Thoughts...

Hello Reader,

I don't have anything clever to share. I don't have anything monumental to share either. My life has been pretty normal of recent. I think most of my friends have had normal lives recently... at least according to facebook status's... which most of my friends are about the weather. Sometimes life is dull, but I don't think that is a viable reason not to savor it. And life is easier to savor in the autumn for me. Bike rides are slightly healing along paths of color changed verdure.

Speaking of bike rides... my dear bicycle, Berlioz... is broken. His brake/ gear cable busted and the chain came loose. Either I can persuade my bike-fixing-savvy brother to fix him or take him in and pay the bucks to get him going again. Plus, I only have a few more weeks of bike riding season left. Do I wait until spring? :(

Within the next month or two, I will be featuring my art at my work place; Coffee Corner in Kewaskum, WI (Most if not all will be available for purchase). I just finished three 5x7 paintings (done with real espresso) Pretty simple work, but I think it's cute ;)

Be not discouraged; for I am your God.

Isaiah 41:10

My verse for today :)

To Iowa

When one hears about watching three toddlers in Iowa for the weekend, you would not suspect to be thrilled. But I was, and that is exactly what I did. I went with my cuz, Molly (shout out!) and two of her college buds to North-eastern Iowa for 3 days... and they brought Ava, Addie, Josiah, and baby Sophie! Four of the cutest ball of flesh you ever laid eyes on!

A four hour drive (longer actually, since I was the worst navigator, being distracted by conversation... we had to re-calculate numerous times)... and we found ourselves in the hills of Iowa. Yes. Hills. Way to surprise me Iowa, not all flat corn fields (tons of corn fields, just not ALL corn field). Staying in a cabin in Iowa sounds... not appealing. But wow. The cabin was brand new... more like a rustic house (4 bedrooms). And the view was gorgeous, and the weather was sooo temperate. Ahhhhhh.

I didn’t spend the whole time watching the chillins’... I just got to hang out with them a bunch! And that is my element. Josiah and I went down the slide a bazillion times, I did every animal noise I can think of, ran around, read books, and I got to hold 2-month baby Sophie for hours! The mom in me was overjoyed!

One of my favorite parts was when we were about to roast marshmallows and we went to go find sticks! Josiah, being only two found a big one! And with his cute little voice, he said, “I found a big dick!” I understood he meant “stick”... but I still laughed ;D

Well, with the trees starting to change color and babies a plenty to quench my mom desire, I’d say it was a pretty good weekend!

We also went to a Norwegian Heritage Museum. I am part Norwegian, so I thought it was pretty cool... even though I spent half of the time pushing Josiah in the stroller making car noises :)

And speaking of fall... OMIGOSH! I LOVE FALL!!!! The colors are starting to change, it’s so beautiful, my heart is so warm and happy. I wish I could pause the world and have it stay like this (plus I’m not prepared to get any older! haha)

Josiah and Ava swinging.

Iowan driving... cows on gravel roads. haha

Ava and I during a McD's pit stop

Building a fire. Successfully!

A day of productivity.

Hey :)

I must say that yesterday was a day full of productivity. My accomplishments include: sewing the most dainty apron, re-upholstering my computer chair, sewing three custom headband orders, embellishing a cardigan, and sewing some curtains. I also made a delectable omelette for breakfast, stopped at my coffee shop for a bit, and went to church. I am content, I love to create.

Other blogworthy things:

Today I had my first pumpkin spice latte of the season! Mmmmm :)

-My starbucks opinion: It is faux pas for baristas to like starbucks and I am not an avid lover of the bucks but.... I must give them this= they have consistency, convenient locations, some drinks are winners (ie- pumpkin spice latte, peppermint mocha, and eggnog latte). So there.

I have been thinking of this time in my life as a transition. Like moving home, in my father's house, having a part-time job, just being back in Wisconsin. Well I have made a conscience decision that this is not a transition, but a period in my life. I am here, and I must face that, and make the most of it. As I think about it more, I love it. To make a living: I am a barista. My lifestyle: church goer, craftser/ artist. Ministry: short-term missions. I LOVE ALL OF THOSE THINGS. I must say that at this point in my life, as a single lady... this is exactly how I would want my life to be. It took me a little while to realize I am living my dream :)