Several mornings while driving into work I made a promise to myself to spend the first few minutes of the day writing about the beauty I was admiring on my drive. A daily inspirational moment to replenish my soul.
I didn't notice at the time, but looking back I realize the closer I got to work how my anxiety increased. My mind became clouded by nervous thoughts about the upcoming day. What fire would I put out today? Did I get everything I needed to done? Had I over looked an email? I was overwhelmed by the sheer thought of getting out of my car. It was not until the sun had set and I was on my return home that I remembered again the beauty of the morning.
Driving in the morning sun rising over Mount Hood the sky was vibrant pink and orange. It was eerily clear and quiet. Something about the serene day as I drove out Highway 84 East made me feel glad to be alive. There was really no specific reason why, but it was somehow euphoric. As the antagonist in my head inserted a remember that my father was no longer alive, I realized how lucky I am to see this beautiful morning. How fortunate I am to have found such a wonderful husband and despite all the little anxieties that life has to bring, how much more I should savor every moment, every second, every day of this life.
A few weeks later again these emotions found themselves emerging in my mind. This morning had an entirely different feel. A picture is worth a thousand words, it is the thought that were invoked in my mind that left their presence remembered. Fog saturated damp air misted its way around the darkly silhouetted trees. Light illuminated through the morning sending rays through the black silhouette surrounds. Sometimes the world is full of so much wonder.
Sure enough as soon as I parked and jaunted to the office door (managing to avoid the front entrance welcome by entering through the back loading dock technician entrance) the adrenaline hit, the phone flashing, email overloaded, and questions, no wonder I forgot to stay true to my word to myself.
Every so often I think it is good to stop and remember those things that do inspire us.
Monday, January 24, 2011
(250-241) Lunch Break Catch Up
Taking a break for the first time in a while! Works has been so over consuming lately, but have no fear I have been diligently crafting (despite being way behind on blogging about the experiences).
So here is a summary, though I will still back track and break out a few of my favorite experience.
Saturday January 8th – Weekend at Tiffany’s
Saturday Tiffany and I met up to do some party planning for the upcoming showers (Karly & Sierra). I walked through the swatches and we agreed upon the design elements we liked the most, then set out to Micheal’s to execute on the design. We found some decorations and wood grain paper for the banner and ideas for the shower. As we set out on our mission, we had the guys gluing the critters (that I had cut earlier in the week).
After our day of running around we enjoyed some delicious Papa’s Pizza (to celebrate Jacob’s 14th – my how he has grown). If you are not familiar, Papa’s is out of Eugene, Oregon and offers a uniquely delicious nacho pizza that though strange – yet pretty awesome. After dinner Tiffany & I ran to Kinko’s to run the invitations printing, then went home to assemble the invitations.
After a while we chose to take a break and Tiffany made the most delicious sundaes! Nom!!! I had to share the South Park Woodland Critter Christmas episode, which had been stuck in my mind since starting the planning for Sierra’s shower. It never fails to bring a laugh and a smile (though somehow the most disturbing episode of South Park).
Sunday January 9th – Weekend at Tiffany’s Continued
Before leaving town we finished the invitations for Sierra and if I do say so myself they are adorable:
After invitations we complete, we set out on an epic adventure of making chocolate (as I had picked up a kit at Micheal’s the day before). I won’t entirely call it an epic fail, but it is a memory that will live in emphamy in mine and Tiffany’s memories together. I will savor the sweet details of uni-browed butterflies and bubbly ladybugs. Delicious!
Our weekend would not be complete without a trip to Ben Franklin – a land of wonderful creativity in Eugene. I picked up a new quilling book and a quilling comb to try out some new designs and Tiffany found that they had quilling classes at the store!
To top of the weekend off Tiffany and I sat to quill. I surprised Tiffany by giving her my extra quilling set (because I thought she would truly enjoy it). We spent the last few hours of our weekend as I taught tiffany how to quill and I knew I found a fan when I got a text on Tuesday and she shared a number of other cute critters she had been working on. So glad to introduce some creativity and inspire a friend to create. That is the best part of life!
Monday January 10th – Baby Burke Banner
A banner for baby Burke! Tonight I unleashed the awesome powers of the cricket on Skye to help with a banner for a shower she was throwing in California (the following weekend). Paper, glue, ribbon and about an hour or so later we came out with a super cute banner. Wish I had caught a few pics…but I am sure Skye will have some to share soon.
Friday January 14th – The Coast Weekend
I spent the evening teaching Roxana, Marcus, and Jen how to quill. I felt creative in the process of sharing the techniques with them and seeing the excitement they had when finishing their quilled designs. Roxana did a super cute butterfly, Marcus chose a balloon, and Jen was very decided in wanting a blue duck with orange accents.
Saturday January 15th – Sticky Buns
In the morning I made Tiffany’s delicious sticky buns recipe– though I think I over did it with the rolls because they were overflowing after rising. Lesson learned for next time though. Though overall I think the results were a hit.
I had ordered a knit set from Amy Gaines on Etsy (check her stuff out she rocks!). But I didn’t realize the kit I had gotten was crochet, not knit! So I had Roxana sit down and show me a few stitches. I will have to work on this one to figure out how to construct the super cute owls that I want to give Benny for his 1st B-Day!
Sunday January 16th – Creativity Fail, Why Not Help Out?
At this point the drama in the cabin house had pretty much ensued and I felt less than creative, rather exhausted and ready to get home. The drive home was pretty and we stopped by the Glennon’s home in Salem to assess the situation and plan for their upcoming move to Portland. Though I did not feel creative, it did feel good to help some friends in need.
Saturday January 22nd – Soap and Fizzy Adventure
Soap and Bath Fizzies Adventure with with Sarah – more to come on this as I think the experience entails a posting all unto itself.
Sunday January 23rd – The Imaginary Invalid
It had been a while since I had some mom and me time. So I took her with me to see The Imaginary Invalid at Portland Center Stage.
We started the day with a quick bite to eat a Lucca Table in NE (pretty yummy with a super neat ambiance), then proceed to arrive at the play just on time. The play was really funny (and a little different than I had expected – surpassing my expectations), but we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Context of the play was so very prevalent being based on a hypochondriac trying to find a way to ensure through the marriage of his daughter that he will always be taken care of. There is an evil stepmother and over the top plot twists that come baring quick wit and a punch of humor. Of particular note was the faux Latin used in several of the songs which was hilarious (but moves so quickly that it keeps you on your toes).
Okay folks…and now my lunch is over and I feel like I had a bit of time to catch up!
So here is a summary, though I will still back track and break out a few of my favorite experience.
Saturday January 8th – Weekend at Tiffany’s
Saturday Tiffany and I met up to do some party planning for the upcoming showers (Karly & Sierra). I walked through the swatches and we agreed upon the design elements we liked the most, then set out to Micheal’s to execute on the design. We found some decorations and wood grain paper for the banner and ideas for the shower. As we set out on our mission, we had the guys gluing the critters (that I had cut earlier in the week).
After our day of running around we enjoyed some delicious Papa’s Pizza (to celebrate Jacob’s 14th – my how he has grown). If you are not familiar, Papa’s is out of Eugene, Oregon and offers a uniquely delicious nacho pizza that though strange – yet pretty awesome. After dinner Tiffany & I ran to Kinko’s to run the invitations printing, then went home to assemble the invitations.
After a while we chose to take a break and Tiffany made the most delicious sundaes! Nom!!! I had to share the South Park Woodland Critter Christmas episode, which had been stuck in my mind since starting the planning for Sierra’s shower. It never fails to bring a laugh and a smile (though somehow the most disturbing episode of South Park).
Sunday January 9th – Weekend at Tiffany’s Continued
Before leaving town we finished the invitations for Sierra and if I do say so myself they are adorable:
After invitations we complete, we set out on an epic adventure of making chocolate (as I had picked up a kit at Micheal’s the day before). I won’t entirely call it an epic fail, but it is a memory that will live in emphamy in mine and Tiffany’s memories together. I will savor the sweet details of uni-browed butterflies and bubbly ladybugs. Delicious!
Our weekend would not be complete without a trip to Ben Franklin – a land of wonderful creativity in Eugene. I picked up a new quilling book and a quilling comb to try out some new designs and Tiffany found that they had quilling classes at the store!
To top of the weekend off Tiffany and I sat to quill. I surprised Tiffany by giving her my extra quilling set (because I thought she would truly enjoy it). We spent the last few hours of our weekend as I taught tiffany how to quill and I knew I found a fan when I got a text on Tuesday and she shared a number of other cute critters she had been working on. So glad to introduce some creativity and inspire a friend to create. That is the best part of life!
Monday January 10th – Baby Burke Banner
A banner for baby Burke! Tonight I unleashed the awesome powers of the cricket on Skye to help with a banner for a shower she was throwing in California (the following weekend). Paper, glue, ribbon and about an hour or so later we came out with a super cute banner. Wish I had caught a few pics…but I am sure Skye will have some to share soon.
Friday January 14th – The Coast Weekend
I spent the evening teaching Roxana, Marcus, and Jen how to quill. I felt creative in the process of sharing the techniques with them and seeing the excitement they had when finishing their quilled designs. Roxana did a super cute butterfly, Marcus chose a balloon, and Jen was very decided in wanting a blue duck with orange accents.
Saturday January 15th – Sticky Buns
In the morning I made Tiffany’s delicious sticky buns recipe– though I think I over did it with the rolls because they were overflowing after rising. Lesson learned for next time though. Though overall I think the results were a hit.
I had ordered a knit set from Amy Gaines on Etsy (check her stuff out she rocks!). But I didn’t realize the kit I had gotten was crochet, not knit! So I had Roxana sit down and show me a few stitches. I will have to work on this one to figure out how to construct the super cute owls that I want to give Benny for his 1st B-Day!
Sunday January 16th – Creativity Fail, Why Not Help Out?
At this point the drama in the cabin house had pretty much ensued and I felt less than creative, rather exhausted and ready to get home. The drive home was pretty and we stopped by the Glennon’s home in Salem to assess the situation and plan for their upcoming move to Portland. Though I did not feel creative, it did feel good to help some friends in need.
Saturday January 22nd – Soap and Fizzy Adventure
Soap and Bath Fizzies Adventure with with Sarah – more to come on this as I think the experience entails a posting all unto itself.
Sunday January 23rd – The Imaginary Invalid
It had been a while since I had some mom and me time. So I took her with me to see The Imaginary Invalid at Portland Center Stage.
We started the day with a quick bite to eat a Lucca Table in NE (pretty yummy with a super neat ambiance), then proceed to arrive at the play just on time. The play was really funny (and a little different than I had expected – surpassing my expectations), but we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Context of the play was so very prevalent being based on a hypochondriac trying to find a way to ensure through the marriage of his daughter that he will always be taken care of. There is an evil stepmother and over the top plot twists that come baring quick wit and a punch of humor. Of particular note was the faux Latin used in several of the songs which was hilarious (but moves so quickly that it keeps you on your toes).
Okay folks…and now my lunch is over and I feel like I had a bit of time to catch up!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
(251) Soap Making and Molds
This weekend my friend Sarah taught me to make soap! Well I should say she really made the soap while I watched as we were in a rush to get to a delicious wine bar. I asked her to teach me as a favor for an upcoming baby shower (next weekend - sheesh how the time flies!). Our soap was in the shape of ladybugs - looks super cute and is a gelatinous red with glitter.
She did expose me to an awesome site for all things soap oriented:
http://www.brambleberry.com/
Another location that is great for finding molds is candy shops. During our adventures we went out to this super neat confections supply store in Beaverton called the Decorrette Shop.
For those who are locals, you basically drive down Highway 99 in Tigard and it is behind the shopping center near JoAnn's (11945 SW Pacific Hwy, Ste 109, Tigard, OR 97223). They have a website, but it really does not do the store justice - www.decoretteshop.com
(Recently found that there is one in SE as well off of SE Foster (near 50th))
She did expose me to an awesome site for all things soap oriented:
http://www.brambleberry.com/
Another location that is great for finding molds is candy shops. During our adventures we went out to this super neat confections supply store in Beaverton called the Decorrette Shop.
For those who are locals, you basically drive down Highway 99 in Tigard and it is behind the shopping center near JoAnn's (11945 SW Pacific Hwy, Ste 109, Tigard, OR 97223). They have a website, but it really does not do the store justice - www.decoretteshop.com
(Recently found that there is one in SE as well off of SE Foster (near 50th))
Thursday, January 13, 2011
(252) Biscotti
Tonight my creative energy came in the form of cooking some delicious scones for the upcoming beach cabin trip this weekend. Voila:
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Ingredients
* 1/4 cup light olive oil
* 3/4 cup white sugar
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
* 2 eggs
* 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 3/4 cup dried cranberries
* 1 cups pistachio nuts
Glaze
* 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
* 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (finely minced)
* 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon milk
Directions
1. Mix oil and sugar, add in the extracts (vanilla and almond), and beat in eggs. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Then add cranberries and nuts by hand.
2. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper and form dough into two logs (~12 inches).
3. Bake for @ 300 for 35 minutes (logs should be a light brown).
4. Cool for 10 minutes, then cut logs on diagonal into 3/4 inch thick slices, and reduce oven to 275.
5. Lay on sides and bake approximately 8 to 10 minutes (until biscotti is dry), let cool.
6. Whip glaze, then dip biscotti, and set on wax paper to dry.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
(254-253) Karly Invitations for the January Shower
Here is a quick peek at the second invitations for Karly's shower. Since I was short on time I ordered the design from Tiny Prints, then embellished them with some cute lady bugs.
Inside the invitations I also whipped a quick invite for the Man Shower:
Invitations are done, now I have to work on the cupcake toppers and inserts for the floral arrangements.
Inside the invitations I also whipped a quick invite for the Man Shower:
Invitations are done, now I have to work on the cupcake toppers and inserts for the floral arrangements.
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