nobody else

Today we are celebrating my favorite person in the world!  Every fall, Steve gets a little bit closer in age to me and then every spring, I have to ruin things by getting older.  He hasn't quite been able to catch up yet, but I still have hope for our 40s.  

Every year that I spend with Steve is a gift, but the past year has been extra special.  I always knew there was nobody else I'd rather spend time with than Steve, but now I know that there's nobody I'd rather see all day, every day for sixteen straight weeks.  

I always knew that there was nobody else I'd rather be a parent with, but now I can safely say that there is nobody else I'd rather fly across the world with to pick up a toddler.  

There's nobody else I'd rather run a business with, nobody else I'd rather go through job uncertainty with, nobody else I'd rather see when I'm awake with a crying child at 2am.  And 3am.  And 5am.  

Happy, happy birthday, darling.  I'm so glad you were born.  

whole foods

We finished up our Christmas shopping last weekend at Whole Foods.  It was at least 20 times more fun than going to the mall. 

 

Steve and I had never been to Whole Foods before, but after we found out that they carry chestnuts, we decided a trip was in order. 

 

I would call Whole Foods the largest fancy grocery store, based on other fancy grocery stores in our area.  I was especially intrigued by all the beautiful produce.  They had vegetables that I've seen in cookbooks, but never been able to find in a store.  They had mandarins with the leaves still on them!

 

We walked the whole store twice, to make sure we didn't miss anything.  By the time we were done, our cart was filled with tea and coffee and soaps and sparkly beverages- all the Christmas necessities. 

 

After all that walking around, we took a break in the cafe with some orange and fig gelato.  Amazing.  All in all, it was a delightful place to shop. 

 

Last night, we went on a date to celebrate the eight year anniversary of the night Steve asked me to be his.  Today, I've been thinking about how I'd say yes to him a thousand times over. 

I'd climb a mountain for you

We went hiking yesterday.  It was Steve's birthday activity of choice and the weather was perfect for it.  I'm not really what you'd call a "hiker", but I loved being with Steve, being outside, and the lovely views. 

We hiked Crowder's Mountain, which is about 45 minutes from here and the closest mountain to us.  I giggled when I saw it because, having grown up in the mountains, this one seemed pretty miniature.  However, it did not seem miniature when I was dragging myself up 367 steep steps at the top, so I guess we see who had the last laugh. 

I packed a picnic lunch and Steve couldn't believe it when I busted out the deviled eggs.  I guess he expected energy bars and trail mix (we did have trail mix), but hey- it's a hike, not hard time.  I see no reason not to eat civilized food, just because you're on top of a mountain.  I did not pack cloth napkins though, if you're wondering.

It was really fun to people-watch.  We saw lots of father-kids outings and decided that hikers have the best behaved dogs.  We took one trail to the top and a different one on the way down.  Both trail descriptions said "strenuous".  This morning, my legs are in perfect agreement with that description.

Today is Steve's actual birthday, so we started with our favorite breakfast.  We'll continue the celebration when he gets home from work tonight and finish off the day with homemade whipped cream and berries. 

 

This is the eleventh birthday I've celebrated with Steve and with each one I am just so thankful to have gotten to spend another year with my favorite person. 

 

someone agreeable to talk with

Last night, we brewed decaf coffee and heated up some milk. 

We added a couple chocolates to our saucers and headed out to the back yard. 



Truthfully, I'd been looking forward to it all day. 

As daylight slipped away, we sat in our lounge chairs and watched the hummingbirds on the feeder.  We talked about our days and about what we'd do tomorrow.  We made a few plans and talked through a solution to something that had bothered me all afternoon.  I was reminded of something I'd read awhile back-

"This was the cream of marriage, this nightly turning out of the day's pocketful of memories, this deft, habitual sharing of two pairs of eyes, two pairs of ears."

This was the cream of marriage- I couldn't have said it better. 

The weekend's almost here and we're wavering between having some down time or tackling a big project- I'll let you know which one wins out! 

easing back into things

Steve found the most amazing shell while we were at the beach last week.  We couldn't bring it home because someone was still living in it.  We brought home lots of other shells though and, even though I've washed them, they still smell like beach.  As does my gray t-shirt. 

Today is grocery shopping day.  It was really hard for me not to list seafood every night as I was planning out our meals.  It would take a very long time for me to get tired of fresh seafood. 

The pirate has gone back to work.  And at least ten times each day, I think of something to tell him or show him and find myself wondering where he is. 

In an attempt to regain my pre-vacation motivation levels, I threw myself into full-on zipper pouch mode yesterday.  As in 38 zipper pouches.  Steve was curious as to why I had 38 zippers laying around the house.  Oh, Steve. 

No time to work on pouches today though, because I have the car and a long list of errands.  It's rainy out, but I don't even mind because it's the perfect opportunity to wear my new boots.  Did I tell you about my new boots?  Well- in what can only be classified as a true birthday miracle, I found this awesome pair of navy rain boots at the GAP, in my size, for $6.97!  I know- this is the stuff of dreams and fairy tales. 

I'll be back to show you my zipper pouch progress later this week!

a new level of casual

This blog post will probably seem especially funny if you read the previous post that ran last week while we were gone. 

You know- the one about what hard workers we are and how we have to remind ourselves to relax? 

I think that some of us had to remind ourselves how to shave and wear socks this morning. 

It's funny how just nine days away from "real life" can change your whole attitude.  As Steve announced to some friends at church yesterday, "We've reached a new level of casual."

Amen to that. 

We got so used to the beach lifestyle that we started brainstorming ways that we could move there.  Just for a year or so. 

Maybe one of us would drive the jet ski for the banana boat rides or push the Italian Ice cart.  Perhaps we'd like to wait tables at the Duffy Street Seafood Shack, where most of the tables are outside?  I'd probably even be willing to spend my days with sticky arms, serving up sundaes at the ice cream parlor we walked to one evening. 

You may think I'm exaggerating, but some sort of shift has occurred in my brain.  I mean, sure, we did a few loads of laundry when we got home on Friday, but that was mainly because most of the stuff was already wet.  And in the laundry room. 

But mostly, we've spent the days since we've been home in the yard, in our lounge chairs.  It's like the beach, without sand.  Steve did go inside at one point, but only to whip up some amazing strawberry margaritas and grab the tortilla chips.  I even seem to remember making the comment, "It's five o'clock somewhere", as it was sure not five o'clock yet here. 

I love being home, but I do miss waking up with the ocean in my face.  Literally.  We didn't even bother closing the curtains at night, we were up so high.  (Does that creep you out?  I feel like that would be upsetting to some people.)

My to-do list for the day is all out scary looking because I just wrote down every single responsible thing that needed to be done that I sure wasn't going to do while we were still in vacation mode.  In fact, I may still be working through this list the next time we find ourselves in vacation mode.  Which I hope is next weekend. 

unexpected

July 2002

Steve and I met ten years ago this spring.  We were friends, part of a group, and although I thought he was terrific, I never expected to fall in love with him. 

August 2002

We went to the beach later that summer, again with lots of friends.  We held hands for the first time as we ran across Ocean Boulevard in a rain storm.  I never expected that I'd end up reaching for his hand for the rest of my life. 

April 2003

We spent lots of time together and I came to find out that Steve is the real deal.  He says the truth, all the time, and is totally comfortable being himself.  The more I knew about him, the more I wanted to know.  I never expected I'd get to know him better than anyone else. 

February 2004

By the time we actually started dating, I was all in.  I think we both were.  All my life, I thought that the proper "formula" was to date someone for several years before deciding if you wanted to marry them.  I never expected to be jumping-out-of-my-skin ready to accept a proposal after just one year of dating. 

April 2004 (yes, we are sleeping in pews- it's a long story)

I never expected to find someone I felt so at home with.  I never expected that I'd get so much time with just Steve, just us two.  I never expected that I'd be able to chase my dreams faster with someone to run by my side. 

July 2004

I never expected this much joy. 

We're leaving for the beach today to celebrate seven years of joy.  I've got a few posts scheduled for while we're gone and I'll be back to share pictures next week!  Hope you have a great one!

m & m's are the way to my heart

I hope that you had a lovely day yesterday.  I know I sure did.  It started with heart shaped pancakes and ended with mini cannoli.  And squished into the middle, all cozy-like, were sewing class and visiting with friends, and phone calls from people I love.  It was a great kind of day.

Here I am, flipping pancakes.  Of course I wore pink.  What fun is Valentine's day if you don't dress for it a little bit? (I had a roommate once- and I assure you it was not Steve- who felt it was important to wear pink underwear on Valentine's day.  I have yet to reach that level of holiday cheer.)

I moved a little table in by the fire for dinner and we had such a good time, eating and talking.  It's not hard to make a day special. 

This week, I continue to work on shop projects for the spring. I love shopping for just the right fabric and trying out a pattern idea several times to get it just right.  

I have been thinking all week about which item to offer for the daily deal tomorrow and I think it's going to be one that hasn't even been posted in the shop yet!  I hope you'll stop in to check it out, and remember- when they're gone, they're gone- so get yours early!

the story of us, on a Friday

He-

gets up at 5am with me when the coughing is too much and makes tea and speaks kindly and almost even turns it into a joy, to be awake and together for a little extra.

I-

press fabric and run errands and try to use the time wisely, but am secretly just ticking off the minutes until he comes home.

He-

works hard and calls to check in and will help me in the kitchen this weekend, apron and all.



I-

stir soup on the stove and think how much he'll like it and plan out in my head what I'll wear on our date tomorrow night. 

We-

will be inseparable for two whole days and that's the best part about weekends. 

there is so much to celebrate

I've spent a lot of time in this particular spot over the past few weeks.  More time than usual, even.  I had orders to finish.  I had Christmas gifts to finish.  Funny how every project has the same deadline at this time of year. 

At around 11pm Friday night I declared them all done.  DONE! 

Saturday morning found me wrapping gifts, boxing things up, and printing postage from my living room.  The joy of not going to the post office the week before Christmas is almost unparalleled. 

Incidentally, Saturday morning found Steve getting our oil changed before our holiday travels.  How do you efficiently get an oil change with only one car?  You choose a mechanic about two miles from your house and jog home and back while you wait.  That Steve.  He's so industrious. 

We ran errands (but avoided the mall), wrapped more gifts, and baked a cake.  Then, just when it seemed like the day couldn't get any better, we got gussied up and went out to dinner.  Fancy dinner. 

We were celebrating this weekend.  Celebrating that night, seven years ago, when it was cold and there were Christmas lights and Steve asked if I'd spend my life with him.  If I'd wrap my life around his life wrapped around my life. 

And the years go by and still the great mystery of it all stops me in my tracks sometimes and I am overwhelmed with gratitude.  That two lives can turn into one and that the one is so much more than just the sum of the two. 

I love to celebrate that night, one of the happiest of my life.  We ate delicious food and lingered at the table and shared dessert.  Then we came home and cuddled up on the sofa to watch one of our favorite Christmas movies and laughed and laughed.  It's the laughing together that's the best part. 

If you can believe it, that was only the beginning of the weekend.  Last night we hosted a dinner party that was so much fun we still can't stop talking about it.  Tomorrow I'll share some pictures, as well as the recipes, in case you're looking for some holiday food ideas. 

focus

One of my favorite things (so far) about our new camera is how I can focus on one small part of a picture, while leaving the rest of the image out of focus. 

I love the ability to really zero in on what's beautiful- a large bloom, flower buds about to burst open, the sway of the Russian sage- and blur out the not so beautiful (like, say, the air conditioning unit in the background). 

After all, isn't that what we should all be trying to do anyway?  Every day, I try to zero in on what makes life beautiful and let the rest fade into a background blur.  Some days are easier than others. 

I'm not suggesting a life of denial, but rather a conscious decision to give the most attention to the good. 

Steve and I were talking recently about some of the hard things we've dealt with over the past six years.  As we started listing them, we were really surprised that there were so many. 

We were surprised, I think, because we don't focus on those things.  We move through them and then let them just blur into the background with the neighbor's trashcan and the patches of dead grass. 

When I picture the past six years, some images stand out sharply against the blur:

buying our first Christmas tree

going for walks, arm in arm

planting bulbs in the yard

pool days

packing the car for a weekend trip

Thankful today that my mind, like my camera, is able to pick and choose what to focus on.  

"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse."
                                                                   Philipians 4:8 (The Message)