tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086357805575298592024-03-13T11:12:40.670-07:00Thrift CandyOne girl's adventures in thrifting.Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.comBlogger468125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-11219757243080751702013-02-25T23:46:00.000-08:002013-02-25T23:46:31.694-08:00Excavating<p>
You know, I've never been a fan of the wind. One of my coined phrases as a very small child being “When the trees breeze, the hair gets in my eyes.” Even then, I found this extremely annoying.
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<p>
If you are a regular reader, you may have noticed that I disappeared for a bit. It's been awhile, even for my erratic blogging habits. Which brings me back to the wind. The “winds of change” to be exact. This new year has brought them into my life with what has felt to me like gale force. In other words, it's hard to type up a blog post when your hands are busy trying to keep the hair out of your eyes.
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<p>
Unfortunately, the kind of change I've been dealing with is the hard kind, the kind that you should have seen coming, the kind that you could have been better prepared for, maybe, had you not been so involved in reinforcing that wind block you didn't even realize you'd built.
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<p>
Change within the person I've spent close to half my life loving, change within myself, change within our relationship, our family... my foundation. “Embrace change,” they say. I have many strengths, but this has never been one of them.
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<p>
While embracing still feels beyond me, I am struggling to allow myself to flow along with it, with as much inner strength and outer grace as I can muster. Lucky for me, these things come easier.
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<p>
Needless to say, there has been a lot of soul searching going on around these parts. The other day, this lead to the excavation of an old cardboard box buried deep in the detritus of family life that builds up over time in a household closet. Bits and pieces saved from my childhood through college years.
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<p>
The contents ranging from a few of my milk teeth and locks of soft blond toddler hair to old report cards, yearbooks, and a few pieces of childhood artwork to letters written as a kid to my grandfather and mailed across the country before finding their way back to me after his death, handmade Father's Day cards, an American flag I inadvertently won in a high school government class drawing (it came with an official certificate that it had flown over the capital building) to old photos and my old Michael Jackson scrapbook from the 80's (I was a very dedicated fan), to a certain love letter written to me 14 years ago that I now can't read without my heart breaking into a million little pieces.
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<p>
There was also an old journal from my college years during the 90's (covered in sunflowers of course) with only a few bits of writing that I'd done very sporadically, I was a science major and didn't spend much time writing for fun or as a creative outlet. In addition to the writing in the journal, there was an old piece of binder paper folded up neatly into fours. A poem I'd hand written during my high school years that I don't recall ever having shown to anyone. I was not really a kid to write poetry but felt compelled to compose this and made sure to save it for whatever reason. Oddly enough, one of <a href="http://prettysmartgirlart.blogspot.com/">Milla's</a> posts awhile back jogged my memory of its existence and I even told her as much in the comments. Milla, this one's for you ;)
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<p>
<i>The Silent Bliss of Solitude
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<p>
<div>
Peace within myself.
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Reflection upon the deepest reality of my soul.
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The ability to wander undisturbed,
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through the intricate labyrinth of my mind.
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The silent bliss of solitude.
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<div>
Detachment from the ever-daunting,
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judgments and expectations of others.
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Able to remove the mask.
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Far from the masquerade ball of the social world.
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The silent bliss of solitude.
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<div>
Within my temple of silence,
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serene tranquility envelopes my senses.
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I allow few to enter and witness the beauty of what's inside,
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for fear that its contents will not be appreciated.
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Perhaps someday I will possess the security to leave my temple.
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Even still, I will always value the silent bliss of solitude.</i>
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<p>
Friends, I will tell you, it kills me a little to realize that at 41 years old I still have quite a ways to go with the security that young girl wrote hopefully of possessing one day. In a way, I feel like I've let her down, let us down. In truth, the only thing I have found more difficult in this life than embracing change, is opening myself up/letting people in. There's not even a rational reason for it. It has always just been how I am. I can still remember being asked quite frequently by other kids in my early years of elementary school “Why don't you talk?” “How come you never talk?”
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<p>
They weren't asking this question in a mean way. I was never teased about it. They were simply curious as young children are about things that are different. I didn't look different, but I felt different and when they would ask me this I would very honestly answer that I didn't know why. And I didn't. "Why do you have so much to say and feel so comfortable saying it?” I could have asked them. But I didn't.
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<p>
Not to say that there hasn't been progress in this area throughout my life, because there has indeed, and now would be an appropriate time to mention that this blog, over the past five years, has actually helped me A LOT. I've made some really wonderful connections as a result of putting myself “out there” in this way and it spills over into my real life too.
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<p>
As I'm tallying up my greatest hits list of <strike>flaws</strike> challenging character elements though, it bears mentioning that I will also bend over backwards in any direction required to avoid conflict and am definitely one to choose the path of least resistance when given a choice.
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<p>
So, as a change resisting, closed off, conflict avoider (how's that for a trifecta of disfunction?), it's really a wonder I've managed to keep an 18 year relationship going in the first place, right? Or is it exactly how I've managed to keep it going? These are the sort of painful questions I'm asking myself these days.
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<p>
I realize it may be sounding as if I feel that I am solely to blame. Not at all, I didn't arrive here by myself and we all have our own inner struggles. I am merely focusing on the things that are within my power to change.
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<p>
On the bright side, the effects of how this will ultimately change me for the better are already making themselves felt. As it turns out when your heart is torn open, and I'm referring to a feeling both emotional and that phantom physical pain, a doorway is created for true self to emerge blinking into the light and a channel opened for gifts like more meaningful connection and personal growth where it's needed most to find their way in.
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<p>
Protection mechanisms are funny things. Like for some people, having long hair makes them feel protected. However, when that wind starts blowing it around and it's keeping you from seeing where you are and where you need to go, it's just in the way. I suppose all one can do is face the wind head on, let it sting your soft skin with its cold lessons and send fresh air deep into your lungs, then open your eyes as your hair blows back and look ahead.
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<p>
I'll leave you with something I wrote in the journal years later, when I was 22. I remember feeling compelled to write it in the same way as the earlier poem.
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<p>
<i>Perspective
</p>
<p>
I stand on the beach above a vast expanse of white sand. Looking down, I see tiny black insects scattered beneath me. I crouch and observe the small black creatures, scurrying about in their minute little white sand world.
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<p>
As I stand again, they become black dots on a white canvas. Suddenly, I feel so big, like a giant being. The sun beats down on me, I hear the waves crashing on the shore beside me, and I feel content.
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Day becomes night and I stand beneath the blackness of the never ending sky above me. As I lay down upon the sand, still clinging to the warmth of the now invisible sun, I gaze up into a black infinity.
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<p>
My trance-like stare interrupted by the magnificence of the star filled sky. Hundreds of thousands of tiny luminescent fixtures of space and time floating about in a sea of black. They shine like white dots on a black canvas, yet there is an added dimension of depth.
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<p>
Suddenly, I feel so small, but at the same time, part of something huge. As if I were a tiny piece of a massive jigsaw puzzle fit securely into place.
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<p>
As these beautiful sources of light beam down upon me, I am enveloped by the refreshing ocean breeze and I feel alive. </i>
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<p>
I've spent a long time fostering a sense of contentment in my life and for the most part I have been wildly successful, but maybe, just maybe... feeling alive could be even better.
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Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-54758068640611962282013-01-06T09:31:00.000-08:002013-01-06T09:31:13.465-08:00A Winter Hike<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326442850/" title="IMG_2450 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8326442850_c281e52951_z.jpg" width="428" height="640" alt="IMG_2450"></a></div>
<p>Last weekend we went for a hike with two of Lucas' sisters and their families up at <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=481" target="_blank">Sugarloaf Ridge</a> to catch the waterfall in all its gushing post rains glory. It was a sight to behold for sure, and a beautiful day all around.
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<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325384851/" title="IMG_2446 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8325384851_975354181d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2446"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326438056/" title="IMG_2489 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8213/8326438056_5f5fd672dd_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_2489"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325386477/" title="IMG_2433 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8325386477_315851cc96.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2433"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326446106/" title="IMG_2429 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8326446106_3ec683439f_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_2429"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325352117/" title="IMG_2653 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8325352117_82efff363d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2653"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326439250/" title="IMG_2487 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8326439250_595c0ab191.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2487"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325382509/" title="IMG_2470 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8325382509_982449454d_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="IMG_2470"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325388095/" title="IMG_2405 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8325388095_f27ebed848.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2405"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325378511/" title="IMG_2508 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8325378511_196022ef7d_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_2508"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325363193/" title="IMG_2586 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8361/8325363193_6459c236a6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2586"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326434678/" title="IMG_2524 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8083/8326434678_7f312252a6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2524"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325374585/" title="IMG_2526 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8221/8325374585_f420334caa.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2526"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326434058/" title="IMG_2525 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8501/8326434058_300fa8dc64.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2525"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325373531/" title="IMG_2531 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8325373531_1d7b428742_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_2531"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326430214/" title="IMG_2552 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8362/8326430214_cc3c8a7771.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2552"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326431322/" title="IMG_2548 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8326431322_fbfc629ff2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2548"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326429180/" title="IMG_2562 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8326429180_a5cd53fbca.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2562"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325358547/" title="IMG_2622 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8498/8325358547_0dd5cbe367_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_2622"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326428188/" title="IMG_2563 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8326428188_f2a6eef461.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2563"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325366759/" title="IMG_2567 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8325366759_9847e19f54.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2567"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325368013/" title="IMG_2566 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8325368013_93af0d8488.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2566"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326414802/" title="IMG_2627 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8075/8326414802_897921ac8b_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_2627"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325364187/" title="IMG_2583 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8325364187_4307d35c21.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2583"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326420676/" title="IMG_2598 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8326420676_6a27daeda1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2598"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325361043/" title="IMG_2607 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8325361043_bc417e4d88.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2607"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326407768/" title="IMG_2663 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8362/8326407768_70708fc57a_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_2663"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326411716/" title="IMG_2646 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8326411716_c034dc2be7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2646"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326418386/" title="IMG_2609 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8501/8326418386_f7bb2ef0cf.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2609"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325354127/" title="IMG_2641 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8325354127_cbc67d5c50.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2641"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325346695/" title="IMG_2666 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8325346695_d818f01d9b_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_2666"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8325354907/" title="IMG_2637 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8325354907_829061ba26.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2637"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326409852/" title="IMG_2655 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8326409852_2cfe8e54ce.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2655"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326408876/" title="IMG_2661 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8352/8326408876_cc0b108edc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2661"></a></div>
<p>We hiked a 2 mile loop involving a couple of steep climbs and the kiddos did great! Such a lovely way to close out 2012. Speaking of which, Happy New Year! I hope it's treating you all well, so far. New Years Eve ended up being pretty fun and involved costumes, so I'll probably post a few pics from that.
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<p>
With the holidays and Clover out of school for the past two weeks, I've been a quiet observer in blogland, but with school starting up again and things getting back to normal, I'm looking forward to making the rounds this week and putting in some time in those comments sections!
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<div align=center>Missin' my girls, of course ;)</div>
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<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8326436260/" title="IMG_2513 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8222/8326436260_bbf2a0b600_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_2513"></a></div>
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<p>
<div align=center>See ya 'round the bend!</div>
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Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-27960664183546537432012-12-25T00:41:00.000-08:002012-12-25T00:41:41.680-08:00Christmas is Family<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8305562002/" title="IMG_2226 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8305562002_b7702c8625.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2226"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8304513809/" title="IMG_2233 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8304513809_5ac39f7495_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_2233"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8305562340/" title="IMG_2217 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8218/8305562340_066d6aaf7f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2217"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8304513095/" title="IMG_2260 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8304513095_a27f519ab7_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_2260"></a></div>
<p>
We celebrated with my family on Sunday. My youngest sister Julia and her fiance Mitchell (they'll be getting married in Hawaii next summer, woot woot) hosted in the home they bought together this year.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8305560400/" title="IMG_2262 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8498/8305560400_be591be7c6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2262"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8304512723/" title="IMG_2261 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8304512723_e60c627e00_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_2261"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8305559954/" title="IMG_2269 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8305559954_f8a8b346f3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2269"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8304513497/" title="IMG_2241 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8304513497_1b015bbdb6_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_2241"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8305559400/" title="IMG_2275 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8305559400_0e877f2b12.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2275"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8304510549/" title="IMG_2278 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8362/8304510549_4b1e56147f_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMG_2278"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8305558946/" title="IMG_2276 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8305558946_6ef3730366.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2276"></a></div>
<p>
Clover was pretty stoked on her new Brave get-up. With that ear sticking out, doesn't she looks like a little elf in these pics?
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8304509299/" title="IMG_2324 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8071/8304509299_727ea76e8d_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMG_2324"></a></div>
<p>
With my beautiful Mom and sisters! From left: Shayna (8 years younger than me), Julia (10 years younger), Mom, and Val (2 years younger), yup, I'm the oldest.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8305557924/" title="IMG_2307 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8305557924_440a8ef781.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="IMG_2307"></a></div>
<p>
Toss in some husbands (or soon-to-be), add some kids, and you've got the whole fun crew! Always a blast hanging out with my fam :)
</p>
<p>
Today we're spending time with Lucas' family and then off to gather with friends this evening. Things have been so busy lately, I haven't been around to the comments sections of all my best bloggy gals, I love you ladies, y'all know who you are!
</p>
<p>
From mine to yours, a very Merry Christmas full of love, laughter, kinship, and many magical moments!
</p> Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-77453957846943983942012-12-14T10:21:00.000-08:002012-12-14T10:25:11.817-08:00She's Crafty<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8263873897/" title="IMG_6094 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8083/8263873897_e95a9df43c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6094"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8264938040/" title="IMG_6119 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8264938040_d3e298e10c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6119"></a></div>
<p>
Last Sunday I had the pleasure of joining my dear, lovely, creative friend Angelina, as a vendor, at the Santa Rosa Crafts Fair known as Shop Party. Held at the Arlene Francis center, a wonderful old brick building in Historic Railroad Square, we were both excited to set up shop for the day in the little corner we shared with Angelina’s friend Cleo, another first time vendor and maker of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CleosCraft" target="_blank">beautiful knitwear</a>.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8264942748/" title="IMG_2097 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8264942748_84c75c0f47.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2097"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8264937694/" title="IMG_6125 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8211/8264937694_38feb8c27e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6125"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8263873587/" title="IMG_6095 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8263873587_f883d2c27d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6095"></a></div>
<p>
Angelina’s handmade patchwork pillows, braided rag bracelets, and unique mixed media homemade holiday cards were accompanied by my own galactic gift boxes. I used nice thick pages from a 1970 Astronomy book, picked up last summer at a garage sale, to create <a href="http://juliaandrus.com/pics/Origami%20Boxes.jpg" target="_blank">origami style boxes</a>. An old suitcase that <a href="http://prettysmartgirlart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Milla</a> had given me made a perfect display case.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj183IKZ4lNka4zCNJjRq24FmvOMTSMVd-qXY6SzD_PdY5a5jfuW5LhJqTbjAB4oa0Z2su-TdaQxoPXV0SXOD_HAuLFWcKUPlTK7R3g-GjfGPGc4o7gTCB063E1CGQPUrau3vh6_5hAF04/s1600/e2036f52424111e2971f22000a1f8c25_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj183IKZ4lNka4zCNJjRq24FmvOMTSMVd-qXY6SzD_PdY5a5jfuW5LhJqTbjAB4oa0Z2su-TdaQxoPXV0SXOD_HAuLFWcKUPlTK7R3g-GjfGPGc4o7gTCB063E1CGQPUrau3vh6_5hAF04/s400/e2036f52424111e2971f22000a1f8c25_7.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8263874501/" title="IMG_2101 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8076/8263874501_3e9aff0206.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2101"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8263874229/" title="IMG_2103 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8263874229_7160366399.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2103"></a></div>
<p>
I can't say I blame the woman who fell in love with the beautiful waves of hand stitching on that gorgeous pillow. Needless to say, it found a new home.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8263871103/" title="IMG_6117 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8263871103_3c7055cdf3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6117"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8263872259/" title="IMG_6102 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8263872259_63a95bdc7b_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMG_6102"></a></div>
<p>
I brought the bunting I made from vintage fabric strips for Clover's birthday party to spruce up our little space. It went so well with the pillows and rag bracelets! Speaking of which, Angelina and I did a trade and I LOVE my rag bracelet :)
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8264936372/" title="IMG_6169 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8264936372_a3fc9f3b95.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6169"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8263869243/" title="IMG_6150 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8355/8263869243_cf13484ec4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6150"></a></div>
<p>
Clover and Finn brandishing their own crafty scores of the day, purchased from a neighboring vendor.
</p>
<div align=center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPnx7I98noVJwCTXz5ZLeZCcPRUhzVSEEqhhU-Ei9fhx5DFIbh-O2y1Eja52hRq90vifBdhxagu8r8_5MmVR8SHjFnZKg2UckNXEPOuz0KjzP6MYSPvDLXhWH47ijNXMK_z9vo24mNPA/s1600/50781bd6424211e2877122000a1fbc4f_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPnx7I98noVJwCTXz5ZLeZCcPRUhzVSEEqhhU-Ei9fhx5DFIbh-O2y1Eja52hRq90vifBdhxagu8r8_5MmVR8SHjFnZKg2UckNXEPOuz0KjzP6MYSPvDLXhWH47ijNXMK_z9vo24mNPA/s400/50781bd6424211e2877122000a1fbc4f_7.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>
The galactic gift boxes were quite popular with the gentlemen as it turns out, in fact they seemed to gravitate toward them (harhar). Girls were into them too, but not as without fail as the boys that wandered by, which was interesting and even a bit comical after awhile. That's our friend Nick above, deciding which ones he would be taking home.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8264937352/" title="IMG_6126 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8264937352_9c1e98723c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6126"></a></div>
As first time craft fair vendors, we had a fun time playing shop and even sold a bit of everything. I was able to turn my fifty cent garage sale book purchase into about 50 bucks and I really liked how the boxes turned out.
</p>
<p>
It was a good learning experience for us too. As friends who happen to be very aesthetically in tune, Angelina and I sometimes fantasize about the idea of having our own handmade and vintage shop to thoughtfully curate together. *sigh*
</p>
<p>
In other crafty news, I've been into making hand-knit washcloths as gifts for awhile now. I've used <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/wedding-washcloths/" target="_blank">this basic pattern</a> and played around with different colors and using knits and purls to add bumpy little designs. They're easy, quick, fun to make, and useful too!
</p>
<p>
My current project, as of yesterday, is one of <a href="http://purlbee.squarespace.com/soft-cotton-knit-dishtowels/" target="_blank">these</a> hand-knit dishcloths inspired by vintage tea towels. Lovely, no?
</p>
<p>
Are you getting crafty this holiday season? I'd love to hear what you're working on :)
</p>
<p>
Looking forward to seeing our niece Fiona dance multiple roles tonight in a full-length production of The Nutcracker Ballet. You know who is SO excited!
</p>
Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-22770696483766157952012-12-07T11:45:00.000-08:002012-12-07T11:45:28.306-08:00Kiddo Style<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8251944215/" title="IMG_2082 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8251944215_47871f7d3e_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_2082"></a></div>
<p>
I could not resist getting a shot of Clover and Maiya this morning, heading off to school in all their mismatched pattern glory!
</p>
<p>
These two have lived right next door to each other since Clover was born and along with Maiya's younger sister Claire, if there was such a thing as common law sisters...
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8253018958/" title="IMG_1851 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8253018958_d99aa93594.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1851"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>they would definitely qualify!</div>
</p>
<p>
In fact, growing up with her thick as thieves twin cousins right across the street as well, she pretty much barely qualifies as an only child.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8253015534/" title="IMG_2062 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8253015534_6d52101f37.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2062"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8253014474/" title="IMG_2069 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8253014474_9110e3879b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2069"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8253014878/" title="IMG_2066 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8253014878_d8b66a2cdd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2066"></a></div>
<p>
A few more snaps from last weekend. On Sunday afternoon we walked downtown and stopped off at the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens for their Annual Holiday Open House.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8251946157/" title="IMG_2064 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8251946157_bcef708fc4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2064"></a></div>
<p>
While the gardens are open to stroll through year round, this is the only time the inside of Burbank's historically preserved home is open to the public.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8252061169/" title="IMG_2053 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8252061169_88b739c438_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_2053"></a></div>
<p>
They didn't allow picture taking inside. I found that out as I was attempting to capture the light coming in through this lovely window of colored glass vessels... Oops :)
</p>
<p>
<div align=center>Happy Weekend!</div>
</p>Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-63955932004754459352012-12-03T11:05:00.000-08:002012-12-03T11:06:18.275-08:00Merry and Bright<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8235548887/" title="IMG_1894-001 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8235548887_a8def863ce_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_1894-001"></a></div>
<div align=center>
<p>
<div>
Sweater: Thrifted
</div>
<div>
Cowl: Gift from <a href="http://acupfullofsunshine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anne</a> (she made it :)
</div>
<div>
Painted driftwood necklace: Gift from <a href="http://acupfullofsunshine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anne</a> (also her handiwork!)
</div>
<div>
Levi's: From Angelina
</div>
<div>
Boots: Thrifted
</div>
</p>
<p>
<div align=center>Not the most exciting outfit ever, but here I am!</div>
</p>
</div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8234923763/" title="IMG_1889 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8234923763_1be17d6dba.jpg" width="500" height="336" alt="IMG_1889"></a></div>
<p>
With all this RAIN we've been having, these duck boots I thrifted last year are getting lots of wear. You can't really tell in this lighting but the color combo of my cowl from Anne and this little sweater matches the color combo of the boots perfectly. Ha, that sort of thing probably makes me happier than it should.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8235989246/" title="IMG_1888 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8235989246_e4bbb6a483.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="IMG_1888"></a></div>
<p>
This weekend brought rain as well as the first day of December. With a certain little person who is VERY enthusiastic about Christmas this year running the show, we kicked off the holiday stuff a bit earlier than usual.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8239007127/" title="IMG_1905 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8239007127_fbc423b1ff.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1905"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8239006509/" title="IMG_1907 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8239006509_e6a65e6236.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1907"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Free "gingerbread house" making downtown at the public library on Saturday afternoon, resulted in...</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8239004961/" title="IMG_1926 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8239004961_59e7a012eb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1926"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>One very sugary little structure</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8240071980/" title="IMG_1924 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8240071980_e7ff777cd7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1924"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>and one grumpy little girl complaining that her tummy wasn't feeling too good by the end of it.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8240070196/" title="IMG_1898 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8240070196_4bd4582566.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1898"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8240072886/" title="IMG_1918 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8240072886_1d87c5e485.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1918"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8240072332/" title="IMG_1923 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8240072332_1e24977524.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1923"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Hmm, I wonder why?</div>
</p>
<p>
<div>
Saturday night the rain wasn't too bad, so we put on our raincoats, grabbed some umbrellas, and ventured out to the tree lot down the street. I know, not as romantic or eco-friendly as the local tree farm, but we did possibly end up with the most perfectly shaped Christmas tree that ever was, so at least we have that. Oh, and the guilt, we have the guilt. Just kidding, sort of.
</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8240103010/" title="IMG_2012 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8240103010_b3b0a6cf5e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2012"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8240102542/" title="IMG_2015 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8240102542_30a22f5985.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2015"></a></div>
<p>
Sunday morning, with the Vince Guaraldi Pandora station (much to Lucas' dismay) setting the mood, we got to decorating our tree.
</p>
<p>
I realized pretty early on in the decorating process that someone shorter than me had some definite ideas about how things should go down with the ornament hanging. I was going to have to set aside my perfectionist tendencies along with any talk of distributing ornaments evenly throughout the tree. There really was no reasoning with her.
</p>
<p>
My one attempt at showing her the error of her ways was to make a wide sweeping arm motion across the lower mid-section of the tree and say:
</p>
<p>
“Look, there’s too much <i>STUFF</i>.”
</p>
<p>
Her matter of fact response:
</p>
<p>
“Mom, that’s how Christmas is.”
</p>
<p>
Well played Clover, well played...
</p>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8239038179/" title="IMG_1981 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8239038179_e4fbcf5541_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1981"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8239034155/" title="IMG_2038 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8239034155_da885116ce.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2038"></a></div>
<p>
She was also concerned about certain ornaments having buddies to hang out with. Like the gnomes...
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8239038821/" title="IMG_1968 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8239038821_de4d65f652_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1968"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8240101564/" title="IMG_2030 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8240101564_dd976e5165.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2030"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>... and the sleeping babies.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8240102166/" title="IMG_2022 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8240102166_0ee44d2b7d_z.jpg" width="426" height="568" alt="IMG_2022"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8240100688/" title="IMG_2037 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8240100688_713acd2b86.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2037"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>"2007 Baby's First Christmas" This Winnie ornament was a gift from my mom. Clover wasn't yet 3 months old that Christmas, now look at her, bossin' me around, man time sure does fly.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8239035757/" title="IMG_2024 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8239035757_179b844dfc_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_2024"></a></div>
<p>
Zephyr checking out the tree. This time last year he was just a wee kitten, who almost climbed his way to the top of our Christmas tree on multiple occasions. I'm not sure how it never toppled. Now he's this big fluffy white wintery creature. His thick winter coat has come in and he's so bright white that when he's out roaming in the yard at dusk or on a foggy day he practically glows, like an Arctic spirit kitty.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8239035049/" title="IMG_2033 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8239035049_49c20c06b3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2033"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Clover and Buttercup, whose red nose got her a gig as stand-in for Rudolph :)</div>
</p>
<p>
Annoying ornament hanging tendencies aside, it's pretty fun watching Clover really experiencing the magic of Christmas as her own autonomous little person for the first time. When this kid gets excited about something, her enthusiasm will light up a room. It's one of the things I adore most about her, and something tells me we're in for a very bright holiday season!
</p>
Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-34784972864856979592012-11-18T08:34:00.000-08:002012-12-08T00:12:14.901-08:00Connections<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164958822/" title="IMG_6044 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8164958822_2e09282dfd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6044"></a></div>
<p>
A couple of weeks ago, on a Friday afternoon, Clover and I were excited to head down to San Francisco in honor of <a href="http://terrallectualism.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Mary</a>'s birthday weekend! <a href="http://acupfullofsunshine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anne</a>, with lil' Marianne in tow, had arrived earlier that morning to stay for the weekend. Needless to say, I was stoked to get some play time with these two awesome ladies and for our own little ladies to as well.
</p>
<p>
You may have already read about this visit <a href="http://terrallectualism.wordpress.com/2012/11/07/the-morning-after/" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="http://www.acupfullofsunshine.blogspot.com/2012/11/marys-birthday-weekend.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and if so, well, here we go again!
</p>
<p>
We spent the late afternoon lounging in Mary's amazing sunroom, chatting and watching our little ones get reacquainted. While this was Mary and Anne's first time meeting in person, I had had the pleasure of hanging out with each of them on more than one occasion before and was glad to be seeing them again.
</p>
<p>
Mary, who is quite awesome in the kitchen, as Anne mentioned in her <a href="http://www.acupfullofsunshine.blogspot.com/2012/11/marys-birthday-weekend.html" target="_blank">post</a>, fed us well with yummy vegetarian enchiladas (I want that recipe Mary!) and nourishing chicken soup for the littles, before we all headed out into the night to battle our way into the Mission district for the Dia De Los Muertos festivities!
</p>
<p>
I say battle because of course thousands of people descending upon a common location in San Francisco, the most frustrating city to park in as it is, does not make for a smooth parking experience. Well, unless you are Mary's partner Jeff, apparently ;) Unfortunately, we had to take two cars and weren't all so lucky.
</p>
<p>
Though, as you can see from the photo above, our group finally did make it out onto the streets, at which point the battle shifted to making our way through crowds with wee ones at bedtime. While not ideal, we persevered!
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164984396/" title="IMG_1543 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8164984396_e4a9214452.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1543"></a></div>
<p>
We arrived at The Festival of Alters and took in the Letters to the Dead where note cards, pens, and clothespins were available.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164947001/" title="IMG_1545 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8164947001_930fb03062.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1545"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164946507/" title="IMG_1547 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8164946507_9c408d770f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1547"></a></div>
<p>
Clover made use of them to leave a little love note to Guinness, our dearly departed kitty.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164959942/" title="IMG_6032 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/8164959942_ea82b9362c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6032"></a></div>
<p>
There were so many beautiful and lovingly created alters to admire. It was tough with crowds gathered 'round each and tired babes to motivate or carry, to truly appreciate the meaning and uniqueness of each, but we did our best to soak in their beauty.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164923095/" title="IMG_6033-001 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8164923095_1ce5a7101b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6033-001"></a></div>
<p>
One of several pools of floating flowers and candles. I took a moment to light one for my dad.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164958272/" title="IMG_6047 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/8164958272_71e920fe38.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6047"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164958068/" title="IMG_6049 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8164958068_26fd083b88.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6049"></a></div>
<p>
After making our way through the alters, we reconvened in preparation for the treck back to the cars.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164922047/" title="IMG_6046 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8164922047_1fde430137_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_6046"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164921191/" title="IMG_6050 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/8164921191_f9192393c0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6050"></a></div>
<p>
Clover and Fern got a kick out of pointing out all the "scary" costumed folks to each other, though they seemed much more delighted by their presence than scared.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164957016/" title="IMG_6054 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8164957016_169a8447da_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_6054"></a></div>
<p>
Shall we take a moment to appreciate Mary's gorgeous outfit, gunne, red velvet cape, marigolds, killer boots... I say, we shall :)
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164920843/" title="IMG_6051 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8164920843_cb303dc2cc_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMG_6051"></a></div>
<p>
While I barely had time to reach for my camera, let alone try to properly frame a shot, I couldn't resist this juxtaposition of robed mother Marys!
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164918671/" title="IMG_6077 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8164918671_d9964a41a8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6077"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164956444/" title="IMG_6069 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/8164956444_b915bec8e0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6069"></a></div>
<p>
For the final block or so, we caught up with the tail end of the procession winding its way through the streets. With arms ready to fall off from kid carrying. We would all sleep well that night.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8166214592/" title="IMG_1553 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/8166214592_d07d276638_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="IMG_1553"></a></div>
<p>
Clover and I awoke bright and early the next morning in Mary's dream of an old timey bohemian dressing room which I kept meaning to photograph but never got around to. Luckily, Anne <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/acupfullofsunshine/8167246180/in/photostream" target="_blank">did</a>.
</p>
<p>
Wandering down the hallway, to see if others had yet emerged, we stopped to admire the view of the sunrise lighting up the clouds over the city. I took the photo through a handmade glass window hanging... talk about perfect placement.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8166214460/" title="IMG_1554 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/8166214460_ae9d7573a6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1554"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164946163/" title="IMG_1562 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/8164946163_64deec1901.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1562"></a></div>
<p>
Morning coffee in the sunroom... pink morning light, plants, books, and playthings a'plenty. Clover and Fern filling their wee bellies with "hot winks" :)
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164945067/" title="IMG_1573 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8164945067_993a45348c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1573"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164982110/" title="IMG_1570 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8164982110_42e8332022.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1570"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Cheers!</div>
</p>
<p>
With the kids growing and changing in leaps and bounds at these young ages, it's a surprise as to what the new dynamic will be when we get together after months between visits. With Clover and Fern having recently turned five and three, they seem to have hit a sweet spot in their age gap and were total bff's this time around :)
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164945861/" title="IMG_1569 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8164945861_66153b6688_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1569"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>I love Fern's library.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164981394/" title="IMG_1575 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/8164981394_641696d99b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1575"></a></div>
<p>
"beautiful food/ beautiful friends/ we give thanks" read another perfectly placed glass wall hanging in the kitchen.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164980022/" title="IMG_1621 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/8164980022_bf63dd945e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1621"></a></div>
<p>
Mary whipped up a batch of melty chocolate chip muffins. Winging it from scratch without all the called for ingredients, they turned out amazing. Mary the kitchen witch does it again!
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164981130/" title="IMG_1590 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7121/8164981130_c6ce3246da.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1590"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>It doesn't get much sweeter than a cheerful little Marianne in the morning.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164943857/" title="IMG_1611 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7106/8164943857_2178a6288a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1611"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164942939/" title="IMG_1629 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7279/8164942939_e0f535aed2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1629"></a></div>
<p>
Want to know what's even better than fresh from the oven melty chocolate chip muffins? Fresh from the oven melty chocolate chip muffins slathered in butter, that's what. Yeah, these kiddos were stoked. As was I!
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164944079/" title="IMG_1600 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/8164944079_e6abcd70df_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1600"></a></div>
<p>
Marianne may very well be the world's most perfectly mellow baby, though even she is not above a game of let's see how many alphabet magnets I can throw onto the floor before mom puts a stop to it. In fact, I think it might even be her favorite game. I was also secretly relieved to learn that she steals wallets every chance she gets ;)
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164978794/" title="IMG_1644 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8164978794_f3c324e2c5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1644"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164955730/" title="IMG_1660 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/8164955730_47d04e2a79.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1660"></a></div>
<p>
It turned out to be a gorgeous day, unseasonably warm. Later that morning we walked the girls down to an idyllic little nearby park, set atop a hill and bordering a community garden, the sun was shining and we had the entire playground to ourselves.
</p>
<p>
By the way, how cute do both ladies look in these outfits? I'm patting myself on the back for uniting that matching handmade wrap skirt and vest ensemble (Goodwill find) with Mary who is clearly its rightful owner and yes, that is an applique roadrunner on the skirt and yes, both the vest and skirt are reversible. It looked even cuter on her than I had imagined it might!
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164976762/" title="IMG_1657 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/8164976762_7917db6e94.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1657"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164976226/" title="IMG_1658 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/8164976226_f19892395d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1658"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164940485/" title="IMG_1656 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8164940485_510e406d94.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1656"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164977612/" title="IMG_1655 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8164977612_b5229095ca.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1655"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>The girls putting the slides to good use.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164975742/" title="IMG_1662 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/8164975742_c120c90a25.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1662"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Mary, letting loose her inner child...</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164938657/" title="IMG_1664 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/8164938657_d77f7e1179.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1664"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>... who I imagine to look a little something like this.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164974916/" title="IMG_1665 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8164974916_5fbb6ac311.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1665"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164938003/" title="IMG_1667 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7254/8164938003_edb37a751f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1667"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>These two were sweet to watch together.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164974064/" title="IMG_1672 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/8164974064_1fc1690d73.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1672"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>As were these two.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164934681/" title="IMG_1689 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8164934681_44b8815ed7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1689"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164970252/" title="IMG_1703 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/8164970252_ccd852ccdd_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1703"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164936441/" title="IMG_1679 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/8164936441_009f01116c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1679"></a></div>
<p>
It was so warm that Clover decided she needed to lose the long-sleeved dress she was wearing over her jeans. Of course, Fern then had to lose her top as well, only she had already lost her bottoms after they got wet on the slide. Next thing we knew...
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164971634/" title="IMG_1686 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8164971634_dfd16a47c3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1686"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164932889/" title="IMG_1719 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/8164932889_2c3083c02f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1719"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164970740/" title="IMG_1691 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/8164970740_8e158ff71a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1691"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Free as birds, jaybirds that is.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164972106/" title="IMG_1685 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8164972106_ea3b89a5e4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1685"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164936759/" title="IMG_1678 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8164936759_09cddb9dc0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1678"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164972600/" title="IMG_1681 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8164972600_d594cc44a4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1681"></a></div>
<p>
Details, details... Mary has some really beautiful tattoos and I so love her <a href="http://prettysmartgirlart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Milla</a>-made hair feather (hint hint, Milla ;)
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164932487/" title="IMG_1724 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8164932487_38b9657420.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1724"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164966904/" title="IMG_1738 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/8164966904_4017abbd0c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1738"></a></div>
<p>
After coaxing Clover and Fern back into their dresses, we wandered over by the adjacent community garden.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164932107/" title="IMG_1726 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/8164932107_cbf170ce81.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1726"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Fern is such a cutie, I love this coy little look.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164967760/" title="IMG_1735 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8164967760_9f601ca901.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1735"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164929787/" title="IMG_1743 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7270/8164929787_b863145969.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1743"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164930869/" title="IMG_1736 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8164930869_bf9a97dc78.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1736"></a></div>
<p>
I did manage to get Clover to stop frolicking long enough to snap the one and only shot of the three of us together...
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164931737/" title="IMG_1732 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8164931737_c0e0d85e7d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1732"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>A bit blurry and off-center, but there we are :)</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164928347/" title="IMG_1747 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/8164928347_81228e3c8c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1747"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164928803/" title="IMG_1746 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/8164928803_3d0b073153.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1746"></a></div>
<p>
Heading back to Mary's house for a quick pit stop before loading the girls into the wagon for a walk to a nearby cafe for lunch.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164964478/" title="IMG_1749 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8164964478_0c1bd81778_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1749"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164963320/" title="IMG_1754 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/8164963320_9c506dcae7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1754"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164963992/" title="IMG_1752 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8164963992_9bbf231711.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1752"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164927061/" title="IMG_1753 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8164927061_fd72029316_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1753"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164925623/" title="IMG_1766 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/8164925623_f786753cbf.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1766"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164926371/" title="IMG_1758 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/8164926371_59fb7c172e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1758"></a></div>
<p>
The girls were pretty stinkin' cute all squished into the wagon together. We took turns pulling and while one mama pulled, you can bet the other two were snappin' pictures :)
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164924721/" title="IMG_1772 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/8164924721_b9f7291954_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1772"></a></div>
<p>
After navigating our way through coffees and lunch in a crowded cafe with yummy food and slightly unruly children, it was back into the wagon and off to the nearest thrift store, of course! After some minor lunch shenanigans we were a bit hesitant to take the girls shopping, but decided to give it a go anyway.
</p>
<p>
It ended up working out really well actually, with Marianne being her usual mellow self and hanging with mama, Clover and Fern teamed up and each grabbed a shopping basket to start filling with the most random of things as they flitted about the shop. Luckily the shop was pretty small so they were fairly easy to keep track of as we scoured the racks for ourselves and each other. We were even able to concentrate enough while shopping to all ended up with something, success!
</p>
<p>
Clover and Fern each got to choose one item from their baskets to take home. Clover's find of the day was a small stuffed animal version of Punxsutawney Phil... Groundhog Day! Though she was convinced he was a beaver.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164924273/" title="IMG_1776 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/8164924273_66637ed468.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1776"></a></div>
<p>
Here's Fern arriving home with her prized find of the day, a little bucket with heart shaped holes, perfect for <a href="http://terrallectualism.wordpress.com/2012/11/09/foraging-fridays-wild-in-tennessee-valley/" target="_blank">foraging adventures with mom</a>. Did you know that young Fern is a "bucket connoisseur"?
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8164923819/" title="IMG_1777 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/8164923819_162b693240.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1777"></a></div>
<p>
Marianne was asleep in Anne's arms by the time we made it back to Mary's. What a little sweetheart.
</p>
<p>
Clover and I stayed and hung out late into the afternoon, before heading back up to Santa Rosa, it being Lucas' birthday the next day.
</p>
<p>
It was such a treat spending time with Mary and Anne and their girls. Chatting as best we could between mama distractions. The three of us being self-proclaimed introverts/quiet types, made for plenty of quiet moments, and while I do wish I was better at striking up meaningful conversation, I did feel a kinship with them because of it, a sense of being with my people. Haha. I hope they did too.
</p>
<p>
I admire so many things about each of them, both as mamas and as individuals. I was happy for the chance to squeeze in some real life hangout time and definitely look forward to more chances in the future :)
</p>
<p>
If only <a href="http://elizabethcarringtonart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Elizabeth</a>, whose travel plans had to change at the last minute, could have been there as planned! I was so looking forward to meeting her, especially after having received such an amazing <a href="http://terrallectualism.wordpress.com/2012/08/03/the-2nd-annual-bioregional-swap/" target="_blank">bioregional swap</a> package from her earlier that week...
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8169822400/" title="IMG_1219 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/8169822400_b20f16ff26.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1219"></a></div>
<p>
Treasures from Ireland, with wonderful items to delight all the senses: textures, colors, aromas, and flavors. Cute and cozy things to wear, an ADORABLE soft calico corduroy dress handed down from Elizabeth's daughter for Clover and a little fair-isle cardigan complete with elbow pads for me. This package calls up images of Fiona from The Secret of Roan Inish for me, which is a very good thing :)
</p>
<p>
That green jar <strike>is</strike> was :) full of super tasty homemade pesto.
</p>
<p>
If you've seen Elizabeth's beautiful <a href="http://elizabethcarringtonart.blogspot.com/p/my-art.html" target="_blank">paintings</a>, you already know that she has a dreamy way with color and I love how her cheerful color sense found its way in amongst all the earthy goodness.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8169820466/" title="IMG_1237 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8169820466_258aedb053.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1237"></a></div>
<p>
Especially in the form of this painting, which I LOVE. I had so been hoping for one!
</p>
<p>
I love it even more after reading her description of the inspiration behind it:
</p>
<p>
<i>"I was reading Roger Deakin's book wild wood, when I came across this beautiful part where he described sticking his out of his tent one Spring morning, in the the middle of a forest. He was laying on his back looking up at the trees. He described it as looking up the "skirts of trees". I loved the Idea, and this was my first attempt to describe that."</i>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8169820922/" title="IMG_1235 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/8169820922_1a07fec211.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1235"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>The contents of a sweet little package within a package.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8169820068/" title="IMG_1239 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/8169820068_ea04209d4e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1239"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Elizabeth's daughter even decorated the outside of the package with this adorable drawing :)</div>
</p>
<p>
Thank you so much Elizabeth for your thoughtful creativity! This package was such a joy to receive. With yours now finally on its way, I'm thankful to have the chance to connect with you in this wonderful way. Getting to know each other by sharing bits of home. Thanks also to <a href="http://terrallectualism.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Mary</a> for her brilliant swap idea and for hosting each year :)
</p>
<p>
Also in the spirit of giving thanks, from written posts and comments, to package exchanges, to in person meet-ups, I'm so thankful for all the ways in which this little corner of cyberspace allows me to forge connections with so many of you lovely people! THANK YOU for reading, whether you make your presence known or not, I do so appreciate it :)
</p>
Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-32253359032981398612012-11-11T18:14:00.000-08:002012-12-08T00:12:41.385-08:00This Morning Light<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8176045880/" title="IMG_1778 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8176045880_ee2eafde50.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1778"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8176011663/" title="IMG_1782 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8176011663_b22b816b16_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1782"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8176011419/" title="IMG_1784 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8176011419_297d1acfb0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1784"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8176011031/" title="IMG_1789 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8176011031_84e0215d67_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_1789"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8176010065/" title="IMG_1794 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8176010065_12bca298bd.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="IMG_1794"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8176009667/" title="IMG_1796 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8176009667_6d4ef3be40_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1796"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Bits and pieces of home. Flora and fauna. Post with words and bloggy friends soon to come!</div>
</p>Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-10143615423994593962012-10-19T10:26:00.000-07:002012-10-19T10:27:16.406-07:00Wearing and Growing<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8097790551/" title="IMG_1146 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8097790551_2b70dd902f_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_1146"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Beaded top: Indian tunic, thrifted and shortened by me</div>
<div align=center>Silk skirt w/ brass buttons: Thrifted</div>
<div align=center>Shoes: Thrifted</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8099078350/" title="IMG_1171 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8099078350_38400d6791.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1171"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8097798176/" title="IMG_1166 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8097798176_c99514d911.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1166"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8097790885/" title="IMG_1140 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8190/8097790885_4b41403c76_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_1140"></a></div>
<p>
I followed <a href="http://prettysmartgirlart.blogspot.com/2012/10/and-my-fathers-bride-is-tearing-down.html" target="_blank">Milla's lead</a> last weekend and finally got down to business with a long overdue closet cull. It felt good to go through it all, get rid of things that I just wasn't wearing, store the ones I decided to hold on to, swap out the spring/summer items with the fall/winter ones (though this has felt a bit premature with temps reaching the 90's here lately!), and just take general stock of what was actually there on those overstuffed shelves and doubled up hangers.
</p>
<p>
Turns out it's so much easier to shop your own closet when things are organized and readily accessible. So for this outfit, shop my closet I did, and put together some items that had been lost in the sartorial shuffle. Pretty basic, simple lines with a bit of shine... silver beads, brass buttons, metallic woven leather.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8097790245/" title="IMG_1148 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8335/8097790245_1baf2c8776.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1148"></a></div>
<p>
I thrifted this top in the form of an Indian tunic with long slits up the sides. I fell for the beading and the diamond cutout. To make it feel a bit more wearable though, after months of not wearing it, I decided to try shortening it and got as far as cutting and pinning, before it went to the sewing bag where it had been sitting... indefinitely... as things do in the sewing bag.
</p>
<p>
It wasn't until my sister came over with a curtain she needed help hemming that I actually pulled it out. Heck, I'd already dusted off the sewing machine and read the manual to re-figure out how to wind the bobbin and all that jazz. It says something about the frequency of my sewing that I require the manual each time I start up a new project.
</p>
<p>
Anyhoo, it's much more wearable now, especially after rediscovering that I own it.
</p>
<p>
Now, for something completely different...
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8097799756/" title="IMG_1121 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8097799756_845223ca19_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1121"></a></div>
<p>
Have you ever heard of a tree collard? No? Well, you would not be alone. Maybe a year ago Lucas read about them somewhere and we thought, "Wow, greens from a tree? How cool would that be?" Haha, Dr. Suess moment... but really, these things will grow for many years and become tree size, they're evergreen, and apparently the leaves are even more palatable than actual collard greens and can be plucked from the tree to eat raw or cooked as you would kale or other such greens! Neat, eh?
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8097791743/" title="IMG_1118 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8097791743_516dcbde5b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1118"></a></div>
<p>
Turns out they're not likely to be readily available at your local nursury though, so we were pretty excited when Lucas stumbled upon some for sale at the <a href="http://thriftcandy.blogspot.com/2012/09/heirloom-afternoon.html" target="_blank">National Heirloom Exposition</a>. They say to give it about a year to get established before beginning to harvest. Also, they don't seed often or grow true from seed, but are easily propagated from cuttings. They say to take cuttings between year one and year two, to make more plants for yourself or to share with others before the plant becomes woody which makes cuttings harder to get.
</p>
<p>
We're looking forward to being able to harvest and make new plants next Fall, I'll let you know how it goes, and if you're interested, you can learn more about this cool veggie tree <a href="http://treecollards.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a> :)
Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-11657806039088641342012-10-16T12:39:00.000-07:002012-10-16T12:39:45.934-07:00The Wedding Photographer<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8089433312/" title="531758_10151917443285224_588850054_n by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8089433312_15334e6214.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="531758_10151917443285224_588850054_n"></a></div>
<p>
I played wedding photographer back in June for Emmy, the eldest daughter of Liz (Clover’s former pre-school teacher). The wedding took place on “<a href="http://www.achildsfarm.net/" target="_blank">the farm</a>” where Emmy grew up and <a href="http://thriftcandy.blogspot.com/2009/10/farm.html" target="_blank">where Lucas and I got hitched</a> nine summers ago. She was just a kid at our wedding, maybe 11 or 12. Ours was the first farm wedding, to be followed soon after by one of Lucas’ sisters and then, years later, <a href="http://thriftcandy.blogspot.com/2010/10/wedding-on-farm.html" target="_blank">his mom</a>. In fact, this was the first farm wedding in which no one from Lucas’ family was getting married!
</p>
<p>
I was asked to be the official unofficial wedding photographer of sorts and gladly accepted. They did hire a professional to stop by and do some posed portrait type shots, which I was thankful for, as that sort of thing is not really where my comfort zone lies. Wandering around capturing details and spontaneous moments is what I love.
</p>
<p>
True to form, I gave them the first half of the photos including the ones from the ceremony in a timely manner, but months later just recently finished editing the rest, see I don't just do this with blog posts!
</p>
<p>
Ha, stay tuned for such posts as the second half of our summer road trip, a magical spring weekend at the Northern California Women's Herbal Symposium, my big 40th birthday bash last winter, or heck, maybe even the second half of our Mexico trip two years ago... see, I procrastinate wildly, I don't forget ;)
</p>
<p>
In the meantime, while they are fresh off the presses, so to speak, I thought I'd share a few details and spontaneous moments from the second half of Emmy and Anas' special day.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8091352073/" title="IMG_0732 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8091352073_a6185a96c3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0732"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8089436613/" title="IMG_0508 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8089436613_b0ff7359a1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0508"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8091358338/" title="IMG_0739 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8091358338_dcecf279ba_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0739"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8089436718/" title="IMG_0656 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8194/8089436718_fde69eef63.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0656"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8089437402/" title="IMG_0610 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8326/8089437402_e883b25b77.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0610"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8089435559/" title="IMG_0641 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8089435559_43562bc5f7_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0641"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8089434306/" title="IMG_0433 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8089434306_0465ce44e9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0433"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8089437720/" title="IMG_0586 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8089437720_6d024699a7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0586"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8089434557/" title="IMG_0904 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8089434557_4cc88a2458.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0904"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8089433255/" title="IMG_0329 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8089433255_aaf598bf3e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0329"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8089435288/" title="IMG_0972 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8089435288_88733d68eb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0972"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8089434990/" title="IMG_0918 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8089434990_07b80aa37d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0918"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8089434915/" title="IMG_0846 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8468/8089434915_7a3fd487eb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0846"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>♥</div>
</p>
Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-61529887107485672042012-10-03T21:10:00.001-07:002012-10-07T11:23:55.626-07:00Scenes From a Birthday Campout<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042640459/" title="IMG_0931 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8042640459_c8803779c2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0931"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042664162/" title="IMG_0769 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8170/8042664162_06984b60cc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0769"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042651317/" title="IMG_0794 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/8042651317_5ddc9999bc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0794"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042652803/" title="IMG_0780 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/8042652803_81dcd893fa.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0780"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042652065/" title="IMG_0786 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/8042652065_9604ac5d8b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0786"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042645123/" title="IMG_0884 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8449/8042645123_4ec38ea4a0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0884"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042663170/" title="IMG_0785 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8312/8042663170_d27951375b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0785"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042651653/" title="IMG_0790 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/8042651653_fbb687b339_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0790"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042653135/" title="IMG_0776 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/8042653135_6d1df6c9e8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0776"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042653873/" title="IMG_0752 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/8042653873_a8949d5a4a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0752"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042661784/" title="IMG_0803 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8310/8042661784_ac31b08290_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0803"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042661458/" title="IMG_0824 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/8042661458_f3b5f2d0d4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0824"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042650269/" title="IMG_0826 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/8042650269_eb661e4399.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0826"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042649907/" title="IMG_0828 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/8042649907_60a964ffe3_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0828"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042652640/" title="IMG_0920 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/8042652640_947ac7ae61.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0920"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042649553/" title="IMG_0829 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/8042649553_329960b1df_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0829"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042649209/" title="IMG_0835 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/8042649209_c64aafa21e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0835"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042659572/" title="IMG_0842 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/8042659572_6f07ee0dd7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0842"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042648573/" title="IMG_0845 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/8042648573_079d4700a0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0845"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042648949/" title="IMG_0840 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8461/8042648949_71107dcde1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0840"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042665684/" title="IMG-0893 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/8042665684_a77147502a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG-0893"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042654546/" title="IMG_0903 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/8042654546_5832650e5c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0903"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042655952/" title="IMG_0888 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8457/8042655952_27bca0745e_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0888"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042655310/" title="IMG_0896 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/8042655310_ca4c7ca99f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0896"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042651332/" title="IMG_0933 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/8042651332_096ac13abb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0933"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042651904/" title="IMG_0928 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8176/8042651904_c26dd7d365.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0928"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042642321/" title="IMG_0909 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/8042642321_844faa7124.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0909"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042652358/" title="IMG_0921 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/8042652358_d323089289.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0921"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042646179/" title="IMG_0869 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/8042646179_6a346b3ddc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0869"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042648053/" title="IMG_0850 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/8042648053_0d0777b77d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0850"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042648395/" title="IMG_0848 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/8042648395_a250f45662.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0848"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042645775/" title="IMG_0872 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/8042645775_423f073720.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0872"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042643719/" title="IMG_0899 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/8042643719_b84c991e57.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0899"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042651044/" title="IMG_0938 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/8042651044_fb96826616.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0938"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042639459/" title="IMG_0940 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/8042639459_c5e85a4c63_z.jpg" width="428" height="640" alt="IMG_0940"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042650286/" title="IMG_0942 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/8042650286_f4f7e2024c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0942"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042654164/" title="IMG_0904 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8453/8042654164_23b0e47738.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0904"></a></div>
<p>
Over the weekend, beneath a harvest moon, our sweet Clover turned five! We celebrated with a birthday campout under the oaks… family, friends, and neighbors came bearing gifts, much to her delight, and good food to share. Sausages and hot dogs were on the grill. I also made a huge salad and a few batches of <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/285211/toasted-marshmallow-cupcakes" target="_blank">THESE</a>… so good! Perfect for a campout, and it was great not having to frost that many cupcakes.
</p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.sonoma-county.org/parks/pk_slake.htm" target="_blank">Spring Lake</a> campground, just a hop skip and a jump from home (seriously, like a ten minute drive) has the most magical group campsite (accommodates up to 75 campers) nestled in a grove of oaks. It’s quiet (well, not including the screaming children we supplied) and picturesque, totally secluded from the rest of the campground (especially nice for not worrying about said screaming kids disturbing other campers), has lots of sweet spots for tents, winding paths, its own private parking lot and restrooms, an AWESOME firepit, and did you see that big wooden table that wraps around the trees?
</p>
<p>
I’ve had a big bag of thrifted vintage fabric scraps in a closet for years now and I finally put it to use by cutting and tearing the pieces into strips to make some of <a href="http://www.childmode.com/2012/03/06/crafty-tuesday-simple-scrap-fabric-bunting/" target="_blank">these</a> as decorations. I thought it would be a fun craft for the kids too, so I brought along extra supplies and some rainbow scratch-off cards as well. When they weren’t busy running around like wild woodland creatures, those kiddos got all kinds of crafty :)
</p>
<p>
We also borrowed a gigantic tent to set up as the designated kids tent. It was HUGE and the kids loved it. Once it got dark we busted out the glow sticks, also a big hit, and the kid tent turned into a wild rave of sorts which went on well into the night as the grown-ups kicked back with beers and laughter around the campfire. It was a fun night and Clover had a blast with her friends and cousins.
</p>
<p>
The next morning, fog hung in the trees as puffy-eyed kids (and grown-ups) emerged from tents. The coffee flowed, fresh bagels were topped with cream cheese and slices of homegrown heirloom tomatoes and, with 9:30 am as her time of birth, our little sprite was officially declared five years old!
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8042647755/" title="IMG_0852 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/8042647755_5c122bedc9_z.jpg" width="428" height="640" alt="IMG_0852"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Welcome to five sweetie, we are so very proud and you are so very loved!</div>
</p>
Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-37344901652268851762012-09-26T11:09:00.000-07:002012-10-07T11:23:28.838-07:00Plum Goodness<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8014527880/" title="IMG_0659 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/8014527880_4bfbd1d59b_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0659"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Something I wore:</div>
</p>
<p>
<div align=center>90's sheer floral maxi skirt: thrift gift from <a href="http://bellisimama.blogspot.com/">Brigit</a></div>
<div align=center>vintage vestlet: thrift gift from my neighbor, Mary</div>
<div align=center>Dansko clogs: vintage seller at a craft sale</div>
<div align=center>old Target tank</div>
<div align=center>shorter necklace: thrifted bits</div>
<div align=center>longer necklace: earring from Herbal Symposium market turned necklace</div>
<div align=center>bracelet: Herbal Symposium market</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8014527682/" title="IMG_0682 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8299/8014527682_540f910253.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0682"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8014527918/" title="IMG_0658 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/8014527918_b4f56747f6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0658"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8014527612/" title="IMG_0694 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/8014527612_60e355f52c.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="IMG_0694"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8014546654/" title="IMG_0669 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/8014546654_534ab713a4_z.jpg" width="428" height="640" alt="IMG_0669"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Something I accomplished...</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8014559140/" title="IMG_0582 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/8014559140_c38c1e3462.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0582"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8014558832/" title="IMG_0609 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8455/8014558832_8c9fa95639.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0609"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8014556321/" title="IMG_0629 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8041/8014556321_a6b58022cc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0629"></a></div>
<p>
By the time we finally got it together to try canning for the first time last Fall, we'd just missed plum season and I vowed that I wouldn't let it happen again this year. Now, with 15 deep purple jars of yummy plum jam under my belt, I'm feeling pretty good about my efforts!
</p>
<p>
I also managed to bake a tasty plum crisp AND roast a pork tenderloin with homade plum barbeque sauce. We're fortunate to be blessed with so much backyard bounty this time of year and have been making a more conscious effort to utilize it. So much goes to waste if we're not on top of it!
</p>
<p>
Tomato and summer squash are being heavily featured in meals these days including an amazing summer squash pizza that Lucas has been experimenting with. I'll have to share the recipe once we've got it perfected.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/8014544499/" title="IMG_0673 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/8014544499_7c98b9660e_z.jpg" width="429" height="640" alt="IMG_0673"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Next stop, the grape vine, and then there's the fig tree.</div>
</p>
<div align=center>Happy Fall y'all!</div>
</p>Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-26059122244997784502012-09-21T12:10:00.000-07:002012-10-04T22:02:05.615-07:00Heirloom Afternoon<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989336857/" title="IMG_0444 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/7989336857_7d55f5b4a6_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0444"></a></div>
<p>
It ain't a bad week in suburbia when you can walk within 10 minutes of your front door to the top of a downtown parking garage for a <a href="http://thriftcandy.blogspot.com/2012/09/trumpet-vine-sunchoke-staches-spokes.html" target="_blank">mustache and bicycle-themed art and music event</a>, then just days later go for another short afternoon stroll to find yourself at the "<a href="http://www.theheirloomexpo.com/" target="_blank">World's Fair of the pure food movement</a>"!
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989330417/" title="IMG_0490 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/7989330417_94c2a98c25.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0490"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989332883/" title="IMG_0476 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8312/7989332883_8a90aed050.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0476"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989333617/" title="IMG_0464 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8303/7989333617_5f5d65e1ed_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0464"></a></div>
<p>
"Um Lucas, I'm gonna need you to take my picture in front of this mountain of squash, K?"
</p>
<p>
"Oh boy, here we go..."
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989331911/" title="IMG_0479 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8315/7989331911_4f4310fed2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0479"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989338078/" title="IMG_0477 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8458/7989338078_60478598a9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0477"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989333173/" title="IMG_0468 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8435/7989333173_f48e04afac_z.jpg" width="428" height="640" alt="IMG_0468"></a></div>
<p>
Can you believe it's already <a href="http://terrallectualism.wordpress.com/2012/08/03/the-2nd-annual-bioregional-swap/" target="_blank">bio-regional swap</a> time again? Yay! The dress that I wore was one of many magical treasures gifted to me by the lovely and amazing <a href="http://acupfullofsunshine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anne</a> who I was lucky enough to get as my swap partner <a href="http://thriftcandy.blogspot.com/search?q=bioregional+swap" target="_blank">last year</a>. Whoever got her this year, I'll tell you right now, you're stoked.
</p>
<p>
Considering how this dress came to me, I can't imagine a better backdrop than a giant towering pyramid of beautiful homegrown heirloom squash :)
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989330919/" title="IMG_0484 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/7989330919_da3d9b9ff8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0484"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989337166/" title="IMG_0483 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8455/7989337166_71b6dd2366.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0483"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989329929/" title="IMG_0509 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/7989329929_caa6986954_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0509"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Giant pumpkins and a giant tree man helped Clover get over the grumpy mood she started off in.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989335352/" title="IMG_0514 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7989335352_26c54f8ee2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0514"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989329135/" title="IMG_0528 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/7989329135_95245c78ec.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0528"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Some fun kids activities helped too.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989342302/" title="IMG_0452 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/7989342302_40cf19a31b_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0452"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Oh yes, two peas in a pod we are :)</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989337335/" title="IMG_0437 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7989337335_db5a4fb04a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0437"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989343678/" title="IMG_0412 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7989343678_ba799c506a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0412"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Making warm fuzzy friends with cool blue eyes.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989332802/" title="IMG_0552 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/7989332802_6ec0e12556_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0552"></a></div>
<p>
Speaking of fuzzy friends, our girl goes bonkers for this sort of thing. She knows there's a person in there, but still she gets SO EXCITED. It's really fun to watch.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989341828/" title="IMG_0454 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7989341828_1b9609f8e5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0454"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989334713/" title="IMG_0459 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/7989334713_cef4ec9ca8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0459"></a></div>
<p>
These kind folks did some pretty magical things with popcorn and a VAST array of natural flavorings. Clover munched on a pesto/garlic oil/parm combo while Lucas and I sampled some kind of jalapeno/honey/chocolate/mole concoction that was super yummy and had quite a kick.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989328013/" title="IMG_0543 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/7989328013_d6a7811066.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0543"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989333262/" title="IMG_0550 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/7989333262_9903a82f40.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0550"></a></div>
<p>
Raised awareness around honeybees, their plight as it relates to chemicals and GMO crops, and holistic approaches to their stewardship in general were a big topic.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989328687/" title="IMG_0542 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7989328687_37a50184c0_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0542"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>The "Sun Hive," an alternative bee nest made from rye straw.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989326617/" title="IMG_0555 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/7989326617_81b0ee5bcf_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_0555"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989340884/" title="IMG_0458 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/7989340884_1cd5d09ea5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0458"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Sunshine and the yodeling sounds of Sourdough Slim.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989335469/" title="IMG_0456 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8031/7989335469_404aba097c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0456"></a></div>
<p>
As I was taking a picture of this Clover Stornetta ad on the side of a truck, a woman passed by and said "You're not from Sonoma County are you?" "Well, as a matter of fact lady, I'm so Sonoma County, I named my kid after this cow."
</p>
<p>
Haha, I'm totally kidding, I didn't say that, nor is my child the namesake of a local dairy brand, though we do have fun with it and she really does adore that cow. Especially at parades and events where someone is walking around in the suit!
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7989331862/" title="IMG_0558 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/7989331862_ebc7eee2b8_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="IMG_0558"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Oh, those honeybees, they do so love their Clover ;)</div>
</p>
<p>
In addition to all the cool exhibits and things to wander around and look at, there were also films and speakers over the 3 day event that would have been really interesting to have checked out. Both Lucas and I wished we'd planned better, unfortunately, heading over there on a whim on the last day with our four year old didn't so much allow for it. Next year though.
</p>
<p>
As a "not-for-profit event centered around the pure food movement, heirloom vegetables, and anti-GMO activism," the <a href="http://www.theheirloomexpo.com/" target="_blank">National Heirloom Exposition</a> felt especially timely with <a href="http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_Proposition_37,_Mandatory_Labeling_of_Genetically_Engineered_Food_%282012%29" target="_blank">Prop 37</a> on the horizon here in California. I for one am looking forward to the opportunity in November to <a href="http://www.carighttoknow.org/" target="_blank">vote YES</a> on this crucial ballot measure that would require genetically modified foods to be labeled as such.
</p>
<p>
Lots of good reasons to pass Prop 37 can be found <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/037247_Proposition_37_California_label_GMOs.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but really the bottom line comes down to reason #27: Consumers have a right to know whether or not they are eating GMOs. I mean, don't we? Am I missing something? If, as Monsanto and the corporate food industry would have us believe, GM foods are A'Ok, then why the secrecy?
</p>
<p>
On that note I'll leave you with this 30 min documentary film that was screened at the expo. It follows the story of seed, and in doing so, does a nice job of shedding light on why all is NOT A'Ok with the proliferation of GM crops. I learned some things, maybe you will too.
</p>
<p>
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/43879272" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/43879272">Seeds of Freedom</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2462681">The ABN and The Gaia Foundation</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.
</p>
Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-78375719742828588972012-09-17T11:15:00.000-07:002012-10-04T22:01:09.961-07:00A Thing or Two
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7990107825/" title="IMG_0403 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/7990107825_8fe414e0d5_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0403"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7990116156/" title="IMG_0404 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7990116156_cdc7b2d76a_z.jpg" width="428" height="640" alt="IMG_0404"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7990118608/" title="IMG_0393 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/7990118608_c7f7890e94_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0393"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7990117110/" title="IMG_0399 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8303/7990117110_bd90a8c91a_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0399"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7990108803/" title="IMG_0398 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8453/7990108803_4b5054d290_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0398"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7990109313/" title="IMG_0394 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8303/7990109313_6845a7b6e3_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0394"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Clover's School of Outfit Shot Posing... I'm enrolling, who's with me?</div>
</p>
<div align=center>
<p>
Cardigan: originally her cousin Chiara's (now 19 years old!) also worn by cousins Vida, Fiona, and Lucia through the years before making its way to Clover :)
</p>
<p>
Fuzzy Hat (it will be a sad day when she finally outgrows this), Hello Kitty Tee, and shoes: hand-me-downs from Lucia
</p>
<p>
Silver star tights: new from Target
</p>
<p>
Vintage Jessica McClintock skirt: thrift gift from Laura Jane (the elastic waistband busted while she was at school and when I picked her up she walked out the door in only her slightly too small t-shirt, tights, and shoes. It was pretty cute/hilarious. Ah the perils of wearing vintage to Kindergarten!)
</div>
Thanks so much you gals for all the sweet comments on my <a href="http://thriftcandy.blogspot.com/2012/09/kindergarten-clover.html" target="_blank">post</a> about Kindergarten. Your thoughtful and encouraging words and shared experiences have been such a comfort to read and so appreciated! Progress continues to be made :)
</p>Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-48271285023058882492012-09-13T12:10:00.000-07:002012-10-04T21:59:56.249-07:00Trumpet Vine & Sunchoke, 'Staches & Spokes<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7975140416/" title="IMG_9951 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8170/7975140416_bffecc11c8_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_9951"></a></div>
With the trumpet vine and sunchokes along our fence having conspired to create such a lovely backdrop, how could I not take advantage? Also, I hear outfit posts are making a comeback, and I'm all for that ;)
<div align=center>
<p>
<div>vintage cream silk top: newly thrifted</div>
<div>nude silk tank: thrifted</div>
<div>dress: thrifted</div>
<div>gray tights</div>
<div>boots: flea market</div>
<div>crystal bullet necklace: lost boys and lovers (gift from <a href="http://lostboysandlovers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sadie</a> :)</div>
</p>
</div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7975139712/" title="IMG_9974 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7975139712_f408f8439d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_9974"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7975140718/" title="IMG_9939-001 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8170/7975140718_7a56526086.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_9939-001"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7975139360/" title="IMG_9979 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8312/7975139360_e39dea1948.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_9979"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7975213441/" title="IMG_0001-001 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/7975213441_e933825faf_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_0001-001"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7975140077/" title="IMG_9972 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8459/7975140077_2467135c18.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_9972"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7975138836/" title="IMG_9993 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/7975138836_20fb9d4ec3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_9993"></a></div>
<p>
Now on to the fun free local event I wore this outfit to on Saturday afternoon. Welcome dear readers to 'Staches & Spokes...
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974499850/" title="IMG_0140 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7974499850_c3d160c8c9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0140"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Remember the Whiskeydrome?</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974502576/" title="IMG_0057 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8443/7974502576_41a9b80fee.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0057"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974503626/" title="IMG_0041 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/7974503626_e057d4972d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0041"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Always a kid pleaser.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974501209/" title="IMG_0102 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/7974501209_b04e278f0c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0102"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974500907/" title="IMG_0121 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7974500907_51f5f1a6a2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0121"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Not to mention a crowd pleaser, especially when there's a live band rockin' out in the middle!</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974501719/" title="IMG_0094 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8176/7974501719_2545827f96.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0094"></a></div>
<p>
Joey dappered up his Whiskeypunk jumpsuit with an old thrift gift from yours truly. Nothing says class like a butterfly collar and sky blue tuxedo ruffles, right?
</p>
<div align=center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZmTCXnZx0NY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Dizzy yet?</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974503272/" title="IMG_0044 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8174/7974503272_752b897b85.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0044"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974498100/" title="IMG_0155 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8440/7974498100_1c1c6305a3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0155"></a></div>
<p>
'Staches and Spokes took over the top level of this downtown Santa Rosa parking garage for its second annual mustache bash and bicycle themed art show. Essentially, it's a big party with good bands, good beer, and good people all coming out to celebrate bikes, art, and mustaches. Sometimes I just love this town.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974503886/" title="IMG_0039 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8462/7974503886_39ded6d61d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0039"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974498646/" title="IMG_0149 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8462/7974498646_7c9f11d84f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0149"></a></div>
<p>
AND, all proceeds benefit the wonderful non-profit arts education program, <a href="http://www.artstart.us/index.htm" target="_blank">Artstart</a> of Santa Rosa :)
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974504276/" title="IMG_0037 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/7974504276_9fa37351c9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0037"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974504782/" title="IMG_0036 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8180/7974504782_3951a87566_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0036"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974491777/" title="IMG_0346 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/7974491777_95e1031d51.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0346"></a></div>
<p>
Some art on display. Those hand-crafted, hand-painted cigar box guitars are not only fun to look at, but functional as well! We'll come back to that in a bit.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974505471/" title="IMG_0030 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8176/7974505471_1c54341dba.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0030"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>First, are those not the coolest bicycle seats you've ever seen?!</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974502855/" title="IMG_0054 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8438/7974502855_1b6e6fd7bc_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0054"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974499450/" title="IMG_0141 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/7974499450_0f7ab39475.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0141"></a></div>
<p>
Now on to the mustache portion of our program. Some guys start growing out their whiskers months in advance for the big competition.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974498853/" title="IMG_0147 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8457/7974498853_dac2ff5b6a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0147"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Some guys take their mustaches more seriously than others.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974498995/" title="IMG_0142 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/7974498995_ba1f5fbc2a.jpg" width="500" height="331" alt="IMG_0142"></a></div>
<p>
I was quite impressed with Skye's facial interpretation of a squid battling a whale. I think if it were a beard competition he would have had a good shot at the win.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974497641/" title="IMG_0157 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8303/7974497641_aafe7d203e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0157"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Just love this.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974497277/" title="IMG_0185 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/7974497277_14152515bc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0185"></a></div>
<p>
Klaus, Jessica, and Sara, all lovely folk that I am happy to know, are responsible for this awesome event. Coincidentally, all three have made appearances in our post-derby old timey <a href="http://thriftcandy.blogspot.com/2012/08/fairly-silly.html" target="_blank">fair photos</a>. Speaking of which, things took a turn for the even wackier this year. I'd show you, but this is a family blog ;)
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974495866/" title="IMG_0273 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/7974495866_881fc8dab3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0273"></a></div>
<p>
The distinguished judges. Mica looked rather adorable in her red dress, and Buzz in his mullet hat, well, he really committed to his character... "Love it or Leave it", indeed.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974496650/" title="IMG_0237 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8461/7974496650_b58c7a8c47.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0237"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>In the "Name Your Own" category, "The Badass Joey" was beat out by "The Milkman".</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974496053/" title="IMG_0253 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7974496053_fe1f268816.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0253"></a></div>
<p>
While dude in the middle, with the beard-gone-'stash was named The Innovator and Marcos, with his lightening bolts, took Ladies Choice as "Guy Fieri's Friend". (fyi, <a href="http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A2KJkPnlxlBQAl0AcPWJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBlMTQ4cGxyBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1n?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3F_adv_prop%3Dimage%26va%3Dguy%2Bfieri%26fr%3Dyfp-t-701-s%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D11&w=400&h=534&imgurl=www.quotesby.co.uk%2Fceleb_images%2Ffull%2FG%2Fguy_fieri.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quotesby.co.uk%2Fcelebrities%2Fguy_fieri_gallery-g103993%2F&size=97.1+KB&name=Guy+Fieri+Photo+Gallery%2C+Photo+Album+Page&p=guy+fieri&oid=e6b6254d882ea45851163d058620180a&fr2=&fr=yfp-t-701-s&tt=Guy%2BFieri%2BPhoto%2BGallery%252C%2BPhoto%2BAlbum%2BPage&b=0&ni=21&no=11&ts=&tab=organic&sigr=120rdnume&sigb=13amiqs6g&sigi=11kdjh7pi&.crumb=rgpH2FpCndg" target="_blank">Guy Fieri</a> is a local celebrity chef. if you're into The Food Network, you may know this.)
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974496889/" title="IMG_0226 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/7974496889_2f8da51faa.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0226"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>All hail the big winner and mustache force to be reckoned with!</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974493831/" title="IMG_0327 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8181/7974493831_1d26684e91.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0327"></a></div>
<p>
The evening closed out with 'Stash Bash favorites, <a href="http://thebudrows.com/" target="_blank">The Budrows</a>. You can have a listen to their aptly self-described "100% foot stompin' cigar box rock n' roll" <a href="http://thebudrows.com/music/" target="_blank">here</a>.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974492881/" title="IMG_0342 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/7974492881_4c90b1c667_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0342"></a></div>
<p>
While the Budrows are based out of Southern California, Jason, the maker and player of those awesome cigar box guitars, is a Santa Rosa native. (fun fact: I went to high school with him)
</p>
<p>
They are indeed a fun band to see live, so keep that in mind you SoCal girls, I think you'd like them!
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974495162/" title="IMG_0303 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7974495162_c9cd7e1686.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0303"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7974494515/" title="IMG_0310 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8310/7974494515_79a90cf545.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0310"></a></div>
<p>
As evening approached, foot stompin' blues filled the air, the sun sank below the trees, the kids went wild, and a good time was had by all :)
</p>
<p>
p.s. Whiskeydrome video brought to you by our friend Luis.
</p>
<p>
p.p.s. If you're reading this on Sept. 13th and it's not yet past 9pm Pacific Time, hurry hurry on over to Nicole's <a href="http://flaminghagfolkwear.blogspot.com/2012/09/jewelry-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Amazingly Generous Giveaway</a> because it's not too late to enter and ENTER YOU SHOULD! I know the odds are good that you already have, but just in case...
</p>Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-45054054013773202482012-09-05T12:21:00.000-07:002012-09-05T12:21:35.401-07:00Kindergarten Clover<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7934898658/" title="IMG_9822 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8038/7934898658_c08f59d402_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_9822"></a></div>
<p>
Just before heading off for her first day of Kindergarten. She was excited and brave and had that first-time-doing-something-scary-yet-something-that-she’d-been looking-forward-to determination putting enough wind in her sails to propel her away from mama (it has historically taken very strong winds to do this). She marched off into her classroom all of her own accord, without so much as a backward glance.
</p>
<p>
A couple of you asked how I was doing with the whole transition and I admit that at this point, as she walked away, there was definitely a bittersweetness to it all. I did tear up. There was a whole scene of mamas just balling outside the classroom, peeking in windows trying to catch a final glimpse of their little ones, lest they should be transformed into teenagers by the time we returned to pick them up.
</p>
<p>
I know some parents find it really hard to watch their babies grow up, but I’ve never been one to mourn the loss of Clover‘s baby or toddlerhood. The fun of her turning into more of her own little person, has always far outweighed any feelings of wanting to “hold on to my baby” for me.
</p>
<p>
Of course I treasure each step along the way, but I also admit that with each new transition, I’m usually so relieved to be moving away from the challenges of the previous stage that I’m all about embracing the change. I know there are always new challenges, but at least they’re different and don’t wear on you in quite the same way.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7934880736/" title="IMG_9875 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7934880736_ec1148753f.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="IMG_9875"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7934880840/" title="IMG_9870 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8446/7934880840_6569e52e73.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="IMG_9870"></a></div>
<p>
One of our ongoing challenges though has been Clover’s fierce attachment to me. All through pre-school I would have to hand her off to one of her teachers and they would hold her and divert her attention to allow me to leave. The alternative to this would be her clinging to my body and demanding that I not go.
</p>
<p>
On occasion, the hand offs would even involve having to pry her off whatever part of my body she was clinging to in tears. Though even on those days she would always calm down just as soon as I was gone and go on to have a wonderful day. This is how we did it even up to her final days of pre-school.
</p>
<p>
So, you can imagine my surprise when little miss independent marched off to class as if it was no big thing. Yes, those bittersweet tears were definitely mixed with tears of joy. I WAS SO RELIEVED. When I picked her up and she met me with “Kindergarten’s fun mom! I love Kindergarten.” Again, SO RELIEVED. She was excited about going back the next day and everything. SO RELIEVED.
</p>
<p>
Her enthusiasm lasted throughout the first week and then as the second week rolled around she was wanting me to walk into class with her to hang up her backpack and put away her lunch and as the second week went on, the leaving part got progressively harder. I left her in the teacher’s arms that Friday morning essentially in a panic, screaming for me not to go. SO HARD.
</p>
<p>
I spent my day fretting and stressing and googling separation anxiety and was relieved to pick her up and hear that she was completely fine within 30 seconds of me leaving and, as always, went on to have a great day. Though all through the long weekend there was an underlying sense of dread about Tuesday morning and all day Monday she assured me: “I am NOT going to school tomorrow.” “I hate school.”
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7934896630/" title="IMG_9835 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7934896630_aafa52049a_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_9835"></a></div>
<p>
Sure enough, Monday morning sucked. I got up early though and mentally and emotionally prepared myself as best I could. I managed to stay calm for her (on the exterior anyway), and it took some finessing, but was able to coax her into her clothes and finally out the door and into the car through tears and resistance and proclamations of her hatred of school. I had to carry her from the car to where the kids line up and then into the classroom.
</p>
<p>
Thankfully, we managed all this without any sort of force or kicking and screaming. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it if it went that route, but I was determined to get her to school and I knew she’d be fine once I did.
</p>
<p>
Again, I handed her off to the teacher in panic mode, loudly crying as the rest of the kids sat quietly on the rug. I told her I loved her and I’d be outside the door waiting for her when school got out. Then I made my exit as quickly as I could. Nerves frazzled, wondering if this was to be our new morning routine, and if so, how would I survive Kindergarten?
</p>
<p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7934876162/" title="IMG_5988 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7934876162_39d187f508.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5988"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7934875792/" title="IMG_5994 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8459/7934875792_1a9d713100.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5994"></a></div>
<p>
So I was there when school got out and she walks out the door and right up to me and says… “Well, that was fun.” all matter-of-fact like.
</p>
<p>
Yup, she had a great day, made some new friends and was excited when I told her I’d talked to the mom of one of the girls in her class about setting up a play date. She didn’t know any of the kids in her class going in, so I’m hoping that having friends who she feels comfortable with will help with some of her anxiety.
</p>
<p>
Thankfully, yesterday ended up being such a good day that this morning, even though there was still a bit of hesitation right when I left, felt like smooth sailin’. I’m sure there will still be rough days but I’m feeling hopeful right now.
</p>
<p>
Also, I should mention that Clover’s Kindergarten teacher is amazing (like all you would imagine a perfect Kindergarten teacher to be, actually) and she assures me that Clover is doing great and we’ll get there.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7934897468/" title="IMG_9833 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7934897468_cc4a80bbe8_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_9833"></a></div>
<p>
While my nerves may end up a little worse for wear in the process, I know that she's right. And we will.
</p>
Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-50673240429945005682012-08-26T22:12:00.000-07:002012-08-26T22:12:18.654-07:00Closet Swoon<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7851810388/" title="orig_tn_photo-41316-412033 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8435/7851810388_d1fe252a04.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="orig_tn_photo-41316-412033"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7851810126/" title="orig_tn_photo-41316-531024 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7851810126_5d9a9a8435.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="orig_tn_photo-41316-531024"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7851809624/" title="orig_tn_photo-41316-896471 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8446/7851809624_67eac5e9d7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="orig_tn_photo-41316-896471"></a></div>
<p>
"I got my expression back in high school, when I started to get into thrift shopping. In Texas, in the nineties, thrift shopping was pretty good – stuff was like 25 cents. Everyday, after school, we’d just go thrift shopping and then we’d just go home and play with it or cut it up and all that kind of stuff."
</p>
<p>- Miss KK, costume designer/dress maker</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7851811780/" title="orig_tn_photo-41316-694597 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7851811780_85c6d920cf_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="orig_tn_photo-41316-694597"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7851809428/" title="orig_tn_photo-41316-957012 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8439/7851809428_acf7354ae0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="orig_tn_photo-41316-957012"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7851809876/" title="orig_tn_photo-41316-670360 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7851809876_2b8c8acc23_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="orig_tn_photo-41316-670360"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7851810292/" title="orig_tn_photo-41316-509591 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8145/7851810292_c07bb94321.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="orig_tn_photo-41316-509591"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7851810532/" title="orig_tn_photo-41316-366397 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8426/7851810532_d7a21dc662_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="orig_tn_photo-41316-366397"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7851810660/" title="orig_tn_photo-41316-36271 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7851810660_dcd0507885.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="orig_tn_photo-41316-36271"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7851809744/" title="orig_tn_photo-41316-801540 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/7851809744_7e7f565ae4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="orig_tn_photo-41316-801540"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7851810798/" title="orig_tn_photo-41316-29350 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8302/7851810798_baa322ef78.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="orig_tn_photo-41316-29350"></a></div>
<p>
Thanks friends, for indulging my <a href="http://thriftcandy.blogspot.com/2012/08/sartorial-musings-sunday-plain-and.html" target="_blank">recent questions</a> on style and comfort. I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the responses and found them so interesting!
</p>
<p>
Among the different motivating factors that play into how we dress ourselves, I recall several mentions of how important mood is to the whole equation, which is SO TRUE. For example, plain and simple aside, at the moment, my mood has me longing to swap closets with this lovely gal!
<p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7851809308/" title="orig_tn_photo-41316-992891 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7118/7851809308_860d93cf42_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="orig_tn_photo-41316-992891"></a></div>
<p>
Also, she kinda reminds me a bit of our very own style queen, <a href="http://flaminghagfolkwear.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nicole</a>, who I would also gladly swap closets with in a hot second ;)
</p>
<p>
You can visit <a href="http://stylelikeu.com/" target="_blank">Stylelikeu</a> to see Miss KK's <a href="http://stylelikeu.com/closets/miss-kk/" target="_blank">interview</a> and peep more of her dreamy closet :)
</p>
<p>
The big news around here is that Clover made it through her first week of Kindergarten!!! I know, how did this happen, right?! Well, somehow it did and she is lovin' it and ADORES her teacher. Needless to say, we are thanking our lucky stars that the transition has, at least so far, been a smooth one :)
</p>
<p>
Ok, now back to work on part 2 of our summer <a href="http://thriftcandy.blogspot.com/2012/07/road-trip-part-1-volcano-lands.html" target="_blank">road trip</a>!
</p>Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-9590645490813503632012-08-11T11:45:00.000-07:002012-09-06T18:53:12.745-07:00Fairly Silly<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/6337885037/" title="IMG_5153-7 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6337885037_f7a0bdd702_z.jpg" width="245" height="309" alt="IMG_5153-7"></a></div>
<br /><div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/6338639250/" title="Before by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6031/6338639250_5189bb40ac_z.jpg" width="400" height="498" alt="Before"></a></div><br /><div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/6338639104/" title="IMG_5153-6 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6338639104_d252cb4d22_z.jpg" width="245" height="640" alt="IMG_5153-6"></a></div><br /><div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/6337885111/" title="After by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6337885111_5f8aeefb02_z.jpg" width="400" height="499" alt="After"></a></div><br /><div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/6338639162/" title="IMG_5153-8 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6230/6338639162_8010b0cd7e_z.jpg" width="245" height="312" alt="IMG_5153-8"></a></div>
<p>
</p>
<p>
Looking forward to the Destruction Derby tonight at the Sonoma County Fair! It’s become an annual thing for us and a group of friends that seems to be growing exponentially each year. Probably due to word getting out about the fun. I think our headcount will be pushing 30 this year!
</p>
<p>
Also a tradition, the pre-Derby family visit to the photo booths and the post-Derby Old Timey group shot afterwards. SO FUN. These were taken last year. It’ll be interesting to see how crowded that wacky group shot gets tonight.
</p>Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-21422196542588946212012-08-07T09:38:00.000-07:002012-09-06T18:55:07.613-07:00Sartorial Musings: Sunday, Plain and Simple<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7723708628/" title="IMG_9623 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7260/7723708628_808246c630_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_9623"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7723703256/" title="IMG_9669 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7723703256_bceabb39af_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_9669"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7723707768/" title="IMG_9625 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7723707768_0d79db5693_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_9625"></a></div>
<p>
Simple outfit, mellow day. Mundane afternoon at home. Trumpet vine in bloom. Self-portraiture in the backyard. Evening BBQ with good friends. Sunday, lovely Sunday…
</p>
<p>
Lately, I’ve been finding the most sartorial joy in the form of simple wearable pieces. You know, still a bit of interest but nothing flashy, the kind that fit just right and sort of let the essence YOU shine through.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7723699706/" title="IMG_9693 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7723699706_3c644cae06_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="IMG_9693"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7723709892/" title="IMG_9597 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/7723709892_a64495652c_z.jpg" width="428" height="640" alt="IMG_9597"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7723704036/" title="IMG_9657 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7723704036_3150a70189_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_9657"></a></div>
<p>
I thrifted these pants at the beginning of summer and they became fast favorites. High enough at the waist to be crop top friendly and just the right length for ankle boots and a fun pair of socks.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7723707032/" title="IMG_9635 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7723707032_9cd4ba2489_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_9635"></a></div>
<p>
I opened a package from <a href="http://thestitchylife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nicky</a> some months ago to find this lil’ sweater tucked in a pretty bundle of goodies. It definitely fit’s the bill.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7723702362/" title="IMG_9675 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/7723702362_2b3e81ece8_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_9675"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7723698844/" title="IMG_9702 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/7723698844_3dc05e18a6_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_9702"></a></div>
<p>
Oversized caramel sweater. Found it in a rummage sale pile Saturday morning. My current go to piece for coziness. It actually got a little bit chilly here over the weekend!
</p>
<p>
<div align=center>Little sweater: gift from <a href="http://thestitchylife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nicky</a></div>
<div align=center>Big sweater: thrifted</div>
<div align=center>Pants: thrifted</div>
<div align=center>Boots and belt: flea market</div>
<div align=center>Socks: Target</div>
<div align=center>Butterfly hairclip: gift from <a href="http://flaminghagfolkwear.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nicole</a></div>
<div align=center>Painted driftwood necklace: made by <a href="http://acupfullofsunshine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anne</a></div>
</p>
<p>
Truth be told, as much as I love a pretty frock and consider putting together fun, perhaps even flashy at times, outfits a favorite creative outlet, there is that sense of costumery that lingers for me. It feels creative as in I’m creating an image that stands out more than my natural self might. I guess that’s why it’s so fun though, right? The promise of becoming that image for a time. Like dressing for success, I suppose.
</p>
<p>
Though in reality, the sort of outfit in which I feel truly comfortable, most like myself, is of a simpler nature. Nope, not a frilly frock girl at my core, and those of you who know me, know that I am not, generally speaking, what one might think of as a flashy soul. Giant red rabbit wrangling aside, of course ;)
</p>
<p>
So, what do you feel most natural in? Care to share any thoughts on your own sartorial comfort zone? I’m kinda curious, and it occurs to me that for people who are perhaps bold by nature, the act of “dressing up” may even make them feel more true to who they are.
</p>
<p>
Also, I don’t mean to imply that getting dolled up necessarily makes me feel un-comfortable. It does however, add to how conscious I am of myself, and while that may even feel nice at times, I do enjoy being able to just let it go, ya know?
</p>Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-34600248274748817732012-07-30T16:13:00.000-07:002012-09-06T18:55:51.517-07:00Road Trip Part 1: Volcano Lands<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645457242/" title="IMG_8613 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7645457242_0c9125a4ed.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8613"></a></div>
<p>
Lassen Peak as viewed from Manzanita Lake in <a href="http://www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm" target="_blank">Lassen Volcanic National Park</a>. First stop on our recent week long road trip, and oh what an awesome trip it was!
</p>
<p>
While it seems my blogging mojo has gone completely missing this summer, I was determined to post about this trip before it fell into that ever-growing backlog of fun things I have yet to post about. So here we go…
</p>
<p>
By the way, Lassen Peak is one of numerous volcanoes in the park, its most recent eruption having been in 1915.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645461006/" title="IMG_8597 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7645461006_a1887235ee.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8597"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645464330/" title="IMG_8590 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7645464330_283a6d303f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8590"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645463040/" title="IMG_8596 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/7645463040_0a1ab858d4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8596"></a></div>
<p>
Our campsite at Manzanita Lake had a big boulder that made a perfect stage on which Clover danced around amidst the campfire smoke.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645458310/" title="IMG_8604 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7111/7645458310_3148b9272a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8604"></a></div>
<p>
I’ll tell you what, if you’re looking for an easy way to make friends with fellow campers, get yourself a teardrop trailer! People are constantly wanting to check it out. Here’s Lucas giving one of his tours of our cozy little abode on wheels. Oddly enough, this group happened to be from our very own town.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645453998/" title="IMG_8628 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8142/7645453998_2fd6fc8940.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8628"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>The next day, back on the road, someone needed a spot to stop and pee.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645455640/" title="IMG_8626 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7645455640_5c57324d02.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8626"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Not a bad view for a pee spot, eh? One of many scenic vista lookout points along the way.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645450672/" title="IMG_8637 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7645450672_e7bf82f8d0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8637"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645451454/" title="IMG_8635 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7645451454_0b3493b276.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8635"></a></div>
<p>
With a tank full of gas and The Wind in the Willows audio book on heavy rotation, we were off to our next destination…
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645430340/" title="IMG_8706 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7645430340_9496b3c6cb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8706"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645445258/" title="IMG_8670 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/7645445258_1b19677796.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8670"></a></div>
<p>
The high desert beauty of <a href="http://www.nps.gov/labe/index.htm" target="_blank">Lava Beds National Monument</a>. With the largest concentration of lava tube caves in North America, this park is full of amazing places to explore and adventures to be had.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645449454/" title="IMG_8664 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7645449454_c192bac794.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8664"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645446358/" title="IMG_8669 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/7645446358_118ebfdeaf_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMG_8669"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645448050/" title="IMG_8666 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7645448050_ec1826b684.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8666"></a></div>
<p>
We began at the visitor’s center, soaking in some knowledge about the area’s native peoples, the Modoc.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645444028/" title="IMG_8671 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7645444028_331546200c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8671"></a></div>
<p>
From the visitor center we embarked onto cave loop road and decided to check out Hercules Leg, a lava tube cave that appeared easy enough to explore with Clover.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645442724/" title="IMG_8673 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/7645442724_9164fb1bd0_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_8673"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645441478/" title="IMG_8675 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7645441478_aa25eba740.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8675"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645440058/" title="IMG_8676 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7645440058_81d266737d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8676"></a></div>
<p>
That is until she realized that, even with a flashlight, it got pretty dark in there, and went running back out into daylight.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645437806/" title="IMG_8683 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7645437806_7e5d45b4fe.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8683"></a></div>
<p>
Lucas and I took turns venturing around the dark bend which pretty quickly led out into the light at the other end of the tunnel (where two other smaller openings could be entered).
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645436738/" title="IMG_8691 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7645436738_8cd454eeb0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8691"></a></div>
<p>
We tried convincing Clover to go all the way through, but she was having none of it, so back out into the sunshine we went.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645433990/" title="IMG_8696 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7645433990_a5f3d0788f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8696"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>A Mariposa Lily standing tall and lovely along the roadside caught Lucas’ eye.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645435328/" title="IMG_8695 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7645435328_8cc133ef9c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8695"></a></div>
<p>
As I was photographing it, a friendly ranger happened by, which is how I came to know what it was. He said they had just recently begun to bloom. We were to see many more, along with so many other beautiful wildflowers, most of which I never did catch their names.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645432744/" title="IMG_8701 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7121/7645432744_9a113a43e3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8701"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Heading off on a hike in the hot desert sun.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645431528/" title="IMG_8705 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7645431528_229d98240c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8705"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645429422/" title="IMG_8710 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7645429422_491eed0320.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8710"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Indian Paintbrush and Juniper berries along the trail.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645428108/" title="IMG_8712 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7645428108_b450f0276a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8712"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645426996/" title="IMG_8722 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/7645426996_afa8e7cc1f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8722"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Our destination… Symbol Bridge.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645414672/" title="IMG_8748 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7106/7645414672_227f51f087.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8748"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645425680/" title="IMG_8724 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7645425680_395ff3020c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8724"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645423002/" title="IMG_8728 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/7645423002_2546a42e35.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8728"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Ancient cave paintings on smooth blue-gray rock surfaces.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645424456/" title="IMG_8726 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7645424456_cb7a079dda.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8726"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645421956/" title="IMG_8730 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8007/7645421956_236fc92ea7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8730"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>The light beyond.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645420826/" title="IMG_8734 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8021/7645420826_929ab6a976_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_8734"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>More pictographs.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645419756/" title="IMG_8736 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/7645419756_c1b6f36da8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8736"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>This was such a neat place and we were the only ones there!</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645418774/" title="IMG_8744 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7645418774_4bc408952d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8744"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>On the way back up, I noticed the tree growing out of the rock overhead.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645417536/" title="IMG_8746 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/7645417536_573cc1b15a_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_8746"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645413390/" title="IMG_8752 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8027/7645413390_a07db0ba89.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8752"></a></div>
<p>
As we started off down the trail, it held the sinking sun in its branches and appeared very much rooted in magic.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645416274/" title="IMG_8747 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7645416274_febb94a142_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_8747"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645412294/" title="IMG_8754 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7645412294_d28beeaa0d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8754"></a></div>
<p>
High desert lands, rich in turbulent history, both geologically and with regard to native culture. Lava Beds has the same sort of intensity that one experiences in the Southwest. Which it very much reminded me of!
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645409848/" title="IMG_8769 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/7645409848_39eca04d98_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_8769"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645410966/" title="IMG_8766 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8288/7645410966_2a09cb32e0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8766"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Hey, there I am :)</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645404528/" title="IMG_8789 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7645404528_abecb65f06.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8789"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645407186/" title="IMG_8773 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8155/7645407186_4d15332243.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8773"></a></div>
<p>
Our hike to Symbol Bridge ended up being a bit of a scorcher so we decided to take a detour on our way back to the campground. 24 miles down a small mostly dirt and gravel road, and we arrived at Medicine Lake, where we were greeted with a nice cool breeze and a shady spot to relax.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645402900/" title="IMG_8804 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7645402900_9cc9e0c5f3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8804"></a></div>
<p>
Our water baby loved it and she and I had a great time playing catch and release with the many resident tadpoles.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645401434/" title="IMG_8809 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/7645401434_2314fb0b68.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8809"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>On the way back, we spotted a sign that read: Mammoth Crater. </div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645400080/" title="IMG_8811 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8424/7645400080_7e95265e7f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8811"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645398394/" title="IMG_8813 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8145/7645398394_913f76f9d1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8813"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>After a quick jaunt up a hill, that is exactly what we found. </div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645396754/" title="IMG_8815 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/7645396754_9484b735f7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8815"></a></div>
<div align=center>As inviting as this trail sounded, we opted to head back to camp.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645394962/" title="IMG_8818 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7645394962_f9c93088a0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8818"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645393808/" title="IMG_8824 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8153/7645393808_c4f034223e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8824"></a></div>
<p>
Where we settled in for the night. A night that would bring one of the most amazing star-filled skies I have ever seen. Not a city light for miles upon miles and the Milky Way stretching across the heavens in all its shimmering glory.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645392426/" title="IMG_8827 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7645392426_9e81da13c5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8827"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>The next morning I photographed this beauty. Turns out she goes by the name Blazing Star.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645391062/" title="IMG_8834 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7645391062_33455b217f_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_8834"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645388326/" title="IMG_8842 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7645388326_fa9f66d9b4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8842"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645389568/" title="IMG_8836 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7645389568_f56e76742c_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_8836"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Clover took these!</div>
</p>
<p>
On our way out of the park we stopped at Captain Jack’s Stronghold, a trail through the historic battlefield site of the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/labe/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=158303" target="_blank">Modoc War</a>.
</p>
<p>
I had tweaked my lower back while doing breakfast dishes earlier that morning and was hobbling around barely able to walk upright. So Clover and I hung out at the little rest area at the trailhead while Lucas ventured off to do the hike.
</p>
<p>
While we waited (with the strap carefully secured ;) I let her try out my camera for the first time. While it was big and unwieldy in her tiny hands and probably weighs about as much as her head, she was so determined to do it on her own and so excited when she did. She wanted to take more and more pictures, so to pass the time we took pics of each other.
</P>
<p>
Those first three I didn’t even crop at all. I was pretty impressed with how she did!
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645385334/" title="IMG_8848 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7115/7645385334_e49f7d9494.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8848"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645383838/" title="IMG_8854 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8285/7645383838_f9a850d310.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8854"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645386858/" title="IMG_8846 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/7645386858_3a2a662105.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8846"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Mom, take one of me looking sad, she says, ha!</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645379234/" title="IMG_8865 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/7645379234_014f2b3d1f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8865"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645383308/" title="IMG_8859 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7645383308_fa85157e82_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_8859"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645382766/" title="IMG_8861 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/7645382766_e6d24b25cb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8861"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>I think I’ve found my new outfit photographer! Check it out, she even takes detail shots:</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645380472/" title="IMG_8864 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8432/7645380472_153bafdfb6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8864"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645377824/" title="IMG_8867 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/7645377824_42f1ee1250.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8867"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645381376/" title="IMG_8863 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7645381376_55f966b49e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8863"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Again, no cropping on my part, the kid’s a natural :)</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645376766/" title="IMG_8883 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7645376766_105f0d228e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8883"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Back on the road, snow covered Mount Shasta looming ever lovely in the distance.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645375088/" title="IMG_8886 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7645375088_9ee7a3229d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8886"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>We made one more stop at Petroglyph Point, a protected offshoot of the park.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645373998/" title="IMG_8893 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7645373998_3e03d939c4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8893"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645372634/" title="IMG_8894 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7107/7645372634_cd9c554c1e_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_8894"></a></div>
<p>
This rock formation was once an island within the then much larger Tule Lake. The lake was drained to create farmland and auctioned off to white settlers :(
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645370044/" title="IMG_8898 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7645370044_d4abb758c1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8898"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645366738/" title="IMG_8903 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7645366738_1340e136dd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8903"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645368628/" title="IMG_8901 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/7645368628_d709cdc4a5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8901"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Petroglyph Point is one of the largest panels of Native American rock art in the United States.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645365174/" title="IMG_8904 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7645365174_43e0ef10ba.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8904"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645371382/" title="IMG_8896 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7645371382_b4160aff72.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8896"></a></div>
<p>
The island was the center of a Modoc creation story and generations of native people traveled to it by canoe, where they carved images into the soft sandstone rock face. The heights of the images vary along with the changes in water level throughout the years.
</p>
<p>
We spent each night of our trip at a new place we’d never visited before. It ended up being like a sampler trip. We got a quick taste of what each place was like.
</p>
<p>
Lava Beds was definitely one that we’d love to return to one day with more time to explore. There were so many cool caves to see and trails to hike. Perhaps when Clover is a bit older and more into cave adventures ;)
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645362696/" title="IMG_8906 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7645362696_a64a5f570a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8906"></a></div>
<p>
Next stop, <a href="http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm" target="_blank">Crater Lake, Oregon</a>! Astoundingly beautiful to behold. With the bluest of blue waters, this volcanic lake is (at 1,943 ft) the deepest in the United States.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645361618/" title="IMG_8909 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7645361618_7261b87272.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8909"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645359408/" title="IMG_8921 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/7645359408_58b3738dcc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8921"></a></div>
<p>
View of Wizard Island. Not even my wide angle lens could capture this entire lake in all its glory. It was visually quite impressive.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645360486/" title="IMG_8913 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7645360486_6577a91007.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8913"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645357384/" title="IMG_8929 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7645357384_f80a26c154.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8929"></a></div>
<p>
We attempted to make the loop drive all the way around the Lake, but the road was closed off about half way, forcing us to head back the way we came. Notice the dark storm clouds building overhead.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645355452/" title="IMG_8938 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7645355452_5280cf4b28.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8938"></a></div>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645356366/" title="IMG_8932 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7645356366_13710faf31.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8932"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Working on my photography from a moving vehicle skills.</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645350476/" title="IMG_8955 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/7645350476_b19efacb7e_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_8955"></a></div>
<p>
Those storm clouds did end up dumping rain with thunder and the whole bit, but not before we were able to make our way to Vidae Falls. Just off the road as you head around the lake in the other direction, this breathtaking spring-fed waterfall cascades 100 ft down the rocky cliff face.
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645348822/" title="IMG_8963 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8291/7645348822_c78864286f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8963"></a></div>
<p>
<div align=center>Leaving a trail of life, lush and green, on its way down.
</div>
</p>
<div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7645352036/" title="IMG_8953 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7645352036_bdc2a2ea18_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_8953"></a></div>
<p>
While absorbing this spectacular scene, I thought of our lovely <a href="http://moonshinejunkyard.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a>, whose baby due date had come and gone just before we set off on our adventure. I even sent her a little birth blessing as it felt like the right time and place to do so.
</p>
<p>
Little did I know that she had been laboring throughout the day and precious Lucinda Violet would be entering the world that very night! Talk about the sweetest little family ever, I’m so happy to see Heather and Darin basking in their <a href="http://moonshinejunkyard.blogspot.com/2012/07/nesting-in.html" target="_blank">new baby bliss</a>!
</p>
<p>
In other fun summertime news, last weekend involved seeing the <a href="http://deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/exhibitions/fashion-world-jean-paul-gaultier-sidewalk-catwalk" target="_blank">Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit</a> at the De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, Fiona Apple at the Fox Theater in Oakland (!!!!!!!!!), and a Woody Guthrie 100th Birthday Jubilee down in Railroad Square :D
</p>
<p>
<div align=center>Ok, gonna try to round up that missing mojo now, more travels to come!</div>
</p>Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-85849321768279074022012-06-19T15:22:00.000-07:002012-06-19T15:24:35.116-07:00A Fun-filled WeekendThis post is from a month ago. I’m so behind. Remember me mentioning that I recently had a chance to hang out with several bloggy friends in my real everyday existence? Well, that all began on this lovely Friday afternoon when <a href="http://bellisimama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Brigit</a> was in the area for a belly dance festival.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247440622/" title="IMG_8368 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8368" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7247440622_8b0b35000f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247439978/" title="IMG_8372 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8372" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7247439978_77a3dde369.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
She and her family were staying with her in-laws here in Sonoma County and Clover and I (Lucas was off on a surf trip) got to spend the afternoon/evening with them AND <a href="http://terrallectualism.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Mary</a> and family came up from San Francisco to join in the fun too!
<p></p>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247439516/" title="IMG_8377 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8377" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8168/7247439516_f730ea486d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247438432/" title="IMG_8383 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8383" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7247438432_9243d9d9d4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Brigit’s partner prepared a yummy BBQ and we ate and chatted over beers, while all our kids ran free like the wild little creatures that they are in Brigit’s in-law’s beautiful garden.
<p></p>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247437746/" title="IMG_8391 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8391" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7247437746_f04f419f8b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247437046/" title="IMG_8395 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8395" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/7247437046_9cbbfeceaf.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247436466/" title="IMG_8397 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8397" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7247436466_f08a9d9378.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
At the base of a big Redwood with a tiny little creek running nearby, the scene was pretty idyllic as the kids frolicked about and the sun sank soft and golden.
<p></p>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247433948/" title="IMG_8407 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8407" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7247433948_27ff22a0fb.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Brigit’s eldest and Mary’s partner Jeff’s son hit it off like crazy. The evening held no shortage of spirited wrestling matches between these two.
<p></p>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247433358/" title="IMG_8411 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8411" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7247433358_b2b37e0fd8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
soon Brigit’s younger son wanted in on the action too.</div>
<p></p>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247432714/" title="IMG_8416 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8416" height="601" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/7247432714_46a8bd0ee3_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
If only I had worn navy, we would have made quite the coordinated trio. I did however, wear this lovely new-to-me skirt from a really fun package I recently received from <a href="http://teenysparkles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Teeny</a> and fittingly when you look closely, the fabric’s gold metallic threads give it teeny golden sparkles : ) Psst, rumour has it that Miss Teeny will soon be making an appearance here in real life too!
<p></p>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247432060/" title="IMG_8418 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8418" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7098/7247432060_0b259ebc8b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
Now, what has caught Mary’s and my attention that Brigit is so naturally tuning out?</div>
<p></p>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247431538/" title="IMG_8420 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8420" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7247431538_1beaed3bf2_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
Ha! Yes, Brigit’s eldest definitely won biggest ham of the evening.</div>
<div align="center">
<p></p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247430424/" title="IMG_8428 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8428" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7247430424_67c8c5288e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247428350/" title="IMG_8438 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8438" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7247428350_a81b161957.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247430884/" title="IMG_8426 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7247430884_955ea48581.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8426"></a>
</div>
After acting as our photographer, Jeff got in on the wrestling action too, easily taking the win for funnest adult.
<p></p>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247427108/" title="IMG_8446 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8446" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7247427108_00f291fb97.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247429648/" title="IMG_8447 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8447" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7247429648_53512c4b04.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7247425926/" title="IMG_8450 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8450" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7247425926_50ff9300d2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
It was a perfect warm evening of good food, good fun, and good people. I so enjoyed getting to see both Brigit and Mary again and getting to meet and hang out with their awesome families!
<p></p>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253636226/" title="IMG_8457 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8457" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7253636226_2685996662_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Mary arrived at the BBQ bearing gifts for both Brigit and I. My gift was this fun stripy skirt featuring some pretty amazing pockets.
<p></p>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253634642/" title="IMG_8477 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8477" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/7253634642_e625b574ca.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253633894/" title="IMG_8485 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8485" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7253633894_5faf5c6b4f_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253635138/" title="IMG_8464 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8464" height="376" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7253635138_b112f4e2d5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
I put it on the very next morning before Clover and I set off to meet up with family and watch the Annual Rose Parade weave its joyous way through the streets of downtown Santa Rosa.
<p></p>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253632908/" title="IMG_8493 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8493" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7253632908_cc224bc3fc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253628964/" title="IMG_8505 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8505" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/7253628964_64ceb60662.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253632090/" title="IMG_8496 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8496" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7253632090_0be6fd96ec.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253628258/" title="IMG_8507 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8507" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7253628258_72c686d5a0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<p>
I do love a parade :)
</p>
<p>
Then on Sunday afternoon, after Lucas had arrived home, as if a parade wasn’t enough excitement for one weekend, we decided to throw a circus into the mix too! We walked down to the fairgrounds and met up with my sister Val, her husband Kevin, and two youngest daughters to check out the little Latino circus that had come to town.
</p>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253704344/" title="IMG_5687 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5687" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7253704344_52e6651bf5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253703758/" title="IMG_5691 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5691" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7253703758_d25b50581b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
You can tell by looking at the kids that it was hot and stuffy in that tent. Luckily, Kevin was over at the concession stand purchasing some red dye and sugar-covered ice to take their minds off it.
<p></p>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253702306/" title="IMG_5710 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5710" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7253702306_8e7df5ea95.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253703076/" title="IMG_5704 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5704" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/7253703076_d735ab1500_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253700994/" title="IMG_5734 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5734" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7253700994_a1d75ecc46.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
It was a small production, under one bright blue, red, and yellow tent, with a couple of clowns and several acrobatic performers scantily clad in sparkly outfits.
<p></p>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253701474/" title="IMG_5731 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5731" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7253701474_28dae486be.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
The performers could also be spotted wandering through the crowd selling balloons, cotton candy, and various plastic light-up things when they weren't performing.
<p></p>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253702064/" title="IMG_5729 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5729" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7253702064_57179bc7a6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
While Clover spent much of the show in a state of heat-induced grumpiness (I’m sure the red dye and sugar had nothing to do with it ;), whining for cotton candy and balloons and plastic light-up things, minor fits thrown with each denial, she did perk up when this shiny lady made her grand entrance...
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7253700658/" title="IMG_5742 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5742" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/7253700658_4ccc79dd75.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
... oddly enough to the tune “Lady in Red.” Leaning over, she says into my ear “mama... I LIKE that girl” with a big dreamy smile on her face :)
<p></p>
So yeah, that was a pretty packed weekend, and there have been more fun-filled weekends since... more tales of magical fun and bonding with bloggy friends to come! Who knows, someday I may even get it together and post about my birthday party! Stay tuned :)Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-72745705899742619882012-06-11T17:37:00.000-07:002012-06-19T15:23:51.091-07:00Sunday In Pictures: The Forest to the SeaWhen hot days call for cool adventures...
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7362326508/" title="IMG_9087 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9087" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7362326508_4c154de17d_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7177101635/" title="IMG_9095 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9095" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7177101635_6d3d925b0b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7362320794/" title="IMG_9130 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9130" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7362320794_8fa92df8be.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7177102417/" title="IMG_9089 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9089" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/7177102417_6641b5f830.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7362324100/" title="IMG_9097 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9097" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7362324100_c1bfc51e15_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7362322658/" title="IMG_9100 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9100" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7362322658_1e873a12b1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7362321088/" title="IMG_9121 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9121" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7362321088_7375861164.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7177098829/" title="IMG_9102 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9102" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7177098829_5c253f682a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7177098415/" title="IMG_9108 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9108" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7177098415_52cf5113cc_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7177095445/" title="IMG_9154 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9154" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7232/7177095445_26debf08cc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7362318170/" title="IMG_9156 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9156" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7362318170_3394ab8402.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7362317304/" title="IMG_9160 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9160" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7362317304_fed1312324.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7177092839/" title="IMG_9169 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9169" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7177092839_24ca203d45.jpg" width="417" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7177092073/" title="IMG_9179 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9179" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7177092073_711b895972.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7362314212/" title="IMG_9184 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9184" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7362314212_911a70c2f1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7362315728/" title="IMG_9178 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9178" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7362315728_d4ea83dc6f.jpg" width="417" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7362313406/" title="IMG_9196 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9196" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/7362313406_de7558f820.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7362312426/" title="IMG_9200 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9200" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/7362312426_5017a701d4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7362314724/" title="IMG_9183 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9183" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7362314724_49ca6c5114.jpg" width="417" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7177090409/" title="IMG_9192 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9192" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/7177090409_53c858eea0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7177088625/" title="IMG_9205 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9205" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7177088625_7872290aa1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7362312780/" title="IMG_9198 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9198" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7362312780_67f80e5e81.jpg" width="417" /></a></div>
<p>
... a peaceful shady stroll beneath the <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450" target="_blank">Armstrong Redwoods</a> followed by a playful frolic amongst the ice cold breakers at Salmon Creek Beach, perfect combo!
</p>Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-89920121760677977392012-06-04T15:56:00.000-07:002012-06-04T15:58:38.125-07:00A Graduation Hoedown<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336091550/" title="IMG_9037 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9037" height="598" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7336091550_9c1eda0539_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<p>
Well first, I’d like to send out lots of love and thanks for all the sweet, heartfelt comments on my previous post. Really, we so appreciated all the well wishes and concern. I especially wanted to thank those of you who shared your own personal experiences or similar experiences had by friends or family.
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It was comforting for us to learn, through more shared stories than we would have expected, that this kind of thing, as unsettling as it was, is not as out of the ordinary as one might think. I’m also so happy to report that all continues to be normal with our little sprite. No more scary episodes, thank goodness!
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Now, how’s about a hoedown?!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336093208/" title="IMG_9032 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9032" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7336093208_7053e84f48.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336095078/" title="IMG_9000 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9000" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7336095078_39b16c03d5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336092722/" title="IMG_9034 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9034" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7336092722_427e005a39.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<p>
We kicked up our heels at The Farm’s annual pre-school graduation hoedown, to honor and celebrate the kids who will be moving on to Kindergarten come fall, including our own little one, can you believe it?!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336094708/" title="IMG_9013 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9013" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7336094708_37116cc8b6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336092380/" title="IMG_9035 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9035" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7336092380_7d73644d1e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336094448/" title="IMG_9019 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9019" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8022/7336094448_58e6f53ba0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336092012/" title="IMG_9036 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9036" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7336092012_e3ee999ac0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<p>
The evening’s fun included circle dancing, tractor rides, and a yummy potluck dinner. I wore a vintage square dancing dress that Clover spotted on one of our thrift store outings awhile back. I knew the moment I saw the dress that it would be completely perfect for this occasion!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336093768/" title="IMG_9031 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9031" height="598" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7336093768_81d02af426_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336095410/" title="IMG_8980 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8980" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7101/7336095410_0bf93272b8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<p>
The swings have always been one of Clover’s favorite farm activities. Notice the trusty steed she rode in on leaning against the swingset. I wish I had a better shot of her adorable red and white cowgirl boots. The shoes tend to come off pretty quick here at the farm :)
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336090730/" title="IMG_9052 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9052" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7336090730_5db723cc2d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336090998/" title="IMG_9042 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9042" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7223/7336090998_c6b16908bc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336090072/" title="IMG_9060 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9060" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8145/7336090072_d954f95d87.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<p>
With the kids seated on quilts in front of the small wooden stage (the very same stage our wedding band played on!), the little graduation ceremony began with sweet words and <a href="http://www.internal.org/Dylan_Thomas/Fern_Hill" target="_blank">this</a> lovely poem by Dylan Thomas, read aloud by their teacher, Liz.
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Liz, along with Mary (these two women are an amazing team), has shared her wonderful home over the years, giving so many children such a fun and magical early childhood experience. We are so grateful that our little gal has been one of them!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336089376/" title="IMG_9067 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9067" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7336089376_b8949b50a6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Clover chews on her dresses when she's nervous. She was the first kid to get called up to receive her “goodbye book” filled with hand-pasted pictures of fun times on The Farm and hand-written quotes from friends and teachers:
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“Oh Clover! You were just a little thing when you started at the farm. We will miss your arrival in the morning - never sure who you will be that day. We will miss pushing you on the swings and watching you play house with your good friends. Have wonderful adventures in kindergarten. Love, Liz and Mary”
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336088866/" title="IMG_9069 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9069" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7336088866_141253fc60.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Ha! The unexpected perils of being a nervous dress chewer.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336088512/" title="IMG_9070 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9070" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8005/7336088512_9a59797a3a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7336087472/" title="IMG_9077 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9077" height="598" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7336087472_9d7e4a8d08_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<p>
With her book of memories, her graduation cape, and her dear goldfish (who dearly departed the very next day :/, thankfully she took it well, life lessons abound I suppose) our girl is officially (following a bit more summer fun at the farm) kindergarten bound, and pretty darn excited about it :)
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<p>
So hey folks, it turns out when “real life” and “blog life” merge into one and the same glorious existence, as mine have a whole lot recently, I find it hard to keep up with the documentation of it all! Appologies for my sudden disappearance from this little corner. I've had the pleasure of hanging out with so many blog friends in person lately, that it hardly feels as though I've been away.
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<p>
It does leave me with lots of fun stuff to report back on though. I’ve been keeping up as best I can with blog reading, however, I’ve not been doing so well in the commenting department! I’m hoping to get back into the swing of things here real quick though, now that things are falling back into a more normal routine. I'm missing that sense of conversation that comes along with commenting. Lots to share friends, lots to share!
</p>Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-18068239656757774972012-05-09T12:40:00.000-07:002012-05-09T12:45:44.600-07:00Thankful<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7162951084/" title="IMG_8332 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8332" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7162951084_2f8083b6c8_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7162951966/" title="IMG_8331 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8331" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/7162951966_108cda0d7e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<p>
I took these photos of Clover on Monday afternoon while she was out front picking bouquets with her little neighbor friend Claire.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7162950226/" title="IMG_8335 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8335" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7162950226_941cff335c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7162949640/" title="IMG_8338 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8338" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7162949640_b59f2299c4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<p>
Earlier (much earlier) that morning we had a very scary reminder of how extremely precious this beautiful little soul is to us. A reminder to cherish every sweet moment she brings to our days, of which there are so so many, and to put into perspective the trying moments as well, of which there are also many. It really is all a gift.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7162954148/" title="IMG_8318 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8318" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7162954148_0b4b6e0a5b_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<p>
I wish I could say that her “new special nightgown” was something we picked up at the thrift store to add to the dress-up collection.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7162952886/" title="IMG_8321 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8321" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/7162952886_74f6751546.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<p>
Unfortunately, it was given to her in the emergency room in the wee dark hours of the morning, her pink fairy nightshirt having been cut from her body with scissors.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7162952404/" title="IMG_8327 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8327" height="374" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/7162952404_939ffab795.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<p>
It all began at about 5 am when Lucas and I were awoken by Clover thrashing around in her sleep (she had come into our bed earlier in the night as she does every night). That night as well as the night before she had had episodes maybe an hour or two after going to bed where she was sitting up awake and talking/mumbling but clearly still in a dream state. I was able to pretty easily rouse her out of it and get her back to sleep, unlike a full on <a href="http://children.webmd.com/guide/night-terrors" target="_blank">night terror</a> episode that we’d experienced with her a year or so ago.
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<p>
My first thoughts were that something of this nature was happening. Her body thrashing about and her breathing heavy, she wasn’t responding to me. When Lucas turned the light on though, I could see that this was different. She was on her back, her eyes open but staring up, not focusing, her fists clenched and her small body rhythmically convulsing over and over. We still couldn’t get her to respond to us.
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<p>
I turned to Lucas and said “she’s having a seizure, call 911.” and he did. Lucas stayed on the line with them as we waited for help to arrive, me in a frantic state of shock trying over and over to get through to her, to say something that would snap her out of it, bring her back. It kept going. After maybe 3, 4, 5 minutes (it felt like forever), the fire truck arrived and our room was suddenly full of strangers asking questions. Before I knew it Clover’s still convulsing little body was in the arms of one of the firemen or maybe an EMT, the ambulance had arrived.
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<p>
As they carried her out I threw on some clothes, grabbed a pair of shoes, and ran out the door barefoot. I rode in the front seat of the ambulance, lights flashing, my little girl in the back still not responding. Feeling helpless, scared, in shock, my mouth had gone completely dry. Taking notice of bits of what they were saying “tonic clonic“ “IV“ “code 3”…
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<p>
They were going to give her something that started with the letter V presumably to bring her out of the seizure. All of a sudden she was screaming, a guttural terrified scream that, while it broke my heart, was so relieving to hear. Apparently, she came out of it when they poked her to put the IV in. They never had to give her any medication. Which is good.
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<p>
Luckily, we’re quite close to the hospital and I was able to be back by her side pretty quickly. Lucas met us there as she was being taken from the ambulance. She was looking at me again, upset, crying, who could blame her, not a fun way to wake up, she must have been so confused.
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<p>
Once inside, she was hooked up to all kinds of monitors and poked again for a blood workup. There were lots of questions. “No, she didn’t have a fever. No, she didn’t have a fall or hit her head or ingest anything weird. Her behavior had been normal.” We were coming towards the end of a peaceful nights sleep, nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
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<p>
Once she got her bearings she started crying “Mommy, I want to go home.” “Me too sweetie, it’s ok. Mama’s here.” I was in the bed with her for most of our time there.
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<p>
There was a chest x-ray followed by a CT scan followed by lots of waiting. In short, the blood work up, the x-ray, the scan, all came up clear. Nothing to indicate a cause was found. We were told that sometimes these things can occur once and never happen again, only time will tell. We’re very much hoping that will be the case. After a couple of the most stressful hours of our lives, we were thankful to be back at home with our again seemingly perfectly healthy little girl.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7163043262/" title="IMG_8316 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8316" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7163043262_69f031358d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7162955856/" title="IMG_8314 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8314" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7162955856_e340652fcf_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<p>
That entire day she refused to change out of her new “special nightgown” and she wore her bandages and ankle tags like badges of honor. She also had these little sticker things on her thighs with a metal knob in the middle like a snap. We called them her snaps and joked about snapping things to her legs. She thought that was pretty silly.
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To everyone we saw that day, relatives and all her little neighbor friends, she showed off her special nightgown from the hospital and “I got this, and this, and this, and these” as she pointed to each bandage and anklet and snap attached to her body. “I rode in an ambulance and I stayed in the hospital ALL night!” It was dark when we went in and light when we came out so of course in her mind, we were there ALL night.
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I’m just so glad she’s taken to looking back on the whole thing as an adventure of sorts rather than the big scary experience that it was. She’s a tough little cookie and I’d say she’s definitely earned her bragging rights.
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After arriving back home that morning, we read a couple of books on the couch and then she slept for a couple of hours.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7162948384/" title="IMG_8350 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8350" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5236/7162948384_f422223c65.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7162948958/" title="IMG_8347 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8347" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7162948958_bcb8c13a4c_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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She’s been back to her bright, spirited, beautiful self ever since.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7162947680/" title="IMG_8353 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8353" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7162947680_38fd1ae2e6_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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The kids are doing mother’s day crafts at pre-school this week and she made me this sweet card yesterday. For the record, I think she may be overestimating my enthusiasm when it comes to grocery shopping, however, that last line really pierces my heart.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7162947136/" title="IMG_8362 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8362" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7162947136_b7cd8a437f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
This is going to be an extra special Mama’s Day. You are our world sweet Clover. Your Mama and Papa love you more than anything. We are so very thankful for this little face!Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708635780557529859.post-43640877842380706832012-05-06T23:50:00.000-07:002012-05-07T00:35:38.106-07:00Color Scheming<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7150372349/" title="IMG_8280 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8280" height="668" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/7150372349_8a1b987747_z.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Outfit post! Remember those? 100% thrifted. Wore this to the flea market today. The first of the season. Hooray! The red sunhat and dansko clogs are recent finds that I can already tell will be getting a lot of wear.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7004281532/" title="IMG_8286 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8286" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7004281532_8c0b0b9b4a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I’ve never owned a pair of danskos before and now for only 5 dollars, I finally know what all the fuss is about. They really are quite comfortable. They make me tall too.
The mushroom tote, which I love, was a gift from <a href="http://prettysmartgirlart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Milla</a>. I have been toting it with me everywhere I go of late. I get lots o' compliments on this bag.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23821209@N06/7150682815/" title="IMG_8293 by thriftcandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8293" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7121/7150682815_798c30e244.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Speaking of rad bags, a few scores from today's flea market: Soft leather backpack (seven bucks!), a gift from the seller’s mom back in the late 70’s, vintage wooden ring toss game with original box ($2), and enamel bowl with floral motif ($1). I love how perfectly these finds match my outfit too :)Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893666876164237431noreply@blogger.com8