Walking on Sunshine

I feel alive

I feel the love

I feel the love

That's really real

I'm on sunshine baby oh, oh yeah

I'm on sunshine baby oh yea!

And They're Off!

“There is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost.”

~Martha Graham

Busy, busy, busy-- that's how I'd describe my week.

But, it was also oh so fun. Fun like a huge vanilla ice-cream cone with sprinkles and a cherry. The kind that you'd slurp up on a hot summer day at the beach.

There's something I sincerely enjoy about my quiet time with my yarns and knitting needles and crafty little buttons. I love swimming in my ribbon and and daydreaming up new projects.

Today I'll be making some deliveries and shipping others away.

Oh, there are going to be some stylin lil babies cooing around.

Spotted: Queen Cuteness

"A weekend wasted isn't a wasted weekend."

~ Author Unknown

Wag those tails, people. The weekend is here.

Ruff, Ruff,

Charlie T.

Chocolate Froggies

"Life's fun when you're having flies."

~Kermit's Philosophy on Life

I'm simply in love with these sweet feets.

sigh. grin.

An Outdoorsy Weekend

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

~Mark Twain

What do you get when you combine a few bikes,

a beautiful day on a picturesque trail,

and some refreshing ice-cream?

Answer: A perfect day with my favorite people.

Yes!

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."

~Mahatma Gandhi

Reasons to smile:

Homemade chocolate chip cookies from one of my sweetest boy students (for no reason at all)

A peaceful walk with Charlie T.

Playtime with my flowers

SUNSHINE, SUNSHINE EVERYWHERE

Greta's birthday

A zippy ride on Gertie

Ninja is home

Cozy

"Believing is easier than thinking. Hence so many more believers than thinkers."

~Bruce Calvert

I decided my thinking space needed a new reading lamp. Ta-da.

I managed to find my newest treasure at a cute little off-the-wall place. One of my more recent infatuations is buying things that have been passed over for expensive and designer-esque style. I much prefer an item with character and charm, not to mention that I really enjoy providing lost wonders with a loving little home.

I obviously spend way too much time thinking about this, right? ..wink..

I also forgot to mention that the booty business is boomin. I have a bunch of orders lined up and I really should get crackin.

Have a most cozy, snugly night, doing whatever it is that helps you relax.

Call Me Lawn Ninja

"I enjoy mowing the lawn, it relaxes me. It gets me outdoors, it's good exercise, the freshly cut grass smells great, and the engine is loud enough that I'm sure no one else can hear my thoughts - or intrude upon them."

~Astrid Alauda

For the first time in 28 years, I found myself in charge of caring for a lawn. Now, don't get me wrong, I've always planted flowers and taken splendid care of the"girl stuff", but today I tackled the responsibility of cutting the grass. I'm sure my neighbors had themselves a hearty laugh as the mower is practically bigger than me.

But, oh the fun! I actually enjoyed every second of it and managed to get a pretty intense workout. Plus, I never realized the actual greatness of the size of the lawn. Holy half acre.

After bagging up all the grass and sweeping the street, I took a few minutes to admire my pristine mowing job. The sun poured down upon the lawn, creating a gorgeous glow on the freshly tended landscape.

Apparently, other critters busied themselves as well.

403 was quite the little workshop today. And, no, I'm not for hire- don't ask.

grin.

Hello, Gertie.

"Life is like riding a bicycle: you don't fall off unless you stop pedaling."

~Claude Pepper

Allow me to introduce Gertie, my new summer ride. I'm so in love that I can't even describe it. Today, she took me riding on some beautiful trails and we enjoyed nature at it's finest. Bliss, I tell you. Bliss.

I can already see her basket overflowing with fresh fruit and veggies and pretty posies from Cascio's and the farmers' market. Oh, yes, excited I am.

Keep your eyes open for Gertie and I. We'll be out and about pretty much every day.

Yippie Skippie!!

Sunshine and Treasures

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Life is good~so very, very good. I am blessed and happy and loved...oh so loved.

Being loved is the absolute greatest feeling in the world.

And, speaking of love, I adore these new tea towels that I picked up yesterday. They combine so many of the things that make me happiest: a bargain ($3.00), something unique and vintage, ric-rac, and pretty colors.

Days such as today remind me to make my own sunshine and treasure each moment. I will rest well tonight. Happy, content, and loved.

Thank you.

Lovely Song

I was a little girl alone in my little world who dreamed of a little home for me.

I played pretend between the trees,

and fed my houseguests bark and leaves,

and laughed in my pretty bed of green.

I had a dream

That I could fly from the highest swing.

I had a dream.

Long walks in the dark through woods grown behind the park,

I asked God who I'm supposed to be.

The stars smiled down on me,

God answered in silent reverie.

I said a prayer and fell asleep.

I had a dream

That I could fly from the highest tree.

I had a dream.

Now I'm old and feeling grey.

I don't know what's left to say about this life

I'm willing to leave.

I lived it full and I lived it well,

there's many tales I've lived to tell.

I'm ready now, I'm ready now,

I'm ready now to fly from the highest swing.

I had a dream.

~Song lyrics by Priscilla Ahn

Baby Love

"Babies are such a nice way to start people."

~Don Herrold

It makes me happy that I can make these tiny little sweet feets for new, miraculous bundles of joy. It's always fun to give a handmade treat, but it's extra special knowing that it adds a bit of dazzle to an already adorable munchkin.

I'm looking forward to knitting up a frenzy this week. Bring on the colorful yarn!

A Lucky Little Walk

"Go and wake up your luck."

~Persian Saying

Little Peep and I enjoy venturing outside for little walks around the lawn. She simply marvels in all the new, springtime scents and smells and trails of the neighborhood critters. It's all she can do to contain herself.

While she got lost in sniffing out a little rabbit hideaway, I happened to notice a ladybug, perched ever so happily on the edge of a new leaf. I stopped to marvel at her ebony spots and white eyes when I noticed another. And another. And another.

The entire shrub serves as a home to these fascinating creatures.

Being that I tend to harbor suspicious tendencies, I'm pretty psyched about this. Grin.

Sunday Morning Thinking

"When you are through changing, you are through."

~Bruce Barton

My life is really quite wonderful,

but I'm getting bored.

I need something new. A new focus, something exciting.

Sometimes my days, although packed with to-do lists and chores, never change.

It's the same old rat-race, with the same routine, and same plan.

Routines and plans certainly are responsible.

But, sometimes those routines are boring and mundane and so void of real life.

Sometimes I get so caught up the the "doing what needs done", that I forget to have fun,

or dance, or skip down the street, or spend the entire weekend being free.

I miss being able to have silly fun, or decorate a room with vibrant colors, or have carpet picnics with messy foods.

I miss the excitement that comes with being a bit irresponsible.

I need a change, or a new project, or a new purpose....sigh....

A Beautiful Place, A Beautiful Mom

"I keep a green bough in my heart, then the singing bird will come."

~Chinese Proverb

Mothers--the sweet, gentle souls who love unconditionally and without expectation.

When God gave me Jossie, I lucked out. And, I mean I lucked out in the most unbelievable way.

I have a beautiful mother who always sets aside time for me, and makes me feel like the most amazing girl in the world. She's always proud of me and cheers me on in the smallest of endeavors. Because of her, I have confidence and inner strength. I am loved and have learned how to love. Her example is her gift. I love her, with all of my heart.

We celebrated my mama at a family favorite, The River's Edge Cafe. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful place for a beautiful lady.

Thank you, mom, for being you.

Mission Accomplished

"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about."
-Patti Sue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

Yesterday I ran the Pittsburgh Half-Marathon. Actually, allow me to clarify; my artificial heart valve and I ran the half-marathon.

Running the 13.1 mile course proved the most physical and mentally challenging task I've ever taken on. I did it though, and I'm still feeling the euphoria.

Though my legs throb and ache, and going up or down steps presents a cumbersome challenge, I enjoy the pain. It reminds me of the struggle. It emphasizes the journey.

Thank you, legs, for carrying me through each step of the race.

Thank you, mental fortitude, for pushing through when all rational screamed to stop.

Thank you, heart, for beating strong and well.

Thank you, body, for allowing me to push you to the limit.

Having the opportunity to participate in such a motivating event touched my spirit in a way I can't begin to explain. Perhaps it rekindles old memories of days when I wasn't so healthy, or maybe it reaffirms my belief in making healthy decisions. Either way, looking around at the 17,000 runners had a very emotional effect on me.

It was only 6:30 in the morning, yet people of all ages, each with their own unique story, were lined up and ready to push their bodies to the limit. I teared up during the National Anthem.

2 hours, 6 minutes, and 3 seconds after starting, I crossed the finish line.

So many people take their health for granted. I, however, am thankful and blessed. I'm a survivor. My mission, for now, has been accomplished.

Put Some Spring in Your Step

"Cinderella is proof that a pair of shoes can change your life."

~Unknown

I learned from a young age that shoes serve as an ultra necessary ingredient to a successful outfit. My mother dearest and Mamoo taught me well.

I wish Mamoo could see these. She, more than anyone, would get a sincere kick out of my little creations and new business venture.

Call Me Dorothy

"When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race."

~H.G. Wells

Donning a pony tail, flip-flops, and sunglasses, I proudly pedaled myself all over town today. Enjoying the sun on my face and the wind at my back, I felt 7 years old again. I've reached the age where I no longer care how I appear to others. I was smiling and giggling as I zipped through neighborhoods, zoomed along main roads, and climbed cumbersome hills. Thank you, bicycle. I had a most wonderful time.

For the spring, summer and early autumn, I'm planning on taking my bicycle everywhere: the fruit market, library, little coffee shop. Well, anywhere that doesn't require a professionally groomed look, anyway. Goodbye automobile! Adios petroleum drinking machine! Toodle-do carbon emitting engine!

Just wait until you see how stunning my bicycle appears when sporting a little basket and horn. Oh I simply can't wait. I'm practically clicking my heels at the thought.

My Workshop

"You're writing the story of your life one moment at a time."

~Howard Martin

Do you have a place to go where you can enjoy the quiet, get lost in thought, and make fun, crafty treats?

I covet the time spent in my little room. It serves as a hideaway, a club-house of sorts, for my creative daydreams.

I'm very thankful for this space.

A Tour With Grayson

"Plants cry their gratitude for the sun in green joy."

~Astrid Alauda

Greetings, blog readers. Allow me, Grayson P. Squirrel, to give you the lay of the land here at La Casa de 403. It's quite a posh little hang-out, if I do say so myself. Please, sit back, relax, and take a peek at the lawn from my lovely vantage point.

I'll be honest, I'm a bit biased when it comes to this neighborhood. The aged oak trees and their plentiful acorns have an intoxicating effect on me. It's quite something, really.

Just the other day, as I stopped to admire some lovely forsythia--and dig up a snack or two, I couldn't help but to notice the growth of Dott Avenue Forest. Amazing! I'm sure that in a few short years, I'll have plenty of new trees to climb around and hide out in. Cha-Ching!

Would ya look at that? Grow, little trees! Grow!

You'll probably never believe this, but some lady that takes care of the flowers around here practically did a little jig when she noticed her clematis survived the intense winter. I'm quite sure she has issues. She seems nice enough though. I mean, sometimes she throws old bread outside for the furry and feathered creatures. Hey, I'll take it. You won't hear me complaining.

And, hello heavenly blue sky! Don't you just love to lay in the grass, roll on your back, and peer up at this? aaahhhh....

This, friends, is my most favorite spot to bury acorns. Please, keep this to yourself, OK? I have a hearty stash and if it goes missing, I'll know who spilled the nuts.

Just this afternoon, the Queen Bee and her mother, planted these. I'm rather pleased. They add quite the splash of vibrance and color. All the more reason for those squirrels on the east side to be jealous. Pfft.

And this, folks, ends my part of the tour. Feel free to explore and look around, just don't pick up any acorns or poke your nose in the windows of the house. A scary fur-monster lurks inside and it will chase you. I swear. It happened to me before.

Feel free to tip your tour guide, as tips are much appreciated. And, be very careful crossing the street. Look both ways and then run. Run very quickly.

Restful Weekend

"I like the word 'indolence.' It makes my laziness seem classy."

~Bern Williams

Why are p-jammer pants and oversized sweatshirts so cozy?

My weekend consisted of yarn, tea, snacks and time with my puppy and hubbo.

Heaven. Absolute Heaven.