Reliving Memories

"Just before the death of flowers,

And before they are buried in snow,

There comes a festival season

When nature is all aglow."

~Author Unknown

I remember the strangest stuff. Seriously.

Sometimes, I actually amaze myself with the intricate details I can recall from my early life. I'm talking small, tiny, minuscule details...and I can recall them with the utmost clarity. My mama thinks it's almost spooky, and in a way, I tend to agree with her.

Anyway, recently I've been having this nagging memory from when I was a small, small child of perhaps 3 or 4 years old. I would vividly remember (almost relive) this festival we would attend with my grandfather. I remember eating in a large gymnasium type of place and having pancakes with lots of syrup.

So, in a moment of nostalgia, I was filling my parents in on my recent revelation. And, much to my delight, they confirmed my memory. Indeed we did attend such a festival, as it was a Kaufman Family tradition.

You see, every year the Ohiopyle Fire Department holds a fundraiser where it sells buckwheat cakes and sausage and potatoes and apple cider, served family style, of course. My dad attended this lovely festival as a wee-boy and when I was born, we would go with my grandfather.

I knew it. I knew I was not dreaming this stuff up.

So, if you're thinking that we went back to this sweet little festival, you're absolutely right. Last weekend, we all packed into the car and headed to Ohiopyle. Oh my- those buckwheat cakes were absolutely delicious. Not to mention, I had a ton of fun reliving my childhood memories.

And ya know what? My memories were surprisingly accurate. Other than myself, very few things had changed. I grew. I aged a few decades. My husband came with me. But the town? The event? The building? Nada. No change at all.

What a fun, delicious, and memorable evening.

mmmm....

We Get One

"What distinguishes those of us at the starting line from those of us on the couch is that we learn through running to take what the days give us, what our body will allow us, and what our will can tolerate."

~ John Binghan

Today marks an important day for me. Today, not one single minute went by that I wasn't thankful or happy or overcome with serene calm.

I'm always amazed how the most ordinary days can hold so much significance. I looked around today and observed so many people in the throes of activity: work, conversation, and basic functions. Had they no idea? Were they totally unaware?

Today, seventeen years ago, I got a second chance.

Seventeen years ago, I lay in the Intensive Care Unit at Children's Hospital hooked to a heart-lung machine and sporting a fresh, six-inch incision down the front of my chest. I lay there unconscious, unresponsive, and unaware. Sometime in the wee hours of the morning, I rose from my slumber only to be greeted by painful breathing, excessively chapped lips, and a most disturbing feeling of nausea. Try vomiting with a freshly split sternum and spread ribs. It's not high up on my list of enjoyable adventures.

But, I overcame. I made it.

Five days later I was home, recovering well, and soaking up my new, prosthetic heart valve.

Therefore, the city of Pittsburgh holds a special place in my heart. It always will. It's a spiritual place for me.

You see, I remember looking out the window of my Children's Hospital room and watching people walk and run and hang out on Forbes Avenue. I enjoyed (eye roll) daily 30 minute wheelchair outings, where I envied the people who ambled up and down the streets. Me? I enjoyed months of highly restricted bed rest. Well, bed rest and 30 minutes of wheelchair time each day. Swell. Just swell.

But, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh healed me. The doctors worked their magic and made me healthy.

Then, seven years later, I attended college in Pittsburgh. Those four years go down as some of the best in my entire life. Not only that, but I was given the ability and tools to do what I love most-- work with children. Teach them. Learn with them.

Duquesne University taught me. The University gave me my life's work.

As you can see, between healing me and teaching me, Pittsburgh holds a most special place in my heart. Last year, after I ran the Pittsburgh half-marathon, I knew I wanted more. With each tired step, I thought of how I needed to conquer that city, yet at the same time "thank" it. I knew I had to make the next leap and climb the bigger mountain.

So, today, on the seventeenth anniversary of my open heart surgery, I signed up to run the Pittsburgh Marathon,all 26.2 miles.

We only get one spin on the merry-go-round of life.

One.

That's all.

Make it a most amazing spin.

Big, Long, Happy Sigh

"Listen! the wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves,

We have had our summer evenings,

now for October eves!"

~ Humbert Wolfe

October.

October, my most favorite month, how I love you.
How I welcome your short days and cold, clear nights.
And find delight in your frosty mornings.
Oh October, I'm so glad you're here.

Planning Ahead

"Observe always that everything is the result of change, and get used to thinking that there is nothing Nature loves so well as to change existing forms and make new ones of them."
- Marcus Aurelius, emperor of Rome (121-180 AD)

I've always had a deep love affair with my day planner. I'm into it. I enjoy recording my day to day events or appointments or little goings on. I like looking ahead, yet I also enjoy sitting with old agendas and reliving the days. Each year I carefully choose a special planner that will record my life in 2 x 2 squares, and amazingly enough, I still have them all.

Now you see, all that planning comes with a drawback. I can become seriously attached to getting things accomplished. Take today, for instance.

I've known since last year (when I failed miserably) that I wanted to plant bulbs. I previously had visions of brightly colored daffodils, crocuses, hyacinth, and anemone dotting the lawn at 403.

Well, that didn't happen. Why? Probably because I didn't write it down.

Knowing that I must adhere to the written word, I looked at my schedule on Sunday night and decided that today, Wednesday, September 29, would be the day for bulb planting. I grabbed my purple pen, and put ink to paper. And just like that, my plan became official. Whew.

After a long day with the 6th graders, I jumped in Jaxie and high-tailed it to the greenhouse. I filled my cart with the necessary ingredients, got myself home, and spent the next few hours digging and digging and digging. I also sprinkled bone meal and minced soil and intricately placed hundreds of garlic-y looking little bulbs.

No one ever tells you these things, so allow me: digging six inch deep holes is no joke. As a matter of fact, it ranks right up there with a solid cardio workout. Blast! Like working all day wasn't enough. Did I really need to throw in a full 2.5 hours of manual labor?

By the time I finished my planting the sun had long since retreated to its peaceful nighttime bungalow. I captured the beautiful sunset and then finished the last of my planing with the helpful illumination of a flashlight.

Alas, my job is done. I'm thankful for my day planner and the commitment it brings me.

Now I'll just sit back and wait for spring. *fingers crossed*

A Legacy Blooms

"No matter what you've done for yourself or for humanity, if you can't look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?"

~ Lee Iacocca

Shady, overcast days like today provide a quiet calm for a time of remembrance. My great aunt, "Aunt Louise" had her gentle spirit remembered today. Aunt Louise and Uncle John, God rest their souls, were my dad's aunt and uncle. My dad grew up down the street from them, and I have fond memories of visiting these sweet, sweet individuals.

My mama has often talked about how many of the flowers in her gardens came from the homes of dear friends and relatives. Sweet peas from Mamoo, this from Billy, that from so and so, and sedum from Aunt Louise.

How nostalgic, I've always thought.

Recently, my mother told me of how when she and my dad were first married, they would often arrive home from work to find a homemade pie or a basket of rolls or a pan of sweets from Aunt Louise. One day, they came home to a clump of sedum wrapped in damp newspapers.

Isn't that adorable? It really makes my heart melt.

Today, my little fur-face and I took some of that same sedum and planted it in our garden.

We also planted two big bunches of tic seed from my mama. I've always loved the light and feathery greenery, topped so delicately with tiny yellow flowers.

In a world of hustle and bustle, and at a time when people barely have a moment to greet each other with a friendly and genuine "hello," I find it so charming to think of how my Aunt Louise and Uncle John took the time to make my parents feel special.

I'll always think of them and their loving legacy when I see my purple sedum growing and flourishing and providing my garden with a beautiful splash of color.

Aunt Louise, your legacy blooms and your gentle, sincere spirit is forever remembered.

Have a Happy Almost-Fall Weekend

"Care less for your harvest than for how it is shared and your life will have meaning and your heart will have peace."

~Kent Nerburn

What a beautiful day. The perfect dessert to a most lovely sleep. I simply love waking up to the clear blue skies, chilly mornings, and steaming mugs of creamy coffee.

Today I want to bake. And make soup. And harvest overflowing baskets of veggies from a garden that I don't really have. I can, however, make the soup and bake though, so I'll concentrate on that.

The weekend has graced us with her presence, my friends. Let us savor it.

Change of Plans

"Think of entrainment as being "in sync." When your head and heart, thoughts and feelings, are working harmoniously together, you have more clarity and inner balance–and you feel better."
~IMC

In so many ways this has been a most wonderful week. On the other hand, it's been quite difficult. I've had a few decent cries on the way to work, and perhaps a sniffle or two on the way home. I won't dwell on that now, though. You're not here to read of my sadness, and at the moment, I'm not quite ready to share it. So there. We're even.

But, in an attempt to treat myself for getting through a most emotional week, I decided I'd ride to a favorite little knitting store of mine and attend "Knit Night." All week I looked forward to this evening. Just thinking about it made me calm and helped me focus and look ahead.

Today was to be the day. Today was to be my little reward, my treat.

Guess what didn't happen? Take a wild swing at the event that got canceled.

Knit Night.

Bummed. Disappointed. Angry. Those words accurately summarize the emotions I experienced. But, like any true champion, I pressed on. I made myself don the smile and the half-hearted "no problem" attitude and I went about my night.

Starbucks and candy corn twinkle lights and time with CT and the finishing of a knitting project occupied my evening. It wasn't quite the night of learning a new knitting technique that I had previously envisioned, but it worked. I didn't get to surround myself with nice people who shared a common interest. Heck, I didn't even talk to a soul.

But, I made it to Thursday night. And, amazingly enough, I found my peace- for now, anyway.

Slow Down, Life.

"How you spend your time is more important than how you spend your money. Money mistakes can be corrected, but time is gone forever."

~David Norris

I'm telling you, in complete honesty, that my plate is full. Full of good, good stuff, that is. How then, is it that I'm never really tired for my bed? How is it that I crave longer days to learn and make and do and play? What an interesting dilemma.

I've tried to narrow it down. I promised myself that I would no longer dabble in a little of this and a little of that. I said that I'd choose a few things and really do them well. I promised to devote my time and energies and love to the chosen few.

So, I'm sorry to admit this, but the narrowing down really didn't work. I didn't add any new interests or hobbies, but I dove really deep into those chosen few and now I'm engulfed by creative energies.

Knitting, blogging, running, reading: You have become my most favorite friends. We have some amazing times together, don't we? If I could just sneak in a few extra hours each day...then, well maybe then, I'd be making progress.

I need more time. Or, life could slow down.

However, the realist in me sees neither happening. Oh well. I'll just continue to jam pack my days and live them to the fullest. Is there any other choice?

I didn't think so. grin

Pink Cake Day

"Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional."

~Chili Davis

I know what you're thinking.

You're counting the candles on my pretty cake and finding yourself highly impressed by the writing skills and vivid vocabulary of a seven year old.

I'm all about playing make-believe, so seven years old it is.

On September 7th I aged another year, added another tally mark, and became more valuable in the world of antiques. Yet however old I seem to get, my mama always makes me a pretty pink cake. Every year I look forward to that. So simple and delicious.

This year my birthday brought an abundance of happiness. I was treated to a bike ride, yummy food at my favorite restaurant, time with my family, fun gifts, morning coffee by my best pal, chocolate chip cookies from the music teacher, singing by the kids, cards in the mail, and lots of love.

And inside these brown paper packages, which happen to be my very favorite type of wrapping, a Nook was hiding. Yes, a Nook. My very own electronic book. Every nerds' dream come true.

Many thanks to all of you who made me feel so very cared for and loved on my special day. I'm truly blessed, in many, many ways.

Good Sleepin' Weather

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."

~George Eliot

Right now my coffee pot gurgles it's grand finale. Soon I will move from my comfy spot and pour myself a hearty cup of warm goodness. My biggest debate is that of the creamer to use: flavored hazelnut or classic and original. I'll ponder that.

I just returned from the most relaxing shower. There's something about scalding hot water, steam, and vanilla soap to soothe the soul. I must have stood there for thirty peaceful minutes, allowing the hot water to lull me into a serene calm, a place of reflection, a quiet gratitude.

I thought of the last two weeks and my return to my classroom. I'll be honest, saying good-bye to summer 2010 was very difficult for me. Other than 2005, this summer went down as the best one of my entire life. I enjoyed every second. Not a moment was wasted. I knit, planted, biked and played. I read, blogged, photographed, and laughed. I ate good food, skipped down the street, indulged in lunches with friends, and had coffee with my mama. I shopped, vacationed, napped, and ran. Oh the fun, fun days of summer.

But, alas, I'm back to my job and back into a routine. It's good, though. Really. I suppose we wouldn't savor those blissful times, or realize quite how wonderful they were, if we didn't also see the other side of the equation, right? Balance. There must be balance.

However, as much as I love summer vacation, I'd much rather have off August, September, and October. These, you see, are my most favorite. I can only imagine the adventures and fun and good times I'd have. Summer Vacation multiplied by ten... I can't hardly stand the thought.

The evenings in early autumn relax me, yet at the same time, they stir in me a desire to savor every minute, to drink in the beauty, to inhale the aromas. I want nothing more than to appreciate each second, to capture the essence of nature's gradual change, and to burn the ambiance into my mind....forever.

Perhaps I love autumn for the way it reminds me of childhood. The neighborhood kids would shovel away their early dinners and dash outside to ride bikes and play a quick round of hide-and-seek before being called away for baths, "mid-night snacks", and bedtime stories. The bathwater was always green... I'll never forget that. Shoes- who needed them?

Maybe it's the way the sun sets in the sky or the way the crickets and locusts sing their dusk-time songs, or perhaps it's the ever present memories of book-bag packing and peanut butter sandwich making that take my soul to a happy place.

These days are good, my friends. They are full of the good stuff of life.

Give. Me. a. Spoon.

"Everything you can imagine is real. "

~Picasso

Today's Special:

Whippy Dream Frosting

Stop over at The Yarn Bakery for a yummy yarn treat.

Sunday Mornings

"The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest."

~Thomas More

Yesterday I savored every single mili-second of my last day of summer vacation. The sun danced upon the umbrella table and I was surrounded by soft yarns, pretty flowers, and my little family. It was quite wonderful.

Little Peep, however, displayed her dismay at my returning to work. I don't know who is going to miss our summer days more; me or her?

Best Presents

"To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children, to earn the approbation of honest critics; to appreciate beauty; to give of one's self, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived--that is to have succeeded."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dear Miss Brittany,

Remember how we talked about our favorite flowers and realized that we both loved Morning Glories? Do you remember that in late May you painted this lovely flowerpot for me and filled it with dirt and seeds?

You told me that you planted them every year, and I told you the story of how my Mama always planted them when I was little. I said that she would wake me up extra early because they only bloomed in the morning. You smiled.

I'm happy to report that your little seeds have taken off! As a matter of fact, they have grown and grown and are now beautiful vines and bursting buds.

My little herb garden is busy making friends with the morning glories. I like to think that they have little chats and whisper secrets to each other. You know, just like you and the other kiddos do.

It cracks me up when I look at how the tiny vines are wrapping themselves around the parsley.

Or, when I see a new bud ready to interrupt the quiet calm of my dill plants.

Hopefully, they are all getting along and being kind to each other.

Before long, they may overtake my house! Already they are tap-tap-tapping on my window panes!

So, my dear Brittany, thank you. Thank you a million times over. I love my special flower pot and the beautiful flowers that continue to bloom and remind me of you.

Love,

Mrs. W

Pursuit

"Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it."
~ Elizabeth Gilbert

Last year I read the book Eat, Pray, Love. In my opinion, the book (and movie) presented a beautiful depiction of one woman's pursuit of happiness. Isn't that what we all want~ to be sincerely happy and emotionally fulfilled?

Lately I've heard many people comment and critique the movie, and regardless of their opinions, I happen to admire Liz's internal struggle. Perhaps, it is because I also battle the same demon.

It's probably no big secret that I'm a pretty independent person. I enjoy being alone and I much prefer to work through my issues on my own. I like that about myself. I like the fact that I can "be alright" without anyone else helping me out. It gives me a sense of calm.

On the other hand, I openly acknowledge the need to lean on others. I'm not too swell at it, though. Actually I earned a failing grade in Share Your Feelings 101. I'm honestly trying to improve, but I think I might need some major accommodations in this department. Thankfully, Chad-o is amazing. He understands me and gently pries things out of me. He allows me to work though things at my own pace. I really appreciate that about him. He's tops.

However, in the book/movie, I was constantly identifying with Liz and her desire for independence, yet her longing to be loved. Quite the harsh battle, if you ask me.

Luckily, I hit it big. Jackpot, actually.

xo

It's In the Air

"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow."

~Anthony J. D'Angelo

Listen. shh..... Listen.

Can you hear it? Listen again.

Do you register the gentle sound of crickets chirping in the early evening? The whistles of football practice and the cracking of helmets? Do you hear the high school band playing off in the distance?

It's no secret that autumn exists as my most favorite time of year. Right now, I'm beyond excited that September looms on the horizon. I'm already planning for an ultra cozy and comforting fall, full of soups, breads, hearty salads, fluffy yarns, intoxicating novels, and cinnamon/vanilla candles.

Oh the lovely, delicious scents of my dear autumn. Would it be wrong to admit that I've already been dipping into my stash of vanilla perfumes and lotions. Usually, I wait until the start of school to indulge in my most favorite perfume, but this year I started a bit early. Forgive me?

Is it just me, or do you notice the unique scent of orange and red and brown and yellow leaves? mmm...How about that damp, crisp smell as the sun sets? And, not to be forgotten, there's the smell of freshly waxed school floors?

Speaking of schools, I'm obsessed with the smells of school and school supplies and smooth text book pages. I always loved opening my new text books each year and taking in that indescribable scent. It must be a combination of the glue and paper and milky ink. Whatever it is, I love it. I also adore the scent of brand new Crayola crayons. Oddly enough, I vividly remember my second grade teacher giving me my very own box containing 24 colors. Oh, how I loved those crayons. I treasured those marvelous colors and cared for them as if they were my very best friends. sigh

It's here~ for sure. Slowly but surely, autumn and "back-to-school" are whispering of their upcoming arrival.

Do you hear it? ...shhh...

My Etsy Shop

"They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night."

~Edgar Allan Poe

I've dreamed of opening a quaint, little shop ever since I was but a small fry. We'll call this step one.

May I present to you The Yarn Bakery, where yummy yarns and creative sprinkles combine to help you accessorize deliciously.

Stop on over and grab a little yarn treat.

Severe Storm Warning Soup

"To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter ... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring—these are some of the rewards of the simple life."

~John Burroughs

Figures. I just spent about 40 minutes watering and tending to the posies. I had no sooner returned indoors than the skies turned a dreary shade of gray and the television beeped of a weather warning. Lovely. Just lovely.

Don't get me wrong, I do love the rain and the thunder and the sudden flashes of lightening. I don't, however, love wasting 40 minutes. Oh well, I suppose my little flowers will enjoy a rather large gulp today.

As I rushed outside to lower the umbrella on the patio a few large rumbles of thunder proudly announced the approaching storm. CT ran upstairs to seek comfort and shelter under the bed, and I found myself getting excited for an evening of coziness.

Tonight, Hubbo is participating in an intense roll-ball tournament; therefore I'm all alone in this hacienda. I'll be fine though. Actually, I'm a sucker for nights like this.

And, since it's going to be a dark eve, full of stormy sounds and rain tapping on windows, I did what any 80 year old woman would do-- I made a huge kettle of potato soup.

I'm going to be perfectly honest-- the rest of my night will consist of fuzzy afghans, cups of tea, and time with my knitting needles.

Oh gosh was that soup ever good. I think I'll have another bowl in an hour or so. Call me cozy and content. Bring it on, Thunderstorm.

School Shoes

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.”
~Dr. Seuss

Admit it- you've started getting that "back-to-school" feeling.

You have, haven't you?

It's alright- I won't tell a single soul. Pinky swear.

For the past few days I've been researching my new autumn bag for escuela. It's practically embarrassing, but I plan and research a school bag in much the same way that a bridezilla tackles wedding details.

Bags and shoes- two necessary and very personal style choices. They also happen to make it easier and more fun for me to slip into another year of academia.

Oh my goodness, how did it become August already?

Two

"How gentle is the rain

That falls softly on the meadow,

Birds high up the trees

Serenade the clouds with their melodies

Oh, see there beyond the hill,

The bright colors of the rainbow.

Some magic from above

Made this day for us just to fall in love."

~ A Lover's Concerto by The Supremes

Two years ago, on July 26th, I walked down the isle to the above song as Jason Kendall strummed and gently sang with an acoustic guitar. To say the day was magical and special and full of love would serve as a serious understatement. The day was better than anything I ever imagined and probably the only day in my entire life where I really felt pretty. I loved that day.

From the start, we knew that our wedding would reflect us, and in typical C & C fashion, we planned our day. It was very non-traditional and that's how we wanted it.

Allow me to give you a few of the details. We invited 30 people and 28 attended. That was it. Neither of us was interested in putting on a show and participating in the typical chaos and cookie cutter wedding scene.

I didn't wear a veil-- it seemed rather "Halloween Costume-ish" to me.

He didn't wear a tux. Please. Chad-o chose khaki colored linen pants and an ultra sophisticated mint green button down.

Three tiered wedding cake filled with chocolate gnash and raspberry preserves? Um, no thanks. Individual strawberry shortcakes? Yes please.

And, if you're wondering if we had all that crazy dancing or did the Hokey Pokey, we didn't. Rather we had a calm served dinner with an open bar.

Oh yes, and at breakfast, on the morning of our wedding, as we sat in an ultra posh restaurant, Chad-0 dared me to stuff a blueberry up my nose. And, you know what? I did.

So this year, as we celebrated our second anniversary, we dined at our new umbrella table and enjoyed some scrumptious strawberry shortcake. Oh my, it was beyond delicious~ a palatable wonder, for sure.

And, as the sun went down and evening set upon us, we lit some candles and talked and reminisced and laughed and played with our puppy.

The hood is home and Gumdrop World does exist. I get to spend forever with my person and that just puts the whip cream on my shortcake.

Xo, Ninja. Thanks for being you. Thanks for being mine. Thank you for us.

Local Beauty

"You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestation of your own blessings."

~ Elizabeth Gilbert

After a rather long day of not feeling too well and practicing a fair amount of mind-over-matter and self healing, I packed up my camera and went for a ride through the scenic countryside. A local field trip, if you will.

Oh the amazement! The dancing light on the stage of nature proved a most beautiful sight.