You are WOW

bag was made by this lovely lady

(Mushy blog love alert!)

So all of your comments just completely WOWED me on the last post. There is no doubt that we all receive something special from being
risk-takers,
muck-swimmers,
soul-cultivators,
truth-diggers,
and growth-seekers--
and then throwing ourselves out there, bare-assed and vulnerable for the blog world to see. We are better for it, stronger and braver with thicker skin to match.

morning/sunrise

evening/sunset

It's an odd thing to have connected so intently with people I've never met in person (save a few ;), but I have. The true gifts of integrity, through the words used, the vulnerability shared, and the kindnesses extended, shine through loud and clear when I read what you have written on any given day. The blogging community, at least the one that I am a part of, has a way of bringing out the best in each other, and for that I am grateful. Thanks for your words, your poetry and prose, your sincerity, and for seeing me as I see you. 

I do love your soul.

xoxo

52 photos project

Messin' around with completely unrelated thoughts

Happy Halloween!

How do you like our mummy? She was so excited for today that she could hardly fall asleep last night. I do love Halloween, but I am pretty excited for a different reason. Today is our last day of home ownership, at least for now anyway :). We close today, and tomorrow we officially are renters :).

Unrelated thought #1: I've been messin' around with blogger this weekend, feeling restless for a change in blog design. Honestly, I've been feeling much restlessness about the blog in general, like a shift or overhaul of some sort needs to happen. Maybe design is where to start. Hubs is not a web designer, but he could make an entirely new blog for me if I bat my eyelashes. He's just so damn busy, I hate to ask. Not to mention he's in a bit of a funk as he lost his sunglasses, his iPhone, and his personal notebook, all in a matter of days.  AND, it's his birthday this week. I tend to think there's a message in all this for him, and I haven't a clue what that could be---except maybe get a man-purse for his birthday???

Unrelated thought #2: In thinking about our town, I wanted to share some local bloggers/creatives that make Orlando cool.

Pacing the Panic Room: a talented photographer, writer, and dad with a fab family. His wife rocks and is responsible for my new hairdo not too long ago... He's actually cutting back on the blogging and they are both focusing on their new Tumblr site.

Makr: we have watched this friend explode with his creative genius, and now there is no stopping him...

Honest Fare: I want to make food like her when I grow up.

Unrelated thought #3: I learned this weekend that kimchee may cause cancer. I love kimchee, I could eat it by the pound. But I realized after researching more that high sodium is the actual culprit. I know I am addicted to salt, something else I need to work on I guess...

Unrelated thought #4: We've narrowed it down to one...Boulder, CO it is :)...

Linking with Amanda for Weekending...

much love to you

xoxo

p.s. honest thoughts on this design welcome...it's already bugging me a bit about all the clicking I have to do to get from one page to another--

"Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." ~ Mother Teresa

First things first. Winner for Doodles for Dinner, by Random, was comment #20:

Congrats Angela! Please email me your address!!

I've been feeling super gushy and grateful lately.  Could be due to Spring, could be relief that my kids are still learning at home, could be this sign I found pinned outside my son's wall the other morning.  It also could be that I've received some wonderful blog love recently and am thrilled to pass them on :).  

Awhile back, from Jarka at From Now Till Then and in Between, and then more recently Melissa at The New Mommy Files: Memories, Milestones, and Missteps I was awarded:

And from PinkCatJo at Pink Cat Custard and Cake I received the:

I am completely honored and flattered so many many thank yous!!!  If you have ever received one of these, then you know I have to report 7 facts about myself and then award 10 other bloggers with these awards, then ask them to do the same.  So here goes:

1)  I love to" bake-n-run", well, not literally go running.  I mean I like to bake something really delicious, then give it to someone else and say "ok, gotta run, enjoy!!".   I do save some for the kids and a taste for myself, but the truth is, if I keep whatever I made, I would eat it ALL!!

2)  Between the beach and the mountains, I am definitely a mountain girl.  I would rather hike than sit on the beach anyday.  With that said, after living in FL for so long, the beach has grown on me a bit and the kids never seem to get tired of going there.  Wherever we decide to move, mountains by view, and beach by drive would be nice :).

3)  Having been a Navy brat growing up, I lived in Japan, California, then moved back to Japan before my dad retired.  Now, married into a French family, I can say without a doubt that being exposed to so many different cultural influences has changed me forever.  One of my hopes for my children is for them to catch the travel bug, better than any other bug I can think of :).

4)  I am certified to teach handwriting with Handwriting Without Tears, but the big joke is, I have the worst handwriting ever!! It's chicken scratch actually.  My excuse is that I was never taught to write cursive.  When I moved from Japan to the States in 3rd grade, apparently I missed that lesson!! So, I made it up on my own.  And you know what, it didn't really matter!! (So don't worry if your kids can't seem to "get" cursive--print is so much easier, more legible and faster for some kids!!!)

5)  I met my hubs in high school.  He use to sit behind me in Algebra class and irritate me to no end.  Though we never dated then, I had a funny feeling I hadn't seen the last of him after we graduated.  Eight years later we ran into each other at the YMCA.  He had put on about 20 pounds of muscle and grew his hair long, but everything else about him was the same.  Three weeks later, by the time we had our first dinner date, he lost that 20 pounds and had chicken pox marks allover his face.  Poor guy.  I loved him from that moment on.  (By the way, he wants me to emphasize that he almost died.)

6)  I am proud to say my dad is buried in Arlington National Cemetary.  He was in the Navy for many years and was in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  My kids have never met their grandfather, but being able to take them to Arlington last year was one of the most moving moments I had ever experienced :).

7)  I can't sing to save my life.  I have always wanted to be able to sing (along with playing an instrument), but my vocal cords just won't co-operate.  A friend of mine has a vocal coach and gave me the phone number, and for now the number sits, pinned to my board.  It's on the bucket list though, it just hasn't creeped high enough on the list yet :).

So now I pass on this award to ten blogs I enjoy.  I am going to split it up and pick five for the Kreative Blogger award and five for Stylish Blogger.  Please spread some Blog Love and make a visit to these blogs if they are new to you.  I promise it will be worth your time!!

For the Kreative Blogger award:
1)  My Pangaloon
2)  House Full of Jays
3)  Clover
4)  Under the Humble Moon
5)  Loving {Almost} Every Moment

For the Stylish Blogger award:
1)  Freckles Family
2)  Habit of Being
3)  Make Happy
4)  Peace Mama
5)  Scraps of Starlight

I'll leave it up to you if you want to share your seven things and pass the love along :), no feelings hurt here if you don't, busy-ness is a common trait among us :).  If you have already received the award, then sorry for the repeat, but then you know you are totally awesome :).

'Til tomorrow, peace and love....

"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." ~ Van Gogh

 I know I said I was going to be gone for a few days, and I will, starting Thursday.  I just have a couple more little things to share before some much needed unplug time :). You know what I mean <wink>.

•••
fog on a Sunday morning

a boy determined to master a board with wheels

"sledding" in the Florida sun

or nature's persistence

So many wonderful little things quickly fill such a short amount of space and time, it is easy to miss them.  But being here in this blogosphere has been nothing short of extraordinary for my awareness of these little things. 

When I participate in weekly postings hosted by other bloggers such as Soule Mama, Small Things, or Ordinary Life Magic, they are ways for me to slow down and feel in sync with others all around me in this space.  I feel akin to absolute strangers, knowing that at a given moment we are all reaching for the same thing--some depth, some connection and some inspiration.  Well, at least, I will say so for myself.  Of course I feel warm and fuzzy when people visit me here, but I know my wanderings elsewhere are equally uplifting.  I have already met so many kind, generous, loving, funny, and talented people here.  More, I dare say, than anywhere else. 

With that said, it is time for me to pass on the Stylish Blogger award I received from Rural Revival (thanks Andrea!).  There are two requirements to receiving this award.  First, share 7 things about myself.  Then, choose 7 more bloggers to pass the award on to!!  I love the number 7, it has turned up over and over in my life :).

1) I looovvve espresso.  I have one every morning and admittedly use to be addicted to Starbucks Doubleshot (the mini ones in a can).  Those are very baaaaaad for you and very addictive, so stay away!! Being half Japanese, I should love tea.  In fact, I have a lovely assortment of fresh herbal teas. But, they just sit there, in the very special airtight container I purchased, being trumped daily by the evil dark bean...

2) I love to snowboard.  I learned at 36 and earned that right to call myself a snowboarder after being unable to walk for 3 days post learning.  Living here in FL unfortunately hasn't allowed me to pursue this passion consistently, but that will change next year!

3) In my life B.C. (before children), I was a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration.  Yep, it's a mouthful.  To translate, I worked with kids who had trouble integrating their senses to function "typically".  To be honest, the kids I worked with were some of the brightest, most colorful, and endearing personalities I have ever met.  I had a firsthand look at how our traditional, mainstream, school systems boxed these beautiful kids up into a label and set them aside for someone else to deal with.  Little do these labelers know that these kids were not only amazing, but brilliant.  I  know because I worked with these kids everyday for 10 years.  I know because I have one of my own now :).

4) I have rats, on purpose.  Two to be exact, and they were the solution to the constant begging to have animals in our home.  I love animals, especially dogs. Yet, our home in suburbia with less than a quarter acre and teeny tiny back yard would be a far cry from ideal for the big doggy I would like to have.  So, as with snowboarding, being a dog owner will have to wait until the not too distant future.  Meanwhile, Remy and Spud have provided the perfect amount of joy that any rat can give.  Rats are phenomenal pets, truly.

5) Desperately, I want to learn to play an instrument.  Throughout my years, I have played the flute, the drums, the piano, and most recently attempted the ukelele.  I know, it's not the instrument.  It's me.  I just haven't found that one thing that I have enough patience to stick to yet.  I get frustrated too easily and want to play Chopin by day 3.  Ridiculous.  But, I think I may have finally found it, an instrument that will be easy to play and have me playing music in no time! A strumstick!! I learned about it from Jenna in Made from Scratch.  So we shall see...

6) I love to dance.  I don't mean dance club dance (though that is fun, too:)).  I mean contemporary, hip hop, jazz, lyrical dance. It frees me in a way that is indescribable.  If I could it all over again, I would be a professional dancer.  Oh, and singer and musician :).  Basically I would want to be J.Lo, with an instrument.

7) I could eat Asian food everyday for the rest of my life.  Japanese, Korean, authentic Chinese, Vietnamese... all of it.  I was born with chopsticks in my hand, well, nearly...

Well, that was fun, and probably far too much information than you really wanted to know. So here comes the second part, passing it on.  These are the blogs that I bequeath the Stylish Blogger award to:

Lady Cordelia
Holistic Mama
Describe Happy
Gypsy Forest
One Little Window
EllieMoon
Living and Learning

The embarrassing part is that these blogs receive far more visitors than me and most likely don't need any introductions, awards, or links, especially from a novice such as myself.  However, it's all about spreading the love and letting these folks know that I think they've got style :).

One last thing.  I have learned that Blog Guidebook is doing free listings for a short period of time for bloggers.  The site is a wonderful collection of bloggers of several different categories, as well as many how-to's for new bloggers (and old) like me. Take a jaunt over there and list your blog, for free!!!

Thanks for sticking around if you are still here. See, all these little things always add up to something big :).
Cheers...

"Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind." ~ Lionel Hampton

From Zoobie on Etsy

 I love my Thursdays as this is when I get to share again my wanderings and discoveries that I have made recently. It is also when I give special thanks to the amazing people that I have met and or have enriched my blogging experience in various ways. I guess some people call it "Blog Love (insert beating heart here)".

So, in celebration of discovery, and as I wander around the web, I am compelled to say "thank you". Thank you for getting up everyday and writing something, sharing something, making something. You inspire me:

Christie at Describe, Happy. If I had to pick two things that I love visiting Christie's blog for, they are 1) her pictures of her beautiful pup Katie,  2) her enthusiasm, positivity, and optimism, 3) and her awesome quilting. "Oops," that was three. She has hinted about doing a sew-a-thon or sew-a-long where she would teach newer sewers like me how to sew an apron--or a quilt :). Um, no pressure, but how about--YES!! Thanks Christie!! It's been a pleasure getting to know you and your blog.

Zoobie on Etsy by Jessica. I found her felted castle play set when hunting for gifts for Christmas. I fell in love with the adorable simplicity of her sets. They are colorful, portable, and so original. She can also custom make these sets for you. My daughter has included her castle set in her everyday play toys--and I mean every day. She loves them! Thanks Jessica!

Castle set from Zoobie, mushrooms from A Toy Garden.

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." ~ William Arthur Ward

Another day of feeling thankful on Thursday has rolled in. So, in celebration of discovery, and as I wander around the web, I am compelled to say "thank you". Thank you for getting up everyday and writing something, sharing something, making something. You inspire me:

Wabisabi Mama comprises of three sisters who beautifully share their Japanese culture, musings and daily lives with sincerity and honesty.  "Wabisabi" means finding beauty in imperfection and that is exactly what they do. Spending time on their site floods me with memories of my own childhood in Japan and I completely enjoy it :). Thank you Mamas!!

Swiss Army Wife is a blog that I have been following since we started unschooling. Heather's writings always cuts to the core of unschooling with blazing authenticity, humility, and insight. Her most recent post is just one of my many favorites. Thanks for keeping it real, Heather :).

Finally there is one more on my gratitude list that is long overdue. Right Brain Terrain is the brain child of my wildly talented husband. Since high school his humor and quick wit has enchanted me, and now he is my best friend for life. How I got so lucky to be married to such an funny, loving, and ambitious entrepreneur I'll never know. I am so proud of his projects on RBT as they encapsulate all the principles we try to live by and navigate together--principles of courage, peace, integrity, teamwork, creativity, eco-responsibility, the list goes on. I love you F. and thank you for all your support and love in this new endeavor of my own...

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues." ~ Cicero

I am overwhelmed at the moment as I think about all the amazing blogs, writers, and artists I met this week. The ones that I cling to are the ones that inspire passion, growth, authenticity and hope. These people remind me that there is soooo much to be grateful for everyday.

So, in celebration of discovery, and as I wander around the web, I am compelled to say "thank you". Thank you for getting up everyday and writing something, sharing something, making something. You inspire me:

Gypsy Forest with her openness and generosity. Her Advent post inspired and reminded me that it is never too late to begin a new family tradition, no matter what your background or beliefs. Oh and did I mention she is also talented! Thanks Stephinie, it is truly nice to meet you.

Zen and Coffee is an Etsy store that I discovered a couple weeks ago. Wren makes fingerless gloves, hand and arm warmers--and not the bulky, chunky kind. I am talking sexy, fun, cute, stylish fingerless gloves. You have to check it out. Why would I need fingerless gloves you ask? Especially in Florida? Yes, especially in FL. The sun can be brutal here, all year around, and when do I get the most exposure? In the car. Driving. Okay, this wasn't my idea. My mother has shared with me that the majority of women in Japan drive with fingerless gloves, for sun protection, and for all its fabulous style. I love it. Thanks Wren!!

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss

Normally I would thank the wonderful sites I have discovered on Thursdays, but I am so excited about this one I couldn't wait. This week, I came across something that struck me really hard. I am a Mindful Mama. I am the 3rd type through and through. The amount of guilt I carry about wanting to do my own things is quite heavy. After all, I chose everything that I have and I love what I have chosen--being a stay at home mama, unschooling my children, and structuring my days to make sure they are able to experience as much as possible, enriching their lives and as a by-product, enriching mine. Which it has. 

But there is still a yearning. A longing. A strong desire to unwrap and just be MJ--a writer, a dancer, a yogi, a gardener, a crocheter, a sewer, a musician, a chicken farmer, and a damn good cook. I am about half those things as of today, and I want more. 

As my mom would say, "your time will come". Actually, she use to say "Oh when the kids are in school, you'll have all this time to do what you want." Well, uh, I fixed that theory up huh, Mom? And the paradox is that I wouldn't change anything, other than having 36 hours in a day rather than 24. 

"Just be content and stay present" is usually what I tell myself. After all, my kids and I deserve that. There is absolutely nothing wrong with "content", but when passion flows into your life, "content" is sent adrift and becomes more elusive. Passion brings life to living, and there is nothing wrong with that either. 

Thank you Monica, for your wonderful words and site...

Thankful on Thursdays

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I will be giving thanks every Thursday to people and products that have enriched and enhanced us along the way, and that have left impressions on our day to day lives. These impressions are lovely as they can be more valuable and sustaining than anything else we take with us.

So, in celebration of discovery, and as I wander around the web, I am compelled to say "thank you". Thank you for getting up everyday and writing something, sharing something, making something. You inspire me:

Lady Cordelia with her beautiful way with words. Some people just have a style of writing that just whispers a "click" and reading becomes one joyous adventure. Thank you :).

A Toy Garden. I mentioned them last week with this post. With my latest obsessions with wooden and handmade toys, we have been to fairy lands, gnome lands, and medieval times along with our magical ladybugs. Oh! And I love love love the Bolga basket!! Thank you Toy Garden, we will be back for more...

Discover and Thank

"When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves." ~ William Arthur Ward

This whole process of discovering the blogging world has opened up so much in my life. And though the side effects of a sustained sitting posture can take its toll, I have realized what a wonderful world this is-- full of truly talented and gifted people. So in celebration of discovery, and as I wander around the web, I am compelled to give thanks. Thank you for getting up everyday and writing something, sharing something, making something. You inspire me:

Ordinary Life Magic. For anyone curious about what unschoolers do in a day, Stephanie shares her days beautifully.  Not only does she share her days, she shares her amazing ideas and propels the learning experience to the realm it's suppose to be in--wonder, imagination, and pure fun. Thanks Stephanie :)!

Bertie's Closet. Recently, I was hunting for a new laptop case on Etsy when I came across this shop. What wonderful fabrics!! I finally picked one and it arrived yesterday.  I cannot tell you how thrilled I am!! It fits beautifully in my mess of things. Thank you so much Bertie!!