 81 calories.

Sara gave me a "wild-side" Snuggie which has been quite the hit in our house now.

We ended up just hanging out and talking on the back porch late into the night since the weather so beautiful and warm. Thank you everyone who came and those who went to great lengths to plan, prepare, bake and organize. It was such a great night for me.

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Hooding & Ivy Cutting

I didn't have high expectations for the hooding and ivy cutting on Friday but it ended up being very ritualistic and I enjoyed it greatly. My favorite part was walking into the tree-lined circle with the drums going and being with my friends. Of course I could do without all the speeches but it was fun regardless. Indulge while I give some highlights:

Getting hooded.
Claudia was my last practicum supervisor and is Dean of the MFT department.
I want to be her when I grow up.
She is an amazing, amazing teacher.

I love these shots that Chris, Scott's dad, took from far away.

I especially like how Kaylene is looking away in the first one and how Sarah is smiling at her.
She is just a social butterfly.

My good friends from the program (minus Kara).

I got lots of hugs over the weekend. I like how squished I look.
It is symbolic of how I felt with all the love over the weekend.
Squished in the best way possible, of course.

My loves.

This is my friend Gay. She worked with me at my internship. I love her so much.

We were taking a picture with her camera phone for mutual clients.

I thought this was a cute picture of Caley and I after the hooding.

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PS22 Chorus

I am loving my day of doing absolutely nothing. Can you tell by my multiple posting? The last month has been so crazy that finally having a day where I could sleep in until 11am, chat with Dave, just sit on the king chair and and poke around the internet without showering yet has been exactly what I wanted to do. I'm sure by tomorrow I will be bored out of my mind.

In my poking, I found the PS22 Chorus. I'm sure I am late on hearing about them since it looks like they have been getting tons of media coverage. Mr. Hagen's chorus class was filled with many lovely memories but the most crazy we got with the songs was The Lion King's Circle of Life. Check out this choir and I think you will be smitten too. Find more songs here like Tori Amos, The Innocence Mission, Lady Gaga, Joni Mitchell, Coldplay and Bjork.

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Casey O'Connell

I found Casey O'Connell via Made By Girl and I think she is a lovely artist.
Spent the last few minutes looking through her website.
I want to be the people in her paintings.

I wish I could paint.
My mother-in-law is on assignment to teach my children how to use the brush.
I am hoping my future kids get the Heffernan art gene.

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Endless Adventure Awaits (no matter what we decide)

click on the picture to read the ad on the map

Scott and I are currently in much discussion and angst as we wrestle with the fate of our future. The whole "what's next" is staring us right in the face. We actually needed to decide 5 days before yesterday but who is counting? Plans are at a standstill as we can't seem to come to a happy consensual conclusion. I am hoping that a sign from heaven will come sooner than later. Can't someone just make this decision for us? Can someone more faithful and righteous than me get a memo to the universe that we are needing some direction here?! I'd appreciate that.

Although these new Utah tourism ads don't convince me to say goodbye to Washington quite yet, I do think they are brilliant and so creative. See bigger versions here and here and don't forget to read the little caption on the maps. I am so jealous of creative people who get to come up with these ideas. I might have been a designer in a past life. I don't know. Maybe.

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The Singing Telegram

A 2 minute, beautiful highlight of my weekend (if you are in Reader you are going to need to actually click to my blog):

I was in a Tully's parking lot when I got this call and at first I just thought it was a telemarketer and I almost hung up because I wasn't understanding what was going on. You can obviously tell that I was so confused at first. Oh how thankful I was that I did not hang up because it filled my heart with utter happiness for the rest of the weekend. A modern day singing telegram. Yes, please. Thank you so much, "Brew". It was better than the singing telegram in Clue that we use to watch in our childhood and you didn't get shot. Phew.

Many more highlights to come.

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Time Travel

So The Time Traveler's Wife trailer is out. I am feeling a bit nervous....

What do you think?

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Red Letter Day

You know how you have certain days in your life that stand out in your mind forever. Days that when you think back on your life you can recall so clearly all the love that you felt inside yourself and for everyone around you. You can remember exactly how genuinely happy you were in that moment of your life and how good life felt. Unforgettable, hit-the-ball-out-of-the-park kind of days.

I got one of those today.
A Red Letter Day in my history.

There are too many people to thank to do it justice at this late hour, but I want to just capture my happiness before the night ends and my feelings float from the present moment to the memory holding station.

I am going to sleep feeling totally and completely loved and spoiled and blessed and grateful. I could fiercely argue that I am the luckiest girl I know. More details to come but they include a singing telegram, a truly surprising first-ever surprise party that I didn't know that I totally wanted, and the biggest, yummiest chocolate frosted cake with powered raspberries I ever seen - for me!

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The Announcement

Are you sick of hearing about my graduation?
Me too.

Stick with me a little longer as all the festivities will wrap up this weekend and we can close this chapter of blogging history.

Below is the announcement my husband and Rushie helped me create. You know I couldn't do the formal, stuffy old announcement. We had to spice it up of course. Click on the image to see the wording.


I wanted to incorporate the idea of The Crossing and Scott made it happen. It is wonderful to have a graphic designer at my disposal. Thank you, Scott. And thanks Rush for your wit and generosity.

So blog friends, I am estimating that around 3:23 pm PST on Sunday I will be walking the stage at Safeco Field. I would love to have you celebrate for a moment with me wherever you may be.

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Rose & the Bald-Headed Elephant

Children's book lovers, this post is for you.

I know many of you out there would be included in this category so listen up!

Our very artistic friend has been working on a set of children's book and we are very excited that we all will be able to have the first book in our very own hands this summer. His pen name is Wooley Cottswold which makes me swoon because I think pen names are so retro and mysterious like The Dr. Seuss himself. I read a draft of the book when it was in its very early stages and the whole story made me teary. It is a wonderful, uplifting children's story about loving who we are and seeing the best in others even when they might forget for a moment how to love themselves. The story transcends youth and leaves the adult reader with an 'ah-ha' moment of their very own. I promise you will fall in love with the characters and the underlying message of the book, not to mention the colorful illustrations.

This is a book worth adding to your collection.

So without further adieu let me introduce: Rose and the Bald-Headed Elephant

So here is the thing. I have come to find out that the publishing/distributing process is quite complicated for books. So in order to make my dreams come true of seeing this book all over my local bookstore, we ALL need to flood B&N with our pre-orders. If you have children, or grandchildren, or birthday gifts to give your son's whole preschool class order 5, 10, 20 books if you so desire. Because lets face it, there really isn't a better gift than a book. And a book with a great message to cuddle up to your kids with is money well spent. So go here and do you and your children a favor and meet Rose and her elephant friend.

If you happen to live in Utah there will be plenty of opporutnities to buy this book at local, independent bookstore in the area as there will be book signings and the like. I'm sure I will be posting information about that too. Who doesn't love a book signing?

Oh yes, and I forgot to mention that my favorite photographer in the world happened to take the authors bio pic. Very cool.

Read the official book synopsis below:

So, who hasn’t had a “bad hair day?” Or even perhaps a “NO hair day?” Amidst the angst of feeling small and less than everyone around us, we thank heavens for that irreplaceable friend who takes notice and reminds us of who we REALLY are... someone that’s loveable and unique with much to contribute to the world regardless of our “bald spots!”

Can Rose convince her dear friend how wonderful he is, JUST as he is? Or will he blast off to the moon, or keep wearing a paper bag over his head?

Let’s hope for the best.

Get yours HERE.

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