For Haven's Sake

twilight

We went to the public library on Monday and while perusing the "recently returned" carts, out the corner of my eye, I spotted a black hardcover of the new (well, new to me) cult classic. I was surprised by my excitement, peering around the room as if some punk kid were going to mistake me for being much older than I am and pounce me for thinking I could just walk in and out of the place with such a lucky find. When I walked up to the check out the kind woman seemed to be excited for me as well. "Would you like me to put the next book in the series on hold for you?" she asked kindly. "I read the whole series in a week!" she went on to say. "Well , that would be great" I replied, and I quickly stashed mine and Lane's books deep in my bag. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face the whole ride home.

I tucked Lane into bed last night, poured myself a cup of green tea and dove in. 

I stayed up well past midnight.

Feeling giddy and fourteen again.

Stopping briefly for a glass of coke and a slice of left over pizza.

I just love how books can take me into a completely new world. For a couple hundred pages I make new friends, travel across borders, develop book crushes and imagined heartbreaks. I learn new words and revel in the author's creative expression. 

I made it halfway thru. I had to force myself to close the pages and climb into bed. 

Have you read it? Have you read anything lately that I should be putting on hold at my local library?

Do share.

With Love- V. 

getting down to business

I came across Christina Courtin's stunning voice while reading my Daily Candy newsletter, "she studied classical violin at Juilliard, playing with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, Kanye, and Beyoncé, before transitioning to honky-tonk-inspired singer/songwriter." I'm glad she transitioned, she's amazing. 

and some thoughts in the early morning...

: Dear Jill (The Bachelorette), I don't blame you at all for kicking off the guy who could only discuss important business in hopes of getting down to business. Ed's a bit of a dud but at least the guy can share his feelings with you. I know there were problems in the fantasy suite but let's not forget that you both were exaughsted from swimming in the reef and over exposed to the sun.  I could have sworn that you said the desire for him wasn't there for you as well but let's just overlook that, he did fly his emotional parents out to meet you and you do have a common interest in a saturday night of cards. Now Kip, he showed up didn't he? He may be the sure bet but we'll just have to wait fourteen more days to find out. I would say that you're a good judge of character but you did keep the show pony and the foot lover around till only three episodes ago. I won't say anymore. Hopefully your girlfriends have.

: I know. I know. It's only television. But that's what makes it so fun. Laughing at the expense of others. And when I say "others" I only mean reality tv stars. really. I still get a kick out of America's Funniest Home Videos and I'm always taken back by how dressed up everyone gets to laugh at sledding gone awry and cats walking into screen doors. In fact, let's put on our sparkly shoes today and have a barrel of a time. 

With Love - V. 

happy trails

Lane has had his eye on Dozer for a while now. How do we know this? Because he wears his collar anytime we give Dozer a break from his "shoes". And the helmet? He wears it around the house and the backyard (with the collar of course). We took a walk this morning towards the peaks, through the woods, following the trails made by fellow outdoor lovers (luckily Lane agreed to leave the accessories at home). I love living beneath the trees, especially when it's 110 degrees in my hometown. I miss my folks, miss my friends but I can't say that I miss the weather. 

Breakfast for dinner (aren't the eggs above just gorgeous, Mr. Smith brought them home from work today, a nice lady at the office has about twenty chickens roaming around her ranch. These are the beauties they delivered.) ice pops for dessert and The Bachelor in a half an hour! Apparently Jill encounters upset in the bedroom tonight. On public television, how mortifying?! Count me in! 

I've been humming the song from Beaches all day in her honor... "You've gotta give a little, take a little, let your poor heart break a little. That's the story of, that's the glory of love." Do you remember Blossom singing her little heart out during that scene? My favorite part of the movie no doubt. Would you ever go on a reality television show? To find LOVE? I admit, the dates are amazing, the travel, the clothing allowance. But did I mention that Jill will be facing bedroom meltdown on national television? I want to pull her aside and say, "Jill, there's a great big world out there. You're smart and pretty. Let's not do this. They'll recap this scene over and over and that great big world will see." The things we do for love... and a clothing allowance.

With Love - V.

In the pasture

Hello friends, it's been a rainy afternoon so while Lane climbs the couch and Ben watches the home-run derby I thought I might share the happenings of our Fourth of July weekend. 

We drove a few miles out of town near the Nordic Center. My lovely in-laws, Lou and Dorothy, rented a yurt (see first picture), which held two queen futons, a wood stove and a few tables and chairs. The yurt came in handy during the rain but most of our time was spent outside beneath the big, blue sky. Dozer chased cows, Ben chased after Dozer, we followed trails and relaxed in the hammock, read books and spent our nights around the fire pit listening to the crackles and watching the flames fade. Celebrating our independence. 

We have been hoping for rain and she has been flirting with us for the past two days. I married the weather man. He's taught me how to spot the storm clouds and how we can tell the rain is coming by the direction of the winds. I married a good man. He makes me laugh, he patiently answers my questions about science and history. I'm never too embarrassed to share with him what I never bothered to pay attention to in school. He patiently supports me as I learn these lessons in motherhood and domesticity, how to balance responsibilities and ambitions. And have I mentioned how great a father he is? I'm in good hands my friends, good, strong hands. 

With Love - V. 

what a little list can do

The weather here is flirting with us. She bats her lashes and sprinkles down a few drips, enough to leave her mark upon the dust of our cars. The slate sky beckons the comfort foods. Hot oatmeal with blueberries, grilled ham and cheese with a cup of tomato soup. I scored a pile of pretty napkins at a yard sale in Prescott. I just love to go sale-ing in the yards. My mom and I will be up and out the door by 7 am. If there are any signs on the way to the coffee shop we'll stop and browse but we are much more curious after a little caffeine and carbs. The family with the napkins were so kind. Since a few of the sets weren't complete she marked them down from a dollar a set to two for the price of one. I was happy to oblige and she was happy to see them go to someone so excited about napkins. 

I woke up this morning and wrote a master list. It was invigorating. I happen to love a good list. I wrote notes about what my idea of an ideal day was, a few ideas for the blog, a grocery list and cleaning schedule, questions I have for Lane's patient pediatrician, labels for our home filing system and yes the list goes on. I am happy to say that today I was a cleaning machine, I scheduled that appointment, I breezed through the grocery and I still have The Bachelor to look forward to tonight while I fold laundry.

I'm still not too sure about Jill's choices, you'd think she'd know better about Wes, or that someone would buck up and stand up for the woman they want to marry. Reality TV. I should know better. Anyone else watching?!

With Love - V.