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

Favorite Posts

From time to time, I bookmark posts I like. For whatever reason, this doesn't happen very often so sometimes it takes me a little while to even acquire 5 to create a post. These ones are getting a little old, but I'll try harder next time around! I guess it's mostly a lot of name dropping of blogs I follow and paying my homage to them. :)

 High Waisted @ Bleubird Vintage

 

Happy Spots In Your Home @ Smile And Wave

A Walk Down Memory Lane @ A Beautiful Mess 

  Day To Day @ Against the Woodgrain

 Plaid To The Bone @ Delightfully Tacky

The ferrets are pretty mischievous this morning. 'Got to keep my eye on 'em while I watch some more Mad Men. Days off are sooo nice! Not sure what the plan is from today..
 

xo, Linds

80 Days Till Halloween

80 DAYS TILL HALLOWEEN!

Yes, I know it's still summer but I wanted you to know the countdown is on!

I love Halloween and I am very much looking forward to all things surrounded by it. Spook houses, chilly weather, leaves falling, sweaters, bonfires... I could probably keep going on..

In the photo above is a very special, beautiful machine that goes by the name of Gristle. I hope to properly introduce Gristle on my blog. I think a guest post is in order from it's lucky owner. *coughcorpseycough* ;)

Hope this turns out to be a good weekend. It's just one of those days where staying positive seems like such a chore.

xo, Linds

Baby Fresh

Oh my. How did I get so behind on blogging??? I haven't spent too, too much time on the computer the past couple of days because my parents are on vacation at the beach! (Boo, lucky them! Right?) I have been in Brownsville the past couple days keeping Laura company, visiting the critters, enjoying the back roads and well, enjoying a big, parent-less house. (Yeah, we're still such kids.) I've also been driving around with Michael! He's getting the hang of driving! I feel so terrible for being so paranoid and nervous. I'm not use to not having control. I am slowly becoming more comfortable. Honestly, all the practice seems to be paying off, too. It's pretty exciting and new for the both of us. Anyway, I've had a bazillion blogs to catch up on and I missed so many days of posts from my dear friends. I gotta' get back into the groove of this! I still have some good stuff in the works, so as long as I have access to the computer and I have some down time to show my blog some good ol' TLC, I will have some fun content coming soon! I have so many photos and thoughts and things I want to share and have been meaning to do so! Here are just a couple photos from yesterday evening. Michael, Laura, and I gave the ferrets a bath, clipped their nails, cleaned their ears, and spritzed them with some baby fresh. They're like brand new ferrets. They're oh so cute in the cleaning process, too! Enjoy!

So glad tomorrow is Friday! It's been a long, busy week at working getting the classroom together and learning a little bit more every day. I'm really looking forward to not getting up at 5AM this weekend!

You will hear from me again soon!

xo, Linds