We’re home. Home with memories and impressions and cameras full of color. Boy Wonder put it best when he said today, “I’m not going to be sad about leaving; I’m going to be happy I was here and focus on the fact that we’ll come back soon. I’m going to stay positive.”
So, we’re home. And we’re going to stay positive about that.
Look up, look UP!! See. . . right there on the header?
Today is tax day and you might have other things on your mind. So, this is just a gentle reminder that the Thrifty Goodness fund-raiser for the Women’s Resource Center starts today. Everything you need to know to participate can be found on the “15 Days” link in the header. I think it’s going to be a FABULOUS 15 days in April, don’t you?
Too tired for words. . . and there are more photos coming. Tomorrow.
Tonight, just a photo from our window and this prayer: Grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen
He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him again.
I said, “Yes, yes, yes!”
The day dawned brightly; sunlight streaming through every window. The sun has found its way back into my world, and I find myself warm again.
All is not lost, after all.
The Dalai Lama arrived in Seattle today for the Seeds of Compassion Conference. We’ve been waiting for his arrival and the arrival of our tickets with baited breath. IZ and I caught a glimpse of his motorcade on the news tonight and I think we both exhaled at the same time. IZ and BW’s tickets arrived on Tuesday, mine came in the mail today. Whew. Hotel booked, bus routes scoped out, we have a plan.
It’s a long story and all the details aren’t worth rehashing, but the bottom line is demand for these tickets so far exceeds availability that people have been scalping them. We feel very fortunate to have received 3 and to be able to attend this historic event as a family. Our tickets come from two different sources—which means we probably won’t be sitting together. Considering how many people asked to go and were turned down, I don’t even see that as a deficit. My ticket was reserved for me as a member of SDI and I just feel so blessed that Seeds of Compassion had two more for my family. This is the sort of thing that I usually attend by myself; it’s amazing to be going with IZ and Boy Wonder. That the event is in Seattle is icing on the cake.
And I needed cake. I really, really did.
So, we will be in Seattle very, very soon. I can’t tell you how much I have to do between now and then. Everything converges on the 15h; my ad with Modish, my fund-raiser for the Women’s Resource Center, and of course this event. The past few days have been a whirlwind of activity and I find myself a bit overwhelmed by it all, if in a good way. I keep reminding myself: BREATHE.
Obviously, I will be writing more about this conference and keeping you posted about the fund-raiser as next week approaches. But I hope in the meantime, you’re feeling blessed by the miracle that is your life… and that you’re remembering to breathe.
I opened up the refrigerator and reaching for my tub of yogurt I encountered a void. Pat, pat, pat, nothingness! Small problem, the space where my yogurt usually resides was empty. Open space in our refrigerator is a sight to behold and it should have been my first clue that there was a problem.
Instead of questioning this anomaly, I tore the refrigerator apart looking for my yogurt. Out came the milk, out came the leftovers, out came all the produce in the produce bins. Why do we have wilted parsley? Wait, is that parsley? I found several containers of assorted dairy products well past their expiration dates, but no yogurt. As I stood there, surrounded by the contents of our refrigerator, I started to fume. Someone had eaten the last of my yogurt. There was going to be a reckoning.
Now, you should know, this is important stuff. Yogurt and a heaping scoop of chocolate protein powder is what passes for dessert around here. More specifically, it’s what passes for CHOCOLATE. If you close your eyes and pretend really hard, it sorta tastes like chocolate cheesecake. Or, at least that’s what I tell myself. I am the Mayor of Denial and the Grand Empress of Delusion.
Nobody should be messing with my chocolate fix. Nuh uh. So, I restocked the refrigerator minus the expired goods. I whipped myself around and began a stiff march up the stairs to IZ’s office to give him a piece of my mind, when I noticed something in the corner of my eye.
It was my yogurt. On the kitchen counter. Where I’d put it about 60 seconds before I opened up the refrigerator and noticed it missing.
It’s a good thing I saw the yogurt before I got to his office; because clearly I can’t afford to lose another piece of my mind.
First, let me say, I really appreciate all the compassion shown in the comments on yesterday’s post. It means a great deal to me. You all responded in ways that are uniquely you. I found myself laughing and then weeping and then laughing again, gulping for air.
As I was reading comments, I realized how much symbolism is wrapped up in such a simple object. It represents half of my life. Even now, as I look down at my hands, I do not recognize them. It will take some time to absorb the difference. In the meantime, I am holding on to YOUR hope. So, I just want to say, “Thank you. Thank you for hoping for me.”
When I wasn’t hunting for treasure this weekend, I was sneezing! It’s a labor of love to work with Lavender, I’m so allergic to it. But sneezed I did, and sewed I did, and it’s all for a good cause. Achoo! I’ve been sitting on this little bit of information for months, months I tell you. But now I can spill the news. Here’s what’s up.
Thrifty Goodness turns ONE this month. It’s been an amazing year. I’m still learning how to do this “best”–but the tangible that I can clearly see as a gain, has been all the amazing connections I’ve made in the process. I’ve “virtually” met some really terrific people. Creative and compassionate and full of joy. It’s these relationships that I cherish most.
I’m keenly aware that not everyone can make such claims. Some of us know abuse first hand. We find ourselves in situations beyond our control and beyond our dreams and we need help. Which is why, I’m so excited to celebrate Thrifty Goodness’ Anniversary by holding a fund-raiser for the Women’s Resource Center here in Astoria. This organization makes a real difference in the lives of so many women and children. While I know Thrifty Goodness is a very small venture, it seems to me the best way to celebrate all the great connections I’ve made is by helping others make healthy connections too!
So! For 15 days in April, beginning April 15 (see the trend) spend $15 at Thrifty Goodness and as a reader of Evidently, you will be getting a set (3) of these amazing Lavender sachets. In return, 20% of sales during that time will go to support the Women’s Resource Center.
For those of you with esty stores, why not join the fun? I know we all run at different profit margins, so I’m not going to set a limit for that—I’m leaving it to your generous hearts to do what’s best. But if you join in, I will post a link to your esty store on Thrifty Goodness as well as promote your store here on Evidently. I have an ad on Modish starting the 15th so that’s extra exposure for you! AND. AND!!! You will receive a super set (5) of these sachets designed specifically for you. So, let’s chat and do some good, ok?
Now, my mama always said I tend to take the long way around Jordan’s barn, so you should know these are not cookie-cutter sachets. Each set was individually co-ordinated and hand cut. No bulk cutting, no two sets are alike. They are unique, made from vintage muslin, linen, and feedsack cotton, as well as some Moda prints. These represent hours of work. Achoo! But it’s been such a joy to make them, knowing that each set was special and would be finding its way to someone equally special.
Here’s the catch: You have to purchase between April 15 and April 29. You have to spend $15, but that includes shipping! AND, in the message to the seller during the check-out process you need to say, “I’m an Evidently reader!”
There are only 15 sets available, so this is a first come, first served situation. BUY EARLY. I can’t guarantee selection of colors, but let me know (Pink, Yellow, Red, or Lavender) your top two choices and I will certainly do my best to send you your heart’s desire.
You still with me? I know, lots of words. Here’s the last thing… but maybe the most important. If you don’t see anything in the store that you want you can always make a donation directly! Just let me know that you did, and I’ll send you a set of sachets as well.
So. That’s it. For today anyway.
I’m so ready for warmer weather. I’m calling “Olly Olly, Oxen Free!” on the sun. This goes way beyond wanting to hang out in short skirts and flip-flops. Way past being pasty white. We are deep into the realm of transparent. I’m so clear you can see my blood coursing through my veins beneath my skin and that would weird me out if I wasn’t so depressed.
No, seriously, I’ve reached that point where I’m fairly convinced that insanity will ensue if I don’t get a real dose of vitamin D, STAT! I’ve reached the, “Girlfriend is going tanning” point and I don’t want to hear one *coughcancercough* from any of you. M’kay?
What does STAT mean anyhow?
Clearly, I’m cracking up. Yep. Losing it. It’s official. I’m not sure who you should call.
Speaking of losing it and depression (I’m not even trying for clever segues at this point) my wedding ring went “missing” last week. And the only the thing I’ve discovered in the process of turning this house inside out looking for the missing “symbol of our relationship!” is that our floors are abysmally dirty. As in, “report Girlfriend to the health department” dirty.
I blame the cat. For both the loss of the ring and the floor. I’m kinda convinced she decided to play with it when I foolishly left the “symbol of our relationship” on the couch. (don’t ask) I can’t prove it, but she looks guilty. Ok, so technically, the ring is my fault; but the floors are all Snickers. I could knit a sweater with just the fur she’s left behind the couch. The couch that is pushed up against the wall leaving no room for her to get behind it and still she manages to shed ridiculous volumes of hair. Behind the couch. I don’t want to talk about what I found under the ottoman. It wasn’t my ring, we’ll leave it that.
IZ says I can’t punish the cat without proof. Which sucks. Because, that leaves only me to punish. I’m not sleeping and I’m mourning and I have this really sick feeling that unlike all the other times I’ve lost this ring “symbol of our relationship”, that this is it. This is the proverbial straw and I’ve done deceased the camel. It’s not good people, not good at all. IZ assures me that he will still love me if it doesn’t turn up. I’m trying to decide if I’d still love me, though.
The truth is, no words work. He’s tried. With these sorts of losses, I suspect you suffer alone. I mean, what words can be said that can lessen the blow of losing a wedding ring? Nothing is going to make me feel less like the ass I know I am. Stupid girl. Telling me, “You know, you’ve been trying to subconsciously ditch that ring for years,” only makes me feel worse because that’s probably true.
I’m not the fresh faced teenager who chose such a romantic ring. I’m a glass half full of jaded. No longer do I have dainty little hands that look overwhelmed by the “symbol of our relationship.” You know, I’m pushing 40 and my tastes have changed radically in the past 20 years. Not to mention I’m aging and showing signs, like memory loss, of the dreaded “peri” condition that will not be named. So, no, it’s not the ring I would choose now. But dang, people, that reality does not help! Trust me. I just end up feeling badly that I’m not feeling badly enough.
Except, I do feel badly. Heartbroken and twisted up and sleep deprived. You can add that to pasty white and transparent and strangely referring to myself as “girlfriend.” What’s that about, really?
Clearly, it’s not just the “symbol of our relationship” that I’ve lost.
Q: Mommy, where do new roofs come from?
A: Why, sweetie, a big crane brings them.
What? Your mother never gave you that talk?
