Our Lady of Lunch

Our Lady of Lunch

I love lunch!

Ophelia, Henry and I recently had lunch together from Here and There Grill...you know how much I love Julie's food. We walked the short block over to Bountiful Home in Edmonds to enjoy our meal in Todd's garden nursery. Of course, he was 'The Host with the Most' and created a delightful lunch spot for us under the apple arbor. Young Henry was quite smitten with Todd (who isn't?!) that day. We are sure Henry remembers how much fun he had the last time he hung out with Todd and committed a party foul by pee-ing on him! Good times!

It was a gorgeous day. I spent some time snapping photos of the garden. Fall inspiration and beauty!

Celebrate...

Oriental poppies from my mom's garden.

...each milestone, each achievement, each day!

Today I am celebrating a few things.

It is my one year blog anniversary. I opened up the doors to my Little House a year ago and it has been delightful sharing, visiting and getting to know all of you. Thank you for your kindess and support.

I had big plans to celebrate my blog-iversary but unexpected things happen to people everyday and that leads me to the next thing I am celebrating today...my husband, Doug!

Saturday I brought him home from the hospital after he was diagnosed with several pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in the lungs). Thankfully it was caught early and the clots ended up in the lungs and not in his heart or brain. I can't even begin to process or comprehend the situation much beyond that.

So today I celebrate: new friends and adventures, old loves and my beautiful everyday life!

Remembering

Remembering and honoring our loved ones who are gone today.

Waiting for Henry

Henry's ultrasound from last November.

Ophelia's due date was Friday. A large handful of us thought (hoped!) he would be early, but he is pretty darn happy where he is at, safe in his momma's belly! Who can blame him?

Mom has been here for a week to help us get ready, pass the time and be on deck to help her baby have this baby.

So while we are 'Waiting for Henry' we have been organizing, eating, gardening and visiting. Nothing sexy or fancy...just hanging out, squee-ing over cute baby clothes, telling stories and speculating on what Henry's personality will be. So far we think he is a cute little stinker with a mind of his own.

Come on, Henry!

A year ago today...

...my step-dad of nearly 40 years passed away. I can't believe it. Some days it feels like yesterday.

Rod fell head over heels in love with my mom and wasn't a bit daunted by the fact that she had two little kids, 7 and 5 years old. He was still head over heels in love with her on the day he died. He told her so that day, like he did everyday. Important lesson here. Tell people you love them; every chance you get.

We tell stories; we always have as a family. We reminisce...a lot. We have so many stories to tell Henry, the first grandchild, when he gets here in May. He will never meet his grandpa, but he will know him. He will know what a practical joker he was, how much he loved books and learning and how much his family meant to him.

Mom is doing good. She recently drove herself to Salem, Oregon for a visit with my in-laws. A very big and brave step for her. Ophelia is getting ready for her first wedding anniversary and Henry's birth. I have been working on this junking business of mine and reconnecting to my home and garden.

We are adjusting to our new 'normal'. But still missing him so.

But I hope that Rod would be proud of 'his girls'...

Ready, Set, Goat!?

Yep, I said Goat!

Today, my sister and I are off on an inter-state adventure with Granny and Wilber.

Let me start at the beginning. I don't remember who 'friended' who first on FaceBook, but Katherine Dunn of Apifera Farm had me at "Where art and animals collide", and then it just got better from there. She rescued Itty Bitty Etta, a rain-soaked itty bitty kitten around Halloween. And she has a one-eyed pug; and makes puppets; and raises weed-loving donkeys; and lives on a lavender farm; and makes pie....sigh....

A couple of weeks ago she announced on FaceBook that she is adopting some rescue goats from New Moon Farm Goat Rescue & Sanctuary in Arlington, Washington and wouldn't it be nice if someone will volunteer to get them to her in Yamhill, Oregon. So I did. I volunteered and have been looking forward to this road trip like I can't even explain. I am thinking there is some good medicine for the soul there...

So, Ophelia and I are bringing the goats to Apifera and like I said, are making an adventure of it. Once the goats are safely delivered, a pie is in our hands and Itty Bitty Etta is snuggle-bunnied, we are going to Portland to stay with our cousin and family. We will take in the sights, do a little shopping, eat some good food and laugh and giggle like the super, silly sisters we are.

I will post photos of our Goat Adventure and let you know how it went when we get back!



Back to Basics

This week between Christmas and New Year's is always a reflective time. After the parties, presents and festivities of the preceding 6 weeks are over, I am always ready for the peace and quiet. This past year has left a lot to reflect on.

After a long, fun run of Salvage Studio retail goodness and book writing over the past several years, I was looking forward to slowing down a bit. 2010 was slated to be a year to renew my soul and spirit; work in the garden and 'just be' in my nest.

But, as we all know, sometimes the Universe has other plans for us.

In the early spring, we decided to officially retire the Salvage Studio and I started Lisa's Little House.

And in April, Rod, my step-dad of nearly 40 years died unexpectedly a week after retiring, shaking our family to the core.

My beautiful, baby sister got married 3 weeks later.

And I spent most of the summer traveling back and forth to eastern Washington, helping my mom with long-overdue projects at her house.

In the fall, I prepared for my first solo show. A huge success, but stressful nonetheless. And then I did it again in December.

During this roller coaster ride of a year, I learned how strong and determined I could be. And I learned what my family is made of. My Mom and sister are amazing women and the men in our lives are amazing, too. My friends have been angels on earth; listening, loving and ready to help with a meal or a perfectly timed hug. Gifts to offset the grief and I am so grateful. My family is too...

And I realized that my original goal for 2010 was true and valid and worth another shot.

So....it is time to get back to the basics...

2011 is slated to be a year to renew my soul and spirit; work in the garden and 'just be' in my nest. Amen!

A Family Affair

We all have family...some is by blood, some by marriage, some by some other bond...some other connection. 

My sister, Ophelia and my husband, Doug were my lifeline, support, minions and sanity before, during and after the great weekend adventure of Ruffles and Rust! I truly could not have done it without their love and support. Plus we had a ton of fun!

My junking family is my other bond and connection. They 'get' me. The love of the hunt; the creativity; the chippy; the treasures; the history of the junk. Like me, they see the potential; the beauty underneath. They don't judge...they support; smile; admire; accept.

I am a lucky girl!

My booth...warm and cozy!

So if you came to Ruffles and Rust, you know what I am talking about. It was a creative masterpiece. A great big room filled with hundreds (thousands!) of people with one goal in mind...to celebrate our collective creative process.



Necklaces I created from spoons and porcelain flowers.



There is still so much to process from the whole extravaganza. So watch for another post about this most marvelous weekend!