Thirty Days of Truths: Day 13

Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)

I am not one to obsess, or really rely on much other than me myself and I for comfort and such. I know what truly counts is what I create within myself, with that said I have definitely had some tough ass days, months....years... and although I can't say there was one particular band or artist that I owe my continuing presence on this Earth to...I can say that I do love music for its entertainment purposes as well as a great way to jam out when I need to get some stuff done.

I can remember a couple songs that resonate with a particular event in my life or time period of my life so I'll write a short letter to a couple that first came to mind:

Dear Blue Oyster Cult, and Chuck Berry,           (*is that an odd combination?)

I am writing this letter to express my gratitude for getting me through some tough ass times. And reminding me of those times each time I hear particular songs of yours.

Blue Oyster Cult you were almost the sole recipient of this letter, but I realized that Mr. Berry also deserved some credit for a certain song that appeared in a movie from my childhood. I will address your influence first.

A few years ago, I began what proved to be one of the most difficult years of my young life. While I am not about to say it couldn't have gotten worse, I know that is not wise, since I said it a few times that year and was proven wrong, and I am not too keen on being wrong, so I'll just leave that part out.

I lost a dear friend early on in that year. She was loved as family and knew more about me than I think I still know today. Her death impacted me greatly and I had a very difficult time accepting she was gone. My busy life at college had taken a toll on our relationship and I didn't see her as much as I should have in those years...I learned a very hard lesson.

While I was still reeling from the pains of her death another friend of mine was in a car accident and died, nearly a month after that I lost a family member, and then the next two months took two more people from my life. By the second death of that year I was fed up with crying and mad at the Universe. As well as myself. I retreated from friends and ended up not gaining many of those friendships back-

I had a cell phone and learned how to download new ringtones and ended up with quite the appropriate ringtone Mantra...

Laaa la laa la laa.

I have a flashback to that year every time I hear that song. The pain less now with the time that has passed, but the memories still strong. It was quite a blur of a year, and that song received quite a few laughs when people would hear my phone. I suppose part of the reason I chose that song was to help deal with the pain... but I think it also might have to do with my admiration of a certain SNL scene that still makes my sides hurt when I watch it:

Bruce Dickinson: I mean, really.. explore the space. I like what I'm hearing. roll it.

Haha, so yeah... Thanks Blue Oyster Cult. You rocked that song as my anthem that year!

(Now, after the reference to the Cowbell scene I might be the only person that remembers I included Chuck Berry in this letter...moving on)

So, Mr. Berry, may I call you Chuck? Chuck, that song Johnny B. Goode was, as most know, in Back to the Future, at the prom. That scene was playing on our family television during a very traumatic moment in my childhood.

I vividly remember it every time I hear that song, or watch BTTF...I was sitting on my Dad's lap and watching the movie, when my Dad, the eternal jokester, decided (I thought) to play one of his pranks on us. About the same time Marty McFly (Micheal J. Fox) saw his hand was starting to disappear, my Dad clutched his chest. I thought he was joking and doing his "Seizure" thing he used to do... when he didn't stop I knew something was terribly wrong.

A very long story short that evening ended with my Dad and Mom going to the hospital while I was in the arms of a very nice firefighter who stayed with me and my siblings until a friend of the family could arrive to watch us. I tear up now thinking about the chain of events and the worry I felt as a very young child.

I have always felt a deep connection with my Father, and not knowing if he was coming back scared me, as I'm sure it would most children.

Luckily he came home, and I still have my Daddy today...but that song reminds me of how fragile life can be, and both songs remind me to take the time to spend with those I love. We never know when they may be the last moments together in this life.

Thanks for the Memories,
Cassie

These songs/artists definitely strike up some vivid memories, and I don't think I will soon forget either episode in my life. And while I rely more on my writing and myself to pull myself through those tough ass times in life- I would like to think this all completes the task of the day. ^_^

Thanks for reading my ramblings!
<3 <3 <3 Cassie Stone
~Rolling through life to the rhythm of love...share the bliss.

Thirty Days of Truths: Day 12

Ooooh la la. We have stumbled upon Day 12: Something you never get compliments on

That is an interesting one. I have had a hard time thinking about this post. To say never is quite the finite thing...and I suppose if I never get compliments on it, then I probably wouldn't notice.

My first instinct is to say, well... nothing. But there has to be something. Oh, I know. My photography skills. Er rather, lack thereof.

I suppose I could just practice a bit more, and get better at taking photos. That is definitely something I never get compliments on. "Hey, Cassie- I think you are an awesome photographer and should get paid to do that" said no one. Ever.

Haha. So with that said. Go over to my Instagram page and check out my not so good photos of my life. ^_^

So I suppose that is something I can work on. That would be like me. I don't know how to do something, so I'm going to teach myself how, even if I only do it once. I probably would have been happy going through each and every course at Texas State...just so I could know about everything possible. I wonder how long that would take.... too long. And it would also take me too long to figure it out. >.<

I think people tend to underestimate the power of knowledge. I think that by being an eternal student, we have to potential to learn and do so much. Too many people are stuck in a rut and go through life saying "if only" or "I wish" or even "I bet I could" I see people who are artists of the painting kind and I think to myself "self. You know-you could have stayed in art and tried a bit more, then you could make something cool for your man" But then I think, wow. That would take a lot of time...let's go bake. And I make him his favorite snickerdoodles or some gooey chocolate chip cookies from scratch since boxes and premade cookie dough never come in this house. I'll leave the painting to the people that put all that time into practicing. Which leads me to believe that you can never know the worth of an object or talent until one is presented with the task itself. Only then can you find the true value of it's creation and existence. So to those that think "I can do better" when they see a piece of art, or a wedding cake... then go try! You never know-with time and patience you just might be able to, but there is that chance that you step back and say "whoa, maybe not. I'll leave that masterpiece cake baking to the professional(person who's spent time making it a career)"

Or...you might find yourself a new profession! Haha. So....off to go work on my photography skills. But don't worry...I prefer to leave the real stuff up to the professionals. I never could have photographed our wedding as well as our guy Paul did!



Oh yeah......
On a side note, I had quite the scare last night. I was um...chopping through some frozen celery because I forgot to get it out with the rest of the ingredients, and wanted it in the pot NOW.

...and I umm...kind of let the knife slip out of my cold wet hands while slicing the hard, icy, frozen celery. I thought it cut my finger and dropped the knife completely- when I realized that my foot was right under where I dropped it.

In a split second, which felt like an eternity I jumped up and out of the way, as sparks and a big reddish bluegreen burst through the kitchen (I think I discovered how to make ball lightning).

Me and the family as the ball of lightening burst through the kitchen

Oh, yea...funny story...

 I squeaked, and looked to see the damage...I had all my fingers and all my toes! YAY! But oh NO!

My computer cord had been sliced right through by the precious wedding knife we were blessed with! It was my sharpest knife, of course. Only the best for recklessly chopping frozen vegetables, natürlich!

So then....I think- if it did that to the cord, what about my poor knife!?

As you can see ------------->
It melted a perfect little hole in the blade. Still sharp. Still works. But now it has a story to make it completely worth of the Stone's House of Love.

Because if it can't survive the worst conditions it won't survive this house. haha! We! Are! Sparta!

Oh, okay... not really. But it seems to be a pattern in this house. Everything has a great story. Even us.

So, with all that said about the things I don't get complimented on...that is the end of Day 12!

I'd love to know what you don't get compliments on, or if you are doing the challenge-leave me your link!

Time for me to roll on....thanks for reading!! ^_^
~Cassie


*Update*

So my dear neighbor and friend (we'll call her Miss. Mack), who just told me she's read this post. Uh  Missy, you know you can post a comment, right? Let a gal have some luv on here.... And that she's always been thinking to herself that the Pics I've posted on Instagram are good. Well, some of them. LOL I think a couple of these might have been what she was talking about. Is this what you've been talking about Miss. Mack? 

And if you don't like that nickname....you can tell me so. On here. Otherwise I'll just keep on calling you that. HAHA! 

 <3 <3 <3 .......Mrs. Stone <3 ^_^

Thirty Days of Truths: Day 11

Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

Well that is easy...

My current length

It would definitely be my hair. So it isn't as long as Rapunzel's hair, but I've kept it pretty long for a while, now. I love it long, and I love it down. If I didn't live in a place with 100+ degree Summers I would wear it down all the time!

I usually get compliments on the color, and I've had a couple stylists tell me that I should never dye it. I haven't, nor do I think I ever will. I can remember my Mom telling me when all the other girls were getting their hair dyed that once I started I would never be able to stop. And that when she tried dying her hair, at the same time she permed it, she had a horrid reaction. I suppose I kind of always had a fear of getting some sort of reaction, or something. Haha. I also had a dream where I dyed my hair, and then I didn't recognize myself anymore. That was the worst...

I think some girls dye their hair for a change, I get that. But I like who I am, and I love my hair. It gets lighter, naturally in the summer, and darker in the winter. So I kind of get to change with the seasons!

And since this blog is all about truths...I do need to admit to one thing: I used to do so much more with my hair. I tried wearing it in all different sorts of styles and now that I am a busy gal...I don't give my hair the attention I should. So I need to fix that. Definitely.

So yeah, it would be my hair and it's natural ability to be wavy, or straight. With golden kisses from the sun in the summer and flecks of strawberries in the winter.

...Oh and the last time I chopped it short...was after the big breakup. I had been "told" never to cut it short. So what's the first thing I do to show him how over we were? I chopped it! Tee hee.

The Shortest my hair has been in a very long time.
Please don't look at my messy old apartment. This is ca.2006 

So that is Day 11! Woo hoo! Posting again tomorrow! This lil' Stone is rolling off to bed! Ta ta for now!

Thirty Days of Truth: Day 10

Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn't know

Almost to the second week! Hubs is surprised I've not become bored of this. I think he has been trying to make me forget about the blog...Last night we had a lovely evening meeting some friends of ours that are also clients of his, came home enjoyed a movie and some Mancala. Have you played that game? It is soooo addicting!

My brother gave it to me a couple years ago for a gift and I've played it a few times, but we have a heated competition going on in our home. A simple game that even our lil guy is loving! 

Ok, back on track: Day 10: There was a guy back in college-oh no not that kind...haha
Well, this guy had some major issues, and I ended up being at my friend's house (who happened to be his roomate) when he decided to get wasted and beat up on his girlfriend. A VERY long story short-I ended up holding him back- think: barricading him with my body...until the police came.

I had phone calls from his fraternal buddies, and himself threatening me if I showed up in court. And ended up with a restraining order and police escort on campus a few times because he found out my schedule and was harassing me. I lived in fear-I had just gotten out a bad relationship, and was thrown into this!? All I could think was that I was supposed to help her. I wish there was a way I could have helped her without knowing him. That is the crazy truth. His family ended up spending probably my entire college tuition on getting him a slap on the wrist, so sad.

But I do, I need to let him go. I still worry to this day whether or not she ever got back with him, or if he still lives in my town. All I can do is live in the light of love and hope that they have figured out a better way to live as well. It makes me want to find all the little kids whose parents don't love them the way they deserve, and just do the minimum, or worse, and say "I'm doing my best" those are the kids that need more love. Some people's worst is better than other's best...all it takes is a look in the news to see it. Let alone a look in the playgrounds... True love can move mountains, and know no bounds.

30 Days of Truth: Day 9

Day 09: Someone you didn't want to let go, but just drifted

Hmmm...well before I get into the sad reality that people drift as they get older...I would like to say that today was the first day back to school for our lil' guy!

He was so excited to start this year. Last year his grades were hard for him to keep up with, the whole: "School is for learning" thing didn't quite sink in with him. I hope it does this year. Life would be quite a bit easier on all of us!

We had to deal with after school tutorials and all sorts of not fun catch-up stuff...so this summer we kind of drilled a few things into him. We've made a Family Agreement, and hold weekly Family Meetings to get all of us on the same page, and talk about what's working and what isn't. I think it has helped immensely! He has a list of manners that we are working on, a couple per week, and we have been practicing spelling, handwriting, math, and other things Fourth Grade. I hope he sees how his hard work will pay off.

This morning was precious. He helped pick out his clothes the night before, we set his alarm, was in bed early for a good start. I made Sunrise Cupcakes (they are really healthy muffins....shhhhhh!) and his favorite cheesy eggs. He had put his backpack on out of excitement as soon as he came out of his room dressed and ready for the day! I laughed with the darling Hubs, and we told him he didn't have to eat breakfast with the backpack on. It was three more times that he put the backpack on out of excitement before it was actually time to go. Once when going to put on shoes, again when he was supposed to go brush his teeth and one final time as I was wanting to help fix his hair.

I can remember the excitement. The butterflies in my stomach, wondering how my teacher was going to be...the desire to be back with all my friends after a long summer away from them. Fourth grade. Wow. It was a year full of writing, spelling and math. I remember it was the first year I knew I made a 100 on all my spelling tests. The first year I had a boyfriend. A "real" one that even gave me a locket, and passed notes to me. We'd meet on the soccer field and the other kids, none of whom had been in a "relationship" like we were chanting for us to kiss....oh the memories.

So as I think about how it was at that age, I strive to make this year even better than his last year. Better than mine, too. I want him to look back at this age as a true joy and with a fondness that will someday grow so large it spills over into his child's experience as well.

As I think of his experience and how great I want it to be, I now can focus on the theme of today's post. It is Day 09, of course. I had a sweet friend in Fourth grade. She and I had been friends since Kinder, and we were practically inseparable. When we were swimming or sharing a bath, we would laugh because people thought we were the other. For a small fleeting moment, I would imagine my life as her sister, we were sisters. However, in Fourth Grade a girl came between us. A bully of sorts, perhaps. But a girl that didn't want to share her friend, who was really my friend. Oh the drama, so long story short; I ended up making a new friend. Still friends with the original when we weren't in school, but this new friend and I realized we lived rather close, and we had many interests.

So we became pretty darn good friends. Although even through the years others came and tried to take this friend from me too, we stayed friends until college. We went to the same school, and wanted to room together, but I was told...not to room with friends. I was so scared it would hurt our friendship that I agreed to room with another that I didn't know as well...and that was probably the one decision of my entire life that I regret. If I could go back and change anything. It would be me choosing anybody over that Fourth Grade friend of mine.

Our relationship dwindled, and fizzled. She lived in an all girl's dorm, and I was in a co-ed upperclassman dorm because the dorm we were supposed to go into was demolished, and we went on a waiting list. So instead of living with a bunch of Freshman and having a dorm with a curfew, I was in a dorm with 21+ers that knew what made college fun. Oh the stories from Rm. 111 at San Saba Hall. I do believe I could write a novel involving psycho roommates and foreign roommates and living in a room all by myself...about the relationships and my baking bringing all the boys to the basement for studying. I also became a campus legend of sorts for a while-but that's for another day. I used to be interesting. Haha.

I do wish this lovely lady and I hadn't drifted so. The nail that sealed the coffin was probably my controlling ex. That relationship, I now realize was so unhealthy...he didn't like any of my friends, and his friends, well. Most of them would hit on me the second he left the room. I wasn't sure if it was because they were testing me to see if I was good for him, or what. I doubt it. As soon as I ended the crazy relationship the propositions came flooding in...blech.

I think I may have hurt her feelings, and I wish I knew how to get us back together to patch things up. But then again, there are many people that I feel I have drifted from. Life gets so busy and with me working two jobs while going to college...then my internships. Well, time just wasn't on my side during that time.

If she's reading this, which I highly doubt...I want her to know how much I miss her. The memories of our Senior year, and that car accident. Oh my....the movie nights when we'd freak ourselves out so much that even Ursula was too scary. The night with the jello...and blasting the cold air into the house so we could pile on the blankets. Good times, with an amazing friend.

So now that I'm all mopey about losing that closeness...about her not being at my Wedding, or even meeting my Hubby and Son...I'll move on to my day and hope that someday we reconnect.

~Rolling through life to the rhythm of love...share the bliss.

Thirty Days of Truths: Day 8

Day 08: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit

Wow, well... memories linger back to an old college roommate of mine. Man, that was some crazy stuff to go through and I never thought I would have to deal with someone worse than that-but I have, and it is truly a shame, too. I have only had the best intentions towards people I have to deal with in life. I try and give people the benefit of the doubt. But when someone uses me, or takes advantage of me and mistreats me-there is no way I will roll over and play dead for them. I bite back.

Needless to say, this person doesn't have the ability to make my life hell. No one does, really but me and who would want that negativity anyway? :) But as far as treating me like the poo on the bottom of a shoe, well this person takes the cake. I can't even begin to count the number of things I've had to deal with as a direct result of their negligence and basically lazy attitude towards most things in life. I've picked up the slack and led by example for quite a while now, which is what I will continue to do. We all have reality to deal with, some just try to fake it longer than others.

It is a funny thing how people treat each other when intimidated, like co-workers...when one is going above and beyond, the others sometimes get scared they might make them look bad so they attack, so-to-speak. Or like the "cool" kids attacking the "nerds" it's always the same. Bullies have some sort of shortcoming they have to make up for and can only do so by trying to make another person feel bad. Sad sad stuff. My old Blog had some posts about it...I try to just let most of it roll off my back these days, but man. The stories I could tell. One of my favorite quotes that came from all of this was from this post:

If you act out of respect for yourself you won't go around telling lies and wearing a mask so people think you are something that you are not. There is a point when the mask has to come off... but only after it has become a joke to those that know the truth behind it, and before you realize it is too late to keep the beauty that was once beneath. And you are not being respectful of yourself by creating an image you can't always keep up with.  So many people hide behind these masks, and sadly I fear do not even know their true selves.  

 I always try to look for the silver lining, and even though this person has treated me less than favorably...I have learned quite a few lessons in the process, as well as shown me how lucky I am to have had such an amazing family to have raised me and loved me so well. The power of love is truly amazing. One would think that all a parent would want for their child is love...but some can't see past their selfish desires to let them have that unconditional love they crave, need and thrive from. <3

Well, my Lil' guy's lunch is all packed and ready to go for his first day of Fourth Grade! And I have all the breakfast goodness ready to go for the morning! I can't wait to see his face when he gets his Morning Surprise!

Now that things are getting back to routine around here I will definitely be catching up on some overdue posts of my recent creations!

~Rolling through life to the rhythm of love...share the bliss, and good night!

30 Days of Truths: Day 7

Woo hoo! I made an image to go with my Thirty Days Challenge! I used Picmonkey, have you tried it? A very easy to use interface and some great free stuff to play with for pictures. Of course, of you are photoshop savvy then you probably don't need it. I just don't have Photoshop on this computer. Boo. I am happy to finally have a bit more time to write. This past month, or three has been pretty busy and I am learning to make more time for the things that I like to do. This Blog is one of the main things on that list. Among a few others-well another day. I made some great granita for a recent little gathering at our house, and also made a plum simple syrup for some cocktails. Quite delish!

Oh yeah- I have to do my challenge thing! So Day 07: Someone who has made your life worth living for

The first thought that comes to mind is that life is worth living because of me...there was a time when I thought life wasn't much worth anything alone and it took me learning how wrong that was. I figured out how to be happy on my own and to love myself unconditionally and then I found someone that was worth sharing that life with.

Of course life without him would be a lot less worth living...and now that I've found my soul mate, a man who loves me for me, I'm not sure I can truly even remember my life before him.

He definitely is a good partner and I am lucky to have him in my life. A great friend, a wonderful Father and the best partner in this life...those are just a few reasons he makes this life worth living!

Time to give the lil guy one last kiss-second night kisses are best when they're dreaming. Then this Stone is rolling off to bed! Bis Morgen!

30 Days of Truths: Day 6

So today we had a fun final summer hurrah with some of our dear friends and neighbors. I  love this little street we live on! We missed a few friendly faces, but will have one soon. With that said. I have about 6 minutes to do this post, and probably about 2 minutes before my Hunny comes looking for me with that you-are-seriously-posting-NOW? look on his face. Um yeah...

So without further adieu, and without any bells or whistles...so sorry...

...here is Day 06: Something you hope you never have to do

I can think of a few things I hope I never have to do...some involving truths that will rise to the surface on their own, and others having to do with other unthinkables... but hmmmm

I hope I never ever have to be apart from my Hubby for a long time....like a few days. I know some people feel the need to get away, I get that. but my Darling Husband is truly my best friend, and I know it sounds lame, but I really hope I never have to spend a night away from him.

I always remeber learning about my Great-somethingth Uncle William and his Catherine, and how they only spent, I think it was 6 days apart, and it was because they had been traveling and one fell ill. I want that. The love that doesn't get old, and the desire that is always there. So yeah. Don't ask me to go on a trip without him, unless you are prepared to get that answer. ^_^ And yes, he feels the same way-if he ever needs to travel for his job, we will figure out a way to go together-even with the future kiddos. They'll be homeschooled and it will be a big family get-a-way. For sure!

Alrighty......night 6, done. And the last summer hurrah is done too!
This 'lil Stone is rolling off to bed! Nighty night! <3

Oh and what recipe should I post first: The Mango Ginger Granita, or my Sweet Sunrise Cupcakes? If you let me know, and live close enough-I'll make you your choice and you can come have tea with me! <3

30 Days of Truths: Day 5

30 Days of Truths Challenge: Day 05: Something you hope to do in your life

Short and sweet tonight- It was Meet the Teacher Night at our Not-So-Little Guy's school. Fourth grade! Oh my. His teacher seems amazing, and he is so excited to be in fourth grade. I love it. We're decorating his school stuff tomorrow. We'll Star Warsing it all up. That'll make it all more boyish, and less plain.

So...like I said. Short and sweet. I am currently writing, er rather trying to write a novel. Last November I participated in a writing competetion, and I have a poem published online...but I really want to have a legitimate novel that makes it into the hands of a good amount of people.

I've always been inspired and have enjoyed writing. It is in my blood, quite literally, and constantly in my head. My Great, Great, Great-somethingth Uncle was William Blake, and while I know I will never be as talented as he was-I'd like to think he passed a few if his talents down the line to my family. I have a cousin that is an amazing artist, as is my brother. My sister is amazing with her prose, and I believe one of my cousins is a savant when it comes to the piano. I also feel I have other gifts from him-to be spoken of another time maybe.

But if I had a dream, other than to live a life full of love and happiness...it would be to have a novel that somebody someday would say "You really have to read this book by Cassie Stone"

...even if it was a cookbook. Haha-well, one of those cookbooks with lots of little stories inside.

Well, that's my Fifth day- This lil' Stone's rolling off to bed.... Gute Nacht!

30 Days of Truths: Day 4

30 Days of Truth

Day 04: Something you have to forgive someone for

Hmmm. This one is difficult. But doable, it has been a struggle-but some people just can't help being selfish and narcissistic. I get that. So I have to forgive those who should know better, but for some reason only see a reality that they have fabricated in their self-serving ego-maniacal minds. So before I get too deep about this one, and end up with another bruised ego harping about how I've wronged them...I'll stop. Because I know I am honestly doing what is good, and right for the family that I am responsible for, even if certain egos make it difficult. I can forgive dumb, but malicious is a whole different ballgame.

Um yeah...I'm not into tip-toeing around the truth. Can you tell? ^_^

Apologizing to mysef could count, right?

Oh and tomorrow....along with my Truth post, I'll be posting the recipe for my Mango-Ginger Granita with Honeyed Buttermilk Whipped Cream! It is one delicious mouthful! And soon: Some great back to school stuff we've been making! Yum...

Mrs. Stone...rolling off to bed! Bis Morgen! ('Til tomorrow) Tschüß! (Ciao) ^_^

30 Days of Truths: Day 3

So today is the third day... I am posting a bit later than I'd prefer...so I will have to update and spiffy this page up in the morning. Or not. ^_^

Day 03: Something you have to forgive yourself for

Wow, well. This one is a bit deeper than the last two. Er, rather first two. Instantly what comes to mind is an issue that took me quite a while to forgive myself for. I still look back and want to just talk to my old self and say "self. What the heck were you thinking?"

I was in a terrible relationship for far too long. I knew it wasn't healthy for me, and I stayed in it for the sake of trying to make things work, and for trying to help someone who didn't know how to help themselves.

I have forgiven myself for this, but it was only after quite a while of not forgiving myself, and not liking myself that I learned that without forgiveness I would never learn my lesson from that time in my life.

Lesson learned: One is incapable of loving another unconditionally, as long as they are unable to unconditionally love oneself.

I now love myself, and have for quite a while now. I know that my happiness is in my control and no one can take that from me. I also know that some people are just incapable (in their present mindset) of loving themselves, and therefore cannot show love to others. They are the gimmies. They want people to give them the happiness that they seek and are unable to reciprocate it. I hope they learn someday to create their own. It can be a sad, cruel world if you don't love yourself. And of course, part of loving yourself involves being someone that you can love...Someone who abhors cheaters, can't be a cheater...and so on.

So that is my forgiving thing. I am sure many of us have to learn to forgive ourselves for something dealing in the realm of love and relationships...

Time for this Stone to roll on into bed. Thanks for reading, and see you tomorrow!

30 Truths: Day 2

Day 02: Something you love about yourself:

This one isn't too terribly hard, not that I could go on for pages bragging about myself, but I think more people should focus on what is good about them, and then see the changes that follow with positive thinking.

Of course, finding one thing interesting enough to post about is a bit more of a challenge than I first thought. I think my husband loves most that I am caring/loving/motherly... I think our 9-yo loves that I can cook. If I had a dollar for every time he looks at his plate and gives me that oh-goodie-this-looks-great look, followed by his eager dive into the veggies many kids would scoff at, I'd be one rich lady!

But me. what do I love about me? I think it would have to be, and I  know how lame it sounds-but I would say it is my love of learning. I love that I am always wanting to try a new hobby, or book, or recipe. Sometimes it frustrates the lil family because dinner will take longer since "I've never made this before" is one of my grossly overused phrases to them. And I am always telling them they won't hurt my feelings if they don't like what I've made...but I think the meals usually come out good. Just as when I try something new, it also tends to come out pretty decent...for the first time doing it. ^_^

Of course, my favorite thing, the thing that I love about me can sometimes be a curse as well. Some examples? Well, for instance...if you recall-or if you know me well...when I married my darling husband I thought it would be awesome to make a pillow for our rings that would be a part of our home for years to come.

It needed to be handmade, and original, and all about us. I spent days learning how to work with felt,  drawing patterns, and looking for materials to use. I wrote all about it on my Blog: The Ring Pillow Project

The final product!

It was a fun project, and I was so thrilled that it turned out looking like something I could be proud of. I need to go back and read that blog I posted-and I probably said this there, but the tree, of course is the tree of our life. There are two birds representing Jon and I, and one bird down in the tree symbolizing our son. I will add birds for any other children we have-the river that is so special to us flows behind it and the tree is firmly rooted into a stone. I love it.

Ok, back to the reason for the blog. I think that because I love learning so much it has enriched my life in many ways. I also hope that I can instill the love to learn in my children-I know it can enrich their lives as well. Oh and of course, the food. These little gems were a result of a last minute block party and no time to run to the store!

These beauties inspired a dip I make now, too!

So I think that is all for my Day 2...I need to get some sleep. I think tomorrow's post is going to be a bit more difficult.

Blogspiration AKA 30 Days of Truths: Day 1

I pride myself on being truthful, and honest. So while I was sitting thinking of something I could use to motivate myself to do a bit more writing I stumbled upon this blog. She has a prompt for thirty days of truth.

I like the way that sounds. I like to say that I am an open book. Somebody wants to know something, just ask. I'll let you know... Here is her list (and I think complete with links back to her posts *Update* her posts no longer work, but the original blog is there):

Day 01 : Something you hate about yourself.Day 02 : Something you love about yourself.Day 03 : Something you have to forgive yourself for.Day 04 : Something you have to forgive someone for.Day 05 : Something you hope to do in your life.Day 06 : Something you hope you never have to do.Day 07 : Someone who has made your life worth living for.Day 08 : Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.Day 09 : Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.Day 10 : Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.Day 11 : Something people seem to compliment you the most on.Day 12 : Something you never get compliments on.Day 13 : A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)Day 14 : A hero that has let you down. (letter)Day 15 : Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.Day 16 : Someone or something you definitely could live without.Day 17 : A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.Day 18 : Your views on gay marriage.Day 19 : What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?Day 20 : Your views on drugs and alcohol.Day 21 : (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?Day 22 : Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.Day 23 : Something you wish you had done in your life.Day 24 : Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)Day 25 : The reason you believe you’re still alive today.Day 26 : Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?Day 27 : What’s the best thing going for you right now?Day 28 : What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?Day 29 : Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.Day 30 : A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

so without further adieu; here's the first day of thirty truths:

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself

Well, first off...I really don't like using hate. If I do, it is followed by be either apologizing for using such an atrocious word...or me adding: ...loathe and DESPISE.

I don't say I hate much of anything and the last thing I would do is say I hated anything about myself. I believe that we create our own happiness, and if we go around being negative all the time then life is going to reflect that. But I'm supposed to be talking about what I hate, here....not the meaning of life.

Ok, sure- we all have room for improvement, and we are our best critics but if I had to say there was one thing I hated it would have to be that I can't lie about my emotions. My face gives me away every time. Which, I guess, is a good thing, really. I have a hard time biting my tongue, and playing nice when I really would rather be giving a person a piece of my mind, and I know it is written all over my face as I'm chomping at the bit to blurt out a truth that needs airing.

That one was easy.

So, my two followers and other page hitters that have yet to post a comment...have you done one of these challenges? If so share the link with me, I'd love to read/see it!

And what do you hate about yourself? It better be "Not a darn thing" really. We have to love ourselves, and let the light shine~ so shine on...This Lil' Stone is rolling to bed. Nighty night, and new posting tomorrow! Yay!

This Old House of Love

This is where we live. A blissful and sometimes very small 800sqft.
Give or take a dozen squares or so. No, just take them. I'm sure they aren't there. ^_^

Our little house has seen quite a bit of changes, but it still needs quite a bit more work before it is done.

If there is one thing I have learned...it is that I must really love my Husband. Haha. But really. How many people can live in less than 800sq.ft. while remodeling...and still be each other's best friends? 

Yes, those are boards instead of windows. To keep the ruffians out. Ha.

About a year into dating this guy, he told me about the house that he was thinking of buying across the street from his. My response? Oh fun!

Little did I know my encouraging words would end up helping him decide to go ahead with the purchase...I guess I thought in a few months he'd be done with all the work, and when we were ready to get married it would be ready for our little family...

Oh no...a few years later and we're still working on it. It is most definitely a labor of love. I never thought this house would grow on me as it has, but this shack is blossoming into a beautiful little flower bit by bit. 

When I can't really see what work we've done lately, I like to look at pictures from when we started...

When we bought it...it came with a bunch of stuff left from the previous owner.
(this is the front door and a small view of the hall closet
that isn't really a closet by most american standards)

And plenty of ruffian art, oh I mean...the future kitchen area

And the only suitable place to sleep was, well... a tent!
I'm sure once we finish our bedroom this would be a suitable
 area for more kitchen stuff

The bedroom, came (almost) complete with bed...
although the mattress was needed for broken window insulation...hmm

Oh and in this corner, since there isn't a closet in the bedroom-
we can have a nice wardrobe! But first we must do something about the art in here...

And now we come to the master suite! Oh my...
...I'm just not going there at this hour.

And I leave you with the bathroom...and it's non-functioning tub. 

So that was a nice trip down memory lane...so expect a few pictures of the rennovations, and some ideas we've been tossing around. Of course. Some are top secret, and I can only reveal them after completion! I love my Architect-minded Hubby and our big dreams! Good Night!