Chuckie Stump

I do have all kind of fun posts and cute pictures and things to share, but on a more serious note, I wanted to take the time to look back on some memories.

My friend, Chuckie, pictured above on the left passed away a year ago, as of yesterday. Our little town truly went through a tragedy, losing Chuckie and Jake, two of the kindest young souls, only within a month apart. It's a hopeless kind of feeling. You would think others would be effected so deeply by these events that they would take a look at themselves and learn from their mistakes. I don't think that this is so for a lot of people, though, unfortunately. It makes you wonder, who could be next? It's a scary feeling.

I met Chuckie through my friend, Paul, whom at the time, well, we were inseparable friends. Chuckie and Paul were best friends. They were neighbors and had known each other their whole lives. So, naturally, Chuckie and I became friends. This was around maybe 2007 or so, around the time I graduated high school. At the time, several of my good friends had started a punk band. We spent many days and nights in a dirty, old garage while they jammed. This memory is particularly dear to me because there were only a handful close friends who were around for these times in the garage and Chuckie was one of them.

He, Paul, and I also spent plenty of time loitering in parking lots in my car, waiting around for something fun to get into nearly every evening. We were bored out of our minds at the time but I didn't realize till now how much of a good time we were having just talking, laughing, and smoking and how much I would end up cherishing those times that seemed so unimportant and silly at the time.

xo, Linds

Ick turns one!

Ichabod turns one year old today!

We are celebrating Ichabod's first Birthday over here today! Yesterday, I made cupcakes at my parents house. I was told that his favorite color is gray so I whipped up some homemade icing. It's deadly sweet. I don't think Ick will be able to have any part of it, unfortunately. He will be showered with lots of belly rubs and yogies, though, I'm sure! I grilled up some hot dogs on our little George Foreman. It's lookin' like a party over here. Corpsey is on her way over here as I type this with Hans and Dolby. There will be the pitter padder of five ferrets little paws shortly. That makes me feel so happy. We're so thankful to have such an adorable, sweet ferret as Ichabod. It's been such a fun year and we're looking forward to many, many more. You're growing up so big and handsome, Icky. You're so very loved, Icky!

xo, Linds

Mad Men

My current Netflix addiction::.  Mad Men.

Elsie did a 10 Things I Love // Mad Men Edition post a while back. It definitely points out the beautiful vintage styling. I just love this era. It's really neat.

xo, Linds

Brunch

Michael and I went out to the Rt. 40 Classic Diner for brunch earlier today. Brunch is, by far, my favorite meal of the day and a chocolate milkshake is just appropriate at any point of the day.

Kelsey and Will are stopping over shortly on their way to visit family. I enjoy having company and I'm glad they continue to come over.

Still contemplating names for our little baby girl ferret. I am just stumped. Nothing sounds just right. I want to it be sort of cute and sweet sounding, since she is my only girl, but not overly so. Something short and simple to say like her brothers, Ick and Lux.

Oh, guess what? Ick's birthday is on Monday. I got the giant number one candle. Now I just need to bake something. I can't believe he's a year old. So cute!

Happy weekend, guys.

xo, Linds

Rise Above These Troubled Times

I saw this rainbow today. This is some kind of sign of hope, right? I'm not sure what is going on with me. I'm sort of stuck in some sort of rut. As much as I have truly, honestly, been busy this week, either from company or just needing some down time for myself, I really haven't had anything creatively stirring around in my head as far as blogging goes. Writer's block? Isn't that what they call it? The worst part is, I have so many lovely posts in the works, as drafts, just waiting to be shared. I just don't have the heart in me to put the finishing touches on them and share them with the world. I have to do  this thing with 100% passion or I'm not doing it at all.

I was reading a post just a short bit ago from another blogger, whom I admire, Delightfully Tacky. I am actually going to quote her on this because I can relate to her outlook on blogging.

"I don't want you guys to feel like I'm fishing for uplifting comments or "don't listen to those people, so many of us love you!" comments. I just want to be real with you guys. I don't live in some fairy land where my life consists of only making my Winne look cute while wearing flouncy dresses. I hope you don't think that. I can't pretend like I'm happy all the time and I'm so thrilled with everything about everything that is going on. It's just that you guys aren't listening in on the phone calls to my mom where I'm crying, or the late night text messages where I'm venting to Dan. But that's fine. The thing I like about my blog is that, for me at least, it's a place where I choose to be positive. I've chosen to keep this place a sanctuary for me. A place where I can escape from the pain, if necessary, and a place where I can rejoice in the good things in life. I feel like blogging offers that solace for a lot of people, especially because it also offers a community of like-minded people."

I guess I can just really respect how human people let themselves be sometimes My mind is just in a whirl wind on this subject and I'm not even sure if the connections are being made from one thought to the next.

I guess my point is that people and even things, in some cases, are so very multifaceted. There are pros and cons to everything, obviously. It would just perhaps be nice and if people weren't so quick with their words and they just took the time to appreciate things and be able to be a big enough person to be able to remove themselves from their own situations and take a look from another stand point and look deeper at all the components and be accepting of things.... for both the good AND for the bad!!!

I guess it's just one of those days. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

xo, Linds

New baby

Hi! I'm still alive! Just wanted to say that. It's been a busy week, filled with friends, family, friendship bracelets, ferrets, adventures, trains.. so much! Of course, some napping, too!

I have some big news....

We have a new addition to our little family here. We rescued a 5 month old baby female ferret from a friend. Her previous owner, my friend, Nichole, had severe allergies to her and she decided it would be best for her to find a new home where she could be free to run around more and get lots of love and affection.

We've been putting off getting her for some time and it was a big decision that I'm not even sure I was ready to make. I wouldn't say I regret it but I know I am at my limits with pets. I know I did the right thing, though, and that she will have a much better life here.

Her name is Bella. That is what Nichole named her but that may change in the near future since she is still young and hasn't learned it yet. Michael and I are still deciding on this. She is a blaze. She is my first little girl. I'm excited to see how this goes! She seems pretty independent and just wants to keep moving. I forgot how much energy baby ferrets had! Lux and Ick seem to get along with her fine. They have been playing a little and cuddling together. I think she will fit right in!

Hans and Dolby are over visiting their new little cousin! Corpsey and Alex are here, too! I'm going to go spend some time with them all!

I really need to get back on my blogging game!

xo, Linds

Everyday Inspiration

Last night, two of my favorite girl friends, Kelsey and Angel, came over to visit. We got to talk and catch up and ended up staying up till about 2AM making friendship bracelets. It was a good time. I love having my friends near and I wish it happened more often.

Sweet shirt, huh? I love the handstyle. Michael and I's friend, Jason, airbrushed this shirt for Michael.

I was thinking a bit lately about my friends and how truly talented, dedicated, and creative all my friends are.

I know artists... with brushes, pencils, pens, spray paint, make-up brushes, scissors, markers, air brushes, and tattoo guns. Almost any medium you can think of. I know musicians, writers, sculptors, graphic designers, photographers, seamstresses, ..you name it. Some things that are art forms in their own that you wouldn't even think about.. skateboarders, models, mechanics, business owners.. even babysitters, teachers, landscapers, gamers, chefs, bakers, animals lovers, and mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, and students! Friends, family, co-workers...

All these things take effort and passion to be. This is kind of one of those things that in the back of my mind, I'm saying.. You shouldn't preach what you don't practice.. but seriously, I don't think many of us give ourselves enough credit sometimes, including myself.

 I apologize.. I know it's nearly impossible to tell in these photos but my super cute, talented friend, Angel, crafted me a couple adorable flower clips that go in my hair. I love them!

I am so very pleased to say that about 6 people I know have created their own blogs since I have started my own only 3 short months ago. I'm not going to name names or give out links because I know some of us like to remain personal and anonymous and just are generally uncomfortable with writing still, but some of these people I know personally, such as siblings, cousins, and significant others.. and  several are wonderful potential friends whom I hope to have the opportunity to get to know better through this experience.

I just want you all to know.. my heart flutters when I see a new post from you guys. I love to read the insight into your world. It's very unique and special way to gain other perspectives. I love blogging for this reason.

 Last, but certainly not least, the black bird doll made my miss Molly. Probably the best mail I have ever received.. ever. You all already know from this post how talented and wonderful I think Molly is.

I'm sure I have a ton of other creations I could share but this gives you a great idea. I would totally love to share my friends creations more often. I cherish these gifts more than anything else I own and show them off with great pride.

Keep reading. Keep writing. Keep creating. Stay positive. Thank you for inspiring me on a daily basis..

xo, Linds